Banyan Tree Samui

Relaxed and happy days we could spend at Samui island. It was 3rd time experience for us to stay Banyan Tree Samui at I-zone. The view from room is fantastic, indeed. This time, we could enjoy also snorkeling at hotel beach...

Stayed for a week's beach break with the family (2x adults, 1x child) and this is our second stay at Banyan Tree Samui and it again lived up to our expectations. We wanted a relaxing holiday where we could chill, have nice food and just relax and we knew this would be the place to get it. We had an Ocean View Villa in the E range and whilst the resort was full you wouldn't have known it as you could relax in the villa or down on the beach. Rooms are very well maintained, given its a busy place they seem to look after the rooms and the upkeep - no complaints on the room, very comfortable. The pool and jacuzzi was great to dip into and cool off. We had a bottle of wine and admired the view from the private deck area most evenings and enjoyed breakfast in the villa each morning - why go all the way to the main restaurant when you can order in and enjoy the view! Food was generally very good and a wide selection of western and asian dishes, we generally had lunch and dinner at the Sands restaurant and the staff were super friendly and helpful despite being very busy. We had one meal at Saffron (Thai cuisine) and this was in my opinion pretty poor (same as our first visit)... didn't really enjoy the meal, despite loving Thai food. In villa BBQ night was superb, friendly staff set everything up and huge range of food - we deliberately ordered for 2 people and there was far too much. Overall excellent place and will happily come back again. Beach activities were hampered by errant jelly fish, but we did paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkelling, rock scrambling, and fishing off the rocks. Areas the resort could focus on: - There is a real lack of a central bar for relaxing in the evening. We like a pre-dinner drink and to play cards... had to do that at the Sands restaurant. There may be a bar, but it's miles away at reception and dont have the desire to schlep around the resort for a drink. - Portion sizes are on the large size and dread to think how much is wasted, plus how much it costs to run. We ordered sea bass one night and each plate came with three fillets, which whilst VERY tasty, it was too much. Same for the fish & chips... came with a massive side salad which no-one wanted.

Located on a very nice and private beach, the Banyan Tree is the perfect location for a few days stays. Restaurants are excellent, breakfast fantastic. Rooms are just a dream when sea view with private swimming pool. Gym : Yoga teacher excellent.

Stayed here for two nights and we didn't leave the hotel after checking in. The entire property looks the same as the pictures you are bound to find on the internet - high and low villas across the hill - some granting you unobstructed sea view while some facing some tall trees. We were in E02, lucky enough to be facing some partial sea view and the reception side, with a heated jacuzzi that I enjoyed so much at night. There are lots of unforgettable memories throughout our stay: on the first night while we were having Thai food at the Saffron, it was suddenly pouring outside, but we were then safely sent back to our villa by the buggy driver who perfectly covered the buggy to ensure that guests were waterproof. That night I spent like an hour watching the thunderstorms on the opposite side. Simply amazing. I was also extremely touched when I learned that a staff was standing outside our villa during the heavy rain just to send us an anniversary cake. As the villas are scattered across the hill, it feels so close to the nature. A lot of pretty trees are planted, including some fruit-bearing ones. At night you will probably see some lizards in your villa. The stars on the sky are also amazing. Tried some of the activities provided at the hotel - snorkelling, standup paddle, yoga class and Pilates class. They have an Indian in-house yoga master. The restaurants are good but not surprising. Had dinner at the Saffron (Thai) and the Sands (Italian). Both are up to standard. Breakfast at the Edge has a lot of variety but that's obviously not the best breakfast I had at a five star hotel/resort. Needless to say, service was excellent. Overall a luxury and relaxing stay. Thank you our host Kwan who went the extra mile to make it more memorable to us.

We had a superb holiday at the Banyan Tree in Koh Samui. You have your own villa host (we had Sai, who was fantastic) who can't do enough for you. The actual villa we had was just fabulous. Spacious, clean, comfortable -just wonderful. The resort caters to children too. The general pool area is amazing and the beach is great too. There are several water activities too. The only thing I would say is that this is a very expensive holiday. Prices are high for what you get. We had great massages but too expensive considering what they cost just outside of the resort. Drinks are expensive too. Breakfast was great. A very good variety and lots of fresh food and different choices each day. The staff were really very good and helpful. You get around the resort by golf buggy which the kids loved! Room service isn't a great option just because the resort is big and it takes time to get around. Really loved our stay. There are a couple of things which would make this a 5 star review - you should consider giving your water bottles in a little ice box so they stay cool. I would have adjustable sun beds by the pool. Offer more options around the pool in terms of food and drinks and I would have staff come to ask if people want things. Also have more options for happy hour at the pool to make the drinks a little more affordable. A fabulous place. Would definitely go back.