Hotel review: Banyan Tree Samui

Banyan Tree Samui is an all-villa beachfront resort located on the slopes of Koh Samui in southern Thailand. The resort is naturally luxurious and ecologically sensitive – two defining features of the Banyan Tree brand. Opened in 2010, the brand’s Samui property is regarded as one of the most luxurious on the island and is frequently recognised amongst the best hotels worldwide. 

Why go now?

Just a few weeks ago, the hotel became the first in Thailand to receive Platinum Certification by EarthCheck, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking organisation for sustainable tourism. The resort’s sustainability team is led by a marine biologist and guests can enjoy activities such as nature trails with bird-spotting, guided snorkelling tours to the resort’s very own coral reef, and the opportunity to join an on-site tree-planting activity.

During 2020, Covid saw the coastline so quiet that sea turtle nests from a green turtle appeared along the resort’s private beach. Head here during the early summer months, and you’re in with a chance to witness resident turtle hatchlings make their way into the ocean. A silver lining left over from the pandemic. 

Read more: Banyan Tree rebrands as Banyan Group

No rooms here

Eighty-eight luxury villas cater to families, couples and groups. Villa types range from the entry-level 130 sqm ‘Deluxe Pool Villa’ which enjoys open-air living spaces, an outdoor terrace and an infinity pool, to the 316 sqm Presidential Pool Villa, which caters to four adults and four children, or six adults with multiple pools and private bedrooms and living spaces connected by shared outdoor spaces. Villas offer differing views (mountain, rainforest, sea), depending on where they are located on the mountain. As expected with a property of this level, guests have access to a dedicated villa host throughout their stay to help with dinner bookings, excursion planning, buggy rides, and everything in between. 

What’s there to do? 

As much or as little as you like, Banyan Tree Samui prides itself on seclusion and privacy; you could easily while away the days not interacting with another guest. Alternatively, there is plenty to get involved in. The resort has recently enhanced its status as a holistic destination by allocating a proportion of its villas to cater to “Wellbeing Sanctuary” visitors — those choosing a health-focused vacation with an itinerary of fitness, nutritional diet, and spiritual endeavours. In line with that, a range of wellness activities such as aromatherapy workshops are now available free of charge to all guests.  

There’s an award-winning spa complete hydrotherapy experience (more on that below), a 50-metre main pool, adjoining kids’ pool, beachfront lawn, fitness centre and library. Guests can opt to join Thai boxing lessons, nature walks, cocktail-making and cooking classes throughout the day. There are also complementary marine sports and yoga classes and families will love the kids’ club for children ages four to 12, which offers a rotating schedule of activities such as arts and crafts, games, and traditional Thai dance classes.

Wellbeing at home

Another significant pull is the resort’s award-winning spa, The Rainforest, which, along with expert massages and spa treatments, offers a hydrotherapy massage experience that includes a steam room experience followed by an ice-cold shower and ending with hard-powered water jets which focus on the back muscles.

At the end of their stay, guests are offered a personalised wellbeing guide with tips on healthy living, home exercise and more to aid their personal practice, allowing them to continue on their journey no matter where life takes them next.

Food and drink 

An impressive selection of restaurants is overseen by Thai native Executive Sous Chef Warit Jadpratum, affectionately known as “Chef John”, who brings with him a wealth of experience working in Japan and has recently launched a new “Samurai Dinner Set”, bringing the ancient Japanese culinary art of kaiseki to the beaches of Thailand.

Guests can enjoy contemporary Thai food at Saffron, international dishes at clifftop restaurant The Edge, barefoot barbecues at Sands, and cocktails and casual meals by the pool. 

Breakfast is served buffet-style at The Edge with an impressive selection of international and health-conscious dishes, freshly squeezed juices, and free-flow bubbles. During our stay we enjoyed a clifftop private dinner with Chef John where we were introduced to traditional Thai cooking techniques and got involved in the preparation of the food – a highlight of our trip and highly recommended. 

Daily direct flights

Thanks to the recent resumption of Bangkok Airways’ daily service between Hong Kong and Koh Samui, getting to the island is fuss-free. With a tagline ‘Asia’s boutique airline’, Bangkok Airways offers complimentary perks to all passengers regardless of which class they are flying. These include complimentary checked luggage, lounge access, and onboard meals and drinks. The airport experience at Koh Samui is a breeze and once through the small customs area, Banyan Tree Samui is secluded yet convenient, just 19 km from the airport. The resort is 10 minutes from Lamai, the closest town and 25 minutes from Chaweng, Koh Samui’s busiest and biggest town, so great for day trips which can be arranged at the hotel. 

Banyan Tree Samui, 99, 9, Maret, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand, www.banyantree.com/thailand/samui