Is Anantara Bophut Koh Samui a Good Family Resort in 2026?
Yes. Anantara Bophut Koh Samui is one of my top picks for families in 2026. The new Tree House Kids Club is exceptional, the family pool suite offers real privacy, and the location lets you walk straight to Fisherman’s Village. Parents will love the spa’s White Lotus filming spots, thoughtful service, and the little touches kids actually notice. For a stylish yet relaxed family holiday on Koh Samui, it’s a very safe and happy choice.
Why We Chose Anantara Bophut For Our Family Stay
As a mum of two girls and someone who’s lived in Thailand since 2019, I’ve seen my fair share of so-called “family-friendly” hotels. Some are nice. Some try. But very few get it truly right. Anantara Bophut does.
We stayed here in July with our then 3-yo and 8-yo daughters Ruby and Lila. In this review, I’ll tell you everything about our stay: what worked for our family, what stood out, and what you need to know before you book.
Our Quick Picks
🏝️ Read about the Best Family Areas and Things to Do in Samui with Kids.
🌴 Combine your stay with a visit to the Samui Elephant Sanctuary or Na Muang Waterfall.
🏥 This is the Family Health Insurance Plan we actually use in Thailand.
Key Facts – Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort at a Glance
- Total Rooms: 106 rooms and suites, including family-friendly options, sea view suites, and private pool villas
- Infinity Pool: 30-meter beachfront pool
- Spa Area: 3,000 square meters of lush garden space with lily ponds and six partly open-air treatment suites
- Kids Club: “Tree House” Kids Club with indoor play zones, outdoor activities, and creative experiences. The Teen Lounge right next to it offers a cool space for older kids with beanbags and arcade games.
- Dining Options: TĀN Beach Lounge, Guilty, Thin Tai
- Location: Right on Bophut Beach, next to Fisherman’s Village
- Other Facilities: Fully equipped gym, paddleboards and kayaks, tennis court, on-site yoga and Muay Thai classes
Location – Bophut Beach And Fisherman’s Village
Bophut is one of my favourite places to stay in Koh Samui with kids. It’s easy, safe, and you can walk everywhere. If you want a family hotel in Koh Samui where you don’t need taxis for every meal, this is the spot.
Anantara Bophut sits right on Bophut Beach, only 15-20 minutes from Samui Airport. The beach here is wide and relaxed, and the Fisherman’s Village night market is just steps away. It’s lively but not wild, which is why so many families love this part of the island.
First Impressions and a White Lotus Surprise
We arrived just after noon and drove our car over a wooden bridge, with wide lily ponds stretching out on both sides. It felt like entering a little oasis. At the lobby, we were welcomed warmly, handed cold towels, and a signature welcome drink.
Now here’s a fun detail: several scenes from White Lotus Season 3 were filmed right here. The dramatic robbery scene? Yep, filmed in the Anantara lobby. Many spa scenes with Belinda and Pornchai? Also here. I have to admit, as a huuuuge fan, I got a bit starry-eyed.
Rooms And Family Suites – What To Book
If you’re travelling as a family, you’ll be happy to hear that Anantara Bophut has some of the best family-friendly room setups in Koh Samui. The regular rooms work well for couples, but the stars are the family suites and the pool villas. Many come with big bathtubs, connecting spaces, and enough room to spread out.
If you want maximum comfort, the Two-Bedroom Family Suite with Private Pool is the one to look at. We stayed here, and it gave us real privacy, a proper door between the rooms, and a little pool.
Our Room: The Family Pool Suite
The moment we stepped into the Two-Bedroom Family Suite, I knew this was going to be a very comfortable stay. There were two large rooms, each with their own bathroom and big bathtubs, connected by a thick, soundproof door. Yes, an actual door. Not a curtain. Not a sliding panel. A real, solid door.
That might sound like a small thing, but if you’ve ever stayed in a family suite with no privacy, you know how big of a deal that is.
The design is beautiful. A mix of traditional Thai wooden interiors, that signature Anantara style, combined with a modern and very luxurious feel. The suite is massive and full of thoughtful details. A tipi tent was set up, complete with a giant elephant plush toy. Both girls got their own monkey cuddly toy to keep, which they immediately named and refused to part with. There were also kids-sized slippers and robes, and the girls got their own little bathroom set with toothbrushes and paste.
And then the private pool. Our own little splash zone just a few steps from the bed. Lovely.
Lunch at TĀN and a Rainy Detour
Since it was raining lightly, we didn’t eat at TĀN’s beachfront location. Instead, we were invited to enjoy the same menu in the covered Guilty restaurant space.
We kept it simple with lunch. We ordered a vegetable fried rice and a pumpkin salad for ourselves, while the girls had pasta and fries. The food wasn’t fancy, but honestly, I don’t expect culinary fireworks from a poolside lunch menu. What I do expect is good, comforting food that works for kids and parents alike. And that’s exactly what we got.
Tree House Kids Club And Teen Lounge
After lunch, we couldn’t wait to check out the brand-new Tree House Kids’ Club. It had just opened a week earlier, and we were so curious to see what they’d created. We walked up the stairs and entered the space. My oldest daughter Lila stopped in her tracks and said, “Wow.”
Calling it a kids’ club doesn’t do it justice. It felt more like a kids’ paradise. The space is huge, beautifully designed, and filled with little stations to explore. There are art and craft areas, Montessori-inspired toys, and a discovery playground.
While Ruby, my then three-year-old, got to work making a keychain with the lovely Nanny Fon, I sat down and looked through the activity schedule. And wow, again. This wasn’t your standard “painting and movie time” kind of club. They have candle making, coconut leaf weaving, beach camping, clay work, beach clean-ups, scavenger hunts, memory jars, even a junior bartender workshop. Some activities are included, some cost extra, and a few need to be booked in advance.
💡 Pro tip: When dropping off your child, it’s a good idea to go through the activity schedule together and agree on what they want to join. You can check the Tree House activity schedule here.
Right next to the Kids Club, there’s the Teen Lounge with cozy bean bags, air hockey, Pacman, and other cool activities.
Kids Club Highlight: A Journey Back in Time
Later in the afternoon, the girls joined a special activity called “The Samui Way of Life,” led by Nicki, the Kids Club Manager, and her colleague Ann. They even got special Anantara kids pants to wear, which made them feel (and look) extra official.
The girls sat with Nicki in the peaceful spa garden, pretending to be the daughters of local fishermen in the 1960s, a time when the island was covered in coconut trees and not a tourist in sight. After a bit of meditation, they started their “chores,” which included making offerings at the spirit houses with flowers and sweets, feeding fish, and finally heading to the beach.
Hidden in the sand were little fish made from palm leaves, each one filled with candy. We sat together by the water, unwrapping the sweets while Nicki told the girls more about how people used to live on Koh Samui.
Honestly, it was one of the most special kids’ programs I’ve ever seen in a hotel.
Cocktails and Coconut Milkshakes at Sunset
By 5:30 pm the sun had come out again, so we made our way back to TĀN Beach Lounge for cocktails. The location is right by the beach, with bean bags and comfy chairs facing the sea.
The girls got their strawberry milkshakes and were perfectly happy sipping and digging little moats in the sand. We ordered signature cocktails and enjoyed the view.
Dinner at Guilty – And the Secret Candy Room
Dinner that night was at Guilty, the hotel’s main restaurant. The concept is South American food with a bold design (I love when hotels are brave enough to create something like this). This one’s all deep colors, gold accents, patterned tiles, and dramatic lighting. It feels fun and luxurious at the same time.
Before we even got to order, the staff handed our girls a coloring set. Such a small thing, but it’s these little touches that make all the difference for parents (IYKYK).
The girls went for their usual favorites, pasta and fries, while we got to explore the menu. The standout for me was the Holy Guacamole, prepared right at our table. They asked how spicy we wanted it, let us taste as they mixed, and adjusted everything on the spot. It was interactive and really tasty.
We ended the meal with churros, but just when we thought the evening was winding down, something unexpected happened. Our girls were invited to take part in the Guilty Lottery. They spun a big mechanical gacha machine and out came a little ball. Ruby won the golden ticket to the secret candy room.
Now, I know this sounds a bit over the top, but even I was giddy walking in there. The space was filled with jars of every candy imaginable. Together with Nati, the “candy lady,” Ruby and Lila got to fill a whole box with whatever they wanted.
A Stroll Through Fisherman’s Village Night Market
After dinner, we exited the beach end of the hotel and walked straight into Fisherman’s Village. This is one of my favorite areas on the island. It’s charming and lively (but not the drunken tourist kind of wild).
We were lucky. It was a Monday, which meant the Fisherman’s Village Night Market was in full swing. The girls ran ahead, peeking at all the souvenir stalls and begging for flashy toys.
The market is long and right by the beach, so it feels safe even with small kids. No crazy traffic, no motorbikes zooming past.
💡 Pro tip: If you’re there in the evening, make sure to stop in front of CoCo Tams. They put on an impressive fire show every night at 7:30 and 9:00 pm, right on the beach.
Breakfast Buffet Highlights (and a Couple of Wishes)
The next morning, we went to breakfast early, around 8 am. The buffet at Thin Tai was already open and quiet, which I always prefer. The layout spreads across two connected spaces, so even when it gets full, it doesn’t feel packed.
I loved the egg station and the salad buffet. There was also a Thai food corner, good cheese, and plenty of croissants, pancakes, and other little sweet sins. We’re vegetarians and still had plenty of options, which isn’t often the case in resorts. The girls were excited about the kids’ station, which had kids-sized plates and cutlery.
Now for the wish list. There was no matcha. I know it’s niche, but a matcha latte is my morning ritual, and I miss it when it’s not there. Also, the plant milk options were limited to soy and coconut. We usually go for almond or oat, so it would be nice to see a wider range in the future.
Other than that, the breakfast was great. Not my favorite part design-wise, the decor is calmer and more classic, not as fun or bold as Guilty, but the food and service were excellent.
Prices 2026 – How Much Does Anantara Bophut Cost?
Prices at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui vary a lot throughout the year. For 2026, standard rooms in low season usually start around US$234 (€215) per night. During high season, especially Christmas and New Year, rates increase sharply everywhere on the island. Family suites and pool villas come at a higher rate because of the extra space and privacy. For example, I found prices in April 2026 where the 2-bedroom pool suite costs around US$888 (€810) per night.
Pool Time With the Kids
After breakfast, we headed to the beachfront infinity pool, which stretches across 30 meters. It’s one of those rare hotel pools that manages to please everyone. There’s a deep section for actual swimming (my husband did a few laps, and that made him happy) and shallower parts with jets for relaxing.
What I really liked was the layout. It’s beautiful, with views of the Gulf of Thailand and over Bophut Bay.
Later, my husband checked out the gym and said it was great: all brand-new Technogym equipment in a clean, air-conditioned space.
Spa Time – AKA My White Lotus Moment
While the girls begged to return to the kids’ club (which I happily agreed to), I went off for my spa appointment. The spa at Anantara Bophut is like stepping into another world: water lily ponds, pink weathered walls, and huge wooden doors.
I was scheduled for the Anantara Bophut Coconut Dream, a 105-minute treatment that started with me standing on real coconut shells to stimulate reflex points in my feet. Then came the rhythmic tapping with coconut sticks, followed by a deep full-body massage with warm coconut oil. My therapist, Chan, was so lovely, asking about pressure and music preferences (I never got to choose my music at a spa before).
And the best part? The treatment took place in the exact same room as Belinda and Pornchai’s massage scene in White Lotus. As a spa lover and a huge fan of the show, this was the ultimate crossover moment.
Honestly, I’ve had a lot of massages in Thailand and I’m an absolute sucker for luxury wellness treatments. But this was the best spa treatment. No exaggeration.
What We Loved
Ok, now let’s do a little round-up of our experience. Here are the highlights that really stood out to me:
- The family suite was perfect. Spacious, beautifully set up, and finally a real door between the kids and the parents.
- Thoughtful kids’ amenities like the tipi, plush elephant, and little bathroom sets made the girls feel right at home.
- The Tree House Kids Club was next-level. Not just a corner with toys but a creative, cultural wonderland with real activities that change daily.
- The “Samui Way of Life” activity was the most meaningful kids’ experience I’ve seen in a hotel. Calm, imaginative, and full of heart.
- The spa. Wow. That coconut treatment was heavenly and, yes, being in the actual White Lotus massage room was so cool.
- Location couldn’t be better, right on Bophut Beach and walking distance to the Fisherman’s Village Night Market (which runs on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday).
- The little surprises. From the candy lottery to the coloring at dinner, it felt like the team really thought about families at every step.
What Could Be Better
No honest review is complete without a few small things to improve. For me, it was:
- I missed my matcha latte in the morning. I’d love to see it added to the breakfast drink list.
- The plant milk options were limited to soy and coconut. Oat or almond milk would be a great upgrade.
- The breakfast restaurant felt a bit plain compared to the bold and beautiful design of the Guilty restaurant or the bright beachy vibes at TĀN.
Anantara Bophut vs Other Koh Samui Family Resorts
Families often ask me which Anantara in Koh Samui is better, Bophut or Lawana. They’re both beautiful, but they have different personalities.
- Anantara Bophut is perfect if you want a relaxed family hotel with a next-level kids club, easy beach access, and Fisherman’s Village right outside. It’s lively, walkable, and very family-focused.
- Anantara Lawana feels more private and tucked away, with big ocean views and a jungle-luxe atmosphere. Great for couples or families with older kids who want something quieter.
Practical Tips For Your Stay
A few things that make your stay smoother:
- Fisherman’s Village Night Market runs on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. It’s perfect for families.
- Taxi prices vary a lot on Samui, so always check the cost before hopping in. I always use the Grab App for transportation and deliveries.
- The beach here is calm, but keep an eye on jellyfish season (the worst month is August).
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, the sun on Samui is strong even on cloudy days.
White Lotus Filming Locations at Anantara Bophut
Fans of the hit series White Lotus will enjoy knowing that several Season 3 scenes, including the dramatic robbery and various spa moments, were filmed on-site here. The dramatic robbery scene was shot in the Anantara lobby, and multiple spa scenes featuring Belinda and Pornchai were filmed in the treatment suites. The spa treatment rooms used in the show are open to resort guests, making it an extra-special touch for TV buffs visiting Koh Samui. If, like me, you’re a huge fan of the show, booking a spa treatment here is genuinely one of the most fun ways to experience the resort.
Pros and Cons: Anantara Bophut Koh Samui
Pros:
- Exceptional kids club with daily creative and cultural activities
- Spacious family suites with real privacy (actual soundproof doors!)
- Walkable location right next to Fisherman’s Village and its night market
- Stunning spa set in a 3,000 sqm garden, and a genuine White Lotus filming location
- Thoughtful family-friendly touches at every turn, from tipi tents to the candy lottery
Cons:
- Limited plant milk options at breakfast (soy and coconut only, no oat or almond)
- No matcha on the drinks menu for tea lovers
- Breakfast buffet décor feels calmer and less inspired than the bold design of Guilty or TĀN
Key Takeaways
- Family suites offer real privacy, we’re talking actual soundproof doors, tipi tents, kids’ robes, and a private splash pool. These aren’t just bigger rooms; they’re genuinely designed for families.
- The Tree House Kids Club is one of the best on the island, daily creative activities, cultural workshops, Montessori-inspired play, and a Teen Lounge right next door.
- Walk straight to Fisherman’s Village and the night market, the beachside location means no taxis needed for evening strolls, shopping, or dinner out.
- White Lotus fans, this is your resort, Season 3 spa scenes and the robbery sequence were filmed here, and the actual treatment rooms are bookable by guests.
- Breakfast is good but has room to grow, vegetarian-friendly with a solid spread, but no matcha and limited plant milk options (soy and coconut only).
- The pool and gym cater to all ages, a 30-meter infinity pool with deep and shallow sections, plus brand-new Technogym equipment for the adults who need their fix.
- Best for families who want both comfort and character, if you want space, thoughtful kids’ programming, and a resort with genuine personality rather than generic five-star polish, Anantara Bophut delivers.
Final Thoughts
Even now, sitting at my laptop two days after we checked out, I still feel the glow of this stay. It felt like a little reset. The girls were happy and entertained, my husband got his gym time, and I had a truly special moment for myself at the spa.
And the best part? Many parts of the resort have just been freshly renovated. So if you’re thinking about coming, now is the time!
Check out their rates directly on the Anantara Bophut website!
Do you have any questions about staying in Samui with kids? Just let me know in the comments! Happy to help!
Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day.
Yours, Lulu
Review Disclosure: We were also kindly hosted for one night by the resort. This review is, as always, 100% honest and based on our real experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Anantara Bophut from Samui Airport?
It’s a quick 15-minute drive from Samui International Airport to the resort. The hotel also offers airport shuttle services on request, so it’s worth reaching out ahead of your arrival to arrange a smooth transfer.
Is Anantara Bophut close to Fisherman’s Village?
Yes, it’s right next door. You can take a short walk straight from the beachside entrance into the heart of Fisherman’s Village, great for night markets, dinner, and souvenir shopping without needing a car. The night market runs on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
Are there extra beds or baby cots available?
Yes. You can request extra beds, cots, or connecting rooms when booking. We had a two-bedroom suite with a real soundproof door in between, and even a kid’s bathroom step was included, a small but genuinely thoughtful touch.
Does the resort have private pools?
Yes, some suites and villas come with their own private pools. We stayed in the Family Pool Suite, which had a private splash pool just steps from the bed, perfect for younger kids who want to dip in and out without trekking to the main pool.
What’s included in the breakfast buffet?
The buffet breakfast at Thin Tai includes Thai dishes, fresh fruit, a salad bar, cheese, pastries, pancakes, an egg station, and a dedicated kids’ station with smaller plates and cutlery. Vegetarians will find plenty of options. Note that plant milk is currently limited to soy and coconut, and there’s no matcha on the drinks menu, worth knowing if either of those is part of your morning routine.
Is there a kids club? What age is it for?
Yes! The Tree House Kids Club is exceptional. It’s suitable for kids aged 3-12 and offers creative activities like coconut weaving, candle-making, treasure hunts, and cultural workshops like “The Samui Way of Life.” Children can stay independently from age 4. Right next door, the Teen Lounge has air hockey, Pacman, and beanbags for older kids who’ve outgrown the main club.
What’s the best room for families?
The Two-Bedroom Family Pool Suite is the standout choice. It offers two bedrooms, two bathrooms, over 80 square metres of space, a private pool, and genuinely thoughtful kids’ touches like a tipi tent, a giant elephant plush, monkey cuddly toys, kids-sized robes and slippers, and a children’s bathroom set. The soundproof door between the rooms is a game-changer for parents.
Is there free Wi-Fi in the rooms?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort, in rooms, pool areas, and restaurants. We had no issues staying connected during our stay.
What are the spa options at Anantara Bophut?
The Anantara Spa is one of the resort’s standout features. Set across 3,000 square metres of tropical gardens with lily ponds, it offers treatments like the 105-minute Coconut Dream (a full-body massage using warm coconut oil, coconut stick tapping, and reflexology on real coconut shells), as well as rain showers and full body scrubs. Several treatment rooms were used as filming locations for White Lotus Season 3, which makes a booking here extra memorable for fans of the show.
Can I walk to the beach from my room?
Yes. The resort is beachfront on Bophut Beach, and you can go from your room or lounge area to the sand in under a minute. The beach is wide, calm, and relaxed, ideal for families with young children.
Are there fitness and sports options?
Yes. The resort has a fully equipped fitness centre with brand-new Technogym equipment, outdoor tennis courts, Muay Thai classes, and yoga sessions with mats provided. Water sports including kayaking and paddleboarding are also available directly from the beach.
Are there satellite TVs in the rooms?
Yes. Our suite had a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, useful for winding down after a full day with kids.
Is it easy to get around Koh Samui from the resort?
Yes. The hotel can help arrange car hire and taxis. You’re about a 10-minute drive from Chaweng Beach, 20 minutes from Wat Phra Yai (the Big Buddha), and roughly one minute from the Samui Go-Kart track. I always recommend downloading the Grab app for on-demand taxis and deliveries, it’s the most reliable way to get around the island without haggling over prices.
What’s the vibe — luxury or casual?
It’s a 5-star resort, but not stiff or snobby. The atmosphere is relaxed and tropical, with high-end touches that feel natural rather than performative. Staff are warm and attentive without being overbearing. It’s genuinely one of the most comfortable family stays I’ve experienced on the island, luxurious, but in a way that actually works with kids in tow.
