Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: Banyan Tree expands in Asia

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Banyan Tree expands in Asia

Banyan Tree Private Collection, Asia's first asset-backed destination club offering perpetual and transferable membership, is pleased to announce the addition of two new spectacular "Own Villa "inclusions - a three-bedroom jet pool villa at the Banyan Tree Lijiang, China; and a two-bedroom pool villa at the Banyan Tree Phuket - further expanding its current portfolio of luxury properties worldwide.

At Banyan Tree Lijiang, the three-bedroom jet pool villa is set in picturesque Yunnan, where the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a sacred sanctuary which has protected the ethnic minorities and their unique cultures since ancient times. The villa reflects the rich fabric of this locale through the design and furnishings.

Bordered by the golden sands and gentle waves of the Andaman Sea, Banyan Tree Phuket is an oasis of peace and tranquility. An award-winning tropical paradise of extraordinary natural beauty, this exotic hideaway boasts only the finest facilities and ambience.

In the "Associate Villas" category, two new properties in Samui, Thailand and Seoul, Korea, join the portfolio. With the addition of the new Own and Associate villas and reciprocal villas, the villa choices for the members of Banyan Tree Private Collection now come to an impressive total of 68.

Scheduled to open on July 15, Banyan Tree Samui is located on a tropical island rising from the shimmering Gulf of Thailand. Celebrated for its pristine beaches, mountainous hinterland, and coconut trees, Koh Samui is a popular enclave for sun seekers. The traditional Thai-style villa, featuring one and two bedrooms, is a perfect synthesis of time-honoured Thai design and contemporary concepts. The aesthetically balanced interiors feature fine juxtapositions of natural rattan and bamboo furniture with brightly hued Thai silk accents.

Overlooking Seoul's picturesque Mt Namsan, Banyan Tree Club and Spa Seoul is Banyan Tree's first combined urban resort and membership club concept. Located in the tranquil Namsan district, this urban oasis offers guests a welcome chance to escape the city's fast pace. The hotel tower offers discreet privacy and space with no more than four guest rooms or suites on each floor and each featuring a plunge pool with a view. The resort will accommodate guests starting May 28.

Banyan Tree Private Collection boasts one of the most attractive fees in the destination club industry, with membership priced at a one-time joining fee and annual fees starting at US$150,000 and US$3,000 respectively. Members receive seven days a year at the club's worldwide destinations for a lifetime of vacations.

Currently, Banyan Tree Private Collection owns the top category villas within Banyan Tree resorts at Phuket, Thailand; Bintan, Indonesia; Ringha and Lijiang, China; Ungasan, Bali and Seychelles, as well as stand-alone private villas and luxury apartments in Kyoto, Japan and of course Tuscany, Italy; Grasse, France and London, United Kingdom. A selection of "Associate Villas", which avail members to more destinations though some stay restrictions apply, are located within Banyan Tree properties at Hangzhou, Lijiang, Ringha and Sanya, China; Bangkok, Phuket and Samui, Thailand; Madivaru and Vabbinfaru, Maldives; Cabo Marques and Mayakoba, Mexico; Al Wadi, UAE; Seoul, Korea and Seychelles. For members who prefer to explore the pristine beaches at their leisure, a 47-foot twin-hulled catamaran at Banyan Tree Seychelles is available for cruises, fishing trips as well as dive excursions. Other selections of "Associate Villas" include an extensive choice of Angsana Hotels & Resort at Great Barrier Reef, Australia; Ihuru, Maldives; Bintan, Indonesia; and Morocco, as well as Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel at Lao, Gyalthang Dzong Hotel at China, and Deer Park Hotel at Sri Lanka, The club's portfolio will continue to expand to offer members a wide variety of choices. Coming up in the short future include Guilin and Kerala.

This year, Banyan Tree Private Collection joins hands with Habitat for Humanity for a fund-raising initiative to benefit two Habitat building projects - one in Guangdong, China and the other in the Philippines. Also, Banyan Tree Private Collection has entered into a reciprocal agreement with The Hideaways Club in an effort to continually offer its members the utmost in quality and variety of travel experiences.

No comments:

Post a Comment

They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.