Thailand

Banyan Tree Samui festive 2025: The all-pool-villa beachfront resort in Koh Samui and a recent recipient of major international awards, has unveiled a series of special gourmet feasts and dazzling celebrations to celebrate the upcoming high season.

Recently awarded Two Keys by MICHELIN, the 5-star hotel will this year mark Christmas with a series of sumptuous dining experiences at each of its three restaurants on Dec. 24 and 25, culminating in a culinary extravaganza and a kaleidoscope of fireworks and fun on New Year’s Eve.

The tropical island Christmas kicks off at The Edge, situated at a venue that commands spectacular vistas across the sapphire seas of the Gulf of Thailand. Its Christmas Eve Gala Dinner 2025 features a variety of international culinary delights – an oyster bar, seafood market, a carving station and salad bar – accompanied by live music from 7pm.

Meanwhile, a culinary journey is underway at Saffron, where, each evening from Dec. 24 – 26, a 5-course set menu will be presented in a sophisticated and tranquil setting. Saffron is a fine-dining venue recognised by the prestigious Michelin Guide in its restaurant recommendations for 2025, and it specializes in contemporary Thai cuisine.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas in Thailand without a crescent of white sand under the palm trees with sea breezes and candlelight. At Beachside, fine delicacies such as slow-roasted butterball turkey, Alaskan snow fish and grilled tiger prawns are on the menu with a 3-course set lunch and 5-course set dinner prepared by Chef Rainer and his culinary team from Dec 24 – 26.

Beachside also plays host to a beachfront Christmas Day of fun and festivity starting at 7pm on Dec. 25. Everything from traditional Christmas dishes to a selection of land and sea delicacies is available, prepared to perfection at live cooking stations. A fire-twirling show and live entertainment will round off what promises to be an unforgettable evening.

To mark the final night of 2025, The Edge will play host to a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner from 7pm, offering a magnificent buffet that features a ‘Treasure of Seafood on Ice’ – including tiger prawns, mussels, oysters, octopus, lobster, caviar, sushi and sashimi – as well as French foie gras, a carving station, sorbets, and much more, all accompanied by live entertainment.

Saffron will host a 5-course Thai dinner which is to include mouth-watering favourites such as spicy salmon rolls, Wagyu beef salad in herbs and spices, Champagne sorbets, roasted lamb chops, and a selection of delicate desserts.

Dec. 31 reaches its climax with a ‘Banyan Fairytale Party Night’ at the beachfront from 10pm to 1am with a countdown party, Champagne, dancing, live entertainment and a bouquet of fireworks to ring in the New Year with style.

For more information or reservations, contact samui@banyantree.com or tel: +66 77 915 333.

Villas at Banyan Tree Samui, each with a private infinity pool, start from US$585 per night.