Written by Teresa Rodriguez Williamson
Friday, 11 December 2009 13:31
Banyan Tree Resort in Phuket was to be my home for a few gentle days. The resort has won numerous accolades and awards for its property and service. And from the second I stepped into the moist, jasmine-scented air, I knew I was in for a treat. This is no ordinary place. From the plush outdoor lobby surrounded by pools and waterfalls to the private spa villas, Banyan Tree Resort is out to please.
In the midst of the chaos called my life, I was able to find some time to disappear to Thailand for two weeks. And disappear is what I did. Just like magic, I was transported on Thai Airway’s flying purple carpet from LAX to Bangkok. The flight was long–17 hours–but from my throne in Royal Silk Class (their version of First Class) the voyage was a gentle dream with lovely ladies wrapped in colorful silk serving delicious Thai meals and champagne. Then, from Bangkok to Phuket it is an easy hour-long flight, also on Thai Airways.
This trip was my first to Thailand, and I admit, I had a set of expectations about the country. Most of mine revolved around the damage from the tsunami and the seedy streets of Bangkok. Well, I was in for a delightful surprise! Thailand is remarkable, one of the most beautiful places on earth, and I was about to spend time at one of the best resorts in the world. Heaven, here I come.
The resort is tucked away on the Bang Tao Bay in an area called Laguna Phuket. The trip from the airport is a quick twenty-minute ride and you can have a Banyan Tree Mercedes pick you up. Just let the resort know when you arrive and you will be treated to a smiling, gloved chauffeur ready to whisk you away to the resort. It is an extra charge, but well worth it if you have been traveling from North America. Taxis are also an easy option. Everyone in Thailand is so friendly, and most speak basic English, so getting around is a breeze.
The moment I arrived at Banyan Tree Resort, I felt like a princess. First I was greeted by a group of charming hosts, then a fragrant mini-lei of tropical flowers and roses was slipped onto my wrist, and finally I was taken to my private pool villa via golf cart.
This is the first resort I have visited where the pictures in the brochure don’t do it justice. When I was shown my private villa – with my own swimming pool – I began to cry for joy. Everything was perfect. The music that was softly playing through the villa, the gorgeous living area that led to the warm pool, and the outdoor bathtub were all beyond my wildest dreams.
As my wonderful villa hostess left me to explore my new digs, I stripped off layers of clothes. By the time I did the full lap around the villa, I was naked and diving into the tepid waters of my private oasis.
Every woman should have one of “those nights” alone that she will never forget. And it was here in my clandestine piece of heaven I experienced mine. All alone and naked, with just my thoughts, a split of champagne and a mango, I had one of the most remarkable nights in my life. I spent the evening wading in my pool, looking up at the sky and giving thanks for such an incredible place. Nothing could break me away from that precious moment of peaceful solitude; for once I was free to just be as I floated away in unbridled bliss.
Many people ask me if I was lonely and if I wanted to have someone there to share this intimate evening with, and my answer is “no way!” This was my moment, my time to relax and be present in my nakedness and under the stars. I did not have to talk to anyone, or hope that my companion was experiencing the same overwhelming joy I was. It did not matter what I looked like, the angels above did not care that I am not a perfect size two in my bare skin. The butterflies did not mind that I drank the small bottle of champagne alone, and the warm breeze from the Andaman Sea gave me all the gossamer kisses I needed for a perfect night of love.
My night in the arms of solitude was profound. And I could not think of anything that would eclipse the sheer ecstasy I encountered floating naked in the warm water. But alas, the folks at Banyan Tree Resort had more to offer. My next night I was treated to the Spa Ryokan experience.
When I arrived to my new private villa, I was handed a menu of services that I would receive over the next two days. The first unbelievable service I received was the called “Rainmist and Rainshower.” The villa came equipped with it’s own private sauna and steam room that also served as a treatment room for the “Rain” experience.
The room was completely tiled in calming turquoise tiles and attached to the ceiling was the “Rain Maker." I laid on my tummy while my therapist showered and scrubbed me. Following the scrub was the incredible delicious 18-course dinner. Yes, you read that right. 18 delectable dishes were served to me in three courses. I followed the feast with a bathtub strewn with fresh orchids and milk. My therapist left me for the evening and informed me that she would be waking me up at 8:30 am with fresh fruit for my private yoga session. I was to stretch before I ate my full breakfast.
The yoga session was a relaxing hour of gentle stretching and breathing. Afterwards I was shuttled back to my piece of paradise where I enjoyed breakfast of traditional Thai cuisine including sticky rice and mangos. After breakfast, I was pampered with a 60-minute refreshing facial. Because I got a bit too much sun the day before, I opted for the Thai Honey facial. My face loved the attention!
A few minutes after my gentle facial, my feet were treated to a 30-minute massage. My fabulous therapist used peppermint, tea tree oils, and deep pressure to release the tight knots from my soles. Thinking and feeling like I had died and go to heaven, I drifted off to sleep while I was given a 60-minute body massage. When I woke I was more relaxed, refreshed, and calm than I had been in years.
I always get asked what has been my all-time favorite travel moment, and I have to say with sheer enthusiasm that my time at Banyan Tree Resort in Phuket was one of the finest moments in my life.
At the end of my life, I won’t care about my day jobs, I’ll forget the balance of my 401K, but I will always remember the days at Banyan Tree Resort where heaven opened its doors and gave me a glimpse of what perfection and relaxation is all about.
Banyan Tree Resort
33 Moo 4 Srisoonthorn Road
Cherngtalay
Amphur Talang
Phuket
83110
+66 76 324 374
Banyan Tree online
US BOOKINGS
Victor Koi
(805) 499 9101
Teresa Rodriguez 