My husband and I stayed at the Banyan Tree for our honeymoon for 8 nights in July and August 2012 and we have never stayed at a better resort in our lives. We spent months researching hotels, even making reservations elsewhere and changing them a month before we arrived because we wanted something more special. Koh Samui has many “5-star” properties, but only a few seem to truly luxury, including Banyan Tree, Four Seasons, W, Six Senses and Conrad. We rented a car one day to explore the island, and we decided to stop in to these other properties. The staff was so welcoming and allowed us to explore, and we can honestly say that Banyan Tree is #1. While those hotels are magnificent as well, there is something so special about the ambiance, beauty, layout and privacy of Banyan Tree which put it above all others.
When we arrived at the hotel, we were given welcome flowers and escorted to the lobby where we were served coconut water in beautiful glasses and greeted by our villa host, Wi. The views of the entire resort and sea from the lobby were amazing and so much better than any online picture (if that seems possible!). We received a complimentary upgrade from a deluxe pool villa to a grand pool villa (the difference being an outdoor living sala and a jacuzzi in addition to the pool). When we stepped foot in our villa, special honeymoon amenities were waiting for us, including rose petals in the bathtub, a glass of wine and exotic fruits, and a heart-shaped arrangement of flower petals on the bed. Wi also gave us a cell phone to use to contact her at any time during our stay. We stayed in villa C09 which was perfect because it was close to the spa, pool and beach, so we really only needed the buggy service to go to breakfast in the morning (although we walked some days) or to the lobby if we wanted a taxi to go off property. Regardless, whenever we called for a buggy it would arrive within 5 minutes or if we started walking on our own and a buggy passed by, the driver would always ask if we needed a ride. The villas are huge, beautifully decorated in a modern style with a touch of Thai design and provide countless amenities. When we opened our curtains in the morning, the sunshine and views were astounding. Banyan Tree offered turn-down service every night which included a special gift (including incense, coasters and a writing pad) and a snack (such as chocolates and mini pastries).
We received one free certificate for the Rainforest experience at the spa if we purchased another, but because it was our honeymoon, the hotel offered us both for free. My husband and I really enjoyed the one-hour treatment where we rotated between the steam room, sauna, various showers and a vitality pool with different massage stations. One day I also had an avocado body conditioning treatment and a Balinese massage which were the best spa treatments that I have ever received. I had a pavilion all to myself, complete with an outdoor shower area and separate changing area. The technician was wonderful, and all of the treatments come with refreshing snacks once concluded (peppermint tea and fruit with yogurt).
The food on the property was delicious, especially the breakfast buffet at The Edge. My husband and I woke up on our first morning at 6am and were the first guests at the buffet because we were still getting used to the time change from the U.S. The staff at the hotel joked with us because shops and activities do not open/begin on the island until near 11am, but we rented a scooter and just rode up and down the coast, stopping in the afternoon at an animal safari. We spent our days at the pool and beach and the staff always set up our chairs with towels and brought us fresh iced water. The snacks at Sands, the beach bar, were perfect treats, such as Vanilla and Mint smoothies. We ate at Saffron one night which was the only meal that we did not love, although it could have been our choices as we were not used to traditional Thai food. We are adventurous eaters, but something seemed a little off. However, the views were wonderful and we even received a special photo of my husband and I as a souvenir. My husband became friendly with the executive chef at the resort, Chef Rainer, and when he found out that we had to leave our hotel at 4am on our last night, he offered to prepare breakfast for us to go which he left at the front desk (unbelievable!!).
The service was #1 and every single member of the staff was so pleasant. Our villa host, Wi, became a good friend and we felt very comfortable talking with her and asking for her advice about everything from safety to pricing. She picked up our calls from the phone that she provided to us every time we called (no matter what time of the day or night!) and she even spoke with taxi drivers on our behalf. Wi arranged for our car rental and booked us a day trip on a boat to surrounding islands (although we ended up cancelling the tour because we did not want to give up a single day at the hotel pool and beach!). Pop, the front desk manager, was wonderful as well and always made a point to come over and talk to us when she saw us around the property. We have stayed at many fine hotels around the world, but none compare to Banyan Tree. We did not want to leave and cannot wait to come back for our anniversary one day.