Banyan Tree Krabi Welcomes Visiting Yoga Practitioner

KRABI — Banyan Tree Krabi has announced that one of Thailand’s most respected yoga educators will host a series of sessions for guests on March 11 -13, 2026.

Mr Yuttana Poncharoen, affectionately known as Khun Jimmy, will offer guests at the beachfront resort in southern Thailand a rare opportunity to practice yoga at a special three-day Visiting Practitioner residency, where he aims to weave together decades of wisdom with the tranquil beauty of Krabi’s natural surroundings. Rooted in the philosophy of Vinyasa yoga, Jimmy’s classes emphasize the art of conscious flow – where movement, breath and awareness are seamlessly connected. Guests will be guided through thoughtfully sequenced practices that explore the balance between effort and ease, strength and softness, action and surrender.

Khun Jimmy brings to Banyan Tree Krabi more than 25 years’ experience — a career shaped by deep study, lived experience and collaboration with leading yoga masters from around the world. As a Director at Fitness Innovations Thailand and a Senior Yoga Teacher at Yoga & Me Studio, he has played a significant role in shaping the contemporary yoga landscape in Thailand.

Jimmy describes his teaching style as both “grounded and expansive”. Drawing from traditional yogic principles and modern understanding of the nervous system, his Vinyasa classes invite practitioners to move with intention, cultivating resilience, clarity and presence on and off the mat. Each session becomes an exploration of rhythm and pause, reminding participants that true vitality arises not from constant striving, but from the ability to flow skillfully between activation and rest.

“Whether you are an experienced yogi or a curious beginner, this experience offers a welcoming space to reconnect—with your breath, your body, and the subtle intelligence within,” said Banyan Tree Krabi’s Wellbeing Practitioner Dr Subhash Shanbhag. “Under Jimmy’s guidance, guests are encouraged to deepen their personal practice while embracing the restorative essence of Banyan Tree Krabi.”

Dr Subhash oversees a unique Wellbeing Sanctuary program at the resort whereby a number of pool suites are set aside for those guests who wish 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.

Banyan Tree Krabi offers 72 pool suites and villas, among them seven two-bedroom options, one three-bedroom villa, and a majestic seven-bedroom beachfront Presidential Villa. Each of the rooms faces the sea and the sunset as the property tiers into the hillside.

Facilities include two restaurants and a beach bar, a kids’ club, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and — in harmony with Banyan Tree’s wellbeing branding — a rainforest-themed spa.

For reservations or more information, contact krabi@banyantree.com or visit https://www.banyantree.com/thailand/krabi/experiences/wellbeing-with-vitality.

Keys to Success: Banyan Tree Krabi Acclaimed by MICHELIN Guide  Resort’s signature restaurant Saffron upgrades both its menu and dining experience.

KRABI, Thailand — Tiered into a lush tropical hillside and commanding spectacular vistas of the Andaman Sea, the beachfront resort of Banyan Tree Krabi was recently  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.

For more information or reservations, contact +66 075 811 888 or email krabi@banyantree.com

Teatime is Tree Time at Banyan Tree Krabi
Thai beachfront resort rolls out new Afternoon Tea menu

KRABI — Named after the tropical banyan tree, a symbol of sanctuary under which one finds peace of mind and internal harmony, this luxury resort in southern Thailand has adopted the concept in its most recent introduction of a special Afternoon Tea set, available to guests and passing visitors alike.

Not only is afternoon tea served in ever–so-refined porcelain and presented with a colourful assortment of “hot and cold nibbles” — including signature specialties such as Pani Puri Caviar, Truffle-Braised Wagyu Beef, and Mango Sticky Rice Mousse Cake — but the venue is rather otherworldly too: three “Bird’s Nest” tables sit precariously among the trees, perched high above the resort and overlooking the Andaman Sea.

The Bird’s Nest tables, which can seat a group of up to four, were an immediate favourite among guests when the resort opened its doors in 2020, and they have since become something of a photographer’s paradise, with their scenic backdrop of green forest and blue sea.

Attached by a short walkway to Banyan Tree Krabi’s signature Thai restaurant, Saffron, which is in turn accessible from the resort by a ride in an electric funicular, the panoramic trio of Bird’s Eye tables are one of the most outstanding features of the hotel, which was listed in this year’s MICHELIN Guide to Thailand.

The new Afternoon Tea offer includes a choice of three exquisite crockery sets — the Citrus Charm Collection, the Sapphire Sips Collection, and the Birdsong & Blossom Bliss Collection — each with either a Chinoiserie or Classical porcelain pattern.

The selection of teas is supplied by the Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company, and includes all the favourites one might expect: English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Sencha Green Tea, Jasmine Green Tea, Peppermint, and Chamomile.

Finger foods are brought to the table on a three-tiered “bird-cage” curate. The chef recommends his own creation: House-Smoked Salmon and Black King Fish Wrapped in Betel Leaves, Local Herb Salad, Roasted Chili, Cashew Nuts, Crispy Fried Shallots and Roasted-Rice Tamarind Dressing. Also not to be missed are the homemade scones. Both the Sesame Puff Filled with Pandan Custard scone and the Sweet-Sour Lychee in Orange-Flavoured Syrup scone are worth the flight to Thailand alone.

There are two sittings for Bird’s Nest table reservations: either 2pm – 3:30 pm or 3:30 pm – 5pm. Ideal for special romantic occasions such as anniversaries or birthdays, the Signature Afternoon Tea at Banyan Tree Krabi costs 2,900 THB per couple, and there is also the option of a vegetarian set for 2,200 THB.

The Resort

Located on tranquil Tubkaek Beach, some 25 km west of the town of Krabi, 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. The resort backs into a lush forested national park, and each of the 72 rooms faces westward towards uninhabited islands in the Andaman Sea.

Facilities at this 5-star hotel include two restaurants and a beach bar, a beach club, a kids’ club, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa Krabi.

For more information about Saffron Restaurant or reservations for a Bird’s Nest table, contact krabi@banyantree.com or tel: +66 75 811 888.

Banyan Tree Krabi Achieves Sustainability Badge of Honour
EarthCheck has awarded its first Silver Certification to a hotel in Krabi.

KRABI, Thailand — Banyan Tree Krabi has been recognised for its sustainable and environmental practices, becoming the first hotel or resort in the Krabi region to win Silver Certification by EarthCheck, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking organisation for the hospitality industry.

Following a rigorous science-backed audit by EarthCheck, the landmark accolade is underpinned by the resort’s excellence in 10 key performance areas: Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Energy Efficiency; Management of Freshwater Resources; Ecosystem Conservation & Management; Social & Cultural Management; Land Use Planning & Management; Air Quality Protection; Wastewater Management; Solid Waste Management; and Environmentally Harmful Substances.

“EarthCheck requires all its members to meet every single criterion, every year,” said the organisation’s Relationship Manager Bingni Wu. “This means businesses must continuously work on both the measurable and qualitative aspects of sustainability. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about making real, ongoing changes.”

Sustainability as a Key to Success

Head of Banyan Tree Krabi’s Sustainability Team, Thepsuda Loyjiw, said that the resort continually strives to reduce consumption rates through improved efficiency and adopting new technology or practices.

A marine biologist, Loyjiw said that the hotel offers eco-friendly activities to guests, including forest bathing and hiking in the national park adjoining the property to help raise awareness about environmental conservation and protecting local flora and fauna.

Among the cultural options, guests can indulge in Thai cookery classes, Thai boxing, Thai language lessons or a visit to an elephant sanctuary.

The hotel also organises beach clean-up campaigns, and — as part of the Banyan Tree brand’s worldwide “Stay For Good” initiative — tours to a local fishing community where guests can participate in handcraft workshops.

Among projects earmarked for the year ahead, Loyjiw said her team is preparing the groundwork for a cage-free egg policy at the hotel, as well as a sustainable seafood programme.

Award-Winning Resorts

Located on secluded Tubkaek Beach and opened in 2020, Banyan Tree Krabi is flanked to the rear by a forested national park while facing out towards a sea of karst limestone towers — undoubtedly one of Thailand’s most iconic and enduring images — which are uninhabited and protected as a national marine park. The hotel is tiered into a lush landscape, all of which is dominated by a rollercoaster of mountains.

The resort offers 72 pool suites and villas, among them seven two-bedroom options, one three-bedroom villa, and a majestic seven-bedroom beachfront Presidential Villa. Each of the rooms faces the sea and the sunset as the property tiers into the hillside.

Facilities include two restaurants and a beach bar, a beach club, a kids’ club, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and — in keeping with Banyan Tree’s wellness branding — a rainforest-themed spa.

The hotel seeks to follow in the footsteps of its sister resort farther to the east in Thailand, Banyan Tree Samui, which launched in 2010 and was recently presented by EarthCheck with the highest level of certification, Platinum, making it the first and only hotel or resort in the country to reach this prestigious milestone.

Both Banyan Tree resorts were recognised in the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards this year, with Banyan Tree Krabi voted No 4 in the Top Resorts in Thailand category, and Banyan Tree Samui claiming the No 5 title.

To learn more about Banyan Tree Krabi’s various sustainability efforts, visit: https://www.banyantree.com/thailand/krabi/sustainability

The Hillcrest Villa at Banyan Tree Samui offers a magnificent 360-degree panoramic view.

Banyan Tree Marks Anniversary with Resort Credit Offers

One of Southeast Asia’s most beloved hotel groups, Banyan Tree, is celebrating its 27th anniversary with a range of value-driven offers across more than 40 properties worldwide.

In Thailand, the group’s luxury resorts in Koh Samui and Krabi will provide daily credit vouchers to guests, which can be used at all on-site restaurants and spas to the tune of 2,000 baht (US$60) and 3,000 baht ($90) respectively.

Banyan Tree Samui will also include a complimentary round-trip airport transfer for guests.

The “Rediscover the World” promotion applies to bookings at all Banyan Tree hotels between 7 September and 15 October 2021; however, stays at the resorts can be taken any time until 7 September 2022 at Banyan Tree Samui, and until 31 July 2022 at Banyan Tree Krabi.

Founded by Singaporeans KP Ho and his wife Claire Chang, Banyan Tree’s foundations are deeply rooted in Thailand where they opened their first hotel back in 1994. However, the original site for their dream resort in Phuket was discovered to be sitting upon an abandoned tin mine and the soil was too toxic to support development. Unperturbed, the couple embarked on a program of regeneration, planting 7,000 trees and stimulating the growth of indigenous plants and flora.

Twenty-seven years later, the Banyan Tree brand has become synonymous with environmental awareness and wellbeing, winning numerous awards and adhering to the highest principles of sustainability.

Majestic view from the lobby of Banyan Tree Krabi

Banyan Tree Krabi is the latest in the group’s lush tropical resorts to open in Thailand, launching in October 2020 despite the challenges of the covid pandemic. Situated at tranquil Tubkaek Beach, a 45-minute drive from Krabi International Airport, the new resort is flanked by nature — it tiers into a verdant forested landscape while facing Than Bok Khorani National Marine Park and its famous towering limestone cliffs, which jut from the Andaman Sea, one of Thailand’s most iconic and idyllic postcard images.

Banyan Tree Krabi has 72 suites and villas, each of which has its own private infinity pool and jet pool. Facilities at the hotel include two restaurants, a beach bar, a kids’ club, a fitness center, a meeting center, an elevated outdoor wedding deck, and in keeping with Banyan Tree’s global wellbeing branding — a rainforest-themed spa.

Perhaps one of Thailand’s most recognizable hotels for its picture-postcard location is Banyan Tree Samui, which opened in 2010. The resort is nestled into a tropical hillside overlooking a cove of white-sanded beach and sapphire sea, and each of the 88 villas on the lush 38-acre property boasts a private 35-sqm infinity pool.

All 72 rooms at Banyan Tree Krabi face west towards the sunset and the Andaman Sea.

Banyan Tree Samui was a Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Winner in 2020, and has consistently been voted one of the top resorts in Asia.

Both Banyan Tree Samui and Banyan Tree Krabi typify the brand by their atmosphere of “Thai-ness”. The signature Saffron Restaurant, available at either hotel, offers a menu of classic Thai cuisine and magnificent sea views, while the spas employ local Thai herbs in their massage products.

Banyan Tree’s design team has accentuated the ambience of luxury at each resort with Siamese architectural aspects such as pitched ceilings and Buddhist temple-shaped rooftops, as well as traditional Thai fabrics and artwork in the decor.

For reservations and more information about the “Rediscover the World” promotion, go to:

https://www.banyantree.com/en/thailand/samui/offers/anniversary-2021

https://www.banyantree.com/en/thailand/krabi/offers/anniversary-2021