Singapore’s Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree offers relaxing immersion in nature.

Inside Rainforest Suite of Mandai Rainforest Resort By Banyan Tree. — The view from a Rainforest Suite at Mandai Rainforest Resort By Banyan Tree.

As the morning mist rises above the dense tropical rainforest, the sunrise signals the start of another day. You could be forgiven for thinking that this is a scene from the Malaysian jungle or the lush green wilderness of Vietnam.

But this is Singapore: the 126-hectare Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, the city state’s first eco-resort, where guests are as close to nature as it’s possible to get on this urban island.

Years in the making, the resort comprises 338 rooms, including 24 luxurious treehouses, all set amongst rainforest, on the edge of the still waters of Upper Seletar Reservoir. Much has been done to build sympathetically, with existing trees integrated and re-homed in the resort, wherever possible.

From the open lobby with its hanging plants and jungle vibe to the rainforest villas, which rise from ground level to high above the water, this is a resort just a few kilometers from one of the world’s busiest cities, but one that feels a world away.

The first property in Singapore for homegrown Banyan Group, the brand’s spa delivers all the promises of a global wellness brand. Guests can also take home a Mandai Travel Exclusive, a combination of bright bergamot and clarifying spearmint created especially for the resort.

The resort's Private Pool Pavilion for Treehouse Guests only. — The resort’s Private Pool Pavilion is reserved for Treehouse Guests.

Rain or shine, the arrival experience makes guests feel as though they are about to embark on a voyage of discovery. Local wildlife, within the resort, from birds to macaque monkeys, give the feeling that they are an integral part of Mandai’s Wildlife Reserve, home to five parks, all accessible just a short 10-minute walk away. If the air feels different here, that may be so. According to Claire Chiang, co-founder of Banyan Tree, this rainforest retreat is one degree cooler than the rest of Singapore.

Accommodation is designed to suit a range of needs. Family rooms with cute bunk beds are the ideal base for a few days of exploration. Each room type (and there are 13) offers views of the surrounding greenery, with the Grand Mandai Treehouses providing a front-row seat over the calm waters and varied fauna of the reservoir from the extensive balcony.

The design of the resort integrates the hotel and its guests into the natural wonders of the surrounding area. Relax on the balcony with a cup of coffee from the in-room coffee maker and admire the decor which brings the outside in (each of the rooms has bespoke painted panels reflecting the natural view, created by local artist Donna Ong). Thoughtful touches like sustainable sugarcane flasks are provided which can be refilled on resort so that guests stay hydrated, sustainably.

Water plays a big part in the resort’s attraction, from the natural appeal of Upper Seletar reservoir to the rooftop pool, which offers a perfect sunrise view over the rainforest, the morning calm punctuated only by a sole swooping eagle.

Adventuring is hungry work, and the resort’s dining options include Planter’s Shed for buffet breakfast, lunch, or dinner, offering local and international options. A dedicated children’s area provides smaller guests with their own food station and mini restaurant experience. For a more adult dining option, specialty restaurant Forage offers a ‘Trust the Chef’ menu created with fresh, daily sourced ingredients, including produce from the resort’s rooftop edible garden.

For more information, visit banyantree.com

This article was brought to you by DestinAsian and Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree.

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