The banyan tree or Ficus benghalensis is a type of fig tree native to India and Asia. Because of its ability to spread its roots long distances, the banyan is also known as the strangling fig. In Hindu cultures, the banyan tree is considered sacred and is referred to as Ashwath Vriksa, Bargad, and Barh. Pictures depicting the God Siva invariably show him seated under the banyan tree, which is thought to represent the expansion of eternal life. Among Hindu legend, the banyan tree is also described as a divine tree capable of fulfilling wishes.
The founders of the first Banyan Tree Spa Resort which is located in Thailand, were inspired by the banyan tree, which serves as a symbol of vitality and spirituality.
The Banyan Tree Spas
With the emergence of its first spa resort in Phuket, Thailand in 1995 the Banyan Tree introduced the concept of the Tropical Garden Spa. To destination spa goers worldwide, the Banyan Tree quickly came to symbolize holistic healing and the wisdom of basing spa therapies on ancient Eastern healing techniques. The Banyan Tree also introduced the concept of health-based beauty. With its complementary blend of health and beauty therapies, the Banyan Tree quickly became a favorite among international guests. With its low-tech, high-touch philosophy, the Banyan Tree represents a return to natural healing.
The success of its first spa led the Banyan Tree Developers to open spa resorts in other locations. By1998, readers of the Conde Nast Traveller recognized the Banyan Tree as the World's Best Spa. Since, other accolades including Best Overseas Urban Day Spa have become regular honors. Banyan Tree Spas are located exclusively at Banyan Tree Hotels where they serve as both day and destination spas.
The Banyan Tree Spa Locations
Besides the Banyan Tree Phuket Spa and Hotel in Thailand, the Banyan Tree developers have opened other luxury spa resorts in Bangkok, Thailand; Bahrain, Arabia; Sanya, Hainan Island, China; the Maldives; Bintan, Indonesia; Shanghai, China and the Seychelle Islands in the Indian Ocean.
The Banyan Tree Philosophy
The goal of the Banyan Tree is to provide a holistic, sensory experience. Services include intimate retreats and natural health and beauty treatments based on ancient Eastern restorative remedies. Guests are offered healing programs on an individual basis depending on their particular needs.
The Spa Academy
The Banyan Tree also offers a training program for spa therapists that includes more than 300 hours of theoretical and practical applications. The Spa Academy also cultivates an herb garden where its students grow plants such as kaffir lime, ginger, galangal, lemongrass, pandan and wild pepper and learn about their medicinal uses. Therapists in training learn to combine ancient medical wisdom with today’s modern techniques, which form the basis of the Banyan Tree’s signature treatments.
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