Banyan Group (SGX: B58), the independent global hospitality company behind the Banyan Tree brand, is making a powerful impact in 2025 with a strategic expansion across Asia, Africa, and Europe. The first half of the year has been marked by the upcoming grand opening of its 100th hotel, Mandai Rainforest Resort, a flagship project that celebrates the Group’s Singaporean roots and its future-oriented, sustainable hospitality vision.
The celebration of the 100th property will culminate in a weeklong charity festival in November 2025, honoring Banyan Group’s commitment to community-driven tourism. CEO Eddy See emphasized, “It’s about creating meaningful experiences shaped by cultural immersion, thoughtful design, and genuine care.”
New Safari Hospitality Venture in Tanzania
In one of its most anticipated debuts of the year, Banyan Group will launch Ubuyu, A Banyan Tree Escape, in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania. This eco-luxury lodge will open in late 2025 and feature six handcrafted villas inspired by Maasai architecture. The retreat will offer exclusive wildlife encounters with elephants, lions, and endangered African wild dogs, all while supporting biodiversity conservation.
This marks Banyan Group’s first foray into African safari tourism, focusing on regenerative travel with local materials, cultural heritage, and immersive nature experiences curated by in-house Escape Hosts. The Ruaha region, known for its unspoiled landscapes and over 570 bird species, offers a unique setting for nature-conscious travelers.
Celebrating 20 Years of Impact in China
2025 also marks 20 years since Banyan Group’s entry into China, with the 2005 opening of Banyan Tree Ringha in Shangri-La. Today, the company operates 33 hotels across five brands, including new openings such as Banyan Tree Zhuhai Phoenix Bay and Angsana Zhoushan.
The Group’s continued collaboration with the China Environmental Protection Foundation has helped fund marine conservation projects, coral reef restoration, and a new clean water initiative in Lijiang, strengthening its presence as a sustainability leader in the region.
Honoring 30 Years in the Maldives
In the Maldives, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, the brand’s first foray into island eco-luxury, turns 30 in 2025. In recognition of its environmental leadership, the President of the Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, awarded Banyan Group a special honor at the Maldives–Singapore Business Forum.
Over the years, the company has expanded its Maldivian portfolio while remaining committed to coral reef preservation and marine biodiversity, setting industry benchmarks for sustainable island tourism.
Southeast Asia: Growth in Vietnam and the Philippines
Banyan Group is also increasing its footprint in Southeast Asia. In Vietnam, the group debuts Garrya Mu Cang Chai, an eco-resort in the terraced hills of the northern region. It features bamboo-centric architecture and wellness-focused experiences rooted in Vietnamese culture.
Meanwhile, Homm Mandaue Cebu in the Philippines is set to open by late 2025, bringing affordable luxury to one of the archipelago’s fastest-growing cities. The Homm brand, known for blending local charm with modern comfort, is positioned to tap into rising intra-Asia travel.
Residential Developments in Europe and Thailand
Banyan Group is expanding its residential arm into Europe with the launch of Banyan Tree Padilla Madrid Residences in Salamanca, one of Madrid’s most prestigious districts. The collection of one- to four-bedroom homes reflects the brand’s commitment to elegant urban living with curated wellness amenities.
Simultaneously, the Group is catering to luxury buyers in Thailand with the Banyan Tree Beach Residences Oceanus at Laguna Phuket. These exclusive beachfront properties come with BDMS wellness access, golf memberships, and a private beach club — features that appeal to high-net-worth investors from the Middle East and Asia.
Expanding Ethical Retail with Banyan Tree Gallery
Beyond hospitality, Banyan Group is growing its Banyan Tree Gallery – a socially responsible retail platform. The brand has expanded onboard China Airlines, adding to partnerships with Emirates, EVA Air, and Starlux Airlines. Passengers can now shop handmade crafts and wellness items that support artisan communities, even at 30,000 feet.
Awards and Global Recognition
In 2025, Banyan Group has already received over 100 awards, including 20+ accolades in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific. The Banyan Tree brand ranked #2 globally for hotel excellence, while Dhawa Ihuru was listed among the Maldives’ top reef experiences. Banyan Group also earned eight Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards and was named Thailand’s Most Awarded Developer for the second year in a row at the Asia-Pacific Property Awards 2025–26.
Looking Ahead
From Singapore’s Mandai Rainforest Resort to safari retreats in Tanzania, urban hubs in China, and new openings in Europe and Southeast Asia, Banyan Group’s expansion in 2025 reflects its evolving mission: to blend luxury with sustainability, culture, and wellbeing.
As the Group steps into the second half of the year, it continues to redefine global travel with purpose-led development, community upliftment, and environmental stewardship — setting new benchmarks in the global luxury hospitality space.
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