A FEW days ago, I was sitting on my balcony, sipping my coffee, and indulging in the illusion that autumn would be a gentle, introspective season.
I imagined long, leisurely afternoons with books, perhaps a bit of reflective journaling, and minimal interruption from the outside world. Fast forward to now, and here I am, planted into a seat on a Thai Airways flight to Phuket for Banyan Tree’s 30th anniversary. Isn’t it just typical? Life has a way of reminding you that you can’t control your journey. Or at least I can’t.Â
Banyan Tree Phuket
As soon as I settle into my seat, the Thai Airways staff make me feel like I’ve arrived at a five-star dinner party. The kind of hospitality where you’re not even aware you need something until it magically appears. The flight, which is meant to be a marathon of 18 hours, actually feels more like a slow introduction to a transformative journey.
Phuket has the kind of tropical scene you only see in postcards. Lush greenery, cerulean skies, and the promise of a time so idyllic, it might as well come with its own soundtrack. And my villa at Banyan Tree? Well, let’s just say the pictures didn’t do it justice or I need new glasses.
Some places manage to combine intimacy with expansion in a manner that they feel designed personally for yourself. Which they might have been. I have my name on the villa, so I can just declare it my home for the foreseeable. I’ve always wanted to briefly own a luxury holiday home in Thailand, and now I do. Even if it’s just for a few days.Â
Banyan Tree Phuket
The resort itself is sprawling, with 218 private pool villas, each one more charming than the last, nestled among beautifully landscaped gardens, all hugging the edge of a lagoon that looks like it belongs in a dream. It’s the kind of place that makes you wonder whether you’re actually supposed to be this relaxed. But, really, it’s the perfect spot to celebrate Banyan Tree’s anniversary, especially given how much the brand has always been about giving back—not just to its guests, but to the environment and the local community.
This isn’t just a resort—it’s got a history. The idea for Banyan Tree began with Ho Kwon Ping and Claire Chiang, who, years ago, lived in Banyan Tree Bay and travelled all over the world when they were young and in love. Their experience sparked an epiphany: travel isn’t just about escaping—it’s about transformation.
It’s about making connections, with people and with the planet. And from this epiphany, Banyan Tree Phuket was born, with the banyan tree itself becoming a symbol of refuge. The idea was simple: a place where travellers could find shelter, feel restored, and maybe even change the world a little. If only all epiphanies could look this good.
Banyan Tree Phuket
The lagoon, where this beautiful oasis now sits, was once an abandoned tin mine. Imagine the transformation—a scar on the earth turned into a thriving ecosystem. It’s proof that with a little vision and an awful lot of hard work, even the most unlikely places can be turned into something magnificent.
The first day is an immersion into everything Banyan Tree does best. I hop on a bicycle on my way to the meditation centre, pedalling past the immaculate golf course. I feel like I’ve stumbled onto the set of The Blue Lagoon and they just happened to let me in. This place isn’t just a resort, it’s a kingdom. And the meditation session? It’s not so much about clearing your mind, it’s more about letting the serenity of the place sink in. By the time I’m finished, I’m practically an oracle. Or at least, I can pretend to be.
Banyan Tree Phuket
The second day brings volunteering at a local school. I’m impressed by how Banyan Tree’s commitment to the community goes beyond the standard corporate “donate a few thousand pounds” kind of thing. No, here it’s about rolling up your sleeves and investing time and effort into the community’s future. After the school visit, we go for a boat trip to the islands where they filmed James Bond.
Naturally, I half expect Sean Connery to pop out from behind a rock, but alas, it’s just us and a lot of beautiful scenery. The islands, though—good grief. The towering limestone cliffs rise out of the water like nature’s own jagged skyscrapers. You almost expect a helicopter to swoop in and whisk you off to your next adventure.
By day three, the place is starting to work its magic on me. The monks arrive early in the morning for a traditional alms-giving ceremony, and there’s something so peaceful about the whole ritual. The saffron robes, the quiet procession—everything about it feels grounded, connected to something bigger than ourselves. It’s a moment of calm that you didn’t realise you needed, and yet here it is, reminding you that travel is also about gratitude.
Banyan Tree Phuket
What’s truly impressive throughout these few days is the balance between luxury and purpose. Banyan Tree Phuket isn’t just about pampering you with a 5-star massage or a sunset cocktail. It’s about making sure that luxury doesn’t come at the expense of the community or the environment.
From supporting local artisans to running beach clean-ups, Banyan Tree is deeply embedded in the fabric of Phuket. And their Community Seedlings Project, which trains and employs underprivileged students, shows they’re investing in the future, not just their bottom line.
Banyan Tree Phuket
By the end of my stay, I’m left with a sense that Banyan Tree Phuket has done what the best kind of places do: it’s shifted something inside me. It’s not just about indulging in luxury; it’s about connecting to a place in a way that feels meaningful. I’m not just a guest here; I’m part of something larger, and it’s a rare thing to find a place that makes you feel this way. I’ve realised that, sometimes, the best trips don’t just leave you relaxed—they leave you a little bit better.
by Adina Ilie
Thai Airways International operates 2 daily flights from London Heathrow to Phuket via Bangkok. London to Phuket return, from £1,019 pp all in, in economy class, and from £4,663 pp all in in Royal Silk class. Book at www.thaiairways.com
Banyan Tree Phuket is located at 33/27 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay,Amphur Talan Phuket, Thailand 83110. For more information you can email phuket@banyantree.com