Heights of Delight

InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort, set on the unspoilt west coast of Koh Samui, follows in the illustrious footsteps of its legendary predecessor on the same site, Mandarin Oriental, the island’s first-ever luxury resort.

Baan Taling Ngam itself has also been accorded legendary status, being listed in the New York Times’ best-selling book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.

If these are big shoes to fill, then this lush InterContinental property set in 22 acres of tropical gardens does so - and much more - with style and aplomb.

An extensive refurbishment, complete with signature InterContinental flourishes, has reinvigorated this secluded corner of the island and created a luxurious enclave crammed with One-of-a-Kind  experiences to dazzle even the most seasoned travellers.

It’s the resort’s commanding views across the Gulf of Thailand, the famous Five Islands  and Ang Tho National Marine Park  that provide eye-popping first impressions for visitors. Up here on the breezy clifftop, 120 metres above the sea, there’s no escaping the beautiful majesty of this magnificent vista – it’s renowned as the best spot on the island to enjoy sunsets.

But if you can manage to tear your eyes away from all this to look inside the resort, a treasure trove of wonderful encounters awaits to be discovered among the 79 guest rooms, suites and villas which descend through the gardens to the beach below.

And the four spectacular restaurants and bars dotted around the resort showcase everything that’s uniquely individual about this superb retreat.

Amber , with its inviting ambience of romantic lighting, rustic painted wood and colourful local crafts, takes diners on fabulous journeys to explore the subtleties of classic Thai cuisine from all corners of the country, given a contemporary twist by Amber’s  master chef Tao.

His cuisine can be savoured in theme nights that deliver authentic Asian specialties in a theatrical dining experience overlooking the fabulous sea view, accompanied by a choice from an extensive collection of wines from the wine cellar.

Down on the beach, flickering lanterns and a flaming charcoal grill set the mood at Flames , with a menu of modern European cuisine and the signature experience of freshly-caught seafood and finest cuts of meat cooked to chosen styles of flamed, grilled, baked or barbequed in the charcoal grill or wood-fired oven.

There’s a choice of indoor comfort or al fresco  dining, laid-back and fire-lit, with specialty cocktails to be sipped under a canopy of stars, next to the sounds of funky soul and softly-tumbling waves.

Back up on the clifftop, Air Bar  cocktail lounge bar is a lofty setting to drink in the breathtaking colours of a Koh Samui sunset, while listening to live jazz tunes and sipping signature cocktails prepared by expert mixologists and sampling selections of delicate tapas creations, or sushi and sashimi.

Serene , the resort’s sophisticated lobby café and bar, offers a comfortable meeting place for refined afternoon teas and homemade pastries, or late night after-dinner drinks.

For a truly intimate experience, dine under the stars at one of a number of secluded locations around the resort, including the 150 metre private pier stretching out over clear waters, with your own personal waiter and menu of your choosing.

For more contact: samui.intercontinental.com