Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree review: this Singapore stay embraces nature at every turn

Most people have a classic concept of Singapore: a futuristic urban sprawl with rich cultural heritage and gastronomic diversity. But last year, a new hotel that opened amid the greenery of the island’s north proved the Lion City has a stunning secret. We checked into Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree to discover a new side to the city.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree review

Hotel Snapshot: Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree

Hotel: Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree
Location: Mandai Wildlife Resort , Singapore
Address: 60 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729979
Rooms: 338 rooms, including unique elevated treehouse suites
Brand: Banyan Tree Holdings
Year opened: 2025
Style: Eco-luxury rainforest retreat with biophilic design inspired by forest layers
Setting: Immersed in a rainforest within a wildlife reserve, with direct access to attractions including the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, Bird Paradise, and River Wonders
Family amenities: Rangers’ Club provides nature-based kids programmes, there are family rooms with bunk beds, plus a playground, swimming pools and unique wildlife experiences
Wellness: Banyan Tree Spa, a rooftop infinity pool overlooking Upper Seletar Reservoir, yoga, gym, and nature-led wellness programmes
Dining: Local and international cuisine across two restaurants
Price range: From approx. SGD $400–$1,300+ per night, depending on room type and season

Review of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree

“Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” The familiar Wizard of Oz line ran through my mind as I stepped into the airy lobby of Mandai Rainforest Resort, which is open to the elements. The Banyan Tree-owned property is set within 4.6 hectares of lush tropical greenery, and this is immediately reflected in the lobby’s biophilic design (and the rest of the property). 

This is Banyan Tree’s 100th property in the world, but the first in its home country, and they’ve created something special to mark the milestone. While building the property, WOW Architects took great care to preserve the area’s natural terrain, with many trees, including a 12-metre Rain Tree and an Indian Beech Tree that welcome guests in the lobby, carefully retained.  

Elsewhere, there are bespoke furnishings, the check-in desks and benches made from upcycled wood, statues of some of the little critters to be found in the area, and plenty of lush greenery everywhere you look.

The design is compelling, to say the least: it’s a literal breath of fresh air and designed for maximum restfulness. But one thing becomes very clear during the drive from the airport. This is a hotel you choose because you specifically want to stay here and access the attractions at the adjacent Mandai Wildlife Resort . 

It’s 30-45 minutes by car to the city centre, and public transport isn’t convenient. Perhaps for that reason, most of the guests I see during my stay are families with children. Additionally, because of the location, there are only a handful of options within walking distance if you want to eat out of the hotel.

Nature-inspired retreats

There are 338 guest rooms at Mandai Rainforest Resort, each rendered in rainforest-inspired décor. Custom artworks by Singaporean artist Donna Ong, spanning the various layers of a rainforest: forest floor, understory, canopy, and emergent layers, take pride of place, painted onto feature walls, and all around, there are antique lithographs of native wildlife (think mousedeer and Sumatran flying dragon).

The top suites here are the treehouses, which offer a sophisticated, modern take on the childhood treehouse experience. I’m in a Sanctuary King room that’s surprisingly spacious and becomes a restful, natural escape rendered in natural tones. 

The highlight is the view through the floor-to-ceiling sliding doors. At dusk, it’s a visual cacophony as the sunset paints the sky shades of orange, pink, and purple over the emerald-green forests and green-blue waters of the Upper Seletar Reservoir.

Overcoming the distraction, I discover the room is functional and makes concessions to sustainability, too. All the creature comforts are there, a comfortable sitting area (that doubles as a dining room and office during my stay), well-stocked minibar, comfy bed, open wardrobe, and sprawling marble bathroom featuring a double vanity, rainforest shower, and custom Banyan Tree amenities.

But I soon discovered an interactive display by the door. Turns out, it monitors power usage and gently reminds guests when consumption increases (guests can also set the eco mode that automatically adjusts the temperature). 

Food and drinks

Guests at Mandai have access to two main dining options. Most meals are taken at Planter’s Shed, the all-day dining restaurant that serves up full buffets. Breakfasts are abundant and solid fuel for a busy day, with a great blend of local and international dishes.

Dinner was rather more hit-and-miss. While the plates from the live cooking stations (including fresh scallops, seared beef, or dosa) proved palate-pleasing, the selection from the chafing dishes lacked flavour and had probably sat there too long (though a friend who recently stayed had a much better experience, so clearly there have been improvements). 

For something more upscale, there’s Forage, the signature restaurant. Here, guests can enjoy farm-to-table dining with spectacular views of the reservoir. Somewhat surprisingly, there’s no dedicated bar at the resort (I’m told there are plans to try and put one in). Instead, guests can order drinks and enjoy them at Forage’s balcony or on the hotel’s peaceful rooftop.

Is there more?

For those seeking respite, there’s no better sanctuary than the Banyan Tree Spa, which at Mandai Rainforest Resort, combines the brand’s classic Asian wellness traditions with design inspiration from its locale. 

I’m delighted to find treatment pods designed to look like the scales of the native Sunda pangolin from the outside. Inside, it’s a calming oasis rendered in earth tones that do as much to calm my nervous system as the signature 60-minute massage. 

Rounding out the facilities are a thoroughly peaceful rooftop pool with impeccable views of the surrounding nature (Treehouse guests also have access to their own little hidden pool) and a fully-equipped gym that’s ideal for a quick morning workout. 

Of course, the main reason guests flock to Mandai is to enjoy the wildlife parks and attractions at Mandai Wildlife Reserve. During my stay, I visited the Night Safari to take in its famous show and see the nocturnal animals (hand-feeding a giant hippo was the highlight). 

There’s also the chance to enjoy one of the Singapore Zoo’s signature experiences: breakfast at the Ah Meng Restaurant, where we get to interact (in a carefully controlled manner, to ensure the animals’ safety) with orangutans, owls, penguins, and exotic birds as we enjoy an abundant international buffet.

Frequently asked questions: Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree

Final thoughts

There’s plenty to enjoy at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree. The design is engaging, the service is friendly, and the wellness elements are delivered with classic Banyan Tree style. However, its out-of-the-way location means this is the kind of property you visit for a specific purpose (a family vacation, or visits to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve) rather than a go-to stay for visits to Singapore.

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