The Check-In: Banyan Tree Lands in Singapore

Banyan Tree opens its first Singapore resort – and its 100th property

Banyan Group has arrived in Singapore with Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, its 100th property. Set inside Mandai Wildlife Reserve, the resort leans fully into its setting: treehouses shaped as native seed pods rise through the canopy while the main building threads itself through the surrounding landscape.

Inside, rooms and suites bring the outdoors in with artwork by Singaporean artist Donna Ong, accompanied by antique prints of local species, paired with practical sustainability measures like natural ventilation and rainwater harvesting. 

The hotel restaurant is among the first in Singapore to sit within a rainforest environment, serving produce that’s sourced locally, often from the rooftop garden, with sunset views and a short stroll to an observation deck frequented by kingfishers, sunbirds, and bulbuls.

Meanwhile, the rooftop pool looks out over Upper Seletar Reservoir and the Banyan Tree Spa sits in treatment pods inspired by the scales of the endangered Sunda pangolin. Beyond the resort, guests have the entire wildlife precinct at their feet: Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, and the newly opened Curiosity Cove, a 49,500 sq ft indoor nature-inspired playscape.

Wilderness expands in Rwanda with Magashi Peninsula

Wilderness has opened Magashi Peninsula, a new retreat set on its own quiet stretch of land in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park. As the sister to Wilderness’s Magashi Camp, it gives guests a wider sweep of the park’s ten habitats – from open plains to wetlands and lakes – in a more intimate setting.

The camp is centred around a relaxed dining-and-lounge hub, complete with a gym, while accommodation is split between two suites and a four-bed villa. The latter links two en-suite twin rooms around a shared living space and pool, making it well suited to families or groups. Throughout, interiors weave in references to Rwandan craft, and every space has its own plunge pool, indoor–outdoor showers, and a rooftop terrace looking out to Lake Rwanyakazinga and the Mutumba Mountains.

As this is a safari camp, days here will revolve around wildlife. Akagera’s species list includes leopard, elephant, rhino, lion, and over 520 birds. The peninsula is a stronghold for many of the park’s rarer animals, including oribi, sitatunga, and tree-climbing lions.

Guests can head out on night drives, cruises, and fishing trips, or simply unwind on the camp’s viewing decks. The opening also folds into Wilderness’s long-term partnership with African Parks and the Rwanda Development Board, which supports ongoing conservation and community work.

Belmond announces Villa Timeo, opening 2026

Belmond will add a new chapter to its Taormina property in May 2026 with the reopening of Villa Timeo, a 21-room residence just a few steps from Grand Hotel Timeo. The launch coincides with the hotel’s 150th year anniversary, and has been designed by interiors expert Laura Gonzalez. 

The design blends antique Sicilian craftsmanship with contemporary touches, such as artisanal ceramics, mid-century accents, and locally commissioned pieces by Taormina artist Alessandro Florio.

Guests can book individual suites or take over the entire villa, which boasts terraces that look out over the Greek Theatre, along with a private infinity pool and an indoor bar perfect for quieter evenings in. Staying here also unlocks the broader Timeo experience, including dinner at the Michelin-starred Otto Geleng and treatments at the new Dior Spa.

Ultima Collection unveils a major new chalet on Gstaad’s promenade

Ultima Collection has introduced a new address in Gstaad: Ultima Promenade Gstaad, a four-storey chalet on the village’s historic promenade. The impressive villa is designed with larger groups in mind – up to 20 guests – with suites, a children’s dormitory, a cinema, a games room, a cigar lounge, and even a private disco. The interiors are suitably cozy, with cashmere, silk, and hand-finished fabrics styled alongside bespoke Italian furniture and warm architectural details.

A full wellness floor sits below, complete with an indoor pool, hammam, sauna, snow shower, and fitness studio, with treatments by Seed to Skin Tuscany and Augustinus Bader. Guests can also request a curated contemporary art selection via Ultima Collection's partnership with Artion Galleries, installed ahead of arrival. 

Next door, Ultima Hotel Gstaad is home to Switzerland’s first seasonal Zuma pop-up, while the chalet’s central address puts guests in easy reach of the village’s cultural and sporting calendar – from polo tournaments and music festivals to winter ski events.