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When thinking of hotels at the intersection of wellness, sustainability, community and luxury, Banyan Group leads the sector. The pioneering hospitality brand has presence in over 20 countries and champions responsible tourism through eco-sensitive architecture, community-focused initiatives, and a strong environmental ethos. As a brand founded and headquartered in Singapore, cultural authenticity is crucial to the Banyan experience. Each property is designed to reflect and celebrate its unique locale; and guests are invited to participate and immerse themselves in local culture, ethos, and flavor. During this AAPI month, we found the opportunity to chat with the President and CEO of Banyan Group, Eddy See, at a glance behind the scenes at one of the world’s most luxurious wellness hotels.
What’s your personal philosophy on hospitality, and how does it shape the direction of the brand?
“I believe hospitality should offer more than just a place to stay. It’s not only about good service or beautiful design but about offering something authentic shaped by thoughtful design, cultural depth, and a genuine care for people and the environment. Great hospitality creates experiences that are considered, meaningful, and respectful of their surroundings.
Each of our properties expresses this philosophy in its own way—through its design, its relationship with local communities, and the experiences it offers. Whether it’s a wellness retreat, a nature escape, or a city hotel that blends leisure and business, our brands are built to meet the evolving needs of today’s travellers while staying true to our founding values.”
As a pioneer in sustainable luxury, how do you continue to lead meaningfully in this space?
“Banyan Group is guided by our core principle of ‘Embracing the Environment, Empowering People.’ Based on the belief that everything is interconnected, we ensure that this philosophy is reflected across every aspect of our operations—from the design and architecture of our properties that respect the environment, to sourcing food locally, and through the experiences, programmes, and amenities we offer at each property. These reflect our commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community upliftment drives our approach to responsible tourism.”
Banyan Group properties are known for being deeply rooted in their surroundings. How do you maintain a sense of place while growing globally?
“As the Group expands globally, our commitment to celebrating the distinctive qualities of each location remains at the heart of our approach. We are dedicated to respecting the natural environment and curating experiences that connect guests to the essence of each destination. Through thoughtful planning, sustainable construction, and a focus on local culture, we incorporate native design elements, source ingredients locally, and craft experiences that reflect the region’s traditions and heritage.”
How do you balance growth with a commitment to local communities and ecosystems?
“Balancing growth with a commitment to local communities and ecosystems lies at the heart of our business philosophy. For us, growth is not simply about expansion; it is about creating positive impact and fostering a regenerative cycle for all involved.Our growth is closely tied to the health and prosperity of the communities and ecosystems we engage with. When they thrive, we thrive.”
As Banyan Group expands over 22 countries, what destinations or experiences are you most excited to explore in future projects?
“What excites me most is not just entering new markets, but doing so in ways that allow us to push the boundaries of what hospitality can mean, whether through new geographies, new guest experiences, or deeper expressions of our values.
Later this year, we will be opening Ubuyu, a Banyan Tree Escape—our first safari resort and our entry into Tanzania. Located in Ruaha National Park, the country’s second largest and still largely untouched, the resort offers guests the rare opportunity to experience Africa as it is—raw, wild, and profoundly moving. It is conceived as a sanctuary to rewild the soul, where stays are guided by a dedicated Escape Host and shaped by quiet immersion into the rhythms of the land, encounters with wildlife, and meaningful moments shared with the local community.
Closer to home, we will also be officially celebrating the grand opening of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree in Singapore—a proud homecoming for the Group, and our 100th hotel worldwide. Over a decade in the making, this resort was never intended to be just a hotel, but a living, breathing part of the ecosystem. Designed with regenerative principles, it was built only on previously impacted land, raised to allow wildlife to pass freely beneath, and planted with a successional landscape that allows the forest to gradually reclaim the site.”
What does it mean to be an AAPI CEO leading in today’s world?
“Leading in today’s world calls for empathy, inclusion, and a deep appreciation of cultural nuance. As an Asian CEO of a global hospitality group, I work alongside 14,000 colleagues representing over 90 nationalities. That breadth of perspectives shapes how we lead, how we think, and how we engage with our guests and communities.
To me, leadership is about listening with intention, making room for dialogue, and building bridges—between East and West, tradition and innovation, local communities and global travellers. It also means leading with purpose and practicing stewardship: making decisions that care not only for business growth, but also for people, places, and the shared future we’re shaping together.”
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