Banyan Group has launched a 100-day global celebration in honour of its 30th anniversary, featuring a host of curated cultural experiences and conservation initiatives and culminating in the opening of its 100th property - the Mandai Rainforest Resort in Singapore. Olivia Palamountain reports

Banyan Group has announced a 100-day global celebration across its portfolio culminating in the opening of its 100th property, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree in Singapore.

Marking three decades since the hospitality company launched its first resort in Phuket, the "100 Journeys" programme, which runs from now until December 9, 2025, features curated cultural experiences across the group's portfolio of resorts and hotels spanning 20 destinations.

Activities include Tibetan black pottery-making at Banyan Tree Ringha, zen meditation at a temple near Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, exploring ancient rock formations at Banyan Tree AlUla and bamboo rafting at Banyan Tree Yangshuo.The celebrations conclude with a week-long festival at Mandai Rainforest Resort (November 27 to December 3) featuring discovery trails, wellbeing sessions and community activities. Banyan Group will match festival ticket proceeds 1:1 and donate funds to the President's Challenge, an annual Singapore initiative supporting local charities and social service organisations.

Ren Yung Ho, deputy chief executive at Banyan Group, says: "As we celebrate the Grand Opening of our 100th property later in November, 100 Journeys reflects how far we've come and how we've grown. It's a tribute to the communities that shaped us and a promise to continue creating meaningful, place-led experiences that stay with our guests long after the journey ends. The Banyan experience has always been rooted in care - for people, for place, and for purpose. It redefines the value of travel as something measured in the lasting connections formed and new perspectives gained."The group operates 12 brands including its flagship Banyan Tree across hotels, spas, galleries and branded residences. Additional experiences include cooking local meals at Cassia Phuket, exploring Vietnam's rice terraces at Garrya Mu Cang Chai, diving a sunken shipwreck in the Maldives at Dhawa Ihuru, and guided eco-walks through olive groves at Angsana Corfu.

Conservation initiatives form part of the celebration, highlighting the group's environmental programmes. These include a refreshed Marine Lab in the Maldives engaging guests in coral conservation, bird conservation near Banyan Tree Suzhou supporting more than 170 species, and sea turtle releases on Bintan Island where over 5,800 turtles have been released since 2008.Community-focused programmes include providing clean water access for villages near Banyan Tree Yangshuo, artisan collaborations through Banyan Tree Gallery and youth mentorship via the Seedlings Programme equipping young people with education and vocational skills. The Stay for Good initiative encourages guest participation in community engagement honouring local culture.

Guests can contribute personal stories and reflections through digital postcards until December 9, 2025, with 100 submissions receiving a US$100 Banyan Group e-gift card. The top three storytellers will receive complimentary three-day, two-night stays.Mandai Rainforest Resort will offer nature and photography workshops celebrating Singapore's biodiversity, positioning the property as both a milestone achievement and a gateway to environmental education. The Singapore location represents the group's expansion into urban rainforest settings distinct from its traditional beach and mountain resort locations.

The 100th property opening reflects broader industry trends towards experiential travel where accommodation providers curate cultural and environmental programmes rather than simply offering rooms and facilities. Banyan Group's emphasis on conservation and community engagement positions these activities as central to the guest experience rather than supplementary offerings.