Page 22 - March 2023 #179

Banyan Tree Veya
Phuket, Thailand
Awaken Your Senses

Founded in 1994, Banyan Tree Group has grown into one of the world’s leading
independent, multi-branded hospitality groups with a purpose-driven approach
centred on wellbeing and sustainability. In this interview RLI sits down with Eddy
See, President and CEO of Banyan Tree Group to discuss how the company’s core
values remain imperative to their purpose and their ongoing expansion.

or thousands of years, the banyan tree has been the sacred centre have been planning and preparing for expansion in Japan as a strategic
of many Asian villages, a shelter for weary travellers seeking market for a long time. It boasts all the attributes of a great destination,
Frefuge and sanctuary in the company of fellow wanderers. This a rich culture and history, natural beauty across all seasons, high-quality
is the inspiration that led to the birth of the brand in 1994 - a pioneer in products and services, excellent infrastructure and connectivity and
naturally luxurious and ecologically sensitive hospitality. strong demand for domestic and international arrivals.”
The diverse portfolio of Banyan Tree Group centres around an In Japan they will be opening two new sites, Banyan Tree Higashiyama
ecosystem of 10 global brands, including the award-winning Banyan and Cassia Hirafu Niseko between now and 2026. They have also signed
Tree, Angsana, Cassia, Dhawa, Folio, Garrya, Homm and Laguna, as well a deal to debut their Banyan Tree Residences in Manila, as well as their
as two Banyan Tree brand extensions: Banyan Tree Escape and Banyan Angsana brand in Spain.
Tree Veya. When discussing what it is that attracts the brand to new properties,
“We operate 64 properties across 17 countries and each of the sites Eddy immediately highlights conversion opportunities, saying that there
across the world adopt a ‘Stay for Good’ framework, which integrates is still a huge opportunity, particularly in Asia, where less than three per
responsible stewardship through the creation of exceptional, design-led cent of hotels are branded. “We will continue to increase conversion
experiences for guests; providing fair and dignified employment; enabling opportunities, particularly in resort destinations and emerging second-
long-term prosperity for communities where they have a presence; tier tourism destinations. We believe in constantly being agile to address
protecting and remediating ecosystems and generating sustained, long- different needs on different occasions and expanding our portfolio while
term returns for shareholders,” explains Eddy See, President and CEO keeping our operations proactive and efficient.”
of Banyan Tree Group. Sustainability has become absolutely vital in its importance around
Recently the Group has relaunched the Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui, the world and it is a theme that runs through the entire Banyan Tree
which opened in December 2022 following a rebrand of the well- organisation. Since 2020, their Global Foundation has launched the
established resort on Thailand’s island of Koh Samui. This resort sits on Greater Good Grants (GGG), a sustainability initiative where they
28 acres of breathtaking tropical land infused with Garrya’s ‘self-care, award grants to diverse projects protecting natural habitats and teaching
simplicity, slow life, sleep & rest and savour’ offering which incorporates local communities alternative livelihood skills.
multi-purpose suites and villas and the 8LEMENTS SPA that contributes In addition, the whole business is guided by its eight proprietary
to an overall sense of wellbeing. wellbeing pillars and their entire ecosystem of experiences feature
In addition, Banyan Tree AIUIa opened back in October 2022 and was nature-oriented environments, plant-based menus, wellbeing and
developed by the Royal Commission for AIUIa which brings wellbeing- sustainable lifestyle practices. They are also on a decarbonisation journey
centred luxury to a heritage site. This new resort features two dining that encompasses all their ecosystem offerings, including residential
venues including Saffron, Banyan Tree’s signature Thai restaurant and the development, hospitality and spa management, retail and education.
renowned Banyan Tree Spa with carefully curated wellness experiences As the topic of conversation moves onto why guests remain loyal to
that combine Asian traditions and local elements. the brand and what makes Banyan Tree standout, Eddy explains that,
Looking to the future, the business is on track to develop and open through the years, luxury has evolved to become more personalised and
over 50 properties by 2025, doubling their current portfolio. “We that today customers want experiences that they have a connection with

Garrya Nijo Castle Garrya Tongsai Bay
Kyoto, Japan Samui, Thailand