The resort's elevated trehouses evoke the seed pods of the Purple Millettia plant (All photos: Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts)
From glitzy penthouse suites to private island getaways, luxury hospitality has seen many a trend come and go. The eco-conscious nature resort is one thing that will never go out of style, though — something Banyan Group knows well.
The Singaporean company recently made a grand homecoming with the opening of Mandai Rainforest Resort. Owned by Mandai Wildlife Group but operated by Banyan Group, the new property on the namesake reserve is the 100th in the hospitality brand’s global portfolio and the first in the city state.
Set across 4.6ha of greenery, the resort applies biophilic design not just to offer a truly serene experience, but also respect the surrounding flora and fauna. Much of the retreat was built as a series of elevated treehouses evoking the seed pods of the Purple Millettia plant, preserving the reserve’s natural terrain. Magnificent mature trees, including the 12m Rain Tree and an Indian Beech tree framing the property entrance, stand all around.
Guestrooms and suites are located in an adjacent five-storey building, from which visitors can gaze out on panoramas of the rainforest, gardens and reservoir. Around each accommodation, nature-themed works by Singaporean artist Donna Ong and antique lithographs of native wildlife such as the lesser mouse-deer and white collared kingfisher bring the essence of the outdoors in.
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Here, sustainability is king. Full-length windows can be opened for natural ventilation. Interactive displays give guests gentle reminders when in-room power consumption increases. To cut back on water wastage, the resort harvests and repurposes rainwater for flushing. These measures, among others, have made the hotel the nation’s first to be Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy-certified.
To complete their stays, guests are invited to dine at the resort’s signature restaurant Forage, which specialises in the farm-to-table concept featuring locally sourced produce. Many of the herbs and spices used are grown at the on-site rooftop garden, which is open for exploration. With easy access to the nearby observation deck, the eatery boasts stellar sunset views and is a prime spot for birdwatching.
During the day, activities for guests of all ages make time go by in a flash. Families with young children should opt for a visit to Singapore Zoo or the newly opened Curiosity Cove playscape, while the Asian-influenced treatments at Banyan Tree Spa are just the thing for adults in need of some TLC.
This article first appeared on Dec 15, 2025 in The Edge Malaysia.
