Paul Hawco, a seasoned figure in the international wellness industry, has assumed the role of executive director – integrated wellbeing at independent, hospitality group Banyan Group.

With a background in therapy and fitness training, Hawco started his wellness career with over a decade at Accor-owned Fairmont Resorts and Hotels. Progressing from spa therapist to senior spa director, he honed his expertise across various leadership positions within North American spas.

Transitioning to corporate wellness roles, Hawco spent close to 17 years at esteemed hotel operators such as Jumeirah Group, Rosewood Hotels and Resorts and Dusit Hotels and Resorts, most recently serving as corporate director of wellness from May 2020 to April 2024.

By joining Banyan Group, Hawco will now be responsible for steering the group’s strategic vision and execution of holistic spa and wellbeing initiatives throughout all its brands and across the guest journey.

Banyan Group is a global hospitality company comprising 12 distinct global brands including 10 hospitality brands; Banyan Tree, and extensions Banyan Tree Escape and Banyan Tree Veya, Angsana, Cassia, Dhawa, Folio, Garya, Homm and Laguna.

The organisation operates with wellness as a key tenet and is committed to ‘remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience’.

Banyan Group: a new chapter

Formerly known as Banyan Tree Group, the company underwent a rebranding in January to commemorate its 30th anniversary and signify its transformation into a multi-brand hospitality entity.

Expanding its portfolio twofold since 2019, the group now oversees 12 global brands, comprising 75 hotels and resorts, over 60 spas and galleries, and 14 branded residences spanning 22 countries.

Banyan Tree shows no signs of slowing down its momentum for 2024 and plans to unveil an additional 19 destinations throughout the year.

This will include new properties and residences in Cambodia (one), China (10), Japan (one), South Korea (two), Thailand (two), Vietnam (two) and Mexico (one)