Feydhoo Pre-school!

Feydhoo pre-school – In collaboration with the Feydhoo Island Women’s Committee, Banyan Tree helped establish and develop a pre-school on Feydhoo island.

By building to the specifications of the local community and educational board requirements, Banyan Tree was able to provide a model facility to support education on Feydhoo.

After building the school, Banyan Tree also provided necessary teaching and school administrative equipment.



The first batch of 15 students graduated to grade 1 (Primary School) on 24th October 2009! Congratulations!

Banyan Tree Ungasan Road Clean Up

Prior opening Banyan Tree Ungasan, Bali, all associates were invited to participate in removing trash and debris scattered along the way to the main gate of the resort, caused by construction and the waste disposal from the local population.

More than 30 associates from JG1 to Excom showed up in the event that was held on 6 November 2009, in the middle of a warm afternoon (30°C). Carrying large trash bags, and equipped with disposable hand gloves, associates started the 1km walk from the main lobby down the road at about 3.30pm, starting to collect many different type of non-organic rubbish such as beverage containers, plastic bags and cans, along the way to the main gate. For over an hour and a half, associates managed to gather more than 10 large trash bags full of rubbish.


As part of the CSR program we educated associates on proper waste management practices, to strive the importance of regularly maintaining the cleanliness of the resort and surrounding areas. This road clean up is the first one in many of upcoming similar activities in order to raise awareness among associates and the local community on environmental cleanliness, hygiene, and waste management.

Was in Mayakoba!

Day One - Arriving in Mexico

After a long, arduous swim through natural canals and lagoons, connected underground to the sea, I’m finally in America!

Met in the lobby by the Banyan Tree Mayakoba team of associates, I was told that situated in the eco-haven of Mayakoba, Banyan Tree is a harmonious blend of nature and luxury, and the first all-pool villa resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico.


Our Mexican associates escorted me past the splendid banyan tree looming over the two-storey water courtyard to my lavish Garden Pool Villa. As I relaxed in the privacy of my own villa facing eco-landscape and enjoying the natural surroundings of lush nature, I could certainly see why Banyan Tree Mayakoba lives up to its promise as the most eagerly anticipated brand in the Americas!


A myriad of dining options are available in Banyan Tree Mayakoba, from the Mediterranean-inspired Tamarind, signature Thai cuisine of Saffron, modern Mexican cuisine from Oriente and in-villa dining. Being in Mexico for the first time, I headed to Oriente for a truly gastronomical experience.

Tired after the long swim and happy with a full stomach, I went to sleep almost as soon as I returned to my Garden Pool Villa.


Day 2 - Exploring Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Waking up to a beautiful day, I was eagerly anticipating the boat tour through the enchanting canals and lagoons. Bird-watching is one of the most popular activities in Mayakoba, with over 250 different vertebrate species coexisting in Mayakoba.

Hopping into the boat, which is electric-powered to avoid noise pollution, I observed many species of herons, a few neotropic cormorants, and midway into the tour, was even lucky enough to spot an iguana who obligingly posed for a photo!



After the peaceful, magical boat tour, the biologist brought me to visit the protected nests of baby turtles!

Banyan Tree guests are invited to help the little turtles out as they are hatched, and all of us protectively watch over them as they make their first steps towards the oceans.



Truly a magical experience, I hope to see many of these turtles return to Mayakoba when they are older to lay their own eggs!


Day 3 - Visiting a School
Waking up after a deep, restful slumber filled with dreams of birds and baby turtles, I had a huge breakfast at the Oriente, their buffet breakfasts are legendary.

After breakfast, the CSR team picked me up, taking me to “Vida y Esperanza” community, where we will be teaching the children art and ecology. I was told that this is would be the first class given to the 15 students from this community, by a Banyan Tree Mayakoba associate, so everyone is very excited.


There were smiles all around as the children drew native animals, trees, and learned more about the environment they are in. In addition, we also taught the basics of waste management, and why it is important to reuse and recycle instead of burning and disposing of waste.

Before leaving we visited a very special place in the community: an apiary that is going to be protected by the members of the community. The Mayan bees will live in this apiary; these amazing bees don’t have a sting so there’s no danger of being harmed.

These incredible, hardworking insects are endangered, and fortunately, Banyan Tree Mayakoba is working hard to prevent its extinction.

After my enriching day, I retired into my villa with a sense of peace and tranquility, inspired by the activities and efforts of the team in Banyan Tree Mayakoba, and hoping to visit again another day. Until then, I will continue to cherish the many fond memories, the new friends I’ve made and experiences I’ve gained.

Greening Communities 2009

The only hotel to plant trees in the city of Luang Prabang, associates from Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel, together with over 4,000 members of the local community from government offices, hospitals, and universities, planted 2,243 trees in Luang Prabang in 2009 alone.



Taking place during the rainy season from June to October, the tree plantings met and exceeded the group-wide target of planting 2,000 trees per resort per year.

Maison Souvvaphoum Hotel will continue to strive to plant 2,000 trees each year, in line with the overall group-wide Greening Communities effort of building awareness of climate change.

Packing for Lijiang!

Packing for Lijiang!

I can’t wait! I’m heading to Banyan Tree Lijiang, and winter is coming fast, so I packed my winter wear, including my favourite Shokay wool scarves and gloves.

On a side note, Banyan Tree Gallery’s Shokay wool line is an interesting story. The Shokay Company is a social enterprise using yak fibre to provide sustainable income for Tibetan yak herders while still preserving their traditional lifestyles.


Day One – Arriving at Banyan Tree Lijiang

Flying into Lijiang, I felt like I was like settling into a magical kingdom in the clouds. We flew in through majestic mountains, finally landing in the quaint airport 2200m above sea level!

I loved the scenic 45 minute car ride from the airport to Banyan Tree Lijiang. The picturesque drive cut through fields of sunflowers and corn, a “sea” of yellow rapeseed plants and grasslands. Cattle, goats, chickens, a family of pigs, dogs and people were all with lining the roads and valley.



As we approached the resort, I noticed that Banyan Tree Lijiang is nestled in a valley with a breathtaking view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and sits among several villages, including Suhe Old Town, only a nice 10-minute stroll away.

It was delightful to see Banyan Tree Lijiang fit so perfectly into this picturesque setting, obviously the resort was built to reflect and celebrate the cultural heritage of the area. With the exception of the three-storey pagoda, which was built in the traditional way by hand and without any nails, all other buildings on site are two stories or less, and mimic the nearby town and its Naxi architecture of curved roofs and flowing streams.

After talking with many of the team members at the hotel including Ms. Andy Lei, Banyan Tree’s CSR Champion for Yunnan, it became clear to me that Banyan Tree Lijiang has taken numerous steps for energy and water conservation. These efforts include the use of solar water heating panels, energy saving bulbs, and a rain water harvesting system for landscape irrigation. At the same time, another point of emphasis ensures that waste management practices are in line with conserving the environment.

I spotted many bird feeders in the trees in and around the resort, and it turns out this was a planned effort to help guests enjoy the company of our feathered friends. True to Lijiang Old Town’s roots, the resort also features many fresh water streams as well as a main pond teeming with gold fish and carp. This is one place you won’t find shark’s fin!

Because of the long day of travel, I took a quick dip in my villa’s private hot tub before settling down with a delightful Naxi hot pot meal served in the privacy of my own villa. Naxi hot pots feature the freshest mushrooms, vegetables and stock, without oil or artificial preservatives. Another highlight of the meal was the Naxi musician and dancer performing an ageless, traditional Naxi dance as I dined. WOW!




Day Two – Visit to Wenhai School and Tree Planting in Lijiang

Over breakfast I learned that Banyan Tree Lijiang has a long standing relationship with a local school, Wenhai Primary School, which associates from Banyan Tree visit twice a year. Wenhai Primary School is about a 90 minute drive from Lijiang, and has around 80 students with less than 5 teachers, limited facilities and equipment and a lack of drinking water facilities.

I was lucky enough that my stay in Lijiang coincided with one of the visits to Wenhai Primary, so I was able to help hand out books, stationary, toys and clothes to the students. No matter how often I see it, nothing is as touching as seeing happy smiles on children’s faces!



While in Wenhai Primary, I also learned that every Children’s Day (31st of October), associates of Banyan Tree visit the school with cakes, snacks, drinks, sports equipment and other gifts to celebrate with the students.

How To Knit!

Just attended a training on ‘how to knit’, organized by Banyan Tree Bangkok’s Human Resources and Training department!

Inspired by Alison Murray and Bangkok National Hospital, the ‘Let’s Knit for the Needy’ project arose as many people lack adequate warm clothing for the approaching winter season. Banyan Tree associates were knitting 15cm x 15cm square pieces that will be put together to create a targeted 111 blankets which will be donated to the needy.


Associates in Banyan Tree Bangkok honed their newly-acquired knitting skills during their lunch breaks with different materials, styles and exuberant shades.



Well done Banyan Tree Bangkok!

Banyan Tree Maldives - Underwater Gardens

Various coral and marine life conservation projects going on in Banyan Tree Maldives

Sustainability at Banyan Tree Maldives

5 minute clip on the work Banyan Tree Maldives is doing with the hearing-impaired, and for Seedlings, our group-wide initiative to support our youth.

Banyan Tree Maldives - Finding Nemo's Friends

A short clip on the Marine Conservation projects in Banyan Tree Maldives, focusing on the resident shark and turtle conservation programs.

Was in Chiangmai!

As part of our group-wide Greening Communities program, and in line with our Corporate Social Responsibility values, 20 associates from Banyan Tree Bangkok, led by Ms. Waewdao Chaithirasakul, CSR Champion and Director of Public Relations, went up to Doi Inthanon National Park, in Chiang Mai.



From the 22nd to 24th of May 2009, the team from Banyan Tree Bangkok planted a total of 250 trees, and gave gifts of trekking and camping equipment to the officers of Doi Inthanon National Park.


Well done!

Banyan Tree Bangkok – The 11th Vertical Marathon, 20 September 2009

Banyan Tree Bangkok held its 11th Vertical Marathon in aid of the HIV Formula Feeding Fund. I was lucky enough to make it in time after a long swim from Banyan Tree Bintan, and inspired by the enthusiasm of the athletes and the well-organized event that ran like clockwork, here are my notes of the festivities……


8pm – 19 September 2009
What a workout. I finally arrived on banks of the Chao Phraya River and headed onto the deck of the Apsara, Banyan Tree’s dinner cruise, to enjoy the delightful culinary journey after my long swim.

After dinner, a limousine from Banyan Tree Bangkok came to pick me up and after a quick and efficient check-in, brought me to my Premier Suite. Although I was enjoying the sweeping views of the city, I was SO tired from my long swim that I went to bed almost immediately.



20 September 2009
It’s the day of the 11th Vertical Marathon! I heard so much about the charity run, a race up 1,093 steps to the award-winning Vertigo restaurant on the 61st floor. The 350 baht registration fee goes fully to the HIV Formula Feeding Fund of the Thai Red Cross, under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali.


6am - 20 September 2009
I gathered with the rest of the staff and participants at the starting line to observe the action, as the runners started to arrive and register for the event. The registration brochure explained that this is the 11th year that the Vertical Marathon is taking place in Banyan Tree Bangkok.



8am - Let the race begin!



The vertical marathon was divided into male and female categories, different age groups and categories (couples and team relay). Runners were flagged off in groups of 10 at 2 minute intervals and officially timed.

Still tired from the previous night’s swim, I chose the lazy way out and decided to take the lift up to the finish line on the 61st floor instead, enjoying spectacular panoramic views of the city and watching dances and performances while waiting for the enthusiastic athletes to finish.

Attentive Banyan Tree associates were on hand at the finish line to ensure the runners were hydrated and healthy. Medals were given out to the top finishers from each category, as the faster runners rested up and we all cheered for the rest of the 629 participants to finish in their various categories.



11.25am

Its over! All 629 runners successfully completed the Vertical Marathon, as seven-time winner Boonchoo Chandaicha defended his title once again as the overall winner in the men’s category with a time of 6m 19s, and Jutharaj Intharavichian emerging the champion in the women’s category with a time of 8m 20s.

This is the 9th year that Banyan Tree Bangkok will be donating the proceeds collected from the Vertical Marathon to the HIV Formula Feeding Fund. Mr. Bernold O. Schroeder, Senior Vice President & Managing Director – Hotel Operations of Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, said, “We are pleased to have contributed over THB 3million (US$88,000) to date for the HIV Formula Feeding Fund. We hope that this amount will go a long way in achieving its aims, and I encourage everyone to sign up for the challenging run and join us in supporting this worthy cause.”


I can’t wait for the next run, and this time, I might even participate!

Greening Communities in Banyan Tree

Did you know? Guiding our ecological philosophy, Banyan Tree increased our commitment to tackle issues of climate change, by launching a group-wide initiative in 2007, challenging each our resorts to plant 2,000 new trees per year for the next 10 years.

While the initiative will offset a small amount of the globally produced atmospheric carbon dioxide, the main goal is to drive greater awareness of climate change among our communities, associates, and guests.

When carrying out the plantings, our teams engaged community members, guests, and associates in order raise awareness of the issues and potential consequences of climate change.


Read more about Greening Communities here.

Day 3 - Elementary school visit in Bintan

*Yawn*. A brand new day! I popped my head out of my shell at approximately 9am and head into my pool for a quick morning dip.

After having breakfast at Treetops, I was picked up by the team from the Bintan Conservation Lab, headed by Henry our Lab Manager. We were going to bring our Seedlings children to a local elementary school. If you have read a previous posting of mine, Seedlings is Banyan Tree’s group-wide initiative to build capacities in young people within local communities.

This visit, two Seedlings participants were going to speak to the elementary school children on local wildlife and encourage conservation of our environment. This would help the Seedlings youths gain confidence in public speaking and develop leadership qualities that will hold them in good stead in the future.



The elementary school children seemed fascinated with all the photos of local wildlife and kept interrupting to ask questions!

After the hour-long session and answering many questions, we said ‘bye’ to the many happy children, with plans to come back soon.




On the way out, we visited an Angsana Tree recently planted in April 2009 by the chairperson of the CSR committee, Ms Claire Chiang. The tree looks to be doing well too!



We took a drive back to the resort, happy that our morning was well-spent and fruitful. Back in my villa, I ordered some food, and went back to bobbing around the pool, getting ready for sleep and a long rest as I would be leaving Banyan Tree Bintan the next day, back to swimming around in the South China Sea as us turtles do. Stay tuned for my next stop and new adventures!

Day 2 - Exploring Banyan Tree Bintan.

The next day, I took a slow walk around the resort. Gosh, the villas soar above the ground on platforms, and the trees sure were huge.

During an engaging tour of the grounds, I learned from our guide Halik, that during development, the villa locations were determined by the trees! Following the traditional fishing villages on Bintan, our villas are built on stilts, under the canopy of the jungle. Architects spent days on site, planning the location of every structure, to avoid sacrificing as few trees as possible and building villas around older trees.


Halik mentioned that to preserve Bintan’s natural environment, landscaping was kept to a minimum, and most boulders were left where they were. One of our swimming pools within the resort was actually carved out of rock!

It’s wonderful to know that we have minimized the impact of our natural environment while building a spectacular resort.

Day 1 - My First Visit to Banyan Tree Bintan!

Phew! I’ve finally arrived on the shores of the Bintan Ferry Terminal. Did you know? Banyan Tree guests have VIP express customs clearance, which made clearing customs and immigration a breeze!

Nestled above a secluded bay in the north-western tip of Bintan Island, Indonesia, Banyan Tree resort is the epitome of luxurious living, offering an exclusive villa lifestyle amidst natural surroundings.

After an affectionate greeting by the Front Office team, I was warmly received by the associates from the Banyan Tree Conservation Lab led by Mr. Henry Ali Singer, and checked into my gorgeous 2-bedroom Pool Villa by the Villa Manager.


As it was dusk and I was bushed after the long swim, I decided to order the In-Villa BBQ and treat myself to a sumptuous meal that wasn’t made up of the usual seaweed that is part of my natural diet.

Two efficient, friendly Banyan Tree waiters were in my villa within half an hour, armed with
fried rice, potatoes, beef, fish, lobster, and huge prawns. Amidst swaying palm trees and the gentle sound of waves, I had the most delicious, relaxing dinner. This sure beats seaweed!


After dinner and a glorious hour of floating around in my pool, I went to sleep in my lush bedroom, looking excitedly forward to the next day, as I will spend the day with guys from the Conservation Lab.

Our inaugural distinguished lecture by Banyan Tree Global Foundation!

Last Thursday, 20 August 2009, Banyan Tree Global Foundation successfully organized its first with over 300 participants enjoying the lively and thought-provoking lecture.


Ms. Claire Chiang delivering the opening address



Mr. Nihal Kaviratne delivering an inspiring lecture


The lecture on good corporate citizenship was delivered by Mr. Nihal Kaviratne, prefaced by Ms Chiang, and moderated by Mr. Stephen B. Young. Mr Kaviratne is the former Senior Vice President of Development & Environmental Affairs for Unilever Asia, and recipient of the CBE – Commander of the Order of the British Empire; and Mr Young is the Global Executive Director of the Caux Round Table and also the author of the book “Moral Capitalism”.



After the talk, members of the public engaged in a lively discussion with the three panellists and our Q&A would have gone on forever if we didn’t run out of time!







Also a key objective of this event was to provide a platform for like-minded individuals, whether new to the concept of responsible business practice or already practicing, to network and share best practices. Our 7 exhibitors were on hand to give attendees more information to aid them through their CSR journeys.

- Ammado, a stakeholder engagement platform
- APABIS, an online platform for network building
- Caux Round Table, an international organisation to promote moral capitalism
- CSR Asia, a consultancy service on CSR; Mentoring Partnership International, a non-profit organisation on leadership development
- Mentoring Partnership International (MPI), a non-profit organisation on leadership development
- Social Innovation Park (SIP), a not-for-profit organisation incubating social entrepreneurs and innovators
- Qi, a multi-media platform for inspiring people.

I thoroughly enjoyed the lecture and even more inspired to make a difference. Bookmark www.banyantreeglobalfoundation.com and sign up for our newsletter to stay in touch with us and be kept updated on all our future events. Hope to see you at the next one!

Take a photo with me!

Sandfilled versions of me are found in all Banyan Tree hotels and resorts worldwide as a welcome gift during your stay. Take a photo of me with you, and send it to felly@banyantree.com, and I'll post it up on my Facebook photo album!

Banyan Tree's Seedlings

In 2007, Banyan Tree launched Seedlings, a group wide initiative to support communities by building capacities of young people. A concerted effort to harness Banyan Tree’s core competencies to support enhanced long term prosperity within communities, Seedlings aims to guide youths at risk of societal exclusion to achieve what may have otherwise remained beyond their means. The effort starts with mentorship, continues with scholarship, and completes with internship as a means to provide young adults with the motivation and means to complete their education and successfully enter the labour force as adults.

For the full story, visit our Banyan Tree Global Foundation Seedlings page here.

My first blog post!

My name is Felidhoo, but my friends call me Felly. The story of how I came to be in is my profile, but as only one in hundreds of baby sea turtles make it to adulthood, I feel truly lucky to be afforded the luxury of swimming around the oceans of the world.

Now, I'm the resident globe-trotting Green Sea Turtle of Banyan Tree, here to bring you news and updates from all our resorts around the world.

Visit my page here!

I'm also found on Facebook, and Twitter. Stay tuned for more updates, news, and adventures from Banyan Tree!