Nestled in the heart of the Arabian Desert, Banyan Tree Desert Spa and Resort, Al Areen, is the first Middle Eastern property of the internationally renowned chain of hotels, Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts. Considered as one of the most luxurious and extensive spa resorts in the world, it presents a total of 78 luxuriously appointed villas, 56 one-bedroom desert pool villas, and 22 two-bedroom royal pool villas, each one featuring private open-air swimming and jet pools, over-sized infinity bathtubs, and sprawling master bedrooms. Each villa offers a home theatre surround sound stereo system, private dining room, spacious lounge, wireless internet access, 24-hour villa butler service, and an interactive LCD TV and DVD player.
The resort offers full-fledged five star facilities including six international restaurants, the signature being Saffron, a Thai restaurant that floats majestically on a lake. Other restaurants include Tamarind, which combines seafood and well-balanced dishes, Rimal, an all-day-dining restaurant offering international cuisine, Lobby Lounge, providing an ideal setting for afternoon tea, and Pool Bar, which serves refreshing drinks in the midst of pools and lush palm trees. It also houses a comprehensive fitness and wellbeing centre that consists of two tennis courts, a squash court, separate male and female gyms, a kids club, an indoor lap, and an outdoor free-form swimming pool. For the intellectuals, the resort’s library boasts an extensive selection of multilingual books and magazines.
Arabian Indulgence
Even though the facilities are highly impressive, what makes the resort truly standout is its spa. Inspired by the gardens of royal Arabian palaces, the resort houses the largest spa and hydrotherapy area in the Middle East. The area features 12 Deluxe and four Royal Spa Pavilions, the world’s first Garden Hammam, Ladies’ Beauty Garden, Gentlemen’s Salon, and a Hydrothermal Garden. Furthermore, each of the spa’s therapists has been accredited by Thailand’s Education and Public Health Ministries, thus delivering high-quality treatments.
The spa’s pavilions consist of twin treatment beds, twin rainmist shower beds, infinity or sunken bathtubs, and a private garden. In these pavilions, guests can experience innovative spa therapies such as the Gui Shi Rainmist Massage, which incorporates warmed river stones and an intensive rain shower experience that promotes circulation and relaxation. In addition, the Garden Hammam, which is crowned by a grand dome, resides in a lush and serene water garden with cool fountains and invigorating streams. The garden not only allows guests to marvel at the splendour of Mother Nature, but it also awakens their senses, thus making them more receptive to the healing sense of touch.
The Hydrothermal Garden consists of over 15 different treatment cabins, including an Ice Igloo, Pelotherapy Chamber, and two signature Rainmist Corridors. In addition, it features four carefully designed hydrothermal therapy programs: Hydrothermal Physique, Hydrothermal Life, Hydrothermal Vigour, and Hydrothermal Detox, each one being designed to meet the specific needs of guests. Completing the rejuvenation process is the Vitality Pool, which consists of nine different hydrotherapy stations; in effect, the stations soothe and revitalise different parts of the body, thereby ensuring a truly holistic experience.
Everlasting Memories
The spa also houses a gallery where guests can recreate the Banyan Tree lifestyle in the comfort of their homes. With exquisite crafts, aromatic essential oils wafting the air, and soothing strains of spa music, the gallery offers a complete sensory experience to its visitors. Resort-styled furnishings, pampering spa treats, beautiful craft arts, eclectic gifts, and elegant accessories count among the signature Banyan Tree gallery products that have been hand-picked for their innovative designs, exquisite craftsmanship, and quality materials.
The resort is a 35-minute drive from Bahrain International Airport and five minutes away from the world-famous Bahrain International F1 Circuit. For nature lovers, the island is home to over 300 species of birds, including the rare sooty falcon as well as the world’s largest Socotra cormorant breeding colony. Guests can spot these exciting sights at the Al Areen wildlife park, which is overlooked by the resort. The area also includes other exciting activities like falconry, pearl diving, sand bar exploration, golf, camel riding, and deep-sea fishing. All in all, the Banyan Tree Desert Spa and Resort offers a well-balanced mix of pure indulgence and Arabian adventure.