Since the release of Season 1 of Netflix’s Single’s Inferno, I’ve been hooked to the South Korean dating show. With a mix of irresistible eye candy, slow-burn chemistry, love triangles and a fascinating glimpse into Korean dating culture, who could possibly resist? For the uninitiated, Single’s Inferno follows a group of young singles stranded on a deserted island in the search for love. Couples can only escape the island if they match up with one another for date nights, where they are taken via helicopter to “paradise”.
“Paradise” typically refers to a luxury hotel where couples spend the night together. During their stay, they indulge in good food, drinks, and take advantage of the hotel’s amenities, such as the jacuzzi, spa or pool. Season 4 of Single’s Inferno premiered on Jan 14, and eagle-eyed fans may have spotted the familiar Banyan Tree logo shown during the hotel scenes.
For this season, the enviable “paradise” getaway is none other than Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul, which overlooks the scenic Namsan Mountain. The resort has a Singapore connection too – it is operated and managed by Singapore-based global hospitality group, Banyan Group . Covering a sprawling 70,000 sq m, the resort is housed in what was once the 21-storey Tower Hotel building, crafted in 1967 by architect Kim Swoo Geun, who also designed the Olympic stadium in Seoul.
At the time of its construction, it was the highest building in Korea. After renovations, it reopened as B.
