May 2, 2015 TnH Global

Banyan Tree unveils Cassia – hotel residences of the future

The award-winning hospitality group Banyan Tree recently announced the launch of a new brand, Cassia, in a completely new space for the group.

Having identified a niche in the market, Banyan Tree brings its expertise in design and innovation to create an exciting and bold new proposition in the serviced apartment sector bringing the company’s portfolio to three brands. Nestled in a niche sector between hotel and apartment, Cassia offers one and two-bedroom units with flexible living and dining options. Cassia has been created to bring together investment opportunities for the growing middle- class looking for affordable holiday homes as well as the opportunity to develop an innovative hotel product in the serviced apartment segment. Cassia merges three of the group’s strengths, hospitality, design and real estate, to set the stage for the hotel residences of the future,” says Ho Kwon Ping, Executive Chairman, Banyan Tree Group. “The extended stay segment has been overlooked in recent years so we took the opportunity to innovate and create a hospitality product that meets the demands and needs of today’s travellers.

” Five projects are already in development in Phuket, Thailand; Bintan, Indonesia; Beruwala, Sri Lanka, Gold Coast, Australia and Lijiang, China. Interest has already been strong with 70% of Phuket and 45% of Bintan being sold in phase one.

A further seven projects are being planned in Brisbane, Australia; New York, USA; Japan, Seychelles, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Thailand and Lang Co, Vietnam. Cassia is part of a strategic global expansion for Banyan Tree Group which plans to grow to 66 hotels and resorts, 117 spas and 115 galleries across 33 countries by 2017. Invest in Cassia Cassia will offer fully-furnished one and two-bedroom units for sale with prices starting at S$180,000 for a 35 square metre one-bedroom apartment. The investment opportunity comes with a range of flexible options. With affordable price points, proximity to existing Group properties as well as lower operating costing via a unique service model, Cassia offers potential for strong yields and returns. It also enables owners to stay in their own property as well as enjoy additional lifestyle benefits,” continues Ho Kwon Ping. Stay in Cassia Cassia will offer guests a relaxing, well-designed environment and a convenient base from which to explore the destination. Clever use of design creates well proportioned, comfortable accommodation and flexible living areas in a unit that ranges from 35 square metres to 55 square metres. Creating the right atmosphere for today’s travellers has been at the forefront of Cassia’s development. The public spaces have been designed to bring guests and our associates together socially through the use of activities, games and a daily social hour. Elements of Banyan Tree’s heritage will be found in Cassia with the development of Chill Chill Spa and the use of fruitbased scents. Cassia guests will also be part of Banyan Tree’s Stay for Good sustainability initiatives including the crowdsourced micro contribution, Green Imperative Fund. Each development will have a host of facilities including a pool, gym, activity room, bar, convenience mart as well as laundry and home delivery options.