Sublime Spa & Devine Dining @ Six Star Banyan Tree In Phuket
- 8 Feb 2017 7:00 AM
The six star standards have their origin in the Banyan Tree Spa Academy, which opened in Phuket in 2001 with the objectives of training therapists to meet the high demands of the Banyan Tree’s leadership position in the spa industry. The Banyan Tree Spa Academy Phuket is accredited by Thailand’s Ministry of Education / Health.
An intuitive art of touch and high standards of dedicated service are the highlights of each Banyan Tree Spa experience. Each Banyan Tree Spa therapist undergoes at least 350 hours of training based on stringent curriculum of the accredited Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Phuket.
Therapists are trained in every arena of spa therapy, including human anatomy, vital pressure points, modern and traditional massage, techniques for varying body weights and types, and an understanding of the face and how to treat different skin types.
Therapists also prove they understand the properties of individual herbs and spices, and how to prepare spa ingredients. They are trained to put each spa client at ease with Banyan Tree's signature welcome greeting and to set up the treatment rooms and spa pavilions, and they do this effortlessly with grace and a smile.
Staff at the spa warmly encourage guests to embrace all the five-senses – sight, sound, touch, taste and smell. Infused with spa elements, healthy cuisine, award-winning spa and wellness activities, guests can embark on a journey of rejuvenation and wellness with unique experiences to indulge and soothe all the senses.
Guests are invited to choose a massage while enjoying a unique welcome drink - the type changes daily unlike at most places. Massage choices range from a relaxing Swedish massage, a deep-tissue Balinese massage, the subtle and rhythmic delicacy of a Thai massage, or a focused and stimulating Asian Blend.
During all these therapeutic massages incense and herbs from India add a soothing dimension to the experience, and gentle music lets the body and mind ease into a state of harmonious, I would even say 'heavenly', and definitely sublime relaxation.
Insights Into Banyan Tree Phuket's Signature Spa Experiences
1. Royal Banyan: While soaking in the exquisite natural beauty of the surroundings, guests may choose to indulge in the Royal Banyan package, a three-hour signature treatment that originates from the Royal Thai Palaces. The session includes an oil-free Thai acupressure massage to improve blood circulation, as well as Banyan Herbal Pouches filled with healing herbs applied to the body.
2. Rainmist Experience: Perfect for the romancing of the senses, experience the Banyan Tree Spa innovation, the Rainmist Experience. This unique treat combines body treatments with steam and shower facilities at the treatment bed. Each Tropical Rainmist treatment packages feature an invigorating Rainmist steam bath and a refreshing, cascading Rain Shower to uplift the senses.
3. Master Therapist Experience. The Master Therapists are an elite group of therapists selected based on their experience, training and intuitive sense of touch. Each 120-minute session of the Master Therapist Experience focuses on the guest individually with massage strokes tailored, from a repertoire of signature Banyan Tree Spa massage techniques, for each guest.
Devine Dining At Banyan Tree
After an afternoon of spa perfection, it’s highly recommended to stay at Banyan Tree to tickle your taste buds, six star style! Among the featured restaurants at Banyan Tree Phuket is the al fresco restaurant Tamarind, which offers Phuket’s finest authentic Japanese cuisine. For those in the mood for lighter fare, the casual Western-themed Banyan Café, overlooking the finely-groomed lawns of the Laguna Phuket Golf Club is a good choice.
Saffron (pictured above) is Banyan Tree’s signature restaurant, offering an authentic and traditional Thai dining experience in a luxurious setting. While Watercourt offers exquisite international flavours, featuring an excellent selection of seafood overlooking the lagoon. One of Alfonso’s signature dishes is a Phuket Lobster Salad with Remulade Vinagrete.
Staged amongst the serene DoublePool Villas, the newly opened Tré restaurant (pictured above) serves international cuisine of the highest order, replete with a premium Western menu. Tré boasts a sublime dining experience by combining freshly sourced ingredients with slow-cooking methods, showcasing a truly splendid array of amazing flavours.
This new and exciting direction for Tré takes inspiration from the global cuisine from some of the most distinguished restaurants in Europe. With Banyan Tree Phuket’s esteemed Executive Chef, Alfonso de la Dehesa, and Executive Sous Chef, Kreaton Cutajar expertise, having formerly worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, their new menu for Tré features Western modern cooking techniques and presentation with Thailand’s native products.
Originally from Spain, Chef Alfonso soon earned a reputation for exceptional quality in his approach to culinary innovation and presentation. His considerable talents found their expression at ARZAK, a 3-star Michelin restaurant in Spain – and then again at El Bulli, another 3-star Michelin restaurant, considered by many to be the best in the world.
After 4 years as the Executive Chef at the Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués Resort, he arrived in Thailand from Mexico with a highly-developed focus on modern and international cuisine, honed over decades of experience at some of the world’s most distinguished restaurants.
When we asked Alfonso what is the secret of his success, he said, "The most important is humility, perseverance and working very hard to reach success." To read a full interview with Alfonso de la Dehesa, Executive Chef, Banyan Tree Phuket, follow this link.
Just a few of his delectable entrées on the new menu at Tré are Wagyu Striploin Steak, Scottish Langoustines with Madagascar Peppered Sweet Breads and Foie Gras with Pear Purée. Main courses include Poached Veal Tenderloin, Risotto with Truffles and Homemade Duck Ham, as well as Smoked Halibut and Wild Striped Bass infused with Herb Butter for seafood lovers.
There is no other way to round up a meal than with a sweet selection of exquisite desserts. Guests can choose to savour a rich, wholesome Rum Banana Flambé or a delicious Chocolate Soufflé with Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream to finish
Tré is at the forefont of culinary excellence with its innovative dishes enhanced by molecular and modern preparation techniques as well as avant-garde presentation. With a “martini trolley” on site, this adds a stylish dimension to the gastronomic experience. This ambitious re-invention of Tré is part of the latest impressive upgrade of Banyan Tree in Phuket, following the recent revamp of its celebrated Saffron and The Watercourt restaurants.
Guests at any of the hotels in the Laguna Phuket resort complex, such as Angsana Laguna Phuket, are welcome to make use of the free shuttle bus service to Banyan Tree to compliment their stay and indulge in the range of heavenly treats at the Spa Sanctuary, and in the glorious tastes and sips amidst the outstanding surroundings of the Banyan Tree resort.
Tried & Tested Verdict: Highly Recommended
Visit Banyan Tree Phuket Online
Cherngtalay, Amphur Talang,
Phuket 83110, Thailand
Tel: +66 (0)76 372 400
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