Bangkok: Badminton from Banyan Tree

The first time I met Badminton was by the pool, where he was giving complimentary head and neck massages to the hotel guests. Banyan Tree has all sorts of complimentary treats, and in addition to massage, they also offered free yoga classes, so I signed up for a yoga lesson the following morning at the hotel’s gym. Guess who the instructor was? Badminton!

Now a further explanation of his name was required. Why Badminton? Because his mom was a badminton champion. Judging from the name embroidered on his T-shirt, he also has a Thai name, but Badminton is the name he uses for non-Thai speaking guests.

Even though I’ve done a lot of yoga, I’m not very good at it (some might say I suck), but Badminton did an excellent job adjusting the level of intensity and difficulty to suit me and my shortcomings, and it was a very nice class. I usually work out in the evening, but yoga in the morning is such a great way to start the day.

The following day I was back in the gym, ready to hit the treadmill, when I saw Badminton again. In fact, I didn’t realize it was him until he said hi, because this time he was wearing his muay thai instructor outfit. A big Chinese guy was ready to get his complimentary muay thai lesson, did I want to join?

Badminton, I know I assured you I would write a review on TripAdvisor, but TripAdvisor isn’t really my thing. Instead you get your own personal blog post here on my blog, and if any of your supervisors are reading along, I want them to know that you’re doing a great job as a masseur and yoga teacher (and probably even as a muay thai instructor). Banyan Tree in Bangkok should be happy to have such a dedicated and friendly employee.