W Hotels Worldwide opened the doors of W Retreat Koh Samui, the first W in Southeast Asia. An all-villa beachfront resort located at the peak of the north shore of Thailand’s Samui Island, W Koh is also an important milestone as W Hotels continues to grow internationally, on track to more than double its global portfolio by 2012, reaching more than 50 hotels worldwide.
The W Retreat Koh Samui features 75 private villas equipped with a private pool, daybeds, an outdoor shower, Yamaha sound system, 46-inch plasma-screen TV, wine refrigerator and the signature W bed. Showcasing innovative architecture by MAPS Design Studio and interior design by Thailand-based design firm P49 Deesign, W Retreat Koh Samui also boasts W’s signature W Lounge — W’s take on the traditional hotel lobby. Upon entry, guests will experience interactive digital floor projections that give way to an environment accented with off-white terrazzo floors, high ceilings clad in angular bleached wood veneer panels, large bookshelves and oversized lamps. A key element of the W Lounge is a water feature and relaxing area, inspired by the shape of a lotus flower. W’s signature W Lounge brings a new highlight to Koh Samui’s nightlife scene.
Next to the W Lounge is the breathtaking WooBar. Open on three sides and perched on the corner of a hillside, WooBar offers 270-degree views of the Gulf of Thailand and the surrounding hillside. Overlooking the bar on the mezzanine level is the DJ booth, perched high from a commanding point in WooBar. The unique design allows WooBar to transform from day to night, becoming the ultimate destination to wow guests with W’s dynamic programming in the form of unique W Happenings — lifestyle events reflecting W’s passion for music, design, fashion and film.
Guests may enjoy preferred dining reservations and seating at The Kitchen Table, which serves freshly baked treats, gourmet pizzas and buffets, as well as at W Retreat Koh Samui’s signature restaurant, Namu. More than a Japanese restaurant, Namu creates the food of “Asia Tomorrow” and brings a modern reinvention of Asian ethnic cuisine styles for guests, from the menu to the design and the service concepts. Away Spa, the signature spa at W Retreat Koh Samui, features signature treatments including massages, facial and body treatments, manicures and pedicures, as well as a range of treatments incorporating local Thai influences — whether it be ingredients or massage techniques — in a cool and playful way. Away Spa comprises 576 square meters of indoor and outdoor spa treatment areas that allow for total privacy and complete renewal, as well as Tonic juice bar and the first “Thaimazcal” treatment facility. The first of its kind in Asia, the Thaimazcal treatment is based on Mexican tribal rituals, using local Thai ingredients. Guests will also be able to enjoy the Wet pool, Sweat fitness facility, water sports center and tennis court, Style Lab and much more. The Great Room function area at W Retreat Koh Samui serves as an island venue for weddings, business gatherings, meetings and so on. The Great Room serves 60 people with the latest in meetings technology. With its location on the tropical wonderland of W Retreat Koh Samui, the Great Room is also expected to be one of the best venues in the world for Wow Vows and wedding parties.
Located adjacent to W Retreat Koh Samui will be The Residences at W Retreat Koh Samui, which will feature 17 secluded beachfront villas ranging from three to five bedrooms and from 1,000 to 2,752 square meters. Each residence offers a modern tropical Zen style with exotic touches, and each offers full access to the benefits, services and amenities of W Koh Samui. For reservations and more information, visit www.whotels.com/kohsamui.
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