A visit to the luxury hotel resort of Banyan Tree Macau provides a unique and relaxing getaway

Banyan Tree Macau is the city's first high-rise urban resort, combining comfortable living and cosmopolitan access.

Part of the latest fully integrated development on the Cotai Strip, the luxury hotel with full-sized resort villas is just a 10-minute drive from the Taipa Ferry Terminal and Macao Heliport, making it a convenient choice for a weekend getaway from the concrete jungle of nearby Hong Kong.

On arrival, guests are greeted with "wai" - a warm Thai way of welcoming guest by putting the hands together at chest height.

In the air is the soft music of Kheem, a traditional instrument from Thailand played on site, and a pleasant fragrance of the hotel's signature lemongrass incense.

"We like to provide our guests a sanctuary for the senses - a unique experience for a lifetime," says Joseph Beck, hotel manager.

The lemongrass incense fills the hallway, decorated with wall lamps in red birdcages, leading to the Sky Villa suite.

Guest rooms in the Banyan Tree Macau are a luxury, all ranging in size from 100 square meters. The Sky Villa is even more spacious, 160 square meters, a perfect choice for a private getaway with friends and family.

In the Sky Villa are linen curtains, lampshades of natural flaxen color, pottery in the corner, artwork on the walls and a relaxation pool surrounded with smooth stones.

Not limited to Sky Villa, all of the bathrooms feature a double rain shower and a wooden bathtub, with relaxing music and a soothing aroma of peppermint and lavender filling the air.

An atmosphere of serenity and romance encompasses the Sky Villa. Beck speaks of a romantic proposal that took place in this room: "The man really put his heart in it. He made a short video of their love story, covered the floor and pool with roses, and lit candles along the window."

The hotel goes the extra mile with the finer details to ensure visitors feel welcome and relaxed during their stay. A cake is presented free of charge to guests to celebrate their birthday, a choice of pillows is provided, and a private tour companion from the hotel is available to guide guests around Macao.

"That's our philosophy of customer service - high touch, low tech." Beck says.

The Banyan Tree Spa is the real treat of a stay at this resort. Every session at this urban paradise begins with 30 minutes Calm Time, including a soothing foot bath, herbal drinks with refreshments and a few moments to leave the cares of the world behind.

Many styles of therapies and massages are provided, including Royal Banyan, Swedish, Thai Classic, Balinese and Asian Blend, catering from face to feet and hair to nails.

Therapists are trained in the art of touch, based on stringent teachings at the accredited Banyan Tree Spa Academies in Indonesia, Thailand and China.

A special wellness spa treatment in September is the Autumn Refresher package. Guests can ease tired muscles with the Hot Stones massage, spoil themselves with the Lotus Rice Body Conditioner, or get pampered with a luxurious facial.

Advance booking prior to arrival is highly recommended, with treatment rooms in high demand.

Relaxation doesn't only come from tranquility but also from spending time with family and friends. The hotel's exclusive outdoor pool provides not just relaxation in body but also at heart: Visitors can sunbathe by the poolside, indulge in complimentary ice cream and relax in the coconut palms' shadows by the pool.

While lounging by the pool, guests have direct access to The Cabana, a casual dining venue at the hotel. The Cabana offers a poolside barbecue package that provides a delicious two-hour buffet with free-flowing soft drinks.

China Daily

(HK Edition 09/13/2013 page1)