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Banyan Tree advocates culture of wellbeing inside out
The pandemic’s widespread impact has underscored the importance of leading healthier lifestyles for our physical and mental wellbeing.
For Banyan Tree Group, its core values of wellbeing and sustainability in its internal culture is key to recovery in preparing for guests’ return during and beyond the pandemic.
“As travellers increasingly seek out purposeful experiences that connect them to nature and the environment, the Group is well-positioned to create long-term value for consumers and its associates through its brand ethos of Embracing the Environment, Empowering People,” Ho Ren Yung, Senior Vice President, Brand HQ of Banyan Tree Group, said.
“This drives Banyan Tree’s philosophy of wellbeing – the belief that being well is an inside-out journey connecting self, others and nature.”
Group-wide initiatives available internally and externally are based on a clarified approach of simplifying evidence and feedback, and then structuring these into eight pillars that guide all of the brand’s wellbeing programmes.
Incorporating practices of the mind, body, soul and relationship with others and nature, the eight pillars of wellbeing include Sleep & Rest, Dietary Awareness; Bonding & Connection; Physical Vitality, Cultivate The Mind; Learning & Development, Harmony with Nature and Sustained Practices.
Beginning with its associates, who are the heart and soul of the brand experience, the connection of self, others and nature is core through the brand’s service culture of “I Am With You”.
Through the training modules leaning on empathy, positive psychology and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), associates learn about stress management techniques, resilience, and self-care.
Banyan Tree Group has also pivoted to a wellbeing-focused organisational index whereby associates answer a set of 64 questions on lifestyle practices based on the eight wellbeing pillars.
Built on the core passion for people, its leadership team believes that “we can only look after our guests when we look after our associates”, and thus extended this survey to associates this year who provide the services to support guests at the wellbeing sanctuaries.
The same set of 64 questions is also used as an assessment for guests when they book at a wellbeing sanctuary.
These initiatives are in line with the belief that happy and healthy associates result in satisfied guests.
Outwardly, with the launch of Wellbeing Sanctuaries in properties worldwide this year, Banyan Tree seeks to continue its mission to help others live well.
Wellbeing Sanctuaries combine club floors or resort wings with dining, Spa and multifunctional practice spaces into a single signature experience.
With the support of wellbeing hosts on property who themselves practise the service culture of “I Am With You”, guests staying at a Wellbeing Sanctuary embark on a personal journey to find balance, build resilience and gain deeper self-knowledge through connecting with oneself, and with others and nature.
A stay at a Banyan Tree’s Wellbeing Sanctuary includes accommodation with sleep enhancement, 24-hour check-in and check-out, in-room wellbeing amenities, nightly rest rituals, daily balanced breakfast, afternoon nutrition platter, daily access to complimentary wellbeing activities, savings in a la carte Spa treatments and wellbeing cuisine.
Guests can also take home a wellbeing guide after their stay, including tips on sleeping better, healthy living, home exercises and other recommendations that they can practise in their daily lives.
Having launched in China this month, Banyan Tree Wellbeing Sanctuaries in Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Thailand, and Vietnam will progressively open throughout this year.
Banyan Tree Group operates three resorts in Maldives: Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru in North Male Atoll, and Angsana Velavaru in Dhaalu atoll.
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.
ELE|NA has been named Leading Wellness and Spa Brand at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, recognising the Maldives-based wellness brand’s contributions to the hospitality and wellness industry across the region.
The recognition comes as wellness continues to become an integral part of luxury hospitality, with ELE|NA working alongside resort partners to develop and operate wellness facilities that combine therapeutic experiences, trained professionals and operational expertise.
Guided by its Wellness Your Way™ philosophy, ELE|NA incorporates wellness into different aspects of the guest experience. Its six Pillars of Vitality – TouchFlow, ReFine, BodyFit, SoulVibe, SleepSync and FoodDelight – encompass therapeutic treatments, physical activity, emotional wellbeing, restorative sleep and nutrition. The framework allows individual resorts to develop wellness programmes tailored to their locations and guest preferences.
In addition to providing wellness experiences, ELE|NA works with hospitality partners on concept development, spa operations, therapist training and service delivery. Its operational model combines the individual characteristics of each resort with standardised systems and procedures aimed at maintaining service consistency across its properties.
Sustainability also forms part of the brand’s operations. All ELE|NA properties in the Maldives have received Platinum Sustainable Wellness Accreditation, recognising their approach to responsible spa operations, environmental management and community wellbeing.
The brand also invests in professional development through the ELE|NA Wellness Academy, which provides training programmes for therapists and wellness professionals. The academy combines traditional therapeutic practices, practical training and contemporary wellness knowledge to support professional development and strengthen service standards across the industry.
The recognition at SATA 2026 comes as ELE|NA continues to expand its operations beyond the Maldives, extending its wellness concepts and services into India, Nepal and other emerging hospitality destinations.
With wellness increasingly influencing travellers’ accommodation choices and holiday experiences, ELE|NA continues to focus on integrating wellness services into resort operations while supporting the development of trained professionals and sustainable practices within the hospitality sector.
Milaidhoo Maldives is set to welcome award-winning chef James Knight-Paccheco, widely known as Chef JKP, on 11 and 12 December 2026 for two culinary events focusing on cooking techniques, culinary experiences and the exploration of new flavours.
On 11 December, Chef JKP will conduct a culinary workshop, offering guests the opportunity to cook alongside him, learn professional techniques and exchange ideas in the kitchen. The following evening, he will host a wine-pairing dinner featuring dishes prepared in his signature style, accompanied by wines selected by the resort’s resident sommelier to complement each course.
With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chef JKP has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels and restaurant projects across the UK and the Middle East. Throughout his career, he has worked alongside renowned chefs including Raymond Blanc, Gordon Ramsay and Michael Caines. He is also the creator and host of The Chef JKP Podcast, which has recorded more than 6.5 million downloads.
At Milaidhoo Maldives, the culinary experience draws inspiration from the island’s surroundings, Maldivian flavours and traditional cooking methods, combined with international influences introduced by the resort’s team of chefs. This approach encourages the exchange of culinary knowledge and techniques, allowing guests to explore local dishes, learn new cooking methods and engage with the chefs responsible for their dining experiences.
Located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo offers a setting where dining experiences focus on personalised service and interaction between guests and culinary professionals. Chef JKP’s visit is intended to provide guests with opportunities to engage directly with the visiting chef, gain insights into his approach to cooking and experience his culinary creations.
The culinary workshop will take place on 11 December 2026, followed by the wine-pairing dinner on 12 December 2026.
Reethi Faru Resort has welcomed the festive season with its annual Fruit Mixing Ceremony, marking the beginning of a programme of celebrations, activities and experiences for guests visiting the resort during the Christmas and New Year period.
The resort has prepared a series of festive events and activities catering to guests of different ages and interests. Families will have the opportunity to participate in Christmas tree decorating, creative workshops and gingerbread house making, while couples can enjoy evening walks along beaches decorated with festive lights.
The festive programme will include a Christmas dinner and a New Year’s Eve gala, followed by a DJ party to welcome 2027. Guests will also be able to participate in coral planting activities alongside a marine biologist, providing an opportunity to learn about the island’s marine ecosystem and contribute to conservation efforts.
For guests seeking relaxation, the resort will offer yoga sessions and spa treatments, while those interested in outdoor activities can participate in water sports, island excursions, sports challenges and PADI diving experiences conducted by certified instructors.
Other events scheduled during the festive period include Reethi Faru Resort’s anniversary celebration, a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the arrival of Santa Claus. The programme will also feature live music, Maldivian cultural performances, outdoor movie nights and a selection of dining experiences.
According to the resort, the festive programme has been designed to bring together traditional Christmas and New Year celebrations with activities that highlight the Maldives’ natural environment and cultural heritage.
Through its combination of festive events, recreational activities, marine conservation initiatives and dining experiences, Reethi Faru Resort aims to provide guests with opportunities to celebrate the holiday season while experiencing island life in the Maldives.
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