Banyan Tree takes root in Tianjin

Banyan Tree is famous as a luxury spa destination. Provided to China Daily

James Bond - who often checks into a premium hotel spa for a massage after trouncing yet another super villain - might not have been surprised by the Banyan Tree Tianjin, but I was. Arriving at my room, I found an elegant folder on the bed with a "bath menu".

Banyan Tree, of course, is famous as a luxury spa destination. At the relatively new Tianjin hotel, guests include many weary Beijingers who take advantage of the half-hour bullet train from the capital to slip down for an overnight pampering. My surprise was to find that the tropical-garden spa concept extended all the way to my fifth floor room. With two hours' notice, I could submerge in a mixed herb bath, with the calming effects of lavender oil and an accompanying pot of herbal tea.

Other options include a more vigorous start: a scrub bath with therapeutic oils and scented candles, with your choice of auras from kieffer lime, tropical fruit, lemongrass and cucumber or the "romance scrub" for two.

If all that suggests you could spend the entire weekend in your hotel suite, it's true - but it would be a pity. The Banyan Tree's location, with executive suites that overlook the Han River and the gleaming skyline and shopping beyond, make it a gateway to an exciting day in the city.

We did all that, taking advantage of a sunny winter's day to enjoy walking on the river's gorgeous old bridges - each one different and an architectural delight. We also strolled the ancient market's treasure trove of delights, and enjoyed the French-designed interior of the green-domed St. Joseph's Cathedral, first built by Vincentian fathers more than a century ago.

We made sure we were back in the hotel at twilight to enjoy the panoramic view of the waterway. That put us just in the mood for a quick swim and a nice dinner before making a late massage appointment in the spa.

Tuesday through Saturday evenings, you can dine in the recently opened Grill Room, where prime Australian beef and carefully sourced seafood are cooked to order. Wine lovers will be tempted as they pass the hotels wine-cellar entry on the way to their table, and the extensive wine list will not disappoint - adding another layer of relaxation and luxurious comfort to the visit.

We opted for the slightly more casual River Cafe for dinner, where there was a nice choice of Chinese and Southeast Asian specialties as well as international dishes. The bounty of the wine cellar, we were pleased to find, was entirely within our reach.

The next day, we took advantage of Bai Yun, where Cantonese cuisine meets some local Tianjin dishes. The dining room is beautifully appointed in red and gold, and offers yet another grand view of the city from its floor-to-ceiling windows in the dining room. Dinner is accompanied by live music performed on classical Chinese instruments. The hotel will soon open the Jin bar, so after a meal you can enjoy fine wines, cocktails and premium cigars.

If you intend to combine business with pleasure, there is a full range of meeting rooms and banquet facilities on offer, including the fan-shaped grand ballroom which can accommodate up to 420 guests.

Tianjin is fast becoming a weekend retreat for work-weary Beijingers, and there are few places better to relax than at the Banyan Tree.