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One of the world’s leading luxury resort and spa operators, Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, has unveiled its first Middle East property in Bahrain.
The $170-million (BD64m) Banyan Tree Desert Spa and Resort, Al Areen, was opened under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad, who delegated Royal Court Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa to the ceremony.
He was received by Al Areen Holding Company chairman Shaikh Ahmed bin Ali Al Khalifa, vice-chairman Esam Janahi and Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts executive chairman HO Kwon Ping and senior officials.
Nestled in the heart of the desert, the specially commissioned resort boasts one of the most luxurious and extensive spas in the world.
The property is part of the Al Areen development. Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts will operate it under a long-term management agreement.
“The project is aimed at raising the bar of hospitality and wellness in Bahrain in addition to adding considerable value to its investment landscape,” said Shaikh Ahmed.
As a global luxury chain, representation in the Middle East is crucial for Banyan Tree, and the Al Areen project provides an ideal launch platform into the region, said Mr Ping.
Banyan Tree Al Areen presents 78 luxuriously appointed villas, 56 one-bedroom Desert Pool Villas, each 400sqm and 22 two-bedroom Royal Pool Villas each spanning 740sqm. It also features private open-air swimming and jet pools, over-sized infinity bathtubs and sprawling master bedrooms.
Capturing the essence of Arabia, each villa is designed to incorporate an intimate fusion of traditional Middle Eastern and contemporary Asian architecture. The interior combines arabesque style furnishings with far eastern fabrics.
Banyan Tree Al Areen offers full-fledged five star facilities, including six international restaurants, the signature being Saffron which floats on a lake serving contemporary Thai cuisine and extensive meeting and banqueting facilities.
The project is situated in the southwest of Bahrain, in the Al Areen development, a 35-minute drive from Bahrain International Airport and five minutes away from the Bahrain International Circuit.
