You know you’ve found something special when you don’t want anyone else to know about it… and that’s exactly how we feel about Cape Fahn Hotel in Koh Samui. This private island resort is full of dichotomies: exclusive yet accessible, intimate yet inviting, secluded yet spacious, healthy yet indulgent, understated yet breathtaking – the list goes on.
After all, there’s nothing quite like staying on a private island resort where the ‘regular folk’ are literally a stone’s throw away (across the water), probably wishing they were the ones riding a monster truck into Cape Fahn’s open-air reception lobby and soaking up the Samui sunshine from inside of their sprawling oceanfront pool villas with the utmost privacy.
Location
Cape Fahn Hotel is a quick 15-minute drive north of Samui airport, on a private island right across Choeng Mon Beach on the north-east corner of Koh Samui. The drive is swift and easy, and before we knew it, we were dropped off at the Cape Fahn Hotel Hospitality Lounge right on the beach across from the resort.
Depending on tide levels, guests arrive at Cape Fahn either by speedboat on the water, or by the aforementioned monster trucks, which rank among one of the coolest hotel arrivals we have ever seen or experienced.
With our luggage loaded onto the trucks, decked out with Thai and Cape Fahn flags, we climbed on board and crossed the short waterway in about three minutes (feeling quite badass, we might admit) and were welcomed to the resort by smiling staff.
Check-in was smooth and even involved a few surprises – a special gift based on our birth month and homemade butter cookies – alongside cold towels to refresh and cups of herbal tea.
Rooms
Cape Fahn is an all-villa property with just 24 pool villas on the island. As far as one-bedroom pool villas go, guests can choose between the Tropical, Deluxe, Beach Front, Bay View, Ocean View and Horizon Ocean View types, or the one-of-its-kind Ocean Cottage (which is what we stayed in).
Slightly smaller and cosier than the Ocean View Pool Villa, the Ocean Cottage (at 102 sqm) stands out as one of the more private options on the island, as its outdoor terrace and private pool is blocked off by two solid white walls. Inside, the spacious living room and bedroom are decked out with warm orange accents, while the connected bathroom has both a rain shower and bath tub for soaking.
The views from the Ocean Cottage are absolutely stunning with plenty of seadoos and small boats zipping by in the distance, and many hours were spent either submerged in the pool or lying on the double sunbed. A nice perk was the complimentary minibar, which was replenished daily with drinks and snacks.
Dining
There are not one, but two restaurants on the island serving guests of Cape Fahn. Down by the main pool is Hue, which serves an all-day menu of international and Thai favourites from 9am to 11pm.
For drinks and fine dining, head to Long Dtai by renowned chef David Thompson (of Nahm fame). Meaning “heading south”, this elevated restaurant perched at the top of Cape Fahn serves up sweeping oceanfront views alongside authentic southern Thai cuisine, such as coconut and turmeric curry with blue swimmer crab, grilled prawns and squid, and coconut cream and palm sugar dumplings for dessert.
Breakfast is served daily next to Long Dtai with a mix of buffet selections plus a menu of Thai and Western a la carte items. Fresh and colourful, we were especially impressed by Cape Fahn’s pastry selection, which looks (and tastes) straight out of an artisanal bakery you might find in any big city – think donuts, filled and flattened croissants, Belgian waffles and more.
Activities
When not inside of their private pool villas, guests can lounge by Cape Fahn’s main pool right along the beach, challenge each other to a friendly (or not-so-friendly) game of Jenga, unwind in the hotel’s Reading Room, or work up a sweat at the resort’s small but fully equipped gym.
Cape Fahn also has its own Cape Spa where you can indulge in heavenly massages and other pampering treatments from 10am to 9pm. Other activities that can be arranged through the hotel are private traditional Thai dance lessons, ‘feet in the sea’ picnics, yoga classes and muay thai – although doing absolutely nothing is also very much encouraged.
What else
Weddings and milestone celebrations are very popular at Cape Fahn, and buy-outs of the entire property are not uncommon. The Wedding Terrace is one of the most spectactular spots to say ‘I do’ at with open-air views of the horizon, while the reception can be held at either Hue or Long Dtai.
Thanks to the special occasions, the vibe at Cape Fahn feels lively and celebratory, with plenty of well-dressed guests popping onto the island (some staying the night and others just there for the event). During our stay, we were even treated to a private fire dance performance (a Samui signature) courtesy of the wedding couple, who surprised their guests with the adrenaline-pumping show down by the main pool.
Verdict
From the moment we arrived (by badass monster truck) to the moments we spent soaking up the sunshine, ocean views, fine dining and friendly, five-star service at Cape Fahn, we knew this place was definitely worth coming back to.
The hotel is part of the Cape & Kantary group with other luxury properties across Thailand, and its Thai family ownership and attentive hospitality style genuinely came through. So, whether you’re after a romantic getaway with your other half or an all-out celebration with family and friends, be sure to put Cape Fahn at the top of your list as a wow-worthy stay.
Learn more at capefahnhotel.com
