Situated along the sandy shores of southern Thailand, the Banyan Tree Samui, a high-end beachfront resort, has taken steps in recent times to establish itself as a comprehensive wellness destination. Within its enclave of 88 luxurious pool villas, a distinct portion has been designated as a “Wellbeing Sanctuary.” This dedicated space caters to individuals seeking a health-centric getaway, complete with tailored activities such as fitness routines, nourishing diets, and spiritual exploration.
Presently, the resort, known as the “Sanctuary for the Senses,” has introduced a new complimentary offering accessible to all guests. Aromatherapy workshops, held twice a week, aim to immerse visitors in the enigmatic world of ancient traditional practices. Against a backdrop of lush tropical surroundings and a private beach stretch, this distinguished 5-star establishment, often hailed as a premier luxury resort in Asia, adeptly procures numerous aromatic elements from local markets.
Derived from a variety of sources like flowers, twigs, leaves, bark, roots, wood, fruits, seeds, and resins, these botanical extracts are meticulously obtained through processes of expression or steam distillation. The resulting aromatic oils boast healing properties and can be employed for therapeutic purposes. Accompanying ingredients consist solely of distilled water and ethyl alcohol.
Workshop participants are granted the freedom to choose their desired essential oils. The creative sessions take place within the confines of Banyan Tree Gallery Samui, the resort’s on-site boutique. Selections encompass a diverse array, including cedarwood, rosemary, lavender, ylang-ylang, bergamot, peppermint, and pine.
Guests develop an added affinity for their chosen essential oils due to the resort’s provision of oil burners and incense in each villa. These fragrances are thoughtfully rotated on a daily basis as part of the turndown service. For instance, on Mondays, the invigorating lemongrass essential oil, known for its alertness-enhancing and anxiety-reducing properties, harmoniously blends with rose incense sticks, renowned for their uplifting and soothing effects, setting the stage for a romantic atmosphere.
Within the core principles of Banyan Tree’s “8-Pillar” philosophy lies the significance of sleep therapy, an integral facet of the Wellbeing Sanctuary program. When it comes to achieving restful sleep, few things align with the mind, body, and soul as effectively as aromatherapy.
Guests are presented with an array of additional aromatherapeutic activities, one of which is the Sense of Nature Walk. Orchestrated by the hotel’s sustainability team, these guided tours traverse the sprawling 38-acre property, unveiling the secrets of the tropical flora and fauna that inhabit the landscape.
The strides taken by Banyan Tree Samui toward eco-friendliness and sustainability have garnered notable recognition. This esteemed establishment proudly holds the distinction of being the first hotel in Thailand to secure Gold Certification from the esteemed industry watchdog, EarthCheck.