History

Year	Details
2008	On tropical Hainan island, China, Banyan Tree Sanya embodies modern minimalist chic with the opening of all-pool villas nestled in the tropical lagoon landscape of the enchanting resort. Angsana Suites Dubai, United Arab Emirates is open for business in the heart of the city.
2007	Banyan Tree Al Areen, Bahrain opens, reflecting an intimate Middle Eastern influence and adjoining the Al Areen wildlife park. The first tented pool villas in the Maldives, Banyan Tree Madivaru was built without the loss of any trees. Angsana Riads Collection debuts in Morocco, a superb oasis of style and carefully preserved history. Two group-wide initiatives, Greening Communities and Seedlings were launched.
2006	Banyan Tree launches Earth Day appreciation events across its resorts. Special packages and activities for guests spread the message of conservation for the months of April and May, with resorts hosting guest and community activities on 22 April. Banyan Tree Holdings debuts trading on the Singapore Exchange on 14 June 2006. Banyan Tree Lijiang opens in Yunnan, China, with villas constructed with traditional local materials. During the construction, Banyan Tree provides upgraded facilities to the Lijiang Ethnic Orphanage and donates over 500 books to the orphanage’s two libraries.
2005	The Asian Tsunami Recovery Fund (ATRF) and Phuket Tsunami Recovery Fund (PTRF) are launched to assist in recovery and rehabilitation, following the Indian Ocean tsunamis of 26 December 2004. Banyan Tree is a founding member of Singapore Compact for Corporate Social Responsibility, a national society promoting social responsibility in Singapore. Ms Claire Chiang serves as its inaugural President. Banyan Tree is a founding signatory to the United Nations Global Compact in Singapore. Banyan Tree Ringha, at 3,200m above sea level, opens as the Group’s first high altitude resort in Yunnan, China. The villas are traditional village farmhouses purchased from families upgrading their homes, removing the need for new timber and providing additional income for nearby villages. Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel opens in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang, Laos.
2004	Banyan Tree formalises its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee to direct socially responsible practices and use of the GIF fund. This committee consists of senior management from each resort to help cross-fertilise ideas for projects. Deer Park Hotel is introduced in the Golden Triangle of Sri Lanka.
2003	The Banyan Tree Maldives Marine Lab is launched as the first resort based research and educational facility in the Maldives. The Lab protects and researches on locally endangered species such as Green Sea Turtles and also works with local youths to promote education and better health. Gyalthang Dzong Hotel opens in the Yunnan highlands.
2002	Banyan Tree Bangkok opens as the Group’s first urban hotel. To enhance the hotel as a natural sanctuary, some car parking areas are converted to urban oases featuring vegetation, aquatic and avian life. Banyan Tree Seychelles is built around the fragile and unique wetlands of the Seychelles. The construction and operation includes a wetlands management plan to minimise the negative impacts of tourism.
2001	Banyan Tree establishes the Green Imperative Fund (GIF) that matches donations from guests to promote efforts embracing the environment and empowering people. A human resource initiative, Banyan Tree Spa Academy Phuket opens, providing training, knowledge and education in all areas of spa therapy. Angsana Ihuru and Angsana Oasis Bangalore open in Maldives and India respectively.
2000	Banyan Tree Gallery is launched as a subsidiary working closely with village cooperatives and not-for-profit craft marketing agents. The Angsana brand is launched with the opening of Angsana Bintan and Angsana Great Barrier Reef in Indonesia and Australia respectively.
1996	The first Banyan Tree Gallery opens in Phuket, Thailand as a retail outlet showcasing indigenous crafts. The gallery’s roots stretch back to 1989 when Ms Claire Chiang (cofounder of Banyan Tree and founder of Banyan Tree Gallery) purchases two maun triangular cushions in support of the Yasothorn community, Northeast Thailand. This chance meeting leads to the commissioning of handicrafts to furnish the interiors of Banyan Tree resorts.
1995	Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is built with careful consideration for the Maldivian island’s fragile coral. Specially requisitioned light boats carry prefabricated villa elements to protect the coral reefs. Banyan Tree Bintan opens following a careful development strategy to protect the virgin rainforest in which it resides. To preserve the natural beauty of the environment, villas are built on stilts, and around existing trees and boulders.
1994	Backed by the experience of transforming a damaged plot of land into a lush garden, Executive Chairman Mr. Ho Kwon Ping introduces the company’s own global hotel brand. Banyan Tree Phuket, the group’s flagship resort, is launched in Laguna Phuket.
1992	Laguna Phuket receive the American Express and International Hotel Association Environmental Award. Its site had previously been deemed toxic by the United Nations Development Programme and Tourism Authority of Thailand.