Banburee Resort & Spa

Banburee is a boutique hotel set along a peaceful white-sand beach overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, with scenic views of the mainland and the idyllic Koh Taen Island. The hotel has a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, with little to no traffic noise and plenty of quiet common areas in which to relax. Many guests who stay at the hotel come for the tailored wellness retreats it offers, and the environment seems well suited to deep relaxation. The property features sprawling tropical grounds and a large outdoor swimming pool, which features a freeform shape and a gorgeous beachfront setting, lined with tropical greenery and tall trees. The coastline is scenic and ideal for long walks or relaxing, though it's too shallow and rocky to swim. Canna Restaurant is housed in a two-story building overlooking the beach. The restaurant features an open kitchen, indoor and alfresco dining areas, and rustic wood-clad interiors.

The hotel is located along Laem Set Beach, on the southernmost coast of Koh Samui, which is somewhat isolated and significantly less developed than the northern and western parts of the island. Dining, nightlife, and shopping options in the areas are limited to nonexistent, but there is plenty on offer nearby for nature enthusiasts. Na Muang 1 and 2 Waterfalls are within a 20-minute drive of the hotel and there are numerous hiking trails nearby. Koh Taen Island features pristine white-sand beaches, plus excellent diving and snorkeling, and it's located about a 45-minute transfer from the hotel via boat and car. Around a 10-minute drive from the hotel is the Laem Sor Pagoda, a golden pagoda shrine with ornate carving set along Bang Kao Beach.

Lamai Beach is the nearest tourist hub to the hotel, located a 20-minute drive away. It offers scenic white-sand beaches and a selection of restaurants, bars, and shops. Chaweng, a 40-minute drive away, is known for its buzzing nightlife scene, and it also has plenty of great dining and shopping on offer, including Central Festival Samui shopping mall. For those continuing on their journey to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, or Surat Thani (mainland) can catch a Lomprayah catamaran speedboat from the Maenam Pier, located a 50-minute drive from the hotel. Samui International Airport is located about a 45-minute drive from the hotel.

Banburee Resort includes 40 different rooms, ranging from modern suites to private villas, some with ocean views. One- and two-bedroom villa options feature roomy terraces, lounge areas, and outdoor rainfall showers. Interiors have a contemporary aesthetic plus traditional Thai stylings. With sparsely decorated white walls, terra-cotta floors, hardwood trim and furniture, woven rattan accents, plus colorful bed runners and throw pillows made of traditional Thai textiles. Rooms are outfitted with wooden beds and comfy mattresses, work tables and chairs, window seats, and wardrobes. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, TVs, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, safes, kettles, and bottled water.

Villas feature more high-end touches like hardwood floors, carved wooden furniture, and newer amenities. Also, villa bathrooms are much more generous on space and feature outdoor rainfall showers, deep soaking tubs, and ample counter space. Suite bathrooms are somewhat cramped, but do still manage to fit in bathtubs and small shower cubicles. Bathroom amenities include hairdryers, bathrobes, sandals, and toiletries. 

Banburee Resort & Spa wellness and detox programs are a big draw for guests, and the holistic clinic is one of the best equipped on the island. The holistic wellness center and spa combines Western, Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Thai medicine techniques to create customized wellness programs and detoxes. Most programs include a combination juicing, yoga, massages and beauty treatments, steams, colon hydrotherapy, herb baths, acupuncture, and a range of Western diagnostic testing. Additional facilities include a beachfront yoga shala and yoga classes are offered almost daily for a fee. The small fitness center is equipped with a few cardio machines and free weights. 

The freeform swimming pool is positioned overlooking the beach and features a shallow kids' section, a poolside bar, and lounge chairs. Canna Restaurant serves a variety of Thai and Western dishes, and is opened for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is served buffet-style, with eggs made-to-order, pancakes, french toast, cereals, baked goods, fresh fruits, fruit juices, a salad bar, and Thai noodle and rice dishes. Breakfast is an added charge.

Tour and travel bookings, plus vehicle rentals can be arranged through reception. Free extras include bikes to borrow, Wi-Fi, parking, and return shuttles to Lamai Beach.