When I think about my recent trip to Thailand, it’s Banyan Tree Krabi’s blissful beach that jumps to the front of my mind. The soft, white sand littered with palms holding swings, and the warm, turquoise waters lapping at your feet epitomises what paradise is. And that’s before you’ve scaled the hill in the funicular lift to dine on deliciously fresh and flavourful cuisine, swam in your suite’s private infinity pool, or witnessed the most beautiful burning red sunset you’ve likely ever laid your eyes on.
Hotel
The moment you set foot on Banyan Tree’s beautiful Krabi property you know you’ve stepped into your own little slice of paradise. Sitting on southern Thailand’s west coast, with the Andaman sea caressing the white sand beach below and the lush green mountains stretching into the hills behind, this secluded spot is a haven for those who visit, promising a stay steeped in relaxation, adventure or whatever else it is you may desire.
One of four Banyan Tree properties across Thailand, this 10-acre offering opened in October 2020 and uses elements of its natural surroundings within its design and décor, from the scales of a dragon (Dragon Crest Mountain sits to the rear of the resort) to elements of the sea and touches of emerald (to represent the forested cliffs which jut out in the bay below) displayed from the reception to rooms and beyond. These modern design touches wow from the moment you enter the reception area, as do the impressive water features, but it’s the spectacular view of the water dotted with giant tree-covered rocks with the sun streaming through the clouds that leaves you in awe.
Sitting on a (mostly) gently sloping hillside, Banyan Tree has made the most of its location with its suites, villas and public spaces strategically placed to ensure that, wherever you are, you have those stunning sea views gazing straight back at you. Trailing down to the secluded beach, you can enjoy drinks on a lounger, dinner in the treetops or special events at a number of locations across the site.
Room
It’s hard not to get hideously excited by the accommodation here. Stepping into my room and into the cool (in design and temperature, thankfully) new surroundings I was to call home for the next two nights, I eagerly tried to take in every aspect of the space: the huge bed with views straight down to the sea and islands in front, the capacious bathroom with a bathtub sitting directly in front of a window, my walk in wardrobe, and best of all the private terrace with loungers and my very own infinity pool and hot tub.
There are 59 suites and 13 villas at Banyan Tree Krabi, but it can feel like your own private resort at times, especially when enjoying the sanctuary of your suite.
Days are best spent soaking in the views from the comfort of your lounger or luxuriating in the pool and hot tub. The large bed is placed with the very best view at the front of the room allowing you to gaze straight out at the dreamy scene before you. Pitched roofs open up the space and large bathrooms invite you in for long showers and blissful baths in front of the window. A fully stocked minibar and spacious wardrobe filled with the essentials – we’re talking robes, sandals, a beach bag, a safe and an array of products to repel local mosquitoes – come in handy, while luxurious furnishings and swish décor incorporating the dragon, sea and emeralds make for a relaxing and welcoming space to spend quality time.
Food and drink
How many restaurants have you been to that require a funicular lift to reach its delectable delights up high? At Banyan Tree Krabi you’ll take the swish and seamless lift up the hillside when you want to dine on authentic Thai cuisine at Saffron, and experience a unique dinner in a circular booth at the Bird’s Nest.
The spacious Naga Kitchen, meanwhile, sits at ground level behind the resort’s open air pool and serves the most lavish breakfasts, lunches and dinners within its plush setting, while Kredkaew Bar by the beach invites you to relax with a cocktail and soak up the serene surroundings.
A true showcase of the very best of the region’s culinary delights, meals at Banyan Tree Krabi are an experience – from the unique settings to the expertly crafted food, which begs to be photographed and savoured.
When it comes to Thai cuisine, you’ll find that spice levels are different throughout Thailand, in the middle spice is from the chilli and in the south it’s from the herb, local gardens will be filled with their own grown herbs.
Food here draws inspiration from the executive chef’s native Bangkok all the way down to the south. Chef Tum explained that there are no recipes here, a lot of the meals are learned from his mother, like the curry paste, and you can’t recreate this food at home. He explains that it’s more of a feeling, which I love, and it also means that he can take requests from guests, he’s happy to make people feel at home and wants them to be happy when dining here.
The freshest seafood you’ll find can be found in these waters and I can attest to the full flavoured offerings I devoured, from the spicy fried seabass to the grilled prawn roll bursting with fresh herbs and one of my favourite dishes, the fragrant Phad Thai Goong – traditional Thai fried noodles with prawns, bean sprouts, chives, cashew nuts and tamarind sauce.
I was spoiled with four-course lunches and dinners on the two days I stayed here and managed to dine across the resort, experiencing the best of each restaurant. Decadent breakfasts were enjoyed at The Naga Kitchen – possibly the best breakfast spread I’ve ever experienced thanks to the excellent quality of the food and the variation of items on offer, and lunches in the private dining room were a real highlight.
I headed up to Saffron’s private dining space one evening and loved the lofty setting with its floor to ceiling windows surrounded by nature. An elegant space, the food was just as impressive and I devoured a fresh roll Andaman tiger prawn with Tom Yam sauce; spicy fried seabass with roasted rice; slow braised beef cheek in Massaman curry sauce and shallot pickles served with Krabi roti; before finishing off with the cooling and fruity Tub Tim Grab with coconut ice cream.
The other dining space a short ride up the funicular lift is Bird’s Nest – a fantastic experience that you must book when staying here. Ensconced in the tall trees, with views out to the bay, this is such a unique and wonderful way to enjoy an afternoon tea or dinner in an intimate setting and one that I long to experience again.
Spa
If the soothing sounds of the gently lapping waves breaking the relative silence of this secluded spot aren’t enough to soothe one’s soul, there’s a hydrotherapy experience spa – The Rainforest – which offers a journey for the senses to leave any recipient in a state of bliss. Ideal for a couple (or up to four guests) this private one-hour experience in a dedicated, expertly-decorated space includes a steam room, sauna, rainforest walk, large huge hot tub with beds and jets, a plunge pool, and tepidarium beds to reinvigorate or relax even further. Adjoining is a couple’s treatment room with a bath, little reception room and a tropical rain mist bed for treatments.
Elsewhere, there are eight treatment rooms for you to be pampered in at Banyan Tree Spa, which is inspired by a tropical spa garden. For something truly indulgent try the Royal Banyan, a two-and-a-half hour experience using the best of Western and Eastern massage techniques to ease aching muscles and improve blood circulation. Or try one of the one-and-a-half or two-hour treatments inspired by traditions from China, India, Indonesia, and, of course, Thailand. From full body massages to body scrubs, calming baths, facials, hand and foot treatments and more, Banyan Tree Spas really come into their own.
To do
When you travel to a place like Banyan Tree Krabi you may be looking to simply stay on the hotel grounds and while away the hours by the pool or on a beach lounger – ordering refreshing drinks via a buzzer, punctuated by languishing dips in the sea -and honestly this has to be one of the very best places in the world to do just this.
If you like to do a little more in your day, then the hotel offers various activities for you to partake in from cooking classes to yoga, while kayaks and paddle boards can be hired for a touch of exploration.
If you want to go slightly further afield, then a hike up Dragon Crest Mountain for some winning views is a popular choice, and one of the must-do experiences has to be hiring a traditional long tail boat to explore the nearby islands and surrounding waters. Speedboats and local excursions, meanwhile, can be arranged with a local vendor and if you’re bringing youngsters with you then you’ll be pleased to know that this place offers a top-notch kids’ club to keep your kids thoroughly entertained and happy throughout your stay.
In a nutshell
For a luxurious hotel in a sublime setting, serving up some of the most mouth-watering food, don’t hesitate to seek out Banyan Tree Krabi. Style and substance converge here to offer guests a slice of paradise with memories they will keep hold of for a lifetime.
Factbox
Address: 279 Moo 2 Tambon Nongthale Amphoe Muang, Krabi 81180 Thailand
Tel: +66 075 811 888
Email: reservations-krabi@banyantree.com
Website: banyantree.com/thailand/krabi
See snippets of my travels on Instagram @tashheard_food_travel and read more about my Thailand trip here and here including the Royal Laurel Class experience on EVA AIR.
Imagery credit to Banyan Tree unless otherwise stated
