Nepalese billionaire rebrands resort as tourism boom surges

The Farm at San Benito, located in Batangas province, Philippines, is undergoing a rebranding to become part of Marriott's Autograph Collection. This transition is the result of an agreement made nine months prior by CG Hospitality, led by Nepal's sole billionaire, Chaudhary, and Megaworld Corp, headed by Filipino billionaire Andrew Tan. The project is part of a significant investment in a $208 million township that is being developed adjacent to the existing wellness resort, targeting the booming tourism sector in the region. This decision is strategically timed to align with the increasing global focus on wellness as a primary factor in travel choices. In the rebranding, the Farm at San Benito will feature 70 keys, which include one-bedroom villas and exclusive two- and four-bedroom private pool villas. The newly branded resort will provide an array of amenities aimed at enhancing the wellness experience for guests. Highlights will include five restaurants, a swimming pool with a bar, a fully equipped fitness center, a tranquil spa, and a medical wellness center. The design also includes a flexible meeting and event space encompassing 321 square meters, catering to both business and social gatherings. The strategic partnership with Marriott is seen as a way to establish a new benchmark in wellness hospitality within the region. Rajeev Menon, President for Asia Pacific excluding China at Marriott International, emphasized the significance of this venture by stating that wellness is becoming a crucial element influencing travel decisions. The Philippines, characterized by its rich natural beauty and blossoming reputation as a rejuvenating destination, has been identified as an ideal setting for the Autograph Collection. This recent development reflects a broader trend in the hospitality industry, where wellness tourism is gaining prominence due to growing health awareness among travelers. Moreover, the collaboration will not only enhance the hospitality landscape in the region but also boost local employment opportunities and the economy. The investment aims to attract both domestic and international tourists, signaling confidence in the Philippines' tourism potential. With this transition, the Farm at San Benito is poised to become a key player in the wellness tourism market, reinforcing the tourism boom that is anticipated in the coming years.