Thanks myself for being the part of Cassia where I surrounded by the nice, lively friends who make my live full of laughs and smile.

I am surprised by how naturally a sense of home has settled in. There is comfort in familiar faces, warmth in every interaction, and a quiet ease that reminds me I am exactly where I am meant to be. Being here, I feel held, seen, and deeply connected.

What surprised me most was how calm and grounded I felt while staying at Cassia Sokcho. Surrounded by the endless horizon of the East Sea and the comforting embrace of the mountains, I realized how naturally the pace of life slows down here. I didn’t expect such a deep sense of peace to stay with me long after I left.

It would be Connection. We can feel the connection between ourselves and local community and environment. Every Banyan Group hotels we visited always give us the sense of place and surround by nature. Giving us peaceful and relaxing moment, Banyan Group allows us to re-connect with our mind, body and soul.

The gentle rhythm of waves rolling onto Sokcho’s shore, the rustle of pine trees swaying in the coastal breeze, and the cheerful calls from Sokcho’s morning fish market will always remind me of Cassia Sokcho. These sounds capture both the serenity of the sea and the vibrant local life that make this destination unforgettable.

Eight years ago, when this place was just an empty land, I started my first job: paving the road, digging the foundation, erecting steel and formwork. On hot sunny days or stormy rainy days, my hands were calloused but my heart still had a strong belief - that this land would one day become a special resort. And this place has become a luxury resort belonging to the Banyan Group.

I have often been to the sea, and passing by Mamula, I have always thought about how steadfast and majestic the guardian of the entrance to my bay is... I knew that one day our paths would meet, and that as part of this incredible fortress with the unwavering look of the eternal guardian of the most beautiful bay in the world, I too would be the guardian of beauty... the unusual... the special...

Forgotten Family Reunited

After eight years, I returned to Banyan Tree, Maldives and was welcomed like family. It felt like I’d never left. Seeing the team grow was inspiring—one steward I hired is now a manager. The spirit of growth, diversity, and unity is alive and well. This reunion reminded me of the lasting impact of support, opportunity, and a strong community. It was not just about me.

It has to be a feeling of being hugged, being preached to, being appreciated. It’s the small things that matter—the quiet gestures, the gentle reminders, the unseen efforts. What stays with us is not the grand display, but the subtle warmth that lingers long after.