Mid-year update highlights strategic expansion across Asia, Africa, and Europe, with milestone anniversaries in China and the Maldives showcasing legacy and purpose
SINGAPORE, July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Banyan Group (Banyan Tree Holdings Limited or the Group – SGX: B58), a leading independent global hospitality company, is riding a wave of momentum as it enters the second half of 2025. The Group’s diverse portfolio of hotels, branded residences, and purpose-driven experiences continues to expand strategically. This November, Banyan Group will mark a significant milestone with the Grand Opening of Mandai Rainforest Resort—its 100th hotel and a symbolic homecoming in Singapore—through a week-long celebration and charity festival.
The first half of the year saw the Group achieve several milestones, from new market entries and openings to key anniversaries that reflect its growing global presence and unwavering commitment to purpose-driven hospitality.
\”The first half of 2025 not only showcases our growth but also underscores our belief that hospitality should offer more than just a place to stay,\” said Eddy See, President and CEO of Banyan Group. \”We’re creating authentic experiences through thoughtful design, cultural immersion, and genuine care. As we expand, we remain dedicated to using travel as a force for positive change and deepening meaning, rather than just increasing our footprint.\”
Expanding into Sub-Saharan Africa: A Debut in Safari Hospitality
Banyan Group is set to strengthen its presence in Africa with the upcoming launch of its first safari resort, Ubuyu, A Banyan Tree Escape. Located in the heart of one of East Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas, this eco-luxury retreat will open in late 2025, offering rare access to Ruaha National Park. This Tanzanian hidden gem is renowned for its raw natural beauty and extraordinary biodiversity, boasting one of Africa’s largest elephant populations, the highest density of lions, endangered wild dogs, and over 570 bird species.
Inspired by traditional Maasai architecture and crafted with local materials, Ubuyu will debut with a limited collection of six artisan villas in its first phase. Each villa is designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding savannah, featuring private pools and sweeping views. Guided by dedicated Escape Hosts, guests will embark on immersive wildlife encounters, cultural exchanges, and riverside rituals. As Banyan Group’s first venture into safari hospitality, Ubuyu represents a bold step into new frontiers and reinforces the Group’s commitment to meaningful, regenerative travel experiences.
20 Years in China: Deepening Presence and Impact
2025 marks Banyan Group’s 20th anniversary in China, where it first introduced its ethos of nature, culture, and community to the highlands of Shangri-La. The Group restored traditional Tibetan farmhouses to open Banyan Tree Ringha as its first hotel in the country. Today, Banyan Group operates 33 hotels across five brands in the Chinese market.
This year’s new openings include Banyan Tree Zhuhai Phoenix Bay, Angsana Zhoushan, Dhawa Beihai Weizhou Island, Homm Wenzhou Nanxijiang, and Homm Hengqin. New signings in Guangzhou, Xiamen, and Wenling further solidify the Group’s presence in both tier-one cities and emerging destinations.
The Group continues to enhance its community impact through the Banyan Environmental and Community Fund, launched in partnership with the China Environmental Protection Foundation. A new clean water project in Lijiang will launch this year to commemorate the 20th anniversary, complementing ongoing initiatives in coral reef restoration, marine protection, and education.
30 Years in the Maldives: Recognition from the Government of Maldives
The Group will celebrate three decades in the Maldives with the anniversary of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, a pioneer in sustainable eco-luxury since its opening in 1995. In July, the Group received an honor from the Government of the Maldives for its contributions to environmental stewardship and bilateral relations. His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Maldives, presented the award at the Maldives–Singapore Business Forum.
Strategic Openings Across Southeast Asia
Banyan Group continues to diversify its footprint across the region. The first Garrya property in Vietnam, Garrya Mu Cang Chai, opened in the terraced hills of the north, blending bamboo-led architecture with cultural immersion. In the Philippines, the upcoming opening of Homm Mandaue Cebu later this year will expand the Homm brand’s presence in a rapidly growing urban market.
Expanding Retail Reach Through Banyan Tree Gallery
Banyan Tree Gallery, the Group’s artisan-led retail concept, continues to grow its international presence. Its curated selection of sustainable crafts and wellness products is now available onboard China Airlines, adding to existing inflight retail partnerships with Emirates, EVA Air, and Starlux Airlines.
Residential Growth in Europe and Asia
In Europe, the sales launch of Banyan Tree Padilla Madrid Residences marks the Group’s first residential development on the continent. Located in Madrid’s prestigious Salamanca district, the residences reimagine a 1948 architectural landmark by Gutiérrez Soto into one- to four-bedroom homes. Interiors by Caramba Estudio feature generous terraces and access to private amenities, including a Turkish bath, indoor pool, and landscaped courtyards.
In Southeast Asia, Banyan Tree Beach Residences Oceanus launched in Laguna Phuket, offering 16 exclusive beachfront homes. Residents enjoy access to a private club, BDMS wellness services, golf membership, Thailand Elite visa, and family privileges including an onsite preschool and international school access. To meet rising demand, Banyan Group has established dedicated sales teams in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, catering to growing Middle Eastern interest in Phuket’s real estate market.
Global Recognition and Accolades
In the past six months, Banyan Group has garnered over 100 industry accolades, including more than 20 honors across categories in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025. Its flagship brand, Banyan Tree, was voted the #2 Best Hotel Brand by readers, while Dhawa Ihuru was recognized among the Best House Reefs in the Maldives. The Group also celebrated eight Forbes Travel Guide Star Award winners. Additionally, Banyan Group Residences was named Thailand’s Most Awarded Developer for the second consecutive year, with 15 wins at the Asia-Pacific Property Awards 2025–26.
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ABOUT BANYAN GROUP
Banyan Group (Banyan Tree Holdings Limited or the Group – SGX: B58) is an independent, global hospitality company with a purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences, and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio includes over 90 hotels and resorts, more than 140 spas and galleries, and over 20 branded residences in more than 20 countries. Comprising 12 global brands, including the flagship Banyan Tree, each is distinct yet united under the experiential membership program withBanyan. The founding ethos of Embracing the Environment, Empowering People is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Academy. Banyan Group is committed to being a leading advocate for sustainable travel, focusing on regenerative tourism and innovative programs that enhance the guest experience.
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