Soneva Kiri

Returning to our untamed jungle home by the white-sand beach feels like a reunion with an old friend—a friend we have not seen in 4 years, not since we celebrated our honeymoon here together. Despite the lengthy absence, Soneva Kiri remains firmly entrenched among our top three favorite resorts in Thailand. In fact, Soneva holds a special place in our hearts, as we have had the pleasure of experiencing every property they have ever opened. For us, Soneva epitomizes the essence of a simple yet luxurious life, where barefoot elegance meets a secluded tropical paradise. Follow us in our journey to the Soneva Kiri luxury resort experiences. One of the many highlights of Soneva Kiri is the seamless journey to reach it. With just an 80-minute direct flight from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport on the resort's private jet, time seems to suspend as we soar over the breathtaking islands of the Gulf of Thailand. From the bird's-eye view offered by our private jet, we witness the beauty of remote islands like Koh Kood, Koh Chang, and Koh Mak, which are typically inaccessible by commercial flights. As we glide over the turquoise waters and finally arrive at our destination, we're greeted by our Miss Friday, the affectionate term for butlers here, welcoming us back with warm smiles. And so, our holiday adventure begins anew. Perched in what can only be described as the prime spot on Koh Kood, Soneva Kiri is nestled in a tranquil corner of the island, surrounded by towering palm trees, lush gardens, and pristine white sands lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters. Here, the mantra of "no news, no shoes" reigns supreme, inviting guests to reconnect with nature by sinking their toes into the soft sand or rich earth. With just 35 exclusive villas spread across 1,833 square meters, privacy is paramount, yet every villa comes equipped with its own electric buggy for effortless exploration. Ours even boasts a personalized touch, with our names adorning the wooden license plate—a thoughtful gesture that sets the tone for our stay. As we stroll barefoot along the water's edge, memories of past visits flood back, accompanied by the tantalizing aromas and flavors that define the Soneva experience. From homemade jams and pastries at breakfast to afternoon tapas and Sangria by the pool, each culinary delight is served with a generous dose of hospitality. Moreover, let us not forget the unlimited supply of chocolate and ice cream—a sweet indulgence that never fails to delight. As the sun begins its descent, we are treated to unforgettable dining experiences, whether it is a sunset feast overlooking the ocean or a traditional Thai dinner served on water. With no set menu, the chef relies on the freshest catches of the day, ensuring each meal is a culinary masterpiece. And as night falls, we find ourselves under a blanket of stars, either gazing through telescopes at the observatory tower or enjoying a movie under the open sky at Cinema Paradiso—a romantic finale to each day's adventures. Retreating to our villa, we discover a sanctuary unlike any other, where ocean-view infinity pools meet Soneva's signature water slides for a touch of playful luxury. And for the ultimate food experience, we embark on the unforgettable Tree Pod picnic journey, where cushioned bamboo pods are hoisted high into the canopy, offering panoramic views of the coastline below. It is a surreal sensation, dining among the treetops, with the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant sound of waves providing the perfect soundtrack to our meal. For those seeking unforgettable experiences at Soneva Kiri, the options are as diverse as they are enticing. Whether it is a special occasion, a celebration, or simply a desire to indulge, every experience can be tailored to suit your preferences. Picture yourself aboard a traditional wooden boat, sipping Champagne as the sun dips below the horizon during the Ao Salat Seafood BBQ. Here, you will be welcomed into the heart of the local fishing village to experience their way of life while relishing a seafood feast prepared by our chef with the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Or perhaps you prefer a culinary adventure on the high seas with our dining cruises. Set sail from the Soneva Kiri jetty and start your day with a sunrise breakfast, followed by a leisurely lunch basking in the sunshine. As the day transitions into night, toast to the setting sun with gourmet canapés and Champagne, or embark on an astronomy dinner cruise under the stars, guided by your own onboard astronomer. As we reluctantly bid adieu to the enchanting shores of Soneva Kiri, our hearts brim with a bittersweet blend of fond memories and eager anticipation, for our gaze is already fixed upon the horizon where Soneva Jani beckons with the allure of fresh experiences and uncharted wonders waiting to be unearthed. With each step away from this paradise, we carry with us the cherished moments and vibrant echoes of laughter, knowing that the journey's end here marks but the beginning of another thrilling chapter in our ever-evolving odyssey. So, with love and gratitude interwoven into every step, we tenderly bid farewell, our spirits alight with the excitement of the adventures yet to unfold, eagerly embracing the next leg of our extraordinary voyage.

The luxury but quirkiness appealed to me. the staff were so friendly and kind. The accommodations huge and private with all amenities needed, supplied. The food was amazing in all venues I tried. I can not fault this property or my stay here. The best short break which was desperately needed was fulfilled. Thanks to everyone.

OMG! I been dreading writing this review, for the simply reason, that I fear my words can’t make it justice. Now we understand,, why distinguished guests are hailing the Soneva group, as one of if not the best hotel group in the world! Imagine receiving a 7 page questionnaire, before you holiday has even started, asking questions such as: which fragrance you wish, your bathroom products should have or which pillows you prefer, what do you want in your minibar or if there is a favourite wine, you would like them to import, for your stay, these are just some of the questions, they use to create your perfect stay. Have you even ever tried that? Start off with a private checkin counter, at Suvarnabhumi airport, for Soneva Kiri guests only. A hotel with a private air carrier? Just so you can avoid having to travel, 12 hours by road and sea from Bangkok, like all none Soneva Kiri guests, visiting koh kood. How luxury is that? Your private guide, takes you through fast track, and brings you to a Thai airways business class lounge and later escorts you to the minibus, that takes you to the hotels aircraft, an 8 seater allowing you watch the pilots at work. Amazing views makes time fly by, before you know it, you are landing on the hotels private airstrip, Mai Si airport, where you are met by your barefoot guardian (we were VERY lucky to be allocated Sandy), who will be there, taking care of your every beg and call, for the duration of your stay. A speedboat takes you across the bay and for the first time, you get glimpse of the paradise Soneva Kiri. At the jetty, guests are warmly welcomed by members of management, when did you last get greeted at checkin, by management? This place is…mind blowing. I would describe the style, of Soneva Kiri, as Robinson Crusoe on steroids. We visited in mid November, not a single drop of rain, during our 7 night stay and I believe only around 60 guests (half capacity), making the experience even more fantastic. We split our stay, between a sunset ocean view (best views available, with a fresh breeze, coming in from the sea) and a beach pool villa (awesome rainforest bathroom, indoor en-suite toilet and private beach with bay access), so having had both was great. The vibe of the resort is as said relaxed Robison Crusoe, this is reflected in the villas, as well as venues throughout the resort, if you are onboard with that, you will love it here! Showing off our holiday photos, to a friend today, she asked if we were the only guests at the resort, as other people are rarely seen in the photos, I hadn’t thought of it but she is right. The resort is massive, due to day trips, private villa pools and the many venues and 2 beaches, you rarely even see other guests outside mealtimes. The flexibility the hosts can offer, is fantastic we liked maid service a bit later then most, we had new bedsheets everyday, in general when reviews describe their barefoot guardian, often knowing what they needed before they even knew it themselves, I totally agree! Every night the electric gold buggies, were charged by employees, and turned around, ready to head down for breakfast, no reversing needed. When returning from Tuk’s after dinner by car, hosts were waiting at your buggy, offering to drive you back to your villa, bear in mind, whilst we were feasting on Thailand’s best kitchen and Frances best wine, the hosts moved our buggies, from the jetty to the car entry point. We messed up with the “Soneva time” on the first morning, meaning we missed breakfast. I was pretty sad about it, (You will know why, once you had the Soneva Kiri breakfast), but hey… In connection with a requested laundry pick up, Sandy our barefoot guardian, found out about the missed breakfast and without going into details, she fixed the issue within minutes, and rather then being sad, my husband and I, suddenly had, probably the most amazing, caring, understanding and service minded experience ever and the day was off with an extra good start! The food… to die for. Every single meal was perfect. When did you last enjoy such a buffet and just for good measure, an additional 13 page a la carte menu? We had booked half board, allowing us to dine around, 2 x the view 3 x Tuk’s 1 x social dinner at so Sandy beach and 1 x coconut grove beach, never got boring. Tuk’s and Asian themed “street food” on coconut cove, are both our all time favourites, see separate review of Tuk’s. Talking about food, have you ever been to a restaurant, with a 7-8 course menu, where you after each course was offered a refill, or at anytime requesting more of a dish, had earlier in the evening? Nope, neither have I, but that’s how it works at Tuk’s! We didn’t really use, the open air cinema, the movies weren’t tempting us, but the venue was beautiful and offered a bar service and warm popcorn. The hotels private conservatory, was an exciting experience, visiting the resident astronomer Mod, looking at the stars and planets, a unique way to finish an evening. Then there are the chocolate and ice cream rooms, at least visited once a day, sometimes twice, a welcome brake for once inner child. Beaches… well unfortunately the famous South beach, is no longer a part of the resort. They have now got sandy beach, which you reach by speedboat. There is still a lot of work, to be done here, in terms of amenities and facilities but it’s being worked on. Sandy beach is to most the preferred beach, yet we by far favoured coconut grove beach, made for 8 guest only, easy to reach by your personal golf-buggy, still offering bar, food, water sports and fully installed and working facilities, 3 times we had the beach to ourselves, which was epic. Something often read in other reviews, were wildlife. We were there, in the cicada season, but it really didn’t bother us and we slept like babies, not only at night but sometimes during the day (without earplugs). Plugged in the middle of a rainforest, wildlife has to be expected. We didn’t see any wildlife as such, 2 guests we met had seen a snake, small green and harmless and apparently one of the guests had.. daily visits of 2 smaller water monitors, sunbathing and taking a swim in the pool… described as cute and even with a 5 year old kid in the villa, at no point did they feel worried. The mixture of guests was exciting, many German and Swiss, on the weekend wealthy Thais came out for a short break. Many guests, travel business class and have 3-4 such luxury holidays a year, but when we asked, how they with their experiences would rate Soneva Kiri, they all agreed, THE BEST food and guest service, they have ever had, now that’s impressive to me! What to wear? I can’t stress enough, how this place makes people relax and connect with nature and other people. Hermes, Gucci, Prada, Vilebrequin, Louis Vuitton all to the back of the wardrobe, it has no meaning and no point out here. Shorts and flip flops are worn day and night. We had 27-30 degrees, killer sunsets every night, no need for knitwear, closed shoes or long pants. There is also a great laundry service, over night and at an exceptional good price. But the real stars, of this resort, isn’t the location, the breathtaking views, the unparalleled food, the many things to do, the silence, the weather, the beaches, the boat trips, the sea, sunsets, drinks… no it’s the team of hosts, working long hours, with memories like elephants, the communication and preparations that must be taking place, behind the scene to make all this appear easy and seamless is unparalleled. The hosts remember the names of guests, their villa number, their preferences, tables and drinks usually used, bare in mind, a lot of guest are just here for a few nights, I assume due to the price point. We didn’t even have that recognition, nor a butler when we stayed, at hotel Danieli Venice in a €7.000 a night signature suite, that just shows, how extremely high a level, of service Soneva Kiri operates on! Our deepest respect and appreciation, is going out to the fleet of people, working front and back of house! The hosts seem to be happy working here, the host village looked nice and their guest interest and care seemed sincere. We wish to highlight, just a few of your team, who we came across in person and who especially, impressed us during our stay: Sandy Cat Eyes Mod Spy Chef Christophe (I hope I recall his name correctly) Stamp James Chelsea Pancake and the new lady, part Nigerian part Thai, who’s name I fortunately, forgot to ask for. That said, each and every single one of you, are to be thanked, because all this, was only possible, because you work as a team, also the many hard working people, behind the scene. I am dumbfounded, when I read some guests less positive reviews, often it seems like guests didn’t do their research and due to own lack of interest, ended in a resort not for filling their needs, but how anybody can be anything less, but highly impressed by Soneva Kiri, is an enigma to me! Here is the big problem! Having to leave… it was sad. But the sent off given, on the jetty by management and hosts, was heart warming and made us burst out in laughter! We were 7 guest leaving the resort and several of us, told the new guests arriving at Mai Si airstrip, how paradise was waiting for them across the bay, because that’s how we felt about Soneva Kiri. There truly is nothing good enough, after staying at Soneva Kiri. Friends we made at the resort, went to a six senses hotel after Soneva Kiri, they were so disgusted they checked out after less than 30 min and moved to a four seasons, which was ok. When returning to Bangkok, they had to change rooms 3 times at St. Regis, before offered an acceptable room. Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi airport, we were greeted by private guides, who already awaited us with our luggage, ready to either bring guests, to their transport of choice heading into Bangkok or like in our case, get us checked in on our flight home, before the Soneva luxury experience ended. This was by FAR the best resort, service, food, wow factor and holiday, we have ever had!

We stay for 4days 3nights to celebrate our anniversary after I book the I did mention to the resort and they give as a upgrade and give us a bottle of champagne a beautiful cake and fruits so sweet make our trip more wonderful. We stayed at a very beautiful beach villa we had a huge pool by ourselves everything in the villa was great we love the the feel the very natural vibe we love it so much. Our personal butler ms Friday name gift she is so nice so helpful so sweet . All the villa will have the own buggy then is very nice experience we love too we can ride our own buggy exploring the resort. The food is nice... Everything is good Can't ask for more Love it

We just spent a week at Soneva Kiri, and we’re so happy we found this hidden gem. From the moment we arrived, everything about our stay was amazing. The resort perfectly balances luxury with a sense of connection to nature, making it the most unforgettable place we’ve ever stayed. And to make it even more special they take you by boat to their private and absolutely stunning beach paradise. Our villa was stunning. It was massive, beautifully designed, and completely private, with a gorgeous infinity pool overlooking the ocean. The outdoor bathtub surrounded by lush jungle was a highlight—it felt like an oasis. The food was out of this world. Every meal was a delight, but the breakfast spread was the best we’ve ever had, offering a wide variety of fresh and locally sourced options. We also couldn’t resist visiting the chocolate and ice cream rooms every day—it brought out our inner kids! There was so much to do, but it never felt rushed. We spent our days sailing, snorkeling, and relaxing by the pool. One evening, we watched a movie at Cinema Paradiso, their open-air theater over the lagoon, and another night, we stargazed at the observatory—both were magical moments we’ll cherish forever. The staff made everything even more special. Our butler, Fon, was incredible—so kind and attentive, always ensuring we had everything we needed without ever being intrusive. Fon even arranged for our private movie showing, which was such a memorable experience. We also had a wonderful time with Dmytro, the water activities manager, who was always helpful and had such a positive attitude. Additionally, we had the pleasure of meeting the Reservation Manager, Dhanushan, the General Manager, Manish, host Spy, all the guys working at the private beach and many other staff members whose warmth and hospitality made our stay exceptional. The entire team genuinely cared about making our experience unforgettable. Soneva Kiri is a perfect escape for couples and families. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just need time to reconnect, this place is pure paradise. We’re already planning when we can return—it’s that incredible!