Singapore-based Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, known for its
luxurious properties in the Asian Pacific, has announced plans to
develop its first two resorts in Mexico.
In Punta Diamante, a peninsula in Acapulco, Banyan Tree has
partnered with Grupo Mexicano de Desarrollo (GMD) to build a
resort, spa and residential community. Construction is scheduled to
begin in the first quarter of 2005 with completion by the end of
2006. The complex will have 60 villas, a Banyan Tree Spa, specialty
restaurants and homes that will blend into the natural environment.
It will be part of a project under development by GMD that includes
a 125-berth marina, a golf course and ocean-view homes and
condominiums.
The second project is slated for Mayakoba on the Riviera Maya. A
joint venture with the Obrascon Huarte Lain Group of Spain, the
resort will include 100 villas, a Banyan Tree spa and signature
restaurants, as well as a residential component. The site is
scheduled for opening in 2007.
The plan for Mayakoba includes careful consideration of the
natural ecology of the region. All designs must assure the
preservation of low jungle, dunes, mangroves and reefs. Natural
vegetation will be rescued and grown in nurseries where possible.
And a system of lagoons and canals has been created to promote
continued growth.
Banyan Tree will manage both projects for at least 25 years, and
the buildings will be designed in the Asian style for which the
resort company is known, incorporating the signature tropical
garden, spa and pool villas. Managing 15 hotels, 35 spas, two golf
courses and 37 art galleries in 12 countries, Banyan Tree also
operates resorts in Phuket and Bangkok, Thailand; Bintan,
Indonesia; the Maldives and the Seychelles.
“Mexico further entrenches Banyan Tree as a truly global player.
In our space, going global is not about having a few hundred hotels
and resorts, but a necklace of jewels that span the globe with a
representation in every key market. It is not about being
everywhere, but being where we need to be to remain among the best
of the best. Our resorts in Mexico will allow us to tap long-haul
markets from Europe and will also have the added strategic benefit
of being within three or four hours of our North American clients,”
said Ho Kwon Ping, executive chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings.
www.banyantree.com