Banyan Tree Mayakoba

MEXICO CITY, MX (January XX, 2011) - Announcing a Luxury Resorts Banyan Tree Mayakoba in the Riviera Maya and Banyan Tree Cabo Marqus in Acapulco each welcome a new Executive Chef to their respective teams.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba announces the recent appointment of Rafael M. Casas to the Mayakoba culinary team in the position as Executive Chef, responsible for all the resort's F&B outlets. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Casas has enriched his culinary experience in destinations including France, the United States and his native Argentina, improving style and technique - including the inspiration from French haute cuisine. Rafael's cuisine is creative and avant-garde without losing a personal touch, based on the preservation of natural colors and textures. In Mexico, Casas served as the opening Executive Chef at Acapulco's Banyan Tree Cabo Marqus where he achieved recognition as "5 Diamond Star Award " for restaurants Saffron and La Nao from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.
Banyan Tree Cabo Marqus welcomes Executive Chef Alfonso de la Dehesa. De la Dehesa has developed an impeccable track record with over twelve years' experience in the world of haute cuisine. Starting his career in Switzerland, he attained a reputation that led him to work in the best resorts throughout Spain, Dubai, Switzerland and Mexico including restaurants awarded Michelin stars, working with personalities in the food industry such as Chef Ferran Adri. De la Dehesa's kitchen specializes in minimalist touches with a unique flair, creating flavorful but fun dishes based on the fervent passion and expertise in modern Spanish cuisine.

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About Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts
The leading international operator in the boutique resort, residences and spa industry, Banyan Tree offers a signature blend of romance and travel with a green conscience. The philosophy behind the hotels, resorts, residences, spas, retail galleries and destination club is based on rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul - a Sanctuary for the Senses. Angsana Hotels and Resorts is the ideal complement to Banyan Tree, comprising contemporary, chic and ecologically sensitive retreats. Since 2009 the company made its entry in the Americas with the opening of, Banyan Tree Mayakoba and Banyan Tree Cabo Marqus. To date, the Banyan Tree Group manages and/or has ownership interests in over 24 resorts and hotels, over 64 spas, in excess of 70 retail galleries; as well as three golf courses.

Media Contacts:
Mexico
Adriana Chardi
Area Manager, Communications & Public Relations T: +52 (984) 8773671
E: [email]adriana.chardi@banyantree.com[/email]
United States
Laura Pettitt | Katie Clark
The Brandman Agency
T: 310.385.3684 | 212.683.2442
E: [email]laura@brandmanpr.com[/email]

http://www.elitemeetings.com/property/banyan-tree-mayakoba/

Riviera Maya, Mexico, May 2010 - Weddings are a celebration of life, representing a commitment to the future. Taking a step further, couples may also commit to the earth's future as well as their own when tying the knot. Likewise, environmentally responsible meetings are not only good for the Earth, they are great for business. Planning or supplying a green meeting gives companies the competitive edge, and can even save time and money in the process when they are professionally organised at Banyan Tree Mayakoba.

Banyan Tree Mayokaba, located in a carefully preserved ecological site, is the first resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico, to offer event and wedding planners the option to hold their events in a carbon responsible manner. The carbon responsible programme comes at no additional cost to the organisers. By choosing Banyan Tree Mayakoba as the venue for their events, these companies will be playing their part to support the reforestation of areas of Mexico and provide employment to the local indigenous population, even as the resort absorbs the cost of carbon offset. This triple bottom line approach is in keeping with the Banyan Tree corporate belief that there is no need to sacrifice the environment in order to deliver a sublime experience.

Carbon responsible wedding and customised event packages have been available since April 2010. The organisers will receive an event verification certificate provided by Reforestamos Mexico. Each guest receives a wooden artefact crafted by a local workshop based in the Buenavista community, which salvages wood from trees felled by natural causes and crafts them into forms that represent the beauty of Mexico's Riviera Maya.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba uses the internationally accredited EarthCheck Program to carefully manage and measure the amount of energy and water consumed as a result of the individual guest's stay. A symbolic carbon measure is then offset locally through Reforestamos Mexico, a certified organisation which in turn links to the Scolel Te project. This forestry carbon sequestration initiative involves the indigenous communities of Tzeltales, Tzotziles, Choles and Lacandones in Chiapas, and the Chinanteca communities in Oaxaca. The project is based on the Plan Vivo System, using a guiding methodology for land-use based carbon project development that permits participation from cooperative farms and communities in carbon capture, biodiversity preservation, endangered species protection and the environmental services market.

About Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Banyan Tree Mayakoba is located in picturesque Riviera Maya, Mexico's premier beach destination fronting the Caribbean Sea. The resort is 40 minutes' drive from Cancun International Airport and 10 minutes from the cosmopolitan town of Playa del Carmen. A total of 107 pool villas are discreetly built into the carefully conserved landscape, which preserves four ecosystems in balance - the mangroves, dunes, low forests, and coral reefs. Banyan Tree Mayakoba is the ideal setting for honeymoons, holidays, wedding parties, meeting groups, and other gatherings.

A range of unique wedding and meeting events packages are specially customised for organisers, and cost varies depending on requirements.

For further information, please contact Romance Director Ms. Josefina de Luna at [email]josefina.luna@banyantree.com[/email] or Manager, Group Sales, Ms. Cinthya Cabrera at [email]cinthya.cabrera@banyantree.com[/email]. Guests may also call the resort directly at +52 984 877 3688, or email [email]mayakoba@banyantree.com[/email] for reservations and enquiries.

For further materials on our project partners, please visit [url]www.earthcheck.org[/url], [url]www.planvivo.org[/url] and [url]www.ambio.org.mx/en/[/url]. and [url]www.reforestamosmexico.org[/url]

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31 March 2010 - Mr. Ho KwonPing, Executive Chairman, Banyan Tree Holdings Ltd ("Banyan Tree") has been selected as the 2010 recipient of the coveted American Creativity Association (ACA) Lifetime Achievement Award, the organization's highest form of recognition that honors individuals for outstanding creative accomplishments that have substantially contributed to the betterment of society.

The award is an endorsement of Mr Ho's achievements in various fields, including his leadership of Banyan Tree, which has often been credited for forging new trends in the global hospitality industry, among them for pioneering the tropical garden spa concept in Asia and envisioning the innovative pool villas for which Banyan Tree is renowned, and which have since set the benchmark for luxury travel.

In the history of the ACA to date, only ten awards have been given. As its first non-American recipient, Mr. Ho now joins the ranks of such innovators as Senator John Glenn, the first American astronaut to circle the Earth, Earl Bakken, inventor of the heart pacemaker, and Jack Kilby, inventor of the micro-chip.

"This award celebrates individuals who have creatively stretched beyond conventional thinking and paradigms to positively influence society," said Jamie O'Boyle, President of ACA. "KP's life work spoke for itself during the award evaluation process."

"I am flattered and deeply honored by this rather unexpected but very welcome award", Mr Ho said. "In my opinion, some innovations spark from good luck, others are born out of necessity; and in the case Banyan Tree, it has often resulted from a conscious and purposeful search for innovative opportunities driven by our brand values."

In his acceptance speech, Mr Ho paid tribute to organizations such as the ACA, which he believes plays a vital role in "promoting the necessity for creativity in every aspect of our lives, so that like the air we breathe and the sunshine that we enjoy, creativity is not external to our lives, but is a daily necessity, a blessing, a source of inspiration and quiet enjoyment."

Through active participation in civil society through his various leadership positions in civic and educational institutions, Mr Ho, together with wife Claire Chiang, is also one of the leading corporate social responsibility (CSR) advocates in Singapore. Banyan Tree, a founding member of the UN Global Compact in Singapore, has also won numerous awards for sustainability initiatives implemented at its resorts all over the world.

In addition to being the founder and executive chairman of Banyan Tree, Mr Ho is the Chairman of the Singapore Management University, a member of the Global Advisory Council of London Business School and INSEAD International Council and East Asia Council. He is also the Chairman of MediaCorp Singapore, and a member of the Asia Pacific Council of The Nature Conservancy.

Our resort has been ranked as #1 in Trip Advisor, out of 178 Hotels in Playa del Carmen?
We encourage you to check out our reviews at
www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g150812-d1218761-Reviews-Banyan_Tree_Mayakoba-Playa_del_Carmen_Yucatan_Peninsula

Riviera Maya, Mexico, July 2009 - On 2 July 2009, Banyan Tree Mayakoba welcomed Mexican President Felipe Calderon Hinojosa for the official opening ceremony of the Banyan Tree Group's first resort in the Americas. President Calderon was on a visit to the Riviera Maya as part of a global meeting of World Health Organization (WHO) leaders and international health ministers.

The opening ceremony took place on the upper lobby level of Banyan Tree Mayakoba where local and national touristic sector personalities were present, such as Felix Gonzalez Canto, Governor of the State of Quintana Roo; Sara Latife Ruiz Chavez, Tourism Secretary of Quintana Roo; Eduardo Roman Quian Alcocer, Municipal President of Solidaridad; and Javier Aranda Pedrero, General Director of Riviera Maya Touristic Promotion Fund; among others.

President Calderon and First Lady Margarita Zavala arrived at the resort through one of the mangrove canals that connects the property with the Mayakoba development. They were warmly received by Pancho Llamas, Area General Manager of Banyan Tree Mayakoba, and Juan Miguel Villar Mir, President of Obrascon Huarte Lain Group (OHL), developers of Mayakoba.

The natural, ecological setting of Banyan Tree Mayakoba was the perfect backdrop to host the opening ceremony. As part of the celebration, the President and his wife were invited to release indigenous young fish into the resort's water lobby following a ritual that contributes to the visitor's wellness and maintains the balance of energy of the place as well as attracts positive experiences.

During the ceremony President Calderon received a gift of a Royal Thai Barge, which represents a procession in which a ceremony of both religious and royal significance has been taking place for nearly 700 years. It is known that the owner of a Royal Thai Barge will receive good blessings in their lifetime.

About Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Located in the vibrant Riviera Maya just 40 minutes' drive from Cancun International Airport, Banyan Tree Mayakoba is the perfect synthesis of modern Asian and Mexican tropical design. Designed exclusively by Architrave Design and Planning, the architectural arm of Banyan Tree, the resort's design and layout evokes a background of Asian simplicity with brilliant exclamations of Mexican artistry.

The private Garden Pool Villas, Spa Pool Villas, Terrace Residences and Beachfront Pool Villas cater to discerning market segments that range from honeymooners and couples, to larger families and intimate groups of friends. Each villa offers a spacious pool, starting from 30 square metres, as well as outdoor heated jet-pools or sunken baths, massage beds, and steam rooms. All 132 villas are freestanding units on land, over water, or by the beachfront, tucked amidst undulating lagoons, canals and lush mangroves, to create an intimate oasis that did not harm the ecologically sound environment.

The distinctive Banyan Tree Spa offers the opportunity to experience unique and exclusive treatments in beautiful pavilions located above the lagoons. All treatments are provided by professional spa therapists trained in the Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Phuket, Thailand.

Banyan Tree's culinary experience includes Oriente Restaurant and its modern Mexican cuisine, Banyan Tree signature Restaurant Saffron and its contemporary Thai cuisine, Tamarind with its classic Mediterranean flavor and Sands Restaurant with its seafood specialties.

Riviera Maya, Mexico, 24 March 2009 - From the first glimpse of the splendid banyan tree in the two-storey water courtyard, to the intimate design of each pool villa that is tucked into the undulating eco-landscape, every detail about Banyan Tree Mayakoba lives up to its promise as the most eagerly anticipated introduction of the Banyan Tree brand in the Americas.

Located in the vibrant Riviera Maya just 40 minutes' drive from Cancun International Airport, Banyan Tree Mayakoba is the perfect synthesis of modern Asian and Mexican tropical design. Designed exclusively by Architrave Design and Planning, the architectural arm of Banyan Tree, the resort's design and layout evokes a background of Asian simplicity with brilliant exclamations of Mexican artistry. An example is the exquisitely detailed talavera earthenware in black and white, which were specially commissioned for use as bathroom sinks throughout the resort.

The features of each villa also reflect the needs of the different travelers to Riviera Maya. The private Garden Pool Villas, Spa Pool Villas, Terrace Residences and Beachfront Pool Villas cater to discerning market segments that range from honeymooners and couples, to larger families and intimate groups of friends, who are in need of one-, two- and three-bedroom villas that have the perfect proportions of space, garden pavilions and view. Each villa offers a spacious pool, starting from 30 square meters, as well as outdoor heated jet-pools or sunken baths, massage beds, and steam rooms. All 132 villas are freestanding units on land, over water, or by the beachfront, tucked amidst undulating lagoons, canals and lush mangroves, to create an intimate oasis that did not harm the ecologically sound environment.

With the inaugural emergence of Banyan Tree Spa in the Mexican Caribbean region, local and overseas guests alike can experience signature treatments delivered by professional spa therapists, trained at the exclusive Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Phuket, Thailand. They deliver the most indulgent Asian-inspired spa experiences in intimate spa pavilions located over the lagoon. Signature treatments at Banyan Tree Spa Mayakoba include the Thai Herbal Detox treatment package. The highlight is the Salt Pot Body Massage where a traditional Thai salt pot, handcrafted from clay and filled with Thai herbs and salt, is heated and wrapped in a pouch for the massage. This traditional Thai therapy, long practiced for its detoxifying effects, also helps to boost blood circulation, promote healthy skin and relief muscle tension.

As a spa innovator, Banyan Tree Spa introduces The Rainforest in Mayakoba, adding a new dimension to Banyan Tree Spa's interpretation of holistic rejuvenation. The Rainforest is designed as a hydrothermal circuit, comprising alternating hot and cold thermal cabins, for couples to embark on a trail of wellness treats. Each thermal cabin is designed for one couple, offering the ultimate privacy. Walk through The Rainforest Trail, offering eight different hydrothermal therapy experiences like Rain Walk, Aroma Steam Chamber, Finnish Sauna, Rasul, Brine Cavern, Ice Fountain, Experience Showers and Vitality Pool.

Dining With A Difference
With a strong reputation for dining excellence, the culinary team at Banyan Tree Mayakoba has succeeded in creating restaurants that leave an indelible memory. For a start, Banyan Tree is introducing Saffron, its contemporary Thai marque, which is dramatically located on two lagoon decks overlooking the estuary and the main lobby. Saffron's sophisticated menu will be helmed by two Banyan Tree Phuket Thai chefs brought over especially for their experience and finesse.

The other signature stand-out is Tamarind, the spa cuisine purveyor which serves an organic menu of specially created spa juices and fine dining cuisine. Tamarind was first introduced in Banyan Tree Phuket, and is well-known for its delicious, substantial cuisine with a healthy focus.

Located by the main swimming pool, Oriente is a must-visit for its daily breakfast buffet in the mornings, and modern Mexican dinner menu in the evenings. A chic destination is the Sands beach club, which offers a la carte breakfast, a trim lunch menu, and a classic grilled seafood selection for dinner. The tables overlook the Caribbean coast, and the area is often a hub of activity with an infinity swimming pool, lounge decks, shaded cabanas, and attentive pool service that includes complimentary fruit sorbet and cold towels. La Copa bar offers tapas snacks and highly innovative cocktails, that range from a cucumber refresher to a rose petal margarita, all finely crafted by the bartender.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba will soon offer the Ixchel destination dining experience, which is a private dinner set onboard a trajinera, a traditional Mexican flat bottom boat decorated with indigenous motifs and cloths. Ixchel is named after the Mayan goddess of the moon. Meanwhile, guests can enjoy the gourmet selections with private in-villa dining or barbecue service, where a full medley of meats and/or seafood is freshly grilled as wished, under the stars in one's own villa garden.

Discovering Mayan Culture
Banyan Tree Mayakoba is blessed to be located within an easy distance of at least three archeological wonders that range from Greater Mayan to Toltec - the Chichen Itza complex, the Tulum seaside ruins, and the Coba jungle temples. In addition to this, it is also within day trip proximity of the extensive UNESCO World Heritage Site Biosphere reserve, the Sian Ka'an where little or no development takes place. This is one of the last remaining refuge in Mexico for jaguars and other native fauna and flora. At Banyan Tree Mayakoba, guests have the convenience of a specially selected in-house tour operator, Maritur, located in the lobby, to arrange their tours and excursions safely and in the comfort in which they are accustomed.

A Longstanding Pact
Banyan Tree's commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainable tourism is reflected group-wide and also in the design of Banyan Tree Mayakoba. The architecture of the property was designed to preserve a stretch of pristine tropical mangrove, teeming with wild life and birds, located within the Mayakoba ecological development.

Singapore, October 2008 - Award-winning Asian hospitality brand, Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts marks its entry into North America with Banyan Tree Mayakoba, located on Mexico's pristine Riviera Maya, amidst the exclusive and ecologically-sensitive Mayakoba development.

From February 2009, Banyan Tree Mayakoba will introduce the first branded exclusive all-pool villa resort and Banyan Tree Spa to the area, offering the brand's authentic Asian gentility, sensuality and luxury accommodations to the Americas market. Banyan Tree Cabo Marqus in Acapulco will complement the Mayakoba resort when it opens in June 2009, as Banyan Tree's second property in the Western Hemisphere.

Banyan Tree is redefining the Mexico hospitality market with the allure of experiential, personable products and services. Guests will be spoiled in their all-pool villas, with 132 to choose from, with in-villa pools starting from 30 square meters. The masterfully designed villa categories include three-bedroom Beachfront Pool Villas, two-bedroom Sunset Beach-Lagoon Pool Villas and Sunrise Lagoon Pool Villas, and Spa Pool Villas. The villas also feature outdoor terraces and select villas offer outdoor heated jet-pools or sunken baths, massage beds, and steam rooms.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba blends the romance of travel with a unique sense of place and signature touches of Asian hospitality, making it one of the most exclusive resorts on Mexico's Riviera Maya. The earth-toned guest rooms are designed with the finest natural materials, and filled with unique Mayan-inspired furnishings infused with Asian touches. All 132 villas are freestanding units on land or over water, tucked amidst undulating lagoons, canals and lush mangroves, to create an intimate oasis.

With the emergence of Banyan Tree Spa in the Mexican Caribbean region, locals and travellers alike can experience signature treatments delivered by trained spa therapists from the exclusive Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Thailand. These trained Asian therapists will deliver the most indulgent Asian-inspired spa experiences in intimate outdoor spa pavilions, located in the lagoon. The Rainforest hydrotherapy centre offers a trail of wellness treats designed to revitalise the senses.

To rejuvenate guests, Banyan Tree Mayakoba offers a number of dining facilities: Banyan Tree's signature Southeast Asian restaurant, Saffron; Tamarind restaurant, which specialises in spa entre options catering to a holistic lifestyle; The Beach Club restaurant, featuring light snacks and refreshing beverages poolside or in the pool's wet bar.

Banyan Tree's commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility is reflected group-wide and also in the design of Banyan Tree Mayakoba. The architecture of the property was designed to preserve a stretch of pristine tropical mangrove, teeming with wild life and birds, located within the property. Each villa is designed to maximise connection with its natural surroundings. Within a "U"-shaped design, guests have a private sanctuary, complete with jet-pool and gazebo, without increasing the built-up area of the villas. The resort is also located near the Mayan Reef, the world's second largest barrier reef, which lies just 300 metres from the shore. .

Banyan Tree Mayakoba presents a rare opportunity to own the brand's first real estate offering in the Western Hemisphere. On a limited basis, 50 of the resort's 132 luxury villas and terrace residences are for sale. Secluded and serene, each masterfully designed one- to three-bedroom villas and terrace residence reveals sensuous spaces for outdoor bathtubs and showers as well as spacious sundecks with private pools located beside sea, mangroves and manicured fairways.

An intimate, ecological haven, Banyan Tree Mayakoba is located within the private Mayakoba integrated resort development comprising five leading hotel brands and is situated just 10 minutes from Playa del Carmen - the charming Mexican pueblo coined "the vibrant heat of the Riviera Maya." One-stop reservations at the best rates can be made on the award-winning website, banyantree.com.

About Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts
The leading international operator in the boutique resort, residences and spa industry, Banyan Tree offers a signature blend of romance and travel with a green conscience. The philosophy behind the hotels, resorts, residences, spas, retail galleries and destination club is based on rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul - a Sanctuary for the Senses. Angsana Hotels and Resorts is the ideal complement to Banyan Tree, comprising contemporary, chic and ecologically sensitive retreats. Based in areas of outstanding natural beauty and exciting city hubs, Angsana hotels, resorts, residences, spas and retail galleries reflect the spirit and communities of its environment.

To date, the Banyan Tree Group manages and/or has ownership interests in over 20 resorts and hotels, over 60 spas, in excess of 60 retail galleries; as well as two golf courses.