Unveiling an oasis in the sky, Marina Bay Sands has launched Singapore’s first Banyan Tree Spa. This marks the renowned Banyan Tree’s debut in its home ground after its phenomenal success globally.

Set to be the tallest Banyan Tree Spa on the 55th level of the spectacular Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Banyan Tree Spa Marina Bay Sands opens up a world of tranquility and calm in the heart of town. The Spa infuses the sleek glamour of its modern interior with Banyan Tree’s tradition of staging sensual Asian-inspired experience to exude a unique sense of place. Themed on the Tree of Life design, the 1,213 square metres urban spa offers its suite of distinctive treatments in 15 uniquely designed rooms with panoramic views.

“As the leading business, leisure and entertainment destination in Asia, Marina Bay Sands is committed to present no less than the best of Singapore to our guests. We are proud to be the first in Singapore to house the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa in our luxurious space as we welcome the brand back home,” said Marina Bay Sands Interim CEO George Tanasijevich. “We have no doubt that Banyan Tree’s spa expertise and outstanding service will further strengthen the appeal of Marina Bay Sands as an iconic destination that bears return visits.”

“This is distinctively Singaporean in effort and spirit. It combines Marina Bay Sands’ commitment to honour local companies, with the deep Asian heritage of Banyan Tree. We aim to make Singapore proud by opening the city’s first-ever Banyan Tree Spa at the height of nearly 200 metres in the sky, and welcome Singaporeans to visit this spectacular Spa,” added Mr Tanasijevich.

“After spending the last 17 years establishing 64 spas in 26 countries, Banyan Tree is finally returning to its roots in Singapore. We are bringing the best of the Banyan Tree Spa experience to our home ground, and proud to have the stunning location of Marina Bay Sands to plant our first flag. Banyan Tree has always strived to create a sense of place for our guests, and Singapore’s national flower Orchid is a unique element in the signature treatment of this spa, as a tribute to our Singapore heritage,” said Banyan Tree Holdings Executive Chairman Ho Kwon Ping. “This opening is a key milestone in the history of Banyan Tree. We are confident that our presence will elevate the standards of spa services in Singapore to another level, and exceed our clients’ expectations.”

Designed by Banyan Tree’s design arm Architrave, responsible for the Group’s inspiring designs around the globe, this is the first Banyan Tree Spa to be holistically themed around the timeless concept of the Tree of Life. Decked in earth tones with black as accent, the Spa uses a clever combination of textured materials to evoke the themes of nature in a mystical rainforest.

The distinctive Tree of Life, represented in almost all cultures, symbolises immortality and wisdom. It highlights the importance of preserving and connecting with nature –  a reflection of Banyan Tree’s vision and commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainable growth. Nestled in the heart of Singapore, it represents Singapore’s renowned position as a flourishing garden city and embraces Banyan Tree Spa’s philosophy of a tropical garden spa setting, with a contemporary twist.

At the lush and private confines of the Spa Lobby, an exquisite starry sky is set against an intricate and graceful Tree of Life feature wall artpiece. Taking centrestage, a magnificent Arbol de la Vida Tree of Life sculpture from Mexico adds to the imagery of a tropical garden.

Artistic expressions of aesthetics and finishes of the Spa honour its Asian heritage, celebrating creativity and intricate craftsmanship. Leaf-patterned hand-carved timber panels by artisans from Indonesia and abaca woven fiber panels from The Philippines adorn the walls and doors. Natural stones such as travertine marble and onyx as well as solid bamboo are crafted into the floors and wall panels. The spa walkway, beautifully lined with creepers and woody vines, spells adventure in a tropical jungle while acrylic bamboo from Thailand adds contrast and a sense of calm amidst a bamboo garden. Interior furnishings and decor include Chinese and Thai style paintings, Balinese stone carving, modern day laser cut-out screens featuring different elegant styles of the Tree of Life.

Famous for pioneering the tropical garden spa concept with its time-honoured Asian therapies and holistic focus on spiritual, mental and physical harmony, Banyan Tree Spa emphasises a non-clinical ‘high-touch, low-tech’ approach that celebrates the human touch. Guests will reawaken their senses by the intuitive touch of the therapists along with the use of natural ingredients such as herbs, spices and aromatic oils.

City.Mobi

Also in Asia today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to Singapore.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

Singapore.city.mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.