As part of our trip to Koh Kood, a tropical island off the Trat coast in Thailand, to compile a guide for the Tourist Authority of Thailand in Rome, we had the opportunity to stay at Tolani Resort Koh Kood—a serene and stylish retreat located on the island’s unspoiled southwest coast. This boutique property blends natural surroundings with refined Thai design, and while not without its quirks, it proved to be a solid choice for travelers seeking comfort, privacy, and a touch of understated luxury. Setting & Accommodation The resort is nestled in tropical gardens just a short walk from a small, semi-private cove. It has a beachfront location, but access to the sea is limited and somewhat rocky—something to keep in mind when visiting. The grounds are peaceful and well-maintained, offering views of lush hills and the shimmering Gulf of Thailand. Accommodation ranges from Hillside Bungalows to Seaview and Beachfront Villas, including some with private pools. Rooms are spacious, comfortable, and tastefully decorated in a modern tropical style, with natural wood tones, minimalist furnishings, and generous balconies or terraces. Bathrooms are functional, though a few could use modernization. Service & Atmosphere What truly sets Tolani apart is the exceptional hospitality. Staff are warm, professional, and genuinely caring. From front desk to housekeeping and restaurant teams, service is prompt and attentive without being intrusive. Guests frequently note the personal touch, often mentioning staff by name in online reviews—a rare and telling sign of consistency. The atmosphere is peaceful and laid-back, ideal for couples or travelers looking to disconnect. While not a “resort” in the all-inclusive sense, the small scale ensures quiet surroundings and privacy throughout. Dining & Facilities The on-site Molano Restaurant serves a variety of Thai and international dishes in a beachfront setting. Breakfast is included and offers a reasonable spread. Dinner service is pleasant, and though we found the menu limited it needs to be said that it was low season. The resort also features Skugga Café, a stylish coffee bar with beans sourced from Tolani’s own plantation in northern Thailand—a thoughtful and high-quality touch. Facilities include a saltwater infinity pool with limited lounging space, free kayaks and snorkel gear, and a small game room with darts and billiards. A few nights a week, Tolani organizes low-key entertainment such as grill dinners or traditional fire shows, adding a nice community feel. Highlights Excellent, caring staff with great attention to detail Quiet, secluded setting with well-landscaped grounds Comfortable villas with character and privacy Lovely in-house coffee shop and good massage options Free activities (kayaking, snorkeling) available Final Thoughts Tolani Resort Koh Kood strikes a fine balance between rustic charm and boutique polish. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate a quiet atmosphere, personalized service, and natural surroundings over full-service resort features. While beach lovers may prefer properties with easier sea access, Tolani excels in delivering comfort, warmth, and a distinct sense of place. We would recommend it especially for couples and mature travelers who value peace and greenery. As part of any well-rounded Koh Kood itinerary, Tolani makes an excellent base for rest, reflection, and slow-paced exploration.

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Make it a summer to remember with Soneva’s fun-filled programmes at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives and Soneva Kiri in Thailand. Throughout July and August, one-of-a-kind experiences, exceptional cuisine, rejuvenating wellness sessions at Soneva Soul and an inspiring Summer Camp programme set the scene for tropical adventures with loved ones. For the ultimate island escape, a curated calendar of visiting Soneva Stars boasts one-of-a-kind workshops and experiences with Michelin-starred chefs, professional athletes and revered wellness specialists from around the world. With views of the ocean and surrounding tropical forests, expansive decks, idyllic walkways, shaded plunge pools, and even a spa, gym and sauna in some of the villas, no luxury is spared in Soneva’s vast private hideaways. At Soneva Fushi, one- to nine-bedroom island and overwater villas fringed by lush tropical vegetation capture the 2 essence of castaway chic. Across the Indian Ocean at Soneva Jani, guests can choose from expansive one- to four-bedroom island or overwater villas that feature iconic slides straight into the lagoon. On the island of Koh Kood in Thailand, Soneva Kiri’s villas are nestled next to its private beach, hidden in the jungle on the hillsides, or commanding spectacular views from the clifftop, with each offering a private pool, vast living spaces and verdant gardens. Every Soneva stay is entirely bespoke, with exclusive summer offers complemented by signature 24/7 Barefoot Guardian butler service, complimentary access to the resorts’ ice cream, chocolate and cheese and charcuterie parlours, and more. Soneva Fushi, Maldives Guests at Soneva Fushi this summer can dine with not one, but four exceptional visiting chefs from around the world as part of the Soneva Stars calendar. Latin America’s Best Female Chef Manu Buffara will be making a welcome return to the Maldives, while Executive Chef at Restaurant Merlet in the Netherlands, Jonathan Zandbergen, will be showcasing his distinctive style of Dutch cuisine. Named Austria’s Most Creative Chef, two-Michelin-starred Konstantin Filippou’s signature cooking style blends his Greek and Austrian heritage. And Wassim Hallal, the chef behind Denmark’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant Frederikshøj, will be taking guests on a sensory journey in refinement and rendition without a horizon. Helping guests stay active this summer, former Real Madrid defender Rafael Márquez will be hosting a series of exciting football camps. Guests can also take a fascinating voyage of the galaxy with planetary astronomer Dr James O’Donoghue and 3 astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy at Soneva Fushi’s island observatory. Both passionate advocates for science education, they will be hosting after-dinner stargazing sessions along with fascinating talks throughout the day. Families and younger guests have so much to see and do at Soneva Fushi. The Den, one the region’s largest children’s zones, has a fun-packed programme of activities that include sustainable arts & crafts, summer-time journaling, island-wide treasure hunts and camp nights under the stars. Children aged 9 to 13 can also join the Soneva Academy’s bespoke Summer Camp programmes. From yoga and meditation on the beach and cooking classes using organic ingredients to workshops on digital storytelling, dolphin cruises, astronomy sessions and more, it’s the ultimate invitation to discovery. View the Soneva Fushi Summer Programme Soneva Jani, Maldives Soneva’s exceptional line-up of visiting chefs will also be going to Soneva Jani in the Maldives’ serene Noonu Atoll. Chefs Manu Buffara, Jonathan Zandbergen, Konstantin Filippou and Wassim Hallal will all be hosting exclusive dinners at the resort, including at So Engaging, an intimate chef’s table that seats just five guests. Hailed as one of the best Mexican football players of all time, Rafael Márquez will also be offering his exclusive workshops for guests of all ages at Soneva Jani, alongside planetary astronomer Dr James O’Donoghue and astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy at the resort’s over-water observatory. At Soneva Soul, visiting wellness 4 specialists Bill Gillespie and Amberin Fur will be offering a range of transformative treatments to reconnect mind and body, and heal from within. Soneva Jani’s two-storey family zone The Den will keep children and teens engaged from morning to night. From sensory spaces for toddlers to a mocktail bar for teens, plus areas for dressing up, Lego play, crafts, reading and so much more, there’s an array of family-focused activities to enjoy. Children aged 9 to 13 are also invited to connect with the world around them at the Soneva Academy’s immersive Summer Camp programme. Led by experts in their fields, each session uses experiential learning and crafted play to explore the themes of nature, community and sustainability. View the Soneva Jani Summer Programme Soneva Kiri, Thailand Summer at Soneva Kiri invites guests to relax, unwind and reconnect on tranquil Koh Kood, one of Thailand’s most unspoiled, least populated islands. The resort’s dining experiences take guests on a journey of flavours and culinary cultures. Joining Soneva Kiri’s resident chefs is chef and restaurateur Jane Alty, whose focus on using authentic Thai ingredients and techniques, paired with carefully-sourced wines and unique cocktails, has made her one of the Top 100 Influential Women in Hospitality. Koh Kood’s pristine beaches and thriving rainforest make Soneva Kiri the perfect backdrop for a serene summer escape. Guests can explore the beauty of the resort’s island home onboard a traditional fishing vessel during the Seven Days Seven 5 Beaches experience or guided snorkelling trips to the nearby sunken sculpture garden at Koh Raet and the pristine waters of the Koh Rang Yai National Marine Park. At the Soneva Kiri Spa, guests can relax and rejuvenate surrounded by nature. In addition to an extensive menu of therapies and healing rituals, guests can also enjoy daily complimentary wellness sessions including Himalayan singing bowl meditation, cardio workouts, Pilates and Tai Chi. And for Young Sonevians, the team at The Den and Eco Den have compiled an enthralling summer programme. From bua loy masterclasses and summer science experiments to junior Muay Thai classes and snorkelling trips to Koh Raet, there’s so much to pique your children’s imaginations. View the Soneva Kiri Summer Programme For more information about Soneva, visitwww.soneva.com

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