Koh Samui is part of an archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand, making it easy to explore a wide variety of nearby islands. Charter a private boat for the day and visit Koh Madsum, or go a bit farther to reach Koh Taen. Both are perfect day trips for snorkeling or simply sinking your toes in the white sand. For some of the best scuba diving in the area, head to Koh Tao, also known as Turtle Island, only a 1.5-hour boat ride north of Koh Samui.

The secluded hillside Conrad Koh Samui is a serene wellness destination that will leave you feeling fully rejuvenated. From relaxing in the comfort of your villa with your own private infinity pool to starting your day with a morning yoga class on the beach deck, tranquility awaits in Koh Samui. Conrad Spa includes treatment rooms overlooking teal waters, and offerings range from coconut and jasmine rice scrubs to traditional Thai stretching massages. Don’t miss the spa-curated, in-villa bath treatment menu with options including aromatic milk baths, sun soothing and mind de-stressers.

Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing, is Thailand’s national sport, and for culturally curious visitors, this is a can’t-miss experience. At Conrad Koh Samui, guests can take a private Thai boxing classes on the resort’s beach deck, and then head to one of the weekly matches at two different nearby stadiums to watch practitioners' combat.

You can't visit Koh Samui without stopping by a vibrant night market. Typically open from around 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., the markets offer tasty street food, entertainment and unique treasures to bring home. The most popular markets include the Fisherman’s Village Market in Bophut on Fridays, Lamai Night Market near the beach on Sundays and Central Festival Market on Wednesdays. For the best experience, hire a private guide to show you the top local eats.

There are so many wonders in Koh Samui for little ones to enjoy. Take them to see Na Muang Waterfall 1, an easily accessible waterfall that pours into a frigid rock pool. In the evening, make a reservation for Coco Tam’s fire show, a sensational performance of dancing and spinning fire play. Back at Conrad Koh Samui, children can burn off some energy at the Little Explorers Academy. Their day starts with a kids’ yoga class or junior Muay Thai class before lessons about local fruits and vegetables at the hotel’s Project Iris Farm, dips in the pool and pizza making classes at Azure Bar & Grill.

While there’s so much to explore in Koh Samui, relaxing on the beach is another experience you can’t skip. The private beach at Conrad Koh Samui, with around 328 feet (100 meters) of powdery white sand, turquoise waters and sunshine, is a great place to start. Chaweng Beach is the most popular stretch of sand on the northeast area of the island with plenty of restaurants, shops and lively nightlife to explore. At Lamai, the second largest beach in Koh Samui, the vibe is more relaxed while still offering plenty of places to dine, drink and swim.

One of the most famous attractions in Koh Samui is the Wat Phra Yai temple. Thanks to its location near the airport, you can see the temple from the sky while traveling to Koh Samui by plane. The highlight of this sacred site is the 39-foot-tall (12-meter) seated golden Buddha, depicting a time in Buddha’s quest for enlightenment. The concierge at Conrad Koh Samui can arrange a private excursion to Wat Phra Yai for a unique way to engage in local culture and understand the history and symbolism of Thailand.

The locally curated art collection at Conrad Koh Samui and in-house gallery, SILAPA (meaning “art” in Thai), offers guests the opportunity to connect with and appreciate Thai culture in a different way. You’ll find colorful agricultural-themed paintings by a former artist in residence, crystal encrusted elephant figures and traditional cotton and silk fabric paintings made by Tibetan Buddhists. Some items are available for purchase within the SILAPA boutique.

About an hour away from Koh Samui is the region’s crown jewel and one of its most popular day trips: Ang Thong National Marine Park. Your concierge can arrange for a private guide to take you to this 42-island archipelago for a trip tailored to your interests. Plentiful adventures await from kayaking or snorkeling through crystalline waters or just relaxing on the beach. You canalso go on a hike while observing wildlife like leopard cats, wild boars and nearly 50 different bird species.

Overlooking the sweeping Gulf and perched atop a hill, Jahn is one of the most romantic restaurants in Koh Samui. Indulge in an intimate candlelight dinner with expertly grilled steaks from hand-picked farms across Australia and Japan. In the mood for something more casual? Conrad Koh Samui has a wealth of options, including the alfresco Azure Bar & Grill, a tranquil Mediterranean restaurant overlooking the infinity pool in a landscaped garden. Don’t miss the chance to tour Project Iris Farm, the resort’s sustainable farm that produces around 6,614 pounds (3,000 kilograms) of food each month for use in the hotel’s restaurants.