Opened during the first phase of the Al Areen development, Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort, Al Areen offers the perfect blend of relaxation and intimacy. An expression of understated charm and elegance spanning 131,000 square metres, the resort features 78 luxuriously appointed villas on a total built-up area of 32,000 square meters. This includes 22 two-bedroom Royal Villas and 56 one-bedroom Desert Pool Villas each with their own private courtyard, swimming pool and jet-pool. Bordering the spectacular grounds of the Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary, the resort is a perfect retreat. Boasting the world’s most extensive spa and hydrotherapy garden Banyan Tree, Al Areen will provide a complete body wellness centre offering up-to-date sporting and relaxation facilities. Including twelve Deluxe and four Royal Spa Pavilions, vitality pool, ice igloo, foot spa and the world’s largest modern day build Hammam. It also offers an extensive range of meeting and banqueting facilities, six international standard restaurants including Saffron, Rimal, Tamarind, Vertigo, Lobby Lounge, and the Pool Bar, the Banyan Tree Gallery, kid’s club, two tennis courts and a squash court. The Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort, Al Areen, built at a cost of US$ 170 million, is being operated and managed by the Singapore-based Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, Asia’s leading luxury spa and resort operator. It has been built by the UAE-based Al Hamad Construction and Development Co. Cluster 9(a)