Luxurious weekend retreat at Banyan Tree Phuket featuring meditation sessions, massages, and late-night swims
Nestled in the heart of Phuket, the Banyan Tree Resort offers a unique blend of luxury, wellness, and culinary delights. This resort, the first of its kind, was conceived by Ho Kwon Ping and opened its doors in 1994, marking the beginning of the Banyan Tree brand.
Upon check-in, guests are treated to a poolside shoulder massage, setting the tone for a relaxing stay. The resort boasts a variety of on-site restaurants, including Banyan Cafe, Tre Trattoria, Hojo, Saffron, Tin Tapas Bar, and a sister property restaurant, Riva Club. Each restaurant offers a distinct dining experience, with highlights such as vegetable gyozas at Hojo, avocado and mango salad, mini bruschetta, and a set menu at Saffron, featuring burnt eggplant, Thai spicy style broth, grilled tofu, and grilled Phuket pineapple.
Accommodation at the resort is equally impressive. Each villa features a king-size bed, twin sinks in the bathroom, and a tea and coffee making station. The pièce de résistance? A private pool with a hot tub area.
For those seeking a wellness retreat, the resort offers a plethora of activities. A wellness expert curates a schedule of activities, including group sound meditation, vinyasa flow, reflexology and gua sha workshop, conscious grounding and walking meditation, personalised sound healing treatment, and full body massage. The treatment rooms are set in a hut surrounded by greenery, providing a serene atmosphere for massage and sound ceremony.
The resort also caters to golf enthusiasts with a 6,756-yard golf course. For those wishing to explore the local culture, a 30-minute drive takes you to the vibrant night markets, offering a taste of Phuket's street food and nightlife.
The Banyan Tree Resort also considers wellness beyond the resort's walls. They offer in-room rituals and a retreat program for wellness, ensuring guests can maintain their wellness journey at home.
Prices for a night's stay start at THB22,000 (Dh2,536), with check-in at 12pm and checkout at 3pm. It's important to note that this review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel and reflects the standards during that time, with services possibly changing in the future.
Banyan Tree has expanded its presence beyond Phuket, with properties in Bluewaters Island, Dubai, and AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Whether you're seeking a culinary adventure, a wellness retreat, or a luxurious getaway, the Banyan Tree Resort in Phuket promises an unforgettable experience.