A Different Perspective: Inside The Banyan Tree Bangkok

Banyan Tree Holdings Limited is an international hospitality brand that manages and develops resorts, hotels and spas in Asia, America, Africa and Middle East. The brand was established since 1994, with its roots in Singapore. As of 2014, there are 36 resorts and hotels. 2015 will see one addition to the list in Morocco and two more in China. Under their management are also 70 spas, 77 retail galleries, and 3 championship golf courses in 28 countries. It has been 20 years since the first Banyan Tree resort opened in Phuket.

The group has 3 brands, Banyan Tree, an all villa concept which pioneered pool villas and tropical garden spa. Angsana, which provides a range of recreational activities and suited for families and friends, as well as Cassia, a holiday apartment concept with first property to launch in 2015.

Banyan Tree started when founder Ho Kwon Ping and his wife Claire Chiang came across a plot of land while they were on holiday in Bang Tao Bay, on the western coast of Phuket in the Andaman Sea, and thought it would make an ideal location for a resort. They purchased the land and then discovered that it was an abandoned tin mine and too toxic to support vegetation or any developments. They embarked on a regeneration programme, reintroducing indigenous plants and building 7,000 trees. Ten years later in 1994, the first resort Banyan Tree Phuket was built.

In 2009, Banyan Tree Global Foundation was created as part of Banyan Tree Holdings Limited. The foundation serves as the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of the group and works to enhance social, environmental and economic well-being. Projects under the foundation includes Greening Communities, Seedlings, and Earth Day.