Lisa Jackson Appointed GM of The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

Ipoh, Malaysia: The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, one of Malaysia’s most renowned luxury wellness destinations, is entering a new chapter with the appointment of Lisa Jackson as its new General Manager.

Sunway Hospitality Group has welcomed Lisa to the role, bringing more than two decades of international hospitality experience across Africa and Asia. Known for her strong operational leadership, commercial expertise and focus on personalized guest experiences, Lisa is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of the award-winning wellness retreat.

A Hospitality Career Spanning More Than 20 Years

Originally from South Africa, Lisa Jackson began her career in hospitality as a Revenue Manager. Her early experience in revenue optimization, market analysis and business performance helped establish a strong foundation for her career in luxury hospitality.

In 2018, she joined Minor Hotels as Cluster Director of Revenue Management, where she was responsible for three luxury resorts across Zambia and Mozambique. During this period, she introduced personalized VIP guest experiences designed to improve guest satisfaction while also supporting the resorts’ commercial performance.

Her success soon led to senior leadership positions. In 2021, Lisa became Hotel Manager with Anantara Hotels, before taking on her first General Manager position in 2023 at Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar.

During her time at the Zanzibar property, she oversaw a major resort refurbishment while also developing wellness offerings and enhancing personalized butler services for guests.

Before joining Sunway Hospitality Group, Lisa further strengthened her experience in Malaysia as Resort Manager of Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas.

Leading The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

In her new role, Lisa will oversee the operations and continued development of The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, a luxury wellness sanctuary located among Ipoh’s dramatic limestone hills.

Set across 22.7 acres of lush natural surroundings, the retreat combines luxury accommodation with the healing qualities of its natural environment. Guests can experience private pool villas, geothermal hot springs, forest trails and a range of holistic wellness experiences.

One of the property’s most distinctive attractions is Jeff’s Cellar, an atmospheric fine-dining venue located inside a natural limestone cave. The unique setting has helped make it one of Malaysia’s most memorable dining experiences.

The retreat’s combination of nature, wellness and luxury has helped establish it as a sought-after destination for travelers looking to disconnect from everyday life and enjoy a more restorative holiday.

The Banjaran Continues Its Winning Streak

Lisa takes charge at a particularly exciting time for The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat.

The property was recently named Malaysia’s No. 1 Best Hotel Spa in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, marking its third consecutive year receiving the prestigious recognition.

The retreat was also ranked No. 2 Best Beach, Island & Upcountry Resort in Malaysia, further highlighting its reputation among luxury travelers across the region.

These achievements underline the property’s strong position in Malaysia’s luxury wellness tourism sector and set an ambitious benchmark for Lisa as she begins her new role.

A Focus on Personalized Wellness and Luxury

With her background spanning revenue management, resort operations, wellness and luxury hospitality, Lisa brings a diverse set of experiences to The Banjaran.

Her leadership is expected to build on the resort’s existing strengths while continuing to evolve its guest experiences. From personalized service and wellness programs to dining and nature-based experiences, the focus will remain on creating meaningful stays rather than simply providing luxury accommodation.

For today’s luxury travelers, wellness is increasingly becoming an important part of the travel experience. Destinations such as The Banjaran are responding to this shift by combining traditional hospitality with opportunities for relaxation, mindfulness and connection with nature.

A New Chapter for One of Malaysia’s Leading Wellness Retreats

Lisa Jackson’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat as it continues to strengthen its position within Asia’s luxury wellness landscape.

With more than 20 years of international hospitality experience behind her, Lisa is well positioned to lead the resort while maintaining the high standards that have made it one of Malaysia’s most celebrated wellness escapes.

As travelers increasingly look beyond conventional luxury and seek experiences that leave them feeling genuinely refreshed, The Banjaran’s combination of natural hot springs, limestone landscapes, personalized hospitality and holistic wellness could make it an even stronger draw for international visitors in the years ahead.