Banyan Tree Archives - Amanda Rushforth

Retreat To These 3 Worlds of Wellness

Posted on September 28, 2016

Chenot Palace Health & Wellness Hotel, Gabala Azerbaijan
Opening on the 1st November, the Chenot Palace is introducing a completely new wellness landscape to us in the heart of Azerbaijan. Not immediately recognised as a luscious and bountiful green wonderland, this new retreat bring us the Chenot Method. For those of you that aren’t familiar with this concept – “the Chenot Method is a unique combination of treatments and diet that in synergy aim to protect effectively the body from damage and toxins accumulation and premature aging.” …interest peaked.“The protocols of these treatments are collectively known as the Chenot Method and combine the principles of Chinese medicine with the latest scientific advances in medicine and state of the art diagnostic technology.”

They are boasting a highly professional team of doctors, dieticians and therapists who will be able to reveal the lifelines and energy flows through our bodies, aiding in the elimination of blockages and restrictions within them. The Chenot’s treatments are said to help balance our emotions too! (I can think of at least four people who need this right now including me)… Sign me up.

Anantara Kihavah, Maldives Villas

So I’ve ticked diving with sharks off my list but swimming with up to 100 manta rays in the Indian Ocean sounds like a fairy tale! And what’s even better, I don’t need to get my license in order to do so. Free diving with these gorgeous creatures is truly an amazing opportunity and as this year’s manta ray season ends in November, I suggest you book Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas quick. It all happens at the protected site of Hanifaru Bay, only 45 minutes away from the resort and is the world’s largest natural manta feeding destination. Don’t worry though, it’s not island style free diving – they have a PADI – accredited, newly launched free diving centre to help guide you.

The resort itself is located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. So expect more than just these magical sightings when you’re there! I’ll be booking before the water gets too cold…

Banyan Tree, Phuket

Thailand has it’s own unique vibes and anyone whose ever visited this part of Asia will understand the pull to return time and time again. Most of my excursions here have either been up north or to one of the beautiful surrounding islands so this Phuket retreat sounds downright heavenly! Not one to sit still, there’s plenty of adventure to be had here too. Picture an awe-inspiring resort encased by swaying palm trees and turquoise waters. Sensational villas each with private pools, a world-renowned spa and dinners that will take your breath away!

If you’re a bit more of a culture vulture, head to Old town and spot the Portuguese influences amongst the villas, boutiques and streets. The Buddhist temples too are exquisite, Wat Chalong is one not to be missed, but try to avoid buying any Buddha relics or souvenirs as it’s not looked at favourably with the locals.

🐢 Where to Spend World Turtle Day 🐢

Posted on May 23, 2016

Did you know it’s World Turtle Day today… I’ve been lucky enough to visit the nesting sites of these magnificent creatures across the world from Oman, to Sri Lanka and the US. Watching (from afar) their incredible journey through the oceans to the beaches where they lay hundreds of eggs at a time. The sad thing is, that a VERY small percentage of them ever make it to adulthood – like under 5%! We’re not allowed to interfere with nature of course (as much as I’d love to!) but there’s some eco-friendly destinations that are helping to give them a fighting chance.

Located in the most luxurious of destinations, and a philosophy rooted in supporting the surrounding natural ecology, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts is where we’d want to be spending time this year… and with this many hotspots all supporting World Turtle Day, I’d say we’re a tad spoilt for choice too.

Surrounded by lush, tropical flora overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Banyan Tree Seychelles is a true Sanctuary for the Senses. Here, you can marvel at the turtles nesting on the resort’s beach. Every year from October to December, they return to lay their eggs. The resort works closely with the Marine Conservation Society of Seychelles (MCSS) to monitor turtle activity on Intendance Bay as part of the MCSS’ conservation efforts; last season they calculated at least 10,000 new hatchlings made their way into the water. The resort has recently launched a special programme, “Management of Turtle-Human Interactions and Turtle Rehabilitation”, to rehabilitate injured marine turtles before they are released back into the wild!

Nestled in the exclusive enclave of Laguna Phuket, Banyan Tree Phuket is an oasis of tranquility. The resort has supported Laguna Phuket’s sea turtle conservation programme for over 20 years, raising funds and awareness for the Phuket Marine Biological Centre, whose ongoing efforts include studies of nesting behaviour and the tracking & analysis of turtle migration via microchips and satellite tracking devices attached to the turtles. On 3rd April this year, Laguna Phuket held its 22nd annual Sea Turtle Release, with 50 turtles released into the waters of the Andaman Sea to begin their lifetime journey across the open waters. Laguna Phuket has raised funds to construct two new nursery ponds dedicated to the rehabilitation of juvenile, injured and disabled sea turtles.

Encircled by beautiful coral reef and turquoise waters, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in the Maldives is famous for its vibrant marine life. The resort is proud to be at the forefront of protecting the Indian Ocean’s sensitive eco-system; and, under the guidance of renowned Marine Biologist, Dr. Steven Newman, is committed to the conservation of sea turtles, which nest at the resort. The Turtle Head-Start programme has been introduced to ensure turtles continue to nest and breed in the area, with a percentage of the hatchlings reared at the resort for the first year of their life before being released into the wild. To date, more than 400 turtles have graduated from the programme, giving the island’s most famous residents a higher chance of long-term survival.