TRAVEL+LEISURE LUXURY AWARDS ASIA PACIFIC 2025

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Sunway Hospitality Group's natural and luxurious five-star resort in Ipoh, Malaysia, has strengthened its status as one of the region’s finest places to stay after it secured three highly prestigious accolades at the Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific Luxury Awards 2025!

At a glittering gala award ceremony in Bangkok on 18 June 2025, which was attended by hospitality leaders from 15 countries and territories across the Asia Pacific region, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat was named as the #1 “Best Hotel Spa” and #1 “Best Beach, Island & Upcountry Resort” in Malaysia, while general manager Marc Groh was honoured as the country’s #3 “Best Hotel GM”.

Competing against the region’s finest wellness centres, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat clinched for the second year running the "Best Hotel Spa" title, which underscores the resort’s commitment to health and wellbeing. The resort's bespoke holistic wellness programmes encompass over 40 treatments inspired by Malay, Chinese and Indian traditions, delivered by a professional team of therapists, to transport guests on a journey to complete renewal.

For the next award, the resort climbed 5 spots to be recognised as Malaysia’s #1 “Best Beach, Island & Upcountry Resort”, reflecting The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat's breathtaking natural beauty and world-class facilities. Nestled in a 22.7-acre valley, surrounded by ancient rainforest, soaring limestone peaks and hidden caves, this all-villa resort is a truly spectacular destination. With hot springs and dramatic dining venues, including Jeff’s Cellar, the multi-award-winning restaurant set in a softly-illuminated cave, this is a resort that never fails to stimulate the senses.

Finally, the resort’s inspirational general manager Marc Groh has been named as the #3 “Best Hotel GM” in Malaysia, highlighting his management skills and dedication to upholding world-class standards of hospitality.

Mr. Marc Groh, General Manager of The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, said: “We are thrilled to have achieved these honours. I would like to thank everyone for voting for us; the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards are among the most distinguished in the industry, so to have won multiple titles is a truly fantastic achievement. I would like to pay tribute to our passionate and talented team who work tirelessly to deliver outstanding experiences to our cherished guests worldwide.”

These awards come as The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat prepares to reveal a major transformation of Jeff’s Cellar, to mark the 15^th anniversary of this highly evocative fine dining destination. Nestled in a cave with stalactites, stalagmites and subterranean streams, this unique venue is now being expanded and enhanced with mesmerising new tasting journeys and a fresh focus on fine wines.

Mr. Alex Castaldi, Chief Executive Officer of Sunway Hospitality Group, commented: “Congratulations to The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat for these impressive awards! Sunway is committed to elevating Malaysian hospitality to the pinnacle of global excellence, so to be recognised with these international honours shows that we are succeeding. The Banjaran is a truly special place to stay and dine, and we look forward to introducing our discerning guests – including the readers of Travel + Leisure – to Jeff’s Cellar, when our stunning signature restaurant relaunches this month.”