Cover Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree
Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree
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Set within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, the expansive Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree offers 338 sustainably designed rooms, including 24 treehouse villas with private patios
Hot on the heels of our preview of Rainforest Wild Asia, Singapore is set to welcome another milestone in its eco-tourism landscape: the Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, opening in April 2025.
As the newest addition to the Banyan Group portfolio, this 4.6-hectare sanctuary is also the city’s first luxury resort within a wildlife reserve, offering guests a rare opportunity to stay immersed in lush rainforest surroundings while enjoying direct access to Mandai Wildlife Group’s five parks.
Speaking at a media preview on March 4, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree general manager Glen Cook said: “Everything is designed around the rainforest. We wanted to be part of the rainforest, and eventually in the next of couple of years, when the landscaping grows, we hope there will be blurred lines between manmade and what’s natural.”
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Above Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree houses 338 rooms across various categories
Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree houses 338 rooms across various categories
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What Cook described comes to life the moment guests arrive at the resort. Designed by Wow Architects, the resort embodies a deep commitment to biophilia: the innate human connection to nature.
Rising five stories through the layers of the Mandai forestscape, the main resort building is designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. Lush vegetation drapes over the rooftops, creating the impression of a structure organically woven into the rainforest.
All of its 338 rooms are seamlessly integrated into the surrounding landscape, with different room categories offering panoramic views of lush gardens, the Mandai rainforest, and the crown jewel of the resort: its adjacent reservoir.
Accommodations range from 36-square-metre twin or king rooms to 44-square-metre family rooms, which include bunk beds. Suites feature spacious living areas, while the resort’s most distinctive offering—the Treehouse Villa—stands as its signature attraction, with only 24 exclusive units available.
Inspired by seed pods that cradle life within, these tree houses provide a secluded sanctuary, complete with bath tubs and private patios where you can soak in garden or reservoir views.
The main resort building of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree which houses 314 resorts and suites. Photo: Writer’s own
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An eco-friendly experience
Sustainability is key at the resort. The rooms feature naturally ventilated spaces with fully operable windows, which allow guests to enjoy fresh air while maintaining a comfortable indoor climate that mirrors the cool temperatures of tropical rainforests.
Each room is equipped with an interactive energy display, providing real-time insights into power consumption and offering gentle reminders when usage exceeds recommended levels. For energy conservation, room temperatures are regulated to stay at or above 24 degrees Celsius, maintaining a balance between comfort and sustainability
Additionally, a rainwater collection system is integrated into every room for efficient water reuse in flushing systems. These thoughtful eco-friendly features are fundamental to the resort’s commitment to sustainability, contributing to its status as Singapore’s first-ever Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy (SLE) resort.
It is also worth noting that, like the resort’s communal spaces, the rooms are furnished with pieces made from repurposed or upcycled wood.
Above The private pool for tree house guests. Photo: Writer’s own
The private pool for tree house guests. Photo: Writer’s own
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Relax and rejuvenate
Other resort facilities include an infinity rooftop swimming pool, designed as a nature-centric version of Singapore’s iconic offering, overlooking the serene Upper Seletar Reservoir. Guests staying in the treehouses have the exclusive option of a private wellness swimming pool for a more secluded retreat.
An integral part of the Banyan Group’s DNA, the Banyan Tree Spa at Mandai Rainforest Resort offers an intimate sanctuary rooted in centuries-old Asian wellness traditions. Designed to blend with the surrounding rainforest, its spa pavilions and suites draw inspiration from local elements, creating a calming retreat for relaxation.
A standout feature is the three treatment pods, inspired by the protective keratin scales of the Sunda pangolin, reflected in their distinctive exterior. Much like how pangolin’s scales provide a natural shield, these pods offer a cocoon of serenity, allowing guests to fully unwind with rejuvenating treatments for the mind and body.
Beyond the pods, the spa includes three additional treatment rooms, each designed as a haven for all-round renewal. Guests can expect the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa experience, which features ancient techniques paired with the use of natural aromatic oils.
A gastronomic adventure awaits
The resort offers two distinct dining experiences, each designed to complement its nature-inspired setting.
The Planter’s Shed is an all-day dining restaurant serving a mix of local and international cuisine, with buffet-style breakfast and dinner featuring live cooking stations and roving tableside service for an interactive culinary experience. Guests can opt for an à la carte menu for lunch.
Perched overlooking the serene Upper Seletar Reservoir, Forage is the resort’s signature specialty restaurant, named after the practice of sourcing fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant offers a ‘Trust the Chef’ menu, with a daily-changing selection crafted from the freshest available produce—including ingredients harvested from the resort’s very own rooftop edible garden.
With Rainforest Wild Asia set to open on March 12, Mandai is further cementing its status as a premier wildlife and nature destination, offering even more to explore.
A stay at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree unlocks immersive wildlife experiences across the wildlife reserve. Seize the rare opportunity to observe birds at their most active and engage with keepers behind the scenes with the Wild Walk programme at Bird Paradise. For families with young children, the Wild ZooDay Camp is a guided experience for children aged between six to 10 at Singapore Zoo, where they’ll enjoy hands-on interactions and behind-the-scenes insights into animal care.
Resort guests can also enjoy special rates on park entry and signature programmes.
Reservations are now available at The Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree for stays from April 2, 2025.
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Nafeesa Saini is the Features Editor at Tatler Singapore, where she shapes long-form stories on culture, business, philanthropy, wellness, and the people driving change in Asia. With a deep interest in storytelling that intersects meaningfully with identity and impact, she has profiled a diverse range of visionaries, from scientific pioneers in AI and health to creative trailblazers and literary minds.
Nafeesa’s writing includes cover stories and profiles that spotlight influential voices, alongside commentary on the trends reshaping our world.
Off the clock, Nafeesa unwinds with fiction, a good thrift hunt, and ‘brainrot’ TikTok scroll—while always keeping one eye on her next cultural getaway, usually to Indonesia.
