Love watching your videos whilst eating breakfast on a rainy day in Auckland dreaming of a tropical holiday!! Your trip reports are the best on you tube hands down.
I love livable and walkable cities with a good food scene. Bonus for being on the water. Auckland ticks all of my boxes. Cost wise, I don’t find it any more expensive than Sydney, Sing, NY, etc. But I’ll never understand why soft drinks cost so much in AUS and NZ lol.
Just noticed you’ve reached 50K subs, congrats! Well deserved and I’m sure with the quality of your content that number will continue to steadily grow. Great job Kev 🎉
Took me a while to catch up with your videos. This series will help me to determine wich hotel to choose for my next trip. We have been plaing to come to Koh Samui for a while now. Last weekend we tried Conrad Bangkok and Rosewood Bangkok- both very valid options for different use cases. Amazing video again here. You have quickly become my favorite channel when it comes to travel- i feel you create just the type of video i always wanted to make myself.
Always enjoy the hotel reviews, and this one was fantastic. As always, your attention to all the little details you comment on makes your videos stand out from others. Let me add to your pet peeve because it's beginning to become mine as well. We as a family checked into a Holiday Inn (Australia) to celebrate my parents' special wedding anniversary in March, booked through IHG and used loyalty points + pay (so they knew we would be coming AND could easily contact me), mentioned prior that it was a special occasion and requested a cake to be in their room on arrival along with sparkling wine. Went to the restaurant to make a booking for the celebration dinner the following night only to be told that the restaurant was closed for dinner both nights of our stay due to a conference, no issue we would do lunch then, nope closed for lunch and dinner both days AND no room service was available, add to our misery try getting a local restaurant open on a Monday night, l was not happy!! Repeat performance at a Novotel (Australia) over Easter, the only restaurant was closed at 5pm (once again for a function) we found this out only after going down to enjoy a pre dinner drink, no big deal we would have a couple of drinks then just order room service you guessed it none of that either because of the function. At no point on booking, check-in, or pre arrival interaction, did anyone mention restaurant closures or room service unavailable. A simple email in advance (given conferences and weddings are booked months if not a year in advance) so guests can make alternative arrangements would be common sense if not just common courtesy.
Great reviews - having already been lucky enough to stay at Six Senses Koh Yoi Noi - will be seriously considering Six Senses Koh Samui for this year based on great review! (and not the Ritz C Koh Samui)
Love reading the comments and how everybody is really enjoying your content. Must be so satisfying to have found your niche on UA-cam and still feel you can evolve, learn and grow. Upwards and onwards Kevin, keep rising 📈💫 And yes, I definitely see a velociraptor 🦖😂
Yes, with an emphasis on evolving. I enjoy not knowing what the channel will look like in 2-3 years, while also happy to know I’ll surely still be making content then. Thanks as always for your support 🙏🏻
Congratulations on your well deserved 50k subscribers! Your content is so high in quality considering you upload quite frequently. I want to ask if you ever plan to upload trip reports or reviews for trains in the future as they would be interesting to see. Great review as always!
Really enjoyed this video. Would be great to see a review of the Banyan Tree, on the other side of the island! Hopefully that will be next on your list :)
After my poor Banyan Tree Phuket review, I decided to give them a few years to get back into the swing, but yes I do have Samui and Co Lang on my radar. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Reminds me very much of Santhiya on Koh Phangan. Although the scenery is beautiful, the hills, the steps and waiting for the carts to take you around become tiresome quickly. I would recommend a few nights at best, don't make the mistake of staying a full week.
Amazing review! Your content is so peaceful and calming. I am planning a 14-night trip to Koh Samui over the new years/christmas! - Comparing Six senses to Ritz Carlton and Banyan tree Samui right now! All have their pros (without any cons) and its hard to choose 😧
Nice reveiw as always! My favorite airline/hotel reviewer! I wonder how this compares to Conrad Koh Samui which is on the more secluded side of the island..
I’ve not been, buts it’s always been on my short list. That said, I’ve heard mixed reviews. I **think** it may fit into the same ‘category’ as the Ritz Carlton Samui in that, it caters quite a bit to program loyalists and redemption bookings. Properties like this I always find to be impressive from a far, but underwhelming up close. The views from Conrad are certainly stunning but even in room tours I’ve seen on UA-cam… the content creators are always gushing over how incredible it is to have a private pool villa and bc of that they don’t notice how… cookie cutter it looks.
I enjoyed your video a lot! By the way, are you using camera for vlogging? And do you use accessories like microphone to enhance the quality of the video? Thanks.
I’m 100% iPhone. Used to travel with extra bits and bobs but it’s just not worth it. I do record some audio separately on location for background ambiance but all voiceover I record at home.
This brought back some memories from my quick visit here in 2007.. of course there are some changes, but you surely captured the undeniable peace and beauty of this magical place..thanks as always.. 🙏
@@tfft I just sent it to my friend who was GM here when I visited it in 2007 .. he said your clip was very nice and brought back lots of great memories.. 🙂
Six thousand dollars!!! You make me laugh! Y was preparing to hear “a big fat zero””! Thank you Kevin, truth is that is hard for Argentine people to go to some of the hotels and resort you go, but your videos are really great, and who knows, maybe things will change some day! If flys could go to a lot of Six Senses resorts, why can t we!! Thank you again!
Great review! Also looking forward to the review for the Kimpton. I am planning to book the Intercontinental Samui for June, have you been there or can you recommend it?
I was just there a week ago and also had 2 Rooms booked (Pool Villa Ocean View and Hideaway without Pool). We also got an upgrade on the Hideaway Villa with Pool. Actually also Villa 46. I've been to 4 Six Senses properties but never had a status or anything but they ALWAYS upgraded me.
Booked this because of your review (plus I always promised myself to come here at least once and your review tipped me over) . We paid a LOT more than you did ($1300 AUD a night which is around $900 USD for an ocean view pool villa) but it was a beautiful resort for sure, and no regrets at all.
@@brilliantbutblue Thanks I also usually need a lot more hints to guess lol but I was in Auckland recently so it was my first guess for the city, and the Y gave away Hyatt for me. And it could even be wrong who knows
It's impressive how fast you have become one of my favourite UA-camrs to watch haha, super elegant videos. Any info on when your video on the Kimpton kimalay will be out? This video has strongly made me consider Six Senses for Koh Samui, but the only available prices atm are just shy of 800usd per night for the pool villas. For Bangkok we are also strongly considering the Kimpton per your recommendation, but are also looking at the four seasons after your video haha
Hi Kevin. Would love for you to review Six Senses Con Dao, since you have already been to Ninh Van Bay and compare. For whatever reason, that property will cost double what you paid for Samui! I would love to see if that's worth it in your opinion or not. Thanks!
Many have disagreed with me but personally I do not think there are any circumstances where $1000+/night is warranted in VN (for a 1BR villa/room). At some point, it’s just a silly money grab. When Con Dao goes on sale for around $650 or less, I’d be happy to try it out.
I can only confirm what you have described. We felt the same way about this hotel. A hidden gem which feels like it's been here since forever. Still, I prefer the Koh Yao Noy location. A place you still miss on the list in order to compare. Once you are here, I think you will feel what I mean. Funny, I have ordered some rock shaped pillows 😂
I visited this property maybe a year or two after it opened. From what I see in your beautiful review, it's still the magical place as I remember it. It has the original spirit of SIX SENSES standing and being created for. Passing the brand over twice to new investors, it's lost its soul, and it also feels as if they are trying to squeeze out the maximum turnover. BTW: The massive amount of flies is a local problem. 🤷
A little surprised you only dinged it two points for the dining situation, but I guess it speaks of what you thought of the rest of the place. Oh, and I very much appreciate the dollar-to-local-currency conversions at the start - really helps gauge prices without having to google them.
The Caribbean is one area I’m looking at seriously for next year. I think it’s underserved on UA-cam (especially compared to the likes of SE Asia and Maldives) but my god are some of those islands expensive 😂
@@tfft I can think of a few places that are definitely pricey but worth it if you can afford it. I guess the question is, are there quality resorts or hotels for average people outside of all inclusive resorts (which I'm not interested in)?
Have you tried the Conrad on Koh Samui? I travel a lot for business and racked up Hilton points and got 6 nights there with the points during low season. The view from my room (upgraded to the best that time) was amazing. I didn’t like the food there from the restaurant too much though and not much around the hotel. The food was meh 🫤. Not bad but not amazing.
Hi Kevin, I was wondering between Six Senses, Vana Belle or Belmond Napasai, which one would you recommend for a solo female traveler who has never been to Koh Samui? I'm planning a trip there in January to decompress and eat lots of good food --and I'm finding that prices are high at this peak travel time. I'm looking for a place where I'm not surrounded by honeymooners or drunk/annoying party-goers and really just want to walk along the beach, and enjoy stunning sunsets. I enjoyed both of your videos between Six Senses, Vana Belle and Belmond Napasai but now I can't decide between them. Anyway, I also wanted to say THANK YOU for staying anonymous since I've seen travel influencers get treated so much better than us common folks that I find it really hard to believe the reviews being posted these days. Also, I really do appreciate you being fair and enjoy all the comments you point out. It's pretty much why I love traveling around the world, so many amazing hotels and experiences to be had!
A 20 year old resort, renovated in 2015 (even if partially) good like a well kept car. Not like my experience in Anantara Bangkok, where it needed a renovation few decades ago.
Still on my list (actually I've had it booked before but then cancelled...) but it always looks to be very 'standard big box Hilton' when I see reviews of it. Of course in the context of an upper scale property, but just looked very cookie cutter and dated to me- similar to how I think of the design/amenities at the Ritz Carlton Samui. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Kevin, is your background front or back of house in the F&B space? You don’t seem to have quite the pirate crew attitude of a guy who spent years in the kitchen, but you definitely know your food.
Kevin do you almost always order eggs Benedict and French toast for our benefit or is that what you always want to have for breakfast when you're at home?
No I never have them at home. Actually, I only eat breakfast when I’m on the road lol. As far as breakfast dishes go, I feel Eggs Bene and French Toast can say A LOT about a kitchen’s skill level, technique and creativity. Eggs: Properly runny yolk? Properly emulsified Hollaindaise? (Also easy to see short cuts here since there are many ‘quick’ ways to make something that is hollaindaise-like). Also, Is it a proper English muffin? A sad ‘English muffin’ or something else totally different and creative? French Toast: It’s very easy to make, but the quality of bread is a big factor. Also, is it a tried and true recipe? Or something totally creative? Something reflective of the region? A lot of the time I only have one night at a property I’m reviewing, so I need to get as much info out of as few dishes as possible to be able to comment on the full food program- dishes like these help a lot with that. I used to often do the same with Caesar salads but too many people kept complaining about Caesar salads in every video 😅
It is probably too late, but you might have considered using a different name in your videos than your real name. With the success of this channel, resorts may be upgrading anyone with the name Kevin just to be safe 🤣
That is one very beautiful place to recoop. I agree that the resorts need to manage the events better so as not to hinder the experience and facility availability of resort guests. As far as the strange upgrade goes, maybe you are somehow recognized by the GEM and got a partial VVIP treatment. :)
I pay close attention to paperwork when I’m arriving to see if there is a change after I give them my passport (I rotate emails and phone numbers so it wouldn’t be possible to ID me before arrival). The paperwork with the upgrades was already printed out before hand. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
It honestly wouldn’t be likely. I rotate email addresses and phone numbers to make it more difficult. If anyone every upgraded me AFTER I gave them my passport, then perhaps, but this upgrade was already prepared before I arrived. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I thought that once or twice, but then realised that he doesn't always travel alone (ordered 3 meals in a restaurant) and on another occasion had booked two rooms (he mentioned needing them being near each other) this would definitely throw Hotels off especially if his companions/friends/family booked the room or it was booked in another guests name when using points as part of a loyalty program so l think Kevin is cleverly disguised 🥸 (his names probably Jack 😉)
And there in lies the beauty of the internet 😉 Though for the money, SS Samui I think has just about every other SS property beat. Thanks for watching 🩴
Kevin, I appreciate your commentary but one is not a mountain goat at the age of 75 years. I want to stay at Koh Samui & Phuket but no hills thankyou. Your suggestions would be grateful. Take Care. Regards John Mc ( Would like to be near Shops and maybe somewhere to have a Beer or 2 with my Future wife.) We are just looking around before we fly to Singapore then onto Brisbane Australia. We will then get married a settle in Australia.
They surely have buggies available 24/7. Happy to help with itinerary planning, but out of respect for those on Patreon who pay me for such advise, I'd need to limit my answers to private messages there. My Roamer level is created just for this sort of thing. Thanks!
@johnmac4843 business owner*. I could say a lot about you with your disrespectful attitude and entitled expectation that the world owes you their knowledge and skills free of charge, but I suspect it wouldn’t be worth the breath. Enjoy your wedding.
If you ask for likes,comments and subscription then aren't you asking for the very thing you are trying to avoid 😆 in the pursuit of providing genuine reviews. At some point, you're going to receive special treatment in some locations thirsting for folks like you.
Thanks
Love watching your videos whilst eating breakfast on a rainy day in Auckland dreaming of a tropical holiday!!
Your trip reports are the best on you tube hands down.
Thanks very much for that. I’d have to also say your city is hands down one of my favorites!
@The Flip Flop Traveller : Really? Being a quick hop across the Tasman and how expensive it is, I'd rather go anywhere but. That's just me.
I love livable and walkable cities with a good food scene. Bonus for being on the water. Auckland ticks all of my boxes. Cost wise, I don’t find it any more expensive than Sydney, Sing, NY, etc. But I’ll never understand why soft drinks cost so much in AUS and NZ lol.
@@tfft Nailed it bud.....come back one day. The soft drinks are on me haha.
Your channel just gets better and better. Awesome content
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Just noticed you’ve reached 50K subs, congrats! Well deserved and I’m sure with the quality of your content that number will continue to steadily grow. Great job Kev 🎉
Thanks very much 🙏🏻 Lots more to come!
Took me a while to catch up with your videos. This series will help me to determine wich hotel to choose for my next trip. We have been plaing to come to Koh Samui for a while now. Last weekend we tried Conrad Bangkok and Rosewood Bangkok- both very valid options for different use cases. Amazing video again here. You have quickly become my favorite channel when it comes to travel- i feel you create just the type of video i always wanted to make myself.
Thanks very much for that. Hope you enjoy your trip to Samui.
Always enjoy the hotel reviews, and this one was fantastic. As always, your attention to all the little details you comment on makes your videos stand out from others.
Let me add to your pet peeve because it's beginning to become mine as well. We as a family checked into a Holiday Inn (Australia) to celebrate my parents' special wedding anniversary in March, booked through IHG and used loyalty points + pay (so they knew we would be coming AND could easily contact me), mentioned prior that it was a special occasion and requested a cake to be in their room on arrival along with sparkling wine. Went to the restaurant to make a booking for the celebration dinner the following night only to be told that the restaurant was closed for dinner both nights of our stay due to a conference, no issue we would do lunch then, nope closed for lunch and dinner both days AND no room service was available, add to our misery try getting a local restaurant open on a Monday night, l was not happy!! Repeat performance at a Novotel (Australia) over Easter, the only restaurant was closed at 5pm (once again for a function) we found this out only after going down to enjoy a pre dinner drink, no big deal we would have a couple of drinks then just order room service you guessed it none of that either because of the function. At no point on booking, check-in, or pre arrival interaction, did anyone mention restaurant closures or room service unavailable. A simple email in advance (given conferences and weddings are booked months if not a year in advance) so guests can make alternative arrangements would be common sense if not just common courtesy.
I swear I replied to this comment but it just popped back up as new 🤔
Great reviews - having already been lucky enough to stay at Six Senses Koh Yoi Noi - will be seriously considering Six Senses Koh Samui for this year based on great review! (and not the Ritz C Koh Samui)
And it's like 1/2 the price of YN!
What a great resort! Thank you Kevin !
Thank you!
Love reading the comments and how everybody is really enjoying your content. Must be so satisfying to have found your niche on UA-cam and still feel you can evolve, learn and grow. Upwards and onwards Kevin, keep rising 📈💫 And yes, I definitely see a velociraptor 🦖😂
Yes, with an emphasis on evolving. I enjoy not knowing what the channel will look like in 2-3 years, while also happy to know I’ll surely still be making content then. Thanks as always for your support 🙏🏻
Great and useful review. Thanks Kevin. Do try Villa Royale in Phuket sometime in the future!
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
You know when you hear Kevin say "you're going to want to watch x video" that you're in for a treat! Looks amazing!
Haha thanks very much 🙏🏻
Congratulations on your well deserved 50k subscribers! Your content is so high in quality considering you upload quite frequently. I want to ask if you ever plan to upload trip reports or reviews for trains in the future as they would be interesting to see. Great review as always!
Really enjoyed this video. Would be great to see a review of the Banyan Tree, on the other side of the island! Hopefully that will be next on your list :)
After my poor Banyan Tree Phuket review,
I decided to give them a few years to get back into the swing, but yes I do have Samui and Co Lang on my radar. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Nice coverage👍🏻
Thanks for watching 🩴
Reminds me very much of Santhiya on Koh Phangan. Although the scenery is beautiful, the hills, the steps and waiting for the carts to take you around become tiresome quickly. I would recommend a few nights at best, don't make the mistake of staying a full week.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
Amazing review! Your content is so peaceful and calming.
I am planning a 14-night trip to Koh Samui over the new years/christmas!
- Comparing Six senses to Ritz Carlton and Banyan tree Samui right now! All have their pros (without any cons) and its hard to choose 😧
Enjoy your trip 🗺️
Kevin, pls ,pls carry on creating your travel videos you are far the best in your field, and l watch a great deal of travel vlogs
No plans on stopping lol
Nice reveiw as always! My favorite airline/hotel reviewer! I wonder how this compares to Conrad Koh Samui which is on the more secluded side of the island..
I’ve not been, buts it’s always been on my short list. That said, I’ve heard mixed reviews. I **think** it may fit into the same ‘category’ as the Ritz Carlton Samui in that, it caters quite a bit to program loyalists and redemption bookings. Properties like this I always find to be impressive from a far, but underwhelming up close. The views from Conrad are certainly stunning but even in room tours I’ve seen on UA-cam… the content creators are always gushing over how incredible it is to have a private pool villa and bc of that they don’t notice how… cookie cutter it looks.
I enjoyed your video a lot! By the way, are you using camera for vlogging? And do you use accessories like microphone to enhance the quality of the video? Thanks.
I’m 100% iPhone. Used to travel with extra bits and bobs but it’s just not worth it. I do record some audio separately on location for background ambiance but all voiceover I record at home.
@@tfft cool! I am going to stay here in August. Can't wait!
thank you -you have found the perfect getaway for us in Koh Samui just another excuse to travel back to Thailand
There’s always an excuse for Thailand ☺️
Wonderful video as always. Many Australians visit Samui so ask for an iced long black rather than an americano and you might luck out.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
First time there was any indication you weren’t a solo traveller. Enjoy your work
Once in a while
This brought back some memories from my quick visit here in 2007.. of course there are some changes, but you surely captured the undeniable peace and beauty of this magical place..thanks as always.. 🙏
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
@@tfft I just sent it to my friend who was GM here when I visited it in 2007 .. he said your clip was very nice and brought back lots of great memories.. 🙂
Six thousand dollars!!! You make me laugh! Y was preparing to hear “a big fat zero””! Thank you Kevin, truth is that is hard for Argentine people to go to some of the hotels and resort you go, but your videos are really great, and who knows, maybe things will change some day! If flys could go to a lot of Six Senses resorts, why can t we!! Thank you again!
I still have hope Argentina will be able to stabilize soon. BsAs is still my favorite city on earth. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Great review! Also looking forward to the review for the Kimpton. I am planning to book the Intercontinental Samui for June, have you been there or can you recommend it?
I’ve not been and when I was choosing hotels for this trip I had interest in 11 resorts in Samui and the IC happened to rank last among them.
@@tfft any specific reason why it was ranked last for you?
after watching a lot of your videos, I am pretty sure you're formerly a hollywood script writer.
If I was, I’d say I was walking in the wrong direction 😅 Thanks very much though 🙏🏻
He must have a marketing or customer service based background within the hospitality industry because he sure knows what he is talking about 👍
I like that one 😂❤ Hollywood script writer, not a bad suggestion at all
I was just there a week ago and also had 2 Rooms booked (Pool Villa Ocean View and Hideaway without Pool). We also got an upgrade on the Hideaway Villa with Pool. Actually also Villa 46. I've been to 4 Six Senses properties but never had a status or anything but they ALWAYS upgraded me.
Lucky you! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Booked this because of your review (plus I always promised myself to come here at least once and your review tipped me over) . We paid a LOT more than you did ($1300 AUD a night which is around $900 USD for an ocean view pool villa) but it was a beautiful resort for sure, and no regrets at all.
Glad you enjoyed!
We had six nights of our honeymoon here in 2008 and it was wonderful. A truly great hotel and worth every penny
Certainly is! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Thank You ✈️
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Hi Kevin when are you coming back to Bali to review the resort there?
Keep an eye on my community feed 😉
Park Hyatt in Auckland
I would never ever have got that! Well done 👏
@@brilliantbutblue Thanks I also usually need a lot more hints to guess lol but I was in Auckland recently so it was my first guess for the city, and the Y gave away Hyatt for me. And it could even be wrong who knows
😉
Velociraptor joke was nice . Sonu Shibdasahani is an Indian british, he is the ceo of the company i think . Awesome vid as always .
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Beautiful place! 😍
Sure is!
As always: great video and a relaxing one, too!
Since sometimes I feel very dumb: the price is per night? Meals afre inclueded in the amount?
Yes the price is per night and whatever was included (in this case, Breakfast) will always be mentioned in the description, just below the price.
It's impressive how fast you have become one of my favourite UA-camrs to watch haha, super elegant videos.
Any info on when your video on the Kimpton kimalay will be out? This video has strongly made me consider Six Senses for Koh Samui, but the only available prices atm are just shy of 800usd per night for the pool villas. For Bangkok we are also strongly considering the Kimpton per your recommendation, but are also looking at the four seasons after your video haha
Kitalay is coming out today. My next five videos are always shown in the description. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Hmm 🤔 Park Hyatt Auckland?
😉
Hi Kevin. Would love for you to review Six Senses Con Dao, since you have already been to Ninh Van Bay and compare. For whatever reason, that property will cost double what you paid for Samui! I would love to see if that's worth it in your opinion or not. Thanks!
Many have disagreed with me but personally I do not think there are any circumstances where $1000+/night is warranted in VN (for a 1BR villa/room). At some point, it’s just a silly money grab. When Con Dao goes on sale for around $650 or less, I’d be happy to try it out.
I can only confirm what you have described. We felt the same way about this hotel. A hidden gem which feels like it's been here since forever. Still, I prefer the Koh Yao Noy location. A place you still miss on the list in order to compare. Once you are here, I think you will feel what I mean. Funny, I have ordered some rock shaped pillows 😂
It’s certainly on my list for next year!
I visited this property maybe a year or two after it opened. From what I see in your beautiful review, it's still the magical place as I remember it. It has the original spirit of SIX SENSES standing and being created for. Passing the brand over twice to new investors, it's lost its soul, and it also feels as if they are trying to squeeze out the maximum turnover. BTW: The massive amount of flies is a local problem. 🤷
A little surprised you only dinged it two points for the dining situation, but I guess it speaks of what you thought of the rest of the place.
Oh, and I very much appreciate the dollar-to-local-currency conversions at the start - really helps gauge prices without having to google them.
It would be a full on ding if they didn't offer the a la carte- but fact of the matter is the view was so good... it was hard to focus on the bad.
Great review! Too bad it's not about Six Senses Yao Noi. I'm going there in a month and I'm curious what awaits me.
Enjoy your trip 🗺️
This is the type of resort I'd enjoy staying at. Though I'm more of West Indian type of guy, as i was born in Jamaica.
The Caribbean is one area I’m looking at seriously for next year. I think it’s underserved on UA-cam (especially compared to the likes of SE Asia and Maldives) but my god are some of those islands expensive 😂
@@tfft I can think of a few places that are definitely pricey but worth it if you can afford it. I guess the question is, are there quality resorts or hotels for average people outside of all inclusive resorts (which I'm not interested in)?
Very very nice
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Have you tried the Conrad on Koh Samui? I travel a lot for business and racked up Hilton points and got 6 nights there with the points during low season. The view from my room (upgraded to the best that time) was amazing. I didn’t like the food there from the restaurant too much though and not much around the hotel. The food was meh 🫤. Not bad but not amazing.
Hi!Can you please try Taj Falaknuma and ITC Kohenur in Hyderabad,India later if possible?
We shall see. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
@@tfft I am your new subscriber and your videos are really detailed and honest
"Lovers of tropical", or just lovers!
Well surely not lovers who hate the tropics 😅
What you suggest best? Six Senses Samui or Vana Belle? Kindly suggest going next month there and looking for best good property.
Depends on personal style. Both bat at the same level. I personally prefer the style of SS. Thanks for watching 🩴
Hello Kevin, I was just wondering maybe hotel staff from the reception will soon memorize your voice just in case you show up in their property 😂
Actually, I pretend to not speak English when I’m traveling. (Kidding 😂) Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Thank you for finally getting me the perfect resort so i can get away even though i am thai
Thais are allowed to have fun too 😉
Hi Kevin, I was wondering between Six Senses, Vana Belle or Belmond Napasai, which one would you recommend for a solo female traveler who has never been to Koh Samui? I'm planning a trip there in January to decompress and eat lots of good food --and I'm finding that prices are high at this peak travel time. I'm looking for a place where I'm not surrounded by honeymooners or drunk/annoying party-goers and really just want to walk along the beach, and enjoy stunning sunsets. I enjoyed both of your videos between Six Senses, Vana Belle and Belmond Napasai but now I can't decide between them. Anyway, I also wanted to say THANK YOU for staying anonymous since I've seen travel influencers get treated so much better than us common folks that I find it really hard to believe the reviews being posted these days. Also, I really do appreciate you being fair and enjoy all the comments you point out. It's pretty much why I love traveling around the world, so many amazing hotels and experiences to be had!
You won't find partiers at any of those properties. SS is my favorite, Vana Belle best for beach walking though.
A 20 year old resort, renovated in 2015 (even if partially) good like a well kept car. Not like my experience in Anantara Bangkok, where it needed a renovation few decades ago.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Have not seen a sunrise since Haleakala in 2021 and maybe 25 years before that when I would stay out all night 😅
Can’t remember the last time I *didn’t* see a sunrise 😂
You must try Conrad Samui !
Still on my list (actually I've had it booked before but then cancelled...) but it always looks to be very 'standard big box Hilton' when I see reviews of it. Of course in the context of an upper scale property, but just looked very cookie cutter and dated to me- similar to how I think of the design/amenities at the Ritz Carlton Samui. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
At there is the best views
Kevin, is your background front or back of house in the F&B space? You don’t seem to have quite the pirate crew attitude of a guy who spent years in the kitchen, but you definitely know your food.
Former owner-operator/exec 'chef'.
Ahhh that makes sense you’d straddle those worlds - Just joined your Patreon today btw. Love the content
Kevin do you almost always order eggs Benedict and French toast for our benefit or is that what you always want to have for breakfast when you're at home?
No I never have them at home. Actually, I only eat breakfast when I’m on the road lol. As far as breakfast dishes go, I feel Eggs Bene and French Toast can say A LOT about a kitchen’s skill level, technique and creativity.
Eggs: Properly runny yolk? Properly emulsified Hollaindaise? (Also easy to see short cuts here since there are many ‘quick’ ways to make something that is hollaindaise-like). Also, Is it a proper English muffin? A sad ‘English muffin’ or something else totally different and creative?
French Toast: It’s very easy to make, but the quality of bread is a big factor. Also, is it a tried and true recipe? Or something totally creative? Something reflective of the region?
A lot of the time I only have one night at a property I’m reviewing, so I need to get as much info out of as few dishes as possible to be able to comment on the full food program- dishes like these help a lot with that. I used to often do the same with Caesar salads but too many people kept complaining about Caesar salads in every video 😅
It is probably too late, but you might have considered using a different name in your videos than your real name. With the success of this channel, resorts may be upgrading anyone with the name Kevin just to be safe 🤣
You’re assuming Kevin is my real name 😉
One guess is that the fruit flies reflect that they aren't spraying the grounds with insecticides.
I doubt they’d be spraying anywhere near the restaurant facilities in any case, but sure… could be. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Top of my list now but unfortunately looks like it will be out of budget but looks stunning.👍
During low season this SS is surely the cheapest one on earth often under $375- try to check it out then!
@The Flip Flop Traveller yep checked prices for high season the hideaway without pool maybe just about doable
Why avoid november?
Secondly are you going to Naka island?
November is (by far) the rainiest month of the year. I’ve already been to Naka. There’s a video on the channel.
@@tfft between this and Naka which do you prefer? I didn’t prefer the beach on Naka btw
That is one very beautiful place to recoop. I agree that the resorts need to manage the events better so as not to hinder the experience and facility availability of resort guests. As far as the strange upgrade goes, maybe you are somehow recognized by the GEM and got a partial VVIP treatment. :)
I pay close attention to paperwork when I’m arriving to see if there is a change after I give them my passport (I rotate emails and phone numbers so it wouldn’t be possible to ID me before arrival). The paperwork with the upgrades was already printed out before hand. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Hmmm, I wonder if the hotels are catching up on you!
It honestly wouldn’t be likely. I rotate email addresses and phone numbers to make it more difficult. If anyone every upgraded me AFTER I gave them my passport, then perhaps, but this upgrade was already prepared before I arrived. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I thought that once or twice, but then realised that he doesn't always travel alone (ordered 3 meals in a restaurant) and on another occasion had booked two rooms (he mentioned needing them being near each other) this would definitely throw Hotels off especially if his companions/friends/family booked the room or it was booked in another guests name when using points as part of a loyalty program so l think Kevin is cleverly disguised 🥸 (his names probably Jack 😉)
And, the number of meals or rooms I show/talk about isn’t always the actual number had 😂. Gotta stay 18 steps ahead!
@@tfft : I think you are doing well 👍
Fantastic. I think that could well be a video idea - how you avoid being known.😂🤔📹
1:55 It almost looks like an egg roll
Thanks for watching 🩴
That nearby residential complex to the south is absolutely an eyesore. Feel bad for the resort.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
even I don't like my initials embossed on the Tumi suitcases / bags / backpacks. Looks silly.
Huh? No idea what you’re talking about 😂
Samui's Best? Don't agree! That would be the Four Seasons!! Six Senses has much nicer resorts, i.e. Koh Yao Noi, Zighy Bay, or Con Dao!
And there in lies the beauty of the internet 😉 Though for the money, SS Samui I think has just about every other SS property beat. Thanks for watching 🩴
Kevin, I appreciate your commentary but one is not a mountain goat at the age of 75 years. I want to stay at Koh Samui & Phuket but no hills thankyou. Your suggestions would be grateful. Take Care. Regards John Mc ( Would like to be near Shops and maybe somewhere to have a Beer or 2 with my Future wife.) We are just looking around before we fly to Singapore then onto Brisbane Australia. We will then get married a settle in Australia.
They surely have buggies available 24/7. Happy to help with itinerary planning, but out of respect for those on Patreon who pay me for such advise, I'd need to limit my answers to private messages there. My Roamer level is created just for this sort of thing. Thanks!
@@tfft Money Grabber - One day you will be older?
@johnmac4843 business owner*. I could say a lot about you with your disrespectful attitude and entitled expectation that the world owes you their knowledge and skills free of charge, but I suspect it wouldn’t be worth the breath. Enjoy your wedding.
I wonder what your job is since you have unsponsored reviews that means you earn profit while travelling
This is my job lol
If you ask for likes,comments and subscription then aren't you asking for the very thing you are trying to avoid 😆 in the pursuit of providing genuine reviews. At some point, you're going to receive special treatment in some locations thirsting for folks like you.
Not a clue how the two are related.
@@tfft 😆
One of the most beautiful and natural resorts but i really cannot stand the colors six senses use… that green and yellow are so cartoonish 😅
Thanks for watching 🩴
The hotel doesn’t look to elegant, very standard chain-like design
THIS is what "standard chain-like design" looks like to you? I'm curious what your world looks like lol
I do enjoy your videos Kevin, but this is another "top rated" hotel that looks to me a bit "meh".
I’m very glad I don’t need to shop for your Christmas presents 😂
@@tfft 😂Fair enough!
Nice place, but the fruit flies is not my style 😅 have you also been to khao lak in Thailand?
Not yet, but it’s on my list!
@@tfft 👍 we loved DEVASOM there. Thanks for all your great work 😍
Thanks
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻