Santiburi Koh SamuivsBanyan Tree Samui
Both properties are rated very highly by professional travelers. On balance, Santiburi Koh Samui is preferred by most reviewers compared to Banyan Tree Samui. Santiburi Koh Samui is ranked #10 in Koh Samui with accolades from 5 publications including Rough Guide, Fodor's and Oyster.
Santiburi Koh Samui
12/71 Moo 1, Tumbol Mae Nam, Koh Samui, Suratthani, 50200, Tambol Mae Nam, Mae Nam, Koh Samui 84330, Thailand
From $383/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Free Breakfast
- Shuttle Bus
Fodor's
"The villas on this beachfront estate make you feel as if you're staying at a billionaire's holiday hideaway; accordingly, this is one of the most expensive lodgings on the island." Full review
Frommer's
"Santiburi was the first high-end property in the area. Modern state-of-the-art amenities are discreetly infused into the contemporary Thai architecture." Full review
Rough Guide
"German-run, top-end hotel in beautifully landscaped grounds spread around a huge freshwater swimming pool and stream."
Oyster
Luxury
"The Santiburi Beach Resort & Spa, with its 45 acres of palm gardens, is one of the poshest, most pampering resorts on the island of Samui, and possibly in all of Thailand." Full review
The Telegraph
8.0
"Set in an expansive garden along a palm-fringed beach, Santiburi Resort exudes classic luxury and offers smart villas and rooms, perfect for couples and families." Full review
Frommer's
"Just a few steps east of the Napasai, the Santiburi was the first high-end property in the area but has remained fresh and current thanks to several makeovers" Full review
Banyan Tree Samui
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."
Oyster
Luxury
"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 Telegraph
9.0
"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.""