From Dream to Legacy
15 Years Of Banyan Tree Mayakoba In Banyan Group's Global Story
Imagine, for a moment, standing on the coast of Phuket, Thailand, in the early 1990s. Instead of being a tropical paradise, the place is a damaged landscape, an old tin mine left behind of barren lands and contaminated waters. Anyone could have looked at this terrain and turned away, convinced there was no hope. However, the founders of Banyan Tree saw something else: a blank canvas, an opportunity to transform what seemed to be a desert into an oasis of life and beauty. This inspiring vision led to the birth of the first Banyan Tree Hotel in Phuket in 1994, a testament to the power of transformation and sustainability.
This is how, in 1994, the first Banyan Tree Hotel in Phuket was born. This was not just a hotel project but a declaration of intent. From the beginning, Banyan Group set out to build hotels and create sanctuaries that would respect and revitalize the environment. That same vision led them to rapidly expand to Bintan, the Maldives, and beyond, becoming an international presence with hotels and resorts in over 24 countries.
What started as a dream has become a legacy that has employed more than 10,000 people worldwide. But this journey hasn't just been about physical expansion; It has been a journey of discovery and hard work. As in Phuket, the founders bought land elsewhere and transformed them into desired destinations. Today, Banyan Group remains rooted in the belief that travel has the power to change lives, both of those who travel and the communities that host them.
In 2009, Banyan Tree Mayakoba opened in the Riviera Maya, where lush tropical nature meets Asian hospitality and Mexican warmth. Imagine arriving at this sanctuary, surrounded by vibrant mangroves and the canals of the Mayakoba lagoon, where each villa is a refuge in itself and designed to offer you an intimate connection with the environment.
At Banyan Tree Mayakoba, you don't just stay at a luxury resort; you immerse yourself in an experience that awakens all your senses. From the rejuvenating treatments at the award-winning Banyan Tree Mayakoba Spa, staffed by therapists from Thailand and other parts of Mexico to the authentic flavors of Thai and Mexican cuisine offered at its restaurants like Saffron Mayakoba, every moment is designed to be memorable. The unique experience of navigating the canals of the Mayakoba lagoon on the Ixchel boat, a traditional trajinera, while enjoying an exquisite meal, is just one of the many exciting amenities that make this place continually acclaimed for its excellence.
Banyan Group goes beyond a collection of hotels. It is an ecosystem of brands that share a common commitment to wellness, sustainability, and authenticity. With a focus on innovation, diversity, and responsibility, Banyan Tree Mayakoba not only seeks to offer you an unforgettable stay, but also to be an example of how large hotel chains can be a force for good, respecting nature and supporting local communities for their growth. This commitment to sustainability and wellness is at the core of everything we do, ensuring that your stay with us is not only luxurious but also responsible and enriching.
As we celebrate these 15 years in the Riviera Maya, Banyan Tree Mayakoba is proud to be part of this global legacy. Behind every decision we make and every experience we create are the values that guide Banyan Group and each of its hotels; we call them IDEALS: Innovation, Diversity, Empowerment, Responsibility, Learning, and Synergy. These values are not just words: they are the foundation of how we operate and relate to our guests, associates, and the communities with which we interact. We believe in innovation as a driver of change, diversity as a source of enrichment, and responsibility and empowerment as pillars to achieve true excellence in service.
At Banyan Tree Mayakoba, we have transformed service excellence training into an interactive and dynamic experience. Our associates participate in different games to learn. This is part of the S.E.R.V.E program (elements of the Service Excellence Program), which encourages collaboration and a deep understanding of customer service.
As we look to the future, Banyan Tree Mayakoba and Banyan Group remain committed to delivering experiences that delight, inspire, and empower. Each of our resorts continues to evolve, innovate, and adapt to changes in the world without losing sight of the principles that have guided us from the beginning.
