Overview:
Cocooned in its own private world, the beachfront Banyan Tree Samui masterfully integrates a sustainable, eco-conscious resort with premium luxury. It’s the perfect destination for couples, with each expansive luxury villa boasting a spacious private infinity pool.
Surrounded by lush green foliage that ensures an ever-present melody of birdsong, Banyan Tree Samui offers a blend of wellness and indulgence. You don’t even have to partake in the comprehensive spa and wellness menu (although, why wouldn’t you?) to enjoy this incredible tropical retreat for a romantic getaway or honeymoon.
The location:
Banyan Tree Samui is a spectacular hideaway overlooking the glistening waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Just 19 kilometres from Samui’s airport, on its own private bay near Lamai Beach, the resort features a world-famous spa and wellness sanctuary offering yoga, Pilates, meditation classes, and more.
Food & drink:
Saffron is Banyan Tree’s signature restaurant, serving up authentic Thai cuisine and fabulous views in a refined atmosphere. The chef takes traditional Thai dishes and infuses them with an innovative twist for memorable meals every evening.
Upon waking, stroll to The Edge for a buffet breakfast indoors or al fresco overlooking the bay. Or, for a small additional fee, you can have your breakfast delivered to the villa. For a casual lunch or dinner, you can’t go past the brilliant beach barbeque experience at Sands. It’s not uncommon to see couples move from their daybed on the beach to a table at Sands, then back to their oceanfront perch.
The Lobby Lounge is a mellow spot for afternoon tea, a cocktail, or a light meal while the Pool Bar offers light bites and cocktails infused with local flavours. We adored the traditional tuk-tuk beach bar Froggy Sea Breeze, a spot ideal for letting all your cares slip away into the sea.
And best for romantic dining? For couples, we highly recommend the bespoke Destination Dining experience, hosted in a choice of stunning locations around the resort. Beneath starry skies, a beautifully adorned private table is set for you to enjoy delicious cuisine and a jaw-dropping view of the Gulf of Thailand. Heaven.
At any time of day, though, you can arrange for In-Villa Dining. You’ll feel utterly indulged with Asian and Western meal options set up privately for you.
Spa & wellness
A major highlight of our stay was the Rainforest Experience at the Banyan Tree Spa, a complete hydrothermal journey inspired by European therapies and enhanced by an Asian wellness philosophy. Expect a mix of saunas, steam rooms, an ice bath, a vitality pool and more! Seriously, do not miss this, but I won’t reveal too much. We went in knowing absolutely nothing and with no expectations — honestly, it only enhanced our experience.
Best room for two:
When it comes to Samui accommodation, it’s hard to top the astoundingly high bar Banyan Tree Samui has raised. The 88 villas all come with a private infinity pool (the dream for many couples travelling to Thailand) and in different heights and configurations. So, you can pick the perfect Samui hideaway for two.
Some villas are perched on the hillside, while others are close to the beach or tucked into lush foliage. Each is eco-friendly and provides a stunning terrace to enjoy your view of the beach, pool, or lush natural landscape. And you’ll have everything you could ever want or need with a personal host service.
At Banyan Tree Samui, couples can book into a unique Banyan Tree program, Wellbeing Sanctuary*, which includes accommodation in a Wellbeing Suite or villa designed for sleep enhancement.
Venturing out:
Should you wish to leave this luxurious hideaway and explore what Samui has to offer, put these classic Samui highlights on your list.
Central Festival at nearby Chaweng offers plenty of shopping while Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village (around half an hour away) boasts a lovely walking street of hipster cafes and boutique shops. Check out the Lamai Night Market to find local handicrafts, then slip on your walking shoes to explore local landmark Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple). The 12-metre-high golden buddha is dazzling, and it’s worth the stair-climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the area.
Create your own Thailand adventures at nearby temples, the Na Muang waterfalls, and the Mu Koh Ang Thong National Marine Park. The marine park warrants special mention, boasting hidden caves and lagoons unlike anything else on earth. Banyan Tree Samui can arrange a spectacular daytrip there on their private speedboat, Sense of the Sea.
Couples will love:
What stands out here are the subtle details. Staff quietly arrange your handbag on a chair out of the way, create animals from bath towels to greet you, or deliver little gifts to discover in your room. It’s the kind of place you’ll never want to leave — and many guests rarely leave their spacious villa, choosing to swim, read, wine, and dine in the privacy of their exclusive haven.
Of course, you’ll want to venture out if you’re lucky enough to stay when the sea turtles nest on the beach, which the hotel protects along with Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.
From the glorious bay and beach to the exceptional amenities, wellness offerings, and attention to extreme detail from the devoted staff, Banyan Tree Samui is sublime for a romantic getaway. Because each villa has its own pool, you’ll feel free to unwind and enjoy that often-elusive quality time together. Truly, unforgettable.
Phone: +66 077 915 333
Email: samui@banyantree.com
Check out our 14-day Thailand honeymoon itinerary here
*Wellbeing Sanctuary is an exclusive program offered by some Banyan Tree resorts, including Samui. It allows guests to experience a flexible discovery system, offering a choice of activities from a menu of 50 simple but impactful wellbeing offerings inspired by the destination. The Wellbeing Team will create a personal stay experience based on your unique lifestyle and needs. But the program goes beyond your stay. Upon leaving Banyan Tree’s Wellbeing Sanctuary, you will be given a personalised wellbeing guide which includes tips on healthy living, home exercise and other recommendations for continued practice so that you can take all you’ve learned and build upon it when you return to your daily life.
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