A 5-Star beach resort today is as common as cheating taxi drivers in a 3rd world country. However a 6-Star beach resort needs more attention as it is scarce. In Malaysia there is one, on Langkawi island but we decided to visit the island of Samui, just north of Kelantan and off the Thai east coast coastal town of Surathani. The last time we were in Samui it was 16 years ago and we were trailing the full moon party crowd and living in a beach chalet with only the stars in the sky to speak of.
Now we are going to stay at the 6-Star Banyan Tree Resort. The acclaimed Banyan Tree group has been growing in the Asian region and this resort opened its doors just 5 years ago.
Built along a private coastal hill top, there are 88 pool villas of 7 persuasions and needs. From the Presidential Pool Villa to the Hilltop Pool Villa, this exclusive resort is positioned along 5 tiers of a hill facing crystal blue/green waters and serene beauty from dusk to dawn. (the pictures do not lie).
The developers of the resort painstakingly designed each villa for an uninterrupted view and with maximum privacy from the rest of the world. Snaking through the resort is a buggy track that transports us from the lobby to our pool villa situated on the 4th tier along this steep hill.
Samui island is just a 2 hours plane ride from Subang airport in Malaysia to the most rustic and pleasant looking Samui International airport. From the airport the Banyan Tree limousine will take 30 minutes via some small villages to reach your weekend getaway.
Designed to be a true getaway for a couple, small family, honeymooners and even solace seeking individuals, you will within minutes find your blood pressure dropping and a sense of Zen overcoming you as you stand or sit on your villa terrace looking out. Each villa is decorated the same and the difference lies only in its size and its height location along the hill. The higher the villa the more expensive and the same goes for its size.
Our family pool villa was located on the 4th tier with an uninterrupted view on 3 sides with a hot tub and a sun deck right next to our 1.3metre deep pool. There was a separate smaller adjoining villa with 2 single beds and a bathroom for the two kids. The main villa starts with the living room followed by the bedroom and the bathroom which all have a view of the ocean and the resort. The infinity swimming pool soothes the senses as you float along while enjoying the clear view. Yes there are other 6-Star beach resorts similar to this, but it is more than just stars at the end of the name. It is the services provided that makes the difference.
You get a villa host (a person is assigned to you 24hours a day) (a sort of butler service) and they hand you a local SIM cell-phone during your stay that allows you to call your villa host if you need assistance for just about anything. You can be in Samui town and lost and you call the villa host and they will rescue you. You want to try some local street food and the villa host will get a taxi to bring you there and back.
There is a full service Spa, a kids club that caters mostly for children under 10-years, a fine dining Thai restaurant, a breakfast outlet and common swimming pool, but it is the private beach that will call you minutes after you see it with its clean white fine sands and clear blue water.
If you do decide to visit Samui town for shopping for looking around, the hotel provides a shuttle service twice a day and it takes just 20-30 minutes to get there.
Villa pricing starts from 40,000baht to 60,000baht a night with breakfast (the breakfast menu changes somewhat every day so you never get bored when you stay for a few days) and rates vary during seasons and packages that you can find online. High season starts is from January to April and low season is from October to December when the rains come.
You can find and book your Banyan Tree Samui holiday via your travel agent or just go online and shop for rates. Luxury comes with a price, but a complete holiday experience comes with the Banyan Tree Samui, Visit www.banyantree.com to get more details.
