Cottages Elephant Sanctuary Resort
Eco-luxury meets ethical wildlife conservation. The design leans into natural materials, teak kitchens, and Bali stone saltwater pools, but the real draw is watching elephants from your terrace. It's intimate and quiet — no big resort energy here.
Book direct on the official website to unlock free daily yoga and Muay Thai classes, which are not included with OTA bookings
Why It Matters
One of the only resorts in the world where rescued elephants live freely on the actual property rather than at a separate off-site partner. Several cottages have direct sightlines to the sanctuary. The resort was purpose-built around the elephants, not the other way around. Also listed in the Michelin Guide for hotels.
A hillside eco-resort in Bophut built around an ethical elephant sanctuary. Wild Cottages partnered with Samui Elephant Haven — led by founder Maew Suriya — to create a property where rescued elephants roam freely across 25 rai of protected land above the Gulf of Thailand, with Koh Phangan sitting on the horizon. Opened in December 2023, the resort sits about 2.5 km from Fisherman's Village and keeps a small footprint: just a handful of private-pool cottages, each designed with natural materials and views directly onto the sanctuary.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
1 Bedroom Cottage with Elephant Sanctuary and Sea View
At 100 sqm, this cottage sits within the sanctuary itself and offers views of both the elephants and the sea. Same amenities as the Sea View cottage but positioned closer to the animal habitat — this is the one guests photograph most. Private Bali stone saltwater pool, teak kitchen, bathtub.
King · 100 sqm
1 Bedroom Garden Cottage – Elephant Sanctuary Front
The entry-level category and the most immersive elephant experience — this 45 sqm cottage sits directly in front of the sanctuary with no private pool but a private terrace, hammock, and cocktail station. No kitchen. Think of it as a treehouse-style room where the elephants walk past. Good for solo travelers or couples who prioritize the wildlife experience over space.
King · 45 sqm
1 Bedroom Panorama Elephant Sanctuary and Sea View
Same 100 sqm footprint with the panoramic sea view as the defining feature — a wider angle on the Gulf of Thailand than the standard sea view category, plus partial elephant sanctuary views. Includes private pool, bathtub, kitchen, and the resort's signature co-working space and yoga hub access.
King · 100 sqm
1 Bedroom Sea View and Partial Elephant Sanctuary View
A 100 sqm private-pool cottage with sightlines to both the Gulf of Thailand and a partial view of the elephant sanctuary. All the full amenities are here — private Bali stone saltwater pool, bathtub, fully equipped teak kitchen, sunbeds. Good option for couples who want sea views as the priority.
King · 100 sqm
2 Bedroom Unique Luxury Villa Elephant Sanctuary Front
The most dramatic position on the property at 280 sqm, sitting directly in front of the elephant sanctuary with elephant and sea views. Sleeps 4 adults and 2 children with a private pool, sofa living area, and fully equipped teak kitchen. This is the one where guests wake up to elephants outside the window.
King · 280 sqm
2 Bedroom Villa Elephant Sanctuary and Partial Sea View
The larger of the two 280 sqm villas, notable for its impressive 22-metre private pool — one of the longest private pools on the property. Sleeps 4 adults and 2 children, combines elephant sanctuary and partial sea views. Full sofa lounge area, teak kitchen, bathtub. For a group or family wanting maximum space.
King · 280 sqm
2 Bedrooms Family Kids Cottage Elephant Sanctuary View
The dedicated family option at 120 sqm, sleeping up to 4 guests and overlooking the elephant sanctuary. Has a private pool but no sea view — the focus is purely the sanctuary. Fully equipped kitchen, sunbeds, and the children's pool is nearby. Best choice for families with kids who are there for the elephants.
King · 120 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Open-air movie night under the Koh Samui sky. By reservation only, guests choose their film and are set up with comfortable seating, a burger menu, popcorn, and drinks. Adult and child pricing. Food, drinks, and popcorn included.
Casual campfire experience: toast marshmallows, fill an ice cream cone with chocolate, and let it melt on the BBQ. Drinks, marshmallows, ice cream cone, and chocolate included. Fun for all ages.
Private cocktail class conducted in your cottage by Myo, the resort's mixologist bartender. Learn the technique and recipes behind the resort's signature high-end cocktails. Minimum 1 day advance booking required.
Hands-on cooking class including Thai fruit and vegetable carving techniques. Minimum 1 day advance booking required.
Complimentary for direct booking guests. Runs daily 10:30–11:30am with a professional trainer. Sessions cover bodyweight warm-up, Muay Thai fundamentals (punches, hooks, elbows, kicks), sandbag work, pad work, and guided stretching. Maximum 4 people per session.
Complimentary for direct booking guests. Classes run twice daily — morning and afternoon — at the resort's dedicated Yoga Hub overlooking the ocean and the elephant sanctuary. Led by a qualified instructor. Maximum 15 people per class.
The signature on-site experience. Guests interact with a herd of rescued elephants — animals saved from trekking, logging, performing in circuses, and street begging — on 25 rai of protected land. Activities include the Elephant Mahout program (learning from elephant caretakers), walking alongside the elephants, and elephant feeding near the communal pool. Book in advance at the reception.
Poolside tea for two featuring Malou tea (hot or cold), mango sticky rice, churros, chocolate ball, chocolate muffin, and apple crumble pie.
Poolside floating breakfast for two: organic eggs, fresh fruit, French croissants and pain au chocolat, organic coffee or tea, juice, yoghurt with muesli, organic jam and honey. Delivered daily between 8–10am.
A more substantial mid-morning spread for two: French toast, avocado toast, Bloody Mary, muesli bircher, fruit salad, assorted breads and pastries, organic eggs any style, and more. Delivered 11am–3pm (reservation required the day before).
Evening tapas delivered to your cottage between 5–6pm: black and green olive tapenade, vegetable basket with cream sauce, organic almonds and nuts, and organic red wine. Reservation required the day before.
An evening dining event at Wild Child Organic Kitchen. Refined authentic Thai dishes prepared with organic local ingredients, paired with Thai herb and spice cocktails. Surrounded by the tropical garden and the elephant sanctuary.
Daily complimentary garden tour from 10:30–11am. Walk through the resort's organic garden with seasonal herbs, tropical fruits, and edible flowers. Connects guests to the property's farm-to-table philosophy.
Daily themed craft workshops, all complimentary. Monday, Thursday, Sunday: coconut/banana leaf weaving. Tuesday, Friday: handmade soap workshop using natural scents and local ingredients. Wednesday, Saturday: candle-making workshop with natural ingredients.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Dedicated co-working area available for guests.
High-speed complimentary wireless internet throughout the property. Suitable for streaming and video calls.
On-site gym available to guests.
The communal pool overlooks the elephant sanctuary and has sea views. The main gathering point for guests who aren't in their private pools.
Dedicated kids' pool on property for younger guests.
Most cottage categories include a private Bali stone saltwater pool. The large 2-bedroom villas have pools up to 22 metres in length.
Full concierge including scooter and car rentals, private driver/taxi service, tour desk, island excursion planning, and transport arrangements.
Round-the-clock reception with private check-in and check-out.
In-room dining and experience delivery service, including floating breakfast and brunch, tapas baskets, and poolside deliveries.
On-site boutique shop.
On-site garden growing seasonal herbs, tropical fruits, and edible flowers that supply the Wild Child restaurant. Open to guests for free daily tours.
Dedicated yoga space with ocean and elephant sanctuary views. Used for daily yoga classes included with direct bookings.
BUILD YOUR WILD COTTAGES ELEPHANT SANCTUARY RESORT PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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