Banyan Tree Private Collection Kicks Off AMEX Partnership

By: Destination Club News
Date: November 13, 2009

To kick off a partnership with Amex Platinum Thailand, Banyan Tree Private Collection hosted a dinner at Banyan Tree Bangkok's Bai Yun Restaurant with some of Amex Platinum's card members in attendance. During the evening, three Amex Platinum members won complimentary stays at some of the luxury villas available to Banyan Tree Private Collection members.

Banyan Tree Private Collection AMEX EventLaunched in 2006 as the "first asset-backed destination club in Asia," Banyan Tree Private Collection will soon approach the 200 member mark. Unlike the majority of destination clubs based in the US who have membership plans of all shapes and sizes providing up to 60 nights of annual access, Banyan Tree Private Collection's highest membership plan gives members 14 nights of annual travel benefits.

In addition to the accommodations, members also receive discounts on food and beverages through their attachment to Banyan Tree (hopefully used at the AMEX event). The discounts available to members include:

  • 20% best available rates in the Banyan Tree website for extensions of stay.
  • 20% discount off food and beverages at Banyan Tree Resorts.
  • 20% off a-la-carte spa menu.
  • Complimentary green fees.
  • 15% discount at selected Banyan Tree Gallery outlets.

To keep annual dues low for members and as a product of the low occupancy membership plans, Banyan Tree Private Collection rents nights of access to non-club members, another model difference from more traditional clubs in the US.

Pictured above (from left to right):

  • Carl Jones: Director and Market Head, Global Merchant Services Thailand, American Express (Thai) Co., Ltd.
  • Margaret Koh, Manager-Marketing, Banyan Tree Private Collection
  • Marina Kleiman, Managing Director, Banyan Tree Private Collection
  • Anakkawat Kowathanakul, Vice President - Consumer Card Thailand, American Express (Thai) Co., Ltd.
  • Satima Tanabe, Amex Platinum members
  • Park Phadhana-anake, Amex Platinum members
  • Vasin Srivarathanabul, Editor, Hi-Class magazine and website At-Bangkok.com
  • Chutimas Sawatdee, Manager- Marketing, Banyan Tree Private Collection
  • Polly Ongetpol, Manager-Marketing, Banyan Tree Private Collection

We know of at least one other destination club currently working on a partnership with AMEX and industry leader Exclusive Resorts has had a partnership in place with American Express for several years.