BANYAN TREE SAMUI

The moment we walked into Banyan Tree, our breath was taken away, the resort is like stepping into paradise with views like no other, we knew immediately this would be our wedding location. We booked our wedding a year in advance and our wedding planner was extremely accommodating throughout the entire year, leading up to moments before the wedding.The entire day ran smoothly and the staff went above and beyond for our special day. We spent 5 nights at Banyan tree in total and didn't want to leave! The private villa is beautiful, having a pool and sun lounge couldn't have been better. At night, we would come back to our villa and our room had been re-made, our slippers and dressing robes layed out with a sweet treat by our bedside, which was so lovely, we felt very spoilt. The restaurants at Banyan Tree are beautiful, the food is incredible and the private beach is amazing too! We honestly cannot fault Banyan tree, we had a perfect wedding and perfect stay.The best resort, we had ever stayed at in our whole lives.

The Banyan Tree is situated in a quiet remote part of the island. From the moment we arrived, we felt we were in Paradise. Amazing views from the reception area. Amy was our Villa Host and she was wonderful checking us in very quickly and our Villa was available within 20 minutes. Our Villa was C15 right at the end of the cul de sac - all Villas very private and you don't see or hear anyone. I think we faced west - the pool only gets the morning sun then shaded all afternoon which is fine. I think that if the growth was controlled and cut back a little we would have somewhat of a view. We really had no view from our Villa as the trees were all overgrown - so that was somewhat disappointing. We were able to walk down to the pool and beach quite easily from our Villa - but definitely need the buggy rides to the Edge restaurant for breakfast. It was only one night we had to wait the 15 mins otherwise they were always there very promptly. The Sands restaurant was the only restaurant we ate at as we loved the location right on the beach and it was casual. We did not feel like dressing up for the more formal restaurants (especially in that heat). Food is somewhat pricey - but every meal, lunch or dinner was excellent. On the surf and turf night - there was an error on the iPad menu - and we were the only guests who pointed it out - the Chef graciously made us the shrimp starter which was delicious - in addition to the scallops that was their normal menu! They do not mind you sharing meals which was perfect for us. The breakfast at the Edge restaurant was delicious and great variety, catering to both western and eastern tastes. One thing I would have preferred is a teapot of really hot tea in a good size mug instead of that little shallow teacup. I am sure I could have requested it but did not want to bother the staff who were all so pleasant and accommodating. The "free" spa treatment at the Rainforest Spa was somewhat disappointing. I think its offered more to upsell a spa treatment. We did the Rainforest walk - and had to share some of the treatment where it was clearly meant for one at a time. In addition there were a couple of treatment that were conveniently "left off" - and these were the ones we were looking forward to. This is not explained when they first offer the free treatment - only once you check in. The spa treatment was okay but nothing memorable. All in all a good stay.

Excellent in all aspect. I had a full relaxation while staying at my own deluxe pool villas. I was very happy with my stay, loved the mixology class with Chef Kai at the Sands, wonderful dinner at Saffron and the scrumptious spread of breakfast at The Edge. Wonderful to experience the The Rainforest and the ‘Sense of Nature Tour’. The In-Villa dining experience was also great with variety of options to choose from. The staff at Banyan Tree Samui was very thoughtful. Enjoyed at every corner of the resort that offers breathtaking view of the Lamai Beach.

We stayed at the Banyon Tree as a family of four including two teenage boys. The resort is built into the hills around a small cove which provides a private beach. While this provides a wonderful aspect, it does make for a very dispersed resort with no natural centre or heart and everything is a long walk up and down steep hills, or a buggie ride. However, for these you're quoted a 15-minute wait and they are not the safest way to travel (warning signs say wear seatbelt, but there aren't any). Our villa was set high up the hill on the far side from reception, facing East. It had wonderful views across the resort, beach and sea to other islands. However, we had no direct sun from about 2.30pm and so had to decamp to the beach if we wanted the sun. The gym is great, the pool looked wonderful but we didn't use it, the beach is very clean and well attended by the ever-helpful and cheerful staff. In fact, all the staff were constantly smiling and helpful. The biggest issue for us was the food quality and prices. Our first night dinner cost in the Sands restaurant was in excess of $450 for four (with no desserts or coffees and one bottle of wine) and was fairly average. Lunches were about half that, but for only one course per person plus drinks. This compares with about $60 for an equivalent meal in the local town! In fact, the meals we had outside the resort were also much better quality - lovely authentic Thai food. The exception to this was the breakfast, which was a fantastic buffet featuring anything you could wish for (including ice cream!). The other issue with this resort is the lack of a decent bar. The main bar is up the hill at reception, so a long way from anything (and the Edge restaurant next to it closes at 6pm!), so was always empty. The pool bar closes at 6.30pm and was also always empty, so there was no natural focus or soul to the resort. We discussed these issues with the management, but it was clear that they had very limited ability to do anything to improve the situation. As a result, I think you could find a better overall resort elsewhere on Samui island.

Location, ambiance, cuisine, service, true Thai hospitality - sums up my recent stay at Banyan Tree Samui!!! Did not want to leave!!! Lamai Beach area - small, intimate beach - calm waters, just beautiful. True Thai style accommodations, in secluded and private villas. Amazing Thai cuisine with lots of choice. Service, true, typical Thai gracious hospitality, from the heart.