Banyan Tree Samui announced a partnership with T.A.I Studio, bringing a collection of handwoven bags and baskets from Phatthalung in southern Thailand to Banyan Tree Gallery Samui, the resort’s onsite boutique. The collection is crafted from krajood sedge and banana tree fibre — materials grown and gathered locally — transformed through a combination of traditional weaving and contemporary design.
T.A.I Studio was founded by husband-and-wife Nick and Sai Rawling to connect existing materials, skills, and making traditions with luxury hospitality. 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. 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.”
Alignment With Resort Sustainability Commitments
Banyan Tree selected T.A.I Studio bags because they align closely with the resort’s founding ethos of “Embracing the Environment, Empowering Communities,” according to Naphasawan Badklang, Spa & Gallery Manager at Banyan Tree Samui.
“These products celebrate local craftsmanship and heritage. By showcasing these bags at Banyan Tree Gallery Samui, we help promote the artisans’ stories and craftsmanship to a wider audience,” Badklang said.
Banyan Tree Gallery Samui showcases locally infused handicrafts and signature amenities including Banyan Tree bath and body treatments and aromatherapy collections combining Asian-inspired ingredients with natural botanical blends. All retailed products meet Banyan Tree’s criteria of supporting personal wellbeing while being mindful of environmental impact.
