Banyan Tree Hotels in Koh Samui

Wow. Ok, where to start? I read a LOT of TripAdvisor reviews when planning a trip, and understand that reviews are often a result of the expectations one sets for themselves when anticipating a trip/vacation. That said, while most of the reviews of this property are 5-Star, after researching the property, my own expectations were simply premium accommodations, a quiet retreat-like atmosphere, and a good restaurant. What my wife and I experienced was a full-on 5 (6 if the scale were higher) star resort in every sense. If you are looking for a peaceful, discrete and rejuvenating retreat complete with outstanding and prompt personalized service all in a lush natural tropical setting with supreme ocean views, then look no further, Banyan Tree Samui is it. I could write at length about our experience here, but I know you have a lot of reviews to read if you're like me. So here are most of the Highlights: 1. Fabulous accommodations - super comfortable bed/linens; separate bedroom/living/bath areas all with floor to ceiling windows offering spectacular sea views (IF you get the best villas). Walk-in shower w/large rectangular rain showerhead was brilliant. Pool was sparkling clean and allowed for ultimate cooling/relaxation in the warm temps all while taking in the incredible views. Additional outdoor seating area(s) for enjoying the outside. 2. Staff - Wonderful; THE epitome of hospitable. Super friendly, and always eager to immediately assist with even the smallest of requests. Dada (villa host), Golf, Lek (massage therapist), Jane, all serving staff and buggy drivers, even landscapers we passed throughout the grounds - ALL incredibly pleasant and eager to please. 3. Dining - Breakfast spread (hate to call it a buffet because that makes it sound tacky) was incredible. Multiple hot and cold options, western and Asian dishes, full baked goods/pastries selection, fresh fruits, cold cuts, fresh juices, multiple coffee options. Dinner at Saffron was outstanding. A few reviews have mentioned Saffron as being just average, but the food (including portion size), flavors, and as aforementioned, the servers were all terrific. Yes, it's more expensive than getting dinner at a local Thai joint in town (an obvious point made in another review), but you're at a 5-star resort with top-notch service and very special ambiance being pampered as a resort guest. But to give you an idea of ”expensive” (a very relative term): two appetizers, two soups, two entrees, and two desserts, plus non-alcoholic beverages - $105.00 US dollars. Any fine dining, high-end restaurant in a big city in the USA will cost you triple that. 4. The Spa should not be missed. Incredible massage treatments/experiences provided by very experienced and professional therapists all done in traditional Thai fashion. Wonderful. 5. Incidentals: The resort is mostly non-walkable meaning that you are either in your villa (but that's why you come here; your villa is an oasis) or at one of the