Banyan Tree’s Mr. Ho Is Reimagining Luxury Travel, Here’s How

  • February 11, 2022
Banyan Tree’s Mr. Ho Is Reimagining Luxury Travel, Here’s How

Luxury hospitality is no longer designed by one blueprint. Mr. Ho Kwon Ping, founder of Banyan Tree Group, has reimagined modern luxury travel with the addition of five new hotel brands that go beyond traditional all-pool villa resorts. Each new Banyan Tree Group concept – HOMM, Garrya, Folio, Banyan Tree Veya and Banyan Tree Escape – was expertly crafted to make new-age luxury accessible for all travelers, regardless of need-state, and is defined by 5 core segments.

  • Holistic wellbeing programs that inspire self-evolution– At Banyan Tree Veya, certified wellbeing coaches conduct health reviews and curate wellbeing programs tailored for each guests’ needs, selected from 50 different activities such as lagoon kayaking or biking through nearby towns, and unique treatments like weightless therapy.
  • Experiences vs. tangible luxuries in “undiscovered” locations – Located in 2nd tier cities throughout China and Japan, Garrya hotels feature contemplation pockets nestled in local trails that provide meditative space for self-discovery while immersing in destination-specific nature sites.
  • Investing in a Sustainably-Built Planet – All new builds prioritize the vitality of local ecosystems. Each Banyan Tree Escape resort (pictured) is “built into” the existing community by constructing around native trees and water systems.
  • Leaving a destination better than it was found - HOMM hotels inform guests of endangered local species through origami art, such as the Black Billed Gull installation at HOMM Bliss Southbeach Patong, which educates on Phuket’s jeopardized native coastal bird.
  • Connection with local communities via purposeful stewardship – The Group’s globally operated Stay For Good program allows guests to participate in stewardship programs such as coral and tree planting during their stay. Each property is also committed to initiatives like climate action, resource use, biodiversity, cultural heritage and associate wellbeing, as well as giving back to local communities through education and vocational development.

As this TripAdvisor study reported, a post-pandemic appetite for discovering “new” is shaping new-age traveler preferences, with 34% of Americans opting for destinations in which they can seek immersive “authentic local experiences,” while 42% of global respondents shared they will embark on a wellness-centric trip in 2022. A 2021 Booking.com survey found that 61% of respondents say the pandemic influenced them to travel more sustainably in the future.