Banyan Tree has been on our radar for quite some time, as we like their environmentally friendly policies and standards. So when we were looking to have a week-long holiday in Phuket, Thailand, we decided to book the first ever built Banyan Tree Resort, which is now their flagship.
The resort is a short drive from the airport, around 30 minutes without traffic. We asked the hotel to arrange for transportation, a comfy and private 8 seater minivan which cost us 950 Bath (or around 28 USD). Keep in mind that the same service to the airport, booked privately online, was just 700 Bath (around 20 USD).
When we arrived at the resort the staff greeted us with the famous Thai hospitality: a big smile, hands joined and a slight bow with a loud sawadee ka (hello in Thai language). Andre loved it! It was his first time in Thailand and continued repeating it to everyone and for anything.
The lobby is nicely designed and decorated with traditional Thai style, lots of wood, water and open air spaces. When you arrive at the resort, you walk towards an open air fountain and the view of the laguna in the background. On your left youโll find the lobby while on the right there is access to the library, spa and pool.
The check-in was smooth and quick, even though the staff members had no idea of how our Accor membership worked. We did not get the perks we usually receive, but they did their best to accommodate our requests during our stay. The staff took us to the room with a buggy, taking the occasion to show us around.
The property is huge, set in the Laguna Phuket between the golf course and the beach, so you can expect a lot of greenery. You can even spot some of the original Banyan trees that gave name to the resort! You can get around easily with the bicycles provided in each villa, by buggy or walking.
Banyan Tree Phuket Signature Pool Villa
There are so many room options in this villa-only resort, that it took us some time to settle for the signature pool villa. As a mid-range option, we thought it offered a good price/quality and we were right. All villas come with a private pool and garden or patio, so you can enjoy privacy and space, regardless of what villa you go for.
Our villa had classic Thai architecture and featured an entry hall, lounge area, an elevated platform for the bed, and a huge bathroom, including an outdoor bathtub. The large private pool lies right at the doorstep of your bedroom, so you can step right out for a refreshing dip. Itโs big and deep enough for laps and we loved jumping directly from the bedroom.
The private garden has a patio with a table and chairs, a sunlounger for two people and a Thai sala. One of our concerns at the time of booking was the perimetral wall. Designed to protect the privacy of the guests, we were afraid it would make us feel trapped. Instead, we found it discreet with many plants and trees, making it rather cozy.
Treat yourself with a massage
Banyan Tree Phuket is renowned for its spa treatments and we didnโt miss the chance to try them. When we stayed at the resort, the spa was under renovation and the staff had to relocate to the library, with treatments offered in the basic villas.
Despite the temporary alternative solution, the quality of the service was superb. We loved the treatments so much that we had 4 massages in 6 days, trying different techniques and essential oils.
Be careful with the Thai massage if you havenโt tried it before. It is a mix of pressure massage and stretching that not everybody finds pleasant. The safest option is the Balinese massage, soft and gentle to relax the muscles.
The therapists started the treatment by offering us a juice or tea served at the spa lobby. Then they took us to the massage room, where we got a nice foot scrub and massage. The therapists are polite and attentive and will ask some questions to understand your needs and preferences.
At the end of the session, we were served a fruit salad with yogurt and hot tea and given time to relax in the room.
Enjoy Thai flavors at Banyan Tree Phuket
We tried the Saffron restaurant at Banyan Tree Phuket one evening and fell in love with it. While it is pricier, the food was delicious! We tried one of the sampling menus and found each of the dishes exceptional.
Breakfast is served at The Watercourt restaurant, overlooking the lagoon. There are plenty of options for the buffet, including continental and asian.
If you are food lovers and have some time to kill, we really recommend taking the Thai cooking class. The Banyan Tree Phuket chef will be teaching you some of his cooking tricks. Andre loved the class and found it inspirational and useful to recreate the holiday flavours also at home.
More things to do at Banyan Tree Phuket
The resort is located in the Laguna Phuket and it is just in front of a golf course. There are special rates for those staying at Banyan Tree Phuket, hence it can be the right opportunity to try golf if you haven’t done it yet.
Good news for those that want to maintain their training while on holiday. The resort has a good gym and also offers pilates and yoga classes for guests. We tried the pilates class that was a simple but challenging mat routine.
After check-out, you have the opportunity to use the resort pool while you wait for your transportation. We haven’t used it as the resort granted us a late check-out, but it is worth keeping it in mind.
Not a beach resort
While Banyan Tree is just next to Bang Tao beach, there is no private beach area belonging to the resort, so donโt expect service or sun loungers. You will need to cross a small road at the back of the resort to get to the public beach. However, you can get beach towels and water as you exit, and a security guard will make sure you cross the road safely. There are plenty of bars and restaurants along the beach though, and we mainly stayed in our villaโs pool, so we didnโt mind.
How to enter Thailand amid COVID-19
Thailand has implemented strict entry rules during COVID-19, allowing entry to selected people only. When we travelled, we had to apply for a “Test & Go” permit. This meant PCR test before departure and on arrival. Banyan Tree Phuket is a SHA (Safety & Health Administration) approved hotel, guaranteeing high level of hygiene and COVID-19 protocols.
Updated yourself at the official Thai Pass government website, when planning your trip to Thailand. In most cases you need to get a pre-approval from the government and it can take up to 2 weeks.
The Thailand is one favorite travel destination for medial east peopleโs.