Banyan Tree Samui Resort Review

When it comes to Thailand’s tropical islands, Koh Samui is one of the best. Expect beaches framed by swaying palm trees, landscapes that range from rainforest to white sand, and a cache of resorts you’ll never want to leave. When it comes to where to stay on Koh Samui, Banyan Tree Samui cements itself as the cream of the crop. This serene slice of paradise is the perfect honeymoon destination for couples seeking wellness, top-notch dining and engaging activities.

What is the hotel like?

Overlooking along a crescent-shaped beach, Banyan Tree Samui peeks out of the treetops in a way that makes it feel as though the resort has always been here. The resort takes its design influence from a traditional Thai village. All the 88 villas sit four metres above ground to keep out the heat, with roof spires and finials inspired by southern Thai temples, and a traditional colour scheme of deep browns, greens and oranges used for the interiors.

What’s the neighbourhood like?

The resort is tucked away on the southeastern tip of Koh Samui. It’s secluded without feeling too remote. Lamai Night Market is a 10-minute drive away, and Wat Phra Yai (the Big Buddha Temple) is 30 minutes’ journey by car – a very manageable day trip. Samui International Muay Thai Stadium. Cheer on athletes at a match at Samui International Muay Thai Stadium, or organise trips to other islands nearby like the Koh Tao or Ko Mat Sum.

Where am I sleeping?

My Wellbeing Pool Villa (from A$1,148 per night) is perched up high on a hill. The first thing I see when I enter is the massive ocean-facing pool and Jacuzzi. My villa is nestled amongst lush green foliage and creates a sense of privacy, like I’m the only person in the entire world, as I lazily paddle about in the days that follow.

For those checking in and wanting to channel The White Lotus, the Wellness Pool Villa ticks all the boxed. Guests received a personalised wellbeing plan upon check-in, including custom healthy meal plan, private yoga classes, tension-melting spa treatments and discounts across the resort during the stay.

Even upon checkout, the hotel has considered the details: guests departing in the early morning receive a breakfast box to take away, and are also offered a small plastic bag for wet swimmers if you can’t resist one last dip in paradise before leaving for home.

Two venues, both alike in dignity are what you will find at Banyan Tree Samui. Saffron is inspired by the medicine shops located in Bangkok’s Yaowarat (Chinatown) district. Ornate metal lanterns emit a golden glow, and a feature wall is floor-to-ceiling black drawers reminiscent of a traditional apothecary. But when it comes to the menu, it’s all Thai favourites. A standout dish is tom kha gai, a traditional Thai soup with a rich coconutty broth. Whet your whistle with a signature Blossom On The Hill cocktail (Cointreau, lychee and rose syrup) for a sip that is refreshing and satiating. On Tuesday nights, the restaurant plays host to three traditional Thai dance performances.

On the beach is the resort’s second dining haunt, aptly dubbed Beachside. At night, it’s a magical space with lanterns strung in the trees, relaxed music filling the air and waves gently lapping against the shore. The menu is a mix of Mediterranean classics like burrata, carbonara and risotto, as well as Thai classics like pad Thai and tom yum. One dish not to miss is chuchee goong, grilled prawns in a red curry paste.

How are the facilities?

Wellness is everything at Banyan Tree Samui; all wellness staff train at the Banyan Spa & Wellness Academy in Phuket so that they can administer treatments to the highest standard. The highlight is The Rainforest, a hydrotherapy experience with nine stations that use the health benefits of drastic temperature changes. From a humid steam room and sauna to the icy rush of cold water from a bucket shower, you make your way through the stations before enjoying full-body massages in the hydrotherapy pool. I left feeling like a new person.

The resort’s beach is lined with sunlounges and drinks can be delivered to your chosen perch, or those not afraid of getting their hair wet can pick up a snorkel or a kayak and explore the bay. A storm had just rolled through before I arrived and the seafloor was a bit rockier than usual, so I wear fun little water boots to protect my feet – a novelty I didn’t expect to enjoy as much as I did! The beach is also the nesting place for green turtles that come to the bay yearly to lay their eggs, so keep an eye out for the cordoned off area to learn more about these incredible creatures.

There is a full range of activities on offer here, from wellness practices like grounding, breath work, yoga, aromatherapy and Tai Chi, to Thai boxing classes, daily runs, nature walks with birdwatching, cooking classes, sailing and snorkelling.

Who will love Banyan Tree Samui?

Banyan Tree Samui is the ultimate honeymoon destination, whether you’re looking for a flop-and-drop post-wedding, or want to fill your days to the brim with activities.

The writer was a guest of the hotel.