Kimpton launches first hotel in south-east Asia

The 138-key Kimpton Kitalay Samui includes pool villas and is on Choengmon Beach in the northeast of Koh Samui.

Designed by distinguished Thai agency P49 Deesign, features include rustic wooden elements from repurposed driftwood, nostalgic veranda-style touches and local artwork by Thai artisans, while hand-woven cotton bath robes are designed by local Samui tailors.

Kimpton, which is the luxury boutique brand of IHG Hotels & Resorts, said the opening promises “a differentiated stay with its take on the Samui way of life”.

Kimpton Kitalay Samui has five dining venues, including Fish House for all-day beach dining; Shades Ocean Lounge and Pool Bar; Thai lifestyle cafe Boho; Hom Baking Company; and Lanai, offering everything from Thai single-origin coffee, to artisanal teas and locally-produced spirits.

The resort also has a Pimaanda by Harnn spa, a 24-hour gym and a resort pool, while the 500sqm Junio kids’ club is designed to “maximise interaction, creative play and active exploration”, offering everything from tie-dye, to tending to plants at the resort’s Herbs Garden.

Other features include Kimpton’s Social Hour, where guests can mingle nightly with locals, and the Pets Programme, which includes a pet spa experience.

“Koh Samui is renowned for its breath-taking beauty and village living, and this inspires the immersive guest experiences – our take on Samui’s way of life – at the resort,” said general manager Michael Janssen.