You can usually tell how good a hotel is by its number of returning guests, and for Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui, where guests have been coming back repeatedly – sometimes 10 times or more – that says it all.
Now under Banyan Group, the Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui falls under their new line of wellness-centric hotels with other sister properties in China (Huzhou and Xian), Indonesia (Yogyakarta), and Japan (Kyoto) – with more to come. This particular property boasts a prime location on Koh Samui, Thailand and has a longstanding history as one of the best hotels on the island.
The Story of Tongsai Bay Hotel
Originally called the Tongsai Bay Hotel, it was “love at first sight” for its founder and the late Akorn Hoontrakul, who purchased the land just seven days after he laid eyes on it. After careful planning, he opened his dream hotel in 1987, which became the first five-star luxury hotel in Koh Samui.
Up until 2021, the hotel was independently run as a pioneer in Thai hospitality, service and conservation, which it now continues to be under the Banyan Group.
Location
Spread across 28 acres of land in a secluded private cove, the Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui offers plenty of space to get away from it all – fellow hotel guests included. Getting there from the airport takes only 15 minutes, as it lies just north of Choeng Mon beach on the northeast point of the island.
Rooms
The Garrya Tonsai Bay Samui has a mix of Seaview Hillside Suites starting at 68sqm (680 sqft), Beachfront Suites at 72sqm (775 sqft), Seafront Suites starting at 67 sqm (731 sqft), and Seaview Hillside Pool Suites with a private plunge pool starting at 88sqm (947 sqft).
When it comes to villas, the one or two bedroom seafront and seaview villas start at 141 sqm (1,517 sqft) and go up to 384sqm (4,133 sqft) for the Tongsai Three Bedroom Sea View Pool Villa.
Tip: For those who like to stay active, the Wellbeing Seafront Pool Villas come with their own in-room exercise area.
Our Seaview Hillside Pool Suite was particularly homey and featured a unique split-level design that separated the bedroom from the living room. Outside on the open-air balcony, there was a lovely bathtub (with the view of the ocean) and private plunge pool for cooling down between suntan sessions.
Facilities
There are two pools at Garrya Tonsai Bay Samui – a main pool right on the beach with a separate area for the tots, and (thankfully) an adults-only half moon pool halfway up the hillside for panoramic (and peaceful) views of the bay.
Down at the beach, try your hand at windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkelling (complimentary) or hit the gym located behind the main pool to get your sweat on. There’s even a yoga studio and tennis court on the grounds, with all equipment provided.
Aside from staying active, there’s also the 8LEMENTS SPA for some pampering, NEST shop across the lobby for retail therapy and a co-working space in the lobby to get some work done.
Dining
Breakfast at all-day diner RHOY ROHY! is an absolute joy with a fresh spread of fresh juices, fruits, eggs, baked goods and more to enjoy in the hotel’s tropical environs. Down by the beach, there’s Fish Tales for seafood dishes, Po-Lad Beach Bar next door for your fave tipples and comfort foods, plus EVOL for healthy dining.
What else
We loved the guided walks around the property where you’ll get to access some of the very best viewpoints on the island – don’t forget to snap some pics along the way.
Verdict
With its rep as one of the island’s first (and best) luxury hotels, the Garrya Tonsai Bay Samui continues to uphold its longstanding legacy. Thanks to its quiet, secluded location that feels entirely private – plus spacious suites, delicious dining and plenty to do onsite – it’s no wonder that guests keep coming back (and likely never want to leave).
garrya.com/en/destinations/samui
Learn more about the Garrya brand and their newest openings
See also: LUXE Insider: Manuel Lang’s Top 5 Spots In Koh Samui
