Banyan Tree, Bangkok

Banyan Tree - Bangkok

Soaring high above Bangkok's spectacular skyline, the Banyan Tree is acclaimed as one of South-east Asia's outstanding luxury hotels, winning the accolade of Asia's Leading City Spa Hotel for two consecutive years at the World Travel Awards. A 61-storey skyscraper, it is famed not just for being the tallest hotel in Bangkok, but for its sumptuous elegance, its unparalleled sophistication and style, and its exceptional levels of service. It enjoys an ideal location, right in the heart of the business district, but down a short drive, insulating the building from the surrounding noise and chaos, and providing a tranquil sanctuary with all the amenities a traveller could want.

Among the many unique aspects of the Banyan Tree is its distinctive shape -- the grey and white building, as well as being Bangkok's tallest, is also the slimmest, at only 16 metres wide. Arriving guests are greeted at the doors with a Lei, or flower garland, and the sound of a khim, or Thai dulcimer, played in the lobby by a lady in brightly-coloured silk. The lobby evokes a sense of old-world Thai glamour with its bold use of rich bronze and gold, and features huge windows looking out to tropical greenery, and marble floors with grey, white and black rugs displaying the hotel's leaf logo.

On the 21st floor, the beautiful outdoor pool with massage, surrounded by luxuriant greenery, creates a tropical oasis above the city. It sits on a patio with parasol-shaded lounge chairs, and there is a refreshing Juice Bar nearby. The acclaimed spa, considered the best in Bangkok, provides a wide-ranging menu of holistic health treatments.

The dining possibilities at the Banyan Tree are as extraordinary as the rest of the hotel, starting with the breathtaking roof-top Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar, reached by a staircase from the 60th floor. The narrow and elongated structure seems to float above the city and gives the impression of being aboard a space-ship, with an open-air bridge connecting the Grill and the Bar. For a contrasting perspective, try the Asmara on the hotel's own cruising river-boat, offering seafood and Thai specialities under the stars, while watching all the excitement of river life.

There are plenty of other glamorous restaurants too, mostly located on the higher floors to make the most of the views. At Pier 59 you can dine on superbly prepared fresh catches from the sea, in a recreated under-water chamber, with aquariums, blue-lit crystal and effervescent bubble columns giving it an oceanic feel. The signature restaurant, Saffron, offers Thai inspired flavours along with fantastic views and sophisticated live entertainment, while the Japanese bistro Taihei, with lacquered finishes and atmospheric mood lighting, is a charming gourmet haven, featuring three private dining rooms for truly exclusive dining.

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