"The party-happy sands of Chaweng are just over the ridgeline to the north of Banyan Tree’s private, palm-lined bay, part of a hidden valley on the eastern shore of Koh Samui. In a feat of engineering and architecture, the villas dramatically ascend the hillsides on stilts, clinging to the slopes. Best of all, the resort delivers a real sense of place, particularly in the restaurants’ world-class kitchens, which shine in the festive season at the hotel's Christmas Eve Gala Dinner where slow-roasted lamb rack and fresh-caught sashimi share real estate on the plates."