Banyan Tree Group Evolves into Banyan Group: A New Era of Hospitality

Banyan Tree Group Evolves into Banyan Group: A New Era of Hospitality

By Author

Published on January 16, 2024

In a significant move that reflects its expanding global footprint and evolving ethos, Banyan Tree Group, a renowned name in the hospitality industry, has announced its rebranding to Banyan Group. This strategic shift comes as the company has successfully doubled its brand portfolio since 2019, marking a new chapter in its storied history.

Expanding Global Presence
Banyan Group's growth is evident in its impressive expansion across key global locations, including Vietnam, China, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates. With a presence in 22 countries, the Group now manages an expansive portfolio comprising 12 global brands, over 60 spas and galleries, 75 hotels and resorts, and 14 branded residences.

Upcoming Property Launches
The Group's pipeline is robust, with 19 new properties and residences scheduled to open in countries like South Korea, Cambodia, China, Japan, Vietnam, and Mexico by 2024. Notable among these is Angsana Tengchong, marking the company’s fifth property in China's Yunnan province, and the inaugural Angsana Siem Reap in Cambodia. Another exciting addition is the Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe in Mexico.

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A Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
Underpinning Banyan Group's growth is a deep commitment to sustainability and positive impact. In 2024, the Group aims to align with the United Nations Climate Science-based Targets and is developing a 2030 Sustainability Roadmap. Furthermore, a circularity pilot project is in the works, demonstrating the company's dedication to environmental stewardship.

A Nature-Integrated Development in Phuket
An ambitious project, Laguna Lakelands in Phuket, is set to be a nature-integrated development spanning 110 hectares. This groundbreaking project will feature treetop skywalks, a rainforest park, and six distinct zones, blending luxury hospitality with a deep connection to nature.

Enhancing Guest Experiences with Digital Innovation
To further elevate the guest experience, Banyan Group will launch Beyond, a digital companion, alongside Banyan, an experiential members' programme. These initiatives are designed to enhance the customer journey, offering personalised and engaging experiences.

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A Vision for the Future
Ren Yung Ho, Banyan Group's Senior Vice-President of Brand & Commercial, reflected on the company's journey: “As Banyan Group celebrates our collective success over the last 30 years, we also recognise that progress can’t stop here. The core beliefs and values that have guided Banyan Group to this milestone will continue to underpin our growth strategy as we remain dedicated to being a force for positive change for both people and the planet.”

The rebranding of Banyan Tree Group to Banyan Group is not merely a change in name but a reflection of the company's evolution and its readiness to embrace the future of hospitality with innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to positive global impact.


Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle Marks Three Years of Hospitality and Guest Experiences

Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle Marks Three Years of Hospitality and Guest Experiences

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 31, 2026

Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle marked its third anniversary on 28th March, celebrating three years of hospitality, memorable guest experiences, and a growing presence in the city. Over this period, the hotel has welcomed guests from across India and abroad, hosted over 30 distinguished celebrities, and maintained a strong position among top properties on TripAdvisor since its opening.

While these milestones highlight its journey, the hotel places equal importance on the moments it has shared with its guests. Over the years, it has grown into more than just a place to stay, becoming a space where people come together for celebrations, conversations, and memorable experiences. The return of familiar faces and continued guest trust have played a key role in shaping its journey.

A key part of the hotel’s identity is its dining approach. Known for its 100% vegetarian, sattvic cuisine, the hotel focuses on meals that are prepared with care and authenticity, while also keeping well-being in mind. This thoughtful approach has helped create a strong connection with guests who value both taste and mindful dining.

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Speaking on the occasion, Ritesh Mudgal, General Manager, said:

"These three years have been incredibly special for us. Beyond numbers and milestones, it’s the relationships we’ve built and the memories we’ve been part of that truly define our journey. We are deeply grateful to our guests for their continued trust and support."

Looking ahead, Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle remains focused on growing further while continuing to offer experiences that reflect warmth, comfort, and flavour.

Three years. Countless memories. Infinite flavours.


Grand Continent Hotels Enters Delhi NCR with Gurugram Launch

Grand Continent Hotels Enters Delhi NCR with Gurugram Launch

By Hariharan U

Published on March 31, 2026

Grand Continent Hotels Limited has marked its entry into the Delhi NCR region with the launch of a new property in Gurugram, signalling a significant step in its North India expansion strategy. The move builds on the brand’s strong presence in South India while tapping into one of the country’s most dynamic business hubs.

Located in Sector 45, Greenwood City, the property is positioned to cater to corporate travellers, long-stay guests, and domestic leisure segments. With close proximity to key business districts and connectivity points, the hotel is designed to offer a practical and comfortable stay aligned with evolving mid-market hospitality expectations.

Further strengthening its presence in the city, the company has also signed a new 56-key hotel near the Google office in Gurugram. This dual development underlines the brand’s intent to scale rapidly in high-demand micro-markets across NCR.

The launch comes as the company expands its footprint to 30 properties across 17+ cities, with over 1,800 keys. Its growth has been driven by a focus on high-demand urban locations, standardized service delivery, and efficient operational models that appeal to both business and leisure travellers.

Commenting on the expansion, Ramesh Siva said, “The launch in Gurugram marks an important step in our growth journey. Having established a strong foundation in South India, we are now focused on expanding across key North Indian markets including Delhi NCR, Ayodhya, Jaipur, Varanasi, Somnath and Rameswaram. Strengthening our presence in the city further, we have also signed a 56-key hotel near the Google office in Gurugram. Over the next two years, we plan to add 15 hotels across these key cities as we continue to build a scalable and sustainable hospitality network.”

The Gurugram hotel features 38 rooms, including Premium Rooms with balconies and Deluxe Rooms, designed with contemporary interiors and equipped with essential amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs, minibar, and workspaces. The property also houses a multi-cuisine restaurant, fitness centre, banquet and conference spaces, catering to both business meetings and small-format events.

With rising demand for organised mid-market hospitality across NCR and emerging destinations, North India is expected to play a critical role in the company’s growth. Its expansion strategy will focus on asset-light models, strategic partnerships, and high-demand locations to drive scalability and operational efficiency.

The Gurugram launch not only marks a geographic milestone but also reinforces Grand Continent Hotels’ long-term vision of building a pan-India hospitality platform centred on consistency, accessibility, and value-driven offerings.


IHCL Signs Taj Safaris Lodge in Satpura, Expands Wildlife Portfolio

IHCL Signs Taj Safaris Lodge in Satpura, Expands Wildlife Portfolio

By Hariharan U

Published on March 30, 2026

Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has announced the signing of a new Taj Safaris property in Satpura, marking a strategic expansion in India’s wildlife and eco-tourism segment. This greenfield project further strengthens IHCL’s footprint in Madhya Pradesh, where it already operates lodges across key national parks.

Commenting on the development, Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice PresidentReal Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “India offers a significant opportunity to expand the wildlife and eco-tourism segment. The signing of Taj Safaris, Satpura reflects this potential and strengthens our presence in Madhya Pradesh.”

Developed in partnership with Sarvapratham Hospitality Private Limited, the upcoming lodge will be located approximately two hours from Bhopal Airport. Spread across 30 acres, the 20-key property will offer an immersive nature-led experience, complete with an all-day dining restaurant and bar.

Set amidst dense forests and undulating terrain, the lodge is positioned to offer curated wildlife experiences led by trained naturalists. The region, part of Satpura National Park, is known for its rich biodiversity and frequent wildlife sightings, especially during the summer months.

The park is home to species such as the Bengal tiger, leopards, sloth bears, Indian bison, along with over 300 bird species and numerous reptiles, making it a key destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Representing the owning company, Kunal Giani, Vishal Premchandani, and Kapil Premchandani said, “We are pleased to partner with IHCL to bring Taj Safaris to Satpura. This development aligns with our vision of celebrating the region’s unique ecological character.”

With this addition, IHCL will expand its Taj Safaris portfolio in Madhya Pradesh to five lodges, including one under development, reinforcing its leadership in India’s luxury wildlife hospitality space.

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