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Sunlit Lotus
Radiant lotuses growing in the natural environment of the Banyan Tree in Phuket, just outside of the lobby. A week in the beautiful Island of Phuket, a southwest arm of Thailand, was unexpectedly extended when the Bangkok airport closed on the 26th of November due to political protests. This was our first stay at the Banyan Tree resort, and their professionalism and hospitality throughout our stay - including their assistance when we were stranded there - were outstanding.
Thai people are friendly, in an exceptionally warm and sunny, pleasant way Westerners can scarcely imagine unless visiting and experiencing it in Thailand. There is a reason why it is called "The Land of Smiles". Khun Phen, a fine manager at the Banyan Tree, was delighted by my response to the tense situation of being stranded by calling it a "happy problem". Such perceptions are the Thai way.
Actually, it was not such a happy problem, as we and the staff toiled many hours to get a flight out of Phuket. Our travel agent could not help, as they dealt only with airlines that flew out of Bangkok. At one point, having to refill and internet form cost us a flight reservation, as seats filled at alarming rates within minutes. The competition was fierce, as thousands of stranded travelers
all over Thailand waited on phone lines and typed furiously at internet kiosks all at one time. People from Bangkok arrived in droves in buses just to fly out of Phuket.
The tranquil atmosphere of the Banyan Tree, its astounding beauty, and the flawless hospitality could not be outdone even by the airport problems. The service at the Banyan Tree in Phuket is very unusual, not like anything we have encountered before. Not one request is ever forgotten, not one detail falls by the wayside. There is an anteroom leading to the main rooms of the hotel pool villas, with fine teas, coffees and a stereo system complete with soothing music. I developed a love of darjeeling while there. One day, I didn't find milk in the refrigerator for the coffee, but just as soon as I noticed, there came a knock at the door. There in the doorway was a smiling staff member presenting fresh milk. We remarked that it almost seemed as though they can read our minds. Not only did they never forget a request, but on this occasion, they responded before we even asked!
The beds are exceptionally comfortable, with fine cottons and breathable
The Gentle Singing of Leaves
Soft leaves rustling in the breeze outside our window down linens. With the rustling of the fine leaves outside the private villas, the gentle singing of birds, and the fresh air of the natural, ancient-feeling, unspoiled environment, only the most hardened traveler could not be lulled into tranquility at the Banyan Tree.
Photograph and article of the Bangkok airport closure from ABC News at http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/11/26/2429651.htm
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