Written By: Colin Hinshelwood/ CPA Media
The Banyan Tree Group has rolled out a new healthy living concept at its properties around the world, including Banyan Tree Samui and Banyan Tree Krabiin southern Thailand, which have set aside a selection of pool villas and suites dedicated to holistic and wellbeing pursuits.
The “Wellbeing Sanctuary” initiative was launched on October 1st at both resorts, and provides guests with an opportunity to combine a leisure vacation with a daily program designed to enrich mind, body and soul — from meditation to Thai boxing, from massage and hydrotherapy to nature trails and sailing lessons — complemented with a nutritious diet and personal consultations.
“When guests book a Wellbeing Sanctuary, they have the flexibility to choose their own activities,” said Remko Kroesen, Area General Manager overseeing both hotels. “Before arrival, we send them a questionnaire so they can stipulate their goals, and our practitioners will be on hand throughout their stay to ensure they have every opportunity to connect with nature, discover a sense of deep relaxation, and find balance.
“And when they leave, we will consult and provide suggestions that will help fine-tune and inspire their daily routines, and assist them on their journey.”
Each of the villas selected for the Wellbeing Sanctuary has been adapted with various wellbeing amenities — a mini-bar stocked with fresh juices and herbal teas instead of alcoholic drinks, a yoga mat, stretch bands, and even a Tibetan singing bowl — and hosts an outdoor pool and hot jet pool.
On Koh Samui, Wellbeing villas come with a luxurious infinity pool, while at Krabi, each room opens onto a private garden, ideal for private self-wellbeing activities.
Teams at Banyan Tree Samui and Banyan Tree Krabi, which are both located on tranquil picture-perfect beaches, have tailored holistic itineraries based on Banyan Tree’s “8 Pillars” principle (Dietary Awareness; Physical Vitality; Cultivate the Mind; Sleep & Rest; Harmony with Nature; Learning & Development; Bonding & Connection; and Sustained Practices).
“When we dream about a tropical beach vacation, we see ourselves relaxed and content, lying in a hammock under palm trees, looking out to a calm sea, without a care in the world,” says Bikram Keshari Patra, the Wellbeing Practitioner at Banyan Tree Samui. “However, the reality can often be very different — we are still stressed about work; we worry; our minds refuse to switch off.
No stranger to awards for sustainability and eco-friendliness, this year Banyan Tree Samui was voted by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine as one of Southeast Asia’s Top 10 Hotels and Resorts.
Banyan Tree began rolling out its Wellbeing Sanctuary programs in March 2021, beginning in China, and is progressively launching at its resorts worldwide as each destination re-emerges from the pandemic.
“We believe that more travelers will be focused on their health in the post-covid period, and we want to be there to support them,” said Haruethai Maneerat, hotel manager at Banyan Tree Krabi. “Of course, many guests will still want to enjoy wining and dining, touring the sights, and that’s fine. But we anticipate that many others will be looking for a quieter, holistic, and more introspective journey.”
