Credit: Banyan Tree

Our mission is to demystify wellbeing and democratise it for everyone
– Lee Won Hoe

In response to the global reevaluation of wellbeing, Banyan Tree has extended its flexible and personalisable wellness concept – Banyan Tree Wellbeing Sanctuaries.

The launch is based on ecotherapy and involves guests staying in a unique Wellbeing Sanctuary villa with a set pay rate allowing them access to up to 50 different types of wellness activities a week inspired by the destination, plus a daily massage.

The villas, in their first guise, quietly launched at the flagship Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand, in May 2018.

Now, the concept is being rolled out in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Thailand and Vietnam throughout 2021.

As every individual’s journey to wellbeing is different, Banyan Tree wants to provide a tranquil retreat with the time and space for guests to choose their own activities throughout their stay with a unique credit system, in consultation with the property’s wellbeing host.

Through a simple approach of eight wellbeing pillars, guests may personalise their stay and pick up new personal practices to sustain even after returning home.

“Our mission is to demystify wellbeing and democratise it for everyone,” explained Lee Woon Hoe, Banyan Tree’s executive director of wellbeing and the mastermind behind the new concept.

“We’re excited to launch the sanctuary experience globally and hope that in discovering these simple yet impactful ways to improve their wellbeing, our guests will sustain these practices when they return home, into their daily lives and with their loved ones.”

A stay at Banyan Tree’s Wellbeing Sanctuary includes:

• Accommodation at a wellbeing suite or villa designed for sleep enhancement
• In-room amenities such as yoga mats, stretch bands and singing bowls for private practice
• Pre-sleep bath and body rituals
• Balanced healthy meals and mini-bar provisions using locally sourced ingredients
• Bodywork and Spa therapy experience
• Personalised, take-home wellbeing guide for sustained learning

Guests pay around US$500 (€414, £360) a night to stay in one of the 23 Banyan Tree Wellbeing Sanctuary villas in Phuket.

Retreats last for a minimum of two days, with a variety of activities to accommodate couples or families with different leisure and wellbeing preferences.

To read more about the inspiration behind Banyan Tree’s Wellbeing Sanctuaries, check out Spa Business’ in-depth interview here.

Architrave designs Banyan Tree Krabi with rainforest-themed spa

Banyan Tree leads by example and rolls out three new staff mental health initiatives

Banyan Tree still plans to debut in Malaysia in Q3 2020 with beachfront wellness resort

FEATURE: Interview – Lee Woon Hoe