Content Overview
An enigmatic island situated in the middle of the ocean, close to Cambodia and Thailand, is what we communicated to our friends before embarking on our Soneva Kiri journey. With no expectations and limited understanding of Soneva Kiri’s precise location, we knew it involved a one-hour flight from Bangkok via a smaller plane.
The adventure was truly enchanting, starting with a Soneva representative welcoming us at Bangkok airport’s arrival gate. They expedited our immigration process and guided us to the Soneva airport lounge. There, we rested comfortably until it was time to head to the departure gate for our eight-seater propeller plane.
It was one of the most seamless trips we had with the children, fueled by the thrill of the small aircraft and stunning views of the Thai islands. We landed on a private runway on a diminutive island adjacent to Soneva Kiri, disembarking like celebrities onto a golf buggy for a brief ride to the exclusive jetty and subsequently boarding Soneva Kiri’s luxury boat. The luxurious jungle resort of Soneva Kiri soon came into view, and in under five minutes, we received a warm welcome from over 15 staff members greeting us from the barefoot paradise, including our designated “Mr. Friday” private butler.
SONEVA KIRI – LUXURY UNTAMED BEACH & JUNGLE RESORT
Experienced as a 5-star sustainable retreat, Soneva Kiri is enveloped by wild jungle and unblemished beaches on the untouched tropical island of Koh Kood. Each villa is meticulously crafted from natural driftwood and eco-friendly materials, highlighting exceptional architecture that harmoniously blends with its vibrant green surroundings. With occasional hints of bright yellow in the decor, Soneva Kiri exudes sophistication and spaciousness, leaving guests in a state of awe throughout their private retreat.
Each opulent residence, complete with a private swimming pool, is strategically positioned within the dense jungle, providing an impression of solitude on the island. The larger villas feature water slides that offer hours of entertainment and evoke a sense of childlike joy.
The accommodations are generously sized, characterized by stylish minimal decor, paired with all the luxurious amenities typically expected from a 5-star establishment. Pre-arrival forms allow guests to express personal preferences, covering everything from music selection, snack choices, beverages, to personalized designer pillows. Furthermore, guests receive keys to their own golf buggies, facilitating independent exploration of Soneva Kiri’s extensive jungle resort grounds.
SONEVA KIRI – THE BREAKFASTS
The culinary offerings at Soneva Kiri are exceptional. Guests can indulge in authentic premium Thai delicacies along with a variety of international cuisines. The breakfast buffet displays are akin to a glossy magazine spread, featuring a diverse selection of fresh local fruits beautifully arranged on eco-driftwood tables, alongside eggs prepared by acclaimed chefs from various nationalities. Additionally, food labels are creatively inscribed on leaves, reinforcing Soneva Kiri’s commitment to sustainability. The wellness menu combined with panoramic jungle island vistas and soothing live Thai music creates an unparalleled dining atmosphere.
SONEVA KIRI – THE DINNERS
During our four-night stay at Soneva Kiri, we were privileged to experience dining in a variety of mesmerizing locations. From elegantly lantern-lit lakeside dining at BENZ featuring five courses of authentic Thai cuisine to dining atop cliffs with breathtaking views at THE VIEW, along with Asian specialties at THE DINING ROOM and PRIVATE BEACH candle-lit dinners, we were genuinely and thoroughly spoiled for choice.
The resort’s highlight is undoubtedly the extraordinary TREE POD DINING experience. One can only imagine the discussions that ensued during its conception—from selecting the precise jungle tree to innovating a tree pod capable of being raised high into the branches, to designing a zipline where Soneva Kiri’s staff could effortlessly deliver your morning latte and three-course breakfast, as well as premium wine and cheese platters at sunset. This unique tree pod dining experience is undoubtedly remarkable and will be fondly remembered for years to come.
SIX SENSES SPA @ SONEVA KIRI
Nestled within the island’s untouched jungle, the Six Senses Spa ensures a truly rejuvenating experience. Guests are treated to a wellness evaluation, followed by a customized one-hour treatment tailored to their individual preferences and wellness results. The experience is pure bliss, signifying the true essence of wellness and relaxation.
SONEVA KIRI FOR CHILDREN
In crafting Soneva Kiri, the owners prioritized the needs of children. The resort features a tree-house playground named “The Den,” constructed from bamboo, which has earned recognition as The Best Kid’s Club in Asia.
Notably, televisions are absent within the Soneva Kiri children’s club, complemented by a dedicated team that arranges engaging nature activities for the children every day. Our five-year-old participated in a variety of exciting activities, including making origami from leaves, painting coconuts, constructing kites, and crafting homemade chocolates.
Complementing the children’s club activities, the resort provides complimentary access to an ice cream room throughout the day, adjacent to a chocolate room offering delicious local treats.
The pinnacle of enjoyment for our five and two-year-olds was the outdoor movie theatre featuring selected children’s films on designated nights. It was a delightful surprise for them to enjoy a late-night screening while our female “Mr. Friday” supervised, allowing us to savor a romantic dinner nearby.
OUR SONEVA KIRI 6-STAR EXPERIENCE
The luxurious jungle resort of Soneva Kiri stands apart from any other experience globally. With its genuine remoteness, guests are given treatment typically reserved for celebrities, complete with top-tier amenities, distinguished international chefs, diverse dining opportunities, and a dedicated “Mr. Friday” private butler.
Soneva Kiri feels worlds away from the everyday, presenting a plethora of opportunities that allow holidays to be custom-tailored to individual desires. From picturesque jungle waterfalls, secluded private beaches, and gentle surf in the low season, to five-star snorkeling amidst crystal-clear waters in the high season, Soneva Kiri is the epitome of a barefoot luxury getaway, allowing the inner child to emerge and revel in the enchanting experiences and delightful surprises that await.
This review of the Soneva Kiri Luxury Resort in Thailand was authored and photographed by @kelly_beckwith and @phineloves, Co-founders of GoTravelDaily.
