Banyan Tree to run new eco-friendly resort in Mandai

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Mandai Park Holdings (MPH) has appointed Banyan Tree Holdings as the operator of an eco-friendly resort to be located in Mandai. This partnership marks the debut of the Singapore-based hospitality company on home ground after its global success .Integrated with Mandai’s natural surroundings, it is envisioned the eco-friendly resort will provide a stay close to nature, offering experiences that inspire care for biodiversity and sustainable behaviour. It will provide, for the first time, the opportunity for visitors to stay over in a full-service accommodation at the doorstep of Singapore’s wildlife parks. Guests will be able to enjoy and explore the precinct’s array of offerings, including its five wildlife parks, indoor attraction and public green spaces.

“This stayover experience forms an integral part of our overall vision for the Mandai nature and wildlife precinct – to inspire guests to value and conserve biodiversity through memorable experiences. Together with our operating partner, Banyan Tree, we look forward to creating an exemplary showcase of eco-friendly best practices in Mandai’s resort, which Singaporeans can be proud of. Banyan Tree has a strong track record in developing and managing resorts that are sensitively located and sustainably operated. Through its global portfolio of resorts, it runs many meaningful environmental conservation and community programmes. In this regard, we are deeply aligned,” said Mr Mike Barclay, Group CEO of MPH.“After establishing 43 resorts in 25 countries over the past 23 years, we are excited to partner MPH to plant Banyan Tree’s first flag in Singapore. With MPH’s mission and expertise in wildlife conservation and education, this partnership is in line with Banyan Tree’s ethos and experience in developing sustainable resorts that fit into the natural settings – to create an original and authentic accommodation experience like none other. Together, we hope to provide guests with a memorable stay that highlights Banyan Tree’s signature hospitality experience with a green conscience,” said Mr Ho Kwon Ping, Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree.

Owned by MPH and operated by Banyan Tree, the resort in Mandai will be jointly created and named by both parties. Following the formation of the partnership, the next steps would entail developing the design and operations plans for the resort, which is scheduled for completion in 2023. Sensitive design and sustainable operationsThe resort will be sited on a 4-hectare plot of land at the eastern end of the Mandai precinct. The resort’s design and development will be undertaken with consideration to the surroundings, based on principles and parameters outlined in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted for the Mandai rejuvenation project. Led by the project’s Environmental Advisory Panel (EAP), a multi-disciplinary work group has been formed to provide expert inputs across the areas of design and sustainable operations .Flora of conservation value will be protected, and a 15-metre wide strip of land along the edge of the Upper Seletar Reservoir will be set aside to create a buffer of retained vegetation. Care will be taken to provide habitat connectivity for local wildlife in the vicinity. On the ground, the footprint of the resort will be designed to facilitate local wildlife movements across the site.

“The moment we enter Mandai, we step away from the hustle and bustle of our hectic urban lifestyle, to embark on a journey of discovery. With more opportunities for overnight stays in future, we hope to create even more immersive experiences that will bring families and friends closer to nature and wildlife. It is our goal that all our guests leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the biodiversity around us,” said Mr Barclay.

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