LifestyleWhether it's traversing the relatively cosmopolitan “urban free-for-all” that is Bangkok, with its trendy malls, urban wellness centers and posh fitness centers, or perhaps traversing the wild trails outside city limits, explore activities to suit your lifestyle.
During a recent visit to the Banyan Tree Bangkok, a renowned hotel property located on South Sathon Road, I dropped by at its Banyan Tree Gallery, a store offering a wide range of spa and lifestyle products from around the world.
Located on the hotel's first and 21st floors, the Banyan Tree Gallery is a nicely-decorated store, packed with countless interesting products. Fortunately, no matter where I explored within the store, I found interesting anecdotes and information linked to the products on offer. Spa-inspired goodies
Thanks to the Banyan Tree Bangkok's Banyan Tree Gallery, you can experience some of the benefits of visiting the Banyan Tree Spa, or Angsana Spa (also operated by Banyan Tree) in your own home by purchasing items from the same range of creams and potions used at the hotel's official spas and suites.
Among the best selling products available in the store is the Apple & Green Tea line, along with the Thai Chamanard line, which includes shampoo and conditioner, shower gel, and body lotion and butter. The chamanard is a variety of flower also known as the Bread Flower.
The reason these two lines are particularly popular is because they are intrinsically linked to the hotel itself. The Apple & Green Tea products were inspired by products actually used on a day to day basis in Banyan Tree Spa, while products from the Thai Chamanard range can be found in each of the property's rooms and suites. This means that it is often guests staying at the hotel who are moved to make some purchases for themselves or as gifts before checking out at the end of their stay. Aromatherapy options
Ceramic oil burners and the essential oils used in aromatherapy are another popular line in store. If you check out the labels, you'll see that certain fragrances are particularly appropriate for specific occasions. The oil burners come in an assortment of sizes and colors, with each color referring in-house to a particular Banyan Tree property. For example, the black ceramic burner and amenities are used at Banyan Tree Bangkok, while the green version is used at the Banyan Tree's Phuket resort.
Among the oils, which are extracted from herbs, flowers, plants and spices, I particularly liked the lemongrass, which is supposed to help relieve tiredness. According to the information available, those looking to control their weight might wish to explore Litsea Cubeba, which is said to be able to act as a slimming aid and can help tone the body.
After scanning the store's shelves, which are packed with a variety of products, such as body scrubs, incense, soaps on a rope and t-shirts, I spotted several handy-looking 'spa kits for travelers', and even a game that would be ideal for taking on a trip.
The Jet Lag kit, which is another best seller, includes small bottles of spa and toiletry products, including a product called Sensory Therapy (an oil featuring almond, jojoba, safflower, peppermint and eucalyptus), Hydrating Face Mist, Tension Relief Gel and Therapeutic Bath Crystals. This little package includes everything you might need to freshen up during or following a grueling long-haul flight.
A helping hand
In addition to providing a huge variety of spa products, the Banyan
Tree Gallery also sells goods produced in places overseas where the
hotel operates (Banyan Tree operates at over 70 locations worldwide).
At a local level, it serves as an outlet for locally-produced goods,
which helps to sustain the artisans employed in the production of the
goods.
The first product to really catch my
attention is Sabu Sabai Herbal Soaps in coconut shell, which is
produced by survivors of the 2004 tsunami in the Muslim fishing village
of Baan Tale Nok in Ranong province. Miniature Moken boats produced by
villages of Baan Bak Jok are sold through Banyan Tree outlets thanks to
the assistance of North Andaman Tsunami Relief (NATR).
I also spotted some baskets and boxes produced by
women from the Mooser hill tribe, which were made from a large sheet of
ya sam leam, a form of grass that grows on mountainous terrain in
northern Thailand. The grass grows easily and is durable, but unlike
bamboo and rattan, it is also soft to the touch. Using this grass as a
raw material, the Banyan Tree creates modern-looking baskets and boxes
that are actually based upon an Eskimo-style form of basketry.
The 'eco-handbags' produced by villagers in Africa are also an
eye-catching product. Since they are produced from recycled materials,
including clothes and tires, every single bag is unique. Caring for the environment
The Banyan Tree Gallery also runs several environmental projects, such
as 'Save the World' and 'Save the Turtle' through the Banyan Tree's
Green Imperative Fund (GIF).
When a product created specifically for these projects is sold,
generally part of the income goes to a marine laboratory in the
Maldives, which is working towards the preservation of coral and
turtles.
Nature is the main design theme for many of these products, as
evidenced by the turtle doll, t-shirts and caps. The silhouettes of a
fish and bright colors have also been used to reflect the tropical
environment.
The Banyan Tree also makes sure that, wherever possible, products do
not include plastic. For example, reusable ceramic bottles are used in
every hotel room, while customers visiting the store shouldn't be
surprised if they are charged for extra bags.
The Banyan Tree Gallery is located on the first and 21st floors of the
Banyan Tree Bangkok. For further information, contact Tel: +66 (0)2 679 1200, or visit http://www.banyantreespa.com .
Transport connections:
Train: Take the BTS skytrain to Sala Daeng station on the Silom Line or
the MRT subway to Si lom (there is a walkway interconnecting these two
stations).
From the MRT subway station just walks along Silom Road and take the
first soi (street) on your left (Soi Sala Daeng). If you disembark at
BTS Sala Daeng, follow the signs for the MRT and follow the same
instructions.
You can take a taxi, motorcycle or tuk tuk to make the short journey to
from Soi Sala Daeng to Sathon Road. The Banyan Tree Bangkok is the tall
building located next to Alliance Francaise.
Lifestyle
Whether it's traversing the relatively cosmopolitan “urban free-for-all” that is Bangkok, with its trendy malls, urban wellness centers and posh fitness centers, or perhaps traversing the wild trails outside city limits, explore activities to suit your lifestyle.
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