Singapore � Internationally acclaimed Banyan Tree Group has been honoured with another three awards at the annual SpaFinder Readers� Choice Awards 2005. Based on the poll results from readers of SpaFinder.com and Luxury SpaFinder magazine, Banyan Tree Spa Phuket won the prestigious Crystal Award � Asia category, as well as Top Spa � Southeast Asia. In addition, standalone day spa Banyan Tree Spa Shanghai was voted Top Spa � China/Hong Kong.

Since its inception in 1986, SpaFinder has been the leading spa travel and marketing company based in New York. Crystal Award winners represent the cr�me de la cr�me of the spa world establishments that were readers� overall favorites. These awards are given according to geography and size.

As a pioneer of the tropical garden spa, award-winning Banyan Tree Spa Phuket continues to introduce new treatments that incorporate the Asian holistic approach. These wins bears testimony to its combination of massages, body treatments and facials, carried out amidst the enchanting sights, soothing sounds and entrancing fragrances of nature at Banyan Tree Phuket.

Banyan Tree Spa Shanghai, located in the Westin Shanghai at Bund Center, unveils cutting-edge spa concepts specially customised with traditional Chinese Five Elements philosophy. The time-honoured Wu Xing or Five Elements symbolise the life forces present in all existence on earth and are the manifestations of Yin and Yang. The five elemental energies, Earth, Gold, Water, Wood and Fire, coupled with the union of Yin and Yang, form the main roots in the ancient Chinese tree of well-being. This belief is the basis that guides the proper application of traditional Chinese herbal remedies.

Banyan Tree Group continues to pursue the highest standards and innovations in the spa field, through its product development and associate training at the Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Phuket. Specially trained therapists undergo at least 300 hours of training at the Spa Academy before being posted to one of the Banyan Tree Group�s 48 spas all over the world.

Since 1997, Banyan Tree Group has won more than 200 awards and accolades conferred by international leading publications and travel associations for both its spas and resorts. The flagship resort, Banyan Tree Phuket has also recently won the Best Resort - Asia Pacific at the Business Traveller Awards 2005.

For reservations and more information, please visit www.banyantreespa.com.

About Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts Banyan Tree offers an intimate retreat experience featuring its own signature blend of romance and Asian sensuality. The philosophy behind the hotels, resorts, spas and galleries is based on providing a place for rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul � a Sanctuary for the Senses.

Banyan Tree resorts are found in Phuket, Thailand (1994), Maldives Vabbinfaru (1995), Bintan, Indonesia (1995), Bangkok, Thailand (2002), Seychelles (2002) and Shangri-La, China (2005). Flagship Banyan Tree Phuket was the first to introduce a tropical garden spa concept.

To date, the Banyan Tree Group operates 17 resorts, 48 spas and 52 retail galleries in 19 countries worldwide.

For further information please contact: Group Communications Department Simone Chen, Director T +65 6849 5875, E: simone.chen@banyantree.com

Yvette Tee, Manager T +65 6849 5816, E: yvette.tee@banyantree.com

Linda Lee, Executive T +65 6849 5748, E: linda.lee@banyantree.com