In a secluded part of Thailand, indulge in tree pod dining and lavish villas

Afternoon tea has never been this exciting.

At 4 p.m., as the sun begins to cool, our family of four climbs into a spacious bamboo basket under the jungle canopy and fastens our seat belts.

With the press of a button, our 'pod,' suspended by a network of cables, slowly ascends through the trees, offering stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand as we rise 60 feet into the air.

A sudden whoosh fills the air as our waiter zips in on a zipline, delivering a basket filled with a selection of refreshing bottled drinks.

He zooms back and forth between the pod and the nearby kitchen, bringing an exquisite array of sandwiches, salads, and desserts to our large table.

Less than an hour later, the tree pod is lowered, and after indulging in such a feast, we find ourselves wondering how we’ll manage to eat dinner in just two hours.

Thailand's fourth-largest island

Tree pod dining, available for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea, is just one of the extraordinary experiences at Soneva Kiri, a luxury resort on the island of Koh Kood.

Located on Thailand's eastern coast, stretching across the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Kood is the country's fourth-largest island. Known for its stunning beaches, it's often bypassed by travelers seeking a typical beach getaway.

Access is the main challenge.

Unlike Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Samui, getting to Koh Kood requires a bit more effort unless you’re staying at Soneva Kiri. (Guests arrive by the resort’s private plane from Bangkok, landing on a nearby ‘airport island,’ followed by a 10-minute speedboat ride.)

For others, reaching Koh Kood means taking a one-hour speedboat ride from Trat, a mainland province bordering Cambodia.

"Koh Kood feels a million miles away from the rest of the world," says Soneva Kiri’s general manager, Francisca Antunes. "The tranquility, isolation, and harmony with nature are unparalleled. It’s truly off the beaten path—this is the Thailand of 30 or even 50 years ago, untouched and unspoiled."

This sense of remoteness is what makes Soneva Kiri, which opened 10 years ago, so exceptional.

Comprising 36 spacious pool villas built using natural materials, with the largest boasting six bedrooms, the resort is nestled in the northwest corner of the island, offering a secluded and private retreat.

Each villa is equipped with its own battery-powered buggy, allowing guests to explore the expansive property, along with a dedicated Mr. or Ms. Friday – a personal attendant who can assist with everything from organizing dining experiences to planning excursions.

Outdoor movie screenings, helicopter tours

In keeping with the resort’s barefoot luxury philosophy, guests are invited to go shoeless.

(There’s something uniquely satisfying about strolling into the cheese room for breakfast without shoes on.)

If possible, plan to stay at least a week. Trying to fit everything into a three-night stay is nearly impossible, as we discovered.

With more than half a dozen dining options, one standout is the Thai restaurant, Benz.

Accessible by boat and nestled in a serene patch of mangroves, Benz sits on wooden stilts. There’s no menu – instead, guests are treated to a nine-course set meal created by the talented Chef Benz, using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, all in season.

"We have a comprehensive list of ethically sourced foods that we simply won’t serve," says Antunes. "On Koh Kood, we’re fortunate that the island provides so much, reducing the carbon footprint of our meals. We produce as much as we can on-site and actively support local agriculture."

The general manager believes the resort’s dedication to enhancing the guest experience has been key to its success.

Resort activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, boat excursions, jungle treks, and mountain bike tours. For the adventurous, there’s a thrilling helicopter day trip to Angkor Wat, Cambodia.

In the evening, Soneva Kiri’s outdoor cinema showcases classic films. A state-of-the-art stargazing observatory is also open every night.

A short boat ride across the bay leads to the resort’s private North Beach, where guests can enjoy non-motorized water sports and dine at yet another restaurant.

New experiences are regularly introduced, providing guests with fresh reasons to return.

"Our newest experience, Koh Kood by Sea, lets guests explore Koh Kood Island by boat, followed by a full seafood lunch with wine at a quaint fishing village run by a former Soneva host," says Antunes.

"We’re also creating a new dining experience on North Beach… So, when our guests return (and our repeat guest rate is high), they always discover something new. This is crucial. For our guests, it's not just about staying at a luxury resort, it’s about the whole experience."

No plastic bottles are used, and waste is processed on-site.

Soneva Kiri’s remarkable commitment to sustainability is one of its biggest draws.

As part of its many sustainability efforts, Soneva Kiri operates its own Eco Centro, which features a bio-diesel plant, recycling station, oxidation ponds, and an organic farm that supplies fresh produce.

All water is bottled on-site with no plastic allowed anywhere on the property.

"One of the biggest challenges we faced early on was convincing people that an ultra-luxury resort could also be sustainable," says Antunes. "People couldn’t understand how the two could coexist. But that mindset is shifting as attitudes change."

Did someone mention 'free chocolate'?

While Soneva Kiri is perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway, it truly excels as a family destination, with its kids' centers ranked among the best in the world.

Designed for school-aged children, The Den is an expansive, vibrant bamboo play area shaped like a manta ray, with a focus on music and visual arts.

Just next door, the natural Eco Den provides childcare and tailored programs for children aged one to five.

Daily activities for kids include fishing expeditions, jungle treks, and cooking classes designed for young chefs. There's even a spa offering treatments specially for children.

And as if that wasn’t enough, there’s a free ice cream parlor and a room stocked with unlimited chocolate.

The only downside? Your next family vacation might struggle to live up to this one.

Good luck planning your next getaway after this experience.

Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood, Trat, Thailand; +66 (0) 082 208 8888