MOUNTAIN MAGIC

Conserved national parks and ocean vistas envelop Banyan Tree Krabi in its secluded environs, offering exclusive accessibility for luxury seekers. By Esther Faith Lew

This 4ha property is surrounded by national parks on three sides, with lush towering mountains to the north and east, while the seaside view to the west commands a vista of jutting limestone peaks rising up from the ocean. Located at Tubhkaek Beach, some 20km from the well-visited Ao Nang and Railey beaches, the 72-key resort offers tranquil luxury in the midst of a natural environ that is said to resemble a slithering dragon, or naga, with its undulating mountain range. Banyan Tree Krabi has adopted the naga as its symbol and it inspires the design elements of the resort from the wavy serpentine patterns in the villas to the flow of spaces.

In building the property, Architrave ensured that the environment’s natural ecosystem was preserved and that sustainable and locally sourced materials were used to help the communities. “The design inspiration is also drawn from Thai architectural style. Local materials include the Thai clay-tile roofs and most interior decorations include the use of local rocks. We hired local communities to build the hotel and incorporate brick walls, concrete and clay-tiles, which are low-maintenance yet sustainable materials,” elaborates Dharmali Kusumadi, Senior Vice President, Projects & Business Development and Managing Director of Architrave for Banyan Tree Holdings.

He added that highlights of green features include natural preservation of existing aged-old trees, a natural stream, and existing rock features. Also, the lush forest-surrounded design setting at Saffron restaurant; scenic sea views at the Beach Bar which features ambient lights and elegant wood features; and a tranquil Spa Rainforest that looks out to a garden with preserved greenery of trees and the natural stream.

Water is one of the recurring themes at the resort, providing a calming lullaby with the gentle gurgle of waterfalls and fountains. When guests walk through the Buddhist templelike entrance, they will be greeted by a sublime waterfall cascading through a circular sinkhole into the running stream below, set against the backdrop of the emerald sea and karsts. Beneath the sinkhole in the open-air lobby is a serene spot known provisionally as “The Grotto” where the stream is flanked by greenery and flora as it trickles over rock gardens into small ponds.

One of the dining highlights is Saffron restaurant, accessible via cable car where guests will enjoy a grand view of the beach and the karst marine park from the top of a hill. It promises to provide magical Instagram moments with its hanging “Bird’s Nests”, private tables perched among the treetops.

The resort offers six categories: Deluxe Pool Suite; Premium Ocean Pool Suite; Family Ocean Pool Suite: 10 Beachfront Villas; two Family Beachfront Villas; and one Presidential Villa, which has no less than seven bedrooms and covers 1,240 sqm, including multiple verandas and balconies, as well as three pools.

Banyan Tree Krabi is due to open in the fourth quarter of 2020.