Banyan Group and Mandai Wildlife Group marked a major moment with the Grand Opening of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, celebrated with an event that brought together nature, design and community. The opening also marked Banyan Group’s 100th resort, making it a meaningful homecoming for the brand in Singapore.

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam officiated the launch, inaugurated the resort’s Wishing Wall and offered a first look at the Rainforest Festival, which opens to the public today. The event began with a musical prelude by young artists from the Wolfgang Violin Studio, followed by a guided walk through the resort showcasing its sustainable architecture, biodiversity corridors and nature-inspired guest experiences.

During the preview, guests explored highlights from the Discovery Trail, artisanal crafts from around the world at the Banyan Gallery Showcase and the GREEN-HOUSE HangOut weekend market. They also visited Curiosity Cove, Singapore’s largest indoor nature-themed playscape, located a short walk from the resort. Nearly 100 beneficiaries from President’s Challenge programmes attended the preview, with more than 2,000 expected through the festival week.

The celebrations continued with the premiere of The Journey, a short film tracing Banyan Group’s evolution from its beginnings in Phuket to its milestone 100th resort in Singapore. This was followed by an intimate In Conversation session with Founder and Executive Chairman Mr Ho Kwon Ping and Co-Founder and Senior Vice President Ms Claire Chiang.

The programme also featured a City in Nature dialogue introduced by Ho Ren Yung, Deputy CEO, Banyan Group. The discussion explored themes like regenerative design and nature-positive development, with speakers from conservation, architecture and design including Dr Cheng Wen-Haur, Dawn Lim and Wong Chiu Man. Dr Mark Watson, Group Director of Sustainability and Impact at Banyan Group, moderated the session.

The Grand Opening Day ended with an appreciation dinner for partners and collaborators, hosted by emcee Paul Foster. The evening included performances by Min Lee, talents from Wolfgang Violin Studio, singer-songwriter Shazza, vocal band MICappella and Cultural Medallion recipient Dick Lee, whose rendition of “Home” closed the night.

The Rainforest Festival runs from 27 November to 3 December 2025, offering discovery trails, craft showcases, wellbeing sessions, nature walks, creative workshops and family activities. Weekend highlights include the GREEN-HOUSE HangOut, bringing together sustainable homegrown brands and live performances by artists such as Joie Tan, MICappella and others. Beans & Beats takes over the stage on Sunday.

All festival ticket proceeds will support President’s Challenge 2025 and will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Banyan Group. An additional 20 per cent from paid experiences by Mandai Wildlife Group and the resort, along with SG60-exclusive merchandise sales at Banyan Gallery, will also be donated and matched under the SG60 Matching Grants.

To commemorate the opening and SG60, the resort has introduced a Silver Staycation weekday retreat for seniors aged 60 and above, available for stays until 30 April 2026. The offer includes daily breakfast for two, advance purchase savings and a complimentary Family Room upgrade for seniors travelling with grandchildren, subject to availability. Guests also receive a SG$100 nett resort credit redeemable across dining, spa treatments, in-resort activities and park admission arranged through the resort’s concierge team.

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has been officially certified as a Great Place To Work, reinforcing its standing as one of India’s most respected hospitality brands and a preferred employer. The certification, awarded by Great Place To Work, is based entirely on employee feedback and a thorough evaluation of an organisation’s culture, trust index and people practices.

The Great Place To Work Certification is given to organisations that achieve at least 70 percent positive responses on the Trust Index survey, which measures credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie. With insights gathered from more than 100 million employees across 150 countries, Great Place To Work is considered the global benchmark for recognising exceptional workplace cultures.

At The Leela, an associate-first approach continues to guide the brand’s growth. The organisation has built a strong and future-ready talent ecosystem focused on continuous learning, leadership development and overall well-being. Associates benefit from structured career pathways, digital learning opportunities, capability-building programmes and a culture of appreciation that encourages belonging and purpose. The Leela’s values are reflected in everyday actions, creating an environment where associates experience genuine care, trust and a shared commitment to excellence.

“This recognition is deeply meaningful because it comes directly from our associates, the people who bring The Leela's philosophy and promise to life every day. We are guided by The Leela Dharmas and our brand ethos of Atithi Devo Bhava - Guest is God, which shape a culture rooted in authenticity, care and excellence. As we approach The Leela's fortieth year, this certification is a reminder that our people remain our greatest strength and the foundation on which our future will continue to be built," said Mr. Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts.

Sharing her thoughts on the milestone, Ms. Isha Goyal, Senior Vice President and Head – Human Resources, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, said, "Being certified as a Great Place To Work is an important affirmation of the trust our associates place in this organisation. It validates our continued focus on strengthening culture, building leadership capability and creating an environment where every individual feels valued, supported and encouraged to grow. Our commitment remains to enable our people to thrive while contributing meaningfully to The Leela's journey ahead."

As The Leela moves toward its fortieth year, this recognition marks an important step in its ongoing journey to build a workplace defined by trust, belonging, purpose and high performance. It further strengthens the brand’s commitment to nurturing a culture that attracts talent, inspires excellence and continues to set high standards in Indian luxury hospitality.

ibis Hyderabad has introduced The Groove Hub, its brand-new open-air dining destination designed to match the brand’s energetic and youthful personality. The space brings together relaxed seating, warm lighting and upbeat décor, creating an ambience where guests can enjoy conversations, food and music in a free-flowing, easy way. The venue reflects the spirit of today’s modern traveller as well as the city’s local crowd, offering a comfortable spot to unwind.

Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Tejus Jose, director of operations, ibis & ibis Styles India, said, “At ibis, we’ve always believed in creating spaces that blend great design, comfort, and a sense of community. The Groove Hub is an embodiment of that belief, a lively open-air venue where people can unwind, connect, and enjoy memorable culinary experiences. It’s an exciting new addition that complements the overall vibe of ibis Hyderabad.”

Adding to this, John Surendranath, general manager, ibis Hyderabad, said, “The Groove Hub is a passion project for our team, a space that reflects Hyderabad’s evolving dining culture while staying true to ibis’ approachable charm. Hyderabad is a city that beautifully blends tradition with modernity, and we wanted The Groove Hub to mirror that spirit. Our goal was to create an inviting alfresco setting where guests can savour innovative dishes, sip on refreshing mocktails, and unwind after a busy day in this vibrant metropolis. It’s designed to feel like an escape within the city, vibrant, soulful, and full of rhythm, just like Hyderabad itself.”

With its inviting atmosphere, flavour-packed dishes and signature ibis charm, The Groove Hub aims to become a go-to spot for relaxed afternoons, lively brunches and easy-going evenings. Whether guests want to enjoy a sunny meal or settle in for a calm dinner under the stars, the venue offers a refreshing new dining experience at ibis Hyderabad.