Banyan Tree Samui Embraces the White Lotus Effect

Banyan Tree Samui, a Michelin-listed resort overlooking sapphire seas from its vantage point on a lush hillside at the southeastern peninsula of Koh Samui, has announced a series of in-house innovations to celebrate the growing popularity of the island under what has quickly become known as ‘The White Lotus Effect’.

“I think we can expect a surge in prestige,” said Banyan Tree Samui General Manager Remko Kroesen. “Viewers are falling in love with the idea of Koh Samui and dream about travelling here. This will add to the luxury factor on the island – 5-star resorts, spas and wellness retreats should all see increased interest, and hopefully this wave of visitors will have a newfound appreciation for the island.”

The locations of the first two series of The White Lotus – Maui and Sicily – apparently saw a 300% increase in enquiries and hotel reservations year-on-year, and nobody doubts that the popularity of the series and its focus on local culture have been at the heart of this new ‘set-jetting’ trend.

For its part, Banyan Tree Samui has introduced a range of new initiatives linked to The White Lotus, which Kroesen hopes will sate the thirst of fans as well as pique the interest of guests as yet unfamiliar with the American series.

From the locally-infused welcome amenities guests receive upon arrival at the 5-star resort to the on-site Wellbeing Sanctuary programs with yoga, meditation, fitness and healthy cuisine; reminiscences of The White Lotus abound.

Banyan Tree Spa Samui has this month introduced a ‘Sense of Lotus’ spa package — a 120-minute rejuvenating treatment that begins with a White Lotus Polisher, where fine bead powder from lotus seeds gently exfoliates and renews the skin. The experience continues with a relaxing Sense of Lotus body massage designed to calm the mind and body.

Meanwhile, guests can luxuriate with the latest sundowner, a specially-crafted cocktail aptly named White Lotus – a lip-smacking concoction of vodka, white rum, lychee juice, lime juice, coconut milk and fresh lychee, garnished with dried Damask rose petals.