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Ark Bar Beach ResortvsBanyan Tree Samui
Both Ark Bar Beach Resort and Banyan Tree Samui are praised by expert writers. On balance, Banyan Tree Samui scores significantly better than Ark Bar Beach Resort. Banyan Tree Samui scores 84 with approval from 7 sources such as Condé Nast Traveler, The Telegraph and Rough Guide.
Ark Bar Beach Resort
Oyster
Frommer's
Lonely Planet
159/89 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach, Bophut, Chaweng, Koh Samui 84320, Thailand
From $45/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Shuttle Bus
- Laundry Service
- Restaurant
- Pool
OysterMid-Range
"Ark Bar Beach Resort is a mid-range hotel set along a scenic white-sand beach in the heart of downtown Chaweng's party district." Full review
Frommer's "Its two-story hotel rooms are squeezed into a narrow strip of gardens leading to the beach right in the heart of Chaweng, but they’re all equipped with air-con, minibar, and balconies" Full review
Lonely Planet "You’ll find two of every party animal at clean and well-tended 328-room Ark Bar – frat boys, chilled-out hippies, teenagers, 40-somethings and so on." Full review
Banyan Tree Samui
Jetsetter
Condé Nast Traveler
Star Service
Rough Guide Oyster
The Telegraph
Fodor's Lonely Planet
Michelin Guide
Travel + Leisure
99/9 Moo 4, Lamai Beach, Maret, Ko Samui 84310, Thailand
From $360/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Free Breakfast
- Shuttle Bus
Jetsetter "It’s not often that this travel writer gets picked up at the airport by a Mercedes. But it was my first indication of the impressive details that set Banyan Tree Samui apart." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "The party-happy sands of Chaweng are just over the ridgeline to the north of Banyan Tree’s private, palm-lined bay, part of a hidden valley on the eastern shore of Koh Samui." Full review
Star Service "Built on a steep hill, like the superior Four Seasons, this resort sprawls its villas down the slope toward the waterfront with exceptional views along the way." Full review
i
Ask for units 1 through 4 in this category, even though the staff is shy about providing the resort map and promising certain villas.
Rough Guide "Occupying a steep-sided, landscaped valley, with towering views of Chaweng from the lobby bar, Banyan Tree provides the height of luxury in its beautiful, stilted pool villas."
OysterLuxury
"The 88-villa Banyan Tree Samui is an intimate, ultra-luxury property that draws those seeking an exclusive taste of the high life." Full review
i
However, those wishing to explore the island can request free shuttle service to nearby towns.
The Telegraph9.0
"The Banyan Tree Samui is a world of its own." Full review
Fodor's "Surrounding the beach are the 88 stunning villas, poking discretely out of the mountains, set against lush forest, and waiting for the morning sun to hit them." Full review
Lonely Planet "Phuket’s most prestigious address has set up a sister property along the secluded northern sands of Lamai." Full review
Michelin Guide "This hotel occupies its coastline in style — with 78 villas nestled in the hills overlooking a private inlet, it’s a self-contained ecosystem of refinement...each spacious villa boasts a plunge pool" Full review
Travel + Leisure "If you want a full resort experience, I like Banyan Tree Samui for its private beach and spectacular rooms.""
