Hotel Spotlight: Banyan Group

Posted in hotel spotlight | December 10, 2025 Updated: December 10, 2025

Rooted in sustainability since its founding in 1994, Banyan Group has grown into one of the world’s leading independent, multi-branded hospitality groups. Few hotels can claim to offer exceptional experiences, a dedication to enhancing the physical and human environment in which it operates, and a commitment to the pride and integrity of its team members. This purpose-driven mission is at the heart of everything that they do.

Their focus on wellbeing, sustainability and premium experiences has made them a perfect match for Manduka and we are proud to announce our long-term global partnership with Banyan Group. Beginning in 2025, selected new and existing *destinations will equip their studios with Manduka performance mats and props.

*All Manduka-equipped Banyan Group destinations are listed at the bottom of the article, a list which will be continuously updated as new locations as added.

Please tell us a bit about the history of the Banyan Group, and its mission and ethos.

Founded on the belief that travel can be a force for good – nurturing both people and the environment – Banyan Group has pioneered nature-integrated, design-led, wellbeing hospitality since 1994.

Our purpose is to create spaces where guests can reconnect with themselves, others, and nature. Through thoughtful immersion into the soul of each destination and a respectful discovery of place, every Banyan Group stay fosters presence, harmony, and meaningful connections.

Today, the Group operates 100 resorts and hotels across 20 countries and 12 brands, guided by a deep commitment to wellbeing, sustainability, and community.

Aerial view of a stone labyrinth on a hill beside a tropical resort with a pool and red umbrellas, bathed in warm sunlight.

What is Banyan Group’s approach to wellbeing?

Banyan Group has been a pioneer of Asian-inspired spa excellence for more than 30 years — honouring ancient Asian traditions through a wide variety of contemporary, sensory experiences.

We integrate holistic wellbeing through our proprietary 8 Pillars of Wellbeing, offering experiences such as Hatha Yoga, Yoga Duo, Sound Healing, Mindful Walking and Gratitude Meditation. We also offer hands-on Spa & Wellbeing workshops — such as Face Yoga & Lifting Massage, Reflexology and Aromatherapy for self-care enhancement.

Other special programs include, Banyan Tree Connections — a wellbeing immersion designed for duos to deepen togetherness, available in multiple sanctuaries worldwide. We are also committed to delivering unique, holistic wellbeing experiences worldwide through expert-led retreats and Visiting Practitioner residencies across multiple destinations.

The Group is especially proud of its role in elevating industry excellence through the Banyan Spa & Wellbeing Academy, accredited since 2001. Through this academy, we have trained over 2,000 therapists, shaping the future of skilled, professional spa care across Asia.

What are Banyan Group’s hotel brands and how are they distinct, perhaps in the experience offered or the type of traveler they are tailored for?

There are a total of 12 separate brands within the Banyan Group, each catering to a specific travel experience and type of traveler. Those that offer very strong wellbeing programs and offerings include the Banyan Tree and Garrya destinations.

Banyan Tree creates sanctuaries for connection seekers, crafted with intimacy and infused with nature. Each property lives actively within its community, nurturing wellbeing and deep presence to capture pure moments. The Banyan Tree family includes extensions designed to magnify distinct elements of the brand’s core mission: connect to self, nature and community.

Banyan Tree Veya is a sanctuary for deep self-discovery and renewal.

Banyan Tree Escape is a raw immersion into nature, a call to rewild.

Garrya is dedicated to minimalist modern comfort, curated spaces, calm design, and accessible, self-guided wellbeing for the contemporary traveler.

A person in white sits cross-legged in a vast desert landscape, surrounded by sand dunes and rocky formations under a clear blue sky.

Tell us about how the wellness program is shaped and the team’s role in guiding it.

The Spa and Wellbeing team steers Banyan Group’s holistic spa and wellbeing strategy — from guest experience to programming and brand storytelling — across all destinations.

We design and deliver holistic wellbeing journeys including:

Spa innovation and signature therapeutic modalities
Immersive retreats and Visiting Practitioner residencies
Global activations and community engagement

At every property, our goal is to bring the Banyan Group ethos: spaces that feel mindful by design, experiences that foster genuine connection, and moments that transform how people feel, inside and out.

Why did you choose to partner with Manduka?

Our partnership is built on shared values of wellbeing, sustainability, quality and exceptional guest experience. Manduka represents the gold standard in yoga equipment craftsmanship, while Banyan Group creates sanctuaries that embody mindful living. Together, we elevate the guest journey, offering guests premium tools and thoughtful spaces that support deep presence, grounding, and joy.

We believe wellbeing is a lifelong journey, supported by community, nature, and intentional spaces and our collaboration with Manduka helps extend this journey beyond the studio, encouraging more conscious ways of living and travelling wherever the path leads.

Three people practice yoga in a serene studio with stone walls, focusing on balance poses on yoga mats. Gongs and calming decor enhance the atmosphere.

What can we expect from Banyan Group in the future? Any exciting news or developments you can share?

There are many exciting events and launches on the horizon.

November began with a major celebration in Singapore: the inaugural Rainforest Festival. This weeklong festival celebrated the opening of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, Banyan Group’s 100th property, and featured a variety of wellbeing experiences, exclusive Manduka gifts, and a special practice of 100 Sun Salutations on the resort’s main terrace.

The Group has a landmark year ahead with the debut of our first Banyan Tree in Europe, Mamula Island by Banyan Tree in Montenegro, and our first safari resort in Africa, Banyan Tree Escape Ubuyu in Tanzania.

We are also excited to have some unique, curated yoga events in 2026 on Mamula Island. A retreat is planned for May, with residencies in August and September, all featuring Manduka Visiting Practitioners — more details to come.

And our signature wellbeing immersion for two — Banyan Tree Connections — continues to expand across new destinations.