Outrigger Beach Resort in Hanuman Bay, Koh Samui, Thailand
During our recent escape to Koh Samui, Thailand, Global Yodel laid low at the Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort, an unforgettable tropical hideaway where relaxation and romance join forces to court you into contentment.
Tucked away on a secret beach on Hanuman Bay, the Outrigger Samui has true natural beauty with all the trappings of a luxury resort that one needs to settle back and unwind. It’s set back from the busier areas of Samui so that you feel off the beaten path but close enough where you can venture out for some action (albeit a bit more mellow on the island). Outrigger does provide a full list of activities, like Thai cooking and woodworking classes, so you don’t have to go in search of a more indigenous experience.
The Garden Pool Villa is lovely, with a very earthy and natural feel, sundeck, and private pool. The tropical garden around the property is lush and beautifully designed to ensure the utmost privacy. Navasana Spa provides an extra special touch to your retreat with packages that include facials, a wide variety of massage options, and hydrotherapy. Extra care is taken to make sure you get the relaxation you need.
One of the most memorable things about Outrigger Samui is the staff. Being a family owned establishment, the emphasis on people and community really shines through. The employees cover all the bases from outstanding service to friendly conversation and local tips. We found the people working at Outrigger to be one of its best attributes.
If you can tear yourself away from lounging by the pool, overlooking the breaking waves on the white sand beach, and swaying palms, try the wood-fired pizza. It’s thin and crispy and the best pizza on the island.
We sat down with General Manager, Rory Campbell to learn more about the Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort and Koh Samui.
Name: Rory Campbell
Place you live: Koh Samui
Occupation: General Manager, Outrigger Beach Resort, Koh Samui
The seclusion and the beach. There is no such thing as a private beach in Thailand but we have the closest thing. The seclusion; and the location: being a 5-minute drive from Chaweng and about 10 minutes from the airport. The flight traffic doesn’t pass over us, so you never hear an aircraft.
Full capacity with a mix of young and old, honeymooners, retirees, good entertainment, a combination of calm sea and a good sundown to enjoy a beach bbq. This is what we see typically in March through August when the weather is at its peak.
Thais are generally very friendly. The Thai style is the cornerstone of tourism marketing but on Samui there are few other industries so you find there is a deeper sense of hospitality and sincerity. Folks here have a great sense of community and family and they really care about the reputation of the island. There is a strong sense of purpose here to keep Samui on the map.
I like the quietness. If you want to go out and party you can, but unlike so many tourist destinations, you don’t have to be in the throng of tourism – and the food! It’s rare to find such a high quality and wide variety on such a small island.
The food quality is better on Samui than a lot of other places. The meals here are better and more consistent – they have more soul. There are establishments here that have been open 10-15 years and have been consistently good unlike places like Phuket where few places have the same chefs for long.
Place:
Koh Samui
Name:
Rory Campbell
Best place to eat:
That’s of course subjective but there’s the Cliff Bar and Grill, Dr. Frogs – both are tried and true local establishments – and my favorite near the Big Buddha statue is called the Sunset Café. The owners are a young couple with a baby. They serve good wholesome food. They’ve only been there a year but they’re getting a solid following. You can meet really quality locals there and have great conversations. It’s a place for professionals, locals, and expats.
Best place to drink:
The Sunset Café and Coco Tam’s. They have beanbags for lounging on the beach and show movies in the evenings. The service is great; they have great cocktails served really oddly. It’s a great bar.
Best place to shop:
Depending on what you’re after, there’s Fishermen’s Village for a local experience with a nice mix of authentic, tacky and artesian. It’s a must on Friday nights.
Local tip:
Don’t be afraid to get lost. Hire a scooter, hire a car. You can drive around the island in 45 minutes so don’t be afraid to explore. You’ll always find home.
What to avoid: A lot of people who come here are pet lovers but I’d recommend avoiding feeding the stray dogs. By doing that, you’re conditioning the dogs to search for food from tourists and they can be territorial. They are wild, not domesticated. So don’t be afraid but be smart. Also, avoid swimming where there’s a red flag. The locals know the beaches and the water. Swim where there are clear signs.