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Banyan Tree is surely one of the most recognizable hospitality brands in the world, especially if you’ve been to Asia.
This relatively new hotel brand, with its roots dating back to 1994 in Singapore, pioneered one of the most innovative concepts that we know today — pool villas!
Its portfolio actually contains 3 distinct brands and extends to more than 50 properties across 28 countries.
In this guide, we’ll show you all of our favorite hotels and properties under this umbrella, so let’s see what this sustainable luxury brand is all about.
What Is Banyan Tree?
Banyan Tree’s first property was conceived at the hands of Singaporean entrepreneurs — specifically, its founders bought a vast piece of land in Thailand’s Phuket province, only to find out the surrounding soil was too polluted to grow any plants.
Its founders, married couple Ho Kwon Ping and Claire Chiang, embarked on an epic vegetation regeneration campaign, that, 10 years later, resulted in the first resort: Banyan Tree Phuket.
To this day, Banyan Tree properties are luxe hotels and resorts that emphasize ecological sensitivity, cultural prowess, and lush nature.
Banyan Tree hotels comprise around half of its parent company’s portfolio, while Angsana makes up about a quarter of it. The other brands, including vacation rental properties and Cassia, make up the remaining portion.
Before we dive deep into our favorite Banyan Tree properties, let’s take a look at how you can use credit cards to make the most of your stay.
How To Maximize Banyan Tree Stays With Credit Cards
When it comes to getting the most out of your stay, adjusting the methods and websites you use can result in huge money savings and value-added perks.
And when you consider that many Banyan Tree properties charge several hundred dollars per night, it makes a ton of sense to get as many benefits and deals as you can.
Banyan Tree doesn’t have a standalone points system you can use for free nights, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use points for stays.
How To Use Points for Banyan Tree Stays
Redeeming Accor Live Limitless (ALL) Points
Although Banyan Tree doesn’t offer a standalone loyalty program, it has partnered with Accor for the ability to earn and redeem ALL – Accor Live Limitless Reward points at Banyan Tree properties.
For every 2,000 ALL Reward points you redeem, you’ll get €40 (~$47) off of your stay — a value of 2.35 cents per point.
And depending on which credit card you use, you can get up to 1.0 to 1.5 cents per point of redemption value at Banyan Tree stays booked through the Chase travel portal.
That means if you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred card and plan to book a $1,000 stay at Banyan Tree, you can redeem 80,000 Ultimate Rewards points through the Chase travel portal, instead of 100,000 points!
Redeeming Amex Membership Rewards Points
Chase is to Ultimate Rewards as Amex is to Membership Rewards. This world-famous rewards currency has plenty of ways to get excellent redemption value.
Banyan Tree falls under Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, which ultimately means you can get enhanced redemption value with your points.
For example, if you try to book “ordinary” hotel stays using the AmexTravel.com portal, you’ll get a flat 0.7 cents per point of value — Fine Hotels & Resorts stays booked with points will get you an elevated value of 1 cent per point.
Chase still gets you a better value of 1.5 cents per point through the Chase Sapphire Reserve card or 1.25 cents per point through the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, but if you’re an Amex loyalist, this is a good option.
In addition to hotels, you can also book cruises, car rentals, and flights using points at the Citi Travel Center.
You’ll get a redemption value of 1 cent per point when you redeem Citi points for Banyan Tree stays. Alternatively, you can transfer Citi ThankYou Points to All Live Limitless at a 2:1 ratio.
You can also transfer Capital One miles to ALL at a 2:1 ratio. You’ll get €40 (~$47) off of your stay for every 2,000 ALL points you redeem. This means your redemption value of Capital One miles would be around 1.1 to 1.2 cents each.
When you redeem them through Capital One Travel instead of transferring to ALL, you will get a value of 1 cent per point.
Book via Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts
All Banyan Tree properties are a member of Amex’s Fine Hotels & Resorts, which is a global collection of the world’s best luxury hotels that affords certain Amex cardholders extra benefits.
But once you have these cards and book a Fine Hotels & Resorts stay, you will enjoy the following extra perks:
Daily breakfast for 2
A space-available room upgrade upon arrival
Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout
12 p.m. early check-in, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
A property amenity valued at a minimum of $100, such as a food and beverage credit or a spa credit
Hot Tip: With the Amex Platinum card, you can also enjoy up to $200 in statement credits every year on prepaid Fine Hotels & Resorts stays booked via AmexTravel.com!
Book via Virtuoso
If you don’t have a qualifying Platinum or Centurion card from Amex, the next-best thing you can do is book through Virtuoso.
Typically, Virtuoso benefits include:
Daily breakfast for 2
A space-available room upgrade upon arrival
Late checkout (subject to availability)
Early check-in (subject to availability)
Complimentary Wi-Fi
A Virtuoso amenity, such as a $100 food and beverage credit or a $100 property credit
As you can see, the late check-out is subject to availability, as opposed to Amex’s guaranteed 4 p.m. late check-out.
In general, though, Virtuoso rates will be slightly cheaper than Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts rates, so you’ll want to compare the 2.
Using the Citi Prestige Card Fourth-Night Free Benefit
One of the neatest perks of any credit card comes from the recently discontinued Citi Prestige® Card. While the Citi Prestige card isn’t open for new applications, it is still very much being serviced for existing cardmembers.
One of the benefits cardholders will enjoy is the fourth-night free benefit, which, for bookings of 4 consecutive nights or more, you can receive your fourth night free.
This is limited to twice per calendar year for bookings through the ThankYou Rewards website or over the phone by calling 800-THANK-YOU.
Using the fourth-night free perk could be a great way to save up to 25% off of your booking, assuming you have a Citi Prestige card.
Book Directly for Exclusive Offers and Packages
Banyan Tree offers an enticing variety of offers and packages that’ll save you anywhere from 25% to 50% off of your stay. You must always book directly to enjoy these deals.
Some offer value-added benefits, while others offer discounts or inclusive packages.
You can even book exclusive packages for honeymoons, weddings, corporate events, and more.
The Top 12 Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts Properties
Now that we’ve discussed all of the best ways to get outsized value when booking Banyan Tree stays, let’s go through all of our favorite properties around the world.
In this next section, we’ll focus on Banyan Tree and Angsana properties — other options exist including Cassia, Dhawa, and Angsana Vacation Club, but we’ve focused on the core product offering.
Banyan Tree currently consists of 29 hotels and resorts in 10 countries, while Angsana’s reach is 15 hotels and resorts in 10 countries.
The Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru first opened in 1995 and was the first international hotel chain with a property in the Maldives. And this property is absolutely exceptional.
This private island resort is accessible via speedboat thanks to its Northern Malé location.
Each of the private villas has its own pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, large wooden patio, private garden with sun loungers, and panoramic views. Indoors you’ll find at least 1,184 square feet of space with an oversized 4-poster king-sized bed with an extensive pillow menu, an abundance of seating areas, flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee facilities, and all the comforts of a 5-star property.
In the full bathroom, you’ll enjoy a set of double vanities, luxury toiletries, an indoor shower, and much more, with an outdoor tropical shower just steps away.
There’s 1 open-air bar, 1 restaurant, and private dining options available.
In addition, there’s a luxury spa, a dive center, a 24/7 fitness center, and much more.
Standard room rates at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru hover around $650 per night, on average. However, rates can go as high as $1,700 per night or as low as $530 per night.
Banyan Tree Samui overlooks the turquoise blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand and is situated among Lamai’s lush jungles. The property is less than 10 miles from Samui Airport (USM) and Na Muang Safari Park!
This majestic resort contains luxurious pool villas at least 1,400 square feet large with terraces, 375-square foot infinity pools, and garden views.
You’ll find a glorious king bed, generously-sized living areas, tea and coffee facilities, flat-screen TVs, floor-to-ceiling windows, and much more.
The bathrooms also have floor-to-ceiling windows, deep soaking bathtubs, spacious walk-in showers, twin vanities, and luxury bath products.
As far as activities and facilities go, you’ll enjoy gym access, an exceptional spa specializing in hydrotherapy, complimentary yoga and stretching classes, a pool, a kids’ pool, a kids’ club, a library, private beach access, and event space.
To book a standard room here, expect to pay around $350 per night — room rates can fluctuate as low as $300 per night or as high as $1,200 per night.
Banyan Tree Phuket is one of the most idyllic, thoughtful luxury hotels in Phuket. Located just a short 6-minute walk from Bangtao Beach, 6 miles from Phuket FantaSea theme park, and 8 miles from Wat Phra Thong temple, this private paradise will take you into a world of immense natural beauty.
There are 175 villas spread out across 89 acres — they each have a minimum of 1,500 square feet of space and feature contemporary Thai design elements, floor-to-ceiling windows, private swimming pools with whirlpools, and a fantastic pillow menu. The rooms are appointed with plush king beds, sitting areas, lounge chairs, tea and coffee machines, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and a minibar.
The spa bathroom includes a make-up station, double vanities, plenty of open-air closet storage space, a walk-in rain shower, and posh bath and body products.
On the premises, you’ll find 5 restaurants, 2 bars, a cafe, an outdoor pool, tennis courts, a gym, a spa, a kids’ club, and event space.
Banyan Tree’s original property is bookable for around $250 per night, with high season rates of $900 per night and low season rates of $200 per night.
Banyan Tree’s mystical property in Central Vietnam is a head-turner; it overlooks the sea and lagoon, is 6 miles from a famous Buddhist temple, and is a little over 30 miles from Da Nang International Airport (DAD).
Each of the oversized villas has its own private pool and a private deck with sun loungers. Across at least 1,335 square feet of space, the villa is furnished with a king bed, coffee and tea facilities, spacious sitting areas, a flat-screen TV, and a desk.
The lavish bathroom contains a deep soaking tub, a walk-in rain shower, twin vanities, an abundance of closet space, and posh amenities.
This property boasts 5 dining options, including a floating breakfast in your private pool, as well as a luxe spa, a golf course, a gym with an accompanying yoga pavilion, private beach access, a watersports center, and a shopping boutique. Lastly, there’s event space.
Standard room rates at Banyan Tree Lang Co Vietnam cost around $400 per night on average, $300 per night during the low season, and $550 per night during the high season.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba is one of the most well-known Banyan Tree properties to U.S. travelers, thanks to its exclusive location in Mexico’s Riviera Maya.
In particular, the Triple AAA 5 Diamond property has chic luxury villas with at least 1,675 square feet of space, a private heated pool, modern décor, and beautiful views.
Each standard room has a king bed, a smart TV, a dining table, an interior patio with couches and room to entertain, plus a desk and oceanfront views.
In addition, the magnificent bathroom contains an outdoor shower, a jetted bath, a private solarium with a heated plunge pool, double vanities, bathrobes, walk-in closet space, vanity tables, and more.
On the property grounds, you’ll find a whopping 14 dining options or experiences — you’ll get to enjoy access to a golf course, tennis courts, a spa, yoga club, a fitness center, a kids’ club, and 2 complimentary bicycle rentals per suite.
To book rooms here, you’ll spend an average of $950 per night, though you might occasionally find rooms available for as little as $500 per night. During the prime high season, rooms will go for a whopping $2,500 per night!
Banyan Tree Cabo Marques is one of Acapulco’s finest luxury properties. It overlooks Puerto Marques Bay and is less than 10 miles from Acapulco International Airport (ACA) and just 14 miles from the scenic La Quebrada cliff area.
Each oversized villa spans a whopping 2,045 square feet at a minimum! There’s an abundance of natural light thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as breathtaking views of the Mexican hills, a furnished patio/balcony with a shaded pavilion, a hammock, a private, heated plunge pool, sun loungers, and more.
The bedrooms each contain a king-sized bed, oversized daybeds, informal dining tables and chairs, coffee and tea facilities, a pillow menu, and a flat-screen TV.
In the bathroom, you’ll find dual vanities, a walk-in shower, a water closet, branded amenities, and a make-up mirror.
To savor, choose between 9 dining options, including a private in-villa barbecue experience! Other facilities include a fitness center, a spa, an outdoor pool with ocean views, and a library.
Standard room rates will cost $500 per night on average, while low and high season rates will be around $330 per night and $850 per night, respectively.
One of Banyan Tree’s most picturesque hotels, Banyan Tree Yangshuo is nestled within the mythical Chinese limestone mountains of Yangshuo against the backdrop of the jade-green Karst Mountains.
Emphasizing natural beauty, this property boasts suites and villas at least 710 square feet large, mountain or lake views, and glorious imperial décor.
Each of the suites is furnished with 1 king bed or 2 twin beds, a flat-screen TV, wood flooring, an armchair, a spacious lounging area, a pillow menu, a balcony, and local mangosteen tea!
The bathroom is outfitted with jade double vanities, an oversized deep soaking tub, closet space, the finest bath amenities, bathrobes, and more.
There are 2 full-service restaurants, 1 lobby lounge, and 1 poolside bar and grill. You’ll find an exotic spa, a gym, a kids’ corner, bamboo rafting, a shopping boutique, a pristine pool overlooking the Li River, and meeting/event space.
If you decide to book a room here, you’ll find rooms can get as expensive as $850 per night or as affordable as $270 per night, though the average is closer to $315 per night.
Banyan Tree Anji is yet another luxury resort boasting endless views of China’s incredible natural beauty. Situated near Huzhou in the Zhejiang Province, this ecotourism property is an hour drive from Hangzhou and a 3-hour drive from Shanghai.
The entry-level rooms have a minimum of 656 square feet of space, a daybed sitting area, a desk, a flat-screen TV, and a furnished balcony.
The guest room’s bathroom is built with twin vanities, backlit mirrors, a walk-in shower, a posh soaking tub in Lake View rooms, and marble tiling.
4 dining options exist here, including a signature Cantonese restaurant, a Thai international restaurant, a tea lounge, and an afternoon tea lounge and rooftop bar.
There’s an infinity pool, a full spa, landscaped gardens throughout, and meeting/event space.
At this luxury resort, you’ll pay anywhere from $400 per night to $1,800 per night; however, the average room rate is closer to $750 per night.
Our first European property, Angsana Corfu Resort is in one of Greece’s fastest-growing beachside cities.
This hilltop resort is 2 miles from Benitses Beach and less than 7 miles from Corfu Airport (CFU).
In total, you’ll find 159 rooms and suites, as well as 37 private pool villas — each measure a minimum of 355 square feet large. There’s a king bed, a sitting area, a flat-screen TV, a desk, a furnished balcony, a minibar, tea and coffee facilities, and free Wi-Fi.
You’ll find jaw-droppingly beautiful marble bathrooms with LED-backlit dual vanities, bathrobes, a walk-in rainfall shower, and a water closet.
As you explore this sanctuary, you’ll find a whopping 8 restaurants, a rooftop bar, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa with 16 treatment rooms, a kids’ pool, a gym with a yoga deck, and meeting and event space.
For a taste of Greek luxury, this property charges $265 per night on average, $185 per night during the low season, and $650 per night during the high season.
Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay is one of Morocco’s most spectacular waterfront resorts, just a 1.5-hour drive from Tangier International Airport (TNG).
At this property, you’ll experience the northern coast of Morocco — all of the rooms are pool villas imbued with classic Moroccan charm and luxury.
Each has a king bed, a living room, a private pool, a flat-screen TV, minibars, a Nespresso machine, tea-making facilities, a desk, and a minimum of 2,185 square feet of space! You’ll even find a private garden, too!
The bathroom has 2 marble vanities, a deep soaking tub, bathrobes, slippers, a walk-in rain shower, and high-end toiletries.
Choose between 7 food and beverage outlets, a high-end spa, a gym and yoga pavilion, a business center, a kids’ club, a library, 2 pools (1 kid-friendly), and event space.
Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay’s average room rate is around $500 per night, while the low season and high season rates hover around $400 per night and $950 per night, respectively.
Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur is set in the heart of Malaysia’s commercial and entertainment hub, the Golden Triangle. It’s a short, 7-minute walk from Raja Chulan station, a 13-minute walk from KLCC Park, and less than 2 miles from Merdeka Square.
This premium, 5-star hotel is an urban paradise within Malaysia’s capital city — each of the rooms measures at least 549 square feet large, has city skyline views, and is thoughtfully designed.
Choose between 1 king bed or 2 twin beds, and enjoy a flat-screen TV, a spacious living and sitting area, a desk, a minibar, coffee and tea facilities, and a pillow menu.
The bathroom contains a smart toilet by TOTO, twin vanities, backlit mirrors, bathrobes, a make-up station, a walk-in shower, a deep-soaking bathtub, and more.
You’ll find a Japanese fusion restaurant, a soaring grill and seafood restaurant, a patisserie, the highest rooftop bar in Kuala Lumpur, and more.
For your well-being, check out the spa, the open-air pool, or the fitness center. There’s also meeting and event space should you need it.
In general, you won’t find rates under $150 per night, while high-season rates are usually around $250 per night. On average, rooms will cost around $185 per night.
Banyan Tree Doha is one of the most unique architectural masterpieces in the entire portfolio.
Masterminded by renowned interior designer Jacques Garcia, this newly-opened property in downtown Doha is located within the Doha Oasis complex (which houses a theme park and a mall).
The standard rooms start at 645 square feet large and have city and/or Doha Oasis views.
Decorated in a mid-century modern fashion, each room has a flat-screen TV, a sitting area, a separate living/sitting area, minifridges, and coffee and tea machines.
The ornate marble bathrooms contain chandeliers, walk-in showers, single vanities, make-up mirrors, deep soaking bathtubs, and water closets.
Here, amenities and facilities include 5 restaurants and bars, a fitness center, a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a kids’ club, and event/meeting space.
This exclusive luxury resort complex costs around $300 to $650 per night. On average, the standard rooms will cost $500 per night.
Final Thoughts
There’s plenty to love about Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts. Although the brand has a relatively petite portfolio of properties, it has a presence in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and the Middle East. The majority of its properties are in Asia, though its brand is expanding to unique destinations like Saudi Arabia, the Bahamas, and more.
When you book a stay here, you’ll enjoy a luxury ecotourism vibe, understated luxury, and fantastic service.
Banyan Tree partners with Accor Live Limitless (ALL) to offer around 2.4 cents per point in redemption value, and you can also transfer Capital One miles to ALL and get a redemption value of around 1.1 to 1.2 cents apiece.
It’s also possible to redeem Chase points for up to 1.5 cents per point in value, Amex points for 1 cent per point in value through Fine Hotels & Resorts, and Citi ThankYou Points or Capital One miles for 1 cent per point in value through their respective travel portals.
Lastly, you can book through Virtuoso or Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts to enjoy elite benefits, as well as use the Citi Prestige card’s fourth-night free perk to save up to 25% on your paid stays.
Now, you have all the tools you need to get as much out of your Banyan Tree hotel stay as possible!
The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Centurion® Card from American Express was independently collected by Upgraded Points and was not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information for the Citi Prestige® Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here. For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.