Banyan – 'Dutch Glory in Hua Hin'
Banyan resort (wannasak saetia / Shutterstock.com)
(Editor: This article is a repeat of an earlier posting in January 2013) – Just a few minutes outside of Hua Hin, on the Petchkasem Road towards Pranburi, the impressive Banyan resort enjoys a prime location. A beautifully landscaped five-star villa park with the associated 18-hole golf course of international allure just a little further in the hills of Hua Hin.
It makes my Dutch heart beat faster, after all, this prestigious project is a piece of 'Dutch Glory' in Thailand, it was set up by Dutch investors. The resort is therefore also led by 'Dutch' management and with 500 employees (full-time and part-time) it is one of the largest employers in the region.
At the end of a sun-drenched afternoon, we (my girlfriend and I) have an appointment with Banyan's chief financial officer, Alex Binnekamp. We are kindly received at his office and his colleague first drives us around in a golf cart to get a good impression of this unique complex.
Banyan is the ideal holiday destination for golfers, couples and families
After first impressions we quickly understand that Banyan is the ideal holiday destination for golfers, couples and families. On weekends it is even the favorite destination of the upper-class from Bangkok. Thai celebs are often seen guests, who recover in style from the daily worries.
Nevertheless, a stay in this holiday resort also falls within our European budget. Western tourists who like to hit a golf ball or opt for a temporary stay in a luxury holiday villa also walk around here to enjoy the tropical gardens, water features or the associated five-star restaurant. Rightly so. Here you can fully enjoy a well-deserved holiday to enjoy.
Enjoyment is certainly the right credo. The following ingredients guarantee this: Luxury villas of 120 m² in Thai style, possibly with a private swimming pool, spacious terrace and outdoor shower. A look inside the holiday home shows that everything you can expect is there, such as a kitchen and two bedrooms with king size bed, satellite TV, air conditioning, DVD player and free WIFI.
(wannasak saetia / Shutterstock.com)
Villas for sale
Business is apparently going well because there is still a lot of construction going on. These villas are for sale to individuals who are looking for a luxurious accommodation in an inspiring environment. There are a total of five different villa types. The cheapest, type Suriya, costs 8,5 million baht (€ 211.000); the most luxurious villa of the Gunung type 51 million baht (€ 1,27 million). You do have a two-storey house with five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a guest house and a living space of 935 m².
We drive past a Gunung type villa under construction. One of the investors is the owner of this summer palace. I ask Binnekamp about the names and background of these Dutch gentlemen, but he wisely keeps his mouth shut. The investors wish to remain anonymous. They come to Thailand a few times a year to discuss the business side of their investment. They are clearly not unmediated. A visit to Thailand usually goes by private jet from our little country.
Banyan Residences are condos with luxury suites
Binnenkamp takes us to the other side of the resort. Phase two of the project appears beyond a constructed lake. Banyan Residences, a number of condos with luxury suites. We look at a model, map and a model home there. The most basic suite (59 m²) with one bedroom and bathroom costs just under 4 million baht. If you want more bedrooms/bathrooms and a more spacious room, the price increases to a maximum of 13,6 million baht.
With all this you can of course use the facilities that the resort has to offer such as a Spa and massage, various swimming pools (including a Kids pool), fitness center and sports facilities, star restaurant, meeting facilities, dry cleaning and laundry, shuttle bus services, 24-hour security, tours & excursion programs and of course the 18-hole championship golf course.
Banyan Golf Club: Awarded three years in a row by Golf Monthly
The tour ends with a visit to the Banyan Golf Club, an 18-hole golf course in the hills of Hua Hin. The golf course opened in 2008 is not inferior to the luxury of the resort. The course has won an Award from golf magazine 'Golf Monthly' three years in a row. The Banyan golf course also features on Rolex's prestigious list. Although I'm not much into golf, I can imagine it's a good place here.
The clubhouse designed in modern Thai style features luxurious changing rooms, a bar and a golf shop. The 'exclusive club suite accommodation' and 'The Terrace restaurant' provide an ambiance that you can expect here. There are quite a few international class golf courses in the immediate vicinity of Hua Hin, so the competition is fierce.
After the tour we walk to the terrace of the Mulligan's Pub with a view over the golf course. The view from here is dazzlingly beautiful. We watch the sun slowly set behind the mountain peaks of neighboring Burma. I have rarely seen such a spectacular sunset. We enjoy our drinks and I get further information about the golf course.
This R&A recognized course was designed and built by Pirapon Namatra, perhaps one of the best architects in the world in this field. Some facts for the enthusiasts:
- Total distance of the course is 7.361 yards, par 72.
- There is a practice range and two large practice greens with bunkers.
- Grass types; Tee boxes: Paspalum, fairways and rough: Zoysia, greens: TifEagle.
For me it's abracadabra but for the golf adepts it will be music to the ears. My attention goes more to the beautiful Thai caddies that walk around here. But the beautiful view from the terrace really surpasses everything.
Thailand blog? We read that every day.'
Two Dutch men in golf uniform take a seat at the table behind us. Alex knows them and introduces me as someone from Thailandblog. The men respond enthusiastically: “Thailand blog? We read that every day!”
Nice to hear, of course. Even on the golf course, Thailandblog is a topic of conversation. We empty our glass, say goodbye and return home, appropriately proud of this example of Dutch trade in distant Thailand.
Are you in the occasion? Go check it out.
Address and more information:
- 68/223 Mooban Hua Na, Nong Gae, Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin 77110, Thailand
- Tel: +66 (0) 3253 8888 Fax: +66 (0) 3253 8889
- Email: [email protected]
- www.banyanthailand.com
Video Banyan
This video gives a good impression of what to expect.
About this blogger
-
Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and a lover of good music.
Enough hobbies, but unfortunately little time: writing for Thailandblog, fitness, health and nutrition, shooting sports, chatting with friends and some other oddities.
My motto: "Don't worry too much, others will do that for you."
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