Banyan Tree Hotel

We stayed in the Banyan Tree for 10 nights in October/November 2005 and could not find fault with it in any respect. Arriving at the hotel, we were greeted with cold flannels, a corsage of flowers and an iced drink while we checked in. This is a hotel so devoted to comfort that they don't have a check in desk but sofas where you lounge while you sip your drink and listen to the staff apologise that they can only upgrade you for three nights and not your whole stay... We had booked a jacuzzi villa and were offered the chance to move for free to a pool villa for the end of our stay, which we accepted happily. We were then taken over to the villa by buggy and found it extremely impressive inside - done out in teak throughout, with french doors into the private garden with granite-surrounded raised jacuzzi/hot tub and two sunloungers. Inside there was a platform bed, desk with oil burner and incense sticks (replenished daily), a small dining table and chairs, twin basins looking out onto the open air sunken bath, separate shower room and WC, both with floor to ceiling windows - ordinarily one might feel a bit exposed using rooms with such big windows but as the entire villa and garden are self-enclosed with walls and trees surrounding, there is no chance of anyone spying in. It therefore feels extremely private and tranquil. As a consequence of the fact that all the hotel's rooms are private villas with their own gardens (some of them pretty big), the grounds are large and many guests choose to call for a buggy to take them from one side to the other, however we enjoyed walking around the grounds, which are extremely well maintained. As an aside, we did not like to ask questions about the tsunami in case it offended anyone but there was absolutely no evidence that it had ever happened. The hotel, its grounds and all the buildings looked really pristine, so if they have had to do some renovations and repairs they have done so very well and speedily. The hotel is set alongside a lagoon which is extremely picturesque, especially at twilight when torches are lit all around the shore. A frequent boat service and a minibus is available to take you to any of the other 4 hotels in the Laguna complex should you need it, but in truth we found the Banyan Tree catered so well to every need that we only visited one other restaurant in the Sheraton - Puccini's - which was good. Of the three restaurants in the BT, we were most taken with Saffron, which does extremely good Thai food. Watercourt was also very good, with more international options, and Tamarind (spa restaurant, healthy options) was good but as we preferred the others we only dined there once. Breakfast covers all the options you could possibly want, and we were almost daily offered a champagne cocktail to accompany our omelettes - a really nice touch, even at 9am! The bar in the hotel is criminally underused - we couldn't work out why there were often only 5 or 6 people in there, as the staff were great and mixed some super and properly-mixed cocktails. They were extremely friendly and always greeted us enthusiastically, so if you go to BT please do give them some custom! In general the hotel feels quiet and although it was apparently fully occupied when we were there, the pool area was quiet and there was no issue getting sunbeds at any time of day. Presumably many guests choose to stay in their gardens, especially those with their own pools. But at the main pool you benefit from iced water, cool flannels and peppermint spray being brought round, which are all nice touches. The pool bar is also a good lunchtime option. Back to the plot, when the time came to be upgraded we were collected by buggy and conveyed to our pool villa. We had been impressed enough with the jacuzzi villa and thought the pool villa would 'just' have its own pool and that would be it - but in fact there was a significant leap in quality between the two. The entire villa was probably one-third bigger, with a bigger garden, 9m pool, sala for sitting outside under cover, double bed-sized sunbed, coffee machine, separate bar area...plus, as before, twin basins, outdoor bath, shower room etc. It's actually quite an achievement to manage to differentiate so clearly between the two grades of room while making even the lowest grade feel wonderfully luxurious. We could only imagine how lovely the spa pool villa grade must be. Separate mention has to be given to the staff, who were without exception extremely charming, courteous, efficient and friendly. While drinking in the bar one evening I mentioned to the barman that I liked Thai food and would like to learn how to cook it, and within 2 minutes I was booked on a free lunchtime Thai cookery course in the hotel the next day. Brilliant. In terms of extras, the wine is expensive for what is on offer. We reckon a bottle that might cost GBP7 was being offered for GBP30 there, which is pricey. Apart from that, we found all other drinks (apart from champagne, which is always ludicrously priced out of Europe) and the food were in line with expectations - it all adds up but we didn't feel it was excessive at all. Spa treatments are expensive by Thai standards but probably equivalent to UK prices. Given that you are in the 'Best spa in Asia' (as voted by Conde Nast) it is not bad value, and we found the treatments that we had excellent quality in lovely surroundings. This is a long review but it still doesn't cover all the things I could say about the Banyan Tree. We were very, very reluctant to leave and would go back like a shot. It really is as good as they say.

My husband and I stayed at Banyan tree Phuket resort from Oct 13-16th for our honeymoon. We were originally delayed for a day because of miscalculation of flight arrival time, but the resort has graciously guided us to reschedule everything that's been previously planned. We were greeted with friendly staff with the cold towels and drinks with flowers, as we overlooked the beautiful lobby. some ppl have commented that banyan tree is getting old and need renovation, but i disagree on that part. due to the climate condition in phuket, of course it is impossible to keep everything perfectly new all the time..but the resort itself as a whole was MUCH BEAUTIFUL in person than seeing pictures from their website. Not to mention the superb spa services they had there..it was literally the best I've ever experienced, we scheduled for two sessions within three days of stay there! The restaurants within resort was excellent, although it was quite pricey- but hey, that's expected from a top knotch resort and we were on our honeymoon..! We stayed at the pool villa (#701) which was sooo perfect and lovely in every way possible..my husband was originally concerned that he might get bored at such relaxing resort, but he ended up not wanting to leave by the end of our stay. we truly wish to revisit banyan tree phuket someday, and would like to visit other banyan tree locations as well.. lemme know if u need any recommendations or pictures from our trip.. we had a wonderful time!!

My partner and I from the UK stayed for 8 nights in Banyan tree in Oct 2005 Booked through Asia Web direct (or book through banyan tree owns website) and got a great deal on lagoon pool villa. We flew in from Bangkok - caught a taxi from airport - 500 bht if you take aiport taxis - metered taxis just outside of carpark are just as safe and only 300bht. Was not very busy at all so if you want a quiet atmosphere this is the perfect time to go - only 1 days rain!. Villa is brilliant - had a problem with smell from the toilet but we rang reception and it was fixed in hours and no problems at all!. Villa is gorgeous - lovely bedroom - entrance room for mini bar, his and hers bathroom sinks, outdoor bath for 2! - lots of toiletries, soaps, robes, slippers, pool shoes etc. CD/DVD player and cappucino maker in room! DVD's and books available in library but not the best selection so worth bringing a few DVD's of your own. Great pool, sunloungers and sala (with fan!) overlooking the lagoon, also decking and deck chairs overlooking the lagoon. Great breakfast every morning and afternoon tea included - actually so much food we did not need lunch!. Service is brilliant - no waits - everything came when we wanted - cleaning service was impeccable - they worked very hard!. To get anywhere you call for a buggy - always arrived very quickly. Great beach with restaurant and sun loungers. You can walk down the beach to some nearby restaurants for dinner. We went to a restaurant near the lagoon shops which was great - did not try any of the other hotel restaurants but they all looked very good. Dont forget the activities - we did the daily yoga- worth a go! - used the bikes to go to nearest village for shopping (supermarket and gift shops), and used canoes to go round the lagoons. This hotel is well worth it - yes it is pricey but you do get luxury - and you can get out of the resort to get some cheaper meals. We went to Patong for a nite - well worth it - caught the local taxi (a cross between tuk tuk and pick up!) back to banyan tree. A very romantic, place - lots to do and great villas!..its worth spending that little bit extra to get the lagoon pool villa. Definately worth going and hope you have as much fun as we did!.

Me and my boyfriend stayed at Banyan Tree in April for 8 nights, after a flying in from Hong Kong we needed a rest. When you arrived, the booking is done quickly over a welcome drink. We stayed in a Jacuzzi villa for 3 nights and had a free up grade to a pool villa for the other 5 nights We managed to get this with Kuoni (Even though you are meant to pay for 8 nights, we only paid for seven + 1 night free, they said we could have this subject to availably as there is no way of paying got 8 nights as they offer one night free for seven booked nights), we were told we would have to pay for this when we arrived ($150 a night) I said I would phone the agent to sort this out within two minutes of the guy getting back to the reception desk from our room, he had phoned to say we would be upgraded. both rooms were nice but would recommend you must book a pool villa it's much nicer and has more space, the change over was easy, they sent over a buggy at midday and moved us to our new room. You get his and her bathrooms and they leave the women a make up bag with a few bits in and for the men a wash bag which you can take home we you. There is also a outside bath which I didn't try incase there were bugs. They put different sorts of Thai fruit in your room every day and you get a daily newspaper. Every evening there is a turndown service which was lovely to come back to, they would light the candle oil burner which would make the room smell gorgeous. There wasn't much of a beach but was still nice. Pool was lovely very quite and staff bring you over a tray with water, cold towel and peppermint face spray which was a nice extra. You don’t need to get up early to get a bed round the pool there are plenty. They were quite a few children which I didn’t expect, I though it would more of a couples resort, they is not much to do for children apart the pool, a few families had hired a nanny to look after their kids around the pool while they went golf, spa or just relaxed around the pool. We ate in every restaurant and some others in Laguna Phuket. The spa restaurant for lunch was excellent. I really also enjoyed the Thai and Watercourt for dinner. A wide choice for breakfast and they also have sparking wine! Some of the dinners could be the same price at back home but was well worth the money. Staff are really friendly and helpful, they can't do enough for you. Banyan Tree offer a buggy service which is handy because the beach is a little walk and some of the villas are a 10 min walk away from the main reception. I did not use the spa but wish I had, as I heard how nice it was! Maybe next time. Would go back like a shot, I loved every minute of Banyan Tree. I hope you enjoy it has must as me If you have any questions please feel free to contact me

My husband and I stayed at the Banyan Tree Phuket for our honeymoon. We stayed in the pool lagoon villa. The villa was beautiful with our own pool, outdoor bathtub, fresh flowers and fruit daily. There is also an espresso maker, DVD player and CD player. There is a library in the lobby that for no extra charge, you can borrow DVDs and CDs, books and magazines. For your use in your room, there are beach bags, robes, slippers, rain ponchos and umbrellas. At the beach you receive complimentary chilled towels, Evian bottles, and water/peppermint body spray. The service was superb from the moment we checked in. The breakfast was very good with numerous options. We ate at the Thai restaurant, Saffron which was excellent and would highly recommend. The combination of the gorgeous grounds, the kind and unbelievably attentive staff, and excellent food, my husband and I cannot wait to return to Phuket and stay at the Banyan Tree, it was defintely worth the money.

We have just returned from 10 glorious days at the Banyan Tree in Phuket - it was a pre-honeymoon (hey, what better way to find out if you should marry someone than to spend ten whole days together!) and it was absolutely wonderful. We stayed in the Spa Pool Villas which were magnificent - the staff were great and the weather was lovely - we kept scratching our collective heads wondering why people keep calling it the low season when we had two days of rain out of ten! The villas are lovely and you almost have to leave them so that you can come back just to appreciate how wonderful they are. The hotel was a bit quiet and so the bar was slightly lacking in atmosphere but only because we were the only ones there - my better half wanted to watch the footy on the first night we were there and our buggy driver gave us great local information about where to go - the Banyan Tree is part of the Laguna with about five other hotels so you can use all of the other facilities (but they can't use yours!) but to be honest I would recommend leaving the laguna and just outside there is a village which hosts a number of pubs and restaurants where you get the " real Phuket experience" our first night was spent at the Black Cat - a French / Thai restaurant which is packed full of atmosphere and the owner came to pick us up from the Banyan Tree - we spent many an hour there during our trip - ask for Philippe and tell him that Mark and Mercedes sent you and he is sure to take very good care of you - he is a lovely guy who can regale you with stories of the filming of The Beach (he did some catering for the crew and met with Leonardo) - the food there is great and he makes a mean cocktail too! Also outside is the Whispering Cock, an old English Pub which, if you get sick of Thai food, serves the very best steak and kidney pie I have ever had! The local expats are very friendly and hospitable and will point you in the right direction - we also ate at The Grange which is a superb restaurant in Laguna Beach Resort - lovely but you cannot beat the beachfront restaurants in front of Banyan Tree, The Lotus was delicious - as long as you are not squeamish about seafood - you pick what you want from the tanks and they weigh it and cook it how you like - delish, especially with the sound of the waves coming in nearby. I can't recommend this area enough, the Banyan Tree is delightful and romantic and you can either stay in or go out (as we chose to do most nights) the in-villa barbecue is delicious but a bit too much food - the best part was the afternoon tea when they bring your fresh fruit with a juicer - lovely to have a fresh juice overlooking the laguna at 5pm with the sounds of frogs croaking and the evening still ahead of you! All in all I would say that we were going to go to Banyan Tree Seychelles but Phuket was much cheaper and I am so glad we did - make sure you go down to the beach at 3:30 in front of the Sheraton - a mother and baby elephant swim there every day and it is the lovliest thing to watch. I wish it was still a week ago! For all of you who are going in the near future, you are soooo lucky!

Went with family, was perfect! Everything you would ever want,and the staff are the friendliest people you wil ever meet!

We booked this hotel as part of our honeymoon. And what an excellent choice for a hotel it was. This place has it all. The decor is very stylish with its lilly ponds, outdoor restaurants and if you book into either the pool villa or jacuzi pool villa you will be in for a treat. we stayed in the pool villa for 3 nights and it was beautiful, we then booked into the jacuzi pool villa for a further 3 nights and 'oh my days' this is by far the best i have had. All i can say is go and experience this place for youself !!!

My husband and I went there for our honeymoon. The facilities were quite nice but what got me impressed was the service at the resort. My husband got sick during our time there. We ended up going to the downtown clinic. When we returned to our villa, a huge bouquet of roses were by the bedside with a note telling my husband to feel better. Now that is what I call service.

Having stayed at the banyan phuket twice some years ago, and at other banyans, we went somewhere else this trip to Phuket .. after one night there, we called the banyan, booked a pool villa and moved. That was our best decision of the week, we even stayed an extra day. The banyan is beatiful. The rooms are large, well-appointed and the staff keep them in superb condition. Decor is beautiful, the private garden was lush, the pool was magnificent and the villa had everything we wanted. They got all the little things right and that's hard, enough towels, amenities refreshed properly every day (even when we, as it seems many other guests do there, only left the room for a couple of hours every day). Rooms are large and light, plenty of windows, amazing outside bathrooms, but carefully designed to give you complete privacy. The pool villas have their own pools, not just a splash pool either, a good-sized pool. Jacuzzi villas have of course a jacuzzi in the garden but the hotel has another large swimming pool, often quite quiet because many people are in villas with their own. The staff at banyan are superb, they're friendly, very helpful and committed to ensuring that every single guest has a totally relaxing vacation. They exceeded our expectations every day. Without them the banyan would be a beautiful development, they make it into a peaceful relaxing place to vacation. As well as banyan itself you have the rest of the laguna development to explore. We ate around at different hotels, just jumping on the shuttle bus or boat every night, never more than a couple of minutes away. The spa is wonderful, I think it's a little expensive. Were it cheaper we would probably have gone twice and spent more money there in total, as it was we just went once. The only thing I wanted and didn't have was in-room internet access. There are a couple of machines in the library and business center you can read mail off and one connection in the business center to hook up a laptop to but I'd have liked to have been able to run my laptop from the villa and post this review from there.