When Banyan Tree Spa opened in Asia’s first luxury spa resort – Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand in 1994, it pioneered the tropical garden spa concept with its Eastern therapies and holistic focus on spiritual, mental and physical harmony. As the first luxury oriental spa in Asia, it reintroduced an exotic blend of ancient health and beauty practices which have been passed down from generation to generation.

Like the tropical and sacred tree from which it got its name, the Banyan Tree Spa offers guests a sanctuary for the senses – a place for physical, mental and spiritual renewal. To achieve this, the Spa focuses on a non-clinical and holistic approach based on traditional Eastern healing therapies. It emphasises on a ‘high-touch, low-tech’ approach that celebrates the human touch and the use of natural herbs and spices.

Following its extraordinary success in Phuket, Banyan Tree Spa went on to open more spas in the Maldives, Bintan, Indonesia; Bangkok, Thailand; the Seychelles; Shanghai, China; Japan; Ringha, China; Lijiang, China; and Sanya, China. Each spa is designed to fit into its unique surroundings, using indigenous materials to showcase the local culture and heritage and reflect the unique architectural style, the land and its flora. The tropical garden setting not only help guests recall the splendor and serenity of the natural world, but also awakens all their senses, making them more receptive to the healing sense of touch.

At Banyan Tree Spa, the highlight of each spa experience is the training of its spa therapists. Banyan Tree Spa Academy Phuket was set up in 2001 to train a dedicated group of spa therapists for Banyan Tree Spas, ensuring high quality service standards and consistency in all its Spas around the world.

The innovation of the tropical garden spa concept has not only spurred the phenomenal growth of the regional spa industry, it has also made visiting spas a needed addition to lifestyle preferences.

Text by Irina Ivan