Imagine stepping into a nature-inspired stay where every element, from the thoughtful architecture to the calming interiors, is designed in harmony with the environment. Situated a stone’s throw away from the city centre and nestled within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve in Singapore, that’s exactly what the Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree promises to deliver when it opens its doors in April 2025.
There, guests of the 4.6-hectare resort will enjoy direct access to Singapore’s renowned zoological parks, such as the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise, and the upcoming Rainforest Wild, all within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, the island nation’s integrated wildlife and nature destination. A home away from home, the resort serves as the perfect launchpad for wildlife and nature exploration.
Guided by a deep commitment to biophilia, this design philosophy is evident in the resort’s architecture, programming, and signature amenities. The resort was erected around the mature trees on site, while the wings of the property have been elevated from the ground to accommodate the movement of native wildlife.
The 338-room resort, designed by the award-winning WOW Architects, seamlessly integrates with its luxuriant forest scape, paying homage to the rainforest’s natural layers and Banyan Group’s legacy of honouring the essence of each destination where its properties are situated.
Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by a towering 12-metre-tall Rain Tree on one end and an Indian Beech tree on the other, both retained in their original locations on the site. The umbrella-shaped canopy of the Rain Tree sparks the feeling of stepping into the heart of the rainforest resort, while the Indian Beech provides a nurturing environment for climbers, epiphytes, and a diverse range of animals.
The resort lobby is similarly adorned with nature-inspired light features and bespoke furniture that incorporate upcycled wood, while resort staff will share local stories and cultural insights to complete the experience. In essence, the Mandai Rainforest Resort comprises 24 tree houses with their own private patio, and an adjacent five-storey building that houses 314 guest rooms and suites.
Inside, the interiors celebrate the forest’s complexity through artwork depicting its various layers – the forest floor, understorey, canopy, and emergent layers. Accompanying those are antique lithographs of wildlife such as the lesser mousedeer, white-collared kingfisher, Sumatran flying dragon, and the grey-headed fish eagle, portraying the distinctive creatures native to Singapore.
With rooms that can be naturally ventilated with windows that fully open and ambient room temperatures that are regulated to mirror the cool atmospheric temperatures of the rainforests, each one is designed with sustainability in mind. They are also equipped with an interactive display that shows and allows guests to manage power consumption levels, and a rainwater collection and repurposing system.
Amongst the resort’s many meeting and event spaces, the 300-seater Meranti Ballroom has a centrepiece design that is influenced by the rare Bridal Veil Stinkhorn, a striking mushroom found in tropical environments, known for its hexagonal veil. The Bridal Room, on the other hand, is conveniently located adjacent to the Meranti Ballroom, offering seamless access for the wedding party during grand celebrations.
Rooted in ancient Asian traditions, the Banyan Tree Spa is an intimate sanctuary with spa pavilions, suites, and rooms, all designed with reference to wildlife and nature, such as the Sunda pangolin. Inside, guests can unwind while receiving spa treatments – like the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa experience – from expert therapists to restore the mind and body while encouraging physical, mental, and spiritual renewals.
As Singapore’s Green Mark Platinum first-ever Super Low Energy (SLE) resort, the Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree unlocks exclusive wildlife experiences across the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Amongst these experiences include early morning visits to Bird Paradise through the Wild Walk programme, and the Wild ZooDay Camp – an immersive guided tour for children aged six to 10 years old at the Singapore Zoo.
All resort guests are offered special rates on park entry and signature programmes. To register your interest and receive updates on the Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, visit this website.
Images courtesy of Banyan Tree
