Staycation: Banyan Tree, Koh Samui

Jul 19

Jul 19 Staycation: Banyan Tree, Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a wonderful island in Thailand, a perfect destination to combine with your trip to Phuket or to the mainland. Banyan Tree is one of the best premier resorts in Koh Samui, located in the scenic and private Lamai Bay. Only hotel guests have access to the bay and the beach so complete privacy is guaranteed. You won’t find any of the beach vendors here.

Screen Shot 2019-07-19 at 3.21.18 PM.png

Banyan Tree is an all villa resort with exquisite one and two bedroom villas spread across the bay. Koh Samui is a mountainous island and most of the villas look out on the bay and feature breathtaking sea views.

The arrival

Banyan Tree guests get Royal treatment even at the airport – an S Class Mercedes picks up the guests from the terminal and takes them straight to the hotel reception where a welcome drink awaits. Check in is done in the villas to maximize guests’ relaxation time.

Accommodation

88 Asian-inspired villas are elevated from the beach and spread around the horseshoe-shaped bay. Some of the villas are located high up on the hilltop and are linked with the beach and restaurants by an efficient buggy service.

A ride through the resort grounds is an absolute pleasure – every villa is surrounded by plush vegetation – palm trees and flowers, all perfectly manicured.

Villas range from 130 sq meter One-Bedroom Deluxe Pool Villas to 169 sq meter Two-Bedroom Family Ocean Pool Villas.

I stayed in an Ocean View Pool Villa – a romantic one-bedroom sanctuary with a separate living room and bedroom featuring an oversized king bed; both with floor to ceiling windows that slide open onto the terrace with a glorious blue swimming pool – 35 sq meters of pure joy.

The villas are romantic and very comfortable – you could easily spend days in the privacy of your retreat enjoying, the sun, swimming pool and your luxurious home away from home. Even breakfast can be delivered to your villa as well as lunch/dinner prepared by the chefs on your terrace.

The Spa

Banyan Tree Spa is one of the best on the island. Its unique “Rainforest” is a holistic hydrotherapy wellness experience designed to heal and soothe. It is the largest hydrotherapy centre in the region with multiple hydro therapy pools, rainforest showers, rasul, hot and cold experiences. It is especially recommended before a massage to achieve a deeper level of relaxation.

Beach and Activities

Only a couple of hotels in Koh Samui have beautiful swimming beaches and Banyan Tree is one of these hotels. If beautiful water is important to you, then Banyan Tree is perfect hotel.

It’s pristine beach is surrounded by large boulder and swaying palm trees providing an idyllic setting for your beach holiday. If relaxing on the beach isn’t enough for you, you could go kayaking or paddle boarding out on the water for a fun ride. Early mornings and late afternoons are best as the sun is more gentle on the skin.

Screen Shot 2019-07-19 at 3.35.25 PM.png

The gym is compact but well-equipped and free yoga, Pilates, meditation, and Muay Thai classes lessons are available. Guests receive a smartphone that features free calls, data coverage around the island and an app with information on the resort and the island.

Screen Shot 2019-07-19 at 3.34.30 PM.png

Dining

Banyan Tree breakfasts are incredible. Choose either an outdoor terrace or the air-conditioned area – both with magical views and an incredible selection of beautiful food. I especially enjoyed the mouthwatering tropical fruit like mango, watermelon and pomelo. Banyan Tree caters well to gluten free guests and vegetarians, as the resort is very health conscious and takes wellness seriously.

For lunch you can’t go wrong with the beachside restaurant Sands that offers a quintessential BBQ experience, while for dinner, don’t miss the authentic Thai cuisine in Saffron.