Banyan Tree Takes Root in the West, Starting with Mexico

Asian hospitality brand Banyan Tree is planting itself firmly in the Western Hemisphere, with five properties planned for Mexico by 2010. The Singapore company’s arrival in this part of the world is the result of global travel trends, according to Ho Kwon Ping, executive chairman.

“In the current hospitality industry, there are two basic trends: geographic and segmental,” he said. “The geographic trend is for world travelers to really see the world as their oyster, to visit Prague this year and Phuket the next; to Maldives this year and Mexico’s Mayakoba the next.

“In order to keep pace with them, and even ahead of the curve, we need to go beyond Asia/Pacific and become more than just a resort or spa company; hence the diversification and growth within a central strategy,” Ping added. “Our current expansion strategy focuses on several regions: the Americas, Mediterranean, Middle East, North Africa, Indian Ocean and Asia.”

One of the elements of this strategy, said Ping, is the development of properties in Mexico and nearby. “Banyan Tree’s expansion into the Americas –Mexico and the Caribbean, where we currently have five upcoming projects in the former and three in the latter- strengthens our position as a global player,” he said. “With these properties, we hope to expand into both the long- and short-haul market from North America and Europe.”

The first property to open its doors will be Banyan Tree Mayakoba, on the Riviera Maya. Slated to open in February, the resort aims to blend an Asian aesthetic with the local natural environment.

The Mayakoba property’s 132 villas will measure between 4,000 and 6,000 square feet and include a private pool, outdoor tub and a terrace. Guests will be able to use boats in the property’s lagoons and canals to visit different areas of the resort. On-site amenities include a spa that will offer Asian holistic therapies with a focus on spiritual, mental and physical harmony.

Also slated for a 2009 opening is the 72-room Banyan Tree Cabo Marques, located in Acapulco’s fast-growing Punta Diamante district. Three other Banyan Tree projects –one in Los Cabos, one in Chamela and one in Valle de Guadalupe, on the Baja peninsula- are at varying stages of the design process.