Everyone dreams of an island escape, but with a tropical destination as popular and over-run with backpackers as Thailand, it can be hard to find that slice of tranquility and heaven. But hope is not lost, the small island of Ko Kut, also known as Koh Kood, in the Gulf of Thailand is a less-traveled piece of Thailand that offers that serene, remote island escape.
When it comes to finding accommodation on Koh Kood, you’ll find backpacker party hostels are replaced with boutique gems and luxury beach side resorts – so if it’s quiet island life you’re after, this is the place.
Choosing between the luxury beach resorts can be a challenge though, as they all offer such delightful offerings, but if you’ve discovered Soneva Kiri Beach Resort on Koh Kood and think it might be right for you – then here is our complete review based on our stay there.
Although this is a very exclusive resort, we thought it was worth a peek, so we jetted off with our two kids to see what it was like!
About Soneva Kiri Beach Resort
Luxury and children is not something that typically go together, but on the island of Koh Kood in Thailand, we have found the perfect Koh Kood beach resort for the whole family.
Located just 80km off the mainland of Thailand is the second largest island of the Koh Chiang archipelago; Koh Kood, also known as Koh Kut.
Described as ‘Thailand’s last unspoilt island,’ it’s a secluded paradise home to around 2,000 villagers and remains largely undeveloped, with no landline phones, no 7-Eleven, only a handful of ATMs, and few cars (though lots of scooters, of course – it’s still Thailand!).
The ecologically constructed 5* resort of Soneva Kiri blends in beautifully with the unspoilt island. Set on a beautiful white-sand beach on the North West side of the island, and backed by jungle hillsides and ancient rainforest, this is the ultimate place to stay if you want total relaxation.
It’s location in the North, near the iconic Secret Beach and overlooking the remote island of Koh Mai Si, its position is quiet and remote, away from the busier parts of Koh Kood, although Koh Kood never gets busy.
It features luxury villas and suites, most with private pools and outdoor bathrooms, and all with direct beach access, and seamlessly blend luxury and eco-friendly amenities. There are only 32 villas, ranging from one bedroom to five bedroom, allowing every guest to have privacy and intimate service.
Getting there is an experience in itself, due to its relative remoteness. You first need to catch a bus from Bangkok to the Trat province, followed by an hour’s boat ride from the mainland. You can book direct transfers from Bangkok using 12Go.Asia, the number one transfer booking service in Thailand.
The good news about luxury accommodation in Thailand is that it’s typically way cheaper than luxury in any other country. So if you are going to splurge, this is place where you get the most for your money!
What We Loved About Soneva Kiri Resort
Soneva Kiri Beach Resort’s detachment from the hectic lands around offers families a relaxing beach paradise. It’s great for parents to relax and unwind, while still offering plenty of other activities either the children or the whole family can get involved in.
Here are some of the things we loved about Soneva Kiri Resort…
Close to Diving Sites
The crystal clear waters make the ideal setting for water spots, as well as snorkeling and diving, placing you and your family in front of some of the most exotic sea creatures in the world.
Koh Chang National Park offers over 20 dive sites taking you from colourful coral thrives close to the surface, to around 30 metres below to experience the deep blue sea.
The Den
Unlike many luxury resorts, Soneva Kiri Koh Kood welcomes families and has some amazing facilities including ‘The Den’.
If the unspoilt Thai island of Koh Kood island doesn’t get the young ones imagination firing then The Den definitely will.
The Den is the Kid’s Zone, and is a purpose built playground designed to inspire their imagination.
With its drawbridge entrance shaped like a huge manta ray, this bamboo built structure is an amazing place complete with music room, games room, library and art room where children can let their imagination run riot under the supervision of the resort’s professional child-minders.
There is also an onsite tennis court that kids can play with.
The Chocolate Factory
The Soneva Kiri Koh Kood Beach resort also has its own Willy Wonka style chocolate factory, ‘Ever Soneva So Chocoholic’ – a child’s and chocolate lovers favourite.
Here guests can choose from a selection of chocolates, truffles and drinking chocolates all prepared from scratch on the island.
If this isn’t enough the resort also boasts the ‘Ever Soneva So Chilled’ outdoor ice cream parlour where guests can choose from over sixty ice cream and sorbet flavours.
The only problem you could have with taking your kids to The Chocolate Factory is that they’ll never want to leave. Then again, you probably won’t want to either!
Outdoor Cinema
The Soneva Kiri Koh Kood Beach Resort is host to the island’s only open-air cinema; ‘Cinema Paradiso’ where the family can relax after a hard days adventuring and watch classic movies or contemporary films under the clear nights sky.
This paradise island outdoor cinema experience is accompanied by a menu of American inspired burgers, homemade popcorn and chocolates making it the most luxurious movie experience we’ve ever come across.
