Luxury Hotel · Thailand
Banyan Tree Samui
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At a glance
Banyan Tree Samui sits on a series of cascading hillside terraces above Lamai Bay on the southeastern coast of Koh Samui, with 88 private pool villas looking out over the Gulf of Thailand. The resort operates all-inclusive across a private cove with its own beach, five dining venues and a spa that was named Best Spa Resort in Thailand at the Luxury Spa Edit Global Spa Awards 2026.
The hillside position is what sets it apart from the beach resorts on the north and west of the island. Each villa has its own private infinity pool and heated jet pool, and the terraced layout means almost every villa has an unobstructed view across the bay.
The resort is built around a wellness philosophy rather than a party atmosphere, and the days here have a natural shape to them, morning yoga on the beach, a treatment at The Rainforest, dinner at Saffron as the sun goes down over the Gulf.
Banyan Tree Samui draws couples and honeymooners regardless of orientation, and the privacy and seclusion of the villa layout make it one of the stronger options on the island for those looking for space and intimacy over nightlife.
Highlights
- 88 private pool villas on terraced hillsides above Lamai Bay, each with a private infinity pool and heated jet pool
- Banyan Tree Spa with The Rainforest hydrotherapy circuit, Spa 2.0 personalized wellness rituals, Muay Thai, beach yoga, kayaking, sailing and SUP from a private beach
- Saffron listed in the 2025 Michelin Guide
Accommodation
Deluxe Pool Villa
The entry point at Banyan Tree Samui and the category that covers most of the 88 villas across the terraced hillside.
Each has a private infinity pool, a king-sized bed, a large bathroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and twin vanities, and a terrace facing the Gulf of Thailand. Traditional Thai architectural details run throughout, with locally sourced materials and artwork in every villa.
Horizon Hillcrest Pool Villa
The Horizon Hillcrest villas sit at the upper levels of the resort and are positioned for the widest possible view across Lamai Bay and the Gulf beyond. The hillside position gives them some of the best sunrise views on the property.
The layout follows the same specification as the Deluxe category, with the addition of greater elevation and a more secluded position within the resort.
Family Deluxe Pool Villa
At 169 square meters, the Family Deluxe Pool Villa is the largest single-villa category. The layout includes a king bed, a queen bed and a sofa bed, making it suited to families or small groups.
The private pool and terrace retain the same Gulf views as the rest of the resort.
Grand Pool Villa
The Grand Pool Villas are the most spacious category at Banyan Tree Samui, with a larger private pool, extended living and dining areas and the full villa specification throughout.
They work well for honeymoons or for those who want the maximum space and privacy the resort offers.
Further information
Food & Drink
Saffron
Listed in the 2025 Michelin Guide, Saffron serves traditional Thai dishes and more inventive interpretations in a setting that looks directly over the Gulf of Thailand at sunset.
The Edge
The all-day restaurant covers Western and Asian breakfast and lunch with panoramic bay views. The breakfast is the most-mentioned meal by returning guests.
Sands
The beachfront grill serves fresh seafood and premium cuts of meat at the water’s edge, with the private beach on one side and the hillside on the other.
Pool Bar
Sandwiches, juices and signature cocktails throughout the day. The natural stop between the villa and the beach.
Lobby Lounge
Afternoon tea, coffee and light snacks from morning through to the evening.
Spa & Wellness
Banyan Tree Spa Samui was named Best Spa Resort in Thailand at the Luxury Spa Edit Global Spa Awards 2026. The spa operates The Rainforest, Koh Samui’s first hydrotherapy circuit, which takes guests through rain showers, saunas, steam rooms, ice fountains and vitality pools, each stage guided by a personal Hydrotherapy Host.
Spa 2.0 program adds personalized wellness rituals to the treatment menu, including custom-blended herbal massage oils based on individual wellbeing needs and signature rituals covering Palm Touch, Sound Healing, Breathwork and Tibetan chimes.
Beach activities include complimentary kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, sailing and windsurfing from the private beach. Morning yoga, stretching and sun salutations run daily. Indoor and outdoor Muay Thai classes are available throughout the week.
Thailand
Thailand occupies the heart of mainland Southeast Asia, bordered by Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia, with coastlines on both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. The country divides naturally into four distinct areas: the capital Bangkok; the mountainous north centered on Chiang Mai; the Gulf islands, including Koh Samui and Koh Phangan; and the Andaman coast with Phuket, Krabi, and the Trang archipelago.
Our Experts
Thailand is one of my favorite destinations and I've spent lots of time there. There is no shortage of luxury resorts for you to choose from, each with unique character and charm.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specialising in tailor-made holidays and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury holidays, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalised experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with travelling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveller, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalised service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ holidays?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalised itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travellers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
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