Banyan Tree Samui
Koh Samui, Thailand
Lamai
Vibe
Electric buggies navigate steep jungle hillsides, connecting private stilted sanctuaries to a sheltered beach cove with its own coral reef.
“Hillside pool sanctum”
Dedicated villa hosts, custom pillow menus, and attentive service across cascading private hillside pool sanctuaries.
The Rainforest hydrothermal circuit pairs herbal steam and vitality pools with secluded hillside treatment pavilions.
A sheltered private cove featuring house-reef snorkeling, catamarans, sea kayaks, and hillside buggies navigating lush grounds.
On a private hillside cove overlooking Lamai Bay, a thirty-minute drive south of Samui Airport.
“88 villas nestled in the hills above a private inlet, it’s a self-contained ecosystem of refinement, far indeed from the madding crowd.”
Rooms
Every villa opens onto a private sun deck with an infinity plunge pool, styled with rich dark woods and deep bathtubs.
“The villas dramatically ascend the hillsides on stilts, clinging to the slopes.”
Wellness
The Rainforest hydrothermal circuit features vitality pools and herbal steam rooms, paired with ten secluded hillside pavilions for botanical bodywork.
Eat & drink
Perched high on the cliffside, Saffron serves contemporary Thai dining, while Sands plates fresh seafood right by the water.
The neighborhood
Tucked into a private hillside cove on Lamai Bay, the retreat feels far removed yet sits minutes from lively Chaweng.
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Quiet
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.