Banyan Tree to open in Singapore

Visitors to Singapore can now wake up in the treetops to the sounds of nature at the newly opened Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree.

The “restorative retreat in the heart of the rainforest” is part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve that incorporates Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise and the recently opened adventure-based wildlife park, Rainforest Wild Asia.

The resort’s 338 rooms officially opened for guests on Wednesday (April 2), among them, 24 seed pod-inspired treehouse rooms incorporating a living area and enclosed patio. There are 73 family rooms offering a king-bed bunk bed with a play nook underneath.

The resort entry is framed by a 12m Rain Tree (Samanea saman also known as a monkey pod tree) and an Indian Beech tree (Millettia pinnata). They were kept in their original locations to symbolise the resort’s commitment to blending architecture with nature.

The rooftop pool and sanctuary rooms offer views of the popular walking and photography spot, Upper Seletar Reservoir.

“From exclusive wildlife encounters in the parks right next door to rejuvenating spa treatments, every moment will be thoughtfully crafted to captivate the senses,” says Glen Cook, general manager of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree.

“We invite guests to experience a home away from home, where every moment inspires mindfulness, discovery and a deeper connection to self and the surroundings.”

There are two resort restaurants, Planter’s Shed for all-day dining with buffet options for breakfast and dinner, and Forage, which has a “trust the chef” menu for dinner.

Banyan Tree Spa at the Mandai Rainforest Resort has three treatment rooms as well as three wellness pods inspired by the protective scales of the Sunda pangolin.

Mandai Wildlife Group chief product officer, Joo Leng Teo, encourages guests to embrace their stay and experiences with a MRR (Mandai Rainforest Resort) mindset.

“It encourages us to be mindful about giving nature space, to reconnect with nature on its terms, and to renew our sense of stewardship for the environment,” he says.

“We hope every guest arrives ready to have meaningful experiences in nature.”

Banyan Group was founded on the core pillars of wellbeing and sustainability. Mandai Rainforest Resort is its inaugural Singapore property and 100th resort for the group.

It is the first resort in Singapore to achieve the Green Mark Super Low Energy (SLE) certification by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in Singapore.

Each room is equipped with an interactive display that shows power consumption and offers reminders when usage exceeds recommended levels. Windows can be opened for natural ventilation and rainwater is collected and repurposed for the flushing system in every room.

Guests who book now for stays until June 30 will receive 20 per cent off. Discounted room rates start from $360 for a retreat room up to $1425 for a Grand Mandai Treehouse, excluding taxes.

Until June 30, children’s activities are free for children aged four to 11. The Ranger Buddies: Rainforest Discovery mission offers arts and craft and puzzles to identify native trees and spot wildlife.

Guests can also book experience packages that offer curated inclusions, including a Wild Zoo Day Camp adventure for children aged six to 10 years, or the Wild Walks at Bird Paradise or Night Safari.

The resort is 24km and a half hour drive from Changi Airport and around 20km from the Orchard Road shopping area.

fact file

Mandai Rainforest Resort

mandai.com/en/mandai-rainforest-resort.html