Banyan Tree Desert Spa and Resort, Al Areen unveils oasis of tranquility

Nestled in the heart of the Arabian Desert, the specially commissioned property is one of the most luxurious and extensive spa resorts in the world. Offering travel connoisseurs a new address, the property is part of the prestigious, Al Areen development, initiative, spearheaded by one of the leading Bahrain-based investment banks, Gulf Finance House B.S.C.

Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts will operate the property under a long-term management agreement.

"As a global luxury chain, representation in the Middle East is critical for Banyan Tree. The Al Areen development of which Banyan Tree Al Areen is a part, provides an ideal launch platform into the region," said Mr. HO Kwon Ping, Banyan Tree's Executive Chairman. "Our association with Al Areen Holding company is the latest in a series of strategic partnerships with resort developments in the Middle East. It will help us further consolidate our growing presence in the region"

Understated Charm and Elegance
A majestic silhouette on the Arabia horizon, Banyan Tree Al Areen presents a total of 78-luxuriously appointed villas; 56 one-bedroom Desert Pool Villas, each 400 sqm (4305 sq ft) and 22 two-bedroom Royal Pool Villas each spanning 740 sqm (7965 sq ft) and featuring private open-air swimming and jet pools, over-sized infinity bath tubs 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 effortlessly combines arabesque style furnishings with elegant far eastern fabrics, wrapping guests in sheer luxury.

Arabian Opulence
Banyan Tree Al Areen offers fully-fledged five star amenities including six international restaurants, the signature being Saffron which serves contemporary Thai cuisine and floats majestically on a lake, extensive meeting and banqueting facilities, which lend themselves to a range of events from corporate retreats to weddings, a comprehensive fitness and wellness centre boasting, two-tennis courts, a squash court, separate male and female gymnasiums, with the latest cardiovascular and fitness equipment, a kids club and an indoor lap and outdoor free form swimming pool. For the less energetic, the resorts library boats a multilingual selection of magazines and books. The highlight of the prestigious resort is Banyan Tree Spa Al Areen.

Designed with inspiration from the gardens of the Royal Arabian palaces, the resort boasts the Middle East's largest spa and hydrotherapy area, 10 000 sqm (107 640 sq ft), a world first in terms of design and treatments. The development features eight Deluxe and four Royal Spa Pavilions, the world's first Garden Hammam, Banyan Tree Spa Hydrothermal Garden and extensive fitness and wellness facilities. Banyan Tree Gallery will offer unique cultural souvenirs inspired by the ancient Arabian culture and traditions and a range of specially designed natural Banyan Tree spa products.

Diverse Attractions
Bahrain, the hidden pearl of the Middle East is an archipelago of islands situated in the Arabian Gulf with a unique blend of ancient and modern values. Banyan Tree Desert Spa and Resort, Al Areen is situated in the southwest of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in the prestigious Al Areen development. The resort is only a 35-minute drive from Bahrain International Airport and five minutes away from the world-famous Bahrain International Circuit. Discover the roots of this ancient island believed by many to be the home of the 'Garden of Eden' and be immersed in the arts, history, and cuisine and warm Arabian culture. Equally enchanting is the wind-caressed desert landscape with its rolling sand dunes and unique flora and fauna. Activities in the area include falconry, pearl diving, horse and camel riding, off road driving, Formula BMW racing experience, golf and shopping.