The stunning Samujana estate on Koh Samui is one of the iconic locations from hit HBO show The White Lotus Season 3. Stacey Marcelo enjoyed a stay in the villa that backdrops one of the series' most pivotal scenes
The luxury villas at this White Lotus resort in Koh Samui tumble down the hillside to the sparkling Gulf of Thailand
After a seamless flight from Hong Kong with Bangkok Airways, priority passes ensuring a swift check-in and hassle-free baggage retrieval, I found myself in the charming airport of Koh Samui. Samui Airport is unlike any other airport in the world, a tropical, open-air oasis of bamboo-thatched roofs, lush gardens, cafes and even a spa.
Despite feeling very much that my holiday had already begun, my ultimate destination was Samujana, a spectacular 23-villa resort perched on a scenic headland in the Cheong Mon area of the island. The luxurious villa resort was selected as a location for The White Lotus Series 3 and it's easy to see why. The villas are lavishly outfitted with infinity pools, fully equipped kitchens, private cinemas and sweeping views over the sparkling Gulf of Thailand. I checked into the sprawling five-bedroom Villa 1, which stars in the show and spans nearly 2,899 sqm.
The villas are designed by acclaimed British architect Gary Fell and are a masterclass in contemporary tropical architecture. Stepping into our villa felt like crossing into a realm of pure luxury. Walking out onto the vast terrace, you’re greeted with a view so breathtaking you can’t help but feel like the luckiest person on earth to be there. It’s no wonder HBO chose this location for one of the key scenes in the third installment of The White Lotus.
Villa 1 is expansive and offers five double bedrooms and seven bathrooms. The bathrooms are large, featuring both tubs and rain showers for a touch of indulgence. Designed with rest in mind, the bedrooms are bright, airy and refreshingly free of televisions or tech distractions, encouraging you to fully unwind and recharge after an active day. My room, with its king-sized bed and ensuite bathroom boasting a sumptuous bathtub became my personal haven - a place to unwind after days spent soaking up the sun or exploring the island. That said, I wasn’t too keen on the painting in my room and the villa manager swiftly removed it.
All villas have their own infinity pool
This villa is designed for entertainment with open-plan living spaces adorned with minimalist furnishings and natural materials. It’s a popular villa for weddings, milestone birthday celebrations or even wellness retreats. It boasts three distinct lounge spaces, a dedicated barbecue area, and a snug lounge nook adjacent to the dining area, all seamlessly flowing out toward the mesmerising infinity pool. This is where I enjoyed tasty breakfasts of local Thai fare, fluffy pancakes and fresh tropical fruits, while sunset cocktails were expertly crafted as I lounged by the pool and soaked in the ocean view. 'Plus' villas like Villa 1 come with additional facilities such as a gym, yoga deck, badminton court, home cinema, office, games room and garden.
Tailored for families
What sets Samujana apart is its unwavering focus on creating a family-friendly environment without compromising on luxury. With every villa boasting a minimum of three bedrooms and equipped with all the amenities a family could need, Samujana is the ultimate family-friendly retreat.
For parents, the option to hire a private chef means that mealtimes are effortless, with menus tailored to suit even the pickiest of eaters.
For younger guests, the team go above and beyond to ensure they feel just as pampered as their parents. From baby cots and highchairs to child-friendly activities, every detail is considered. The villa staff can arrange everything from snorkelling adventures to Thai cooking classes, ensuring that children are entertained while parents relax.
There's plenty to do at the resort, from in-villa pool tables and private cinemas to outdoor tennis courts
After viewing many of the villas, my pick for the most family-friendly villa is Villa 12. This sprawling seven-bedroom villa sleeps 14 and features a 25-metre infinity pool, a kids pool, recreation room complete with foosball table, table tennis, pool table and video games, a private cinema that can seat 20, yoga pavilion, massage sala, a fully-equipped gym featuring a boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) area, and jacuzzis in five of the bedrooms. Outside, you’ll find a practice basketball course and open-air trampoline.
A culinary journey
As with all good holidays, one of the highlights of our stay at Samujana was the food. Stays include breakfasts that range from western to Thai and for a special treat, guests can pre-arrange a seafood barbecue dinner which comes with its own private chef, ready to grill-up a feast.
Whether you choose to dine in the privacy of your villa or explore the local food scene, the options are endless. The private chefs, trained in both Thai and international cuisine, can whip up everything from traditional Pad Thai to gourmet western dishes. For families, this is a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to new flavors.
For those who want to venture out, Koh Samui’s vibrant dining scene is just a short drive away. From beachfront seafood grills to chic rooftop bars, the island offers a diverse array of options to suit every palate. Don’t miss the chance to visit the local night markets, where you can sample authentic Thai street food and soak up the lively atmosphere.
Wellness and relaxation
While Samujana is a paradise for families, it’s also a haven for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. Some villas come with dedicated spa rooms, where skilled therapists offer a range of treatments, from traditional Thai massages to aromatherapy sessions. At Villa 1 I enjoyed my massage in the plush cinema room. I opted for a traditional Thai massage which was a blissful experience with the skilled hands of the therapist melting away any lingering stress. Yoga enthusiasts will appreciate the private yoga decks, perched high above the ocean, providing the perfect setting for a morning flow session. My yoga teacher had me doing acro yoga at one point, something I never imagined I could do.
While the villa’s design is undeniably stunning, it’s the attention to detail and impeccable service that truly elevate the experience. The dedicated staff catered to our every whim with a level of discretion and warmth that made me feel like a VIP.
It's easy to see why Samujana features in The White Lotus
Each villa has a dedicated villa manager, essentially a private concierge who makes sure guests have whatever they need. They work with the kitchen team to prepare meals, as well as arrange tours, transfers, restaurant bookings, in-house massages and excursions on Samujana’s 43-foot catamaran.
What truly sets Samujana apart is its commitment to creating a personalized experience for every guest. From the moment you arrive, you’re treated not just as a visitor, but as part of the Samujana family. The staff’s attention to detail and genuine warmth makes all the difference.
For families, Samujana offers the perfect balance of luxury and practicality. It’s a place where parents can relax, children can play, and everyone can come together to create lasting memories.
Asia Family Traveller was a guest of Samujana flying with Bangkok Airways from Hong Kong to Koh Samui. Boutique airline Bangkok Airways offers daily flights from Hong Kong to Samui, head online for more details.
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