Banyan Tree Phuket
Banyan Tree Phuket's harmonious peace oasis is only 20 minutes away from the Phuket International Airport. The moment we stepped into the Thai-inspired open-air lobby with the tranquil sound of water and birds chirping, I switched into “Thai time” where I pretty much lost track of time. Surprisingly, Banyan Tree Phuket sits on land that was once deemed inhabitable as the Laguna area used to be a mining site. It’s inspirational to learn that 18 years ago, the Singaporean owners of Banyan Tree had the vision to build the resort and turned the moonscape environment Laguna once was to the beautiful area it is today-a resort destination filled with lush green vegetation and tropical flowers.
The two-bedroom pool villa we stayed at was something else. With 135 villas ranging from 170 to 380 sq. m., all the villas nestled amidst the lush vegetation of Banyan Tree are built with traditional Thai architectural elements with lots of wood, bamboo, sloping pavilion roofs and salas, an open pavilion that is perfect for meditation or yoga in the great outdoors. Our villa included a spacious swimming pool, outdoor jet pool, sun loungers and plenty of greenery outside. Fresh fruits such as mangoes, mangosteens and dragonfruits were placed in our kitchen table every day. The juicy fruits perfectly complemented the coffee we brewed each day right in the comfort of our own villa. With a quick dip in the pool followed by a hot shower in the outdoor shower which was lined with floral scented bathing gels and shampoo in refillable jars, it was a divine way to start and end each day!
If you’re one of those busy souls that like to keep your day filled with activities, the Banyan Tree has a full daily calendar filled with various options ranging from pilates and yoga classes to local night market and temple visits. The hotel also has an 18-hole golf course which stays green all year long thanks to irrigation using the hotel’s recycled water. The entire property is stretched over 21 acres, so electric buggies and bikes are available for guests’ convenience. For travel around the 600 acre Laguna development, there are frequent shuttle buses that take guests within the development.
If you prefer to stay within the Banyan Tree property, the spa is a great way to spend an afternoon. A sense of calm washed over us as we entered the spa. We breathed in the scent of lemongrass as we were guided into the seating area of the spa, which overlooks the blue hotel pool with a serene reflection of symmetric Thai pavilions in the water.
We went for a gentle 60-minute Island Dew experience which makes use of a moisturizing massage oil made with rose, chamomile and vitamin E. With Thailand being a centre for traditional Asian healing therapies, it is not a surprise that all spa therapists from Banyan Tree’s spas from around the world come to Phuket for their training, one of Banyan Tree’s three spa academies in the world. We were in a state of reverie already by the time the experience ended with a divine face and head massage. Our skin became silky smooth from the moisturizing oil and to make sure the rose oil on our face and body could be thoroughly absorbed by our skin, we left it on for a few hours after the treatment. After a delicious snack of fresh yogurt, fruits and iced honey tea, we stepped back into the tropical garden with a glowing complexion and a deeply relaxed body and soul.
Banyan Tree Phuket's harmonious peace oasis is only 20 minutes away from the Phuket International Airport. The moment we stepped into the Thai-inspired open-air lobby with the tranquil sound of water and birds chirping, I switched into “Thai time” where I pretty much lost track of time. Surprisingly, Banyan Tree Phuket sits on land that was once deemed inhabitable as the Laguna area used to be a mining site. It’s inspirational to learn that 18 years ago, the Singaporean owners of Banyan Tree had the vision to build the resort and turned the moonscape environment Laguna once was to the beautiful area it is today-a resort destination filled with lush green vegetation and tropical flowers.
The two-bedroom pool villa we stayed at was something else. With 135 villas ranging from 170 to 380 sq. m., all the villas nestled amidst the lush vegetation of Banyan Tree are built with traditional Thai architectural elements with lots of wood, bamboo, sloping pavilion roofs and salas, an open pavilion that is perfect for meditation or yoga in the great outdoors. Our villa included a spacious swimming pool, outdoor jet pool, sun loungers and plenty of greenery outside. Fresh fruits such as mangoes, mangosteens and dragonfruits were placed in our kitchen table every day. The juicy fruits perfectly complemented the coffee we brewed each day right in the comfort of our own villa. With a quick dip in the pool followed by a hot shower in the outdoor shower which was lined with floral scented bathing gels and shampoo in refillable jars, it was a divine way to start and end each day!
If you’re one of those busy souls that like to keep your day filled with activities, the Banyan Tree has a full daily calendar filled with various options ranging from pilates and yoga classes to local night market and temple visits. The hotel also has an 18-hole golf course which stays green all year long thanks to irrigation using the hotel’s recycled water. The entire property is stretched over 21 acres, so electric buggies and bikes are available for guests’ convenience. For travel around the 600 acre Laguna development, there are frequent shuttle buses that take guests within the development.
If you prefer to stay within the Banyan Tree property, the spa is a great way to spend an afternoon. A sense of calm washed over us as we entered the spa. We breathed in the scent of lemongrass as we were guided into the seating area of the spa, which overlooks the blue hotel pool with a serene reflection of symmetric Thai pavilions in the water.
We went for a gentle 60-minute Island Dew experience which makes use of a moisturizing massage oil made with rose, chamomile and vitamin E. With Thailand being a centre for traditional Asian healing therapies, it is not a surprise that all spa therapists from Banyan Tree’s spas from around the world come to Phuket for their training, one of Banyan Tree’s three spa academies in the world. We were in a state of reverie already by the time the experience ended with a divine face and head massage. Our skin became silky smooth from the moisturizing oil and to make sure the rose oil on our face and body could be thoroughly absorbed by our skin, we left it on for a few hours after the treatment. After a delicious snack of fresh yogurt, fruits and iced honey tea, we stepped back into the tropical garden with a glowing complexion and a deeply relaxed body and soul.
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