Garrya Tongsai Bay

Many of my friends and readers have visited Tongsai Bay on Samui over the years and I knew that it was well situated, but the staff and standards were not up to a 5 star hotel rating.

So it came as no surprise that Banyan Tree had taken over the management contract of Tongsai Bay at the end of last year. The specialists…

Banyan Tree understand 5 star hotel guests and their expectations. Thai family run hotels rarely do… although I’m sure that they try.

The mature forestation surrounding the hotel and the various levels of rooms, suites, villas, and commercial areas are situated round the NNE of the island of Samui.

Being disabled and not walking too well now it didn’t take me long to upset the jobsworths who wanted me to move my car, unpack my luggage and check myself in. But when they realised that I was a guest and they were a 5 star hotel, things improved.

My room was very well appointed and overlooked the swimming pool and bay behind it. I walked to Fish Tail the beachside formal restaurant and had a delightful dinner. This was up to Banyan Tree standards…

Two Black Magic mocktails, warm Camembert, and garlic whole meal homemade bread to start. Sea bass and spinach to follow… delicious! Lots of still water… very pleasant.

I waddled… back to my room luckily encircling the swimming pool, without falling in, and slept like a baby on the huge soft bed.

Breakfast was a very dignified affair – granola with soy milk, poached eggs and spinach. I must lose some weight!

Again I spent most of the time resting but I did manage to visit Centara Reserve with the SKAL Samui Jazz Festival organizers to have lunch, listen to the fabulous singers and artists and meet with my hosts and friends. Lovely atmosphere, super laid back time…

I returned to the Garrya Tongsai Bay and had to give dinner a miss, otherwise I would have burst… not a pretty sight.

Thank you Manuel Garrya Tongsai Bay and Centara…