Located on the banks of a jungle reservoir, the new Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree hopes to be a catalyst for biodiversity protection and regeneration. Jenny Southan reports

Soft-opened in April 2025 after almost ten years of construction, this landmark project marks Banyan Group’s 100th property – and a symbolic homecoming, as the brand is headquartered in Singapore. (Note, the property is not owned by Banyan Group, but operated by the group as part of the wider Mandai Wildlife Group, which also runs the nearby Singapore Zoo.)

The aesthetic is striking: reminiscent of a multi-storey car park or a verdant version of the Brutalist Barbican building in London. Concrete walkways and metal balustrades are softened by abundant vines and tropical foliage. The five-storey building is designed to reflect the layers of the rainforest: undergrowth, understory, upper story, canopy and emergent. When the devil tree blooms, the air smells sweet, like burnt sugar.

Architecturally, it is an ambitious project. The entire structure stands on stilts, the roof is planted with greenery, rooftop walkways lead to viewing decks overlooking one of Singapore’s seven reservoirs, and even the artwork in the guest rooms is botanically correct.

Rather than using timber formwork, which would have been unsustainable to be shipped from the Nordics, for example, and would have deterioriated in a tropical climate, the bark of the surrounding trees was imprinted directly onto the exterior concrete walls. Wong Chiu Man, cofounder of WOW Architects says: “The building occupies vacant spaces in the jungle and is inspired by creeping vines. Eventually we will become reabsorbed by the jungle.”

Wildlife is never far away – staff even undergo “monkey awareness training” – and guests may encounter macaques, wild boar or monitor lizards. Because the resort borders military training land, guests may also see army helicopters passing overhead or hear distant gunfire, an incongruous counterpoint to the otherwise tranquil rainforest soundscape. A low hum of traffic is also audible but the atmosphere is peaceful.

ECO CREDENTIALS

Sustainability is central to the resort’s design and operation. Rainwater is harvested for irrigation and toilets; rooftops have more than 300 solar panels; much of the furniture is made from local wood; and nearby pollinator gardens support rescued bees, with hopes for future honey production. The kitchen garden produces herbs and fruits such as rambutan.

Air conditioning turns off automatically when balcony doors open but what I loved most was the natural ventilation that is provided via fully openable windows and open-air corridors. Digital panels display each room’s energy consumption. Low-level lighting protects nocturnal animals, and water dispensers throughout the property reduce plastic waste. Guests are provided with refillable water bottles and filtered-water dispensers (cold water and boiling) are available in rooms. (You can read more about what the hotel is doing here.)

LOCATION

The property is easy to access - just 30 minutes from Singapore Changi airport and about 30-60 minutes from the city centre, depending on traffic. The resort sits within 120 hectares of protected land, while occupying only around four hectares itself. The wider Mandai area includes five outdoor wildlife parks and one indoor park, with plans for a total of eight. The Singapore Zoo has been here since the 1970s.

ETHOS

A biophilic philosophy underpins the project. The resort is built around existing vegetation and natural topography, including native species such as the Indian birch. Its regenerative approach includes “green chandeliers” of hanging vines and naturally ventilated corridors and lobbies with open walls to encourage airflow. Tree-bark textures on the walls further blur boundaries between built and natural environments.

GUEST PERSONAS

Ideal for nature enthusiasts and staycationers looking for a romantic retreat, the hotel attracts families with children and couples. Guests predominantly come from Singapore, Japan, China, South Korea, Hong Kong and Australia. According to the founders, it is also popular with Singapore's "Silver Generation" for whom overseas travel isn't viable (the hotel even does "Silver Staycation" packages), as well as people recovering from illness.

ROOMS

Rooms are themed according to the rainforest layer on which they are located, with jungle murals that differ by level. Generous in size (44 sqm), Family rooms feature bunk beds and small terraces, while Retreat and Sanctuary rooms (from 36 sqm) make up most of the inventory. Some rooms face the reservoir and others the jungle. Bedside lanterns take inspiration from fireflies.

Treehouses resemble curved seed pods and have semi-circular terraces. Guests staying in these have access to two exclusive shared pools; the canopy-level pool is shaped like a weaver bird’s nest and faces east for sunrise. It is worth noting that the two accommodation types create effectively two hotels at different price points; the standard rooms, while thoughtfully designed, are not typically Banyan Tree in terms of luxury.

MINIBAR AND IN-ROOM DINING

Room service is excellent. The sweet-and-sour “mock chicken” with rice is especially good, as is the fresh watermelon, tomato and jalapeño salad and the tofu with peanut sauce. International options such as burgers and pasta cater well to Western families.

RESTAURANTS: WHAT TO EAT

Planter’s Shed serves buffet breakfasts and dinners, as well as a la carte lunches. In the morning, a sign at the entrance indicates expected breakfast crowds and requests guests not to linger more than 45 minutes. To start the day, I enjoyed the South Indian dhal, served with coconut and tomato chutneys and idli or paratha for breakfast, but there are plentiful Chinese, Korean (including freshly fried fish) and Singaporean dishes. The self-service juice bar is a nice touch, offering fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and aromatics – from mint and lemongrass to ginger and garlic cloves.

In general, food is ordered via QR code at both Planter’s and the pool bar; portions tend to be huge, and salads or fries can easily be shared between two.

Forage is the more formal venue, serving breakfast exclusively to Treehouse guests, as well as dinner for all. The concept is harvest-to-table, with produce coming from a rooftop edible garden and mushrooms grown on site by Spore Gardens. It overlooks the reservoir, though the décor feels a little plain. The hydroponic green walls liven up the entrance and a private dining room features a table crafted from felled trees, built by local furniture studio Roger & Son.

BARS: WHAT TO DRINK

There is the low-key pool bar but apart from that, no dedicated place for drinking. You you can order wine and beer buckets (five bottles of Tiger, SGD 58/£34) from room service or the pool bar, or drink with a meal in the restaurant. I tried the Australian Shiraz (Leonard Rd, Villa 116, SGD 78/£46 per bottle). There is also a house Rainforest Gin created specially for the hotel.

WELLNESS FACILITIES

The rooftop pool is long, making it fantastic for peaceful laps at sunrise. It is busiest with families later in the morning. Lightning alerts are clearly signalled: when the red light flashes, guests must take shelter.

The spa is open daily from 10am to 9pm and features six treatment rooms, including three wellness pods shaped like pangolins. I had a highly soothing massage that did wonders for my jetlagged legs. I appreciated how they customised the treatmeant by asking what vibe I needed and then blending essential oils accordingly.

For walking or jogging, the Mandai Boardwalk stretches for 3km, offering a scenic route through the surrounding forest. Information pamphlets in reception help guests identify local wildlife; the bird guide includes QR codes linking to bird calls so you can match what you hear. There is also a 24-hour gym.

KIDS
' CLUB

The ground-level Rangers Club costs US$10 per person per day and features nature-inspired murals, books, Nintendo games and an outdoor climbing zone modelled on cannonball trees. Note that visiting the zoos requires a lot of walking, which can be tough for kids when it's hot and steamy. I'd recommend taking the train tours if you are struggling.

RETAIL

The lobby gift shop (or "Gallery") sells local textiles, spa products, resort wear, children’s books and jewellery.

WHERE TO WORK

Although not an obvious workation destination, rooms are well equipped for productivity. Mine had a freestanding table by the window and a comfortable couch, avoiding the typical wall-facing desk setup. Wifi is fast and free, and there are UK plug sockets plus bedside USB ports. A digital concierge is available via WhatsApp.

VERDICT

Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree is an ambitious, nature-immersive property that allows guests to experience a small portion of the world's rainforest in a genuinely integrated way. The overall concept, sustainability ethos and unique architecture make this one of Singapore’s most compelling new openings, and makes an ideal base for exploring all the nearby zoos and wildlife parks.

PRICE

Rates start from SGD 446 (£258) per night in January 2026. Treehouses cost from about SGD 1,700 (£984) per night. You can add Park admission tickets from SGD 33 (£19) per person or opt for a Wildlife package that includes them.