The Banyan Tree Samui is located in a quiet and isolated bay close to hectic Lamai in the island’s southeast. A free shuttle service reaches Lamai in 10 minutes, while Chaweng and the airport are about 30 minutes away.
The Banyan Tree Samui is a gigantic garden complex, rising from a postcard perfect private beach bordered by rocky headlands across two steep hillsides, dotted with very spacious villas featuring gabled roofs and broad terraces designed in somewhat austere-looking contemporary Thai style, each with its own private pool and jacuzzi. The villas are well integrated into the verdant landscape and so spread out that guest will have to get around by electric buggies.
Several of the pool villas feature smaller adjacent bungalows with twin beds for kids. The Octopus Kids’ Club, for children between four and 12, offers toys and video games and resort staff provide kid activities and baby-sitting services.