Simply Abu Dhabi XXVI

1 0 6 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I “I guess we won all the points in design because we responded to what we were very sympathetic to, making a building that is extrovert and connected to the city around it,” commented Safdie in 2014. Boasting deluxe rooms with plush, gold-and-earth toned furnishings and abundant natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows, not to mention privileged access to the iconic infinity pool and Sands SkyPark, the resort’s architecture has also been approved by its feng shui consultants, Louisa Ong-Lee and the late Chong Swan Lek. This nod to the Chinese philosophical system of harmonising everyone with their environment is in keeping with the holistic approach to physical, mental and spiritual harmony found at the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa – the renowned Banyan Tree’s very first venture in Singapore located some fifty-five storeys above the ground. Drawing upon time-honoured Asian therapies, including the tropical garden spa approach which it is now famous for pioneering, the Banyan Tree Spa’s high-touch, low-tech focus celebrates the restorative power of the human touch, using natural herbs, spices and aromatic oils to provide guests with the ultimate spa experience. Offering a total of 35 luxurious treatments and services, the spa spans a whopping 1,213sqm, and includes no less than two royal double spa suites boasting a double rain-mist room, bathtub, shower and washroom, the Banyan Tree Gallery for relaxation, and a beauty salon for hair treatments, manicures and pedicures. The Harmony Banyan, one of two signature spa treatments on offer, is a 150-minute indulgent spa experience harnessing the power of the orchid. It is performed by two therapists who synchronise in physique and movements to bring about a harmonious sense of wellbeing. The iconic SkyPark also hosts the stunning observation deck, which provides incredible panoramic vistas of the stunning Marina Bay, the breathtaking cityscape, the architectural wonders of Supertree Grove, and the vibrant colours characteristic of Gardens by the Bay. The