Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui has opened its doors on 15th December 2022, following a rebranding of the well-established resort on Thailand’s island of Koh Samui. It is the latest addition to the new Garrya brand of contemporary wellbeing-centred hotels by the Banyan Tree Group – one of the world’s leading hospitality companies. After multiple phases of innovative remodelling and refurbishment, while staying true to the philosophy of ‘Natural to the Core’, Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui joins Garrya Huzhou Lucun and Garrya Xi’an Lintong in China, as well as Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto in Japan.
Exuding simplicity, balance and harmony, Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui is a thoughtfully curated hideaway in a private bay, sitting on 28 acres of breath-taking tropical land which includes a long stretch of sandy beach frontage on the north-eastern side of the island. The rebrand will infuse Garrya’s 5s into the new property – guidance on Self-care practices, Simplicity in the design of spaces and amenities, Slow Life to promote slowing down amidst the bustle of daily life, recommendations to improve Sleep & Rest, and Savouring of food for nourishment. An upscale heaven to renew and refresh both body and soul, the resort’s multi-purpose suites and villas offer unobstructed views of the Gulf of Thailand, while curated spaces and the 8LEMENTS SPA contribute to an overall sense of wellbeing.
Tropical Stays for All
All 82 suites and villas at Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui are set within lush gardens on a hillside overlooking a secluded bay. 74 suites and villas feature a signature outdoor bath with a view and come in a range of family-friendly configurations.
For families, the Kids’ Club will offer art classes, fun outdoor games and wellbeing-centric activities such as kids’ yoga and stretching, and spa treatments for the youngsters at 8LEMENTS SPA. Digital workers, meanwhile, will find a dedicated 24-hour co-working space featuring functional furniture and multiple power outlets just off the lobby.
In the Heart of the Community
The property is located 15 minutes by car from Samui International Airport and surrounded by pristine nature, lively dining venues and scenic sites. Guests can explore local shops, food stalls, restaurants and bars at Fisherman’s Village and the nearby Chaweng Beach, while the brand’s signature sustainability-focused experiences will help guests discover local ecosystems, with island-hopping expeditions to Mu Koh Ang Thong National Marine Park – a pristine archipelago of 42 small islands, hidden caves, limestone cliffs and lagoons; day trips to the islands of Koh Taen and Koh Matsum for snorkelling amid the coral reefs and relaxation on deserted beaches; and thrilling jungle hikes to the spectacular Na Muang Waterfalls.
Space to Savour
Dining venues at Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui highlight local flavours while making the most of the resort’s spectacular setting. Open for breakfast and dinner, Rhoy Rhoy! serves unpretentious Thai cuisine with a courtyard featuring beautiful sea views. For elevated beachfront dining, Fish Tales will offer a casual lunch and dinner experience centred on local seafood dishes served in a relaxed, breezy setting, while EVOL serves nutritionally-balanced and wholesome meals, including vegan options, with majority of ingredients coming from the resort’s own garden and local farmers. Additionally, travellers can also customise their culinary experience from a candlelit dinner on the beach to in-villa BBQ served on the terrace, complete with a bespoke menu and a personal Chef and service attendant.
Spa and Wellbeing
Derived from Banyan Tree’s 8 Elements of Wellbeing, 8lements Spa is set amidst the hotel’s natural green surroundings providing a haven of relaxation and beauty with a selection of fuss-free and accessible treatments. Secluded spa cottages are each equipped with two massage beds, a separate treatment area for Thai massages, outdoor foot wash and relaxation area, herbal steam room and an open-air bathtub for floral or milk baths.
The adult-only Half Moon Pool, one of the resort’s two swimming pools, offers spectacular views of the bay and total tranquillity, while an Exercise Room comes with modern multi-purpose equipment to ensure productive workouts.
“We are honoured to be partnering with this legendary resort, The Tongsai Bay, and evolving this beautiful, tranquil destination into the wellbeing haven, Garrya. Surrounded by some of the most breath-taking landscapes on this iconic island of Koh Samui, we are excited to facilitate our guests’ journeys towards rediscovering serenity and inner peace in an uncluttered environment, and reconnect with the natural world and with themselves,” says Philip Lim, Senior Vice President of Regional Operations at Banyan Tree Group.
