Following a prolonged delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Banyan Tree Group opened on June 15 its very first flagship property in Europe, Angsana Corfu in Greece. The Angsana brand is about allowing all guests to fully immerse themselves in the rich culture of the locale while relaxing in the perfect resort.
The Banyan Tree Group chose Greece as its first European destination after recognizing that Asian hospitality, in particular the Japanese concept of omotenashi (spirit of selfless hospitality), bore similarities with the Greek value of philoxenia, an eagerness to welcome and serve guests, according to recently appointed General Manager Michael Metaxas.
Perched on a hilltop above the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, Angsana Corfu is located on the western coast of the island. Just 12 kilometers south of the city of Corfu and near the picturesque village of Benitses, the resort is within easy reach of several must-see spots, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Corfu Old Town, the Old and New Fortresses and Achilleion Palace.
While the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a serious blow to Greece’s tourism industry, there is widespread optimism that the sector will recover swiftly after the country reopened its borders to foreign tourists in May.
Over the past two months, Angsana Corfu has begun welcoming business travelers, families and couples to its property, which has 196 rooms, suites and private pool villas with stunning countryside or sea views and features a spa, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, water sports, state-of-the-art gym and yoga deck.
To ensure the safety of guests and staff, the Banyan Tree Group launched its Safe Sanctuary Programme. Partnering with Bureau Veritas to co-develop a proprietary label, the program incorporates over 40 new health protocols to protect everyone in the resort. The program has been rolled out progressively in all Banyan Group properties. Aside from heightened safety measures, the program also highlights “well-being” services, which are at the heart of the group’s brand.
With a total of four specialty restaurants serving local and international cuisine, three of them curated by Executive Chef Panagiotis Tsirgiotis, the resort offers a signature fine dining experience with the famous Botrini’s, headed by Michelin starred chef Ettore Botrini.
Founded in 1994, Banyan Tree Holdings has built five award-winning brands (Banyan Tree, Angsana, Cassia, Dhawa and Laguna) that each offer exceptional design-led experiences for all kinds of global travelers. To date, it has a diversified portfolio of hotels, resorts, spas, galleries, golf courses and residences in 24 countries around the world.
Besides garnering numerous accolades in the industry, it has also received recognition for its commitment to environmental protection and community development through the Banyan Tree Global Foundation, which oversees the group’s commitment to the U.N. sustainable development goals.
