Banyan Tree Samui, one of Thailand’s leading beachfront resorts, has announced a partnership with T.A.I Studio, bringing a collection of handwoven bags and baskets from Phatthalung in southern Thailand to the resort’s onsite boutique, Banyan Tree Gallery Samui. The collection is made from krajood sedge and banana tree fibre — materials grown and gathered in Phatthalung — transformed by combining traditional weaving and production methods with contemporary design.
Every object begins somewhere. Krajood grown, gathered and prepared in Phatthalung, southern Thailand
T.A.I Studio was founded by husband-and-wife Nick and Sai Rawling as a way of connecting these existing materials, skills and making traditions with luxury hospitality. Today the studio works alongside a network of growers, weavers and specialist makers around Phatthalung, with different hands contributing weaving, hand-loomed cotton, embroidery, leatherwork and finishing.
“When these traditions are thoughtfully integrated into contemporary hospitality, something else becomes possible,” said Rawling. “Visitors encounter a culture that is living rather than displayed.”
“The product isn’t the whole experience,” Rawling added. “It’s a way into a much bigger story about people and place. That’s why working with Banyan Tree feels particularly relevant — there is a shared interest in connecting hospitality to its surroundings rather than importing a sense of place.”
Banyan Tree has a longstanding commitment to both sustainability and working with local communities.
“We chose T.A.I Studio bags because they closely align with ‘Banyan Tree’s founding ethos of ‘Embracing the Environment, Empowering Communities’,” said Spa & Gallery Manager Naphasawan Badklang. “These products celebrate local craftsmanship and heritage.”
Knowledge and tradition carried forward. Phatthalung villager Pa’Niat weaving banana tree fibre
“By showcasing these bags at Banyan Tree Gallery Samui, we help promote the artisans’ stories and craftsmanship to a wider audience,” she added.
Banyan Tree Samui’s onsite boutique showcases a number of locally infused handicrafts and signature amenities, including Banyan Tree bath & body treatments and aromatherapy collections, which combine Asian-inspired ingredients with natural botanical blends. All retailed products meet Banyan Tree’s criteria of supporting personal wellbeing while being mindful of the environment.
Banyan Tree Gallery was founded on a simple belief – that commerce can be an engine for good.
For more than three decades, the brand has supported artisan livelihoods worldwide, preserving the cultural heritage of craft, and advancing a more sustainable future.
What began as a small initiative has grown into a global ecosystem of purposeful commerce. To date, Banyan Tree Gallery has commissioned more than 1.2 million products, supported 339 communities, and collaborated with 240 non-profit organisations.
A Sanctuary for the Senses
Banyan Tree Samui is tiered into a lush landscape and overlooks the pristine waters of the Gulf of Thailand
Banyan Tree Samui’s 88 spacious pool villas, each with its own private infinity pool, provide a serene and secluded oasis where guests can unwind and reconnect with nature. Designed to seamlessly blend with the surrounding landscape, the villas feature contemporary Thai architecture and are adorned with locally sourced materials and artwork, creating a truly authentic and immersive experience.
The resort hosts three restaurants, including Saffron which was recently listed in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide. Other onsite facilities include a fitness centre, a kids’ club, a meetings and events centre, a spa with unique Rainforest hydrotherapy facility, and a library.
For reservations and more information, contact samui@banyantree.com or tel: +66 077 915 333.
Villas at Banyan Tree Samui, each with a private infinity pool, start from US$585 per night.
