Banyan Tree Samui – Thailand
Banyan Tree Samui has one of the most private locations on the entire island and enjoys a very special sense of place. Nestled, horseshoe like, around its own beach, with the villas peeking out of the lush green jungle, it is both secluded and exclusive. The tropical setting and gardens are brimming with wildlife – the resort even has its own nature tours – making it feel a world away from the busier parts of the island.
The service has all the hallmarks of Thai hospitality, with the friendly and efficient team almost intuitive of your needs. And each villa comes with a private concierge service. This is five star living, where you needn’t lift a finger.
At A Glance
Why We Love It:
For its sweeping views over a private bay, elegant pool villas cocooned in tropical hillside, and the signature Banyan Tree service that makes every detail effortlessly special.Style:
Contemporary Thai luxe.Location:
On a private beach in the south east of Koh Samui – just 30 minutes from the airport, and 10 minutes from Lamai.Rooms:
Spacious villas with private pools, looking onto the beach or across the Gulf of Thailand.Swimming:
A 50 metre long infinity pool, a kids’ pool and the calm waters off the private beach.Children:
There are large family villas and a kids’ club.Accessibility:
There is one villa adapted for guests with limited mobility.Price:
Available on requestrooms
Nestled around the resort on the hillside, the stilted villas look out over the beach, the Gulf of Thailand or are tucked away amongst the foliage, and come in all shapes and sizes. Step out of your supremely comfortable bed straight out into your private pool; luxuriate in the spacious living areas – inside and out, and if you need anything, just ask your personal concierge. Whether it’s a Deluxe Villa for two, or a Hillcrest Family Ocean Villa, they all have the feel of a private sanctuary. And if climbing the hill to your villa seems a little exerting, then just flag down a chauffeur driven golf buggy.
food
Feast on delicious and authentic flavours in any one of the restaurants here. Saffron has been recognised for its innovative approach to Thai cuisine and no visit here should be without trying the tasting menu – a gastronomic tour of the country. For more informal dining, bay views and an excellent international menu, The Edge has something for every palate, whilst at Beachside you’ll find a wonderfully relaxed vibe and delicious Asian dishes.
If you’re by the pool all day and can’t quite make it up from your lounger, the bar her serves light bites and snacks all day. Dine in the intimacy of your villa one evening, or enjoy the bespoke dining service in a romantic location.
activities
The resort has a whole host of experiences and activities that could keep you busy for your entire stay. It also has a lovely private beach and a sublime Spa that could very easily fill your time, maybe with a yoga class or two. The island deserves to be explored for its cultural and natural attractions – climb to the peak of Wat Phra Yai with its 12 metre tall Buddha, visit the temple at Wat Plai Laem, or walk to the Na Muang waterfalls.
There are plenty of water sports here, and guests can take kayaks, paddle boards, windsurfs or sailing dinghies out to explore the waters around the bay. There’s a beautiful house reef just off the beach – perfect snorkeling territory. There are no motorized water sports in the bay, but guests can book a boat tour of the island.
family
This is an ideal destination for families with children of all ages. The kids’ club is available for guests between four and 12, with a range of activities and entertainment. Adjacent to the club, close to the lawns and beach, is a separate pool for children. The resort also has a library and games room.
sustainability
The resort has a strong commitment to the local environment and the community, with its own sustainability manager with a Masters in Marine Biology who oversees every aspect of their policies. Energy and resource consumption, as well as waste is kept to a minimum, there are recycling practices in place and a guest education programme highlighting the local flora, fauna and marine life. And most excitingly, green turtles come to lay eggs on the beach here, which the team monitor and protect from predators.
Location
Banyan Tree Samui
On a private beach in the south east of Koh Samui – just 30 minutes from the airport, and 10 minutes from Lamai.
