LISA JACKSON APPOINTED GENERAL MANAGER OF THE BANJARAN HOTSPRINGS RETREAT

Sunway Hospitality Group, a member of GHA Discovery, has announced the appointment of Lisa Jackson as the new General Manager of The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat. Her appointment marks a new chapter for this multi-award-winning wellness resort, which is set amid the ancient limestone hills and natural geothermal hot springs of Ipoh, Malaysia.

With more than 20 years of experience in luxury resorts across Africa and Asia, Lisa brings an accomplished track record spanning operational excellence, commercial performance, financial management and guest experience. Having begun her career as a Revenue Manager in her native South Africa, she quickly established herself as a strategic and commercially astute hospitality professional, with an ability to interpret market trends, implement effective strategies and optimise resort performance.

Having joined Minor Hotels in 2018, Lisa was appointed Cluster Director of Revenue Management for a trio of luxury resorts in Zambia and Mozambique. It was here that she introduced personalised VIP services to enhance guest satisfaction while simultaneously boosting revenue.

Lisa’s success did not go unnoticed; she was promoted to the role of Hotel Manager in 2021, and just two years later in 2023 she achieved her first General Manager’s appointment at Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar, a 15-villa ultra-luxury retreat under the Minor Hotels portfolio. During her tenure, Lisa led a resort refurbishment, advanced its wellness programs and personalised butler service, positively impacting the property’s performance. She then moved to Malaysia as Resort Manager of the 117-key Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas.

Lisa has now been entrusted with the leadership of one of Malaysia’s most acclaimed five-star resorts, where she will guide its continued evolution as one of Malaysia’s premier luxury wellness destinations. The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat was named as the country’s No.1 Best Hotel Spa in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026 - the third consecutive year it has achieved this accolade. It was also voted as the No.2 Best Beach, Island & Upcountry Resort in Malaysia.

Set across 22.7 acres and framed by ancient limestone hills, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is a haven of luxury and tranquillity. With its stunning collection of pool villas, natural healing hot springs pool, forest trails and secluded caverns, this is a truly unique place to stay. Beyond its holistic wellness experience, it is also a culinary destination with one of Malaysia’s most sought-after restaurants, Jeff’s Cellar, which promises world-class fine dining in a softly-illuminated cavern.

Lisa Jackson, General Manager, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, says: “It is a true honour to have been appointed General Manager of this exceptional resort. I am deeply passionate about wellness and understand how luxury travellers crave one-of-a-kind experiences that allow them to step away from the pace of urban life and reconnect with nature. The Banjaran is the ultimate destination for holistic wellness getaways, romantic retreats and culinary escapes, and I look forward to working alongside the team to create unforgettable guest journeys.”

Alex Castaldi, Chief Executive Officer, Sunway Hospitality Group, adds: “We are delighted to welcome Lisa to The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat and the Sunway Hospitality Group family. Her career reflects a strong progression through commercial and operational leadership, underpinned by her commitment to service excellence and her ability to inspire high-performing teams. The Banjaran has established a reputation as one of Malaysia’s leading resorts, and with Lisa’s experience, I am confident that she will guide this unique property into its next phase of sustainable growth and international recognition.”