Westin Bora Bora opens with 128 stunning overwater bungalows

October 2, 2024

The highly-anticipated Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa is now open, emerging as the newest and most captivating retreat in the luxurious Bora Bora.

Having recently completed an extensive property-wide renovation and rebrand, The Westin Bora Bora is nestled at the base of the majestic Mount Otemanu, boasting the largest collection of overwater bungalows in Bora Bora, alongside expansive beachside villas.

“We are excited to unveil this property as the first resort to open in Bora Bora since 2017, bringing the dream of Bora Bora alive like never before,” said César Marques, general manager of The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa. “The Westin Bora Bora blends the serene landscape of the island with top-tier accommodations, breathtaking ocean views, and a wide array of on- and off-property experiences, ensuring an unforgettable stay for every guest.”

About the Westin Bora Bora

Set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Otemanu, the fully renovated beach resort offers a swim-up pool bar, private lagoons and 142 luxurious bungalows and villas, including an impressive 128 overwater bungalows.

Guests will be treated to a host of world-class amenities, including the largest swimming pool in Bora Bora – an infinity pool at the heart of the resort, bordered by six cabanas facing the beach, a swim-up pool bar and waterfall cascading from the second floor into the pool – as well as a private lagoon, diverse culinary experiences, and locally-inspired wellness offerings.

At the renowned Eco Center Bora Bora, the resort will support the vital mission of protecting sea turtles and marine ecosystems, championing environment stewardship in their tropical paradise.

Rates start at $1,000. For more information about The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa, visit https://www.westinborabora.com.

Hyatt is opening a new hotel in the Maldives

September 20, 2024

Hyatt Hotels has confirmed that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with SingHaiyi for Hyatt Regency Samarafushi Maldives.

Located in the picturesque North Male Atoll, Hyatt Regency Samarafushi Maldives will mark Hyatt Regency’s brand entry into the Maldive Islands. Slated to open in late 2027, the new all-villa resort will join Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa and Alila Kothaifaru Maldives as the third Hyatt property in the Republic of Maldives.

About Hyatt Regency Samarafushi Maldives

Located only 25 minutes away from Valena International Airport in Malé by speedboat, the resort’s prime location will be a large draw for sun-seekers, culture lovers and marine enthusiasts seeking an accessible yet tranquil retreat.

North Male Atoll is close to the capital and known for its proximity to popular diving and snorkeling sites where manta rays and hawksbill turtles are frequently spotted. Prime surfing destinations like Pasta Point and Sultans will also be seamlessly accessible from the resort.

Nestled across 24 acres (10 hectares) of picturesque land, the resort will feature 130 well-appointed beachfront, treetop, and overwater villas, all with a private pool. The architectural design by Park + Associates intersects traditional Maldivian architecture with a light and natural palette. Guests can look forward to enjoying a variety of culinary experiences at a sunset bar, a beach club, a Japanese specialty restaurant, and an all-day-dining concept.

World of Hyatt Globalists and guests who book villas with club access can also unwind with complimentary refreshments in the signature Regency Club lounge. A dedicated kid’s club, a marine and diving center, a fitness pavilion, a yoga deck, and a spa with eight dedicated treatment rooms will cater to guests of all ages and interests.

Two new Hyatt hotels are opening in New Orleans

July 12, 2024

Hyatt is expanding its brand presence in New Orleans with Maison Métier (formerly Maison de la Luz) and The Barnett (formerly Ace Hotel New Orleans), which have joined the Hyatt portfolio as affiliated hotels.

The hotels are expected to join Hyatt’s Independent Collection of brands and participate in the World of Hyatt loyalty program this year. The two properties are owned by The Domain Companies and managed by HRI Hospitality.

Situated on Carondelet Street, just one block from New Orleans’ famed Lafayette Square, these two  properties will soon bring unique guest experiences, stylish accommodations and bold food and beverage programming to Hyatt’s Independent Collection of brands, which offers enriching and authentic stays for today’s traveller.

About the two hotels

Maison Métier (expected to join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand as an independently branded hotel in 2024) 
Located in a 1908 building, Maison Métier is a Parisian luxury guesthouse that has been thoughtfully preserved in its architectural integrity and embodies the story of a bygone era married with contemporary finishes and furnishings.

The hotel offers 67 lavish guestrooms and suites with well-appointed interiors and immersive design touches. The salon-style bar located within the hotel, formerly known as Bar Marilou, maintains its partnership with Paris-based Quixotic Projects and continue to hold its place as the swanky bar New Orleanians know and love, offering culinary delights and creative cocktails.

The Barnett (expected to join JdV by Hyatt brand as an independently branded hotel in 2024)
The Barnett will pay homage to the building’s rich history which includes its longstanding tenure as Barnett’s Furniture Store, a local mom-and-pop fixture of the neighborhood of a past era.

The hotel brings Art Deco and French Modernism influences to the vibrant Warehouse District in a way that celebrates the city’s past, and offers guests an authentic New Orleans experience, with musicality at its core featuring a live music venue. In addition to thoughtful property-wide updates, the hotel’s culinary venues will showcase new identities, including former mainstay Italian restaurant Josephine Estelle; rooftop and pool bar Alto; and music venue Three Keys. Seaworthy restaurant will remain under the same brand and culinary leadership. Guests can expect updates for The Barnett’s bars and restaurants to be unveiled this Fall.

Once the hotels join their respective brands, World of Hyatt members will have the opportunity to experience NOLA in style and earn points on stays to use toward free nights, dining, wellbeing experiences and more.

One&Only Kéa Island, Greece is now welcoming guests

July 10, 2024

One&Only opens their second Greek resort, One&Only Kéa Island, bringing the wonders of the Aegean to life.

Set on an untapped island, just a 45-minute speedboat ride from Athens, the resort celebrates authentic Mediterranean living, surrounded by untouched landscapes, deep blue seas, secluded beaches, and charming villages. The launch of One&Only Kéa Island follows the successful 2023 opening of One&Only Aesthesis, Athens, the brand’s debut resort in Greece.

Unlocking the destination, One&Only Kéa Island Resort and Private Homes is set on a dramatic 65-hectare beachfront site on the ruggedly beautiful west coast of Kéa in the Cyclades.

The first ultra-luxury offering on the island, this all-villa resort boasts contemporary cliffside villas, each with its own private infinity pool overlooking panoramic sea views. Immersing guests in the natural rhythms of the island, the resort offers elevated Greek cuisine, holistic wellbeing, and curated experiences that celebrate the natural, nautical, and cultural charms of the Cyclades. 

Aegean wonder

Designed by acclaimed architect John Heah, the resort’s 63 villas and collection of private homes pay homage to Kéa’s architectural traditions. Hand-cut local stone and Greek marble feature prominently in the designs, complementing other Cycladic elements such as lofty atriums, white-washed walls, pergolas, and rounded archways.

Perched on a stunning cliffside, the resort’s main arrival building and cluster of villas create a village-style atmosphere, whilst maintaining a sense of space and privacy. With a choice of one or two bedrooms, the villas capture the quintessential island spirit with expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces, designed for alfresco living. The first free-hold branded residences in Greece, a limited collection of private homes are available to purchase. Located on the opposite side of Vroskopos Bay, they range from one-bedroom to six-bedroom villas with infinity-edge pools, spacious entertaining areas, native gardens, and sweeping sea views. 

Island bounty abounds

One&Only Kéa Island celebrates the island’s culinary secrets showcasing produce from the land and sea, working with local skilled artisans, farmers and fishermen. The resort’s restaurants and bars showcase the island’s seasonal natural bounty and traditions, allowing guests to immerse themselves in an authentic Mediterranean diet.  

Located at the heart of the resort, Atria, the resort’s lively restaurant, serves refined Greek cuisine and family-style dishes featuring fresh catch of the day, locally farmed meats, homegrown herbs and produce. Shifting moods throughout the day, Kosmos lounge offers everything from freshly pressed juices and afternoon tea to cocktails on the sea-view terrace as the sun goes down.  

Sailing in the most picturesque views, the Kaiki pool bar, is the perfect spot to enjoy relaxed bites and creative cocktails by the resort’s impressive infinity pool with awe-inspiring views of the Aegean Sea beyond. Meanwhile, Èpicora wine bar, celebrates a more intimate experience with artisanal cheeses and charcuterie boards paired with Greek and international wines. Keeping some secrets of its own, Incognito speakeasy bar is hidden behind an unmarked door, boasting a selection of rare rums, fine whiskies, and Cuban-inspired cocktails in an intimate setting for just 20 guests. 

 

Whether it’s basking in the sunlight or dancing by the sea, Bond Beach Club is the Cyclades’ most alluring new destination and is set to become one of the most captivating beach clubs in the region.

Embracing barefoot luxury, Bond Beach Club captures the spirited yet laidback energy synonymous with Greek summer. A place where guests can spend long lost afternoons with their toes in the sand, enjoying bold Mediterranean and Asian flavours, masterful mixology and curated wines coupled with vibrant tunes from the resident DJs.

For those looking to stop by for lunch or dinner, there is a jetty from which you can access the beach from your boat.

For reservations or more information, visit: oneandonlyresorts.com/kea-island. 

London calling: A night at Westminster’s five-star boutique hotel, The Londoner

July 8, 2024

It’s not usually the loo that’s the first thing that catches my attention when entering a hotel room, but this one quite literally took me by surprise.

Before slipping into the plush robe and slippers that I hoped were waiting for me in the closet, I grabbed my phone to capture a video of my spacious quarters at The Londoner to share on Instagram — as one does to be the envy of those stuck at work back home — while the bed was still in pristine condition. As I stepped backwards to get a better angle of the soaking tub, my movement triggered the sensor-activated toilet lid behind me. I turned my gaze and was impressed to find that this wasn’t an average run-of-the-mills toilet but a premium self cleaning Japanese Toto Washlet with a heated seat. What luxury! 

From a secret whisky room to a spa that’s four levels below Leicester Square, there’s even more to The Londoner than meets the eye.

For peat's sake

Home to 350 hotel rooms and suites, The Londoner offers a mix of bars and restaurants that are open to the public, as well as spaces that are exclusive for hotel guests only. As a scotch aficionado — the peatier the better in my books — I was immediately drawn to The Whisky Room.

“Hidden behind a secret door in our guest-only residence is The Whisky Room, which is a velvet-lined parlour boasting some of the rarest and most exclusive whiskies you can find in London,” explains Patrick Katzenberg, the hotel’s general manager. “Our collection includes over 50 bottles spanning the world, dating back to pre-prohibition America (1903), from distilleries that closed many years ago, and from batches of less than a thousand ever made. Some of our favourites are the Karuizawa 42-Year-Old and the Glenfiddich Time Re:Imagined Series.”

Once you locate the secret entrance through the powder room, you can even stash a private bottle that’s kept in a secure spot until your next visit. Looking for something special? The Londoner is the only hotel in the world to house Glenfiddich’s Time Re:Imagined collection featuring three luxury single malts developed over 30, 40 and 50 years.

Deep relaxation starts here

Towering over London with views of Big Ben and the London Eye, The Londoner rises up eight floors from Leicester Square. But what’s not visible from the exterior is that it also transcends six floors down. It’s here, four levels below the bustling streets, where you find the hotel’s serene pool and spa area. 

“The Retreat is one of our most beautiful spaces, which is an entire floor dedicated to wellness experiences,” says Katzenberg. “We have an aquamarine pool and hydropool surrounded by private cabanas, a sauna, steam room, hair salon and gentlemen’s grooming parlour.” Services include deep tissue and relaxation massages as well as a CBD hibernation massage.

“For spa treatments, we work with luxury, sustainable brands to provide intensely rejuvenating experiences, from a gold hydralifting facial to a pre-natal massage,” he says. “The Retreat is also home to a stunning fully-equipped gym, yoga studio and Refuel bar, with serves delicious superfoods and smoothies perfect for a post-workout boost.”

The epitome of luxury

Conceived as a “super boutique hotel,” The Londoner is known for its lavish rooms and suites, but the crème de la crème is the luxurious Tower Penthouse, a two-storey suite complete with a Calcutta Tucci marble bar and unforgettable views of the skyline. 

“It epitomizes luxury living in the heart of London. What sets The Tower Penthouse apart is the little additions that make a stay truly memorable,” he adds. “These include a complimentary beverage trolley tailored to our guests’ preferences, as well as a visit from our mixologist to create any concoctions you may desire. In addition, a Fortnum & Mason luxury hamper, Olivia von Halle pyjamas, curated itinerary of unique cultural experiences and much more await in this spectacular suite.”

This story first appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of OFFSHORE. To subscribe to the magazine, click here. 

Coastal Peruvian resort 3 hours from Lima opens under Hyatt brand

July 5, 2024

Hyatt Hotels Corporation and El Pardo Hospitality have announced the debut of The Legend Paracas Resort, joining the Destination by Hyatt brand. The 124-suite resort invites guests and World of Hyatt members to discover the natural wonders and historical legacy of Paracas, located on the coast of Peru, about three hours south of Lima.

The resort is nestled between the Paracas Nature Reserve and the Pacific Ocean, offering panoramic views of the Paracas Bay and desert hills, designed to be a place of immersive discovery, authentic design and warm, welcoming service.

The opening unveils a fully renovated reception desk and lobby, along with a number of enhancements designed to enrich the guest experience. The resort now offers a covered parking garage with two EV (electric vehicle) chargers and a redesigned restaurant and bar inspired by the Paracas culture that evokes the connection between the desert and the sea.

Guestrooms with a view

The Legend Paracas Resort is comprised of 124 two-room suites, each equipped with private balconies or terraces that unveil stunning ocean, garden or pool views and deliver an experience that ensure guests feel right at home.

The guestroom design reflects the natural beauty of the Paracas National Reserve, drawing inspiration from the natural wonders and historical legacy of the region, using wood and natural fabrics. Each suite includes a communal living room with a sofa bed, TV and desk, a kitchenette with a microwave, coffee maker, tea kettle and minibar, and guestroom have a terrace on the first floor or balcony on the second.

Also worth noting is the property’s spa, which offers a variety of special services such as body massages, milk baths, scrubs, body wraps and whirlpools. Other amenities include a well-equipped fitness centre and a pool overlooking the ocean.

For more information on the Legend Paracas, click here. 

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts unveils beachfront property in Oman, Jordan

June 26, 2024

 St. Regis Hotels & Resorts have announced the highly anticipated opening of  The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, marking the debut of the brand in Oman.

Blending local heritage, avant-garde design and the timeless glamour of the St. Regis brand, the resort, developed by Alfardan Group, introduces the signature hallmarks born at New York’s finest address of Fifth Avenue and 55th Street, to the region’s luminaries.

Located in the heart of Al Mouj, one of Oman’s most exclusive neighbourhoods known for its luxurious beachfront living, the exquisite resort is a gateway to the captivating cultural wonders of Oman including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Al Hajar Mountains, the natural pools of Wadi Shab, and the crystal water of Daymaniyat Islands.

About St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort

The resort is positioned on the tranquil shores of the Al Mouj waterfront with direct access to a secluded white sand beach and views across the adjacentgolf course.

The resort’s curved superyacht-style architecture draws inspiration from the surrounding environment and features a unique wave design. A soothing palette of oceanic tones imbued with rich tan and local natural stone set the tone for the design, a nod to Oman’s landscape. Elegant décor accented with patterned screens and textured fabrics flow through the public spaces.

The resort showcases an artwork collection with pieces from renowned Omani artists including Anwar Sonya, Alia Al Farsi, Sami Al Syabi, Hassan Meer, Budoor Al Riyami and calligraphy expert Fahad Al Balushi, alongside prominent international artists including Arne Quinze, Barnaby Barford, Lorenzo Quinn, Zhuang Hong Yi and Rana Begum.  

The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort features 250 lavishly appointed guestrooms and suites including one-to-three-bedroom duplexes, offering expansive ocean, golf course or city views. Guestrooms feature private balconies, walk-in wardrobes, large bathrooms and luxurious amenities and are filled with natural light by floor-to-ceiling windows. The legendary St. Regis Butler Service, a personalised hallmark of the brand for more than a century, ensures that each guest’s individual preferences are anticipated at every turn. 

Captivating culinary spaces

A new vibrant destination in the capital, the resort presents exceptional culinary journeys through the nine distinct dining venues including internationally acclaimed and Michelin-starred concepts. 

Hakkasan serves modern Cantonese cuisine and world-class mixology. Fine-dining restaurant, Em Sherif, presents a meticulously crafted tribute to the art of Lebanese dining. Roberto’s serves contemporary seafood-inspired Italian cuisine. COYA embodies Latin American culture with authentic Peruvian cuisine and innovative Pisco drinks, while Novikov Café blends Mediterranean-inspired dishes with French, Italian, and Asian flavours using indigenous ingredients in a modern brasserie setting. Karibu serves a fusion of Zanzibari and Omani cuisine and Zorba offers a menu of Greek specialties.

The Lounge offers a quiet corner to enjoy a locally inspired take on the acclaimed signature St. Regis Afternoon Tea, while Sukkar offers a world of sweet desserts and delicacies. The Stage, inspired by the King Cole Bar at The St. Regis New York, features a curated menu of classic expertly crafted cocktails. The intimate space also features an expansive mural by Omani artist Hassan Meer, depicting the cultural hub, port city and historic site of Muttrah, the old town of Muscat. At sunset, the nightly St. Regis sabering ritual begins in The Stage to celebrate the transition from day to night, while live entertainment sets the tone for the night.  

A Bohemian hotel with 24 rooms opened on Türkiye’s Aegean coast

June 19, 2024

Bobo by The Stay, the newest of the Stay Hotels, has now opened in Bodrum.

Perched high above the sparkling Aegean, Bobo offers guests ​​exclusive access to the turquoise waters of Cennet Bay, on the Turkish Riviera.

Bobo was designed by visionary architect Mahmut Anlar and his team at Geo ID. The hotel, tailored for adults, opens with 24 exclusive rooms and suites. Each has been designed with nature-inspired curved walls and floor-to-ceiling windows allowing breath-taking views of the surrounding coastline and centuries-old olive groves.

A nod to Bohemian living

True to its name, Bobo has been created to celebrate refined bohemian living, and offers a unique fusion of entertainment, gastronomy, and the arts.

Guests can look forward to a vibrant array of cultural and artistic events, including pop-up comedy festivals, guest chefs, and sunset parties throughout the summer. For those who enjoy nightlife, the hotel offers a private nightclub for guests to let their hair down to the beat of international DJs.

Taste the flavours of Türkiye

Bobo brings the flavours of Istanbul’s Bebek Hotel by the Stay to Bodrum, featuring locally sourced dishes, live music, and signature cocktails by the sea.

Dragon, famed for its stellar Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine in Istanbul, opens its second restaurant at Bobo, while the Greek-inspired Paraliaki restaurant creates menus focused on fresh seafood. As evening descends, guests are treated to an unforgettable dining experience.

With dishes created to celebrate the region’s rich maritime heritage and seating on grass or sand, guests can unwind in a laid-back atmosphere that captures the essence of Bobo living.

The hotel’s private beach club, Bobo Beach, features sun loungers on a secluded stretch of Cennet Bay, creating a perfect spot for relaxing and sampling gourmet dishes by the sea. The hotel also offers an exclusive yacht catering service for those who are exploring the beautiful waters of Cennet Bay.

In keeping with the relaxed coastal vibe, there’s an outside gym and holistic Stay Spa with saunas and rejuvenating ice baths overlooking the forested bay. The Bobo Store, a boutique housed in a domed tent, will offer beachwear, artisanal wares from local craftspeople, and Turkish brands that reflect the local Aegean culture.

For more information, visit www.thestay.com.tr.

Marriott’s Luxury Collection makes its grand debut in Munich

June 17, 2024

The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, recently opened the Koenigshof, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Munich.

Situated in the heart of Munich’s historical “Stachus” Square, this property marks The Luxury Collection brand’s debut in Germany.

Designed by internationally acclaimed architects Nieto Sobejano, the hotel captures the timeless sophistication and attitude of Munich with a new, contemporary design, which beautifully embodies the city’s rich stories and culture, offering unique, transformative experiences in the Bavarian capital.

Embracing the city’s rich heritage and vibrant culture, Koenigshof, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Munich offers an unparalleled blend of luxury hospitality and local authenticity

A luxurious transformation

At the helm of the transformation, Nieto Sobejano Architects and Landau + Kindelbacher ensured that this next chapter of the historic building’s heritage is honoured, while reinterpreting the sense of luxury in a modern way. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into a breathtaking, spacious atrium introducing the hotel’s design concept of “Stachus Serenity”, reflecting individuality and local connectivity.  

Through the implementation of louvered structures and large, gold-colored walls, the architectural approach was to open the facade towards the “Stachus” square and establish a connection between the interior and exterior of the hotel, creating a luxury urban retreat.

Inside the hotel, art plays a key role as part of the guest experience – reflecting the history of the House of Wittelsbach, the former Bavarian ruling family, who were enthusiastic art collectors in the 16th century. The aim of the Koenigshof, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Munich is to seamlessly blend Bavaria’s rich tradition of art collecting with the city’s current passion for fine art.

The art on display in the hotel represents national and internationally renowned artists such as Joseph Beuys, Christo und Jeanne-Claude, and David John Flynn among many others, complementing the hotel’s architecture and interior design.

About the Koenigshof

The hotel features 106 artfully appointed guest rooms and suites, showcasing modern luxury with a sophisticated blend of spectacular interiors, curated artworks from local Bavarian artists, and state-of-the-art technology. 

Koenigshof’s crowning jewel is the 250-square-metre split-level Presidential Suite on the eighth and ninth floor offering an ultimate luxury experience. As the largest hotel suite in the city, it boasts a private sauna and a pool with breathtaking city views. The pool features a counter-current system and seating surfaces with massage jets.

A private spa offers high-quality spa products, a relaxation area and lounge with a Smart TV, and a curated room service menu for complete relaxation.

Guaranteeing an epicurean delight, Koenigshof is home of three distinctive destinations including signature restaurant GRETA OTO Munich, located on the ninth floor offering panoramic views of the city. This vibrant Latin American restaurant, under the helm of renowned Peruvian chef Michael Cánepa, is set to be the city’s newest social hotspot, with an innovative menu that will engage the senses.

 

An exquisite experience

On the weekend, the restaurant and bar transition into a club-like atmosphere where guests can enjoy exceptional Amazonian cocktails in the adjacent bar or on the rooftop terrace. In contrast, The Green is a serene lounge serving local delicacies including the specially crafted Koenigshof tea and the extravagant “Koenigshof-Torte”, a tribute to the world-famous Bavarian “Prinzregententorte” with a unique design mirroring the hotel’s architectural exterior.

The Gold lounge will provide a tranquil, residential-style space on the third floor to unwind with a curated selection of books and artwork that showcase Munich’s unique personality as one of the most historic cultural locations in Europe.

Complete with an outdoor terrace and breathtaking views of the city and the Bavarian Alps, from here guests can savor the special edition Koenigshof Bellini made with mountain peach puree, lemon oil produced from Amalfi Coast lemons, and topped up with Ruinart Brut Champagne.

For private events, The View on the ninth floor accommodates up to 50 guests, featuring a private bar, lounge, and terrace access with stunning city and mountain views. Equipped with the latest AV technology, the space is complemented by culinary offerings from GRETA OTO. Intimate gatherings with up to 12 guests can take advantage of The Studio on the third floor and enjoy the moment with a private bar.

Koenigshof, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Munich offers global explorers a unique and authentic experience of the city through locally inspired design, epicurean moments, and opportunities to discover the destination. Signature guest experiences will include guided tours of the city to discover Munich’s Gemuetlichkeit, a state of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer. Accompanied by the concierge, guests can visit the famous Viktualienmarkt. Originally a farmers’ market, today it is a place where gourmands can sample traditional Bavarian products and exclusive local foods, as well as take home stories and insider tips from the concierge. 

For more information or to book a stay, visit www.marriott.com.

Why does this hotel look like it’s made of giant Jenga blocks?

June 14, 2024

While doing a lazy backstroke in the lagoon pool, my eyes gravitate to the constellation of lights reflected in the mirrored ceiling five storeys above.

All that’s on my mind is relaxation and the illuminated eye candy – not thoughts of hallmark sustainability, biophilic design, or carbon sequestering.

 

But, I will eventually wrap my head around all the eco coolness of this design hotel of all design hotels – the Pan Pacific Orchard in Singapore.

To be honest, my wife, Kerry, and I chose to stay at the Pan Pacific Orchard because it’s uniquely beautiful and luxurious, not because it has a bio-digester that transforms food waste into water that can be used for cleaning.

After all, the 23-storey, 347-room hotel, which opened in June 2023, is an architectural wonder resembling a tower constructed of giant Jenga blocks. Its most marvelous features are four, 22-metre-tall terraces scooped out of its vertical facade.

The second-floor Forest Terrace is for the open-air lobby and bar; the fifth-floor Beach Terrace for the lagoon pool; the 11th-floor Garden Terrace for the cabana lawn and patios of the Pacific Club Lounge and Florette Champagne & Oyster Bar; and the 18th-floor Cloud Terrace for the outdoor convention space.

Each guest room overlooks one of the terraces and the balcony of each room juts into the terrace’s air space.

“It creates four vertical, curated, themed and symmetrical ecosystems,” said Pan Pacific Orchard director of communications Teresa Koh as she showed my wife and I around.

“We’re very proud to be a luxury hotel that at its core is all about responsible sustainability.”

It doesn’t hurt that all this environmental consciousness is uber-chic and eye-catching.

The two exposed support columns either side of the hotel are covered in vines that are now creeping across the building and dripping from the terraces.

More than 100 other species of plants, shrubs and trees, including all those palms on the pool terrace, end up covering 300% of the hotel’s base land area in lush foliage. The greenery and the terrace’s designs result in self-shading, that aforementioned natural cross ventilation, carbon sequestering and air purification. Singapore-based WOHA Architects, a biophilic specialist, designed the hotel to be an iconic slice of nature in an otherwise largely concrete-and-glass megatropolis.

The Green Mark Platinum Certification was awarded for solar panels on the roof that power all common areas, collected rainwater keeping the terrace ecosystems lush, the previously mentioned bio digester and Swisspro water filtration systems in every room eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles.

All in all, it makes Pan Pacific Orchard the new prototype for high rise tropical hospitality.

Guest rooms are compact and well-designed with comfy beds and high-end linens and that balcony that juts out into the terrace air space. We lounge at the lagoon pool; sip signature cocktails called Cloud and Forest (in a nod to the terrace themes) at Florette; eat crispy pork at Mosella restaurant; and take breakfast, afternoon tea and happy hour in Pacific Club Lounge on the garden terrace.

Pan Pacific has 50 hotels and resorts in 30 cities in Asia, Europe and North America under the Pan Pacific, Parkroyal and Parkroyal Collection banners, including Pan Pacifics in Vancouver, Whistler and Toronto

In April, Air Canada started flying four times a week between Vancouver and Singapore, the only non-stops connecting Canada with the multicultural, Asian city state of six million people. In fact, it’s the longest flight Air Canada operates at 16 hours and 10 minutes Vancouver-Singapore. One-way fares on the quick, quiet and comfortable Boeing Dreamliner 787 start at $734.

Hotel rates for Pan Orchard start at around SG$440.

For more information, visit www.aircanada.com and www.panpacific.com.

—STORY BY: STEVE MACNAULL