Weekend Getaway: Smashin' Samui
When our writer Sam is stressed out, she’s often caught daydreaming at lunchtime about her next beach vacay for her fix of sun, sand, sea, great food, and a spot of luxury. Which long weekend getaway from Singapore ticked all of the boxes for Sam’s latest trip? She chose to head to Koh Samui – for an envy-inducing stay at Banyan Tree – and returned to the office gushing like a little girl in a candy store about her experience. Read on; you might find yourself in the beautiful island next.
Koh Samui in Thailand checked all the right boxes when I was recently (OK, I admit I always am) in desperate need of a break. Staying at the jaw-droppingly beautiful Banyan Tree resort, on the other hand, took my short trip to a whole new level. Here’s what to expect inside the luxury hotel…
I’m pretty sure you understand why I found it hard to ever leave my villa
The villas
The resort overlooks Lamai Bay on the south-eastern coast of Koh Samui and is situated on a series of cascading terraces – resulting in gorgeous seaviews from almost every villa. Even if you don’t go for options that offer views of the ocean – like the Royal Banyan Ocean Pool Villa (there are seven different categories altogether) – accommodation choices like the Deluxe Pool Villa (which is where I laid my head) are shrouded in greenery, giving you all the privacy you need.
Now, Banyan Tree are known to make their villas super-grand, and they certainly spared no effort to impress with the Deluxe Pool Villa. Sectioned into three areas – the living room, the bedroom, and the bathroom – the 130sqm villa had some great features, such as the massive outdoor lounge deck and a cool rain shower in the bathroom (which wasn’t just one showerhead, but four – all lined-up, adjacent to one another). But there were two things I simply couldn’t get enough of; the oh-so-inviting 35sqm private pool – perfect for skinny dipping – and the seductive bathtub, which you can use for a bubble bath (crystal salts and bath oils are all provided for).
Needless to say, the villas are perfect for couples, but there are options for families too (there’s the Family Ocean Pool Villa and the Presidential Pool Villa). Obviously, I found it very hard to leave my very own hideaway throughout my stay.
Snapshots of Banyan Tree in Koh Samui, Thailand
The spa
No beach holiday is complete without a visit to the spa. But there’s no need to step out of the Banyan Tree for a spot of pampering; one of the best spas in the island is just ’round the corner.
The centrepiece of Banyan Tree Spa Samui is something called ‘The Rainforest’. For SGD276 nett, the 150-minute Rainforest Indulgence signature treatment, includes a body scrub, foot massage, and your choice of body massage.
Using state-of-the-art hydrothermal therapies and facilities, you can enjoy specific treatments at a total of 10 “treatment pavilions” (Banyan Tree’s fancy term for “stations”), each one being completely different from the other. I don’t want to give away too much because I believe in the element of surprise, but I can tell you A) it comprises self-explanatory stations like the Rain Walk and the Ice Fountain, plus, there’s a vitality pool, and B) as strange as it sounds, it is comical as it is relaxing. Some treatments – especially at the beginning – caught me off guard because I didn’t really know what to expect. Interested to try? Be sure to have your bathing suit on as you’re going to get wet.
Of course, I did make a point of doing something more orthodox; I chose to indulge in a 60-minute Lomi Lomi massage (SGD173) right after experiencing The Rainforest. I was completely blown away by the service – the therapists’ attention to detail and their overall sense of consideration was faultless.
The beach
Banyan Tree Samui’s beach is a private one. On top of that, even at full occupancy, the resort’s public spaces – such as the main infinity pool and the beach – were pretty empty. It makes perfect sense; everyone has everything they need for R&R back in their marvellous villas (private pool, comfortable outdoor lounge area). This means you get even more peace and quiet at shared spots – a major plus point, in my opinion.
Aside from the villa, the beach was my next favourite hangout. The rows of countless cushioned beach chairs, the clear waters, the excellent service (the staff present you ice cold face towels and water the moment you find yourself a spot) – these were all fab factors.
After getting sunkissed, I decided to give stand up paddle boarding (SUP) a go (yes, it was a success and no, I did not fall into the water). Activities like SUP, kayaking, and snorkelling are complimentary, and if you’re expecting motorised water sports of any kind (jet skiing, parasailing, wake boarding), you won’t find them on offer here, as it’s part of Banyan Tree’s corporate social responsibility to care for the environment and not damage corals in the surrounding waters.
A traditional longtail boat – one of the ways you can go island-hopping in Koh Samui
The islands
I was eventually lured out of my villa to venture out and explore other parts of Koh Samui. Banyan Tree helped me to arrange a half-day trip out to nearby islands Koh Taen and Koh Mudsum (from SGD128 – inclusive of land transfer to Taling Ngam boatyard and boat ride itself), both located just off the southern tip of Samui.
All it took was a 20 (maybe 30, tops) minute boat ride on a traditional longtail boat and I was in the water, snorkelling and checking out the colourful marine life in the islands’ cool, blue waters. Bluespotted stingrays, parrotfish, even octopus were seen hanging around the reef.
Step into the award-winning Saffron for contemporary Thai plates
The food
The main star of Banyan Tree Samui is inarguably Saffron. Open for dinner only, this contemporary Thai restaurant has bagged several awards over the years, including Thailand’s Best Fine Dining Restaurant 2014 by Travel Asia Magazine (it’s also been included in Thailand Tatler’s list of best restaurants for three years running).
Dishes like the prawn cakes, Australian beef tenderloin with hot basil and chilli, steamed sea bass fillet with lemongrass, and the duck curry were nothing short of phenomenal, boasting flavours that packed a punch. The spices were not too overpowering (great news for those who can’t handle the heat), and portions were manageable. Be mindful of their dress code (smart casual and covered shoes) – it is a fine dining restaurant after all.
Another dining establishment I visited for dinner was beachfront restaurant, Sands. If you’re here for the weekend, be sure to pop by on Saturday evening for the fun seafood barbecue, complete with live musical performances and a mesmerising fire show right by the beach.
Getting there + other essential info
- SilkAir flies to Koh Samui from Singapore every day of the week, Mondays through Sundays – air fares start from an average of $700 (round trip) per person
- Banyan Tree Samui is 30 minutes away from the airport by car
- Villa rates start from SGD 1,063 nett per night for the Deluxe Pool Villa (low season) to SGD 5,182 nett per night (high season) for the Presidential Pool Villa
Special thanks to Banyan Tree Samui for the uber-rejuvenating getaway!
Banyan Tree Samui, 99/9 Moo 4, Maret, Lamai Beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand, p. +66 77 915 333. For more info, visit Banyan Tree Samui’s official website.