BANYAN TREE PHUKET UNVEILS GUEST THREE-STAR MICHELIN CHEF AND DINING FOR THE SENSES

07/30/2009

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Singapore- Award-winning all-villa resort, Banyan Tree Phuket, the flagship property of Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, unveils three upcoming dining experiences, inviting connoisseurs around the world to rediscover gourmet occasions in the sensual setting of lush lagoons, graceful Thai architecture, and landscaped tropical gardens. 

French Gastronomy Redefined
Banyan Tree Phuket is pleased to present Christian Le Squer, the celebrated French chef of the three-star Michelin Ledoyen Restaurant in Paris, who will share his passion for French gastronomy from 5 to 8 August 2009 this summer. He will collaborate with the resort’s Brazilian Executive Chef, Alex Nassar, for this gastronomic festival at Tré - the exclusive contemporary French Vietnamese restaurant located within Banyan Tree Phuket’s exclusive DoublePool Villa enclave.

Hailing from Brittany, Chef Le Squer marries native flavours with the natural resources of the land. His creations are simple and unique, a deliberate technique honed through years of experience. Chef Le Squer said, “I want the guest to forget about the technique and details of cooking. I wish to offer something beyond just technical skills, something that is a holistic culinary experience whereby what is important is the movement, the aromas, the magical sense of flavours, the infinite surprises that come together to create this unique marriage of products.”

To celebrate the visit of Chef Le Squer, Banyan Tree Phuket introduces the “Sense of Occasion” package, combining a minimum three-night stay with daily breakfast for two, and one gastronomic four-course menu for two diners. Rates start from THB 10,750+++ per Deluxe Villa per night and are valid from now to 7 August 2009. Dinner-only rates, with no accommodation, are priced at THB 5,999 nett per person.

The “Sense of Occasion” package includes exclusive creations by Chef Le Squer such as red wine marinated foie gras terrine; beetroot and smoked eel; truffle crusted turbot filet; and la ratte potato and truffle emulsion. The menu also includes wine paired by Master French Winemaker, Pascal Jolivet, who will also be making a guest appearance during the event.

Guests can look forward to more of such gourmet events at Banyan Tree Phuket, including a Japanese culinary showcase in September 2009: Tadashi Sawauchi, the resident chef of Okura Tokyo’s signature Japanese restaurant, Yamazato, will be presenting a special dinner set menu at the resort’s Sala Terrace, where guests can enjoy their meal alongside views of the peaceful lagoon.

Destination Dining
Guests at Banyan Tree Phuket can also look forward to two new destination dining experiences – Dinner of the Spirit and Dinner of the Senses – that are exclusively available for one booking per night. Inspired by the age-old tradition of making offerings of rice to Buddhist monks, Dinner of the Spirit is a unique dining occasion imbued with Thai culture and tradition. Positioned beneath a majestic banyan tree and overlooking the serenity of the lagoon, this intimate dinner for two is complemented by the gentle tunes of the “khim” (a Thai string instrument).

Guests enjoy a choice of six different types of expertly prepared Thai rice to accompany the main courses - from curry rice, black sticky rice, water melon rice, turmeric and juniper rice, red rice with ginger tea to lemongrass rice. The meal commences with a spicy pomelo salad, seafood broth with coccinia ivy, and wagyu beef red curry with pineapple and grape to whet the appetite. This is followed by stir fried tiger prawns, steamed white cod and wok fried sponge gourd and truffle oil.

Dinner of the Senses is set over the tranquil lagoon within the resort, whereby guests are transported to their table by a traditional Thai longtail boat. The four-course menu incorporates elements from the land and the sea, including wagyu beef salad, scallops, yellow curry duck confit and jasmine rice infused lobster, ending with a delectable rice pudding dessert filled with crispy rice and hot chocolate coconut.

Dinner of the Spirit and Dinner of the Senses are each priced from USD350++ per couple. Advanced reservations are recommended.

For more information, please visit our award-winning website banyantree.com. For reservations, please call Banyan Tree Phuket at +66 76 372 400 or email reservations-phuket@banyantree.com.
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SHANGRI-LA HOTELS AND RESORTS OFFICIALLY OPENS ITS FIRST PROPERTY IN THE MALDIVES

07/28/2009

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Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives welcomed its first guests yesterday, marking it as the first international luxury resort on the southern-most tip of Addu Atoll, one of the least spoilt areas in the world.

 

“After months of preparation and tailored training in order to provide our guests with discreet, personalised and renowned Shangri-La hospitality, we are delighted to launch Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives,” said Jens Moesker, general manager, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives. “In a unique location featuring luxury accommodation and offerings, we are confident that the newest property in our portfolio will be the top of mind destination when visitors think of the Maldives.”

 

The resort comprises 142 spacious stand-alone villas, from private ocean retreats to tropical luxury tree house villas perched three metres above the ground – a first in the Maldives. An elevated infinity pool further enhances the panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. In addition to long stretches of white, powdery sand, the three-kilometre-long island features 12 hectares of lush vegetation, 17,000 coconut trees, 45 species of plants and ancient banyan trees as well as nature trails for guests to discover the colourful wildlife. 

 

CHI, The Spa – Shangri-La’s signature spa brand – is located in its own spa village at  the resort’s highest geographical point, and offers a diverse range of treatments based on Chinese, Himalayan and Asian healing rituals; as well as Kandu Boli experiences, and  unique indigenous treatments inspired by tiger cowrie shell and other natural treasures found in the Maldives.



To discover the fascinating lifestyle and culture of untouched Maldivian villages, guests can take a short boat ride to neighbouring islands.  Diving enthusiasts can explore the well known “British Loyalty” shipwreck or dive with giant manta rays with wingspans of more than four metres, which live year-round in the area.  Other recreational activities include an Eco Centre and a dive and water sports centre, which features surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling and a variety of non-motorised water activities.  The resort’s health club offers a well-equipped gym and two tennis courts.  An entertainment centre, four retail shops, a dedicated area for children – the Adventure Zone – and a medical centre, are also available at the resort.

 

Khazaanaage Restaurant, the resort’s flagship dining outlet, offers three living rooms serving three different regional cuisines from the Indian Ocean, South China Sea and Arabian Gulf. 

 

In celebration of its opening, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives is offering an exclusive package.  From now until 31 October 2009, guests can enjoy a seven-night stay for the price of five.  In addition, the offer includes benefits such as return domestic flight transfers from Male to Gan, daily half-board as well as a CHI experience for two.  Guests looking for a shorter break can enjoy a complimentary night when paying for a three-night stay.  

 

For further information or to make a reservation, please contact the resort directly at (960) 689 7888, via e-mail at reservations.slmd@shangri-la.com or online at www.shangri-la.com.


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BANYAN TREE PHUKET INTRODUCES RETREAT FOR THE SENSES

06/30/2009

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Singapore– Redefining the quintessential Banyan Tree experience, Banyan Tree Phuket introduces Retreat For The Senses, a holistic experience of rejuvenation, wellness and discovery. Perfect for individuals seeking a short yet rejuvenating vacation or stressed out executives who wish to renew and recharge, Retreat For The Senses is designed as a private sojourn to rediscover oneself, restore the body, rest the mind and kick-start healthy lifestyle changes.

All-Inclusive Wellness Retreat
Tailored according to individual lifestyle and preferences, Retreat For The Senses is a good start to getting back to basics without spending a fortune: An all-inclusive package comprising accommodation, signature spa treatments at the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, three sumptuous meals daily, yoga and meditation sessions and a series of enriching activities, that are held in the lush natural surroundings of Banyan Tree Phuket.

Mr. Ho Kwon Ping, Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Group says, “We recognise that with the hustle and bustle of stressful lifestyle taking a toll on city dwellers, there is a need to get in touch with the inner being and to attain a well-balanced lifestyle. By offering Retreat For The Senses, Banyan Tree continues to be the epitomy of the sanctuary for the senses, an ideal getaway to attain mental, physical and spiritual harmony.”

Reservations for Retreat For The Senses begin from 1 July 2009 with rates starting from US$610+++ per night, for a minimum of three nights’ stay in a Deluxe Villa, based on double occupancy. For reservations, please call Banyan Tree Phuket at +66 76 324 374 or the Singapore reservations office at +65 6849 5800 or visit banyantree.com for online booking.

The Personal Sojourn
Leave the cares of the world behind and embark on a personalised journey of self-discovery with four unique programmes - Sense of Bliss, Sense of Heritage, Sense of Ayurveda and Sense of Purification - centred on the themes of Rejuvenation, Wellness and Discovery.


Rejuvenation - Indulge in a series of daily spa treatments at the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa Phuket to rejuvenate the senses. Let the healing touch of our therapists, professionally trained at Banyan Tree Spa Academy, renew the body, mind and soul with one and a half-hour, two-hour and three-hour spa sessions comprising of signature spa treatments.

Wellness - Enhance health and well-being with culinary choices, thoughtfully put together by Banyan Tree Phuket’s culinary team. Delicious yet healthy, savour the distinctive and original flavours of the sumptuous selections, created to tantalise the tastebuds.

Yoga and meditation sessions are included in all Retreat For The Senses programmes. Rediscover the strength and suppleness of forgotten muscles as our qualified instructors guide the body into a series of postures and breathing techniques, which could be incorporated into daily life to improve mental and physical health and well-being.

Discovery – Revel in a fine selection of activities which draws out one’s creativity and talents. Engage in a refreshing session of batik painting, learn the intricate steps of Thai Classical Dance, or prepare Thai cuisine with guidance from our culinary masters.

With the renowned Banyan Tree Spa Academy at the doorstep, discover the power of touch and learn massage techniques to relieve tensed muscles and aches from our professional therapists.  

Personal Lifestyle Assessment
Prior to the Retreat For The Senses experience, each individual undergoes a personal lifestyle assessment to determine the suitable level of experience to embark on, namely the introductory-level experience, Sense of Bliss programme; the intermediate-level experience which features the Sense of Heritage programme; and advance-level experiences which comprise of the Sense of Ayurveda and Sense of Purification programmes.

All Retreat For The Senses programmes include a wellness consultation during the stay with the resident Ayurvedic physician, Dr Arun Satheesh, who will diagnose each individual’s condition to recommend diet choices and lifestyle changes to attain mental, physical and spiritual harmony. Guests will also enjoy personalised service as a dedicated Resort Host will attend to each guest throughout the stay to assist with every request and make recommendations on the best activities and spa treatments.


About Banyan Tree Phuket
The flagship resort of Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, Banyan Tree Phuket is ideally located at Bang Tao Bay on the northwestern coast of Phuket Island in Southern Thailand, a mere 20-minute leisurely drive from Phuket International Airport. This award-winning resort offers 150 luxuriously appointed villas surrounded by lush tropical gardens and Asian watercourts. A unique feature of Banyan Tree Phuket is the Banyan Tree Spa Phuket – one of Asia’s largest oriental spas and pioneer of the tropical garden spa experience, offering an exotic blend of Asian-inspired massages and beauty therapies. The resort also features extensive meeting function areas for groups, and eclectic dining options to complete the experience.

For more information, please visit our award-winning website, www.banyantree.com.

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