A Blissful Escape to Banyan Tree, Koh Samui: A Vacation of Pure Relaxation

By Delta Thailand - Published March 26, 2025

Some vacations are about adventure, ticking off bucket-list experiences, and chasing the next thrill. Others like our recent escape to Koh Samui are about slowing down, soaking in serenity, and simply enjoying the art of doing nothing. And honestly, it was perfect.
From the moment we arrived at Banyan Tree Samui, we knew we were in for a treat. Staying in the Family Ocean Pool Villa, we were greeted with the warmest hospitality a plate of lotus flowers, coconut cookies, and herbal tea. But what made this moment even more special was the little touch of tradition: the staff taught us how to fold lotus flowers. I gave it a go, and let’s just say my attempt was… passable! (What do you guys think? Leave a comment below!

A Stay Designed for Indulgence
After settling in, our villa host arrived to give us a rundown of the resort—where to find the restaurants, beach, and spa. But the best news? We could call a buggy anytime to take us anywhere. Naturally, we embraced full vacation mode and agreed that walking was overrated. A Private Feast Under the Stars
For our first evening, we opted for the Villa International BBQ experience, and wow, did it exceed expectations! Two staff members attended to us one setting the mood with candlelight and music, and another assisting the chef in serving a delicious feast. The chef expertly grilled everything to perfection, and the service was beyond friendly, making us feel right at home.

The only problem? We couldn’t finish all the squid! The chef, however, assured us he’d keep it for later, just in case. We laughed and said we’d “pretend to forget about it”... but trust me, the chef never forgets!

Mornings Made Magical
The next morning, we indulged in an incredible breakfast spread—Thai, Western, Chinese, Japanese, and even Korean dishes. Curious, I chatted with one of the staff members, who explained that most guests were from Europe, Korea, and Japan, which explained the diverse selection.
And guess who we ran into? Our BBQ chef! He greeted us with fresh mangoes, remembering that my father-in-law had loved the mango sticky rice the night before. We were genuinely touched by the attention to detail. And yes, you guessed it, he also brought up the squid we were all trying to forget.

Beachside Bliss & A Surprise Anniversary Gift
The rest of the day was all about relaxation. My husband and father-in-law took a dip in the sea while my mother-in-law immersed herself in a book. Meanwhile, I had a secret mission, I sneaked off to the reception to create an anniversary surprise for my husband.

In Britain, the first anniversary is traditionally marked by paper, so instead of a simple card, I decided to make a DIY pop-up anniversary piece. What I thought would take 20 minutes turned into a crafting challenge, but a kind staff member noticed my struggle and joined in to help. It was such a heartwarming moment, beyond their job, their kindness made me feel like I was at home, just with extra special treatment. And my husband? He loved the gift (even if we had to wrestle to fit it in our luggage without crushing it!).

An Anniversary Dinner to Remember
That evening, we celebrated both our anniversary and my in-laws’ anniversary at Saffron, the resort’s signature Michelin Guide-listed Thai restaurant. The service was impeccable, the flavors exquisite, and just as we thought the night couldn’t get any better... guess what? The chef sent out the leftover squid! We couldn’t believe it his attention to detail was truly remarkable, making our experience even more special.

Good food, great company, stunning views, and heartfelt conversation—it was the perfect way to celebrate love and mark a truly unforgettable day.
A Relaxing Finale & A Thoughtful Read
By our third day, we had fully embraced the art of doing nothing—chilling at the beach, indulging in delicious meals, and getting lost in books. I managed to finish my February read, “The Scapegoat”, which gave me a fresh perspective on how we sometimes unfairly assign blame to others. (I’ll be sharing my book summary at Delta Thailand’s Book Club on March 26, 2025—join us if you’re interested!)
The Beauty of a Slow-Paced Vacation
As our trip came to an end, we felt fully recharged and ready to return to reality. This experience reminded me that vacations don’t always have to be jam-packed with activities. Sometimes, all you need is a beautiful place, quality time with loved ones, and the luxury of simply being present. In today’s fast-paced world, we’re often so busy working and chasing goals that we forget to check in with the people who matter most.

While adventure-packed trips are fun, there’s something special about a slow, rejuvenating holiday where you let the world pause for a little while.

So, if you’ve traveled recently and want to share your experience, drop us a story at det.marketing@deltaww.com . We’d love to hear about it!