Banyan Tree Group enjoys a rousing start to the new year as it celebrates a bumper crop of achievements across various fields for its ecologically sensitive resorts and spas. This includes reader and industry recognition for its business values, high standards of service, and Corporate Social Responsibility, and comes as a veritable feather in the cap as the Group expands into China, the Middle East, the Americas and Europe.
Boasting lovingly restored heritage riads, Angsana Riads Collection, Morocco receives its first accolades, after opening in December 2007. It is feted on the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List 2008 in the United Kingdom, as well as in the American edition of Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2008. This double success is replicated by Banyan Tree Madivaru, which features the first tented pool villas in the Maldives.
At Banyan Tree Bangkok, the city hotel earns duo nods in the coveted Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2008 for its newly refurbished Spa and modern seafood restaurant Pier59 in Hot Spas and Hot Tables respectively. This shower of accolades in the prestigious American travel publication is capped off with Banyan Tree Spa Al Areen’s listing amongst the 76 Hot Spas.
Further establishing the Group’s leadership in the realm of holistic wellbeing, Banyan Tree Al Areen received top honours at the 12th Gala Spa Awards for Best Luxury Hotel City/Resort, triumphing over entries from 114 hotel and day spas from 17 countries. The internationally recognised Gala Spa Awards is organised by Gala, a renowned German lifestyle magazine.
The Group’s flagship property, Banyan Tree Phuket continues to perform strongly on the international stage, bagging two prestigious accolades - Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2008 and Travel + Leisure “Top 500 Hotels” 2008, further cementing the reputation of the much–lauded resort as one of the best places to stay in the world. In line with the Group’s commitment to responsible tourism and social responsibility, Banyan Tree Bangkok’s efforts of driving sustainable development with innovative conservation initiatives was recognised for its adherence to the ASEAN Green Hotel Standard with the presentation of the ASEAN Green Hotel Recognition Award 2008 by the Thai Minister of Tourism & Sports at the ASEAN Tourism Forum.
On a personal note, Banyan Tree Executive Chairman and founder Mr. Ho Kwon Ping was bestowed the honour of Chief Executive Officer of the Year at the Singapore Corporate Awards 2008, organised by The Business Times and supported by the Singapore Exchange; honouring Singapore Exchange-listed companies and individuals who exemplify the best in governance and corporate disclosure standards. This accolade came hot on the heels of Mr. Ho’s acceptance of the Boutique Hotelier of the Year award at the Style Awards 2008, hosted and organized by the South China Morning Post and Harpers Bazaar (Hong Kong).
Travel
“Hot List 2008”
~ Condé Nast Traveller (UK)
~ Condé Nast Traveller (USA)
Banyan Tree Madivaru
