aficionado by ths - may 2012 issue 2

May 2012 - Issue 2

WHEN FASHION MEETS HOSPITALITY

setting the trend for iconic destinations

Dear Readers,

In this issue, we “fly” all the way to one of the world’s dream holiday destinations – the

paradise islands of Maldives, where we imagined going on a retreat and never thought of coming

back. We handpicked a special resort, or rather they call themselves a retreat, from amongst a

selection of the many other beautiful and amazing hotels and resorts in the country, with the belief

that we want to bring you something that is so special we must share with you.

To top it off, we have also included several other interesting stories in the second

issue of AFICIONADO that promises you to jump up for joy such as new hotel openings that is coming

right up on our sunny resort island in Sentosa and Orchard Road. And like how we are feeling right

now, just sit back, relax and imagine you are on your way to Maldives with us!

From Your Team

Greetings f r o m o u r e d i t o r i a l t e a m

reception

� FEATURED HOTEL –WRetreat & Spa, Maldives

� MARKING A RETURN – The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong reopens

� WHAT’S UP – Sands Cotai Central Macao Grand Opening

� BEHIND THE SCENES –Hualuxe Hotels and Resorts

� WATCH OUT! –W Singapore Sentosa CoveWorldwide WOW

� COMING SOON – Traders Orchard Gateway Singapore

� EXPRESS CHECK OUT

The Hotel Society and editorial team would like to thank the following for the images and information printed in this online magazine: General Hotel Management, Hilton Worldwide, Hotel De La Paix Siem Reap, Hyatt Corporation, InterContinental Hotels Group, Las Vegas Sands Corp, Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Group, Marriott International, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-CarltonHotel Company L.L.C, and The Setai South Beach Miami,.

Registration

Set sail into one of the world’s most well known paradise island

located off the indian ocean

THIS MONTH’SFEATURED LUXURY HOTEL

W MALDIVES – whatever/whenever

WOW COME TO YOUR VACATION

an escape to W Retreat & Spa Maldives


visiting the Maldives should probably be on a ‘To-Do List’ before we die. This month, we “fly” you to the world’s leading designer-led lifestyle

hotel brand by Starwood and by far the most successful one in the industry with many more projects in the pipeline to bring the W experience

across the globe.

W Retreat & Spa Maldives is the brand’s first ever retreat opened in September 2006 that boasts traditional Maldivian exterior with

contemporary interiors throughout its 78 exclusive individual retreats.

WUV Maldivian Style An escape to W Retreat & Spa Maldives

Imagine yourself basking under the sun getting a

perfect tan on the lounge chairs and watch the

beautiful crystal clear waters of the Maldives

sparkle as you sip on a glass of mojito, you know

you are kind of in a paradise with nothing much to

worry about or perhaps, just thinking of how much

longer you have left to enjoy such a wonderful

vacation.

Welcome to W Retreat & Spa Maldives located on

Fedsu Island, North Ari Artoll in the Republic of

Maldives, a well-known destination for a romantic

honeymoon or a great relaxation vacation. We say

WUV Maldivian StyleAn escape to W Retreat & Spa Maldives

Your W arrival experience begins the moment you wait for your plane to depart from the

Male International Airport while curling up at the W Lounge and listening to the W

soundtracks. The 25-minutes seaplane will take you on a scenic ride over the low-lying

atolls scattered in the two toned aquamarine sea below with a cabin attendant taking care

of your needs.

Each retreat comes with its private plunge or swimming pool and a large area for you to

enjoy during your stay. Six retreat categories to choose from, for us, it can be a real

headache because we just want it all!


Perched over the spectacular lagoon and house reef, the Ocean Oasis allows guests to spy on the

marine life from the privacy of your infinite plunge pool, from the sundeck or even through the glass

bottom floor! It also comes with a 42-inch Plasma TV, BOSE entertainment system, daybed to

lounge and watch the world go by and enjoy BBQ with a glass of your favourite wine cooled to

perfection in your private wine fridge – life’s little luxuries like this can make a whole different

experience to your vacation. For people who like two levels of fun, try out the Beach Oasis that

comes with its own BBQ area and an upper living area that is perfect for family and friends vacation.

And if you are looking for a complete WOW experience W hotels is very well known for, try out their

Seascape Escape and Ocean Haven retreats that come with a private infinity plunge or overwater

infinity pool, you will be spoilt for choices.


One can never forget about going on a retreat without making a trip to the spa for a full-

body treatment, especially when you are at W.

Here at the AWAY® Spa, it is a place for the body and mind to restore and heal in an

exquisite setting made to resemble the traditional Maldivian boat, a Dhow, sporting elegant

forms and vibrant sails. Massage, body wrap, sunburn soother, immersions in tropical

therapies or individual cleansing steam baths, the world is your oyster as your indulge they

say. The W experts highly recommend their signature Drift Away treatment that lasts for 80

minutes, promises an uplifting experience.


Feeling hungry after all the fun? Fret not, W Retreat & Spa brings you on a culinary

journey with six exciting dining venues readily available to fill your taste buds. The all-

day dining restaurant, KITCHEN, is all about simplicity and soul-satisfying good in a “at-

home” dining experience with life cooking stations, home-baked delicacies and many

more. FIRE, on the other hand, serves barbeque food items with quality meat and fresh

local seafood set amidst alfresco jungle-meets-beach BBQ restaurant. Their signature

seafood beachfront dining outlets would be FISH and SIP where you can enjoy the

sunset over the Indian Ocean and the breeze accompanying you in the evening.


Stand a chance to win an exclusive W SYMMETRY CD from W Hotels

Worldwide by answering the following questions below. A lucky winner

who has all the correct answers will be chosen by us and get this

delivered to them!

1) Which is the first W Hotel and when did it open?

2) Where can you find the first W Hotel in Asia?

3) WET is W Retreat & Spa Maldives swimming pool, what is the name

of the fitness centre?

4) What is the name of the diving centre at W Retreat & Spa Maldives?

Send us your answers with your full name, country of residence, home

and email addresses to [email protected] before 31 May 2012.


WIN A W SYMMETRY CD

Discover what is going on at various hotels and resorts located around

the world

UNDER THE SUNAT OTHER HOTEL DESTINATIONS

The world’s highest hotel also marks the return of a favourite hotel brand to Asia’s World City – Hong Kong.

In 2007, the original Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong (opened in 1993) decided to close down for a new development on the old site. Four years later,

the hotel brand rise up so high at the International Commerce Centre (ICC), which is also home to the über-hip W Hong Kong, at Kowloon

Island with 312 keys. The ultra luxury hotel dominates the city’s skyline at 490 metres high as it soars from the 102nd to 118th floor of the ICC,

offering views of the famous Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island and the New Territories. Each room also comes with a telescope for you to

take a peek at one of the world’s most beautiful harbour view. Room rate at The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong starts from HKD4,500 for a standard

Deluxe Room per night, subject to taxes.

The Ritz-Carlton returns to Hong Kong


It was a star-studded night when the Sands Cotai Central Macao opened two weeks ago.

With three striking hotel towers that rise up majestically atop the brand new Las Vegas Sands resort, it is home to two of the world’s largest

Holiday Inn and Sheraton-branded hotels, speaking of which, it will also be Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ largest hotel ever. The integrated resort

will join in with the rest of the established gaming resorts such as the famous Venetian, Wynn, MGM Grand and the recently opened Galaxy

Macao. Sands Cotai Central will boast a total of 5,800 guest rooms and suites divided among international hotel brands like InterContinental’s

Holiday Inn with 1,224 four-star deluxe guestrooms and suites, Starwood’s Sheraton with 3,863 five-star luxury rooms and suites which is

expected to open on 15 September 2012, as well as Hilton Worldwide luxury Conrad brand with 636 guestrooms and suites.

The world-class entertainment destination now welcomes visitors to be part of their exciting opening at www.sandscotaicentral.com

Sands® Cotai Central Macao is now open


Made for China by IHGUpscale hotel brand for the Chinese


The first international brand designed specially for the Chinese traveller is HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts, which translates HUA to ‘majestic

China’ and LUXE meaning luxury.

HUALUXE takes on the brand hallmarks that reflect the Chinese long-celebrated traditions into the hotel design and are brought to life through

refined welcome experience, deep-rooted tea culture and signature dining experience from the hotel’s Fu Lin restaurant to late night noodle bar.

It will also feature natural surroundings from lush landscaping on arrival to lobby garden and resort-inspired bathroom to help guests break away

from the pressures of their busy lives and be reinvigorated. With recognition and respect being fundamentals in Chinese society, seamless VIP

arrival and unique Club Lounge with specialty food and beverage ‘hosts’ throughout the hotel serve to underpin the importance of guests at

HUALUXE. Set to be launched in cities and resort locations in China at the end of 2013 or early 2014, the HUALUXE brand will open in major

cities elsewhere in the world.

Prepare forWorldwideWOWWHotels arriving in Singapore this August

Singapore’s growing tourism industry continues to lure international hotel chains to open up new developments. Over the past years, we have

witnessed the debut of several new hotels in the Lion City including the ultra luxury St. Regis in 2007, then the latest like Marina Bay Sands,

hotels at Resorts World Sentosa as well as the Fullerton Bay Hotel.

This August, Singapore will welcome the world’s leading lifestyle hotel brand – W on Sentosa Island. It may be unknown to some on what W is

all about but we can tell you that it will definitely be rocking and changing the local hotel industry scene with its cool concept, service attitude

and the experience it will bring to life setting it apart from the usual luxury hotels we see nowadays. Named the W Singapore Sentosa Cove,

this luxury hotel has launched their first media preview in April as well as a Night Casting where they searched for talents with the WOW

attitude so what do you think? They are almost ready to be at your call with their Whatever/Whenever® service on 1 August 2012.


Orchard Road’s New HotelNew Traders Hotel will open in Singapore


Rising from the former site of the Hotel

Phoenix will soon see the opening of a

Traders Hotel by Shangri-La Hotels and

Resorts.

Named Traders Orchard Gateway, the

deluxe business hotel will have 512 rooms

and suites, located within a new

development that links the former

Specialist Shopping Centre to Orchard

Emerald through a sky bridge.

This will also be the fourth Shangri-La

property in Singapore and the second for

Traders after the one located at Cuscaden

Road. Opening in 2013.

Sometimes we are in a rush so we have created this for you to take a

glance and move on to the next piece of news

ON-THE-GOANYTIME, ANYWHERE

Keraton at the Plaza is the latest addition to Starwood’s

Luxury Collection hotels. The 140-room hotel is what to be

redefining the hospitality of Indonesia with modern design

elements as well as the high service standards of the Luxury

Collection. Well connected within the capital city, Keraton at

the Plaza will probably be one of many traveller’s favourite.

More exclusive photos are available at the hotel’s official

Facebook page.

Express Check-OutQuick News on-the-go

Luxury Collection in Jakarta

There were news of Hong Kong-based Mandarin Oriental

Hotel Group (MOHG) losing their management rights to a

Marrakech property to India’s Taj Hotels, Resorts and

Palaces a year back but they are set to return with a recent

long-term management agreement to take on the helm of a

luxury hotel in Morocco.

An exclusive collection of 61 suites and villas, or riads, will

feature tradition Moroccan design elements using exotic

colours and textures.

Mandarin Oriental Marrakech

Their third hotel in Thailand and probably their first resort

location, Swissôtel takes over the 180 key all-suite resort

from the previous Courtyard by Marriott at Kamala Beach

comprising of one, two and three-bedroom deluxe

accommodation.

Branded Swissôtel Resort Phuket, it will provide guests an

extensive range of facilities including lagoon-style pool, spa,

fitness centre and adventure club for families with kids.

Swissôtel opens in Phuket

Currently one of Cambodia’s top rated five star hotel, Hotel

De La Paix in Siem Reap located nearby the renowned

UNESCO World Heritage’s 12th century ruins of Angkor will

close its doors on 30 June 2012 and reopen in the first

quarter of next year as Park Hyatt Siem Reap.

The luxury Park Hyatt will comprise of 107 guestrooms and

suites, with plans of two restaurants, one bar and a bakery

retail shop as well as meeting facilities, spa, health club and

two swimming pools.

Park Hyatt to open in Siem Reap


Express Check-OutQuick News on-the-go

GHM loses The Setai Miami

Pan Pacific Singapore has closed down, leaving the Pacific

Ballroom, Health Club and a few other facilities in operations

after serving their last guest on 15 April 2012. The five star

business hotel will be undergoing their biggest

transformation in 25 years history with complete revamp to

their guestrooms, suites, restaurant and public areas that

promises bringing the ‘Pacific Touch’ closer to you. The

highlight will see the former Hai Tien Lo Chinese Restaurant

being replaced by the Pacific Club on the 38th floor.

Pan Pacific Singapore revamps

Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts reopens their Toronto luxury

hotel this September.

Soaring 55 floors above the heart of Yorkville, the five star

Four Seasons Toronto will take over from where the original

Toronto hotel left behind in March after 35 years of

glamorous service. The new chic hotel will offer 259 sunlit

guest rooms including 42 spacious luxury suites designed on

a warm, personal scale by international design house – Yabu

Pushelberg.

Four Seasons Toronto reopens

Shangri-La Hotel Singapore’s renowned resort wing –

Garden Wing, is set to open in June 2012 with a completely

new concept and lesser number of rooms.

It will also feature suites that come with private jacuzzi and

barbeque area, as well as a large lounge bed on the balcony

of each guest room. The hotel group’s signature CHI spa will

be the highlight of the new wing and also a new dining venue

called the Waterfall Café will serve organic food items.

GardenWing opening soon

Singapore-based hotel management company GHM

(General Hotel Management) led by AmanResort’s founder

Adrian Zacha lost the management rights of the Miami’s

hottest luxury hotel – The Setai Miami South Beach due to

the owner’s dissatisfaction with the management “methods”.

The owner (a division of Lehman Brothers) took over the

hotel in the middle of the night to oust out GHM and handed

the award-winning hotel to Dallas-based Trevi Luxury

Hospitality Group.


F i n d u s o n F a c e b o o k

w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m / t h e h o t e l s o c i e t y

E m a i l u s

t h e h o t e l o b b y @ g m a i l . c o m

aficionado by ths - may 2012 issue 2

Documents

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