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3 May, 2023

REVIEW: Soothe the mind, body and soul at Banyan Tree Krabi

In recent times, there has been a surge in the popularity of wellness retreats. Rather than being viewed as traditional “health farms,” these retreats are seen as an integral part of a holiday where individuals can refocus on their physical and mental health.

The retreats are designed to offer a sanctuary where one can disconnect from daily routines and stresses and indulge in activities that promote relaxation, self-care, and healthy habits. Banyan Tree Krabi is a luxurious wellness retreat that provides all of these services and amenities.

The Location

The retreat is located in the picturesque province of Krabi in southern Thailand, which feels refreshing and, fortunately, hasn’t succumbed to overtourism. The beautiful resort is nestled between towering limestone cliffs, tropical foliage, and sits near crystal-clear waters that provides travellers an environment of serenity.

Banyan Tree Krabi (Source: Banyan Tree)

The Stay

A Banyan Tree wellness experience starts with a tailor-made questionnaire to personalise your experience prior to arrival. The flexibility and open nature of the program’s structure allows a relaxing holiday with plenty of leisure time, including indulgences such a wine and dessert (if you feel like it).

Rooms

Entering the room feels like walking into an oasis. It is bright and airy with plenty of natural light. The walls are painted in light, beachy tones and the bed is so lush!

If this wasn’t enough, each of Banyan Tree Krabi’s 72 luxurious suites and villas has its own private pool, offering privacy and intimacy in a tropical rainforest setting.

A plush king-size bed dominates the bedroom and soft white linens couple with high piled fluffy pillows to make travellers feel like they’re sleeping on a cloud.

And, of course, a sliding glass door leads out to the private terrace and pool. Bliss!

Banyan Tree Krabi Room (Source: Banyan Tree)

Wellness

The incredible offerings of Banyan Tree are guided by the brand’s philosophy:

“Wellbeing is a lifelong journey. It entails a sustained and balance practice of different pillars of wellbeing.

“At the heart of the Wellbeing Sanctuary is a selection of wellbeing activities that have been curated to help you discover simple, but impactful, practices to improve each pillar of wellbeing.”

Some of the pillars included:

1. Sleep and Rest

The body requires adequate sleep to undergo repair and rejuvenation. To facilitate this, meditation sessions are offered at the facility to help improve sleep quality. In addition to these sessions, the resort provides a daily surprise in each guest’s room that includes scents, food, bath scrubs, and other relaxation rituals aimed at calming the mind and body.

2. Food

The food at Baynan Tree was sublime. The wellbeing option provided is coded on the menu and is delicious as well as good for you.

The bowls in particular came with a variety of fresh local ingredients and a colourful assortment of roasted vegetables, drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette made lime juice, fish sauce and palm sugar.

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, be sure to try Bird’s Nest. This breath-taking venue offers private tables situated amongst the trees, providing both intimacy and stunning vistas of the Andaman Sea. The set menu boasts a selection of delectable dishes, including deep-fried black squid ink with chili mayo sauce, red curry with duck breast and tropical fruit, and seared scallops with tom yum and salted egg yolk sauce.

3. Physical Activity

A balanced fitness program on holiday can be challenging but Banyan Tree has a range of equipment to make it a fun experience. Kayaking and swimming laps in the pool are great cardio opportunities at the resort while a well-equipped gym features for a more serious workout.

4. Cultivate the Mind

Possibly the most important work we can do is look after our mental health and Banyan Tree offers mindfulness coaching and meditation practice with its on site Ayurveda doctor.

In very simple terms, it is based on the principle that we achieve physical, mental, and emotional health through harmonious coexistence with nature. To have a consultation with an extremely knowledgeable and well educated practitioner in this ancient Indian healing practice is something all travellers must experience.

The Ayurveda doctor taking a class

5. Bonding & Connection

Participating in activities with others gives us an opportunity to create new memories and build lasting connections and this couldn’t be more apparent than at Banyan Tree. This Travel Weekly writer met a fabulous couple at Banyan named Gary and Michal. We had an absolute blast together, enjoying good food, wine and great conversation. Check out a picture of the handsome couple below.

“We look better in real life!” Michal

Overall Impression

Nestled in lush tropical surroundings with stunning views of the Andaman Sea, Banyan Tree offers a luxurious wellness retreat experience. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the stresses of daily life melting away.

The bespoke wellness program designed specifically for me enabled me to rejuvenate and refresh, leaving me feeling renewed and revitalised. Travel Weekly highly recommends this retreat, which offers a range of wellness programs tailored to the individual, including yoga, meditation, fitness classes, detox programs, and spa treatments.

Getting there:

Jetstar flies direct to Phuket from Sydney for $349 and from Melbourne from $379.

Jetstar’s low fares make it possible to travel to more places, more often for less.

Featured Image: Lobby of Banyan Tree Krabi (Source: Banyan Tree)

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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