Best Spa Resort

14-Jan-10, 11:26

Thailand resorts voted best in Asia

1 Banyan Tree Phuket
2 Sheraton Hua Hin Resort
3 Chiva-Som Resort, Thailand






There’s little change at the top of the Best Spa Resort category, with both the Banyan Tree Phuket and Chiva-Som Hua Hin International Health Resort remaining in first and third places respectively. Meanwhile, Sheraton Hua Hin replaces its sister hotel Sheraton Pattaya in second place. It is clear the three hotels, together with Thai resorts generally, continue to increase their appeal to group business.

Banyan Tree Phuket tops the list once again, with 14 per cent of the vote. Director of sales and marketing Fraser Ross puts the hotel’s success down to its ability to give groups a unique experience. “The exclusive feeling of having your own villa, even when you’re travelling as part of a larger group, is a huge bonus,” he says.

“We also have a choice of seven restaurants specialising in different cuisines with unique outdoor settings for groups. This means we can offer plenty of variety for the duration of any group stay.”

The Banyan Tree as a company has been focused on sustainability at a local and international level since its inception and Ross is in no doubt this plays a part in the resort’s enduring popularity. “Many companies and individuals place a high priority on dealing with ethically sound companies such as Banyan Tree.”

Close behind the Banyan Tree, with 12 per cent of reader support, is Sheraton Hua Hin. Marketing manager Chompunuch Chulanuka says the resort’s proximity to Bangkok (two and a half hours away road), combined with flexible service and friendly staff, create a strong appeal for MICE groups.

Pfizer, Bayer Singapore, Unilever, Michelin and Siam Commercial Bank have all held events here. “We will continue to encourage MICE visitors by offering tailored events, incentives, reasonable prices and flexible service delivery,” she says.

In third place, Chiva-Som Resort has 58 rooms, offering an intimate spa resort setting.

“The most popular retreat at the moment is called the Chiva-Som Experience and we recommend it to first-time guests because it offers flexibility and choice,” says Paul Linder, general manager at Chiva-Som.

The spa has specialist expertise across a variety of therapies. Visitors can learn meditation techniques, spiritual healing and healing breathing.

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