Neil Aronson The Banyan Tree Krabi is tiered into a lush tropical hillside and commanding spectacular vistas of the Andaman Sea. This beachfront resort, Banyan Tree Krabi, was 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”.
Banyan Tree Krabi is the last resort along an isolated stretch of Krabi beachfront that adjoins a national park, which suggests that it will always be just the resort and the rainforested national park on its northern boundary.
It is located immediately next to the Amari Vogue Krabi Resort. It is about 40 minutes from Krabi International Airport, 20 minutes from Ao Nang Beach and at least two hours from Phuket International Airport. Many direct bookings here include roundtrip airport transfers from 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.
Facilities include two restaurants and a beach bar, a beach club, a kids’ club, a fitness center, meeting rooms, and the rainforest-themed spa.
Rainforest Spa
Banyan Tree Spa Krabi’s signature spa experience is The Rainforest, the region’s first luxury hydrotherapy facility, “where tropical serenity meets holistic wellness”.
Nestled along the stunning Andaman coastline, Banyan Tree Spa Krabi offers a serene oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation. Each of its eight treatment suites is accompanied by a private garden, and fitted with “color-calm” lighting, the tones and hues of which can be adapted to balance the chakra of each individual customer.
The venue also boasts Krabi’s first hydrotherapy spa, The Rainforest, a holistic and innovative wellness experience designed to heal and soothe. Guests are invited to embark on an experiential journey with a sophisticated hydrothermal circuit comprising a Rain Walk, Steam, Sauna, Ice Fountain, Vitality Pool, Outdoor Cold Plunge Pool, Outdoor Hot Plunge Pool, Jet Pool, and Heated Bed.
A Refined Saffron Restaurant
The Banyan Tree Krabi 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 flavorsome dishes accurately portray the original recipes of the region.
Beyond its world-class spa facilities, Banyan Tree Krabi offers a range of luxurious accommodations, and each of the 72 suites and villas face the sea and has its own private infinity pool and jet pool.
Guests can also enjoy a host of recreational activities, from kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding to Thai boxing and hiking, as well as exceptional dining experiences showcasing the best in Thai and international cuisine.
Create your own perfect day in paradise with a private excursion onboard The White Pearl – our traditional longtail boat, a storied element of local life in the coastal communities throughout southern Thailand in generations past through to modern times.
Unique in its design, our longtail boat – named after the exquisite gem historically found throughout the waters of the Andaman Sea – provides the rustic feel of vessels that are prominently found around the region with bespoke touches to enhance your comfort during your day on the water.
Resources
Agoda is the best place to book cheap affordable hotels in Thailand, especially near national parks. They also book flights as well.
Expedia is my favorite place to book flights, hotels, cars, and more. Their group includes Hotels.com and Vrbo for vacation rentals.
Viator is the top choice for activities. Book everything from a temple tour to scuba diving, jungle trekking to cooking classes.
12Go is the top transportation source for Asia. From busses to trains to regional flights.
Air Asia is the top regional discount airlines for Thailand and all Southeast Asia. Book from Chiang Mai to just about everywhere.
