At W Koh Samui, music refuses to linger in the background. Rather, it’s a sensory signature that shapes your entire stay
“Welcome to Paradise!” The staff chimed in unison, as we stepped out of our airport transfer onto the sun-drenched porch of W Koh Samui. Frankly, they weren’t wrong. Even before we reached the reception, we were greeted by a cinematic view of the glittering Gulf of Thailand, perfectly framed by swaying palms flanking the resort’s raised walkway. What a sight.
A chilled welcome drink found its way into our hands—a small mercy in the thick tropical heat—and as we sipped gratefully, we watched the afternoon light glint off villa roofs in the distance below.
This is W Koh Samui, where sound transcends ambience—it becomes identity. Even in its quietest moments (think early dawn or well past midnight), the resort hums with life: birdsong in the morning, waves rolling ashore, and a chorus of unseen crickets that begins at dusk and continues well into the night. These natural rhythms blend seamlessly with curated playlists and live DJ sets, creating an experience that is as much heard as it is seen or felt.
It’s precisely this interplay of sound and setting that W Hotels chose to spotlight with its latest evolution of W Presents, a global music series long associated with sonic discovery. Its newest iteration sees the debut of W Presents Retreat, a four-night, invite-only experience at W Koh Samui. Designed to immerse guests in a fusion of music, culture, wellness, and escape, it reimagines the role of music within the world of luxury hospitality.
Rhythms of W
Curated and headlined by W Hotels’ global music director, LP Giobbi, the retreat marks the next chapter in the brand’s mission to redefine the luxury soundscape.
“It’s a celebrated global music series that has, over the years, positioned W Hotels as a tastemaker and trailblazer in culturally relevant sound,” shares Giobbi. “This year, it showcases global musical talent through the unique lens of W Hotels, against Thailand’s striking backdrop.”
And what a backdrop it was. Each morning began with a wholesome line-up of activities: sunrise yoga by the beach, Muay Thai classes led by professional fighters, and healing sound baths on warm sand to reset the mind and soul. One balmy afternoon saw us cruising the coastline aboard the Red Baron—yes, the very same sailing yacht featured in The White Lotus. Another took us deep into the heart of Samui Elephant Haven, where rescued elephants roam in quiet dignity. No shows, no rides, just elephant—and people—watching.
Evenings, however, belonged to the music. As the sun set, the party was only just beginning. The headline event, aptly titled W After Dark, was a high-octane affair of live deck performances, with a genre-defying line-up that included Bonobo, Sofia Kourtesis, and Joplyn. Giobbi herself led the charge, while rising regional voices such as Beatrice, Kate Sara, Dan Buri, and Armando Mendes, W Koh Samui’s own music curator, kept the night alive well into the early hours. The following evening’s Sundown Session offered a moodier, groove-driven atmosphere, while our final night culminated in one last After Party—a rousing close that left guests in high spirits.
Serenity beyond sound
Offering luxurious respite are the resort’s 74 luxury villas. Each comes with its own private pool, sprawling patio, and high-tech amenities. A special mention goes to the plush W pillowtop beds that somehow left us rising fully refreshed and recharged. Whether you’re checked into the Ocean View Escape Villa or living large in the palatial Extreme WOW Ocean Haven with a group of your closest friends, the villas strike an impeccable balance between sensory indulgence and serene seclusion.
Dining here deserves special mention. The Kitchen Table dishes up familiar favourites by day, while Namu serves up reinterpreted Asian cuisine with elegant precision by night. No stay at W Koh Samui is complete without a sunset toast at SIP. After dark, Woobar pulses to life with bold cocktails, live DJs, and fire-dance performances.
And of course, the music never stops. Here’s a pro tip. Check in for long weekends, just in time for Exotica, a weekly rooftop rendezvous held every Friday. Thursdays belong to Ladies First, where the first glass of bubbly is always on the house for you and your girlfriends, while Saturdays are reserved for Social Table, a communal dining experience unlike any other. We heard there’s even a cheeky Samui Airport Takeover and a surprise bar collaboration with one of Bangkok’s top cocktail spots in the works.
Our parting thoughts? At W Koh Samui, the music never really stops, if you listen close enough. Amid the rhythm of the waves and the hum of the tropics, it is a beat that stays in your bones and follows you home.
This story first appeared in the July 2025 issue. Purchase it as a print or digital copy, or consider subscribing to us here
