Banyan Tree Krabi has announced the appointment of seasoned culinary professional Ammaraporn Duangphophim (Emma) as the hotel’s new Executive Sous Chef.
Originally from Bangkok where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Administration, Chef Emma has worked in some of Thailand’s top kitchens and hotels, and brings more than 15 years of culinary experience to this luxury beachfront resort, which was listed in the most recent MICHELIN Guide to Thailand with the distinction of “Two Keys”.
Prior to joining Banyan Tree Krabi, Emma was Chef de Cuisine at Avani+ Mai Khao on Phuket as well as at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas in Malaysia after several years at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel in Bangkok.
As the new Executive Sous Chef, she will oversee operations at Banyan Tree Krabi’s three dining outlets: The Naga Kitchen, an all-day venue serving international cuisine; Saffron, Banyan Tree’s signature Thai restaurant; and the beachfront Kredkaew Bar.
She joins a culinary team with a solid reputation for upholding Banyan Tree’s commitment to sourcing the most sustainable and seasonal products from local farmers, fishermen and distributors.
“At Banyan Tree Krabi, I am expecting a luxury hospitality experience focused on exceptional food & service, wellness, and environmental sustainability,” she said, noting that she was looking forward to improving her skills and infusing traditional southern Thai recipes into her latest culinary creations.
Among the gastronomic attractions at Banyan Tree Krabi is the Bird’s Nest, a trio of dining pods perched among the trees, and attached by a short walkway to Saffron, which is in turn accessible from the resort by a steep ride in an electric funicular. The panoramic Bird’s Nest tables are one of the most outstanding and photogenic features at the award-winning resort, commanding a spectacular view of the Andaman Sea.
The Resort
Located on tranquil Tubkaek Beach, some 25 km west of the town of Krabi, 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. The resort backs into a lush forested national park, and each of the 72 rooms faces westward towards uninhabited islands in the Andaman Sea.
Facilities at this 5-star hotel include two restaurants and a beach bar, a beach club, a kids’ club, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa Krabi.