HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) certification has been awarded to Banyan Tree Samui, an 88-key luxury beachfront resort in southern Thailand, in response to its commitment to food safety and hygiene standards. The award follows a stringent and continuous three-year audit of the hotel’s F&B policies, and reviews of various procedures, including kitchen hygiene; temperature control of food processing; food contamination; food purchasing; pest control; and training for all kitchen staff. HACCP certification also includes successful inspections of housekeeping, purchasing, engineering, and human resources protocols. “Banyan Tree recognizes the significance of food safety, not only for guests but for our associates [staff],” said Director of F&B and Cuisine Rainer Roesch. “We are committed to providing guests not only the most satisfying dining experience but also the total reassurance that comes with a stay at a Banyan Tree resort.” General Manager Remko Kroesen added: “HACCP approval complements our existing Safe Sanctuary program, implemented in the wake of the Covid pandemic, which pledges to guests a ‘contactless journey’ from check-in to check-out, as well as enhanced cleanliness protocols and appropriate distancing at all on-site facilities such as restaurants, the spa, and fitness center.” In addition, each visitor to Banyan Tree Samui is presented a Portier smartphone by their personal “Villa Host” upon arrival at the hotel. They can thereafter use the phone throughout their stay to make any requests, such as ordering in-villa dining, arranging tours, and coordinating housekeeping service. The phone is user-friendly and delivers all of its features in English, Russian, Chinese, German or French. Banyan Tree Samui was recently listed by US magazine Travel + Leisure in its 2021 World’s Best Awards. The resort was also in the news last year when a rare giant green turtle laid over 200 eggs in nests on the hotel’s secluded beach. The nests were monitored by Banyan Tree Samui’s resident marine biologist who built a fence to protect them from predators. The 5-star hotel has been singled out by global watchdog EarthCheck as meeting the highest standards for environmentalism in the country. It was recently awarded a Gold Certification for the fourth consecutive year – the only hotel in Thailand to receive this. Such awards and protocols take on an infinitely higher significance as the island of Koh Samui looks to re-open to international tourism within the next few months. Popular tourist destinations such as Samui, Phuket and Krabi have been prioritized for vaccines, and steps are in place to allow quarantine-free stays for inoculated visitors. For reservations and more information, go to: https://www.banyantree.com/en/thailand/samui

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