Banyan Tree Al Wadi is launching on 1 January 2010 in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates and will be the first luxury desert resort in the UAE to offer an all-pool villa concept. Asian-inspired hydrotherapy spa facilities, an 18-hole golf course, a private beach club, as well as a dedicated nature reserve within the resort grounds will also be on offer.

Set in the tranquil Wadi Khadeja, a protected nature reserve, Banyan Tree Al Wadi is 45 minutes from Dubai and just a short drive from the vibrant Ras Al Khaimah city centre. The resort will feature 70 pool villas and 31 tented pool villas, all with uninterrupted views of the desert and each with a private pool set in enclosed gardens. The tented pool villa also features a dedicated spa treatment room complete with an outdoor shower.

The award-winning Banyan Tree Spa features 10 treatment pavilions and a hydrothermal circuit with a hammam and vitality pool. Guests can enjoy signature Asian-inspired massages delivered by therapists trained at the Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Phuket, Thailand. The resort features five restaurants and bars, from contemporary Thai cuisine and Southeast Asian specialties at the signature Saffron restaurant to exotic cocktails by the beach club.

Banyan Tree Al Wadi is the first desert spa resort in Ras Al Khaimah to offer a private nature reserve within its grounds � home to local desert wildlife such as Arabian gazelles and oryxes, offering guests a unique opportunity to interact with and observe the animals up close. Guests can take part in falconry, camel riding, wadi safaris or simply lounge on the private beach.

Western Oriental (www.westernoriental.com / 0845 277 3389) is four nights at Banyan Tree Al Wadi from �1,259 per person. This price includes return economy class Emirates flights from Heathrow or Gatwick, private airport transfers and accommodation in a deluxe pool villa on a bed and breakfast basis. Valid from 01 June � 15 July 2010.

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For media enquiries please contact: bgb: Maitha Ahmed/Sara Norman� 020 7902 2990 or email mahmed@bgb.co.uk / snorman@bgb.co.uk

About Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts The leading international operator in the boutique resort, residences and spa industry, Banyan Tree offers a signature blend of romance and travel with a green conscience. The philosophy behind the hotels, resorts, residences, spas, retail galleries and destination club is based on rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul � a Sanctuary for the Senses. Angsana Hotels and Resorts is the ideal complement to Banyan Tree, comprising contemporary, chic and ecologically sensitive retreats. Based in areas of outstanding natural beauty and exciting city hubs, Angsana hotels, resorts, residences, spas and retail galleries reflect the spirit and communities of its environment.

To date, the Banyan Tree Group manages and/or has ownership interests in over 20 resorts and hotels, over 60 spas, in excess of 60 retail galleries; as well as two golf courses.