Sustainable luxury hotel and spa group Banyan Tree Group has launched its new healthy living concept at its properties in Southern Thailand, including Banyan Tree Samui and Banyan Tree Krabi.

The launch is based on ecotherapy and involves guests staying in a dedicated Wellbeing Sanctuary villa with a set pay rate allowing them access to up to 50 different types of wellness activities a week inspired by the destination, plus a daily massage.

The villas, in their first guise, quietly launched at the flagship Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand, in May 2018.

As every individual’s journey to wellbeing is different, Banyan Tree wants to provide a tranquil retreat with the time and space for guests to choose their own activities throughout their stay with a unique credit system, in consultation with the property’s wellbeing host.

Through a simple approach of eight wellbeing pillars, guests may personalise their stay and pick up new personal practices to sustain even after returning home.

A stay at one of Banyan Tree’s Wellbeing Sanctuary includes:

• Accommodation at a wellbeing suite or villa designed for sleep enhancement.
• In-room amenities such as yoga mats, a mini-bar stocked with fresh juices and herbal teas, stretch bands and singing bowls for private practice.
• Evening turndown service including pre-sleep bath and body rituals such as bath salts or a lemon and lime steam facial.
• Balanced healthy meals and mini-bar provisions using locally sourced ingredients.
• Bodywork and Spa therapy experience.
• Personalised, take-home wellbeing guide for sustained learning.

The resorts have also introduced four new massages specifically for patrons of the Wellbeing Sanctuary: Restorative Detox; Sleep Essentials; Mobility Stretch; and Urban Relief.

The teams at Banyan Tree Samui and Banyan Tree Krabi have tailored holistic itineraries based on Banyan Tree’s eight wellbeing pillars; Dietary Awareness; Physical Vitality; Cultivate the Mind; Sleep & Rest; Harmony with Nature; Learning & Development; Bonding and Connection; and Sustained Practices.

Each of the villas selected for the Wellbeing Sanctuary hosts an outdoor pool and hot jet pool. On Koh Samui, Wellbeing Villas come with a luxurious infinity pool, while at Krabi, each room opens onto a private garden, ideal for private self-wellbeing activities.

“When guests book a Wellbeing Sanctuary, they have the flexibility to choose their own activities,” says Remko Kroesen, area general manager who oversees both hotels.

“Before arrival, we send them a questionnaire so they can stipulate their goals, and our practitioners will be on hand throughout their stay to ensure they have every opportunity to connect with nature, discover a sense of deep relaxation and balance.

“When they come to leave, we’ll consult with them and provide suggestions that will help fine-tune and inspire their daily routines.”

Banyan Tree began rolling out its Wellbeing Sanctuary programmes in China in March 2021.

The goal moving forward is to progressively roll out the concept at its resorts in Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Thailand and Vietnam as each destination re-emerges from the pandemic.

To read more about the inspiration behind Banyan Tree’s Wellbeing Sanctuaries, check out Spa Business’ in-depth interview here.