After months of navigating New York’s relentless pace, a wellness retreat felt less like a luxury and more like a necessity. The top destination in mind, naturally is Thailand (thanks in no small part to a certain dramatic whirlwind called The White Lotus). And while you won’t spot Mook or Gaitok, Banyan Tree Phuket is the White Lotus experience you can actually have, minus the chaos, scandals, and storylines.
Set the Scene
The scent of jasmine and incense greets you the moment you arrive. As you pass through the open-air lobby and hop into a buggy headed to your private villa, you’re immersed in serenity. Birds chirp, the breeze whispers through the palm trees, and lush greenery stretches as far as you can see. Wellness isn’t just a selling point here; it’s woven into every detail. From DIY body scrubs left for your nightly turndown to cooking classes and open-air yoga flows, this is the closest anyone can get to The White Lotus wellness experience.
Wellness Pillars
Banyan Tree’s approach to wellness is rooted in eight pillars: connection, groundness, growth, mindfulness, movement, nourishment, practice, and rest. Each is thoughtfully integrated into the daily offerings, whether through tension-releasing spa treatments, high-intensity Muay Thai, or deeply restorative meditations.
Guests are paired with a wellness practitioner for a casual consultation focused on lifestyle habits—like sleep patterns, physical activity, and outdoor time—to tailor the experience to personal needs.
After my consultation, my practitioner and I agreed that groundness was something I needed to work on. Reconnecting with nature, being fully in the present, and having a strong sense of self were on the docket for me. This fleshed out through mindful meditation, singing sound bowls, morning yoga, and barefoot walks on the grass were the slow moments created for me.
Fitness
For those who refuse to miss a gym day–even on vacation–the activities offered will surely fill a void. The on-site fitness center is a gym bro's dream vacation, but there’s more to be said. Gentle yoga classes are offered and suggested to many. But the real kicker is the Muay Thai class offered. This dynamic martial arts class gets you sweating, your heart pumping, and endorphins flowing. If you prefer some outdoor time, you’ll have plenty to choose from. From a dip in your private pool, a game of tennis, a round of golf, or something simple like leisurely touring around the grounds via bike–there’s something for everyone.
Spa
The spa is not something to miss out on, especially when wellness is the core of the brand. It’s a sanctuary for the senses. If you’ve seen or know anything about Thai massages, you know that relief comes with a fair share of pulling.
My grounding journey continued here as well, with Tibetan sound therapy and a custom essential oil blend designed just for me. Every detail, from the warm tea to the hushed lighting, was tailored to bring me back to myself. My masseuse gave me a Balinese massage to loosen the tension around my neck and shoulders, and boy was my posture ten times better.
Fast Facts
Location: Phuket, Thailand
Rating: 5- Star
The Vibe: It’s a wellness sanctuary shrouded in understated luxury.
Room Count: 218 Villas
Starting Rate: Starting at $671 per night
Dining: There are five restaurants located on the premises. Head to Saffron for a modern Thai dinner. Quick bites at the Watercourt are perfect for brunch. Tin Tapas Bar lets you have small bites and cocktails against the most idyllic backdrop.
Our Favorite Thing About the Wellness Programs: Everything does feel custom, tailor-made to your needs. You’re encouraged to try new things, and you’ll definitely leave the property feeling anew.
Amenities: Bicycle Rental, Golf Course, Tennis Courts, Fitness Center, Spa, Wellbeing Center, Swimming Pool
What’s Nearby? Located on BangTao Beach, Rava Beach Club is Phuket’s newest addition. Feel the gentle breeze against your skin and listen to the wave when you have a gentle yoga stretch. Rava Beach Club is built along 150 mt. of shoreline making it Thailand’s longest beach club with unobstructed views of the horizon. Don’t miss dinner by the Master Grill, watch as chefs blaze and create your meals in the front row.
Airport: Phuket International Airport (HKT)
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