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  • Hermes Unveils Culture-Inspired Redesign of Expanded Osaka Store at Hilton Plaza East

    Hermes Unveils Culture-Inspired Redesign of Expanded Osaka Store at Hilton Plaza East

    Luxury fashion house Hermès has unveiled its newly revamped store at Hilton Plaza East, with a fresh design that pays homage to the surrounding culture and scenic beauty. Parisian architectural firm RDAI is credited with the store’s stunning redesign, which now extends over two storeys, each dedicated to an immersive display of Hermès’ 16 distinguished métiers.

    The updated store boasts an eclectic range of Hermès offerings, from their sought-after leather goods and chic fashion accessories to their signature perfumes and beauty products. Delicate jewellery, elegant watches, and a curated selection of home décor collections add to the store’s luxuriant appeal.

    Interplay of Culture and Nature in Design

    Incorporating a blend of geometric elements and dynamic materials, the store’s redesign has masterfully incorporated motifs inspired by Osaka’s local culture. These are complemented by a winged horse and floating clouds, symbolising Hermès’ annual theme, ‘Venture Beyond’.

    The store’s facade has been strikingly adorned with Mino-yaki ceramic tiles reflecting hues of green and blue, designed to imitate the shimmering reflections of water. This theme is carried into the store’s interiors which combine natural mineral surfaces in earthy tones with contrasting teal accents.

    Reimagined Storefront and Artwork Display

    The storefront windows bear the artistic touch of renowned French artist Matthieu Cosse. His art installations present an intriguing blend of celestial landscapes and theatrical elements, lending a dreamlike quality to the store’s exterior.

    The redesigned store also serves as a gallery for curated artworks from the Emile Hermès Collection and the Hermès Collection of Contemporary Photographs, seamlessly incorporated into the boutique’s inviting layout.

    This unveiling at Hilton Plaza East forms part of a broader renovation initiative by Hermès, with recently updated boutiques in Taipei and Hong Kong exemplifying the brand’s commitment to a refreshed and contemporary store experience.

    Questions & Answers

    What was the inspiration behind the redesign of the Hermès store at Hilton Plaza East?
    The store’s redesign was inspired by the local culture and natural landscapes of Osaka.

    Who was involved in the redesign process?
    Paris-based architecture studio RDAI was responsible for the store’s redesign, with French artist Matthieu Cosse reimagining the storefront windows.

    What can customers expect to find in the revamped store?
    The store offers a wide range of Hermès products, including leather goods, fashion accessories, perfumes, beauty products, jewellery, watches, and home collections. It also showcases curated artworks from the Emile Hermès Collection and the Hermès Collection of Contemporary Photographs.

  • Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts to open in Bangkok

    Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts to open in Bangkok

    Luxury is more and more looking at SEA, and Thailand, among others is one of the most promising markets. Besides, sectors such as fashion, jewellery , accessories, in the era in which studies reveal that millennials are more interested in experience rather than possession, hospitality wins their pockets.

    Hilton’s luxury brand, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, will welcome its first guests in South East Asia in the third quarter of 2018 with the opening of Waldorf Astoria Bangkok.

    One of the region’s most anticipated hotel openings this year, the grand debut will introduce the brand’s iconic experience to discerning travelers in the vibrant Thai capital, in the heart of the bustling Ratchaprasong intersection.

    With a global portfolio of 30 hotels and resorts, Waldorf Astoria is known for its relentless commitment to personal service and culinary expertise in landmark locations around the world.

    Waldorf Astoria consistently offers a strong sense of arrival and impressive public spaces worthy of hosting history. Numerous historical figures – from Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra, to world leaders – have been associated with the brand.

    “Waldorf Astoria Bangkok will mark the brand’s first foray into South East Asia and herald the introduction of Unforgettable Experiences in Bangkok and beyond,” said Daniel Welk, Vice President of Operations, Luxury and Lifestyle, Hilton, Asia Pacific. “The hotel’s timeless environment and exclusively crafted guest experiences, combined with the brand’s unparalleled True Waldorf Service, will set a new benchmark for luxury in Asia.”

    In tribute to the owners of the property, Magnolia Finest Corporation Limited, the building has been designed to give the effect of springing from the ground like a Magnolia flower. Towering above the city, the dazzling sculptural appearance of the property cuts a dramatic profile in the skyline of Bangkok.

    The hotel will boast 171 luxuriously appointed and spacious guest rooms and suites, which reflect the artistry and craftsmanship of award-winning architect André Fu and his design studio AFSO.

    Globally recognized for high-profile, high-end hotels, art spaces and fashion collaborations, the studio has been involved in curating the holistic hotel experience that brings together the building’s contemporary architecture with Thai artisanal tradition.

    The hotel’s crown jewel, meanwhile, will span the top three floors from levels 55 to 57, comprising three distinctively curated dining outlets by world-renowned design and concept firm AvroKO, headquartered in New York.

    In line with Waldorf Astoria’s culinary heritage, Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is primed to be a dining destination in itself; it will feature three unique restaurant concepts, a lounge and two bars. Acclaimed chef Rungthiwa Chummongkhon, or Chef Fae, will bring her experience of working at Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe to head the restaurant Front Room, which will present an elegant new blend of “new Nordic” and Thai flavors in a relaxed setting.

  • Starbucks opens first coffee store in Danang

    Starbucks opens first coffee store in Danang

    While the Hilton hotel complex is still under construction in Da Nang, there was a queue all morning despite chilly weather when Starbucks Vietnam opened an outlet on the site on Saturday.

    Queue outside Starbucks on the cafe’s opening day at the unfinished Hilton Da Nang.

    On the ground floor of the unfinished building, it is the US coffee chain’s first outlet for the tourist city. Hilton has not yet released an opening day for its riverside hotel in Da Nang.

    Starbucks Vietnam GM Patricia Marques says the chain has further plans for this, its fifth year. It opened its first store in Ho Chi Minh City in February 2013 and this is its 35th outlet. It also has cafes in Hanoi and Hai Phong.

     

    To mark its fifth anniversary, Starbucks Vietnam is offering special prices with extra points under its Starbucks Rewards program.

    The company has also re-introduced its Starbucks Reserve Da Lat coffee, which first made an appearance in 2016.

  • Johor set to open Capital 21 in August

    Johor set to open Capital 21 in August

    An August opening date has been set for Malaysia’s Capital 21 mall, with its museum and indoor theme park.

    Initially the development was scheduled to open earlier this year.

    Being developed in Johor Baru by Capital World, the 1.4 million square-foot (130,000sqm) shopping mall will include three floors of retail alongside the MCM Studio indoor theme park, being promoted as the largest in Southeast Asia and the fifth largest in the world.

    It will have three themed sections: Cartoon Planet (animated characters), Movie Planet (Transformers, Dinosaur World and Haunted House themes involving augmented- and virtual-reality technologies) and Music Planet, with a circus tent and also offering music and theatrical events.

    Two hotels are also under development for the complex, a Hilton Garden Inn and The Planet Hotel, both expected to open next year.

    On the mall’s 11th floor, the First World Museum will offer the culture, landmarks and history of 21 countries.

    “With the rise of online shopping and e-commerce, we changed strategy many years ago,” says Capital World group director Siow Chien Fu. “Our theme park is the major attraction for this project, supported by the shopping centre.”

    Near the causeway link to Singapore, Capital World believes the theme park will appeal to its residents despite competition from Universal Studios Singapore.

  • Hilton hotel chain steadily expanding operations in Indonesia

    Hilton hotel chain steadily expanding operations in Indonesia

    Hilton Worldwide, a US-based global hotel chain, has steadily been expanding its operations in Indonesia to tap new market opportunities in a hospitality industry that is thriving on the back of steady economic growth and the free visas being offered to the citizens of most of the countries in the world.

    “We already have four properties under our management and eight others, which are under construction in Jakarta, Tangerang, Surabaya and Bali, will open within the next two years”, Hilton’s vice president for Southeast Asia and India William Costley told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

    The four properties already in operation are the Double Tree by Hilton in Jakarta, the Hilton in Bandung, the Conrad and the Hilton Garden Inn, both in Bali.

    Hilton, which manages more than 4,600 properties in 103 countries, is also looking for new opportunities in Lombok, Medan in North Sumatra, Balikpapan in East Kalimantan and Palembang in South Sumatra, Costley said.

    It is mostly a matter of finding the right partner for promoting Hilton service standards because Hilton has many brands to fit in with different locations, he said.

    “But we are always directly involved together with the owners in the process of designing and constructing every hotel we will manage and in training its human resources,” he added.

    Costley said the steady growth of Southeast Asia’s largest economy and the ASEAN open skies policy would boost business travel and the whole hospitality industry in many other cities across the vast archipelago.

    “We are quite excited about the prospect of the tourism industry, especially after the launching of the visa-free facility,” he said. “And I think the target of 20 million tourist arrivals in 2020 is not impossible.”

    He sees great potential for developing Indonesia into one of the most favorite tourist destinations and tourism is also the right kind of industry Indonesia needs because of its labor intensive, multiplier impact and, most importantly, this industry is friendly to the environment and earns a lot of foreign currency.

    “Take for example this Double Tree by Hilton hotel here, which has 253 rooms. It employs only two expatriates and the rest of the staff are locals,” Costley pointed out.

    Hilton Worldwide has a portfolio of 13 brands, including the Waldorf Astoria, the Conrad, the Hilton, the Double Tree by Hilton and the Hotel Garden Inn, which are promoted as landmark properties in Indonesia.

    Costley said the Waldorf Astoria, Hilton’s most luxury brand, which will be housed in a 74-story mixed-use building currently under construction on Jl. MH Thamrin in Jakarta, will open in 2018 with 181 rooms.

    Two other properties under construction in Ubud and Seminyak, both in Bali, will operate within the next two years and are also under the Waldorf Astoria brand, while the Hilton Bali (formerly the Grand Nikko) will operate later this year with 408 rooms, he added.

    The other four hotels in Hilton’s management portfolio that will open within the next two years are the Double Tree by Hilton in Surabaya and Karawaci in Tangerang and the Hilton Garden Inn in Kemang, Jakarta, and Karawaci.

    Costley said the Hilton group is strongly committed to strengthening and expanding its growing portfolio of landmark properties in such key destinations as Indonesia.

    Our Hilton Honors loyalty program has 55 million members around the world, and this huge data bank is surely an effective means of promoting Indonesia globally,” Costley added.

  • Conrad makes debuts in the Philippines

    Conrad makes debuts in the Philippines

    Last week, the inspired luxury of Conrad Hotels & Resorts makes its debut in the Philippines with the opening of Conrad Manila. Owned by SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, a subsidiary of SM Investment Corporation and managed by Hilton Worldwide (NYSE:HLT), the 347 room Conrad Manila is located at the forefront of the Mall of Asia complex, in the heart of the 42 hectare Bay City development, a destination earmarked as a shopping, leisure, and business hub.

    “We are delighted to establish Conrad Hotels & Resorts in this vibrant capital of Manila. The award-winning Conrad Manila, which enhances our portfolio, underscores our commitment to delivering best-in-class hotels in key gateway locations that meet the growing needs of global luxury travelers. An inspiring destination, Conrad Manila will delight guests with intuitive and customized service, as well as provide them access to a world of connections and inspired experiences,” said John T. A. Vanderslice, global head, Conrad Hotels & Resorts.

    “The stunning Conrad Manila is an exceptional addition to the Conrad Hotels & Resorts portfolio and we are delighted to be partnering with SM hotels on this exciting project, who share our passion for excellence. Its opening underscores the growth of our portfolio across Asia Pacific and our continued commitment to the dynamic market of the Philippines. This landmark property perfectly complements the vibrancy of this amazing capital city and will set the benchmark for luxury accommodation in Manila,” Martin Rinck, president, Hilton Worldwide, Asia Pacific.

    “We are pleased to work with Hilton Worldwide in bringing the esteemed Conrad brand to Manila. Amidst the robust tourism outlook, the most anticipated opening of Conrad Manila will definitely be a game changer in the already exciting Philippine hotel scene,” says SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. President Elizabeth T. Sy. “We look forward to a fruitful partnership with Hilton Worldwide in further elevating the hotel industry in the country,” adds Ms. Sy.

    Recently awarded the Best in Hotel Development, Best Hotel Architectural Design and Best in Hotel Interior Design at the fourth annual Philippines Property Awards, Conrad Manila’s distinctive architecture is inspired by the shipping vessels that ply the bay. The hotel sits atop the two-level S Maison, a high-end retail complex, and has direct connections via walking bridges to SMX Convention Center, the country’s largest convention space, and is adjacent to SM Mall of Asia, one of the country’s largest malls, as well as Mall of Asia Arena, a 16,000-seater indoor stadium where international shows, concerts and major sporting events are held.

    Poised to be the venue of choice for business, social events, and weddings, Conrad Manila offers four contemporary event halls and two sophisticated ballrooms, spanning more than 4,000 square meters, which are fitted with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology. For intimate al fresco parties, guests can also opt for The Veranda, an outdoor garden space overlooking the city scape.

    At Conrad Manila, all 347 guest rooms and suites are specially designed with an intuitive technology. Upon sensing motion in the room, the air conditioning switches from energy-saving mode to cool, the curtains in the room will automatically open with ambient lighting set to match the time of the day. Guests can instantly feel at home with a 42-inch flat screen HDTV with an IPTV menu, Wi-Fi and wired Internet access, Nespresso machine, Bluetooth-enabled entertainment technology and hydrotherapy rain showers. Suites and executive rooms offer picturesque bay or city views, with access to the Executive Lounge, and bathrooms that feature in-mirrored TV for an uninterrupted entertainment experience.

    Located on the third level of the hotel is the infinity swimming pool, inspired by the pristine coastal seas of the Philippines with its coral shape. Guests may also slip to the 24-hour Fitness Center or the Conrad Spa, which offers a variety of locally inspired treatments using organic ingredients. The spa has six treatment rooms with soaking tubs, a private sauna, and steam facilities.

    The hotel has six restaurants and lounges, including a coffee bar, pool bar, and in-room dining prepared by the culinary team led by Executive Chef Thomas Jakobi. The restaurants and bar at Conrad Manila feature:

    • Brasserie on 3 offers an eclectic mix of sustainable and organic dishes ranging from hearty to healthy dishes. The restaurant also features al fresco dining overlooking the bay, private dining rooms for intimate celebrations, and an exclusive chef’s table, where diners can enjoy a special tasting menu with a curated selection of organic wines.
    • China Blue by Jeremy Leung presents a modern interpretation of the traditional Chinese cuisine, artfully curated by Chinese celebrity master chef, Jereme Leung. A first for a Chinese restaurant in the Philippines to partner with a celebrity chef, China Blue by Jereme Leung takes Chinese dining experience to a new high with its authentic cuisine, modern interiors, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows that offer panoramic bay views.
    • C Lounge is inspired by the city’s distinctive culture and lifestyle, where guests can enjoy a wide selection of beers, liquors, and locally-inspired cocktails. With a laidback vibe during the day, it transforms into a sophisticated destination bar at night. Its al fresco area offers guests an awe-inspiring visual of the Manila sunset.

    Conrad Manila offers the popular Conrad Concierge mobile app, which gives global luxury travelers the ability to customize details of their hotel stay before, during, and after visit via a smartphone or tablet. Whether it’s pre-selecting bath amenities or checking-in while in-transit from the airport, guests can access a variety of features by using the app.

    Conrad Manila participates in the Hilton HHonors®, the only guest loyalty program where guests who book directly throughwww.conradhotels.com have access to benefits including an exclusive member rate that can’t be found anywhere else, free standard Wi-Fi and popular digital tools available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors mobile app, where HHonors members can check-in and choose their room at over 20 Conrad hotels worldwide.

    Please visit www.conradhotels.com/manila or call +632 8339999 to learn more about or to connect with Conrad Manila. For more information about Conrad Hotels & Resorts, please visit https://news.conradhotels.com or follow us atwww.facebook.com/ConradHotels, www.instagram.com/ConradHotels, https://twitter.com/ConradHotels.

  • First Hilton Branded Hotel in Bali, Indonesia

    First Hilton Branded Hotel in Bali, Indonesia

    Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of a management agreement with P.T. Caterison Sukses to manage and re-brand the Grand Nikko Bali as Hilton Bali. The 408-room resort, located on Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, is planned to open on December 1, 2016.

    “We are deeply committed to expanding our presence in Indonesia, both by introducing more brands from our portfolio of 13 brands as well as entering into new locations where we may not currently be operating. Today’s announcement underscores both the Hilton brand’s strength in this market as well as our management capability to drive exceptional experiences for both guests and owners,” said Guy Phillips, senior vice president, Development, Asia and Australasia, Hilton Worldwide. “In partnership with P.T. Caterison Sukses, the Hilton Bali will be a strong addition to our portfolio.”

    Hilton Bali is ideally located on Bali’s picturesque southern coast of Nusa Dua, which is famed for its beaches. The resort is approximately 16 kilometers from Ngurah Rai International Airport and the district of Kuta. Hilton Bali is also close to many watersports facilities and adventure sports service providers that offer various fun-filled options including jet packs, jet skis, para-gliding and dive trips.

    “As our flagship brand, Hilton Hotels & Resorts resonates strongly with both leisure and business travelers alike. Hilton Bali will open as a stylish resort offering world-class hospitality synonymous with the Hilton brand and we are delighted to see this beautiful resort join our outstanding global portfolio of more than 570 hotels and resorts,” said Sean Wooden, vice president, Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide.

    Situated on the waterfront with its own stretch of secluded beach and offering stunning views of the Indian Ocean from its clifftop location, Hilton Bali will offer 389 rooms and 19 one-, two- and three-bedroom villas with beachfront, ocean or garden views. The hotel will have five food and beverage outlets including an all-day dining restaurant, specialty restaurants and a bar. Extensive meetings and banqueting facilities spanning 3,737 square meters will include several meeting rooms, two conference centers with two ballrooms that can accommodate 1,500 people, as well as beachfront, cliff-top and poolside venues that are perfect for outdoor weddings. The hotel features four inter-connected swimming pools, a children’s lagoon, three tennis courts, and a fitness center. Guests will also have access to a kids’ club and an observation tower that offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.

    “We are pleased to partner with a global hospitality leader that has a legacy of success and a strong luxury brand that is recognized across the globe. We are confident that Hilton Bali will be a magnet for business and leisure and international and domestic travelers, as well as corporate meetings and wedding planners,” said Charles Djunaidi, Director, P.T. Caterison Sukses.

  • Indonesia welcomes first Hilton Garden Inn

    Indonesia welcomes first Hilton Garden Inn

    Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Worldwide’s upscale global brand of hotels, today announced its entry into Indonesia with the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Bali – Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali. Owned by PT. Anggada Duta Realty Tbk., the hotel brings 291 new rooms to the Hilton Garden Inn brand.

    ‘We are proud to open our first Hilton Garden Inn in Bali, Indonesia – one of the most popular business and leisure destinations – and welcome it to our global portfolio of over 665 hotels,’ said John Greenleaf, global head, Hilton Garden Inn. ‘We are committed to growing our presence in Asia Pacific and to providing a welcoming and dependable hotel experience for every guest, every time. Hilton Garden Inn Bali – Ngurah Rai Airport will do whatever it takes to ensure every guest to Bali is satisfied, or they don’t pay – that’s our Satisfaction Promise.’

    Only 500 meters away from the island’s international airport, Hilton Garden Inn Bali – Ngurah Rai Airport is situated at a prime location to offer travelers a great launch pad to discover Bali from the moment of arrival. Conveniently located at Jalan Legian, the hotel is approximately five kilometers’ drive away from the well-known Kuta beach precinct which boasts a wide array of retail, dining and entertainment options. Hotel guests arriving from the airport can expediently check in and immediately head out to Kuta, and the other famous enclaves such as Ubud, Nusa Dua and Seminyak, to explore the beauty of Bali.

    ‘Marking our fourth brand in Indonesia, the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Bali – Ngurah Rai Airport perfectly complements our existing portfolio in the country,’ said William Costley, vice president, Southeast Asia and India, Hilton Worldwide. ‘I am excited that Hilton Garden Inn has made its debut in this world renowned destination and am confident that the hotel will offer visitors to this vibrant island a peaceful and energizing stay experience.’

    Guests can dine on-property at The Garden Grille and Bar, which offers a full cooked-to-order breakfast and dinner, cocktails*, and evening room service. The Pavilion Pantry is open 24 hours and features a complete selection of salty snacks, sweet treats, cold beverages, and ready-to-cook meals.

    Outfitting to business purposes and MICE, the hotel also features a total of six small- to medium-sized meeting rooms, one multi-function hall, and one ballroom. Hilton Garden Inn guests will see why Life’s Better at the Garden through amenities and services offered at each location, including complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, 24-hour business center with Print Spots remote printing, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a bar and an outdoor pool.

    All 291 guest rooms boast the brand’s signature bedding featuring fresh, white duvets and crisp linens; a spacious and clutter-free work desk with an ergonomic desk chair; and an in-room ‘hospitality center’ with a mini fridge and coffee/tea maker.

    Hilton Garden Inn Bali – Ngurah Rai Airport participates in Hilton HHonors the only hotel loyalty program that allows members to earn Points & Miles on the same stay and No Blackout Dates on reward stays. To celebrate the hotel’s opening, Hilton HHonors members will receive Double Points per stay on the best available rate through stays completed between May 1 and July 31, 2016. HHonors members always get the lowest price with its Best Price Guarantee, along with HHonors Points, free Wi-Fi, digital check-in and no booking fees only when they book directly through Hilton.