IS the Travel and Tourism Industry really the “Happiness Business?” This was the question posed by Executive Editor Imtiaz Muqbil in last week’s Travel Impact Newswire.
“The vast majority of people travel to flee routine, humdrum, monotonous, stressful lifestyles and enjoy something different, far from the madding crowds, the boss, the neighbors or the mothers-in-law. Being greeted and served by smiling people in a traditional style, and enveloped in a pleasant, sensual atmosphere is a means of restoring sanity,” wrote Muqbil. “So, in a very powerful way, the travel and tourism industry is contributing significantly to making the world a happier place.”
There may be some truth to that idea, but with many in the Kingdom now returning from their annual leave and soon forced to face crushing credit card bills, that happy holiday will quickly seem like an event in the distant past. After surviving the travails of airport security, economy class seating and lost luggage, it’s no wonder that people who have just come back from vacation moan that they need more Is the time off to recover from their trip abroad.
Many people want to vacation closer to their Saudi homes and domestic and regional tourism is increasingly popular, but the amusements on offer are often of a lower quality than what tourists find further afield. Even worse, attractions in the GCC are often geared only toward children or the “wild crowd,” with adults or families as a whole frequently finding that shopping malls or restaurants are the only local venues for enjoyment.
That’s why today I want to let you in on a secret. Just across the Causeway from Alkhobar is a brand new resort that offers a cool, relaxing respite from the miserable heat and dust of a Saudi summer.
The Banyan Tree Desert Spa and Resort, Al-Areen, Bahrain opened just in time for the Bahrain Grand Prix in the spring of this year. The resort is located behind the Al-Areen Wildlife Park, about a 30 minute drive from the Saudi border.
I learned about Banyan Tree Al-Areen (www.banyantree.com) from two businessmen who had been looking for something amusing to do on a Friday afternoon. A visit to the Banyan Tree’s Hydrothermal Garden left them relaxed and refreshed, ready to face the rigors of the week to come. Hearing their enthusiastic comments, my husband and I booked appointments at the spa for the next weekend.
The Banyan Tree Al-Areen is part of a large group of spas, hotels and resorts, and it builds on that heritage. The first Banyan Tree Resort was launched in 1994 in Thailand. The resort’s philosophy is based on providing a place for rejuvenation of the body, mind and spirit — in essence becoming a Sanctuary for the Senses. Pioneering the tropical garden spa concept with Asian health and beauty remedies passed down from generations, Banyan Tree Spa was created as the signature experience in all Banyan Tree resorts.
The therapists at the Banyan Tree Al-Areen Spa are all Asians, having years of practice in their chosen relaxation specialty. The group operates its own Banyan Tree Spa Academy to train its own therapists, plus the academy sponsors research into new treatment recipes, massage techniques and spa products.
Our family’s Banyan Tree Al-Areen experience included a massage followed by a visit to the Hydrothermal Garden. The spa features eight Deluxe and four Royal Spa Pavilions. The pavilions encompass not only beautiful therapy rooms, but also relaxations areas, dressing rooms and shower suites. The goal is total relaxation and from the first sip of ginger tea, till the chimes signal the end of the session, the atmosphere is designed to instil a sense of serenity. Massages on offer include the Gui Shi Hot Stones, Thai Yoga Massage, Lomi Lomi and Balinese, with all massage sessions except the Gui Shi Hot Stones, experienced for 90 minutes.
After the massage, my husband and I donned swimsuits to try the therapeutic adventures tucked away in the Hydrothermal Garden. My personal favorite was the Herbal Ceramic Sauna. The aromatic essence of chamomile and rosemary were very soothing in this warm, dry chamber. Graduating lights and a cool lemon drink add to the comfort of the sauna. My husband preferred the Warm Rainmist Corridor, which begins with the warm mist of a tropical jungle, graduating to a drizzle and then roaring to a warm tropical monsoon shower.
There are 15 different stations in the Hydrothermal Garden and beware! Some can be a bit too invigorating. The Monsoon Shower experience first simulates “summer storm” followed by a blast of “Arctic Winter,” which leaves grown men shivering and hurrying for a cozy towel. In the Ice Igloo, guests are invited to rub fresh crushed ice on their skin to enhance circulation. The therapists assured me it was excellent for cellulite-prone areas, but I decided that the Cool Rainmist Corridor, which started my teeth chattering, was all the stimulation I could handle.
After enjoying any or all of the fifteen stations in the Hydrothermal Garden, take a circuit around the Middle East’s largest hydrotherapy pool. With nine stations, there are aqua jets to soothe all parts of the body, plus bubble air beds for relaxation.
A massage and trip through the Hydrothermal Garden requires about three hours. For those with more time to devote to relaxation, a visit to Banyan Tree Al-Areen’s Garden Hammam should not be missed. Inspired by Middle-Eastern gardens, the Garden Hammam is one of the largest in the world. Crowned by a grand dome, the Garden Hammam is set in a serene water garden with cool fountains and invigorating streams. A waterfall curtain veils the intimate garden from the hammam. Banyan Tree therapists offer such unusual treatments as the Gui Shi Rainmist and the Javanese Lulur in specially designed rooms off the main hammam.
One of the nicest things about the entire Banyan Tree Al-Areen experience is that couples and family groups are invited to enjoy most of the spa’s offerings together in privacy. There is a fully equipped playroom for children, allowing parents to escape for an hour’s relaxation while the young ones are amused.
The resort is also wheelchair accessible so individuals with physical limitations can join their families in the pleasures available at Banyan Tree.
For individuals looking for active pursuits, the Banyan Tree Al-Areen boasts a state-of-the-art health club. Tennis and squash courts, a wellness studio, indoor lap pool, gymnasium and fitness studio can be used every day of the week. Classes available range from pilates and yoga to aquacize and aeroboxing.
While the spa is the focus of many guests, Banyan Tree Al-Areen also offers fine dining in several restaurants and accommodation in two types of luxuriously appointed villas. The resort is already becoming known as a romantic getaway for honeymooners and is a lovely retreat for any couple interested in creating happy memories together.