Occupying a stunning private cove in koh Samui, this banyan tree resort is a refreshing experience – in more ways than one
Since the dawn of mankind, water has played a vital role in cultures and rituals ancient and new. Noted for its healing properties, the mere presence of it can calm the soul. At the Banyan Tree Samui, a sprawling resort that hugs the cliffs of a private cove near Samui island’s Lamai beach, water is presented as an inextricable element to the enjoyment of the resort – from plate to pool to pampering.
It is the latter that is particularly interesting. While the Banyan Tree Spa offers the requisite suite of wellness treatments – from the Royal Banyan spa treatment to honouring Samui’s key ingredient (coconut) in the Sense of Place Sukhothai Heritage package – an entire wing of the Spa building is dedicated to The Rainforest. Described as a holistic hydrotherapy wellness experience, The Rainforest (THB8,500/RM1,075) uses the power of water and hydro-science technology in a unique treatment. Guests begin by walking through a rain walk – simulating a tropical thunderstorm – then alternating between extreme temperatures through a steam room, jet showers, cold bucket drenching, a scorching shower and a freezing ice fountain. Then it’s time for an extended soak in a vitality pool, where a series of high pressure jets are aimed at undoing tension in specific muscle groups. It’s a hammering experience, but surprisingly enjoyable. More enjoyable is a long lie on a heated reclining stone seat that comes next, warming worn muscles. It’s a refreshing experience – in more ways than one – and one unique to the resort.
Exit The Rainforest and the eyes take some time to adjust to the brilliant sunshine outside. Glance around and the resort is stunning. Perched along steep cliffs overlooking a U-shaped cove, the Banyan Tree Samui is a collection of villas arranged in a cascading series of terraces plunging down to the beach. The steep terrain makes navigating by foot an exertion, but worry not; resort buggies are always mere seconds away, ferrying you from the peak housing the reception and Lobby Lounge – where daily high tea comes with spectacular views – down to the cove in seconds. On a stretch of white sand, guests can bask in the sun or venture into azure waters on a paddleboard, kayak or just a pair of fins. Snorkelling at the Banyan Tree Samui is bliss; beyond bright corals and brilliant giant clams, keep your eye out also for masquerading octopi, skittish stingrays, tiny nudibranchs and graceful reef sharks.
Retiring to your abode brings guests to another element of water. Each of the villas (from THB20,350/RM2,575) comes its own private pool, which spans the entire veranda. This means that guests can access the pool from each room, making it possible to hop from enveloping bed to bracing water in seconds. It’s a perfect way to start the morning after a good night’s sleep – ensured by customised aromatherapy oils and incense sticks placed bedside each evening – particularly because the resort’s eastern-facing direction means sunrise graces all villas. It is possible to stay within the cocoon of the villa for the entirety of a stay, lazing on Thai-style cushions, feasting on the room service menu and admiring the view of the Gulf of Thailand from the serenity of the pool. But it would be a shame to not venture out at least once for dinner at Saffron, the resort’s fine dining Thai restaurant that occupies the highest point of the resort, offering sweeping views of the cove to match refined recipes. As twilight falls and lights from villas created twinkling constellations, this is the best vantage point to admire the richness of offerings at the Banyan Tree Samui. Water is present all around, from lapping waves to bubbling fountains, and a stay here is one full of limpid liquid luxuries.
