Press Release    
       
         
   

CELEBRATE LOCAL CUISINES AT BANYAN TREE AND ANGSANA RESORTS WORLDWIDE
   

Singapore, October 2007 – Calling it the right thing to do, Banyan Tree banned artificial trans fat group-wide in 2007, becoming the first resort in Thailand to do so in April, and setting an example globally for practitioners of good health. With a mandate to preserve a sense of place through its cuisines, Banyan Tree has introduced localised cooking classes at Banyan Tree and Angsana resorts in Thailand and Maldives. There are also plans to introduce such cooking classes at new properties that are currently under development.

Thailand
In the meantime, Banyan Tree Bangkok has introduced the in-house Culinary Academy, comprising programs that allow guests to complement their cooking lessons with a market trip to Bangkok’s famous wet markets as early as 7am. Cooking classes take place daily from Monday to Saturday, from 10am. With a plethora of dining options, eager participants may choose from Cantonese cuisine at Bai Yun, authentic Thai at Saffron, Japanese at Taihei, and modern Pacific at Pier59. Priced at Bht 1,800++ per person and with the option of customised lessons of 10 or more, these classes are an informal and lively way of immersing in the exciting and diverse culinary scene of Bangkok. Class activities include recipes (presented on a CD, certificate of participation, a group photograph and Q&A session with the chef.

Also in Thailand, Banyan Tree Phuket has a complimentary cooking demonstration held once a week. Guests enjoy an early morning trip to the market for fresh ingredients, before cooking and savouring a three-course Thai meal with the chef at lunch. Formal private lessons can also be arranged at a small charge.

Maldives
At Angsana Maldives Velavaru, the executive chef and sous chefs are directly accessible for truly customised cooking classes. On guest demand, the class may consist of dishes from the resort’s menus, dish ideas from the guest based on Maldivian culture, or using fresh catches from the night fishing expeditions. These unique lessons are charged at US$35++ per person, with a minimum of two participants.

Overlooking the sea and shaded by palm trees, cooking classes deliver the magic of the Maldives at Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru and Angsana Maldives Ihuru. Sous chefs from the two resorts conduct twice-weekly culinary demonstrations that allow guests to watch and learn, and enjoy the final product of Maldivian curries, salads, and other local treats. These interactive cooking classes are priced at US$30++ per person.

For more information, please log on to www.banyantree.com.

    
   
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About Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts
Banyan Tree offers an intimate retreat experience featuring its own signature blend of romance and Asian sensuality. The philosophy behind the hotels, resorts, spas and galleries is based on providing a place for rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul – a Sanctuary for the Senses.

Banyan Tree resorts are found in Phuket, Thailand (1994), Maldives Vabbinfaru (1995), Bintan, Indonesia (1995), Bangkok, Thailand (2002), Seychelles (2002), Ringha, China (2005), Lijiang, China (2006), Bahrain (2007) and Maldives Madivaru (2007). Flagship Banyan Tree Phuket was the first to introduce a tropical garden spa concept.

About Angsana Resorts & Spas
Launched in 2000, Angsana is the sister brand of Banyan Tree, inspired by the exotic Angsana Tree noted for its crown of golden flowers. Angsana resorts are designed as contemporary, chic and vibrant retreats to live life spontaneously and sense the moment.

Angsana resorts are found in Bintan, Indonesia (2000), Great Barrier Reef, Australia (2000), Bangalore, India (2001), Maldives Ihuru (2001) and Maldives Velavaru (2006).

In 2003, Colours of Angsana joined the Angsana portfolio. This boutique hotel collection appeals to the soft adventurer and cultural tourism sector. The current hotels are Gyalthang Dzong (Shangri-La, China), Deer Park Hotel (Giritale, Sri Lanka) and Maison Souvannaphoum (Luang Prabang, Laos).

To date, the Banyan Tree Group manages and/or has ownership interests in 23 resorts and hotels, 61 spas and 71 retail galleries and two golf courses.


 

 

   
         
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