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Vogue Singapore
11-06-2025
- Vogue Singapore
Mandai Rainforest Resort brings the wilderness to your doorstep
It might surprise you to learn that one of Singapore's most hotly anticipated hotel openings of the year is situated far from the ever-growing hospitality enclave of Orchard Road. In fact, it isn't located near the densely populated city centre at all, but thronged in wilderness—in the heart of the sprawling Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Surrounded on all sides by lush nature and the city's zoological parks (Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise and the upcoming Rainforest Wild Asia), a stay at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree is akin to a weekend at Disneyland for animal lovers. Even if surprise animal encounters were not at the top of your list of requirements for a getaway, the resort's staggering biophilic design and luxurious rooms (courtesy of homegrown hospitality group Banyan Tree) will lull you into the sort of tranquility nearly impossible to find anywhere else in the city. Designed by WOW Architects, the private infinity pool is accessible only to guests staying in treehouses. Courtesy of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree The design The 338-room resort offers a variety of room types, with the crown jewels undoubtedly being the aptly-named treehouses. Designed by local company WOW Architects and embedded seamlessly into the surrounding forest scape, these seed pod-shaped treehouses are masterclasses in biophilic design. Natural materials and organic shapes lend to the illusion that they are sprouted from nature itself, while clever architecture allows the suites to 'hang' from the open-air walkways (branches, if you will) that connect them. Of course, biophilic design means nothing if a destination does not actually walk the talk when it comes to sustainability. To that end, Mandai Rainforest Resort takes various measures to ensure minimal disruption to nature and the environment. Wherever possible, the resort is elevated several metres above the ground to allow native wildlife to move across the site. More than half the trees on the site have been retained, while re-greening efforts have been introduced to further enhance biodiversity. The seed pod-shaped treehouses are masterclasses in biophilic design. Courtesy of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree A host of energy saving measures—including the use of natural ventilation, mixed mode air-conditioning and solar panels—are incorporated into the rooms and common spaces, and guests are educated on sustainable best practices and the value they bring to the conservation of biodiversity. In short, the resort's status as the first to achieve Green Mark Super Low Energy (SLE) certification by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in Singapore is well-earned. The itinerary It is a testament to the lush comforts of the rooms—in signature Banyan Tree style, they're decked out in quiet but luxurious design, top-of-the-line fixtures and bedding that swathes your body just right—that you might find it slightly challenging to tear yourself away and venture outside. But venture outside you must, particularly when you are enveloped by the wonders of wildlife. (Of course, no one can fault you if you choose to indulge in a pampering massage at the Banyan Tree Spa first, to prime yourself for a full evening of exploration.) In signature Banyan Tree style, the suites are decked out in quiet but luxurious design. Courtesy of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree We recommend spending your first evening at the Night Safari—a leisurely walk from the resort, just like the other zoological parks. If you make it in time for Creatures of the Night at the amphitheatre, you will be rewarded with a live showcase of adorable nocturnal animals each showing off their best tricks—from Indra the porcupine cat-walking across stage to Toffee the raccoon expertly opening boxes and jars on its own. The bathrooms come equipped with a sprawling tub and lush rainshower. Courtesy of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree As with all zoological experiences at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, utmost care is taken to ensure the welfare of the animals—they are never forced to perform or even make an appearance in front of guests if they choose not to. As we witnessed first hand, should an animal not respond to commands or treats from its handler, they are simply allowed to return to their habitats and the show goes on. The delights continue the following morning, at Breakfast in the Wild at the Singapore Zoo, where you come face to face with orangutans over eggs. Up-close yet carefully mediated, it's a thrilling way to kickstart a day of exploration in the parks. When the night ends, there is no place you'll want to return to more than the resort's comfortable rooms—a mere 10 minutes away on foot, as the balmy air cools the sweat off your back. Book a stay at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree.
West Australian
07-06-2025
- West Australian
A night on the wild side in Singapore's urban jungle
After four days of enjoying the hustle, bustle and bright lights of Orchard Road, I've escaped the urban jungle for a night on the wild side in Singapore's rainforest. Opened in April, the Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree sits within the greater Mandai Wildlife Reserve, home to Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, Night Safari, River Wonders, and Rainforest Wild Asia. There's greenery as far as the eye can see, and the resort's design has been inspired by biophilic principles and the creeping liana vine. Given Singapore's humidity, cookies and dispensers of chilled lime and guava water are a welcome sight in the open-plan lobby, where guests can rest on benches made from upcycled trees. With less than 24 hours to explore, I take some quick photos, then head to the sanctuary of the Banyan Tree Spa. All spa staff must undertake 650 hours of Banyan Tree training before they are allowed to touch a guest, which is reassuring given I have emerged from some previous holiday massages worse than I went in. The sleep-inducing gentle touch massage ($253 plus taxes) includes a personalised blend of lavender, geranium and thyme oils based on my questionnaire responses. Then it's time to snap myself awake for a hotel tour, taking note of warnings about roaming macaques. I never see any monkeys or wild boars, but am mindful of giant snails and frogs at night in the open, low-light walkways. The 50m rooftop infinity pool is a tranquil spot to start or end the day, especially for sunrise and sunset photography. Macaques have taken to stealing limes from the rooftop garden, where edible plants are destined for the 'trust the chef' menu at Forage, one of two in-house restaurants. I'm sharing a third-storey sanctuary twin with my sister. There's decent storage, USB A and C charging points, and uninterrupted views of the Upper Seletar Reservoir — even from the shower. In place of a balcony, we have an extended sitting area. If you are prone to mosquito bites like me, it's best not to open the retractable screen, and wear plenty of bug spray. Guests can request mosquito patches, and the resort is using mosquito coils and its dragonfly pond as repellents. The well-stocked bathroom amenities box even has a hairbrush, while the powerful little JVD Auva hairdryer is the best I have used. Top-of-the-range rooms come in the shape of seed pod-inspired treehouses with private patios and exclusive access to a nest-inspired swimming pool. Spacious family rooms offer a king bed and a big bunk bed that can sleep two children if they're happy to share. Resort decor and colours have been inspired by nature, with room artwork changing from floor to floor to reflect the layers of rainforest that can be seen outside. Banyan Group was founded on principles of wellbeing and sustainability, and Mandai is the first resort in Singapore to achieve the Green Mark Super Low Energy certification from the Building and Construction Authority in Singapore. Ambient room temperatures can't be set below 24C, 'to mirror the cool atmospheric temperatures of the rainforests in the tropics'. To combat the humidity, I guiltily crank up the ceiling fan and hope my interactive energy-use screen stays in the green zone. At least I can separate my rubbish into a dedicated recycling bin in the room. Before dinner, I take part in a meditative sound bath session that is so relaxing, some guests are snoring. The session gives me time to think about my favourite Singaporean pastime, eating. It's time for a speedy dinner at Planter's Shed international buffet ($82 per adult plus taxes), where the yakiniku marinated Angus beef ribeye is my favourite dish. There are plenty of cakes and a chocolate fountain, but I only have eyes for the local pandan kueh. Stays at the resort can be tailored to include exclusive wildlife experiences, so we are off to the Night Safari to find out more about preservation and conservation efforts. The Mandai Wildlife Reserve treats and rehabilitates more than 1000 animals a year. We are grateful to a restaurant staff member who finds us looking at a confusing sign and walks with us to the entry. On the guided Pangolin Trail, we spot white pelicans and giant anteaters, and learn how Sunda pangolin are at risk of poaching and becoming roadkill. Afterwards, we hop aboard the safari bus, keeping our eyes peeled for all creatures great and small, from otters to elephants. We've done so much walking there's no need or time to visit the hotel gym, or the 3.3km Mandai Boardwalk with stunning views across the Upper Seletar Reservoir. On our final day in Singapore, I sneak a look at the Planter's Shed breakfast buffet, which has a dedicated children's meal corner, as well as free-flowing champagne and mimosas. Breakfast is included for many bookings, or costs $62 plus taxes for adults, ($31 for children aged six to 12, and free for children under six). Our package includes front-row seats to Breakfast in the Wild at Singapore Zoo. It has been almost 20 years since I last visited, and these days, orangutans thankfully no longer pose with visitors. Instead, they are free to swing down for a look and to leave when they please. Putra, a male Sumatran orangutan, is the great-grandson of the cafe's namesake, the late matriarch Ah Meng. Mandai Rainforest Resort is an easy walk from Singapore Zoo, making it a sensible base for families who want to experience a nature and adventure-based holiday. The resort has a kids' club and nature playground, with a Zoo School and additional restaurants under construction nearby. Being so new, and with many entry and exit points for the attractions, our taxi had trouble finding the resort, so allow plenty of time to get to the airport, or ask the friendly staff for assistance. + Sue Yeap was a guest of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree. They have not influenced this story or read it before publication. Mandai Rainforest Resort is about 25 minutes from Orchard Road, and 30 from Changi Airport. Room rates start from $488 a night plus taxes.
Tatler Asia
13-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
8 eco-minded resorts championing responsible travel in the Global South
Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, Singapore Photo 1 of 2 The sunset view of Mandai Eco-Resorts by Wow Architects Photo 2 of 2 View of Mandai Eco-Resorts' pool The biophilic footprint Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree by Wow Architects is set by harmoniously integrating its natural surroundings—the 338-room resort is like an extension of the rainforest and designed around the mature trees on the site. Its wings or extensions,however, are set on higher ground to allow for free movement of native wildlife. 'A distinctive feature of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree is its 24 elevated seed pod-shaped treehouses,' says Glen Cook, the development's assistant vice-president and pre-opening general manager. 'This design is a departure from traditional accommodations and is specifically tailored to provide an immersive nature experience. For instance, the architecture of the treehouses mirrors the natural contours of a seed pod, with the patio providing guests a closer connection to nature,' he adds. The resort has also achieved the Green Mark Super Low Energy (SLE) certification by Singapore's Building and Construction Authority. Innovative cooling features such as the use of chilled water rather than traditional air-conditioning compressors, interactive power-consumption displayed in each room and rainwater harvesting systems, among others uphold the brand's sustainability promise to minimise the environmental footprint of its resort developments. As one of the few luxury lodges in the Global South to be built within an active conservation corridor, educational programmes about local wildlife and their conservation also serve to enrich the guest experience by fostering a deeper connection to nature. Nekajul, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Costa Rica Photo 1 of 2 Niri Beach Club From Beach at Nekajul Photo 2 of 2 View of the pool decks at Nekajul Nekajul translates to 'lush garden' in the language of the Chorotega people, the early inhabitants of Costa Rica. Rightfully so, as this resort by Ritz-Carlton is nestled in the protected land of Peninsula Papagayo, surrounded by Área de Conservación Guanacaste, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site-sensitive design by SB Architects, now 10 Design, 'honours Costa Rica's position as an eco-tourism destination with a light-on-land approach that allows the design to be guided by the natural, steep contours of the land—framing and enhancing the site and not detracting from it' explains Jorey Shoshanna Friedman, design principal at the firm. This is done by weaving in tree-house type structures and tents alongside villas. Adding to this is the respect for local craftsmanship across the Global South, including original works by Latin American artists. An understated arrival pavilion in the local architectural vernacular leads guests to a central open-air courtyard La Casona, with spectacular views of the coastline. Encompassing 107 guest rooms and suites, the resort is divided into three zones: the classic zone, with hacienda-style architecture; transitional zone, following the traditional architectural style of the Guanacaste region; and organic zone, with treehouse-style architecture. A funicular carries guests down from the main pool to the secluded beach club, set at a height and pushed back to respect the coast. Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore Photo 1 of 4 In daylight, Pan Pacific Orchard's sky gardens and reflective pool terrace merge with Singapore's skyline (Photo: Darren Soh) Photo 2 of 4 An evening view of Pan Pacific Orchard's lush, sky-garden-stacked architecture—designed by Woha as a biophilic high-rise that redefines vertical sustainability in the Global South (Photo: Darren Soh) Photo 3 of 4 Solar panels atop Pan Pacific Orchard exemplify Woha architect's integrated approach to sustainability(Photo: Darren Soh) Photo 4 of 4 An evening view of the pool at Pan Pacific Orchard (Photo: Darren Soh) The 140m-tall Pan Pacific Orchard opened in June 2023 and has already amassed a few awards including the best tall building between 100m and 199m high. Its commitment to biophilic design is another aspect that sets it apart. Designed by Woha Architects, the project champions biophilic urbanism through its innovative architecture. Richard Hassell, co-founding director of Woha Architects, describes it as a verdant urban sanctuary—'a living landscape within a dense urban environment'. The 'open-air' concept allows for natural cooling—reduced energy consumption—while the abundant greenery helps to mitigate the urban heat island effect. The soaring building is topped by extensive sky gardens and water features, each representing a uniquely Singaporean environment, providing a habitat for local flora and fauna. Efficient rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation systems nurture these as well as conserve the use of freshwater resources within the premises. 'This translates to a bio-centric design that brings nature back into the city in a meaningful way,' says Hassell. Also read: Woha founding directors Wong Mun Summ and Richard Hassell on creating a greener Singapore Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, Thailand Photo 1 of 2 A render of the 12th-floor atrium at Aman Nai Lert Bangkok reveals Jean-Michel Gathy's serene design language Photo 2 of 2 The mock-up suite at Aman Nai Lert Bangkok reflects the brand's refined approach to sustainability, combining Thai artisanal craft with serene luxury in one of the Global South's most dynamic urban centres The recently launched Aman Nai Lert is the luxury resort brand's 36th property and sits nestled amidst Nai Lert Park, a haven of calm in bustling Bangkok. The 52-suite hotel houses various Aman signatures—including the Aman Club and Aman Spa & Wellness centre—and steeped in the brand's sustainability ethos. The resort also takes inspiration from the historic Nai Lert Park Heritage Home, the family home of late Lert Sresthaputra or Nai Lert, Thailand's first and foremost developer. Long-time Aman collaborator, Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston Architects blended the tapestry of influences of this century-old home with contemporary elements while keeping a majestic 100-year-old Sompong tree at the heart of the property—at the lobby—and his design process. Key to that has been the use of products crafted by local artisans and antiques that honour Aman's design ethos and connect guests to the culture of Thailand. It also houses several restaurants including Italian restaurant Arva and omakase venue Sesui that add to the cultural immersion. The 1,500-sqm Aman Spa & Wellness centre with Medical Wellness by Hertitude Clinic, a destination for cutting-edge wellness research, is the crowning glory of Aman Nai Lert Bangkok that pays homage to Thai healing traditions and wellness philosophies. In case you missed it: Asia's Most Influential: How Jean-Michel Gathy designs sublime luxury resorts The Sira, Indonesia Photo 1 of 3 A guest suite at The Sira on Lombok pairs sweeping sea views with finely crafted details—from handwoven tenun ikat to carved teak latticework Photo 2 of 3 A pool villa at The Sira on Lombok reflects the resort's island-rooted philosophy, where open-plan living, tactile local materials, and expansive ocean views redefine tropical sustainability in the Global South Photo 3 of 3 Lush greenery surrounds the poolscape at The Sira on Lombok Set on the pristine shores of Indonesia's West Nusa Tenggara, The Sira, which opened late last year, is Marriott International's first luxury resort on Lombok island. Nestled in between Mount Rinjani and the Gili Islands, the resort encapsulates the island spirit in more ways than one. For one, all of its 46 suites and 14 pool villas boast partial or full views of the ocean. Aside from these, the 1,400sqm three-bedroom Beach House has direct beach access, while the 1,000sqm two-storey Presidential Suite has a rooftop infinity pool. The interiors by IU Design are an ode to that spirit, upholding the island heritage with contemporary craftsmanship is showcased throughout, from handwoven tenun ikat fabrics from Lombok to intricately carved solid teak lattice walls from Java. The in-house restaurants Island's Table, outdoor eatery Sija and Mediterranean offering, Medsa carry the story forward with farm-to-table offerings and curated culinary excursions that honour local flavours and artisanal traditions. Guests also get to experience nearby Tiu Teja Waterfall and Sukarara Weaving Village for a further immersion. Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique, Costa Rica Photo 1 of 2 El Poblado at Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique serves as the resort's vibrant heart Photo 2 of 2 The living area of a suite at Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique in Costa Rica evokes barefoot luxury with its seamless connection to nature On the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique exemplifies the pura vida philosophy of life further accented by sustainability that is deeply rooted in both the design and construction of the resort—typical of progressive hospitality models in the Global South. 'The design narrative is rooted in the concept of Barefoot Luxury, celebrating the peninsula's unique topography,' explains Bryan Liska, senior director of Design, Architecture, Design & Construction for Latin America & The Caribbean at Hilton. 'The architectural programming is thoughtfully terraced within the natural contours, capturing unforgettable views throughout the resort.' The resort's structures mirror the curves of the Punta Cacique mountains, while its surroundings inspire the colour palette—from coastal rock greys, earthy browns from the dry season, to the lush greens of the rainy season. Seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces in the 188 guestrooms and suites, as well as the expansive outdoor lounge and dining terraces across public areas are centre-split, monolithic slatted pivot doors. The result? The resort is like an organic extension of the terrain. This deep connection with the nature around comes clubbed with a commitment to conserving it. Living rooftops mitigate heat islands to enhance energy efficiency while the creation of a detention pond to control water runoff, protects the nearby beach from erosion. Native plants were thoughtfully integrated to cover the structures, enhancing the sense of place while promoting sustainability. The team also collaborated with local Guanacaste artisans and sourced low-maintenance materials from local suppliers to reduce the carbon footprint and also boost the local economy. Collectively, they all make for an engaging dialogue with the exquisite location. Hotel Indigo Changi Airport, Singapore Above The exterior rendering of the Indigo Hotel Changi Airport by Woha Architects illustrates a floating forest concept that redefines zero-energy hospitality in the Global South Above View of the Hotel Indigo Changi Airport's green space Above View from Indigo Hotel Changi Airport's restaurant featuring the iconic Jewel Touted as the first 'zero-energy' hotel in Singapore, Hotel Indigo Changi Airport, also a project by Woha Architects, is designed as a floating forest in the airport, for a calm respite for travellers. 'The integration with the airport context is about bringing greenery back into a highly engineered space, providing a visual and sensory connection to nature for travelers in transit,' says Hassell. The careful selection of robust plant species that thrive in the airport environment has been key to that approach. The floating forest sits above the coach parking area. The thoughtfully appointed guestrooms of the 255-room, 170-metre-long hotel honour natural tones and textures and are adorned with wellness features and narrative-driven details inspired by Changi's history, locale and the wonder of flight. There is also a rooftop restaurant and bar, 25m lap pool and wellness retreat amongst lush gardens and water-features framing views of the runways. 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