Set on a hillside on the southeast coast of Samui with stunning views over Lamai Bay, Banyan Tree Samui is the epitome of an idyllic luxury Thai retreat.

On arrival, flower garland in hand, sipping fresh, ice-cold coconut water and looking out on to the sapphire waters of the Gulf of Thailand, my shoulders drop and I can’t help but feel serenity take over.

As we’re escorted up the steep hill to our villa, passing towering palms and aromatic lilies, our personal host, Saya, hands me a phone that I can apparently use to contact her with any request, anytime, day or night, (I don’t of course, I couldn’t possibly). She tells me that the resort is at capacity. It feels so quiet, but maybe that’s its secret.

The villas are so spacious and hidden that they could be private residences, and personal service is such that we feel like we’re the only people here.

It’s the same on arrival at the resort’s spectacular Rainforest Spa. Unusually, I’m given my own personal spa guide, a ‘Hydrothermal Host’, who takes me through each stage of the extensive hydrotherapy/thermal circuit (the only one on the island) then personally escorts me to my treatment room.

The level of service and intimacy continues for the rest of our stay. On our last night we head for a romantic dinner at Sands, the resort’s informal beachside restaurant. Just before we leave we’re handed a Thai lantern, taken down to the sea, told to make a wish, and release it. I get a tad emotional.

Banyan Tree are renowned for their eco-friendly, world-class luxury spa resorts, but this one has something a little bit magical.

Banyan Tree Spa

Banyan Tree Samui houses the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa with 10 spacious spa pavilions. The Banyan Tree Spa is located down the hill hidden amongst the trees, contemporary in design with a nature-inspired décor, using natural materials to bring the outside in; a forest within a forest.

Facilities include a personal hydrotherapy/thermal circuit with ice drench buckets and jet stream massage showers, a foot spa, sauna and steam rooms and a complete hydro-jet pool and heated stone relaxation beds.

Aromatic oils, tropical fruits, herbs and spices are used during the spa treatment depending on the treatment.

The Treatment

Rainforest Experience. A personal hydro and thermo circuit is followed by a ‘balancing’ back massage. Warm oils were used to relax my muscles and my skilled therapist used sweeping and stretching movements to open up my back and spine to release any tension.

The treatment finished with a Swedish style full body massage and a pressure point head massage. Heated eucalyptus towels were then placed on the neck to awaken the senses. Pure and utter BLISS…

Other Treatments

Thai Essence, a coconut scrub is used to cleanse and exfoliate the skin, followed by a hot stone massage with clarity oil working on pressure points to help discharge toxins.

To Stay

We stayed in an Ocean Pool Villa, which was set high in the hills with panoramic views of the bay.

A huge lounge with a full bar, flat-screen TV, and huge comfy sofas leads on to a bedroom with kingsize bed and glass doors to a private infinity pool. An outside dining area with glass surround, double day bed, and relaxation deck with bean bags is the cherry on the cake.

Facilities include: A double walk-in monsoon and multi-jet shower. Oodles of Banyan Tree own-brand toiletries. There’s also a turndown service with pillow aromatherapy and macaroons.

To Eat

Saffron sits at the highest point in the resort – a truly romantic setting overlooking the bay – and serves up delicious grilled local fish and Thai curries. The chef asks for your favourite ingredients and spice preferences and creates a personal menu for you. (There’s the personal service again!).

For candlelit beachside dining Sands offers char-grilled fish and meats, pastas and wood-fired pizzas. After dinner you can arrange with the waiters to set off Thai lanterns on the beach – again a very romantic twist!

Other eateries include The Edge for international buffet breakfast and a selection of à la carte menus and The Pool Bar for a respite from the sun with refreshing juices and signature cocktails and a collection of healthy-living recipes.

The Lobby Lounge has a modern atmosphere for quiet mornings or leisurely indulgent afternoon tea. The lounge also provides Thai and Western tapas and a selection of signature cocktails – including mixes unique to Banyan Tree.

Don’t Miss

A session in the Yoga room – Yoga, stretching and sun salutation classes are available under the tutelage of professional instructors. For those looking for a more personalised session, private classes are available.