Banyan Tree Krabi Hotel Review

Stellar coastline, crystal clear waters, natural wonders and almost no the crowds: for a beach escape in Thailand, Krabi as it all – and then some. This province on southern Thailand’s west coast also has some of the most spectacular stays the Land of Smiles has to offer. Enter Banyan Tree Krabi, the luxury hotel brand’s latest property that masterfully fuses local folklore with considered design and exquisite fine dining.

What’s the hotel like?

Banyan Tree Krabi is a colossal resort sandwiched between the dazzling waters of the Andaman Sea and the lush Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. This makes it a hub for nature lovers who are looking to explore, as well as those looking to do absolutely nothing.

Design elements reference the Great Naga – an ancient serpent–human creature that is said to have created the islands that the resort overlooks – through scale motifs on sliding doors and Kurasawa-esque tidal waves painted onto the walls. Its an ingenious way to breathe new life into local folklore.

What’s the neighbourhood like?

Banyan Tree Krabi is the gateway to Phang Nga (Hong Island), the filming location for recent blockbuster Jurassic World Rebirth. Guests can take the resort’s private longtail boat, The White Pearl, to explore the island, as well as others nearby, in no time. Grab your walking shoes and take off on a hike through the national park or up Khao Ngon Nak (Dragon Crest Mountain).

The hotel’s location is truly the best of both worlds: secluded and serene but close enough to town. Within 20 minutes’ drive you can get to Ao Nang Beach, a relaxed coastal area with a bustling promenade of shops, al fresco bars and restaurants. From Ao Nang, you can take a longtail to Railay Beach, a pretty private cove surrounded by jagged cliffs only accessible by boat.

Where am I sleeping?

Banyan Tree Krabi has 72 villas, all facing west to catch the best sunsets over the Andaman Sea. White interiors let the beach views take centre stage; certainly the case in my Beachfront Pool Villa (from A$1,613 per night).

Design elements inside my villa reference Nāga – an ancient serpent–human creature said to have created the nearby islands – through scale motifs on sliding doors and Kurosawa-esque tidal waves painted onto the walls. It’s an ingenious way to breathe new life into a local legend. A sparkling pool spans flush up the perimeter and comes complete with hydrotherapy fountain, hot tub. It’s also connected to my lavish ensuite bathroom so I can jump straight from the chilled pool into the warm spa bath. This is the first time I’ve stayed on a bed in the middle of the room, but it has a dramatic effect that I come to appreciate during my stay.

The Bird’s Nest is one of the most exclusive eateries in Phuket. Suspended in the treetops, it’s accessible via funicular railway. And with only three tables overlooking the beach, here it’s just you, the birds and the gentle lapping of waves on the shore. There are four menus – vegetarian, fish, lamb and beef – and each offers four courses of pure excellence. I pick the fish menu and it’s a meal I haven’t stopped thinking about since. A spicy lemongrass salad features a tiger prawn mousse whipped fresh at my table. The spicy Thai soup with sea bass has the perfect amount of heat, and the baked lobster in a decadent Panang curry was textural and delicious. And I can’t forget about the cocktails – from a menu inspired by the work of Thai poet Sunthorn Phu – with the Phra Apai (pink gin, orange liqueur, fresh passionfruit) keeping me cool on a warm night.

The same funicular railway that whisks diners to Bird’s Nest also services Saffron, a signature dining experience at Banyan Tree properties. Inside tables look out into the lush landscape of the neighbouring national park courtesy of all-glass walls, and ambient lighting fills the space with an elegant golden glow. My Ma Nil Mang Korn cocktail (gin, orange curacao, housemade roselle-spiced syrup) even has gold flakes in it! To start, I can’t go past the yum puu nim lychee saowaros, deep-fried soft shell crab served with a deliciously sweet lychee and passionfruit sauce; both contrasted perfectly with the tenderness of the crab meat. For a main, the traditional green curry with apple eggplant and tofu (gaeng kiew wan phak) was spicy, fragrant and complex: it’s everything that you could want in a curry.

How are the facilities?

Wellbeing here is a serious craft. An array of massages, facials and body scrubs on offer at the Bayan Tree Spa. There is also an onsite nail salon. An unmissable experience is The Rainforest, the first hydrotherapy spa in Krabi. It looks like something from another world: the whole space is designed to resemble the cave that Naga lived in. Book it for yourself and your significant other to enjoy it privately.

Looking for something even more private? Then you’ll need to hunt down the secret beach! This secluded spot has plush daybeds and lounges under a luxurious gazebo, and meals and snacks can be delivered via online ordering system.

Who will love Banyan Tree Krabi?

This is a destination couples will want to return to over and over again. It’s also ideal for friends looking to take the trip out of the group chat.

The writer was a guest of the hotel.