1.ISSUE 10 >> APRIL 2012 >> MICA NO. AS163548 SO MUCH MORE IN MAURITIUS TOP STORY

2. Hidden from the world lies an oasis of tranquility to invigorate the senses. Set in a tropical garden renowned for its natural beauty, the signature DoublePool Villas by Banyan Tree in Phuket, Thailand, promise an exclusive experience to fulll every intimate pleasure. banyantree.com P.1 FEATURE STORY SIGNATURES GREENHOTELS P.32 BALACLAVAONTHECOVER Copyright Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts Pte Ltd Publisher Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts Pte Ltd Corporate Ofce 211 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 588182 Printer Fabulous Printers Private Limited 3. CHAIRMANS MESSAGEP.03 SUGAR, SPICE & BONHOMIE / P.04 SO MUCH MORE IN MAURITIUSP.08 ALL HANDS ON DECK / P.14 ANGSANA BLOOMS AGAINP.18 CHARMS OF LUANG PRABANG, LAOS / P.20 ONLINE GIFTINGP.21 'SIGNATURES' CONCEPT TO DEBUT IN KL / P.22 PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINEP.25 PEARLS OF PHUKET / P.26 A MALDIVIAN ADVENTUREP.28 OUR TURTLE FRIEND / P.29 HOLIDAY EATS & TREATSP.30 A TOUCH OF WELLNESS / P.32 SUSTAINABLE TOURISMP.34 PLANTING DEEP ROOTS / P.36 LIFESTYLE OF YOUR DREAMSP.40 HOT WINNING STREAK / P.42 BANYAN TREE GLOBALP.44 P.3 FEATURE STORY Chairmans Message 2012 HAS STARTED OUT BEING A YEAR OF SOME FIRSTS FOR THE BANYAN TREE GROUP. First: First Angsana resort in Thailand. The 409-room Angsana Laguna Phuket has fully opened after a major renovation program to all the rooms, restaurants, pools, ballroom no corner was left untouched. Two totally new features which will serve the entire 7-hotel Laguna Phuket integrated resort: the two- storey Tree House Kids Club and Caf, and the hip beach club Xana. Second: First resort in Mauritius, the brand-new Angsana Balaclava. This spa-centric getaway with 52 suites and villa, restaurants and award-winning Angsana Spa, has opened on Turtle Bay, in the north-western coast of this culturally rich and fascinating island in the Indian Ocean. The year began on a positive note with awards and accolades. 2011 closed with international recognition from the travel and leisure industry, garnering us with 128 awards for the year. Two months into 2012, we have received 20 awards which brings us to our new milestone of 800 for the group. This vote of confidence from guests and partners validates our quality and value to stakeholders. Thank you for your patronage and we promise to never let you down. Ho Kwon Ping EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN Fifth: First Banyan Tree in India. In late 2012 we will open Banyan Tree Kerala 60 pool villas on its own island in the famous backwaters.With our own luxury houseboat and other vessels, guests can explore the backwaters with their idyllic villages or the historic parts of Kochi. Sixth: First Banyan Tree in Shanghai. Located on the iconic Shanghai Bund, and featuring some of the largest rooms in the city, this urban resort with its 130 rooms and suites will establish our brand leadership in cities.The Banyan Tree Spa and rooftop Vertigo bar- restaurant which our loyal guests have long associated with our city hotels, will again be featured here upon its opening in the autumn of this year. Seventh: First eGifting online service. Due to popular demand by guests who want to give a Banyan Tree experience to their loved ones, weve introduced online purchases of Banyan Tree vouchers for our entire range of products and services not just Banyan Tree Gallery products but also spa treatments, villa and suite stays: the entire holistic range of what makes our brand special. Special gifts for special occasions. Third: First project under the new Signatures sub- brand. The Banyan Tree Signatures Pavilion Kuala Lumpur will be our first mix-use development housing a 50-key luxury hotel on the top floors of a 55-storey building in the heart of the city centre, with a Banyan Tree Spa, the world-acclaimed Vertigo rooftop bar-restaurant, and more than 400 units of Banyan Tree branded luxury residences. Fourth: First resort in Vietnam. Later this year the Banyan Tree L ng C and Angsana L ng C will open with an 18-hole championship golf course by Nick Faldo. Modeled after the pioneering Laguna Phuket integrated resort, Laguna L ng C will eventually have around 7 hotels and hundreds of private residences.Positioned near the two UNESCO World Heritage cities of Hue and Hoi Ann, and connected to the world via the newly opened international airport at Da Nang, this will be our single largest new project since our Phuket beginnings. 4. SUGAR, SPICE & BONHOMIEgreen fields of rustling sugar cane. a turquoise blue ocean. white coral sand beaches. black volcanic rocks. brilliant red anthuriums this is the spectrum of island hues that warms the heart of visitors to this idyllic indian ocean isle. Mauritius is an island that draws you to its heart and lives on in the memory. On this hauntingly beautiful isle, located off the east coast of Africa, one can bask in splendid isolation or explore its seductive landscape. The island that erupted from the ocean about 13 million years ago is beautifully shaped by volcanic activity. Natures jewel is ringed by a 330-km coastline of white coral sand beaches, majestic mountains, lagoons and waterfalls, picturesquely ringing the crater of the extinct Curepipe volcano. Stretching 45 km in width and 65 km in length, it is about three times the size of Singapore. Once a treasure island for pirates, it was visited in the 10th century by the Arabs who sought ebony and ambergris. The Portuguese claimed the island in 1505. The Dutch followed (1598 1712) and named the island Ile Maurice after Prince Maurice of Nassau and the Netherlands. The colonialists hunted the legendary, avourful dodo bird to oblivion but introduced tobacco, cattle and sugar the backbone of the islands economy. The French took over (1715- 1810) and their inuence lingers to this day in language, cuisine and a lively local community. The British followed and ruled the longest, making English the ofcial language. Mauritius was proclaimed a republic as recently as 1992! Time moves slowly on this dreamy island. Swaying sheaves of sugarcane brush past as we drive through lush plantations where Creole women in headscarves and bright dresses slash at ripe cane. Its multi-cultural charms unfold as we whisk by sleepy villages with concrete cottages, shops with French signage, Chinese stores, Christian churches and Indian temples. Our French-accented taxi driver is happy to be an unofcial guide. 5 is a lucky number for Mauritians. Our ve resources are sugar, textiles, tourism, tea and shing. Our ve big towns are Port Louis, Curepipe, Rose Hill, Quatre Bornes and Vacoas. We speak ve languages - English, French, Creole, Indian (Hindi and Bhojpuri) and Arabic. Most popularly spoken are Creole and French which add colour to daily life! The joy of travel has taken Singaporean freelance writer, Suna Kanga, to fascinating destinations, including magical Mauritius. P.4 SUGAR, SPICE & BONHOMIE P.5 FEATURE STORY Sunset in Mauritius 5. We celebrate Divali, Thaipusam, Chinese Spring Festival and Father Laval Day, he says, the last referring to the festival in honour of a saint with healing powers whose shrine in Port Louis draws devotees. The collective participation by various groups results in a fascinating cultural mosaic. Along the roadside, we pass sari-clad women workers with straw hats planting tufts of grass. Indo-Mauritians (Hindus and Muslims) who arrived about 200 years ago form a majority in the population of 1.2 million, the rest being Creoles (people with African or European roots) and Chinese. Some of the worlds most romantic beach hotels ring the island which is protected by an unending coral reef. New gems are embellishing the diadem of heavenly resorts. The inux of sun-worshippers from European capitals, served by non-stop ights, imparts an international air to the island. Anthuriums, fruit and Mauritian tea await our arrival. Refreshed, we head for the beach at sunset. Powdery sand slips through the toes as Mauritian magic begins to work. The cool breeze and the oceans salty sprays are refreshing. Then it is time to try an island brew, perhaps coconut water with a splash of Green Island rum and lime, or chilled Phoenix beer. Our days ebb away in a hypnotic routine of sleep, eat, laze and stroll. We bask in isolation until there is an inclination for social interaction. The energetic go diving, sailing or deep sea shing. Snorkellers return with stories of darting sh with amazing colours. The encircling coral reefs keep the waters warmandcalmforswimming. Birdwatchers are rewarded with glimpses of the Mauritius Pink Pigeon, Mascarene Paradise Fly Catcher and the White-tailed Tick Bird, among others. Avid golfers have a choice of some one dozen courses to play on! A day is set aside to explore the island. Renting a chauffeured car, we visit the capital, Port Louis, once an old colonial harbour, where fascinating aspects of Mauritian life are animated by local colour. A wide boulevard lined with Royal Palm trees runs from the city centre with cobbled streets, to the harbour front. Amazing beaches & waters P.6 SUGAR, SPICE & BONHOMIE For a serene interlude there is Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens, famous for its giant water lilies. The gardens, designed in the 18th century, is also home to the unique Talipot Palm that bursts into gorgeous bloom once in 60 years. Tamarin Falls is another delightful excursion as is Chamarel, the home of Coloured Earth, a geological phenomenon in which volcanic masses have imbibed varied colours. For Hindus, the Shiva Temple at the foot of Grand Bassin Lake is an important pilgrimage centre serving the islands 500,000 Hindus. Legend has it that the lake was created when Lord Shiva spilled drops of water from Indias holy Ganges River. Roaming through the old Central Market, we pass displays of aromatic spices and teas, sea shell jewellery, beach wear and Madagascan leather bags. Nearby Chinatown offers a melange of souvenirs and Chinese food. In contrast, the Cauden Waterfront Complex along the harbour is a sophisticated, multi-purpose development with ne restaurants, boutiques, casino and street entertainment. There are several duty free shops and shopping centres around the island. At night, Grand Baie is an area with restaurants and bars where visitors and local fun- seekers go for entertainment. Evenings ow with bonhomie thanks to the warmth and friendliness of the people, the choice of French, Chinese, African and Indian cuisine and the beat of rhythmic sega music. For a breath of fresh mountain air, we drive to Curepipe and peer down the crater of the extinct volcano. The towns name originated from travellers who rested here and took the opportunity to cure pipes while taking in the scenic view. Mesmeric Mauritius is a destination that draws many repeat visitors. When I want to take a mini-vacation in my mind, I think of this special island. Sugar cane plantation Dancers pulsing to the beat 6. SO MUCH MORE IN MAURITIUS EXPERIENCE ANGSANA BALACLAVA, A BRAND-NEW, ALL-SUITE LUXURY BOUTIQUE RESORT ON THIS ISLAND IN THE INDIAN OCEAN. P.9 FEATURE STORY 7. Mauritius is a lovely holiday destination for many reasons. The beaches are legendary, Mauritians are friendly and the air quality in Mauritius is ranked as one of the best in the world by the World Health Organisation. Now there is yet another reason to visit. Newly opened in December 2011, Angsana Balaclava is a romantic and exclusive hideaway nestled on the northwest coast of Mauritius in the secluded area of Turtle Bay that boasts fair weather all year round. Honeymooners or spa enthusiasts, look no further. This charming intimate retreat with hydrotherapy spa will appeal to those seeking a chic holiday experience while surrounded by sandy beaches and calm waters. DELIGHTFUL DESIGN Angsana Balaclava is the rst 5-star boutique resort offering 52 suites and villa. Step into a traditional Mauritian village with its thatched roofs and use of local artistry including wrought iron entrance gates. The expansive reception features an arched roof, natural stone oors, lava stone walls and teak wood furniture decorated with rattan style woven leather. Designed to reect a Mauritian feel and a sense of romance, the architecture fuses Oriental, Occidental and African cultural inuences. The views of the ocean and mountains beyond showcase sunset views that stunningly light up the entire resort in the evening. Thats not all. The resorts main public area features as many as 3 overlapping swimming pools separated by waterfalls, leading from an expansive seawater pool complete with sand to a lap pool and then wading pool below. Total serenity P.10 SO MUCH MORE IN MAURITIUS RESTFUL ROOMS Just a short sandy walk to the sea, the Beachfront Villas are spacious and exotic with mosaic tiled water features, deep plunge pools and plush day beds along with mood- enhancing teardrop and up-lighting designed by the resident light architect. A deep stone bathtub for two overlooks a private innity and jetpool sited on a large private sun deck. For spa enthusiasts, the Spa Suites offer a complimentary 90-minute massage per person as part of the holiday experience. Lastly, for the pinnacle in exclusivity, the Imperial Villa (772 sqm) is a four-bedroom haven with three private pools and a personal butler for families and couples travelling together. DESTINATION DINING Oryza restaurant is the main dining venue of Angsana Balaclava. Discover exotic Asian fusion cuisine, together with an extensive array of international cuisine with mouth-watering Western favourites. Passion Grill is set on a timber deck by the poolside serving BBQ specialties and fresh local seafood. The open grill kitchen allows interaction with the chef while the dishes are being prepared. For dining with a difference, guests can opt for Destination Dining - highly personalised service at a special table set up in the middle of Laguna Pool or on the beach. Bespoke in-room dinners create the perfect canvas for romance while attentive staff are at hand to meet every need. guests can choose from 18 garden suites (72sqm), 21 spa suites (84sqm), 12 exclusive beachfront villas (127 179sqm) and 1 imperial villa (772sqm) most of which feature private plunge pools and are staggered to lend an extra sense of space and privacy. Garden Suite Oryza 8. P.13 FEATURE STORY EXCITING EVENTS The resort is a stones throw from exhilarating water sports activities such as complimentary snorkelling, water-skiing, glass bottom boat trips, windsurng and sailing or deep-sea shing. Scuba diving is available at an additional charge. On land, enjoy adventure bike tours and cooking classes. To actively be a part of sustainable tourism, join the resorts conservation team to learn about the Mauritian ecosystem via environmental rehabilitation and management of the local habitat. The initiatives include coral planting and there will also be snorkelling safaris to learn about the rich biodiversity of the neighbouring marine world. Angsana Balaclava also provides a picturesque backdrop to small intimate weddings amongst closest friends and loved ones, or to bigger parties privatise the whole resort to mark that special day in the most unforgettable way! For corporate events, there is a full-day meeting package including lunch, coffee breaks and complimentary wireless internet in the meeting room. Themed events such as BBQ Night or Mauritian Beach Fair are also possible so as to add that extra punch to special occasions. SIGNATURE SPA The Angsana Spa offers nine treatment rooms (three double rooms and six single rooms), a yoga pavilion, a restorative vitality pool with different water jet stations and a hammam. Expert spa therapists, trained at the renowned Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Phuket, offer Asian and Ayurvedic spa treatments using local ingredients from botanical coconut, ylang ylang & sugar cane to marine elements such as seaweed and mud. Sign up for Angsana Balaclavas signature spa packages. Guests will enjoy the ultimate spa experience with Angsana Spa Journeys which include accommodation, wellness activities like yoga and holistic signature treatments for complete physical, mental and spiritual renewal. HOTEL RESERVATIONS Angsana Balaclava denitely adds a breath of fresh air to Mauritius. To book, email reservations-balaclava@ angsana.com. Poolside Beachfront Pool Villa 9. ALL HANDS ON DECK TO WOW GUESTSthe new angsana laguna phuket opens with a bang As it celebrates its rst months in operation, Angsana Laguna Phuket is pulling out all the stops to become not only the newest but also the most inspiring property within Laguna Phuket, one of Asias largest integrated resort playgrounds. This new agship property in Angsana Hotels and Resorts portfolio is off to a good start, with all dining options and room categories fully operational on the heels of an extensive refurbishment costing USD 30 million. It has been enjoying rave reviews from guests since opening its doors on 1 December 2011. P.14 ALL HANDS ON DECK TO WOW GUESTS The Angsana Two-Bedroom Lofts provide generous living space for families and friends with sufcient room for individual privacy, complemented by a roof top terrace. The Angsana Suite or the Presidential Suite offer expansive views over the lagoon and picturesque gardens, and the three- bedroom Angsana Pool Residences feature private pools and gardens with views of the Laguna Phuket championship golf course. Finally, the Angsana Grand Pool Residence offers four bedrooms, a private kitchen, sun deck and an outdoor sala. So much room for a fun and relaxed gathering of family and friends, and time to order in the poolside In-Villa Barbecue! WIDE VARIETY OF DINING VENUES The all-day-dining restaurant, Market Place, exudes the charm of a traditional Thai street market and offers international cuisine. Located on a picturesque patio overlooking the lagoon, guests can sample dishes that take their inspiration from Indian, Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian, Japanese, European and Southern American culinary traditions. Bodega & Grill is the only place on the island of Phuket that offers premium char-grilled steaks in portions of up to 1.2kg, roasted sh and seafood from a special wood-red oven. The dishes are presented on large cast iron skillets resting on wooden platters. Guests may select their own steak knives from a distinctive selection, designed for specic cuts of meat, adding to the restaurants unique dining experience. Makes for a truly interesting dining experience! Other dining options include Poolside for casual al fresco meals and Loy Krathong Bar for innovative cocktails. Just a ve minute boat ride across the lagoon, Canal Bakery offers freshly baked pastries and breads, premium coffee, fresh juices, healthy yet delicious sandwiches and salads. Beachside restaurant Baan Talay features an authentic Thai menu with freshly-caught seafood from the Andaman Sea. Have your ll of the freshest lobster, tiger prawn, crab and other local seafood delights. The location and scale are ideal. Nestled on the shores of the lovely Bang Tao Bay, the stylish hotel which occupies the site of the former Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket, is the largest Angsana property in Southeast Asia with 409 rooms and suites. SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Tendifferentroomcategoriesoffer a plethora of accommodation options. The 40 sqm Laguna Room is ideal for couples while the 45 sqm Laguna Premier Room is recommended for families. Honeymooners can enjoy the 88 sqm two storey Angsana One-Bedroom Lofts which are sited directly on the lagoon. Laguna Phuket Laguna Room 10. The resorts beach club, XANA, is slated to open in April 2012. Featuring spacious sun lounges and plush daybeds, the beach club will be the talk of the island and around, and is set to offer a fusion of Mediterranean and Thai cuisine. CHILDRENS PARADISE The Tree House Kids Club is designed to give children aged one to 16 a mix of fun activities and learning opportunities. Offering generous play space over two storeys, it features its very own check-in area for the little ones. The club features four separate areas for kids of different age groups, and they are linked by a covered walkway leading to a kids library, arts and crafts laboratory, and internet/video corner. Taking centre stage is a covered performance area where children have the opportunity to put their talent onshow. The Tree House Caf on the second oor, serves up all- time favourites from hot dogs and hamburgers to delicious milkshakes. RESCUING THAILANDS DUMBO The Tree House Kids Club also offers the opportunity for children to play with baby elephants Chokdee and Yindee who are housed in Laguna Phuket. Kids can take walks along the beach at Bang Tao Bay with the animals, or watch as they bathe in the Andaman Sea. The rescue of Chokdee and Yindee is but one example of the resorts commitment to sustainable development on the island. Angsana Spa Tree House Kids Club P.16 ALL HANDS ON DECK TO WOW GUESTS RELAX AND REJUVENATE The new Angsana Spa embraces a tropical garden spa concept and features a vibrant contemporary design. Treatments are based on aromatherapy and highlight a fusion of wellness techniques from East and West. Offering 12 indoor treatment rooms comprising seven double and ve single suites, each equipped with shower facilities for added privacy, the spa also features a signature rain mist facility, steam room, sauna and a beauty salon. The signature Angsana Massage targets the bodys key pressure points to strengthen inner qi or energy, and the innovative Bamboo Massage uses the soothing touch of warm bamboo and therapeutic long, rm massage strokes to ease stiff muscles and stimulate blood circulation. Private yoga classes for adults and children alike are also on offer, along with a range of family and kids spa packages for pampering with loved ones. The Angsana Gallery showcases exclusive resort and Asian-inspired spa merchandise so guests may re-create the Angsana Spa experience in the comfort of their home. Enquiries and reservations for Angsana Laguna Phuket may be made via reservations- lagunaphuket@angsana.com, telephone +66 7632 4101 or online at angsana.com. Playtime with Chokdee 11. A small-scale but top- quality hotel bearing the Angsana brand was unveiled recently. Angsana Hangzhou, the second resort of the Banyan Tree group after Banyan Tree Hangzhou, charms guests with its art decor and ideal location next to the famed Xixi National Wetland Park. Angsana Hangzhou, located in the western part of Hangzhou only 6 km from the citys bustling downtown area and sited within the Westbrook Resort complex in the renowned Xixi National Wetland Park, is ideal for young travellers, couples, and small groups. It is boutique-sized with edgy interior design to target the younger travellers looking for an exclusive and unusual holiday experience, yet retaining its sense of place. ANGSANA BLOOMS AGAIN2ND RESORT OPENS IN HANGZHOU Lobby P.18 ANGSANA BLOOMS AGAIN CHARMED IN CHINA All 59 tastefully decorated rooms at Angsana Hangzhou feature art objects reecting Chinas rich artistic heritage coupled with modern conveniences. Each oor is colour-themed, with poppy red and lapis lazuli blue, the dominant colour schemes for room interiors. A sense of calm pervades with soothing historical paintings of the Xixi wetlands and carved wooden panels. Oversized bathtubs with separate showers and iPod docking stations are included for the savvy traveller who appreciates comfort and style. Each room features an outdoor balcony framed by a Chinese balustrade. RICE IS NICE The resort features several dining options. The Pavilion restaurant, an all-day dining venue serving a broad cross-section of popular international fare, also houses the Rice Bar where creative grain recipes are available. Dishes such as Hainanese Chicken Rice and Angsana Fried Rice showcase the versatility of this ubiquitous grain, much loved and consumed all over Asia! The Lunar Bar features artisanal cocktails, wines and a good selection of Shaoxing wines, a fermented varietal produced since dynastic times from rice, along with complimentary local desserts and refreshments. A rooftop swimming pool with hot tub and poolside lounge on the third oor of the resort is an idyllic spot for guests looking to enjoy a swim, sunbathe or practice yoga surrounding by the regions lush countryside. Breeze, the poolside bar serving a variety of soft drinks and cocktails, is ideal for refreshment after a swim. HANGZHOUS ATTRACTIONS Nearby attractions include West Lake, Hangzhous most renowned attraction, which comprises over 5.6 km of meandering waterways and foliage reminiscent of traditional Chinese paintings from a bygone era. The West Lake Classic full day tour encompasses a range of handpicked experiences. Guests may visit Lingyin, a 1,000-year old Buddhist temple containing numerous pagodas, grottoes and a monastery before heading to the tranquil green elds of Long Jing Tea Village for a hearty lunch and steaming cup of tea. The next stop is Leifeng Pagoda offering a birds eye view of the lake, followed by a relaxing boat trip on its peaceful waters. The day ends with a stroll through Hefangs historical Old Street, where handicraft, local food and traditional Chinese medicine shops await. Other places of interest include Zhejiang Provincial Museum, Guos Villa, Hu Xue Yan Old Residence, Hu Qin Yu Tang and Yu Street. For a holiday that is scenic and restful, allowing you to soak in the culture and people of the land, visit the new Angsana Hangzhou. DID YOU KNOW? The first Westerner to visit Hangzhou was Italian explorer Marco Polo who described Hangzhou as the City of Heaven, the most beautiful and magnicent in the world. Hangzhous Xixi Wetland is where the Dragon Boat Festival first originated in 1465. 12. In the charming town of Laos Luang Prabang is Maison Souvannaphoum, the former residence of the late Prince Souvannaphouma who was also the Prime Minister of Laos. This colonial mansion inuenced by French and Laotian cultures has just completed a careful refurbishment of the resorts rooms, gardens, spa and facilities. The hotel continues to retain its old world charm while offering the comforts and conveniences of modern living. Opened in 2005, Masion Souvannaphoum is an exclusive hotel featuring 22 rooms and suites. Relax in one of these stately rooms after touring Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site - widely regarded as one of the most captivating cities in Southeast Asia. It was the capital of Laos from the 14th century till the abolition of the monarchy in 1975. A spiritual centre for Buddhists, Luang Prabang is home to a monastic community of approximately 1,000 monks. Hop on a bicycle, ride along the meandering rivers and watch saffron-robed monks chant ancient sutras in ornate Buddhist temples as bells, gongs and drums chime harmoniously. Enquiries and reservations for Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel may be made via reservations-maison@angsana.com, + 856 71 254 609 or online at angsana.com Heritage hotel Maison Souvannaphoum is even more inviting after its recent refurbishment LAOS THE CHARMS OF LUANG PRABANG P.20 CHARMS OF LUANG PRABANG, LAOS P.21 FEATURE STORY Online Gifting Takes Off for Immediate Delivery Surprise friends and family with the newly-launched Banyan Tree online gifting service. Looking for a simple yet stylish way to show appreciation or affection? There is no better way to wow family and business associates than with Banyan Trees newly-launched gift vouchers, made all the easier with a convenient online purchase process. Issued in values ranging from US $50 3,000, the vouchers can be used at all participating Banyan Tree resorts, Banyan Tree Gallery retail outlets and Banyan Tree Spas worldwide. Fancy bestowing a romantic weekend getaway at an exclusive Banyan Tree resort, a relaxing treatment at an award-winning Banyan Tree Spa or a meaningful hand- crafted Banyan Tree Gallery souvenir? What about an intimate dinner at a resort restaurant and off-site dining destinations, adventurous activities at nearby natural and exotic environments, or home furnishings customised by the groups retail arm? Its all covered! The online purchase process is quick, easy and fuss-free, with absolutely no shipping costs. This means the recipient gets to enjoy 100% of the value from you. Payment can be made by utilising Visa, Mastercard or American Express credit cards. As the giver, you have exibility to select the voucher value, hand-pick your preferred stationery, choose the desired date of delivery and customise your greeting message. As soon as the purchase process is completed, the recipient will receive the voucher via a heartwarming personalised email from you! To buy, visit the groups homepage www.banyantree.com and access the gifting tab for instructions. Then sit back, relax and wait for the profuse and heartfelt thank-you to come through! Gifting made easy the Banyan Tree way! 13. Banyan Tree Signatures Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Standrst: hotel-plus-residence property Banyan Tree Signatures Pavilion Kuala Lumpur to be developed by Lumayan Indah. Lumayan Indah Sdn Bhd and Banyan Tree Holdings are collaborating to introduce a luxurious project. Banyan Tree Signatures Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, located in a prime area in the Golden Triangle of Kuala Lumpur, is expected to open before end 2016. Banyan Tree Signatures is the new mark of an innovative product concept reserved for mixed-use developments which offer a suite of diverse yet complementary facilities and services in the heart of cities typically an award-winning spa, a retail gallery and a destination roof-top restaurant anchored by an iconic hotel and primary luxury residences. This collaboration marks Banyan Trees rst foray into Malaysia, and the choice of Kuala Lumpur as the destination follows on the footsteps of successful launches of Banyan Trees urban resorts in gateway cities such as Bangkok, Seoul and Macau. Residents, city dwellers and guests can look forward to taking respite from the fast pace of life with luxury spa treatments from the Banyan Tree Spa again a rst in Malaysia. At Banyan Tree Signatures Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, both residents and guests will enjoy a holistic lifestyle that encompasses dining, shopping and relaxation delivered with the signature Banyan Tree service standards, explained Mr Ho Kwon Ping, Executive Chairman, Banyan Tree Holdings. SIGNATURES CONCEPTTO DEBUT IN KUALA LUMPUR Tan Sri Datuk Aziz Ismail, Chairman of Lumayan Indah, adds that the collaboration is a natural way forward for the company as it seeks to continuously be known as a developer of world-class projects. Lumayan Indah is proud to introduce to Malaysians the Banyan Tree experience and that Malaysia has been chosen to be the rst country in the world to launch Banyan Trees rst project branded under the Signatures concept. 14. TALLEST RESIDENTIAL BUILDING The rst Banyan Tree Signatures in Kuala Lumpur is poised to set a new benchmark in the vibrant shopping hub of Bukit Bintang, right in the heart of the city. Standing tall and elegant at 55 storeys, the freehold building will exceed 240m and has the honour of being the tallest residential building in Kuala Lumpur. Banyan Tree Residences come partially furnished with top end European imported kitchens, wardrobes, electrical appliances, sanitary ware and ttings. Exclusively for the residences, facilities include a 58m innity pool, meeting rooms, gymnasium and dance studio, set amidst water features and green lawns. NEW BRAND OPTION Banyan Tree, renowned for its resorts in exotic locations, is gaining a strong reputation in world capitals. The rst Banyan Tree hotel to adopt this resort- in-a-city model was Banyan Tree Bangkok and the most recent is Banyan Tree Macau, Macaus rst 5-star all suite urban resort in the heart of Cotai City opened in September last year. Mr Ho added: With Banyan Tree Signatures, we are now able to offer a full array of branded options for city locations, from full-service hotels as in Bangkok, Shanghai and Tianjin, to urban resorts like Seoul and Macau, and also hotel-plus-residences in Kuala Lumpur. With more than 30 resorts and hotels, Banyan Tree is currently on an aggressive expansion phase, and expects to double its number of properties by 2013. Banyan Tree Signatures gives impetus to this growth, lending itself favourably to suitable premier developments in cities worldwide so more guests can have the privilege to savour the Sanctuary for the Senses experience synonymous with Banyan Tree. banyan tree signatures hotel boasts a first- ever couture concierge service which includes limousine, yacht and private jet booking facilities. a private link bridge to pavilion kuala lumpur also offers its residents a world class shopping experience and conveniences within walking reach. This distinguished structure houses the Banyan Tree Residences and Banyan Tree Signatures Hotel. It is complemented by a world- class spa, heated pool, comprehensive amenities, as well as a rooftop gourmet restaurant and sky bar with sweeping panoramic views at level 55. Sky Bar & Restaurant P.24 'SIGNATURES CONCEPT TO DEBUT IN KUALA LUMPUR P.25 FEATURE STORY banyan tree north bund china Banyan Tree North Bund will anchor an area slated for transformation into a high- end leisure and residential destination on the Shanghai Bund. This urban resort is expected to set a new benchmark for city-based retreats. Overlooking the Huangpu River along a 1.8km belt of lush greenery, the hotel offers 130 rooms and suites with unobstructed views of the renowned river and direct access to the waterfront and park nearby. The hotel will also feature the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, Banyan Tree Gallery and various signature restaurants. Scheduled to open: Q3 2012 OTHER PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE banyan tree kerala india Located in Kochi on the west coast of India, Banyan Tree Kerala is just a 45 minute drive from the airport and another 20 minutes by speed boat to the resort. Featuring a one resort - one island concept, guests sail into the lobby through tranquil backwaters, making for a dramatic arrival experience. Designed as a luxurious all-pool villa resort, Banyan Tree Kerala features unobstructed views of the surrounding backwaters and offers the utmost in privacy and exclusivity. Adding to its appeal as a wellness destination, the resort features the rst Banyan Tree Spa with a dedicated Ayurvedic Centre. Scheduled to open: Q4 2012 banyan tree l ng c vietnam The rst Banyan Tree resort in Vietnam, Banyan Tree L ng C is part of Laguna L ng C, a 288 hectare integrated resort and hotel development situated on renowned China Beach, just 60 minutes from Da Nang International Airport. Bound by the breathtaking beauty of L ng C Bay and a backdrop of rice elds, local villages, rugged hills and forested land, the resort serves as an idyllic place from which to explore three UNESCO World Heritage sites nearby: the picturesque town of Hoi An, the historic hills of My Son Sanctuary and the old imperial capital of Hue. Scheduled to open: Q4 2012 15. Pearls of Phuket for the Picking guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to different holiday concepts, experiences and accommodation! Thailands Phuket island holds a special place in the hearts of Banyan Tree fans. It was here that the rst Banyan Tree resort, and the agship, opened in 1994 as part of the Laguna Phuket integrated resort development, paving the way for the resort chain that is now known the world over for its signature blend of romance, rejuvenation and exotic holiday destinations. Today, Banyan Tree Phuket continues to re-invent itself, expanding on its success as a Sanctuary for the Senses, in order to give guests something new and unique to look forward to. Those looking for a private resort away from the masses will be enthralled by DoublePool Villas by Banyan Tree while avid spa goers can spa to their hearts content with a new buffet concept at the Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary. DOUBLEPOOL VILLAS BY BANYAN TREE Near enough to the popular Bang Tao Beach yet hidden from the world lies the exclusive oasis DoublePool Villas by Banyan Tree. Designed for guests looking for privacy, this 24-villa boutique resort provides an intimate environment to relax away from prying eyes. The experience begins when you touch down at Phukets airport a personal driver will be waiting to whisk you directly to your villa where a 24-hour dedicated host will check you in. DoublePool Villa, Your Private Resort P.26 PEARLS OF PHUKET FOR THE PICKING P.27 FEATURE STORY Step in and be wowed. Measuring between 1,300 and 2,500 sqm, each DoublePool Villa offers a private expansive tropical garden featuring a luxurious innity pool. Surrounded by a wading pool, the bedroom sits central to the villa with direct pool access from the foot of the bed. In addition to a private wading pool, a second 15 m innity edge pool with jacuzzi overlooks the lagoon and manicured grounds in front. Be sure to let your villa host know how you would like breakfast to be served, or if anything in your luggage needs attending to, they will be only too pleased to assist to make your stay comfortable. Retreat in splendid isolation and indulge your every desire. BANYAN TREE SPA SANCTUARY If a spa holiday is your hearts desire, then turn to this resort. Calm your soul, uplift your spirits and soothe your mind at Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary created by the internationally acclaimed and award-winning Banyan Tree Spa to elevate spa holidays to a new level. Banyan Tree Spa Phukets treatment pavilions are re-creations of royal Thai salas in all their splendour. Succumb to the workings of timeless techniques steeped in Asian traditions and let the subtle fragrance of Thai owers coax you into deep reverie. Extra energy can be used to stretch out those limbs with a private in-villa pilates lesson or to join the yoga classes guided by a trained yogi. Other wellness choices at this resort include a consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor, healthful organic meals and a Spa-all-you-can menu unlimited 90-minute session massages in-villa daily. HOTEL RESERVATIONS For reservations of either DoublePool Villas or Spa Sanctuary, please call +66 76372400 or email reservations-phuket @banyantree.com. DoublePool Villa Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary 16. ALL ABOARD FOR A Maldivian Adventurecalling all avid adventurers, seafarers and divers! banyan velaa, a 30 m seafaring ketch designed for superior sailing and comfort, has been elegantly refurbished to carry her guests in style. as the only turkish gulet in the maldives archipelago, the classic flagged double- mast yacht is primed for unique one, two and three-night adventure cruises. Venture out to the most stunning dive spots of the North and South Male atolls. Witness white tip sharks, barracuda, stonesh and turtles at Maaya Thila or encounter the endangered Napoleon wrasse at the renowned site Mushimasmigili Thila. Along the way, meet the Maldives famed inhabitants including grey reef sharks, eagle rays, tunas and jacks, and take in local culture through island visits. Onboard the cruiser, enjoy vibrant sunsets as you sip champagne while relaxing on a sun-lounger on deck. There is new meaning to the catch of the day as you sh for your dinner and specify to the chef exactly how you would like it prepared. Enjoy al fresco meals under the stars, host a private BBQ on an uninhabited island, or savour a mid-day meal on a remote sandbank before the tide rolls back in! Banyan Velaa takes up to 12 guests in six mahogany cabins luxuriously equipped with oversized beds, en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, LCD TV screens and DVD players, and spectacular ocean views. Dive gear and shing equipment are available for rent, with itineraries based on prevailing ocean conditions and availability of picnic islands and dive sites. Rates run from USD720++ per night for a Standard cabin and USD790++ per night for a Deluxe cabin with full-board meals. Speedboat transfer is offered at USD100++ per person and is complimentary when the Velaa is booked in tandem with stays at Angsana Ihuru or Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. To set sail, please contact the Maldives reservation team at +960 676 0028, reservations- vabbinfaru@banyantree.com or Banyan Tree main reservations at +65 6849 5800. Banyan Velaa Cabin P.28 ALL ABOARD FOR A MALDIVIAN ADVENTURE P.29 FEATURE STORY LESSONS FROM OUR TURTLE FRIEND Banyan Tree Gallerys Felly the Turtle Collection for kids raises awareness for turtle conservation. Felly the sea turtle, also known as Felidhoo, was born against all odds on 28 April 2004. The story began in March 2004 when a mother turtle heads to villa #45 in Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru to lay 150 eggs. Two weeks later, a vicious thunderstorm strikes, leaving only 30 eggs intact. Banyan Tree marine biologists quickly transferred the eggs to a safe location on Vabbinfaru beach in front of the Marine Lab. One of the 30 eggs that survived the vicious thunderstorm was Felly. Being one of the few lucky turtles who survived turtle eggs poaching and exploitation, Felly has become an icon of sea turtle conservation. Sadly, the majority of turtle eggs are harvested by poachers once a mother turtle hatches them, as they are considered a delicacy in many parts of the world. These traditions and myths present a great obstacle to protecting these precious species. Parents can now educate their children about the cause with the Banyan Tree Felly Collection - featuring design motifs inspired by Felly, the resident globe-trotting turtle of Banyan Tree. The Felly Collection, available at The Banyan Tree Gallery, is specially designed for active kids who enjoy outdoor activities and consists of: Crochet Keychain Crochet Magnet Jigsaw Puzzles in Pouch Stationery Set (includes Recycled Newspaper Pencils & Notepad) Knapsack Safari Hat Singlet Kids Polo with Embroidery Bath Towel with Embroidery Prices start from USD 8.00. Bring a part of the Felly story home and help raise the awareness of sea turtle conservation amongst the young. 17. what is a holiday without good food? the chefs and teams at banyan tree and angsana resorts have been thrilling the sense of taste - and sometimes smell - with delicious classics and more unusual epicurean offerings. lets take a closer look at some of these outstanding specialties. JUST DESERT DESSERTS Epic films over the years have the romance of desserts etched firmly in our minds. Now you can have a taste of your own desert adventure too! Exotic Arabic epicurean delights await guests at Banyan Tree Al Wadi as they enjoy a BBQ in the desert. Meats are seasoned with Dukkah and Ras al Hanout, unique spice blends that include ground cardamom (a member of the ginger family that is intensely aromatic), one of the most expensive spices by weight. For dessert, guests may experiment with camel milk ice cream, which offers a much higher vitamin and mineral content than cows milk. Also on offer are refreshing glasses of hibiscus juice, a bright red plant also called roselle that is used in traditional Arabic cultures as treatment for cardiac and nerve diseases. As an idyllic nightcap following the BBQ, guests may linger over a Date Margarita. Such is the romance of travel. EXOTIC HOLIDAY Eats& Treats P.30 EXOTIC HOLIDAY EATS & TREATS SHELVES OF SHAOXING The newly opened Angsana Hangzhou features 15 types of Chinas distinctive (and most well-known) Shaoxing wine at the resorts Lunar Bar. Numerous producers are represented for choice, offering an opportunity to explore the unique flavour profiles of this centuries-old beverage enjoyed by millions of Chinese. Named for the eastern Chinese city of Shaoxing in which it is produced, the wine is a key ingredient in Chinese cuisine along with its popularity as a beverage. Resembling a medium-bodied sherry from the Jerez region of Spain, Shaoxing wine can take on different colours from light yellow to a dark, almost reddish-brown variety. Sip awayand you could be back for more of this dynasty-old fermented rice specialty! MUNCHING MUSHROOMS High up in the mountains 3200 m above sea level, Banyan Tree Ringha offers a leisurely summertime hike that winds through the pine forests of Shangri-La on an interesting mushroom foraging excursion. This half-day trek is led by a local guide who provides insight into the many varieties of local mushroom spotted along the way. For those that are so inclined, mushroom may be gathered and enjoyed in a Tibetan hotpot prepared back at the resort. Packed with B vitamins such as riboflavin and niacin, and along with essential minerals such as selenium, copper and potassium, mushroom is a low calorie addition to any healthy diet, and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine through the ages. Hike up and forage and munch away for a healthy tasty treat! OCEAN-FRESH OCTOPUS For the catch of the day, Saffron - the signature Thai restaurant at Banyan Tree Samui - offers Wai Khua, a renowned local dish that can only be found in Koh Samui. Prepared using coconut milk (Samui is after all, also known as Coconut Island), lemongrass and red onion, the key ingredient is wai, a local octopus which can only be found during low tide on rocky beaches. The flavour profile of the Samui octopus varies radically from those found in other parts of Thailand. It is typically denser and chewier and gives off a highly aromatic scent when cooked. Many versions of Wai Khua exist, but Saffrons Executive Sous Chef Anon has devised a creamy soup with fresh coconut milk that brings the authentic flavour of the wai to life. So whether you are adventuring in the desert, or taking in lovely ancient cities and towns, climbing the mountain slopes of Shangri-La or just chilling by a beach resort, exotic eats and treats await you on your next holiday! Banyan Tree Al Wadi Shaoxing wine Wai Khua 18. A TOUCH OF WELLNESS TO TAKE HOME WITH YOU want to learn the secrets behind superb massage techniques? now you can. award-winning banyan tree spa academy in phuket is imparting the art of spa therapy to guests for the very first time. the move is in celebration of its 10th anniversary and in response to requests from guests fervently wishing to learn how to pamper themselves and loved ones back home. P.32 A TOUCH OF WELLNESS TO TAKE HOME WITH YOU Called Touch of Wellness, the short courses are specially designed for guests to quickly but effectively master the basics of massage and beauty care under the close guidance of skilful therapists. Quality is assured. As an accredited institution and home to Banyan Tree Spa and Angsana Spa therapists, the Academy shines with its rigorous training to ensure consistently high quality service which is synonymous with the evolving brand. CUSTOMISED COURSES Touch of Wellness offers seven massage and treatment courses to suit every learners objectives and prole. Couples can enhance their romance by learning what is loving and soothing touch. Parents seeking to strengthen the loving bond between themselves and their children can learn a massage featuring delicate and rhythmic strokes. Mild aromatherapy and warm touch soothes the senses of the child and aids in stimulating their physical, mental development and overall health. Adults can also learn to massage their elderly parents as well, using techniques that help to strengthen and tone the entire body, and aid in preventing unnecessary strains and injuries that might occur due to excess tension resulting from weakness in the body frame. Choose from Massaging Your Child or Parent, or Couple Massage Foot Relief, Face & Head Massage and Back Massage; Self Massage and Beauty Basics, available from THB 2,000++ for a two-hour session per person. The Beauty Basics course is ideal for those who want advice on proper skincare and beauty regime through a range of homemade therapies to rejuvenate the skin from top to toe on a daily basis in the comfort of home. TRAINED TEACHERS The Banyan Tree Spa Academy trains a dedicated group of therapists for both Banyan Tree and Angsana spas. The Spa Academy is renowned for its distinctive in-house training and development programmes for its spa therapists as well as development of its unique signature techniques and treatment recipes. Banyan Tree Spa Academy, which recently entered its 10th year of operation as an educational institute, has trained over 1,300 therapists and is accredited by Thailands Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health. The Academy is well equipped with facilities for conducting a comprehensive range of training courses and can accommodate up to 80 trainees at a time. Training rooms with massage beds are used for hands-on training of massage, beauty and hair treatments. Banyan Tree Spa emphasises on a high-touch, low-tech approach that celebrates the human touch and the use of natural herbs and spices. Since inception, Banyan Tree Spa has garnered over 200 awards and accolades, which have further reinforced its brand presence as the trendsetter and market leader of Asias spa industry. To enrol, call Banyan Tree Spa Phuket at +66 76 324 374 or email spa-phuket@banyantree. com to ask about our full menu of wellness courses. 19. BANYAN TREES WAY FORWARD TO Sustainable Tourism focuses on resource conservation, with benchmarking that checks out with environmental organisation, earthcheck At each Banyan Tree resort, conserving water and energy during operations is a top priority. In order to credibly benchmark and certify sustainable operations performance, Banyan Tree has worked with EarthCheck - the environmental management program available for the travel and tourism industry. HOLISTIC APPROACH Whilst EarthChecks monitoring is during the operational phase, Banyan Trees green consciousness is evident from the very beginning. Banyan Trees approach to sustainability starts with the initial concept of a resort, whereby each property is designed to reect the cultural as well as physical beauty of the host site. Architecture, layout, and overall design seek to capture, preserve, and share the charm of the destination. Prior to opening, one of the ways Banyan Tree seeks to share as much of the local culture and heritage as possible is via its hiring process. This involves engaging the local host community to hire as much as possible from the local labour force. As Banyan Tree is typically one of the rst movers in a destination, a major challenge of hiring locally is the relative lack of skills of the local labour force with respect to international hospitality service standards. Thus a major focus of not only any new property, but indeed the corporate culture itself is the emphasis on training and life-long learning on the job, which is led by Banyan Tree Management Academy. Angsana Velavaru 20. STRUCTURED APPROACH Once the rst guest walks through the door of a new resort, Banyan Tree prizes operational efciencies and resource conservation. In 2007, Banyan Tree launched a group wide initiative to monitor and systematically reduce its operational impacts on the environment. Through the initiative, Banyan Tree targets energy and potable water consumption, as well as controls the amount of waste sent to landll. Each property must implement one new initiative every year that reduces energy consumption, potable water consumption, or production of waste sent to landll. Within this framework, the EarthCheck program kicks in to enable a continual cycle of improvement. Participating resorts include Angsana Velavaru, Angsana Ihuru, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Banyan Tree Ringha and Banyan Tree Lijiang. SCIENTIFIC APPROACH As the EarthCheck program continues to be rolled out across the groups properties, here are some of the Banyan Tree examples of successes in the areas of energy consumption, water consumption, and waste sent to landll. With 16 sets of annual benchmarking data completed across 8 individual villa hotels and one block hotel, the Banyan Tree resorts taking part in the rst phase of the EarthCheck rollout have averaged the following per guest night: Clearly, the data demonstrates that Banyan Tree stacks well against average baselines. However, the participating resorts are far from complacent and continues to strive to remain the standard bearer for the tourism industry. Energy 525MJ consumed per guest night, compared with an average baseline of 905MJ per guest night Water 1,543L per guest night, compared with an average baseline of 3,599L per guest night Waste sent to landll 7.1L per guest night, compared with an average baseline of 8.0L per guest night Angsana Ihuru Banyan Tree Ringha P.36 BANYAN TREES WAY FORWARD TO SUSTAINABLE TOURISM Planting Deep Roots of CSR Where Banyan Tree Grows Bintan Conservation Labs environmental naturalist Henry Singer surveyed the fresh saplings that had just been planted on the beautiful Indonesian island, a big grin of pride upon his face. Banyan Tree Bintan and Angsana Bintan have planted more than 23,000 trees and rank tops amongst all hotels in the group - as the ones with the most number of trees planted last year. Careful selection was given to the tree species to ensure maximum benet for the habitat. These included banyan and angsana trees, as well as sea almond to preserve water and prevent landslides; mangrove trees to protect the seashores and strengthen the wetland habitat; as well as mango, durian and rambutan trees to provide fruit for the local community. This is an effective Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project, as it is a simple activity that is able to involve many stakeholders, from key government representatives, students, locals, Banyan Tree associates, to hotel guests, says Mr Singer. He is just one of the many champions of Banyan Trees conservation efforts and environmentally- friendly practices. Around the world, more than 100,000 trees have been planted as part of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts Greening Communities Project. Henry Singer 21. One of the features that stood out is the Conservation Lab. In 2007, the two resorts crystallised their efforts in protecting the local environment and community through the launch of the Bintan Conservation Lab the groups rst in Asia. The Lab acts as a platform for driving CSR initiatives among the local communities, raising international awareness and increased preservation of the natural environment in Bintan. Much of the work is achieved through joint collaborations with valued partners such as scientists and researchers from various tertiary institutions and zoological parks. Laguna Bintan, comprising Banyan Tree Bintan, Angsana Bintan and Laguna Bintan Golf Club, has also registered under EarthCheck since 2010, and is pursuing multi-sector EarthCheck benchmarking in 2012. A dedication to CSR has been embedded in Banyan Trees core values since its founding in 1994, allowing the company to be an agent of social and economic development in destinations where it has a presence. the group defines its overall success as a combination of the triple bottom line of economy, society and environment, which helps directits sustainable development by inspiring associates, guests and partners to take a wider, long-term view when making business and travel decisions. GREEN HOTELS Banyan Tree Bintan and Angsana Bintan caught the eye of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia which awarded both properties the Green Hotel Award 2011- 2013 in Jakarta in December 2011, as part of a campaign by the Indonesian government to encourage luxury hotels to adopt practices friendly to the environment. Banyan Tree Bintan and Angsana Bintan went through a stringent selection process by an independent committee represented by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia, the Green Building Council of Indonesia, the Association of Engineering of Indonesia (ASATHI), the Hotels and Restaurants Association of Indonesia (PHRI) and various media specialising in green issues. The two properties were inspected on key performance areas including land use, electric and water utility, hotel material usage, environment management and CSR. P.38 PLANTING DEEP ROOTS OF CSR WHERE BANYAN TREE GROWS P.39 FEATURE STORY the green storeys continue... Each storey of a Banyan Tree resort is built on the rm belief that heritage and eco-sustainability are important. In recognition of this, Cond Nast Traveler in the US has named Banyan Tree winner of the 5th Annual World Savers Awards 2011 in the Preservation category. Since 2008, Banyan Tree has been honoured multiple times at the World Savers Awards, which pays tribute to visionaries in the travel industry for their commitment to creating meaningful change for the environment and society. As winner of the Preservation category, Banyan Tree has been recognised for the groups efforts and achievements in championing heritage, greening the planet. In championing heritage, Banyan Tree properties are designed using indigenous materials as far as possible, to t into the natural landscape and reect the unique architecture of each destination. This helps enhance a sense of place for guests, making each experience unique. In Shangri- la, China, Banyan Tree Ringha is an innovative re-use of original Tibetan farmhouses relocated then reconstructed using traditional building methods,hencepreserving tradition as well as drastically reducing the amount of newly felled timber for construction. We are incredibly honoured and humbled to once again receive recognition from Cond Nast Traveler, especially as the judging panel consists of independent leaders in the industry, said Mr. Ho Kwon Ping, Executive Chairman and founder of Banyan Tree. From the co-founders to the management and associates of the Banyan Tree group around the globe, there is no letting up in its efforts to keep on championing the causes of heritage and sustainability to ensure a better tomorrow for the environment and mankind. DOING WELL BY DOING GOOD Banyan Tree co-founders Ho Kwon Ping and Claire Chiang have committed the group to rehabilitation of the environment since the companys very beginning, when they chanced upon 1,000 acres of toxic tin mine in 1984 in Phuket, Thailand, and dedicated the next 15 years to transforming it into a habitable community teeming with healthy vegetation and wildlife. By consciously adopting CSR as a core business value, we seek a balance between shareholders and stakeholders in our company ethos based on an evolving ethos doing well by doing good, says Ms Chiang, Senior Vice President of Banyan Tree Holdings and Chairperson of Banyan Tree Global Foundation, which drives the groups overall CSR commitments. 22. OWN THE LIFESTYLE OF YOUR DREAMS Unique opportunities to prolong the romance of the Banyan Tree experience and enjoy attractive returns on investment As properties of unsurpassed beauty, the concept of Banyan Tree Residences is to allow guests to own a part of this renowned brand and all which makes the Residences a truly emotional investment. Each and every signature villa or apartment comes complete with the Banyan Tree touch throughout which makes the property a Sanctuary for the Senses, for both personal use and investment returns. Choose from four highly sought-after locations, from the tropical warmth of beautiful Phuket in Thailand to exotic mountain landscapes of Lijiang in China - owners are guaranteed to enjoy a worry- free lifestyle investment. Think award-winning interior design that combines the best of modern and traditional styles, professional management, plus access to hotel amenities and services. For up to 60 days each year, owners can revel in their property, be it relaxing in their open-air jetpool in Bintan or lapping it up within their very own DoublePool Villa in Phuket. When not in use by the owners, the property becomes part of the resort inventory and owners receive an annual guaranteed return of 6% per annum for six years, with options to renew or share in revenues generated by the property. Thats what is called the best of both worlds. Banyan Tree Residences are available in the following locations: Banyan Tree Bangkok Banyan Tree Lijiang P.40 OWN THE LIFESTYLE OF YOUR DREAMS BANGKOK Perfectly situated in the heart of Bangkoks thriving central business district, Banyan Tree Residences Bangkok take up the 15-18th oors of Banyan Tree Bangkok. In addition to all the advantages of being located in central Bangkok, owners enjoy all the support, infrastructure and amenities which Banyan Tree has become renowned for. All elegant two-bedroom apartments come fully- equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, wi-, and owners can enjoy all of the hotels amenities such as dedicated residents parking, use of the exclusive Club Lounge, award winning spa, tness centre, outdoor swimming pool as well as the hotels range of dining options which includes Vertigo Bangkoks premier al fresco dining experience. PHUKET Soak in waterfront living at Banyan Tree Residences Phuket, where residence owners have the unique opportunity to enjoy a ne lifestyle in a truly scenic and relaxing location. Located within the tranquil Laguna Phuket Resort and a few steps to the famed white sands of Phukets preferred west coast, Banyan Tree Residences come with the Banyan Tree touch renowned in its tasteful, luxurious interior designs accented with the charming Asian spirit. In these elegant villas, residents can appreciate the ultimate attention to detail. Whether for entertaining, holiday or work, our Banyan Tree Residences comprise One and Two-Bedroom DoublePool Villas and Two Bedroom Pool Villas. BINTAN Banyan Tree Bintan, situated at Tanjong Said, is set on a beautiful secluded bay on Bintan Island, Indonesia, just an hour from Singapore via high-speed catamaran. Ideally located within the Laguna Bintan Resort designed and built on a site, remarkable for being a lush rst-growth coastal tropical rainforest, one of the oldest in this region. In addition to the beauty of the region, owners are sure to enjoy all the facilities and infrastructure as well as membership to the Laguna Bintan Golf Club. With its tasteful traditional Indonesian decor and awe- inspiring view of the open sea, the Residences epitomise that perfect romantic hideaway. Choose from One-Bedroom Bayfront Villas and Two- Bedroom Sanctuary Pool Villas. Property Report lists this as one of Southeast Asias Top 20 Resort Properties in 2011. LIJIANG Set in the highlands of the Yunnan plateau of China below the gaze of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Banyan Tree Residences Lijiang have been designed with inspiration from the local traditional Naxi culture which has been stylishly incorporated into the architecture and interior designs to create unique yet seductive investment properties. Investors in Banyan Tree Residences Lijiang have a choice of Two and Three- Bedroom Villas and Two- Bedroom Townhouses, and enjoy the signature Banyan Tree touch in the most magnicent of surroundings. Our 24-hour Concierge and In-Residence dining services are always at hand to anticipate owners every need, including the use of the private lap-pool. Complimentary broadband access and cable TV services connect both businessmen and leisuremakers to the rest of the world, even whilst cocooned in grand seclusion. Show villas and apartments are available for viewing. For further information, email residences@banyantree.com or log on to banyantreeresidences.com DoublePool Villa 23. Hot Winning Streakbanyan tree starts the new year with over 800 awards already in the bag for the group. Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts has consistently been recognised by industry professionals and guests as a standard bearer for hospitality. Since the groups founding in 1994 until end 2011, Banyan Tree and Angsana brands have garnered 780 awards and accolades. We are deeply grateful for every accolade bestowed on Banyan Tree over the years. These awards are a direct result and recognition of the spirit, enthusiasm and dedication of our over 9,000 associates around the world, and it is in their tribute that we accept them, said Banyan Tree's Executive Chairman, Mr Ho Kwon Ping. Banyan Tree Spa Marina Bay Sands LEADING CITY SPA HOTEL A recent victory was the 19th World Travel Awards held in Bangkok where Banyan Tree Bangkok was announced as the winner in the category of Asias Leading City Spa Hotel. The World Travel Awards, based on votes cast by over 213,000 industry professionals worldwide, acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global tourism industry. This is not the rst time the hotel had tasted success. Banyan Tree Bangkok has been recognised as the Best City Hotel in numerous international awards including one of The Worlds Best Hotels to Stay by Cond Nast Traveler (US), and DestinAsian Readers Choice Awards 2010 as Best Hotel in Bangkok, strengthening the brands presence in the region. An iconic destination for leisure and business travellers alike in the heart of Bangkok, Banyan Tree Bangkok offers a sanctuary for the senses with unparalleled panoramic cityscapes, elegantly decorated guest rooms, renowned service and the Banyan Tree Club Lounge, along with integrated spa facilities. BEST SPA OPERATOR Adding to the burgeoning list of titles Banyan Tree already holds is the coveted Best Spa Operator won at the 22nd Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) Travel Awards 2011. Banyan Tree Spa is honoured to be bestowed this esteemed award for the seventh consecutive year. The annual TTG Travel Awards celebrates the nest luminaries of the travel industry and serves as a benchmark for high standards across the industry. Winners of the TTG Travel Awards are determined by votes from professionals of the travel trade and readers of TTG publications to confer titles on the industrys best. This serves as a valuable testimony of Banyan Tree Spas strong brand recognition and service quality, as well as the result of our core focus on the rigorous training and development of our spa therapists at Banyan Tree Spa Academies in Phuket (Thailand), Lijiang (China) and Bintan (Indonesia), so as to ensure a high level of consistency in our service delivery. To maintain our competitive edge in this growing industry, we must always be willing to diversify, make changes through innovation, while remaining true to the good old traditions and philosophy of hospitality, said Mr Ravi Chandran, Managing Director of Banyan Tree Spa. Banyan Tree Spa had pioneered the tropical garden spa concept with its Asian therapies and holistic focus on the body, soul and mind. Established in 2001, the Banyan Tree Spa Academy is committed to ensuring a high level of consistency and quality that is synonymous with the Banyan Tree Spa experience. The efforts have paid off, with Banyan Tree Spa ranked amongst the worlds best. It has received prestigious awards such as Best Spa Brand in Hurun Reports Best of the Best Awards for six consecutive years and Best Spa Operator by China Hotel Starlight Awards for four consecutive years. At the Singapore Corporate Awards 2011, Banyan Tree Holdings received a Silver medal for both Best Annual Report and Best Managed Board. The Groups subsidiary, Laguna Resorts & Hotels Public Company Limited, was Best Developer (Thailand) at the South East Asia Property Awards. Mr Hos leadership has played a critical role in driving the brands to award-winning standard. He was honoured as the Real Estate Personality of the Year 2011 at the South East Asia Property Awards in late November. Mr Ho also topped the Thinkers category in the Yahoo! Singapore 9 Awards in August last year, and received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Resort Development presented by the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute at the 3rd World Chinese Economic Forum. Banyan Trees winning streak continues into 2012. The rst awards in the new year have added to the group tally of more than 800 awards. No prizes for guessing if the number will continue to rise or not. INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED Other recent awards include: Asias Leading Resort Brand at the World Travel Awards 2011 in Bangkok Travel + Leisures Global Vision Awards winner in the Leadership category for its Seedlings education initiative Cond Nast Traveler 5th Annual World Savers Awards 2011 in the Preservation category for its efforts and achievements in championing heritage and greening the planet. 24. BANYAN TREE HOTELS AND RESORTS AFRICA Banyan Tree Seychelles P.O. Box 2086 Anse Aux Pins Mah Island Republic of Seychelles Tel: +248 438 3500 Fax: +248 438 3600 seychelles@banyantree.com AMERICAS Banyan Tree Cabo Marqus Blvd. Cabo Marqus, Lote 1 Col. Punta Diamante Acapulco, Guerrero 39907 Mexico Tel: +52 744 434 0100 Fax: +52 744 434 0101 cabomarques@banyantree.com Banyan Tree Mayakoba Carretera Federal Chetumal- Puerto Jurez Km. 298 Playa del Carmen Quintana Roo 77710 Mexico Tel: +52 984 877 3688 Fax: +52 984 877 3689 mayakoba@banyantree.com ASIA PACIFIC Banyan Tree Bangkok 21/100 South Sathon Road Sathon Bangkok 10120 Thailand Tel: +66 2 679 1200 Fax: +66 2 679 1199 bangkok@banyantree.com Banyan Tree Bintan Jalan Teluk Berembang Laguna Bintan Resort Lagoi 29155 Bintan Resorts Indonesia Tel: +62 770 693 100 Fax: +62 770 693 200 bintan@banyantree.com Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul San 5-5, Jang Chung-Dong 2-Ga Jung-Gu Seoul 100-857 Korea Tel: +82 2 2250 8000 Fax: +82 2 2250 8009 clubandspa-seoul@banyantree.com Banyan Tree Hangzhou 2 Westbrook Resort Zijingang Road Hangzhou Zhejiang Province 310030 Peoples Republic of China Tel: +86 571 8586 0000 Fax: +86 571 8586 2222 hangzhou@banyantree.com Banyan Tree Lijiang Yuerong Road, Shuhe Gucheng District Lijiang Yunnan Province 674100 Peoples Republic of China Tel: +86 888 533 1111 Fax: +86 888 533 2222 lijiang@banyantree.com Banyan Tree Macau Galaxy Macau Avenida Marginal Flor de Lotus Cotai, Macau China Tel: +853 8883 6688 Fax: +853 8883 6108 macau@banyantree.com Banyan Tree Phuket 33, 33/27 Moo 4 Srisoonthorn Road Cherngtalay, Amphur Talang Phuket 83110 Thailand Tel: +66 76 372 400 Fax: +66 76 324 375 phuket@banyantree.com Banyan Tree Ringha Hong Po Village Jian Tang Town Shangri-La County Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Yunnan Province 674400 Peoples Republic of China Tel: +86 887 828 8822 Fax: +86 887 828 8911 ringha@banyantree.com Banyan Tree Samui 99/9 Moo 4, Maret, Samui Surat Thani 84310 Thailand Tel: +66 77 915 333 Fax: +66 77 915 388 samui@banyantree.com Banyan Tree Sanya No. 6 Luling Road Sanya Hainan 572000 Peoples Republic of China Tel: +86 898 8860 9988 Fax: +86 898 8860 1188 sanya@banyantree.com Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary 33, 33/27 Moo 4 Srisoonthorn Road Cherngtalay, Amphur Talang Phuket 83110 Thailand Tel: +66 76 372 400 Fax: +66 76 324 375 phuket@banyantree.com Banyan Tree Ungasan Jl. Melasti, Banjar Kelod Ungasan, Bali 80364 Indonesia Tel: +62 361 300 7000 Fax: +62 361 300 7777 ungasan@banyantree.com DoublePool Villas by Banyan Tree 33, 33/27 Moo 4 Srisoonthorn Road Cherngtalay, Amphur Talang Phuket 83110 Thailand Tel: +66 76 372 400 Fax: +66 76 324 375 phuket@banyantree.com MIDDLE EAST Banyan Tree Al Wadi Al Mazraa, P.O. Box 35288 Ras Al Khaimah United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 7 206 7777 Fax: +971 7 243 5000 alwadi@banyantree.com SOUTH ASIA Banyan Tree Madivaru AA. Ethere Madivaru North Ari Atoll Republic of Maldives Tel: +960 666 0760 Fax: +960 666 0761 madivaru-maldives@banyantree.com Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Vabbinfaru Island North Mal Atoll Republic of Maldives Tel: +960 664 3147 Fax: +960 664 3843 vabbinfaru@banyantree.com ANGSANA HOTELS AND RESORTS AFRICA Angsana Balaclava Turtle Bay Balaclava Republic of Mauritius Tel: +230 204 1888 Fax: +230 204 1862 balaclava@angsana.com Angsana Riads Collection Morocco Riad Dar Zaouia N1 Riad Zitoun Jdid Derb NaKouss Derb Zaouia 40000 Marrakech Morocco Tel: +212 524 388 905/6 Fax: +212 524 386 611 marrakech@angsana.com Angsana Riad Bab Firdaus N. 57 -58 Rue de la Bahia Riad Zitoun Jdid, Medina 40000 Marrakech Morocco Angsana Riad Blanc N. 25 Derb Si Said Riad Zitoun Jdid, Medina 40000 Marrakech Morocco Angsana Riad Lydines N. 45 Derb Abda, Kasbah 40000 Marrakech Morocco Angsana Riad Si Said N. 1-2-4 Derb Abbes El Fassi Riad Zitoun Jdid, Medina 40000 Marrakech Morocco Angsana Riad Tiwaline N. 10 Derb El Arsa Riad Zitoun Jdid, Medina 40000 Marrakech Morocco ASIA PACIFIC Angsana Bintan Jalan Teluk Berembang Laguna Bintan Resort Lagoi 29155 Bintan Resorts Indonesia Tel: +62 770 693 111 Fax: +62 770 693 222 bintan@angsana.com Angsana Fuxian Lake No 8 Huanhu Beilu Chengjiang Yunnan Province 652500 Peoples Republic of China Tel: +86 877 681 8888 Fax: +86 877 681 8889 fuxianlake@angsana.com Angsana Great Barrier Reef 1 Veivers Road Palm Cove, Cairns Queensland 4879 Australia Tel: +61 7 4055 3000 Fax: +61 7 4059 0166 cairns@angsana.com Angsana Hangzhou 8 Westbrook Resort Zijingang Road Hangzhou Zhejiang Province 310030 Peoples Republic of China Tel: +86 571 8500 2000 Fax: +86 571 8500 2111 hangzhou@angsana.com Angsana Laguna Phuket 10 Moo 4 Srisoonthorn Road Cherngtalay, Amphur Talang Phuket 83110 Thailand Tel: +66 76 324 101 Fax: +66 76 324 108 lagunaphuket@angsana.com SOUTH ASIA Angsana Bangalore Northwest Country Main Doddaballapur Road Rajankunte Bangalore 560064 India Tel: +91 80 2846 8892 Fax: +91 80 2846 8897 bangalore@angsana.com Angsana Ihuru North Mal Atoll Republic of Maldives Tel: +960 664 3502 Fax: +960 664 5933 ihuru@angsana.com Angsana Velavaru South Nilandhe Atoll (Dhaalu Atoll) Republic of Maldives Tel: +960 676 0028 Fax: +960 676 0029 velavaru@angsana.com ANGSANA AFFILIATED HOTELS ASIA PACIFIC Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel Rue Chao Fa Ngum Ban Thatluang, PO Box 741 Luang Prabang Laos Peoples Democratic Republic Tel: +856 71 254 609 Fax: +856 71 212 577 maison@angsana.com Gyalthang Dzong Hotel Shangri-La County Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Yunnan Province 674400 Peoples Republic of China Tel: +86 887 822 3646 Fax: +86 887 822 3620 reservations-gyalthang@gyalthangdzong.com BANYAN TREE CORPORATE OFFICE Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts Group Marketing Services 211 Upper Bukit Timah Road Singapore 588182 Tel: +65 6849 5899 Fax: +65 6462 2800 corporate@banyantree.com GLOBAL MARKETING NETWORK AMERICAS Mexico Tel: +52 55 5004 0101 Fax: +52 55 5281 5542 sales-mexico@banyantree.com United States Los Angeles Tel: +1 805 212 8148 sales-losangeles@banyantree.com United States New York Tel: +1 212 515 5693 Fax: +1 212 515 5848 sales-newyork@banyantree.com ASIA PACIFIC Australia Tel: +61 2 9411 5576 Fax: +61 2 9411 5534 sales-sydney@banyantree.com China - Beijing Tel: +86 10 8515 1828 Fax: +86 10 8587 0308 sales-beijing@banyantree.com China - Chengdu Tel: +86 13 980 081 350 sales-chengdu@banyantree.com China - Guangzhou Tel: +86 20 2826 1896 Fax: +86 20 2826 1897 sales-guangzhou@banyantree.com China - Kunming Tel: +86 871 589 3777 Fax: +86 871 589 3666 sales-kunming@banyantree.com China - Shanghai Tel: +86 21 6335 2929 Fax: +86 21 6335 0658 sales-shanghai@banyantree.com Hong Kong Tel: +852 2312 1815 Fax: +852 2312 2317 sales-hongkong@banyantree.com Japan & Korea Tel: +81 3 3548 0333 Fax: +81 3 3548 0334 sales-tokyo@banyantree.com Southeast Asia Tel: +65 6849 5800 Fax: +65 6462 2463 sales-singapore@banyantree.com Taiwan Tel: +886 2 2509 2368 Fax: +886 2 2509 2368 sales-taiwan@banyantree.com Thailand Tel: +66 2 285 0090 Fax: +66 2 285 0612 sales-bangkok@banyantree.com EUROPE France Tel: +33 1 4013 0760 sales-paris@banyantree.com Germany, Austria & Switzerland Tel: +49 30 700 140 215 Fax: +49 30 700 140 217 sales-germany@banyantree.com Italy Tel: +39 02 669 9271 Fax: +39 02 669 2648 sales-italy@banyantree.com Russia Tel: +7 495 935 8927 Fax: +7 495 937 5435 sales-russia@banyantree.com United Kingdom Tel: +44 20 7841 2781 Fax: +44 20 7841 2774 sales-london@banyantree.com MIDDLE EAST United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4368 4356 Fax: +971 4368 3256 sales-middleeast@banyantree.com SOUTH ASIA India Tel: +91 11 981 171 0504 sales-india@banyantree.com ANGSANA CORPORATE OFFICE Angsana Hotels and Resorts Group Marketing Services 211 Upper Bukit Timah Road Singapore 588182 Tel: +65 6849 5799 Fax: +65 6463 2800 corporate@angsana.com GLOBAL MARKETING NETWORK AMERICAS Mexico Tel: +52 55 5004 0101 Fax: +52 55 5281 5542 sales-mexico@angsana.com United States Los Angeles Tel: +1 805 212 8148 sales-losangeles@angsana.com United States New York Tel: +1 212 515 5693 Fax: +1 212 515 5848 sales-newyork@angsana.com ASIA PACIFIC Australia Tel: +61 2 9411 5576 Fax: +61 2 9411 5534 sales-sydney@angsana.com China - Beijing Tel: +86 10 8515 1828 Fax: +86 10 8587 0308 sales-beijing@angsana.com China - Chengdu Tel: +86 13 980 081 350 sales-chengdu@angsana.com China - Guangzhou Tel: +86 20 2826 1896 Fax: +86 20 2826 1897 sales-guangzhou@angsana.com China - Kunming Tel: +86 871 589 3777 Fax: +86 871 589 3666 sales-kunming@angsana.com China - Shanghai Tel: +86 21 6335 2929 Fax: +86 21 6335 0658 sales-shanghai@angsana.com Hong Kong Tel: +852 2312 1815 Fax: +852 2312 2317 sales-hongkong@angsana.com Japan & Korea Tel: +81 3 3548 0333 Fax: +81 3 3548 0334 sales-tokyo@angsana.com Southeast Asia Tel: +65 6849 5788 Fax: +65 6462 2463 sales-singapore@angsana.com Taiwan Tel: +886 2 2509 2368 Fax: +886 2 2509 2368 sales-taiwan@angsana.com Thailand Tel: +66 2 285 0090 Fax: +66 2 285 0612 sales-bangkok@angsana.com EUROPE France Tel: +33 1 4013 0760 sales-paris@angsana.com Germany, Austria & Switzerland Tel: +49 30 700 140 215 Fax: +49 30 700 140 217 sales-germany@angsana.com Italy Tel: +39 02 669 9271 Fax: +39 02 669 2648 sales-italy@angsana.com Russia Tel: +7 495 935 8927 Fax: +7 495 937 5435 sales-russia@angsana.com United Kingdom Tel: +44 20 7841 2781 Fax: +44 20 7841 2774 sales-london@angsana.com MIDDLE EAST United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4368 4356 Fax: +971 4368 3256 sales-middleeast@angsana.com SOUTH ASIA India Tel: +91 11 981 171 0504 sales-india@angsana.com TOLL-FREE NUMBERS AMERICAS Mexico Tel: 001 888 213 4992 United States Tel: 1 800 591 0439 ASIA PACIFIC Australia Tel: 1 800 050 019 China Tel: 400 120 1161 Hong Kong Tel: 800 903 881 Japan Tel: 0120 778 187 Singapore Tel: 1 800 232 5599 EUROPE France Tel: 00 800 3002 0000 Germany Tel: 00 800 3002 0000 Spain Tel: 00 800 3002 0000 United Kingdom Tel: 00 800 3002 0000 MIDDLE EAST United Arab Emirates Tel: 800 065 0586