Resort and spa operator Banyan Tree is to nearly double the number of properties in its portfolio by 2013.

The group currently owns and manages 30 resorts, hotels, spas and galleries around the world and has announced a target of having 56 sites in operation by the end of 2013.

Plans include having 22 sites in Asia Pacific, 18 in China and 16 across the Middle East, Europe and the Americas.

The first new property to launch, in early 2011, will be the Eastern Mangroves resort in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The hotel will feature 224 bedrooms and suites as well as an Angsana-branded Spa.

Other openings planned for 2011 are the Banyan Tree Riverside, Shanghai; Banyan Tree Macau; Angsana Hangzhou; and Angsana Balaclava in Mauritius.

To support the ambitious plans, Banyan Tree has made three new directorial appointments to strengthen its management team.

Arthur Kiong has been named managing director of hotel operations in the Asia Pacific region, while Bernold O. Schroeder has been given the role of managing director of hotel operations for the Americas and EMEA.

Meanwhile, Paul Rene Lee has taken up the post of regional director of hotel operations in China.

All three will report directly to Ho Kwon Ping, Banyan Tree's executive chair.