Banyan Tree Samui - The Ultimate Thai Island Escape

Editors' Choice

A utopia for real!!!

Have you ever wondered if Utopia exists? Well, I’m pretty certain I found it the second I stepped foot onto the luxurious Banyan Tree Samui in Koh Samui, Thailand. Boasting of several acres of land spanning over rolling hills and unparalleled views of the Gulf of Thailand, Banyan Tree Samui offers 5 star villa accommodation featuring a world class spa and top class service. It is undoubtedly a tropical sanctuary, where sapphire waters blend seamlessly into the sky. With the intent of escaping the hectic and monotonous pace of modernity, my boyfriend and I hopped on a plane for an unforgettable 3 days and 2 nights in paradise.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Soon after our arrival at Samui International Airport, we were greeted with a hotel car replete with lemongrass infused wet towels, bottles of water, a phone charger, and even a wifi dongle. Right off the bat, we hoped this level of attention was only a taste of what was to come (and we were right!). The entire staff were friendly (but not overbearing), knowledgeable, and I was impressed by the level of professionalism carried by each individual.

VILLAS

Overlooking the scenic Lamai Bay, you can see dozens of villas nestled within the cascading hills of this private cove. There are 9 different styles to choose from to suit your needs. Whether you want something more private and secluded or need one that is conducive to accommodate for the little ones, Banyan Tree Samui offers it all. Each villa is elevated on stilts - a design to reflect traditional Thai architecture, and are perched all along the hillside offering stunning views of the coastline. The best part is that each one comes with a private infinity pool. Surprising and fortunately, we were upgraded to the Spa Sanctuary Pool Villa, which was the perfect place to rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul. The open-air spa treatment area is a calming space for spa therapists to work their magic in the comfort of your “home”.

DINING

Dine in any one of the 5 locations, each one offering an unique experience even for well-seasoned travellers. Start your day off with an international breakfast buffet coupled with panoramic views of the ocean at The Edge. Then, end off your night with innovative Thai creations at Saffron or savor the experience of a beachfront BBQ at Sands. We loved the local talent who serenaded us well into the night. Celebrating a special occasion? A private tented pavilion set on the beach is sure to set your hearts ablaze and create an unforgettable experience.

RELAX, REJUVENATE, & REFRESH

At their world-class award winning spa, we were lucky enough to indulge in a unique holistic wellness experience designed to heal and soothe. I had never experienced anything like this before since this isn’t your traditional spa experience. Instead, The Rainforest is a hydrotherapy journey where you first walk through a forest of lightly pressurized jets and calm your mind in the steam rooms. From there, the therapist then leads you to a pool equipped with a multitude of jets, each targeting a specific area of your body from your head and shoulders down to the very soles of your feet. Be forewarned that some of these jets are quite powerful; a perfect remedy for those deeply embedded knots. All in all, it’s a perfect harmony of European therapy and Asian wellness.

Though this was a quick getaway, we couldn’t help but feel like the design and serenity of this resort had the capability of stopping time. Each location was as picturesque as the next and we left with a sense of peace in our souls and smiles in our hearts. Whether you’re planning a romantic couple’s retreat or an intimate destination wedding, Banyan Tree Samui is a definite bucket list experience you’ll never forget!