25 December 2024

Xiaomi opens store in Funan, Singapore

Source: Xiaomi. The new store at Funan.
Source: Xiaomi. The new store at Funan.

Xiaomi Singapore has opened the first store it manages directly at the Funan integrated development on 21 December.

The Xiaomi Store aims to provide a higher quality shopping experience, and will provide more than 300 of the latest smartphones, tablets and AIoT products that consumers can experience in-store. AIoT stands for the artificial intelligence of things, a blend of AI and the Internet of Things.

This development follows the setup of its official online shopping portal, mi.com, for Singapore in October 2024.

With dedicated customer support services as well as product experts within the store, customers can enjoy a seamless one-stop shopping experience. The move is part of Xiaomi’s business expansion to deepen direct engagement with Southeast Asian markets. In Singapore alone, plans are in place to open another two stores by end-2025.

Alex Tang, GM of Xiaomi Southeast Asia said: “Xiaomi is committed to the Southeast Asian market and avail our amazing products to as many as possible. Our ecosystem of innovative products, from premium smartphones, smart home devices, wearables and AIoT products have seen popularity with our consumers. With more direct presence and better customer support, we hope to enhance the shopping experience, provide customers with the latest and best products, and make technology accessible to everyone.”

Details

Xiaomi Store at Funan

Address: Funan, 107 North Bridge Rd, #03-08, Singapore 179105

Monday to Sunday, 10:30 am to 9:30 pm

20 December 2024

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok debuts in Thailand

Source: Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok. Influenced by the tradition of grand Thai residences on Wireless Road, the 260-key hotel overlooks Lumpini Park and leads the city’s cultural evolution. Three windows offer a stunning view of the city's skyline.
Source: Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok. Influenced by the tradition of grand Thai residences on Wireless Road, the 260-key hotel overlooks Lumpini Park and leads the city’s cultural evolution.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, part of the Luxury Group portfolio by Marriott International, is now open.

Set in a 216 m tower at One Bangkok, the largest holistically integrated district and a business and lifestyle destination in the heart of Bangkok, this destination offers a retreat amidst the energy of the city.

“The opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok is a pivotal milestone for our brand, as we introduce the finest personalised service and unforgettable experiences to one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and culturally rich destinations,” said Jenni Benzaquen, Senior VP of The Ritz-Carlton, St Regis, and Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts. 

“By seamlessly blending Thailand’s deep cultural heritage with The Ritz-Carlton’s timeless elegance and forward-thinking design, we are not only enhancing the city’s luxury landscape but also offering guests an experience that is both authentic and transformative.”

Open-air terraces provide sweeping views of Lumpini Park and the city’s skyline. Inside, spaces evoke a sense of timeless elegance and modern sophistication. Upon arrival, an archway leads the way to the foyer and The Front Hall, a drawing room adorned with original artwork and black-and-white photographs reminiscent of a private residence.

A seamless blend of classic Thai artistry and contemporary design, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok’s rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views. Many guestrooms offer private loggias and terraces overlooking Lumpini Park. Guests can choose from 50 sq m Deluxe Rooms, the 102 sq m Gardenia Suites, or the 127 sq m Marigold and Amaranth Suites. Atop the hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Suite crowns the property as a 389 sq m penthouse.

The Club Lounge on the 23rd floor offers privacy in sophisticated surroundings filled with locally-sourced treasures. Featuring five daily culinary presentations in a serene setting, the lounge is a key element of The Ritz-Carlton Club experience, which includes seamless check-in with a dedicated Club Concierge and bespoke in-room amenities.

Three exceptional dining experiences await guests. Duet by David Toutain is led by the eponymous Michelin-starred chef and culinary prodigy Valentin Fouache, and serves modern French cuisine in a glasshouse. Meticulously-sourced ingredients and artisanal produce are showcased in a sensorial dining experience. 

Lily’s reimagines classic dishes with a contemporary twist, offering customisable sharing plates for groups of all sizes. Meanwhile, Caleō - derived from the Latin word for 'being in love’ - invites guests to savour elegant afternoon teas or late-night cocktails.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa has five treatment rooms and a relaxing pod, and is complemented by a state-of-the-art fitness centre and two swimming pools.

The dedicated events floor presents nine flexible function spaces. The star is the Ritz-Carlton Grand Ballroom, the largest of its kind in the city, which can accommodate up to 1,200 people. The ballroom is connected to pre-function areas and an outdoor terrace, and sports three LED screens.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok offers a variety of local touchpoints, such as the Defining Moment, where guests are invited to the Terrace to experience a new interpretation of a daily Klong Yao (Long Drum) ceremony. Devised by The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, the drum beats signal the start of evening celebrations. 

There are morning sessions of Terrace Chi taichi, set against the backdrop of the lawns and lakes of Lumpini Park; new-generation tours of the One Bangkok Art Loop, as well as Golden Hour cocktails inspired by stories from Bangkok’s rich heritage.

“As the first Ritz-Carlton property in Bangkok, we bring old traditions and culture  to life through imaginative, immersive experiences, including performances, activities, and artistic journeys,” said Tina Liu, the hotel’s GM. 

“Our stays are designed to create memorable moments that resonate with our guests, paying homage to Thailand’s ‘cultural bloom’ – the evolution from its graceful past to its exciting future.”

VITIS Wine Bar & Bistro introduces festive lunch menu

VITIS Wine Bar & Bistro has a festive lunch menu available on weekdays till 31 December. 

Start with the VITIS signature small plate of chilled tomato, paired with ocean trout, and edamame and fish consomme. 

Choose between three different mains, consisting of Challans duck, line caught fish or stockyard Wagyu striploin. 

End on a sweet note with a classic dessert, chocolate and cherry. 

The venue can accommodate up to 40 people, with a maximum of 32 in the main restaurant, and up to eight in a private dining room. 

Details 

The lunch costs S$128 per person. 

Call or email to make reservations at:

VITIS Wine Bar and Bistro
7 Fraser St, #01-46/47, DUO Galleria, Singapore 189356

+65 8823 3993
vitis.sg
reservation@vitis.sg

Monday - Friday
Lunch: 12 pm to 2:15 pm (last seating)
Dinner: 5 pm to 10:15 pm (last seating)

Saturday
Dinner: 5 pm to 10:15 pm (last seating)

Closed on Sundays

15 December 2024

Book ahead to enjoy the best deals at Chatrium Hotels & Residences

Source: Chatrium Hotels & Residences. The Chatrium Riverside Bangkok.
Source: Chatrium Hotels & Residences. The Chatrium Riverside Bangkok.

Chatrium Hotels & Residences is running an Advance Saver promotion under which guests who book at least 30 days in advance unlock special rates.

The promotion offers a choice of a room with breakfast or a room-only package at:

 Chatrium Grand Bangkok
 Chatrium Riverside Bangkok
 Chatrium Residence Sathon Bangkok
 Emporium Suites by Chatrium (Thailand)
 Chatrium Golf Resort Soi Dao Chanthaburi
 Chatrium Royal Lake Yangon
 Chatrium Niseko Japan
 Lacol Khaoyai – A Chatrium Collection (Thailand)
 Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18 Bangkok – A Chatrium Collection
 Maitria Mode Sukhumvit 15 Bangkok – A Chatrium Collection
 Maitria Hotel Rama 9 Bangkok – A Chatrium Collection 

Chatrium Grand Bangkok is ideal for connoisseurs of Thai elegance and modern luxury, while Chatrium Niseko Japan offers an Alpine retreat in Hirafu Village. Meanwhile, chic and contemporary Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18 is located in Bangkok’s vibrant Sukhumvit district. 

The Advance Saver Room with Breakfast promotion at the Chatrium Grand Bangkok begins at THB9,600*. Complimentary in-room Wi-Fi and Fitness Centre access are included, in addition to daily breakfast up to two registered guests.  In-room welcome amenities include Thai traditional and modern snacks, both sweet and savoury, and a welcome non-alcoholic minibar. Capsule coffee is replenished daily.

Details

Book stays at https://www.chatrium.com/offers-promotions or https://www.maitriahotels.com/offers. 

*Rates are based on single/double occupancy and are subject to 10% service charge and 7% government tax.

14 December 2024

Subway UAE adds Daqoos Series to menu

Source: Subway. Subway UAE has teamed up with Excellence Hot Sauce to serve up nostalgic UAE flavours in every bite. A Subway sandwich with chips and hot sauce.
Source: Subway. Subway UAE has teamed up with Excellence Hot Sauce to serve up nostalgic UAE flavours in every bite.

Subway UAE has localised its menu for the first time ever through a partnership with Excellence Hot Sauce (Daqoos, دقوس).

A celebration of Excellence Hot Sauce and crushed chips, typically Chips Oman, is at the heart of the campaign, termed The old days, served fresh: Daqoos Series. The decades-old signature heat, crunch and tang elevates street food across the region.

The lineup features three creations:

- Fresh & Furious, with crispy chicken bites, Excellence Hot Sauce, and crunchy chips 

- Wahed Sub Laham (literally "(give me) one beef sub"), combining tender beef Philly steak, melted cheddar, Excellence Hot Sauce, chips, fresh vegetables, and ranch dressing

- Fery Good, Fery Nice (Dynamite Chicken), a side dish starring crispy Dynamite Chicken bites enhanced with Excellence Hot Sauce and chips.

"The beauty of this campaign lies in its ability to take something deeply rooted in local culture and give it a fresh, contemporary perspective," said Ibrahim Hasan, Regional Head of McCann Content Studios – MENA.

"Subway UAE proves that with the right approach, global brands can tell local stories with authenticity and impact." 

Mahmoud Mneimne, Marketing Director for Subway UAE said: "Our goal was to craft an experience that captures the soul of UAE cafeteria culture while offering a fresh and innovative take. 

"We're proud to have created something that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new, reflecting the vibrant community we serve."

The limited-edition menu is available across Subway UAE outlets. It is complemented by a limited-edition merchandise collection designed by Waggish. Inspired by Dubai's street vendor culture, the line includes hoodies and stickers that combine street-style aesthetics with Subway's branding.

Explore

Watch an associated video from Subway UAE's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DC6zj0avy6f/

Waggish's Instagram channel is at https://www.instagram.com/waggish.ae/

19 November 2024

Harnessing romance story-telling to boost sales

Source: CUHK via Shutterstock. Romance encourages impulse buying. Smiling man holding a heart looking at a smiling woman.

Research from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School has linked romance-themed storytelling and the increased likelihood of making impulsive purchases.

Highlights of the research include: 

- Tourists exposed to romance-themed storytelling are more prone to impulsive buying compared to those in non-romantic settings.

- The effect is driven by a reduced sense of personal control that stems from an internalised belief that "romance is uncontrollable".

= Colour plays a crucial role: blue backgrounds enhance the impulsive buying tendency in romantic settings, while red backgrounds mitigate it.

The study, led by Professor Lisa Wan Chun-ying of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at CUHK Business School, could present new opportunities for tourism marketers to enhance visitor experiences and boost consumer spending, the university said.

Titled Harnessing romance: The effect of exposure to romance-themed attractions on tourists’ impulsive buying and published in Tourism Management, the 2023 study involved 820 participants. Some participants were shown images of a medieval bridge which came with a love story, while others were told a romance-neutral story about friendship related to the bridge. Those exposed to the romance theme were more likely to make impulsive purchases compared to those under the non-romantic condition.