Anyone that has ever stayed at a Banyan Tree resort will know that this luxury chain is particularly skilled at transporting a slice of Thailand to whatever country it is located in, whether it is Mexico or Lijiang. To recreate the tranquillity and pure luxury in chaotic, smoky Macau (the recent smoking ban is very loosely enforced, especially in casinos), however, is a real feat.

Located in the grandiose Galaxy complex in Cotai, the Banyan Tree Macau is placed alongside the Okura and Galaxy’s own hotel, yet manages to etch out an oasis of calm with distinctively Thai characteristics. It’s not just the villas with their private infinity pools and jacuzzis that transport you to an island in Phuket, it’s also the discreet staff (many of whom are Thai) who truly spirit you away.

Read our review of the Nourishing Treatment Delight custom-facial available at beauty centre MTM here.

The spa at the Banyan Tree Macau lists over 20 treatments on its menu including facials and body scrubs, but the hotel is especially proud of its massages. Every treatment is inclusive of 30-minute “calm time” which includes a foot bath and a drink before and after the treatment, so for a 90-minute massage, prepare to spend two hours at the spa.

Upon our arrival at the spa, the receptionist inquires after our preferences: what strength massage would we like; are there any particular areas we would like to concentrate on; etc. After hearing our replies, she recommends the Balinese massage, a 90-minute long deep-tissue massage which utilises medium strength and “earth oil”. Those are not the only decisions to be made: after walking through the bamboo garden into our private treatment room, we are further asked to choose an incense stick (aromas include lavender - the most popular - to amber) as well as the soundtrack we would like (we picked piano melodies).

The masseuse is Thai, and she starts by asking us again which areas we would like special attention on. After having been to a rather strenuous boot camp session the day before, we ask her to turn her attention to our quadriceps and shoulders. She obliges, but a bit disappointingly, employs mostly long strokes that while are extremely soothing, do little to disentangle the knots accumulated under our sore muscles, which probably required more circular kneading.

We try the Biologique Recherche facial for men at Four Seasons Hong Kong here.

It is difficult to stay awake under her confident hands and sure enough, when we come to consciousness again, it is nearly the end of the treatment. We awake to an extremely comfortable head massage and a cup of lemongrass tea (naturally, there is another option of ginger tea). After getting dressed and having a good stretch, we discover that while our muscle aches have not miraculously disappeared, we are certainly a lot more relaxed, glowing brighter than two hours before.

All in all, the spa at Banyan Tree Macau is truly a mini-break away, perfect for those craving the peace of a Thai resort without stepping onto a plane.

Banyan Tree Macau: Avenida Marginal Flor de Lotus, Macau; Tel: +853 8883 8833; Website: http://www.banyantree.com/en/macau/