Thirty years ago, our founders purchased a vast expanse of coastal land in Phuket, Thailand punctuated by lagoons of the most intense cobalt blue. Only to discover that its beauty came not from Mother Nature, but the pollution by the previous tenant, a tin mine. Rather than walk away, they dedicated themselves to cleansing the acid-laden soil by planting more than 7,000 trees. In doing so, they transformed this ecological wasteland into the environmentally sensitive first Banyan Tree resort in 1994. Since those beginnings our passion and focus on the journey, discovery and the romance of travel remains at the core of our business today. Banyan Tree offers an intimate retreat experience and sanctuary offering a place to ‘be’ to rejuvenate mind, body and soul in awe-inspiring locations around the globe. In 1994, the flagship Banyan Tree resort, Banyan Tree Phuket, was launched as part of the Laguna Phuket development. A Sanctuary for the Senses, Banyan Tree is an all-villa concept often with pools. In gateway cities, it has developed tropical garden villas and suites creating an urban oasis. Placing special emphasis on providing guests with a sense of place, each Banyan Tree property is designed to fit into its natural surroundings, using indigenous materials as far as possible and reflecting the landscape and architecture of the destination. The brand takes its name from the tropical banyan tree, known for its strong and graceful image. For centuries, the banyan tree has been a symbol of sanctuary under which one finds peace of mind and internal harmony - the same elements upon which Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts has flourished. Furthermore, the tree shares the same Asian roots as the Banyan Tree group, which is steeped in Asian traditions and environmental consciousness. Pioneering the tropical garden spa concept with Asian health and beauty remedies passed down from generations, Banyan Tree Spa was created as the signature experience in all Banyan Tree resorts, to complement the “Sanctuary for the Senses” wellness concept. With the emphasis on high service standards and consistency, therapists are professionally trained at Banyan Tree Spa Academies in Phuket, Thailand, and Indonesia. An award-winning international spa brand, Banyan Tree Spa introduced innovative spa concepts such as the Rainmist experience, The Rainforest hydrothermal concept and Master Therapist Experience. The group set up its merchandising arms, Banyan Tree Gallery and Angsana Gallery, to support local communities by exhibiting and retailing indigenous handicrafts, which are also found in the resorts. A quintessential highlight of the Banyan Tree experience, Banyan Tree Gallery aspires to recreate the unique Banyan Tree experience with its extensive selection of Asian-style furnishings, Banyan Tree Spa collection, eco-friendly products, indigenous village handicrafts, ethnic apparel and accessories, and objets d’art. Banyan Tree, a Sanctuary For The Senses