The spa at Banyan Tree Krabi resort in southern Thailand scooped two major accolades at the Thailand Tourism Awards last week, underlining the facility’s focus on locally sourced ingredients and personalized care.
On Sept 5, Banyan Tree Spa Krabi was presented with a Thailand Tourism Outstanding Award in the Hotel and Resort category, and a Thailand Tourism Sustainability Award in the Health and Wellness Tourism category.
While Banyan Tree Spa Krabi was awarded second prize in both categories, its sister venue in Koh Samui, Banyan Tree Spa Samui, was also listed in the Top 5 for the Outstanding Award, and made the top 10 in the Sustainability list, underscoring the Banyan Tree brand’s ascendancy in the fields of sustainability and wellbeing.
The Thailand Tourism Awards, often referred to as the “Kinnaree Awards,” are organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and recognized as Thailand’s ‘Hallmark of Excellence’ in the spa industry.
“Our key strength lies in having a clear and distinctive concept,” said Montira Vichiankoo, the Spa & Gallery Manager at Banyan Tree Spa Krabi. “Our treatments and wellbeing activities draw from Krabi’s heritage, using locally sourced ingredients such as coconut, turmeric and tamarind to create authentic experiences. Another important factor is our strong commitment to sustainability. We actively support the local community through our activities and initiatives, while our team members have a deep understanding of these values and share them with our guests.”
Ms Montira added: “We provide personalized care under Banyan Tree Spa standards to ensure every guest’s expectations are met. From the moment they arrive, guests are welcomed with our signature ritual, including the ‘Scent of the Day.’ They are then guided through a consultation to recommend treatments best suited to their needs. Our skilled therapists deliver highly professional and attentive service, and to complete the experience, we provide special self-care tips so guests can continue their wellbeing journey even after leaving the spa.”
Many of the therapists have undergone intensive training at the Banyan Spa & Wellbeing Academy in Phuket. Since its inception in 2001, the Academy has trained more than 2,000 spa therapists.
Nestled along the stunning Andaman coastline, Banyan Tree Spa Krabi offers a serene oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation. Each of its eight treatment suites is accompanied by a private garden, and fitted with “colour-calm” lighting, the tones and hues of which can be adapted to balance the chakra of each individual customer.
The venue also boasts Krabi’s first hydrotherapy spa, The Rainforest, a holistic and innovative wellness experience designed to heal and soothe. Guests are invited to embark on an experiential journey with a sophisticated hydrothermal circuit comprising a Rain Walk, Steam, Sauna, Ice Fountain, Vitality Pool, Outdoor Cold Plunge Pool, Outdoor Hot Plunge Pool, Jet Pool, and Heated Bed.
Banyan Tree Spa Krabi was recently singled out by the prestigious MICHELIN Guide as one of the seven most luxurious spas in Thailand. MICHELIN also accredited the hotel with 2 Keys in its inaugural hotel listings for Thailand.
The spa also plays a significant role in the resort’s “Wellbeing Sanctuary” programme, which was initiated in 2021 and allows hotel guests an option to combine healthy living concepts with a leisure vacation — from meditation and yoga to massage and nature trails — complemented with a nutritious diet and sleep therapy.
At Banyan Tree Krabi, the Wellbeing Sanctuary programme is overseen by Ayurvedic specialist and wellness coach Dr Subhash Shanbhag, who draws from 20 years’ experience to offer personalized consultations and health tips to guests.
Beyond its world-class spa facilities, Banyan Tree Krabi offers a range of luxurious accommodations, and each of the 72 suites and villas face the sea and has its own private infinity pool and jet pool.
Guests can also enjoy a host of recreational activities, from kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding to Thai boxing and hiking, as well as exceptional dining experiences showcasing the best in Thai and international cuisine.
