I have been romantically unemployed for an extended period of time. And, having achieved little success with the “It will happen when you least suspect it” strategy, I have instead adopted an alternative approach and actively committed a significant percentage of my energy to finding the love of my life, of late.
However, given that the only things I have accomplished by searching overseas, trying online dating (again!) and joining church groups were a collection of souvenir key rings, a ghosting as recently as four days ago; and a renewed commitment to the Lord, you can probably make an educated guess as to how successful I have been…
Nonetheless, not one to let an opportunity pass me by, when a recent trip to Thailand extended an an invitation to stay at the Four Seasons Koh Samui (aptly awarded: Honeymoon Hotspot of the Month by Luxe Destination Weddings), I said “I Do!” and walked down the aeroplane aisle – and later the open air reception – with the platonic loves of my life: My mother, my sister and my 10 month old nephew.
My mission: to determine whether you actually could enjoy one of the most romantic hotels in the world, as a spinster/ singleton/main character of hit-song titled: “Independent woman” (Albeit one who still asks her mum what she should have for breakfast. More on that in a bit)…
Relationship Status: Committed to the Buffet
One of the first things I learnt at Four Seasons Koh Samui is that this is a resort where breakfast, lunch, dinner – and all the meals in the middle – will sweep you off your feet.
The main breakfast and dinner venue, Koh Thai Kitchen, sits high above the hills with sweeping views over the Gulf of Thailand and showcases authentic southern Thai cuisine. It’s the sort of place where the food is almost distracting enough to stop you photographing the view. Almost.
Did the love bombing work? Probably, because suddenly my morning routine involved choosing between French pastries, tropical fruit, eggs cooked exactly how I like them and a fresh juice situation that may very well be the healthiest relationship I had in years. Dinner followed a similar suite. Albeit with more curries, traditional Thai dancers, and starry views.
For lunch and dinner, Pla Pla offers a more relaxed beachside setting where seafood, Thai favourites and comfort classics come with a side of ocean views. It’s the kind of place where you tell yourself you’ll just order something light and then somehow find yourself sharing dessert while watching the sunset.
Which, technically, is still a romantic dinner. Just with your mum.
The real test of any honeymoon hotel is whether it can make a solo traveller feel like they belong. And somehow, between the incredible food, genuinely warm service and the fact that nobody looked at me like I’d accidentally wandered into someone else’s anniversary trip, Four Seasons passed with flying colours.
In fact, as a woman with suspiciously high standards (both romantically and gastronomically), I can confirm the food here exceeded my expectations far more than most first dates ever have.
Swipe Left. Paddle Right
Before arriving at Four Seasons Koh Samui, I’d imagined the higghest hurdle I had to clear would be avoiding awkward honeymoon energy.
Instead, my biggest challenge became convincing myself I was one of those effortlessly adventurous women who greet the sunrise with a paddleboard, rather than someone whose cardio usually consists of speed-walking away from an awkward date beore he tries his luck…
The resort sits on a beautiful stretch of coastline, and while the infinity pool is extremely tempting (particularly when someone keeps appearing with cold drinks and complimentary scoops of sorbet before you’ve even realised you’re hungry), there are plenty of reasons to leave your sun lounger.
Guests can kayak, paddleboard, snorkel and explore the surrounding waters, or venture further afield on boat trips to Ang Thong National Marine Park, where the scenery looks suspiciously like someone has over-edited a travel brochure.
And, the best part is that you don’t need to be remotely athletic.
I approached every water sport with the confidence of someone who had watched approximately three motivational Instagram Reels and immediately discovered that balance, coordination and grace are not automatically included in a luxury holiday package.
But that’s the beauty of it. The resort makes every activity feel approachable, whether you’re an adventure-loving couple, a family looking to tire out the kids or a single woman reminding herself that she does, in fact, have hobbies beyond overanalysing text messages and deleting dating apps.
Cooking Classes (Because Woman Can Not Live on Uber Eats Alone … )
One of my favourite surprises at Four Seasons was discovering that the resort doesn’t just want you to eat Thai food – it wants you to understand it.
The cooking experiences celebrate local ingredients and traditional techniques, giving guests the chance to learn the stories behind the dishes rather than simply following a recipe. (And update their future wife-cooking credentials if that’s what they so aim for).
As someone whose cooking style usually involves opening the fridge, staring into the abyss and hoping inspiration appears before opting for Uber Eats, this felt like a fairly ambitious piece of personal growth.
I signed up for a banana fritter-making class which, unexpectedly, became one of the highlights of my stay. Mainly because, unlike several conversations I’d had on dating apps this year, it actually resulted in something sweet.
The class was relaxed, hands-on and genuinely informative, teaching traditional techniques while somehow making me feel considerably more competent than I actually am in the kitchen.
At the very least, it gave me something more interesting to say when people ask what I’d been up to lately instead of asking why I’m still single.
The Only Red Flags I Was Kicking Were Around a Boxing Ring
When someone tells you they have organised a Muay Thai session for you at a luxury resort in Thailand, there are two possible reactions:
- “Amazing, I’m about to discover my inner warrior.”
- “Interesting, I would like to formally withdraw my application.”
In the spirit of trying something that “wasn’t my type”, I went with option one.
After all, modern dating had already taught me resilience. Surely this couldn’t be harder.
The resort’s Muay Thai sessions, led by resident legend Ahn, are intended to introduce guests to Thailand’s national sport in a way that’s welcoming for complete beginners.
While I didn’t leave looking like I was ready to headline a fight night, I did leave feeling energised, slightly sweaty and deeply impressed by anyone who does this professionally.
More importantly, I left feeling mentally stronger, physically stronger and significantly less likely to tolerate mixed signals.
It’s also a reminder that wellness at Four Seasons isn’t just about lying beautifully beside a pool (although I remain a passionate supporter of that particular activity). Sometimes it’s about surprising yourself. And occasionally discovering a connection with something that would ordinarily swipe left one.
My Love Language is a Physical Touch (In a Spa)
If there was one place at Four Seasons Koh Samui where I understood why couples choose this resort, it was the Secret Garden Spa.
This is where the honeymoon hype hits hard. And, the hotel basically says: “Forget your problems and pay attention to your plus one. Even if that Love of Your life is you”
And, for once, I listened.
Hidden among tropical greenery, the spa feels like its own private sanctuary. Treatments blend ancient Thai healing traditions with modern wellness practices, with rituals inspired by the elements of earth, water, wind and fire.
Before your treatment even begins, therapists take time to understand what your body needs, creating an experience that feels genuinely personalised rather than simply selecting Treatment Number Four from a menu.
Everything feels intentional, from the herbal teas to the peaceful treatment rooms tucked amongst the gardens.
By the end, I’d reached a level of relaxation where I briefly considered extending my stay indefinitely.
Not because I’d found love. But because I’d completely stopped wondering whether it was too soon to double text someone. Frankly, that’s the most healed I’ve felt in years.
So, Can a Single Woman Survive a Honeymoon Hotel?
The answer is yes. In fact, I would argue she might even enjoy it more.
Four Seasons Koh Samui may have earned its reputation as a honeymoon hotspot, but the magic of the resort is that it doesn’t rely solely on romance. It creates a world where anyone can slow down, reconnect and feel looked after.
Yes, there are couples. Yes, there are romantic dinners. And, yes, there are moments where you look around and think, “Ah, this is where people come to start their forever.”
But there are also families laughing by the pool, mother-daughter duos and solo travellers enjoying a quiet breakfast somewhere beautiful.
And as for me?
I arrived single, left single, and still have no idea who my future husband is.
However I did discover that the love of my life might currently be a private infinity pool, a Thai massage and a plate of breakfast pastries, and for now, I’m calling that progress.
My official soul mate status may be pending, but at least now I know exactly where I’d like to spend the honeymoon when I find him.