Located in an entirely private pocket of idyllic Koh Kood – one of the largest but most undeveloped islands in Thailand – Soneva Kiri is a luxury resort that fuses high-end service and amenities with barefoot, Robinson Crusoe charm.
From the moment you spot Soneva Kiri from the private plane that transports you from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to the resort’s dedicated airport island, the first thing that strikes you is the dense, untamed jungle that envelops the property.
Nestled on a pristine stretch of coastline where untamed wilderness meets white-sand beaches, Soneva Kiri is a village of villas among the jungle, made from entirely environmentally-friendly wood and natural materials.
Every element of the resort, from the architecture to the experiences on offer, is designed not only to blend organically with the lush natural environment but to venerate and celebrate its beauty.
While some villas boast direct beach access and others are tucked further up the cliff overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand, all 34 spacious rooms exude some serious jungle vibes. Au naturel details like outdoor showers and bathtubs, pools enclosed by walls of greenery, and bamboo décor will leave you feeling like the guest of a glamorous treehouse.
Sprawled leisurely across more than 100 acres, the resort’s sheer size amplifies its feeling of exclusivity. It also means you need your own golf buggy to get around; and winding through paths of ancient jungle, with the wind in your hair, is one of the best (and most fun) ways to truly appreciate the untouched environment.
Of course, there’s also the option to participate in an exclusive Soneva Kiri jungle adventure, which takes you trekking through lusciously dense rainforest to a five-tier cascading waterfall and natural swimming pools.
If that doesn’t quench your thirst for adventure, you can explore the resort’s Eco Centro, where a ‘waste-to-wealth’ program transforms used materials at the resort into recycled treasure, and where you can learn which fruits, vegetables and herbs grow best in the tropical climate. Sample some of the fresh produce before it is taken to the resort’s restaurants and bars to be made into mouth-watering dishes and cocktails.
There’s one dining option in particular that showcases both the resort’s home-grown produce and jungle setting – Treepod Dining. The renowned experience invites you to sink into a comfortable bamboo pod as you’re gently hoisted high up into tropical foliage, and gourmet delights and beverages are delivered via the zip-line acrobatics of your personal waiter.
Once you’ve eaten your fill and returned from up in the canopy, cruise down to Six Senses Spa in your golf buggy for the most relaxing immersion into jungle life yet. Here you can learn how the spa makes its own coconut oil from the abundance of coconut palms surrounding the resort; relax in the sound pod that overlooks ponds of lilies; or choose from an overwhelmingly long list of treatments.
However you choose to spend your time at Soneva Kiri, we promise your visit will leave you feeling revived and reconnected with yourself and nature.
