Beachcomber Hotels has opened five spa treatment rooms at its Le Canonnier hotel in Mauritius, built within and around an ancient Banyan tree.

The 9sq m (96sq ft) rooms – four singles and one double – were created at a cost of 7m Mauritian Rupees (£113,000, US$215,000, 168,000 euro) by local architect Maurice Giraud who has worked with Beachcomber on a number of previous projects.

A spokesperson for the hotel group said: “Located on an exclusive peninsula, Le Canonnier is set in seven hectares of landscaped gardens, including its famed water gardens - a favourite haven for guests to practise yoga with the hotel’s yoga trainer, or in peaceful solitude.

“The five new treatment rooms have been built into the tree but without creating any risk of damage. All the materials used are natural and work totally in harmony with nature, to create an atmosphere of stillness and serenity.”

Treatments on offer at Le Canonnier Wellness Centre include Shiatsu massage, hot stone therapy and aromatherapy, as well as an aromatic massage for children. Products are supplied by Thalgo.

The spokesperson added that although the spa currently offers no other facilities, it has proved very popular since opening and so may well evolve in the future. Details: www.beachcomber-hotels.com