Named after the tropical banyan tree, a symbol of sanctuary under which one finds peace of mind and internal harmony, Banyan Tree Krabi, in southern Thailand, adopted the concept in its most recent introduction of Banyan Tree Krabi’s special Afternoon Tea Set, available to both guests and passing visitors.

© Watchara Kireewong

Afternoon tea is served in refined porcelain and presented with a colorful assortment of “hot and cold nibbles,” including signature specialties such as Pani Puri caviar, truffle-braised wagyu beef and mango sticky rice mousse cake. The afternoon tea venue is also quite unique with three Bird’s Nest tables sitting precariously among the trees, perched high above the resort and overlooking the Andaman Sea.

Bird’s Nest tables, which can seat up to four, were an immediate favorite among guests when the resort opened in 2020, and they have since become a photographer’s paradise with the scenic forest and seas backdrop.

© Watchara Kireewong

This year, the new afternoon tea offer includes a choice of three exquisite crockery sets: the Citrus Charm Collection, Sapphire Sips Collection, and Birdsong & Blossom Bliss Collection, each with either a Chinoiserie or Classical porcelain pattern.

The selection of teas is supplied by Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company, and includes all the favorites one might expect, like English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Sencha green tea, jasmine green tea, peppermint and chamomile.

© Watchara Kireewong

Finger foods are brought to the table on a three-tiered “bird-cage” while 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, as well as homemade scones. Both the sesame puff filled with Pandan custard scone and the sweet-sour Lychee in orange-flavored syrup scone are worth the flight to Thailand alone.

There are two sittings for Bird’s Nest table reservations: 2–3:30 pm or 3:30–5 pm.

Located on tranquil Tubkaek Beach, 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. Facilities at this 5-star hotel include two restaurants and a beach bar, a beach club, a kids’ club, a fitness center, meeting rooms, and award-winning Banyan Tree Spa Krabi.