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.


Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa Invites Travellers to Experience a Change of Air

Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa Invites Travellers to Experience a Change of Air

By Hariharan U

Published on November 3, 2026

yatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa has introduced its “Make It a Getaway. A Change of Air.” campaign, inviting travellers to step away from urban routines and rediscover the pleasure of a break in the hills through dining, wellness and family experiences.

As air quality and urban pollution become increasingly important considerations for city residents, the idea of a getaway is taking on a different meaning. Beyond a change of location, travellers are seeking opportunities to slow down, spend time in new surroundings and make room for experiences that offer a break from everyday demands.

Located along Mussoorie Road, adjacent to Malsi Forest, Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa brings together accommodation, dining, leisure and wellness in a setting that offers a different pace from city life. The campaign draws on the appeal of Dehradun's natural surroundings while positioning the resort as a destination for couples, families and individual travellers.

The experience extends beyond a conventional hotel stay. Guests can spend leisurely mornings, enjoy time by the pool, explore the resort's culinary offerings or make space for personal well-being through spa rituals and yoga experiences.

Dining forms an important part of the proposition. Range, the resort's cosmopolitan food gallery, offers a varied culinary experience, while Beyul, its rooftop bar and lounge overlooking the Malsi Reserved Forest, provides a setting for relaxed evenings and crafted drinks.

Families travelling with children can also explore Camp Hyatt, which offers younger guests opportunities for discovery and engagement. Alongside the resort's leisure facilities, the programme allows families to shape their stay around activities suited to different interests and age groups.

The resort's wellness offerings, including spa experiences and yoga, add another dimension to the getaway. Guests can combine restorative activities with poolside relaxation, dining and time spent exploring the surroundings.

Through “Make It a Getaway. A Change of Air.”, Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa presents a holiday as an opportunity to step away from familiar routines and reconnect with experiences that often get overlooked in everyday life.

While the campaign draws on growing urban concerns around air quality, travellers should consider local air-quality conditions before making destination choices; a change of setting alone does not guarantee cleaner air.

Reservations

For reservations and more information, visit Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa.


Summit Hotels & Resorts to Open Heritage Kashinaama in Varanasi

Summit Hotels & Resorts to Open Heritage Kashinaama in Varanasi

By Hariharan U

Published on November 2, 2026

Summit Hotels & Resorts is set to expand its Mandir Collection with the opening of Summit Heritage Kashinaama, an 18-room property in Varanasi, on November 1, 2026. The hotel will cater to pilgrims, families and cultural travellers, combining contemporary accommodation with the city's spiritual traditions and architectural heritage.

Located in Bhagwanpur, Varanasi, the property is owned by Abhinav Rai and features 18 rooms across four categories: Superior Twin, Superior King, Luxury and Suite. Its design incorporates heritage-inspired architectural elements, warm interiors and contemporary amenities, drawing on the cultural character of Banaras.

One of the property's distinctive features is a dedicated cinematic gallery celebrating Varanasi's connection with Indian cinema. Designed as a filmstrip-inspired installation, it displays framed posters of films shot in the city, including Masaan, Raanjhanaa and Gangs of Wasseypur. The gallery highlights Banaras's contribution to Indian filmmaking while adding a cultural element to the hotel's interiors.

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The property will also house an in-house restaurant serving exclusively vegetarian and Satvik cuisine, in keeping with the spiritual hospitality proposition of Summit's Mandir Collection.

Guests will be able to explore Varanasi's religious and cultural landmarks through curated temple visits and darshan planning. These include Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Kaal Bhairav Temple, alongside attractions such as Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Sarnath and Ramnagar Fort.

Speaking about the opening, Sumit Periwal, Director, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said, "Varanasi is one of India's most important spiritual destinations, attracting travellers whose visits are closely connected with faith, culture and tradition. With Summit Heritage Kashinaama, we are bringing our Mandir Collection to a city where this approach to hospitality is particularly relevant."

He added that the property was envisioned to reflect Banaras through its architectural influences, vegetarian food traditions and association with Indian cinema. He also noted that the company sees opportunities to develop hotels that address the specific needs of pilgrims and cultural travellers while providing contemporary comfort and service.

Abhinav Rai, Owner, Summit Heritage Kashinaama, said the vision was to create a hotel connected to Banaras through its design and guest experiences. He added that the association with Summit Hotels & Resorts would bring professional hospitality standards to the property while preserving its distinctive identity.

The opening marks another step in Summit Hotels & Resorts' expansion into spiritual tourism through its Mandir Collection, which focuses on hospitality around pilgrimage destinations, temple visits and culturally rooted stays.

With an established presence across the Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India, Summit is extending its portfolio into new destinations and travel segments through three collections: Mandir, focused on spiritual hospitality; Offbeat, centred on lesser-explored destinations; and Signature, offering premium destination-led stays.

The company's approach is guided by its philosophy of Generous Hospitality, which draws inspiration from the warmth and personal attention associated with welcoming guests into Indian homes. Through its mission under The Summit Way, the group aims to place care, respect and empathy at the centre of guest interactions, while contributing to the communities in which it operates.


The Serai Resorts Introduces ‘Living Sanctuaries’ Across Chikmagalur, Bandipur and Kabini

The Serai Resorts Introduces ‘Living Sanctuaries’ Across Chikmagalur, Bandipur and Kabini

By Hariharan U

Published on November 1, 2026

The Serai Resorts has introduced ‘Living Sanctuaries’, a brand philosophy that brings together its three properties in Chikmagalur, Bandipur and Kabini through a shared approach to nature-led experiences, understated luxury and personalised hospitality.

Rooted in the belief that memorable journeys are shaped by meaningful moments rather than elaborate experiences, Living Sanctuaries invites guests to slow down and connect more deeply with the landscapes they visit. The concept reflects The Serai's approach to creating retreats where the natural surroundings influence the architecture, culinary offerings, activities and overall guest experience.

Each of the three destinations offers a distinct interpretation of this philosophy.

At Chikmagalur, the experience is shaped by the mist-covered hills and coffee plantations of the Western Ghats. Surrounded by forests and the aroma of coffee estates, the retreat encourages guests to enjoy nature walks, quiet mornings and the slower rhythm of the hills.

At Bandipur, the focus shifts to the wilderness. The forest's changing light, bird calls and wildlife movement form an integral part of the experience. Rather than treating nature as a backdrop, the property encourages guests to immerse themselves in the surrounding landscape and appreciate its natural rhythms.

In Kabini, the river and its surrounding wilderness define the experience. Open skies, waterside settings and opportunities for wildlife encounters offer guests a different perspective on the region's natural environment, where discovery often comes through unplanned moments.

Although each property is shaped by its location, the common thread is the belief that nature sets the pace. The landscape influences how guests spend their time, what they experience and how they connect with the destination. From design and architecture to regional cuisine and curated activities, the emphasis is on allowing the character of each place to remain central to the stay.

Redefining Luxury Through Space and Personalised Hospitality

Living Sanctuaries also reflects a changing understanding of luxury, with greater emphasis on time, privacy and meaningful experiences rather than abundance or constant activity.

For The Serai Resorts, hospitality is centred on attentive service that feels natural rather than intrusive. The approach focuses on personal attention, remembering individual preferences and understanding when guests need assistance and when they simply need space.

Experiences such as a slow breakfast overlooking the landscape, a morning in a coffee plantation, a meal inspired by regional flavours, the anticipation of a wildlife sighting or an evening spent listening to the rain become part of the property's wider hospitality proposition.

Through this philosophy, the brand positions its resorts as places where guests can disconnect from everyday routines and reconnect with nature, companions and themselves.

The Serai Resorts' Presence in Karnataka

Founded in the coffee country of Chikmagalur nearly two decades ago, The Serai Resorts has grown into a collection of three luxury retreats across Karnataka: Chikmagalur, Bandipur and Kabini.

The portfolio combines thoughtfully designed accommodation with locally inspired cuisine, wellness offerings and curated destination experiences. Each property is positioned around its surrounding landscape, from coffee plantations and forest environments to riverside wilderness.

The brand's flagship property, The Serai Chikmagalur, has received several industry recognitions, including a No. 9 ranking among resorts in India in Condé Nast Traveller's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards, Best Staycation Resort in India at Travel + Leisure India's Best Awards 2025 and Best Retreat in India at the TravTour MICE Awards 2025. It has also been included in Condé Nast Traveller's Black Book 2026.

The Serai Chikmagalur and The Serai Bandipur have additionally featured in The Style List's 50 Best Boutique Hotels.

With Living Sanctuaries, The Serai Resorts brings its three destinations under a unified brand philosophy, placing nature, personal space and thoughtful hospitality at the centre of its guest experience. The concept presents luxury as an opportunity to pause, observe and experience a destination at its own pace.

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