Thai beachfront resort rolls out new Afternoon Tea menu
Named after the tropical banyan tree, a symbol of sanctuary under which one finds peace of mind and internal harmony, this luxury resort in southern Thailand has adopted the concept in its most recent introduction of a special Afternoon Tea set, available to guests and passing visitors alike.
Not only is afternoon tea served in ever-so-refined porcelain and presented with a colourful assortment of "hot and cold nibbles" ? including signature specialties such as Pani Puri Caviar, Truffle-Braised Wagyu Beef, and Mango Sticky Rice Mousse Cake ? but the venue is rather otherworldly too: three "Bird's Nest" tables sit precariously among the trees, perched high above the resort and overlooking the Andaman Sea.
The Bird's Nest tables, which can seat a group of up to four, were an immediate favourite among guests when the resort opened its doors in 2020, and they have since become something of a photographer's paradise, with their scenic backdrop of green forest and blue sea.
Attached by a short walkway to Banyan Tree Krabi's signature Thai restaurant, Saffron, which is in turn accessible from the resort by a ride in an electric funicular, the panoramic trio of Bird's Eye tables are one of the most outstanding features of the hotel, which was listed in this year's MICHELIN Guide to Thailand.
The new Afternoon Tea offer includes a choice of three exquisite crockery sets ? the Citrus Charm Collection, the Sapphire Sips Collection, and the Birdsong & Blossom Bliss Collection ? each with either a Chinoiserie or Classical porcelain pattern.
The selection of teas is supplied by the Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company, and includes all the favourites one might expect: English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Sencha Green Tea, Jasmine Green Tea, Peppermint, and Chamomile.
Finger foods are brought to the table on a three-tiered "bird-cage" curate. The chef recommends his own creation: House-Smoked Salmon and Black King Fish Wrapped in Betel Leaves, Local Herb Salad, Roasted Chili, Cashew Nuts, Crispy Fried Shallots and Roasted-Rice Tamarind Dressing. Also not to be missed are the homemade scones. Both the Sesame Puff Filled with Pandan Custard scone and the Sweet-Sour Lychee in Orange-Flavoured Syrup scone are worth the flight to Thailand alone.
There are two sittings for Bird's Nest table reservations: either 2pm - 3:30 pm or 3:30 pm - 5pm. Ideal for special romantic occasions such as anniversaries or birthdays, the Signature Afternoon Tea at Banyan Tree Krabi costs 2,900 THB per couple, and there is also the option of a vegetarian set for 2,200 THB.
The Resort
Located on tranquil Tubkaek Beach, some 25 km west of the town of Krabi, Banyan Tree Krabi has 72 pool suites and villas, among them seven two-bedroom options, one three-bedroom villa, and a majestic seven-bedroom Presidential Beachfront Pool Villa. The resort backs into a lush forested national park, and each of the 72 rooms faces westward towards uninhabited islands in the Andaman Sea.
Facilities at this 5-star hotel include two restaurants and a beach bar, a beach club, a kids' club, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa Krabi.
For more information about Saffron Restaurant or reservations for a Bird's Nest table, contact krabi@banyantree.com or tel: +66 75 811 888.