Banyan Tree Tops Reader Poll

PHUKET: Conde Nast Traveller magazine has named the Banyan Tree Phuket as the world’s best spa resort following tabulation of more than 26,000 votes cast in its 1998 Readers Travel Awards poll, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts has announced. Readers cited the resort’s service, quality spa treatments and facilities, accommodations and unique ambience in casting their votes. “This award is an important milestone for us,” said Edwin Yeow, Vice President of Marketing and Sales. “U.K. and European travellers are extremely discerning and they expect the best. This award is a great endorsement of our resort and its services.” The executive added that despite the current economic uncertainty in the Asian region, the Banyan Tree Phuket achieved an 82 percent occupancy rate in July. This was the latest award for the 108-villa resort, which opened four years ago in the Laguna Phuket complex. The Banyan Tree Phuket is a two-time winner of the “Best Resort Hotel” award from the Pacific Area Travel Association and a recipient of British Airways’ “Tourism for Tomorrow” award for environmental conservation in a resort development.