Banyan Tree Samui

"Banyan Tree Samui is a collection of 88 villas on a peninsula of sweet plumeria and coconut palms. The resort offers a spa with a 150-minute Sukhothai Heritage experience, including a stretch-focused Thai massage, coconut facial, and invigorating brown-rice-and-barley scrub. The spa also features the Rainforest, an elaborate hydrotherapy circuit with a monsoon-simulating Rainwalk, sauna, steam, Swiss and cold-bucket showers, an ice fountain, and a 66-foot long vitality pool. The Wellbeing Sanctuary villas include yoga mats and resistance bands. Guests can dine at Saffron restaurant, offering dishes like pomelo-and-crab salad and massaman curry." - Adam Erace Adam Erace Adam Erace is an award-winning food and travel writer, restaurant critic, and cookbook author. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife and three maniacal rescue dogs. His favorite country is Mexic

"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."

"The hotel overlooks the Gulf of Thailand for an unparalleled escape into nature and the perfect place to appreciate a Samui sunrise." - James Whiting

"Perched on the cliff tops on the headland between Chaweng and Lamai, Banyan Tree Samui overlooks the Gulf of Thailand for an unparalleled escape into nature. The resort's lavish villas feature a blend of traditional Thai architecture and modern amenities, allowing you to immerse yourself in luxury while surrounded by breathtaking ocean views from up high." - James Whiting

"Elegantly appointed with floor-to-ceiling windows, contemporary lighting and dark wooden furnishings, Saffron also offers alfresco dining with a fantastic view. You can choose from à la carte and tasting menus. The roast duck red curry is paired with a thick sweet and spicy sauce, a fresh lychee and pineapple compote and roasted skin that excite the tastebuds. The fried softshell crab salad with lychee and passionfruit is also a must." - Michelin Inspector