Home » Latest Travel News of Africa » Tanzania Leads the Way as Banyan Group Unveils First Safari Resort in East Africa, Pioneering Regenerative Travel and Luxury Hospitality
Published on
January 15, 2026
As Banyan Group, a trailblazer in luxury hospitality, celebrates a major milestone of 100 resorts worldwide, the brand’s strategic expansion into untapped regions signals a new phase of growth. With ambitious projects spanning Africa, the Caribbean, and Europe, the group’s future promises exciting developments in eco-conscious tourism, regenerative travel, and purpose-driven guest experiences. The Year 2026 marks a turning point for Banyan Group, and with it, a renewed commitment to sustainable and impactful tourism.
Expanding into New Markets with Purpose-Driven Growth
The opening of the 100th resort—Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree in Singapore—sets the tone for a landmark year ahead. A number of high-profile openings are on the horizon in regions rich with cultural, environmental, and tourism potential. As Banyan Group targets both new markets and strengthens its diverse brand portfolio, the company’s purpose-led expansion focuses on wellbeing-led experiences and eco-conscious developments.
New Projects in Africa, the Caribbean, and EuropeSafari Hospitality in Africa: The debut of Ubuyu, a Banyan Tree Escape, in Tanzania is an exciting entry into the East African market. This first safari resort in the region highlights Banyan Group’s commitment to sustainability, offering a rejuvenating experience in the heart of Africa’s wildlife sanctuaries.West African Expansion: In Benin, the opening of Dhawa Ouidah will deepen the group’s presence across Africa, introducing its innovative lifestyle brand to the region.Caribbean Getaways: The Dominican Republic will welcome two key resort openings: Angsana Cap Cana and Cassia Punta Cana. These properties, blending resort and extended-stay offerings, will cater to both leisure and long-term visitors, promising diverse experiences.Europe’s New Retreats: The Banyan Tree brand makes its mark on Montenegro with the reopening of Mamula Island by Banyan Tree. This transformation brings new design concepts, enhanced dining experiences, and integrated wellness programs to a beautiful European destination.Expanding Luxury in China: Banyan Group continues to solidify its presence in Asia with the opening of Banyan Tree Guangzhou Jiulong Lake and Banyan Tree Mount Emei, both offering ecological luxury in the region’s most iconic locations.Elevating the Guest Experience through Wellness
Banyan Group is continuously enhancing its portfolio by introducing wellbeing-led experiences at its flagship Banyan Tree properties. The signature Banyan Tree Connections program, which offers private holistic wellbeing journeys for guests, will expand to include eight new resorts by April 2026. These experiences are designed to foster deeper connections with nature, loved ones, and the self—providing movement, mindfulness, and shared rituals.
Branded Residences Portfolio Grows
Banyan Group’s expansion is not limited to resorts alone. The company’s branded residences portfolio has seen robust growth, with notable sales launches such as the Banyan Tree Padilla Madrid Residences in Spain and the Bellaguna Lake Residences – Lotus in Thailand. With the group’s focus on luxury residential developments, these new properties provide a unique living experience for those seeking year-round residences in idyllic locations.
Corporate and Community Impact
Banyan Group’s commitment to corporate social responsibility is evident through a variety of initiatives in 2025. The company’s Greater Good Grants supported projects across six key areas: biodiversity conservation, community health, youth empowerment, and more. Additionally, Banyan Group’s sustainability agenda remains central to its operations, with a focus on integrating eco-conscious practices into every development.
Global Recognition for Design and Sustainability
In 2025, Banyan Group earned recognition for its sustainable design and environmental stewardship. The group was featured in the Design Power Index and recognized by Architectural Digest for its commitment to creating impactful and meaningful spaces. Properties such as Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe and Mandai Rainforest Resort won prestigious design and sustainability awards, reinforcing the group’s commitment to excellence in every aspect of hospitality.
Innovating Travel and Wellbeing
Banyan Group continues to redefine the hospitality landscape by offering innovative experiences that prioritize guest wellbeing. Whether through holistic wellbeing programs at Banyan Tree properties, sustainable luxury at new resorts, or a greater focus on regenerative travel, the company sets a new standard in luxury tourism.
Strategic Growth in Key Regions
Africa: With the opening of Ubuyu in Tanzania, Banyan Group embarks on a thrilling adventure in East Africa. This marks the first step in the company’s commitment to responsible tourism on the continent.Caribbean: By expanding in the Dominican Republic, the group diversifies its offering with Angsana Cap Cana and Cassia Punta Cana, blending resort and extended stay experiences for different types of travelers.Europe: Montenegro’s Mamula Island becomes the ideal location for a transformative Banyan Tree experience, with rejuvenated design elements and enhanced wellness offerings.Future Outlook
As Banyan Group enters 2026, it remains committed to regenerative tourism that supports both environmental sustainability and community development. By expanding into new regions, enhancing its wellness-focused offerings, and investing in sustainable design, the company is poised to become a key player in the luxury travel market for years to come. Its ongoing commitment to providing wellbeing-led experiences is set to elevate the guest experience, offering more personalized journeys in stunning locations around the world.
