The MICHELIN Guide’s inaugural hotel recognition programme, MICHELIN Keys, has awarded Two Keys to Banyan Tree Krabi, a luxury resort on tranquil Tubkaek Beach on the Andaman coast of Southern Thailand.
Photo credits: Banyan Tree Krabi
The French-based MICHELIN Guide, famed for its accreditation of “stars” to the most exquisite restaurants, has for the first time introduced a ranking system of “keys” to acclaim the most outstanding hotels in the world.
The 2024 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection in Thailand included a total of eight Three-Key hotels (its highest decoration), 19 Two-Key hotels, and 31 One Key hotels. Each hotel had been anonymously visited and assessed by MICHELIN inspectors. Banyan Tree Krabi was among only four resorts or hotels in the Krabi region decorated with a key award.
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.
In addition, the prestigious French-based guide also recommended the resort’s spa, Banyan Tree Spa Krabi, as one of the seven “most luxurious” spas in Thailand.
Banyan Tree Spa Krabi’s signature experience is The Rainforest, the region’s first luxury hydrotherapy facility, described by the MICHELIN Guide as a place “where tropical serenity meets holistic wellness”.
“Dive into a luxurious hydrothermal circuit featuring a Rain Walk, Steam Room, Sauna, Ice Fountain, Vitality Pool, Outdoor Cold and Hot Plunge Pools, Jet Pool, and Heated Bed,” the MICHELIN Guide said. “Let the Tropical Rainmist take you away as the soothing Rain Shower helps you relax before an invigorating body scrub boosts your skin’s moisture. Experience true tranquillity as a skilled therapist works their magic, kneading away all your tension.”
The spa has eight private treatment rooms, each with a selection of “Colour-Calm” choices. The theory behind colour-calm therapy is that the spectrum of light carries electromagnetic energy, and therefore affects energy or chakras.
This month, Banyan Tree Spa Krabi introduced a new treatment idea for guests — complimentary weightless therapy classes.
Weightless therapy is a holistic technique that involves floating in water, whereby the buoyancy helps alleviate pain and stress. Also known as flotation therapy, this sensory deprivation treatment is renowned for inducing a state of deep relaxation.
At Banyan Tree Spa Krabi, trained therapists guide and glide their clients gently upon the water in one-on-one sessions usually lasting half an hour.
Photo credits: Banyan Tree Krabi
“Weightless therapy is an alternative way to heal your body and mind,” said Banyan Tree Spa Krabi Manager Ms Montira Vichiankoo. “The meditative state obtained by floating in the water helps us relax as well as exercising muscles, joints and bones.”
The new weightless therapy experience is just one of several innovations at the award-winning spa, a self-styled “Sanctuary for the Senses” that offers massage and wellbeing treatments, including traditional Thai and oil massages such as the Restorative Detox massage, a deep tissue technique designed to stimulate the body’s circulatory system. Alternatively, the Sleep Essentials massage is a unique ritual that brings the mind and body to a deep state of rest.
Each therapist at the resort has undergone intensive training at the Banyan Spa & Wellbeing Academy, which introduces students to its very own “8-Pillar Philosophy.”
The 8-Pillar Philosophy — involving the concepts of Connection, Growth, Groundedness, Nourishment, Rest, Movement, Practice, and Mindfulness — is also evident in Banyan Tree’s “Wellbeing Sanctuary” programme which was launched in 2021.
Setting aside a selection of suites dedicated to holistic and wellness pursuits, the “Wellbeing Sanctuary” provides guests with an opportunity to combine a leisure vacation with a daily itinerary designed to enrich mind, body and soul — from meditation to Thai boxing, from massage and hydrotherapy to nature trails and sailing lessons — complemented with a nutritious diet and personal consultations.
Located on a tranquil beachfront, and tiered into a lush hillside facing westward towards the Andaman Sea and the sunset, 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.
For more information or reservations, contact +66 075 811 888 or email krabi@banyantree.com
