Tiered into a lush tropical hillside and commanding spectacular vistas of the Andaman Sea, the beachfront resort of Banyan Tree Krabi was on October 8 awarded Two Keys by the MICHELIN Guide in its annual appraisal of hotels across Thailand.
In total, 62 hotels and resorts in Thailand were afforded Keys —the MICHELIN equivalent of Stars bestowed to the most distinguished restaurants of the world. Six Thai hotels achieved Three Keys, 21 properties were granted Two Keys, and 35 hotels received One Key, reflecting Thailand’s ever-increasing position as a leading luxury destination.
According to the MICHELIN Guide, distinction is based on five criteria: excellence in architecture and design; quality of service; overall personality and character; value for money; and meaningful contributions to the local community.
It’s the second year in a row that Banyan Tree Krabi finds itself lauded as a Two-Key resort, following a similar award in the MICHELIN Guide’s inaugural edition in 2024.
The MICHELIN recognition follows hot on the heels of two other prestigious awards: on September 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.
Banyan Tree Spa Krabi’s signature spa experience is The Rainforest, the region’s first luxury hydrotherapy facility, described by the MICHELIN Guide 2024 as a place “where tropical serenity meets holistic wellness”.
“We are honoured that the MICHELIN Guide has again recognised the level of excellence that we aspire to on a daily basis,” said Banyan Tree Krabi General Manager Ms Haruethai Maneerat. “From the moment a guest books their stay at Banyan Tree Krabi they are catered for with professional personalized service, allowing them to fully relax and enjoy the exquisite facilities and our serene natural environment. This accolade is shared by each and every member of our team and the dedication and care they bring to the resort every day.”
A Refined Saffron Restaurant
News of the MICHELIN Guide accreditation comes as the resort’s signature restaurant Saffron was recently given a makeover aimed at maximizing the quality of service and the overall guest dining experience.
New china porcelain crockery and gold-plated cutlery, as well as innovations such as a “Sorbet of the Day” to accentuate each course, are some of the fine touches that complement a newly revamped menu.
Highlights of the refreshened menu include laab gai thod, a classic Thai recipe of ground chicken salad, prepared tableside by the Saffron team. The crispy textured dish balances spicy, sour and herbal notes with aromatic toasted rice powder.
Another new dish that comes with the chef’s recommendation is pla chuk khrueng, a lost recipe native to Krabi that features locally caught mackerel from the Andaman Sea, meticulously deboned, seasoned with fresh coconut, and served in a curry paste rich in herbs and spices.
While embracing a variety of culinary traditions, Saffron remains loyal to its concept of locality — sourcing everything from seafood, fish, fruit and vegetables from Krabi producers to ensuring that their flavoursome dishes accurately portray the original recipes of the region.
“Our chefs are continually refining their skills and improvising recipes so that guests can savour an elaborate variety of unique and healthy Thai cuisine,” said Ms Porntip Narangsiya, the Director of Food & Beverage. “Each dish is an ode to authentic Thai craftsmanship, infused with a modern twist. Combined with an exotic location and immaculate service, Saffron has quickly become noticed by international travellers, as well as discerning gourmets in Krabi. A recommendation by MICHELIN should only enhance that reputation.”
The Resort
Banyan Tree Krabi has 72 pool suites and villas, among them seven two-bedroom options, one three-bedroom villa, and a majestic seven-bedroom Presidential Beachfront Pool Villa.
Facilities include two restaurants and a beach bar, a beach club, a kids’ club, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and the aforementioned rainforest-themed spa.
