Angsana Samana Bay - Banyan Tree TO OPERATE THE MOST UPSCALE MARINA RESORT IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Singapore, 14 December 2007 – Singapore Main-Board listed Banyan Tree Holdings Limited (“Banyan Tree” or the “Group”), a leading developer, designer and operator of top-tier hotels, resorts, spas and retail galleries worldwide, today announced that it has signed a management contract with the developer Nexus RD for an integrated resort under its Angsana brand in the Samana region of the Dominican Republic.

Angsana Samana Bay is the Group’s third flag in its portfolio of properties in the Caribbean and follows on from Banyan Tree’s developments in Barbados and the Turks and Caicos Islands. “This agreement affirms our commitment to the Caribbean and the Americas and is a testament to the growing recognition that Angsana Resorts and Spa enjoys in the region. We are very pleased to be a pioneering participant in the development of Samana as a leading resort and marina destination in the Caribbean,” said Executive Chairman, Mr. Ho Kwon Ping.

Angsana Samana Bay will be Banyan Tree’s first fully integrated resort development in the Caribbean. The anchor property of the development is Angsana Resort and Spa Samana Bay: Designed by WATG, Angsana Resort and Spa Samana Bay will have about 200 suites. Showcasing Angsana’s signature brand of Asian hospitality, the resort will feature a flagship Angsana Spa, signature dining experiences and world class conference facilities.

In addition, there will be over 450 Angsana Residences units for sale, Angsana Marina which comprises 280 moorings, and Angsana Marina Village which will feature over 50 retail outlets offering a wide variety of shopping and entertainment amenities for visitors. Spanning a total area of over 22 hectares, Angsana Samana Bay will be the largest upscale lifestyle and entertainment facility in the region.

The development is slated for completion in 2010.
 
These new developments are not expected to have any material financial impact on the Group’s earnings and its net tangible assets for 2007.

About Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts
Banyan Tree offers an intimate retreat experience featuring its own signature blend of romance and Asian sensuality. The philosophy behind the hotels, resorts, spas and galleries is based on providing a place for rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul – a Sanctuary for the Senses.

Banyan Tree resorts are found in Phuket, Thailand (1994), Maldives Vabbinfaru (1995), Bintan, Indonesia (1995), Bangkok, Thailand (2002), Seychelles (2002), Ringha, China (2005), Lijiang, China (2006), Bahrain (2007) and Maldives Madivaru (2007). Flagship Banyan Tree Phuket was the first to introduce a tropical garden spa concept.

About Angsana Resorts & Spas
Launched in 2000, Angsana is the sister brand of Banyan Tree, inspired by the exotic Angsana Tree noted for its crown of golden flowers. Angsana resorts are designed as contemporary, chic and vibrant retreats to live life spontaneously and sense the moment.

Angsana resorts are found in Bintan, Indonesia (2000), Great Barrier Reef, Australia (2000), Bangalore, India (2001), Maldives Ihuru (2001), Maldives Velavaru (2006) and Morocco (2007).

In 2003, Colours of Angsana joined the Angsana portfolio. This boutique hotel collection appeals to the soft adventurer and cultural tourism sector. The current hotels are Gyalthang Dzong (Shangri-La, China), Deer Park Hotel (Giritale, Sri Lanka) and Maison Souvannaphoum (Luang Prabang, Laos).

To date, the Banyan Tree Group manages and/or has ownership interests in 23 resorts and hotels, 64 spas and 66 retail galleries and two golf courses.