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Live, work, thrive with Banyan Tree’s multi-destination extended stay programme Habitat

“We all have certain habitat needs for the conditions where we can thrive.”
With the rise of remote working and post-Covid changes in consumer travel patterns, Banyan Tree Group has announced the launch of Habitat – offering a new way of living, working and travelling in one.
Habitat enables guests to enjoy long-term stays at properties in more than 30 destinations around the globe under Banyan Tree Group’s house of brands: Banyan Tree, Angsana and Cassia.
With greater flexibility and the possibility of experiencing multiple destinations with a single pass, Habitat inspires a different travel journey, meeting consumers’ evolving travel needs in the new normal.
Habitat caters to seasonal travellers in search of picturesque destinations, families yearning for a long-overdue vacation, or combining it all – remote workers keen to experience the freedom of working and exploring the world at the same time.
With a Habitat Pass, guests can book their stays in ‘units’ of seven nights, with the choice to hop from one property to another within the same brands in different locations.
In addition, savings increase up to 60 per cent with each additional unit purchased, where each unit can be redeemed at a different property during the period of their stay.
Each pass is valid for 12 months and guests may book up to 4 units per brand, ranging from seven to 28 nights’ stay, with the flexibility to redeem each unit at a different time.
As part of the Habitat offering, travellers are given credits of up to $700 based on the number of units purchased, which can be used across multiple inclusions, such as F&B, spa, wellness activities, and airport transfers.
Other inclusions catering to extended stay traveller needs are of course, free breakfast, Wi-Fi for business needs and 24-hour fitness centres in most properties to help guests maintain fitness routines while travelling.
New exciting features and inclusions will be rolled out based on evolving guest needs as we invite travellers to share their travel wish lists and help us create their perfect habitat.
With domestic tourism fuelling a significant recovery, domestic travellers have the opportunity to discover hidden cultural gems within their country, with a choice of nine Banyan Tree Hotels in China and four in Thailand. When international travel reopens, guests may travel to properties across China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Morocco, Thailand and Vietnam.
With a combination of comfort, connectivity, and security while working remotely at secluded resorts, either in nature havens or in the city, Habitat aims to redefine travel, offering a new way of living, working and travelling.
“We are delighted to launch Habitat, a brand new way of extended stay, across the Banyan Tree Group of hotels, around the world. We recognise that travelling needs have changed; Habitat provides our guests with the flexibility across our different brands, stay periods and amenities,” Rosalynn Tay, Senior Vice President for Commercial at Banyan Tree Group, said.
“Our properties are natural sanctuaries, always safe and staying relevant. I believe that many different travellers, international and domestic, will find a suitable Habitat in our family of brands.”

All three Banyan Tree Group properties in Maldives — Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru in North Male Atoll, and Angsana Velavaru in Dhaalu atoll — are available under the Habitat programme.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru opened its door in 1995 and is the first international chain resort in the Maldives. With just 48 pool villas dotting around the island, privacy and relaxation can easily be attained. The resort has a restaurant, bar, PADI Gold Palm five-star resort dive centre and a Banyan Tree Spa.
Vabbinfaru is also home to the Banyan Tree Maldives Marine Lab, the first of its kind to be funded and built on a private resort, where guests can learn about marine conservation and partake in the many sustainability activities on offer including coral planting, reef cleaning and daily stingray feeding sessions.
Angsana Ihuru is surrounded by one of the most vibrant and well preserved coral house reefs in the Maldives. The resort has 45 villas, a restaurant and a bar, a PADI Gold Palm five-star resort dive centre and an Angsana Spa.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru are located in North Male Atoll, just 25 minutes away by speedboat from the airport. The two resorts are just five minutes by boat away from each other.
Velavaru or ‘Turtle Island’ is located in the pristine Dhaalu atoll, and accessible by a 40-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport. This 113-villa resort offers 79 island villas and 34 InOcean Villas, revealing spectacular views and direct access to the Indian Ocean.
Entertainment
JOALI BEING presents ‘A Lot Like Holiday’: Celebration of joy, family and wellbeing

JOALI BEING, the Maldives’ exclusive Well-Living island, will embrace the timeless spirit of a Traditional Christmas this festive season, guided by its core ethos of joy, connection, wellbeing, and family. From 20 December 2025 to 11 January 2026, the island will transform into a sanctuary of festive wonder, where cherished traditions harmoniously blend with transformative wellbeing journeys.
Centred around the theme ‘A Lot Like Holiday,’ the festive celebrations combine beloved seasonal rituals with meaningful travel experiences inspired by JOALI BEING’s Four Pillars of Wellbeing — Mind, Skin, Microbiome, and Energy. Guests will be invited to take part in uplifting activities designed to encourage togetherness, discovery, and personal renewal.
Highlights of the festive programme include:
- Holiday Tree Lighting: A serene celebration beneath a canopy of lights where palm fronds replace fir trees and the sea breeze carries the spirit of the season.
- Gingerbread House Making: A joyful, hands-on tradition for guests of all ages.
- Christmas Picnic: A fresh reimagining of the classic celebration, featuring curated hampers, indulgent flavours, and oceanfront views.
- Christmas Eve Dinner: A refined feast of traditional holiday favourites and JOALI BEING classics, celebrating love, connection, and unity.
- New Year’s Eve Celebration: A night of sparkle, music, and culinary excellence to welcome 2026 in style.

As part of its festive line-up, JOALI BEING will also host a selection of Visiting Experts and global icons offering transformative, purpose-driven experiences:
- Football Workshops with Dimitar Berbatov: The former Manchester United striker, two-time Premier League Champion, and captain of the Bulgarian national team will lead two exclusive sessions (30 December and 2 January), inspiring players of all ages through mentorship and skill development.
- The Quantum Journey with Carlos Aparicio: Through his Biocuántica Original method, Aparicio will guide guests in achieving coherence between heart and mind, fostering resilience and clarity.
- Power of Breathwork with Javier de Prado: Guests will explore the connection between breath and emotion through mindful movement and meditation to restore balance and vitality.
- Awaken Balance and Longevity with Dr Igor Roganin: Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern diagnostics, Dr Roganin will offer therapies supporting graceful ageing, energy flow, and long-term wellbeing.
The festive calendar extends beyond celebration, inviting guests to experience the Joy of Well-Living through transformative rituals such as cacao ceremonies, Qi Gong, sound baths, and stress management workshops. Culinary highlights will include Japanese dinners, seafood feasts, and interactive masterclasses, while outdoor adventures will offer dolphin cruises, semi-submarine explorations, coral conservation, and Muay Thai sessions — all designed to deepen connection with self, others, and nature.
Family experiences will take centre stage through B’Kidult, JOALI BEING’s signature concept that blends play and purpose. The programme will feature engaging activities for all ages, including the Laughing Boocha Mixology Class, Beach Boot Camp for Teens, Healthy Nice Cream Kitchen, and Family Pilates sessions — all aimed at nurturing learning, joy, and togetherness.
A stay at JOALI BEING promises a journey of renewal and self-discovery, allowing guests to return home with a sense of lightness in body, mind, and spirit. Rates begin at USD 5,706 per night for two guests sharing an Ocean Pool Villa on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
Featured
Sun, sea, and serenity: Villa Nautica’s Winter Escape awaits

Villa Nautica is inviting travellers to escape the winter chill and embrace the warmth of the Maldives with its Winter Escape Offer, providing up to 20% off stays. Conveniently located just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé, the resort combines contemporary design with authentic Maldivian hospitality, creating an ideal island retreat for the season.
Nestled among pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters, Villa Nautica features beach pool villas, overwater villas, and ocean suites, each designed for comfort and offering sweeping ocean views. Guests can explore the lagoon with the resort’s PADI Five-Star Dive Centre, indulge in rejuvenating treatments at the Araamu Spa, or unwind by the island’s signature infinity pool—recently named the Best Pool in the Maldives at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025.
Culinary experiences at Villa Nautica span global flavours, from Japanese and Italian to fresh seafood and international cuisine. Evenings are marked by live music and cocktails beneath the stars. Families are catered for with engaging activities at the Wavy Navy Kids Club, while couples can enjoy tranquil moments along the shoreline.
Committed to sustainability, Villa Nautica proudly holds Green Key certification, underscoring its dedication to responsible tourism. The resort utilises solar power, has eliminated single-use plastics, and supports coral restoration projects to protect marine biodiversity.
Guests booking directly through villaresorts.com can enjoy exclusive benefits, flexible booking options, and the best available rates.
Celebration
Siyam World unveils ten days of sports, music, dining, and Halloween spectacle

Siyam World Maldives, part of the Sun Siyam Resorts Lifestyle Collection, is preparing to host ten days of activities and entertainment from 20 to 31 October 2025. The programme will combine sports, culinary showcases, music events, and a large-scale Halloween experience.
The line-up begins with a three-day Rugby Camp from 20 to 22 October, led by England rugby player Danny Care. This will be followed by a Football Camp from 23 to 27 October, with former professionals Marco Negri, Marco Materazzi, and Ciru Caruso guiding young participants through drills, games, and training sessions.
Culinary highlights will feature Chef Junichi Tanaka and sake sommelier Yasuyuki Suzuki at the resort’s Japanese fine-dining venue, Arigato. Chef Tanaka, co-founder of Bincho Tanaka in Ito, Japan, is recognised for his approach combining charcoal cooking, fermentation, and cultural storytelling. Together with Suzuki, they will present a set menu paired with Japanese sake.
On 28 October, the resort will mark its fourth anniversary with a beachside celebration featuring DJ performances by LOVRA and Tom Zanetti. The event will create a festival-style atmosphere with live music and dancing.
For Halloween on 31 October, Siyam World will introduce a themed haunted walkthrough inspired by The Conjuring Universe. Characters including Annabelle, The Nun, La Llorona, and the Crooked Man will be featured. Guests who complete the walkthrough will be able to attend a dance performance inspired by one of the franchise’s stories, followed by a Halloween party with DJs and live acts.
Sara Siyam, Director of Marketing at Siyam World, commented: “At Siyam World, we don’t just host events, we create legendary experiences. Our fourth birthday and Halloween takeover are more than celebrations – they are experiences that continue to redefine events in the Maldives.”
Alongside the scheduled events, guests will have access to Siyam World’s wider facilities and activities, including spa treatments, watersports, horse riding, the island’s go-kart track, and the resort’s 24-hour WOW! All-Inclusive package.
The October programme reinforces Siyam World’s positioning as a resort designed for large-scale experiences, combining sports, entertainment, and dining with its ‘no-rules, just vibes’ philosophy.
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