Banyan Tree Phuket

Phuket

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island is located on the west coast of the country, in the Andaman Sea. Nicknamed the pearl of the south, its waters are known for their abundance of marine fauna which attract divers from all over the world. There are a multitude of pelagic fish, turtles, sea serpents and mammals like the Indian porpoise or the very rare dugong. Although the island is mountainous with a great many forests, it also possesses a multitude of sandy beaches, lagoons and lush tropical vegetation.

Formerly a commercial crossroads where Indian, Arab, Chinese and Portuguese merchants would come to stock up on tin and rubber, the island has become one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations. Although the majority of visitors flock to the beaches of Patong, Karon and Kata, the numerous Buddhist temples are also worth visiting, especially Wat Phra Thong with its half buried Buddha and the Wat Chalong temple with statues of two of Phuket’s most venerated monks. Another interesting site is the commemorative statue of Thep Krasattri and Thao Sisunthon, two sisters who drove the Burmese invaders out of Phuket. It’s the most famous monument on the island.

A temple of serenity

At the tip of Bang Tao on the northwest coast of the island, the Banyan Tree Phuket stretches out over a tropical paradise. The hotel consists of a group of villas built around magnificent lotus ponds and surrounded by coconut palms and frangipani trees. Immense banyan trees, symbolic of serenity and long life stand tall at the entrance to the property, hence the name of the hotel. This serenity can be felt as soon as you enter the luxurious but unostentatious lobby of stone, wood and water. The same spirit prevails throughout the property in which each villa is isolated from the others by a profusion of vegetation and small walls. There are no tall structures in order to give the space more intimacy and tranquility. Inside the villas, we once again find generous spaces, in addition to noble materials, precious wood and black stone for a luxurious Thai décor. Some villas have open air jacuzzis and others a private swimming pool, and for the two Double Pool villas, an infinity pool.

However, the true sensual sanctuary dedicated to well-being is the Banyan Tree Phuket Spa which offers massages that combine European and Thai techniques, either indoors or outdoors, under the subtle fragrance of the frangipani trees.

There’s a vast choice for dinner with six restaurants each with exquisite cuisine. The Watercourt specializes in Mediterranean food. The Saffron proposes Thai and other Asian dishes. Dietetic food is served at the Tamarind. The Banyan Café has an international menu. Shellfish is highlighted at the Sala Terrace, and subtle blends of French and Vietnamese cuisine are offered at The Tree. Add to all this a splendid piscine and an 18-hole golf course, and you have a full portrait of one of Phuket’s most luxurious hotels.

The Banyan Tree proposes a rare activity: meditation workshops. Very popular with tourists, they enable participants to get back in touch with their inner selves and therefore take full advantage of the benefits offered by the spa.