Powering Saudi's rise in tourism

Source: Saudi Tourism Authority. Aerial view of Qiddiya at night.

While KSA’s heritage remains the soul of its travel experiences, the kingdom has also been unveiling projects of unprecedented scale and vision:

Qiddiya 

Just outside Riyadh, Qiddiya is set to become KSA’s capital of entertainment, sports, and culture. It will host a wide range of attractions, from motorsports and live performances to cultural experiences.

Among its most anticipated highlights is Six Flags Qiddiya, the first Six Flags Park in the region. Record-breaking rides and roller coasters are expected to redefine theme park entertainment in the Middle East.

Aquarabia Qiddiya City

Aquarabia Qiddiya City will be the kingdom’s first water theme park, and the region's largest. It is expected to open soon.

King Salman Park

Located in the heart of Riyadh, this will be one of the largest urban parks in the world. Combining culture, entertainment, and expansive green space, it will create a new focal point for both residents and visitors.

Over 1,000 new hotel rooms are set to open under brands such as Marriott, Accor, IHG, and Six Senses by 2030, catering to every type of traveller. These launches will not only redefine the country’s hospitality landscape but also set new global benchmarks in design, service, and sustainability.

KSA is also investing heavily in infrastructure that makes travel seamless and sustainable. Airport upgrades, new high-speed rail connections, and smart city developments will mean easier journeys, greater connectivity, and access to destinations that were once difficult to reach.

For Indonesian travellers, visiting KSA is now more accessible. Holders of a valid UK, US, or Schengen visa, complete with an entry stamp from the issuing country, can apply for an e-visa or visa on arrival. Umrah pilgrims can explore beyond the holy cities as well.

Refreshed experience at ibis Singapore on Bencoolen

Source: ibis Singapore on Bencoolen. A deluxe king room.

The ibis Singapore on Bencoolen has annnounced a refresh featuring refurbished guest rooms that combine style, comfort, and local culture. The hotel is located close to popular attractions, including Bugis Street, Little India, Raffles Place, Marina Bay and Orchard Road.

The refreshed spaces showcase watercolour artworks by Singaporean artist Aw Bee Heyong, depicting the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. Sustainability is also a key focus, with energy-efficient features and ecoconscious amenities that align with the hotel’s commitment to responsible hospitality.

Deluxe and superior rooms are available in multiple configurations. All the rooms feature high-speed Wi-Fi, USB and type-C charging points, as well as a smart television.

“We are delighted to offer our guests a refreshed stay experience that embodies comfort, sustainability, and connectivity,” said David Lane, GM of ibis Singapore on Bencoolen. 

“Our commitment to continual improvements ensures that we meet the evolving needs of today’s travellers while maintaining our position as one of Singapore’s leading economy hotels.” 

Details

To celebrate the unveiling of its refreshed rooms, ibis Singapore on Bencoolen is offering a Holiday Saver Package with up to 15% off stays for guests booking a minimum of two nights. The promotion includes a S$10 food and beverage credit for use at Taste Restaurant. 

Make a reservation at https://all.accor.com/hotel/6657/index.en.shtml

The Signature Suites debut at Regent Hong Kong

The reimagined Regent Hong Kong has unveiled the Signature Suites, a trio of luxury residential retreats. The Signature Suites represent the crème de la crème of the 129 suites at Regent Hong Kong. Each Suite has a private outdoor terrace and whirlpool, views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline, enhanced by bespoke service.

Showcasing the aesthetic of Hong Kong-born architect and designer Chi Wing Lo, the Presidential Suite, Terrace Suite and CEO Suite are ideal for cocktail receptions and other private events. Each signature suite has a private terrace as well as spacious lounge and dining areas. The decor is dominated by warm cream tones, custom furnishings in natural oak with leather detailing and artisan craftsmanship.

Michel Chertouh, Regent Hong Kong MD said: “Each of our Signature Suites is designed to offer a highly personalised experience and the height of sophistication and discreet luxury. Guests will feel as if they are living in a luxurious contemporary residence with spaces that become their own, rather than a hotel suite.”

All three Signature Suites are privy to around-the-clock personalised service “on your terms” by dedicated Regent Masters. Signature Suite guests also enjoy access to Regent Club, a private sanctuary with breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktail experiences.

Presidential Suite

Regent Hong Kong’s Presidential Suite has long been known as one of the world’s most spectacular hotel suites and rooftop penthouses. This 7,000 sq ft duplex suite includes an infinity swimming pool.

Two-storey plate glass windows showcase panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline from the duplex living room. The dining room which seats eight. The master bedroom has an ensuite Oasis bathroom with private sauna and steam rooms, plus a private gym. The Presidential Suite also has a tea room, kitchenette and powder room. In addition to the master bedroom, four outer-connecting bedrooms create a five-bedroom suite.

Terrace Suite

Source: The Regent Hong Kong. Rooftop terrace, Terrace Suite.

The Terrace Suite at 5,500 sq ft is now a one-bedroom duplex suite with the feel of a sophisticated apartment. The main level includes a living room with a lounge area. The living room has an elongated green granite console which can be used for buffet service. An adjoining entertainment room accommodates four, and there are two powder rooms.

An internal glass staircase leads to the harbour-facing master bedroom upstairs, as well as an Oasis bathroom with a round Oasis bath and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong Island skyline. A changing and lounging area and built-in makeup table with abundant natural light complete the space.

Designed for special occasions and events, the 3,300 sq ft rooftop terrace includes a whirlpool, lounge areas and a dining table for up to eight guests – all overlooking Victoria Harbour.

CEO Suite

The two-bedroom CEO Suite, at 4,200 sq ft, is home to a central living room with comfortable lounge seating and a wall of harbourview windows. Sliding doors on either side of a central wall with a large smart TV, open to the master bedroom, while glass doors open into the terrace overlooking Victoria Harbour. With a built-in wine fridge and Lo custom-designed bar cabinet, the living room with its is a haven for relaxation and convivial conversation.

The 3,200 sq ft terrace, with sweeping views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island, includes a whirlpool, sundeck, lounge area and a dining table for up to eight guests.

Details

The Suite MICHELIN Dining package pairs a suite stay with a meal at the MICHELIN-starred Cantonese restaurant at Regent Hong Kong. Nobu enthusiasts can opt for the Unwind and Delight package. A Stay Longer and Save offer rewards extended visits with restaurant experiences and a daily breakfast. 

Contact Regent Hong Kong at + 852 2313 2333 or email reservations.regenthk@ihgcom for reservations.

Elite Havens introduces three new properties in Bali

Source: Elite Havens. Elite Havens adds three villas to their Bali Collection.

Elite Havens, Asia's luxury villa rental and management company, has added three properties to their Bali portfolio:

Sol Y Mar - Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia

Located on Nunggalan Beach, Sol y Mar is a four-bedroom villa with a private pool.  

Villa Dhanika - Badung, Bali, Indonesia 

Villa Dhanika is set in Balinese rice fields. This five-bedroom sanctuary features an Olympic-size swimming pool and an outdoor jacuzzi. Pantai Batu Bolong is just steps away.  

Villa Bie - Badung, Bali, Indonesia 

Located within the Six Senses Residence in Uluwatu, Villa Bie is a seven-bedroom contemporary villa. Fully managed and recently completed, Villa Bie features a gym, spa, and karaoke room. Spread across multiple levels, there are spacious living and dining areas, a private pool, and ocean views. Ample parking is available.

"These three new additions to our Bali collection exemplify the beauty and luxury that Elite Havens is known for," said Vitalis Alexander, GM of Elite Havens Indonesia. 

"Each villa offers a unique experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Bali. We are thrilled to welcome Sol Y Mar, Villa Dhanika, and Villa Bie to our portfolio and look forward to providing our guests with unforgettable memories." 

Hashtags:  #luxuryvillas, #luxurytravel, #balivilla

The Palawan @ Sentosa offers eight lifestyle entertainment experiences

The Shangri-La Group has launched its first lifestyle entertainment precinct. Located at Sentosa Island, Singapore, the 183,000 sq ft area houses eight experiences, including food and beverage options.

“With The Palawan @ Sentosa, we are creating new waves of excitement and bringing more colourful joys of life for our guests outside of our regular hotel setting. Shangri-La has a rich history of delivering joyful experiences for our guests, paired with our trademark Asian hospitality. 

"With our very first standalone lifestyle entertainment precinct, we hope to continue delighting guests, and inspiring them to discover their personal Shangri-La with us, as they play, explore and bond through an array of exciting leisure and dining offerings we have specially put together at The Palawan @ Sentosa,” said Chan Kong Leong, Regional CEO for the Shangri-La Group in Southeast Asia & Australasia, Hong Kong, Japan and Middle East, Europe, Indian Ocean & The Americas.

Source: The Palawan @ Sentosa. The HyperDrive track.

HyperDrive, the region’s first gamified electric go-karting circuit spread over a three-level racetrack, is ready to welcome adrenaline seekers. The 308 m-long, 5.3 m-wide indoor circuit is built with straightaways and 14 turns for an action-packed driving experience, which the karts able to go up to a top speed of 30 km/h at the novice level and 50 km/h for the advanced level (with additional requirements) to allow overtaking in a race to the finish.

A fleet of 36 ecofriendly electric go-karts that come in senior, junior and tandem kart configurations will be at drivers' disposal. Each session accommodates up to 12 karts at a time.

To celebrate its opening, HyperDrive will be debuting at the Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS), which features 10 days of race-themed and motorsports celebrations as a preamble to the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix.

In partnership with Red Bull Energy Drink, HyperDrive racers will compete on speed from 25 August to 10 September 2023. The top eight participants will qualify for the final showdown on 13 September to win the ultimate fan experience and enjoy a tour of the Red Bull Racing Garage at the F1 Pit Building during race weekend. Runner-ups will win Red Bull Racing merchandise.

In the coming months, HyperDrive will be the first in Asia to offer the ‘Game of Karts’ experience, where virtual racing meets real-life go-karting. Drivers will enter a virtual gaming realm by collecting bonuses as ‘weapons’ to sabotage their competitors or as ‘boosts’ to turbocharge their race to the podium.

Visitors can also soak in the action at the 110-seater HyperDrive Cafe located on the second floor, where a 32 m-long open cantilevered gallery overlooks the tracks.

UltraGolf, an 18-hole mini-golf course, is nearby. With two starting positions available on each hole, the course offers a more challenging game for seasoned golfers, or a simpler version for the aspiring ones.

Those seeking a touch of exclusivity can visit +Twelve – a 290-seater beach club is where luxury and sophistication converge. The club features distinctive terraced architecture and 12 private cabanas with personal plunge pools and unobstructed views of Palawan Beach.

Patrons can get their drinks fixed by +Twelve’s in-house mixologists at the swim-up bar, and on weekends, listen to in-house or guest DJs as they sample the contemporary summer menu.

Visitors can also take their tastebuds on a culinary adventure at The Palawan Food Trucks. Ten food trucks will feature cuisine from around the world, including Mexican tacos and Korean fried chicken.

Other attractions include Splash Tribe, a beach club; a dog run, and HydroDash, Singapore’s first floating inflatable playground. 

A Greek restaurant, Blu Kouzina, is set to delight seafood enthusiasts as well. With a focus on grilled fresh seafood specialties including whole fish, lobsters and shellfish, the menu will also feature signature dishes such as lamb chops, and sharing platters. Blu Kouzina @ Palawan Beach is set to open in early October 2023. 

Explore

Learn more about the Levelled-Up Racing at HyperDrive at www.thepalawansentosa.com/events/levelled-up-racing-at-hyperdrive

Singapore Sports Hub pivots successfully during pandemic

Source: Singapore Sports Hub. Plans for 2021. 

From protecting and housing migrant workers during the peak of COVID-19, to reimagining events for local audiences, the Singapore Sports Hub is geared to drive an experiential agenda in 2021 that is backed by learnings from 2020.

Although the global pandemic prevented its ability to bring the usual suite of marquee sporting and entertainment events to Singapore, the fully-integrated hub pivoted and refocused its efforts to become a pillar of support for the community. It also experimented with innovative formats that have opened new possibilities for events and experiences in 2021.

In 2020, the venues under the Hub hosted 4.8 million visitors. The OCBC Aquatic Centre actually saw 41% more visitors in Q420 than the year before.

Live events without compromising on safety

As part of the nation’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 among migrant workers, Project Dorm saw Singapore Sports Hub transform venues like the OCBC Arena and the National Stadium into safe and comfortable living quarters that housed 3,000 workers. This proved Singapore Sports Hub’s potential to zone and accommodate a sizable number of people without compromising on safe distancing. Each zone is a self-sufficient bubble, with its own gate for entrance and exit, plus separate bathroom facilities as well as food and beverage (F&B) concession stands. These will work together to effectively separate different groups of event attendees.

The Hub put this new zoning strategy to the test with the ONE Championship mixed martial arts (MMA) event in October. This was Singapore’s first live event since the pandemic. The event saw all tickets sold out within a day. Stringent measures were taken to ensure the event ran both safely and smoothly, including providing a list of designated clinics where attendees were required to undergo an antigen rapid test on the event day and produce a valid negative test certificate before entry.

The successful execution of these safety protocols has built confidence in the Hub’s ability to scale and adapt these procedures for bigger events, bringing with it the likelihood of more such live events in 2021, the Hub said.

Events with innovative technology

To support individuals through movement restrictions, Singapore Sports Hub delivered community and sports experiences through virtual programmes. For example, it launched an online workout series. The Hub also celebrated Singapore’s 55th birthday with the first-ever virtual National Day Fiesta.

With a total of over 750,000 views, the strong performance of these virtual programmes has inspired Singapore Sports Hub to continue innovating and incorporating technology into its events. A recent example of this is the Hub’s foray into physical+digital or ‘phygital’ programmes that feature both online and offline elements. This November, the Hub hosted ZoomBa, a phygital event that saw both online and offline participants come together for Singapore’s longest zumba relay. A relay occurs when different groups of people perform the activity sequentially, instead of together.

Re-think the use of facilities

While known for hosting entertainment and sporting events at its facilities, Singapore Sports Hub used the spaces to serve the larger public during the pandemic. Over 140 activity sessions that catered to all ages and went beyond sports were organised in November and December.

Lionel Yeo, CEO, Singapore Sports Hub, said: “In this challenging year, Singapore Sports Hub has successfully rallied together to support the community whilst still offering the great experiences that we are known for. It has also been a year of important learnings, and we are eager to put together more safe and engaging events as we transition into Phase 3. With the right mindset and approach and the cooperation of all stakeholders, we believe that this national asset can deliver great value to Singapore through good times and bad.”

Zepp sites first concert hall outside of Japan in Singapore

Signage on the facade of Big Box megamall.

Zepp@BIGBOX Singapore live hall, the first Zepp-branded concert hall outside of Japan, has launched at Big Box megamall in Singapore. BIG BOX is in the heart of Jurong East district, a vibrant retail hub slated as Singapore's next central business district (CBD), and within walking distance from a mass rapid transit station.

Operated by Zepp@BIGBOX, a joint venture formed between Singapore-based Big Box Investment and Japan-based Zepp Hall Network, Zepp@BIGBOX Singapore is a mid-sized concert hall which
brings the best of sound and lighting for live music enthusiasts to listen to their favourite bands playing on stage. The space doubles up as an event venue.

The audience is meant to stand to watch performances.

Teo Wee Kiang, Executive VP, Zepp@BIGBOX, said that the venue is envisioned as a hub for local and international music artistes."We are committed to building Zepp@BIGBOX as a place where all music lovers can spend time," he said, noting that the venue is unusual as the first standing concert hall in Singapore. "The usual concert hall is (one where you) sit down and watch the performance and then you go off; but for this you get the live experience, that's why it's called the live hall. You can grab your drinks and come in and enjoy the performance," he said.

From left: Zepp's interpreter, Satoshi Seno, President, Zepp Hall Network and Director of the board and Corporate Executive VP, SMEJ, and Sng Sze Hiang, MD, Zepp@BIGBOX answer questiosns at the media Q&A.

Satoshi Seno, President, Zepp Hall Network and Director of the board and Corporate Executive VP, Sony Music Entertainment Japan (SMEJ), said Zepp halls are ideal for pop and rock performances. Pre-equipped with the same stage machinery, lighting and sound systems standardised for all Zepp concert halls throughout Japan, Zepp intends to make it easier for artistes both locally and internationally to stage concerts more easily, efficiently and affordably. Going on tour from one Zepp hall to another literally means entering and playing, as the audio and lighting conditions are handled by the crew for the hall, and would be the same across the board.

According to Zepp Hall Network company representatives, local musicians are typically limited to playing in a club environment. Zepp Hall represents a viable opportunity for them to get into the live performance business and acquire new fans. The space has a capacity of 2,333 persons, and if required, can be expanded to accommodate up to 4,032 persons by using the adjacent hall. Given that clubs may accommodate up to 300 people while other concert venues can take up to 10,000 people, Zepp@BIGBOX offers an in-between option.

"Compared with a stadium this live hall has a cosier feel," said Seno. "The performer can feel as one with the audience."

Big Box Investment is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SGX-listed TT International and manages the Big Box mega warehouse retail mall in Jurong East. Big Box is an eight-storey one-stop complex housing a hypermarket, food and beverage outlets, electronic and furniture stores, and a children's play park. It contains ample parking facilities.

Zepp Hall Network is a SMEJ company. It currently manages six Zepp concert halls in the Japanese cities of Sapporo and Nagoya, and two each in the cities of Tokyo and Osaka. The company is opening new halls in Fukuoka and Yokohama in Japan, and expects to open halls of similar capacity in New Taipei City, Taiwan and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia all in or by the year 2020.

"Our mission is to foster the Singapore music market. Singapore is a hub of Southeast Asia. If we put a Zepp hall in here, Malaysia and Taiwan, it'll be a big Zepp hall network," said Shinichiro Honda, Hall Director, Zepp@BIGBOX; VP, Hall Ops, Zepp Hall Work, and VP, Asia Business Development, SMEJ.

"Our hope is that in the near future (this) will be one of the most famous venues in Singapore," Honda said, adding that the venue can be used to host receptions and corporate events as well. "We're open for you."

Teo added that Zepp@BIGBOX will look for new local talent and offer them a preferred rate. One possibility is to dedicate one weekday to local talent, for example.

Teo further said that a number of shows have already been booked for the venue pre-launch. Three shows were booked for May, with another three confirmed for June. "We are trying to fill up the calendar of this year. It is a very encouraging scenario, that before we start we have already got gigs," he said.

Poster for Sugizo vs Inoran presents Best Bout 2017, a concert by Japanese guitarists. The concert will be held at Zepp@BIGBOX on June 24. 

RedWimps played at Zepp@BIGBOX the day before.

Went for RADWIMPS concert held there last night! Sound system was very well balanced and didn't leave me with ringing ears

— Hong Yi (@asuna88) June 5, 2017

Highlights of the backstage tour included:

A look at the audio equipment, which is standard across Zepp halls. If a performance works well in one hall it will work well in all the other halls.

A store for spares and alternative equipment

A permanent stage.

Dedicated media room and dressing rooms

A loading bay outside the venue large enough to unloading heavy equipment

Interested?

Venue: Zepp@BIGBOX Singapore live hall
Address: BIG BOX Singapore, Level 3, 1 Venture Avenue, Singapore 608521
Area: 3,500 sq m
Capacity: 2,333 (4,032 when combined with adjacent Event Hall B)
Nearest MRT: Jurong East station
Rents for the venue begin at S$16,800 for an event held on Mondays to Thursdays. Bookings may be made up to a year in advance.

Watch the Instavideos for the main hall and the loading bay

posted from Bloggeroid

The Vines Resort & Country Club unveils new garden venue for MICE

Source: The Vines Resort & Country Club. The Pavilion.

The Vines Resort & Country Club has launched The Pavilion, a purpose-built garden structure at the front of the iconic resort in the Swan Valley, on the outskirts of Perth, Australia. Overlooking the golf course and gardens, the new function area, is an ideal location for conference groups' sundowners and launch events.

The open space, which has three sides open to nature and can accommodate 100 guests, complements The Barrett Lennard Room, The Boardroom, as well as the Samuel Copley and Cabernet function rooms, as event venues.

Interested?

Contact the events team at +61 8 9297 3000 or email dos at vines.com.au

TCEB celebrates milestones for Thailand MICE Venue Standard

The Thailand MICE Venue Standard from the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has been awarded to 42 venues across the country to date, says the TCEB at the Thailand MICE Venue Standard Certification Ceremony last month. 

The standard is part of an aggressive development plan to drive Thailand's MICE industry for rapid growth. Highlighting Thailand's leadership position in the region, TCEB stressed the importance of leveraging capabilities of MICE operators, and notes that standardisation can guide investments, operations, management, and marketing support. 

Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Vice President, Administration and Strategic Support, TCEB, said: "To be able to compete in the international marketplace, quality products and services are considered key factors in propelling market development efforts, especially when regional integration with the ASEAN Economic Community will take effect. The MICE industry will expand significantly, both in terms of visitor numbers and revenue, and will serve as an effective economic driver of growth for Thailand and ASEAN."

TCEB successfully initiated the MICE Venue Standard in 2013, a first in Thailand and ASEAN at the time. The standard has since been adopted by ASEAN member countries as a framework to develop the ASEAN MICE Venue Standard (AMVS).

Since its inception, TCEB has encouraged Thai operators to follow the Standard's guidelines and improve services to meet its requirements. Over the past two years, TCEB has supported the initiative and evaluated MICE venues in six targeted cities, Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and Had Yai. More than 80 operators have applied for the programme.

The 42 certified MICE operators, comprise three convention centres, 34 hotels and resorts, five public and private organisations. Among these were Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok Convention Centre at Central World, Miracle Grand Convention Hotel, the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's Accession to the Throne International Convention Center, and the SCB Training Center Pattaya. 

The IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center (ECC), Muang Thong Thani made a separate announcement that it had received the Thailand MICE Venue Standard for eight of its meeting rooms: the Royal Jubilee ballroom, Grand Diamond ballroom and Phoenix rooms 1 to 6.

The Thailand MICE Venue Standard accolade will help guarantee the quality of Thai meeting rooms. As internationally-recognised venues, all of the 42 operators will be part of the MICE Venue Approved List. In 2015, TCEB expects 120 MICE entrepreneurs to certify under the TMVS, especially in Thailand's five key MICE Cities, as well as cities with high potential including Hua Hin, Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, and Nakhon Ratchasima.

The certification process will cover three main components including physical, technological and service aspects, with different scoring conventions for convention centres, hotels and resorts, and public and private sector organisations. The evaluation is also in line with the criteria requirements of the Thailand MICE Venue Standard – Category: Meeting Room Certification Handbook, developed by the Thai Hotels Association, Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), Thai Exhibition Association (TEA), The Association of Thai Travel Agents, Association of Domestic Travel, and Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University.

Looking ahead, TCEB will work closely with Mahidol University to further develop a five-year strategic roadmap for 2015 to 2019 for the Thailand MICE Venue Standard, while developing capabilities of certified operators in various areas including venue management courses in collaboration with TEA and TICA, as well as educating other operators about how to get certified.

To support the success of the Thailand MICE Venue Standard, TCEB will continue to drive the ASEAN MICE Venue Standard to achieve wider adoption region-wide.

"We hope that the Thailand MICE Venue Standard Certification Ceremony, held for the first time in 2015, will encourage our operators to further improve their capabilities, as well as create confidence among Thai and international MICE organisers to host their events in Thailand. Once the ASEAN Standard is widely adopted, our Thai entrepreneurs will be ready and equipped with business edge needed to succeed," Chiruit concluded.

Garden Lounge offers indoor-outdoor MICE option at Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok

The Garden Lounge at Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok – Marriott Executive Apartments is billed as a breath of fresh air among the usual meeting venues available in Sukhumvit. Designed to provide a versatile indoor-outdoor experience for groups from 30 to 160, the built up area features tall ceilings and comfortable furniture.

The Garden Lounge integrates several concepts – indoors and outdoors, modern and traditional, casual and elegant – into a single space. Including lawn and garden backdrops, the Lounge encompasses more than 400 sq m of space, and can accommodate meetings, cocktail receptions, product launches and similar events. 

Traditional indoor meeting rooms with onsite exhibition space are also available at the Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok - Marriott Executive Apartments, which has 300 fully-furnished suites range in size from 45 to 130 sq m, all with kitchens, bathrooms and wired as well as wireless Internet. The hotel is within walking distance or a short ride in the hotel's free tuk tuk service to Phrom Phong BTS skytrain station and The Emporium shopping complex. 

For more information, contact +66 2302 555 or email measukhumvitpark@marriott.com 

*Images from Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok - Marriott Executive Apartments.

Shangri-La presents garden themed event venues across Asia Pacific

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts welcomes event organisers looking for garden venues for events across Asia. 

One of the featured alternatives in China is inspired by the Suzhou Museum. The 700-sq m Shang Garden at Shangri-La Hotel, Suzhou is features the traditional elements of rocks, water, plants and a pavilion. 

In Shenzhen, the Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen has banqueting facilities that span over 4,600 sq m. At the heart of the hotel is the airy 700-sq m Roof Garden on level four. The open space has unobstructed city views and a pathway that can be candlelit for a cocktail soiree for 200 guests.

The flower-filled grounds at the Pearl River-facing garden of Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou makes a lovely backdrop for event photography. There is also an outdoor pool bordered by palm trees and a gazebo surrounded by waterfalls.

The Shangri-La Hotel in Ningbo, one of China's oldest cities, is a blend of tradition and modernity.  The hotel can organise a Chinese banquet in its function space – the largest in the city – or customise catering for a ceremony at its 500-sq m outdoor oasis that is enclosed by tall trees and water features. The garden is ideal for 80 to 100 persons with a standing buffet and live band.  

At the Kerry Hotel, Beijing, the Rooftop Garden is a premier venue in the city and spacious for a 250-guest reception or 120 seated attendees. The hotel's two ballrooms also feature in banquet packages.

Landscaped to resemble an imperial Chinese garden, the 3,000-sq m natural retreat at Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing has been designed with koi ponds, red Chinese pavilions, willow trees and waterfalls.  Guests can sit comfortably in the ornamental grounds for a buffet or Chinese set menu. A rooftop garden caters for smaller events. 

 

The Traders Upper East Hotel, also in Beijing, is in the Embassy District. The hotel's enormous glass podium entrance leads to a long fountain on the property's rear lawn. The garden can accommodate a maximum of 80 persons. 

Offering more than an urban setting, the decked Roof Garden at Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong is the only venue of its kind in the city.  Hidden high above the city on level 56 of the hotel, this little-known enclave is surrounded by cascading greenery and the verdant heights of Victoria Peak.  The split-level venue, measuring 148 sq m, can be reserved for events with a dinner in either the hotel's ballroom or Atrium rooms. 

Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore has a newly built 80-sq m Banyan Deck with a canopy of towering trees to provide privacy and shade during a ceremony or reception. Made from Malaysian Balau wood using traditional carpentry that does not require nails or screw joints, the deck is distinctively designed with two separate levels to hold 60 guests, while three-metre tall antique brass lamp posts add a touch of nostalgia.

The Poolside Garden at Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta is a charming venue for evening events, catering to gatherings of up to 500 guests.

The lawn at Shangri-La's Eros Hotel, New Delhi can accommodate 400 guests with a stage setup, while a maximum of 80 guests can be hosted at the garden at the Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns in Australia. 
 
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts owns and/or manages more than 80 hotels under the Shangri-La brand with a room inventory of over 34,000. The group has upcoming projects in mainland China, India, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Qatar, and Sri Lanka. 

*For more information on:

Kerry Beijing: email events.hbkc@thekerryhotels.com
Shangri-La Beijing: email events.slb@shangri-la.com 
Traders Beijing: email events.thue@tradershotels.com
Cairns: e-mail events.slmc@shangri-la.com. 
Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong: email events.isl@shangri-la.com
Jakarta: email events.slj@shangri-la.com 
New Delhi: email events.slnd@shangri-la.com 
Ningbo: email events.slnb@shangri-la.com
Shenzhen: email events.slft@shangri-la.com 
Singapore: email events.sls@shangri-la.com 
Suzhou: email events.slsz@shangri-la.com

*All images from Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.

Two Asian hotels make it to Lonely Planet's list of extraordinary hotels

Source: Mihir Garh website.

Businesses looking for a new venue to wow stakeholders can get ideas from Lonely Planet's list of the most extraordinary hotels in the world. Hotels in the UAE, Australia, Laos and India are included.

At number one is Mihir Gahr, Rajasthan, India, which took 150 masons, artisans and craftsmen two years to build. "This is not just a unique place to stay; it’s a shrine to the artistic and architectural traditions of Rajasthan in general and Jodhpur in particular,” says James Kay, Editor, Lonely Planet.

Qasr Al Sarab, United Arab Emirates at number four in the list, is another extraordinary hotel, where museum-quality artifacts in the library come from a time when the area's few residents were date farmers or Bedouins. The sense of history is palpable, with Lonely Planet author Lisa Dunford talking about meeting a fourth-generation falconer.

To stay at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, the fifth-most extraordinary hotel in the world, to "plunge.. into the heart of Tasmania’s wilderness", according to the list. Tantalisingly, Lonely Planet Writer and Editor Anita Isalska says: "Wildlife is best viewed from an outdoor hot tub."

Last but not least is The Gibbon Experience Treehouse at Bokeo Reserve, Laos, in position ten, for those with a head for heights. The beds are a hundred feet up "in the triple canopy", and Lonely Planet author Richard Waters called his visit "the most magical two nights" of his stay in Laos.

Click here to read descriptions of all ten hotels at Lonely Planet.