Business Traveller (Asia-Pacific)
14 NEW HOTELS IN ASIA PACIFIC
Business trips may be on hold for now, but there are some tempting new properties to check into once travel resumes. Here are 14 new openings to get excited about
FOUR SEASONS BANGKOK
The long-awaited Four Seasons Bangkok is every inch the luxury riverside retreat, with water features gently cascading down to the banks of the Chao Phraya river, open-air terraces and tropical greenery. Expect 299 gorgeous rooms and suites, light-filled event spaces, two infinity pools, and a holistic wellness centre with everything from spa treatments to Muay Thai martial arts. Dining options include Cantonese cuisine at Yu Ting Yuan and modern Italian fare at Riva Del Fiume. Spend the day exploring the local Charoenkrung neighbourhood, with its creative scene of galleries, boutiques, restaurants and cafes, then head back to the glamorous BKK Social Club for cocktails and cigars.
Opened: December 2020
Best for: Urban sanctuary vibes, 15 minutes from downtown Bangkok fourseasons.com/bangkok
DUSIT THANI LAGUNA SINGAPORE
Tee-up the perfect mix of business and leisure at the new Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore. The five-star resort lies within the sprawling Laguna National Golf and Country Club, conveniently located 10 minutes
from Changi International Airport and 15 minutes from the central business district. Take your meetings to the driving range, seal the deal on two 18-hole championship golf courses, then toast your success at the Legends Bar – one of the hotel’s five F&B outlets. The 198-room property also offers three swimming pools, three tennis courts, wellness treatments at the Devarana Spa, exclusive benefits at the Dusit Club Lounge, and more than 4,000 sqm of indoor and outdoor event spaces. Opened: December 2020 Best for: Working on your handicap and enjoying Thai hospitality dusit.com/dusitthani-lagunasingapore
ANDAZ SHENZHEN BAY
Hyatt’s boutique brand has landed in the high-tech Shenzhen Bay district. With an exclusive clubhouse feel evoked by New York-based interior designer Tony Chi, its 220 rooms and suites are presented in a contemporary palette of soothing hues and elegant marble. Facilities include five individually themed restaurants and bars, a 24-hour fitness
centre, an indoor pool and flexible event space. Andaz Shenzhen Bay is situated within a RMB20-billion (US$3 billion) lifestyle-oriented, mixed-use development, which includes the soaring 392-metre “spring bamboo” China Resources Headquarters, the premium MixC mega-mall with its multiple entertainment outlets, a sports centre, and an arts and cultural centre. Opened: December 2020 Best for: Diverse mix of business and leisure facilities in a vibrant commercial area hyatt.com
THE HARI HONG KONG
Straddling the bustling Wan Chai and Causeway Bay districts, new luxury hotel The Hari is within walking distance of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), Times Square and Happy Valley Racecourse. The 210 guest rooms are sleek and inviting, with a muted colour scheme, plush fabrics and gleaming marble bathrooms. Three large rooftop suites add the wow factor, with fabulous private terraces and views stretching from The Peak to Victoria Harbour. Enjoy
Japanese cuisine and drinks on the al fresco terrace bar at Zoku, or savour classic Italian dishes at Lucciola Restaurant & Bar. Opened: December 2020 Best for: Rooftop suites with private balcony views and the hotel’s convenient city location thehari.com/hong-kong
HYATT REGENCY PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA
The new Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh has opened in the heart of the city, becoming the capital’s largest international hotel. On arrival at the beautiful colonial-style lobby, guests are shown to their choice of 247 luxurious rooms and suites featuring Khmer design accents and contemporary Cambodian artworks. Four lively dining venues offer plenty of after-work options; enjoy live music and local beers at Metropole Underground, or head to speakeasy-style bar The Attic for crafted cocktails. FiveFive Rooftop Restaurant & Bar is the city’s hottest new destination, offering panoramic views over the Mekong river and Royal Palace, sustainable seafood dining and live DJ sets.
The Regency Club Lounge offers additional perks to guests on the 10th floor, while the Jivapita Spa will provide soothing Cambodian treatments (when it opens later this year).
Opened: January 2021 Best for: Stylish dining and bar destinations in the city centre hyatt.com
W OSAKA, JAPAN
If you’re sitting on a stash of Marriott Bonvoy Points, the new W Osaka is the perfect excuse to use them. The dramatic black facade on Midosuji Boulevard was designed by celebrated Osaka-born architect Tadao Ando who took inspiration from the Edo period when outward ostentation was forbidden. But W fans will be delighted with the classic explosion of colour, design and personality waiting on the inside – from the
metallic origami entrance corridor to neon pink and blue lighting in the 337 guest rooms and suites. Two bars and four restaurants offer a mix of gourmet Japanese and international flavours, with an eclectic line-up of entertainment in the social lobby area Living Room. A spa, indoor pool and fitness centre cater to leisure needs, while four event and meeting spaces handle the business end of things. Opened: March 2021
Best for: ‘Work hard, play hard’ mindsets, and the nearby eclectic Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori entertainment districts marriott.com
LANGHAM PLACE CHANGSHA
Switch boardrooms for theme parks and meetings for indoor ski slopes at the Langham Place Changsha’s fun-filled resort experience. Situated in the expansive Da Wang Shan Resort, a 30-minute drive from the city centre and 45 minutes from Changsha Huanghua International Airport, guests have access to world-class entertainment on the doorstep. The futuristic hotel design, courtesy of renowned architect Wolf D Prix, is evident in 295 stunning rooms and suites. There are three dining concepts, plus afternoon tea in the Salon, the renowned Chuan Spa, and 2,000 sqm of event space.
Opened: April 2021
Best for: An urban retreat with extravagant entertainment options langhamhotels.com/en/langhamplace/changsha
FAIRMONT AMBASSADOR SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
Seoul’s finance and banking district has been given a splash of glamour with the opening of the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul. Located in Yeouido’s premium Parc 1 complex, the hotel is connected to Subway Lines 5 and 9, which provide easy access across the city. The property offers 326 guest rooms and suites, with marble bathrooms and Le Labo products, plus a selection of catered event spaces. Modern European fare can be enjoyed in the sultry Mariposa restaurant, with panoramic views of the Han river from the terrace, while international bites are served at the open kitchens in Spectrum. Activity options include an indoor swimming pool and fitness centre. Opened: February 2021 Best for: Finance execs wanting to be close to the action fairmont.com/seoul
OVOLO SOUTH YARRA, AUSTRALIA
Ovolo’s sixth designer hotel in Australia ups the ante with a disco and retro-glamour design aesthetic. Think vibrant pop art, an arcadeinspired light wall, and four “rock god” suites: John, Ono, Sonny and Cher. Ovolo South Yarra’s 123 hightech rooms offer seamless integration with Chromecast and Bose Bluetooth speakers; bold designs accented by chrome features; and water dispensers to encourage plastic waste reduction. Vegan, plant-based and vegetarian options reign supreme at Lona Misa Kitchen & Bar, while basement meeting rooms come with subtle glam rock vibes and pool tables to kick back. Enjoy sundowners at social hour (first drink on them), all-day snacks, 24-hour gym and a complimentary “loot bag” of goodies.
Opened: April 2021 Best for: Thoughtful service, quirky designs and contemporary facilities ovolohotels.com
THE LONDONER MACAO
Opening in phases throughout 2021, The Londoner presents an extravagant tribute to British heritage, with a Houses of Parliament exterior – complete with Big Ben replica; gardens modelled on Kensington Palace; a Claridge’sstyle atrium; daily changing of the guards displays; and suites designed by footballer David Beckham – the hotel’s official ambassador. The complex comprises two all-suite hotels, The Londoner Hotel and Londoner Court, plus a host of entertainment options worthy of the Cotai Strip. When fully opened, these will include an opulent casino with 490 tables and 2,000 slot machines; luxury mall with iconic British brands; 10-plus dining options, including a Gordon Ramsay gastropub; immersive virtual reality experiences; and a state-of-the-art amphitheatre, the Londoner Arena, with 6,000 seats and VIP amenities.
Opened: January 2021 – Ongoing
Best for: Unbeatable entertainment options and outlandish architecture londonermacao.com
NICCOLO SUZHOU
Perched on the top of Suzhou’s soaring new International Finance Square, Niccolo Suzhou has ushered in a new level of business luxury to the Chinese city known as the ‘Venice of the East’ – a 25-minute, high-speed train ride from Shanghai. The 233 spacious rooms and suites offer spectacular views over Jinji Lake and the city skyline – as do two floors of modern event spaces. Experience the culinary theatre of Niccolo Kitchen’s open-plan international cooking stations, and join a cosmopolitan crowd to enjoy international DJs and artisan cocktails at Bar 115. Sky-high relaxation and fitness options include an indoor pool, Jacuzzi and gym on the 117th floor.
Opened: April 2021
Best for: Luxury accommodation and a chance to visit Suzhou’s famous Unesco-listed waterways, bridges and gardens niccolohotels.com
THE WEST BUND SHANGHAI
Shanghai’s forgotten West Bund has evolved into a leisure and cultural hotspot – so it was only a matter of time before a luxury hotel moved in. The West Bund Hotel, scheduled to open any time now, features inspiring interiors by Olga Polizzi and Inge Moore. The 161 stylish guest rooms and 58 suites are decked with soothing neutral tones and subtle Chinese design elements. Spanning two floors, the spa is a wellness destination in itself, with eight treatment rooms, vegan cuisine, a modern gym, and infinity pool with river views. Four premium dining outlets culminate in the 59th rooftop terrace, offering craft cocktails and spectacular views over the Huangpu river.
Opened: TBC 2021
Best for: Sophisticated glamour with a chic setting for sundowners roccofortehotels.com/hotels-andresorts/the-westbund-hotel
HILTON GARDEN INN JAKARTA TAMAN PALEM, INDONESIA
The Hilton Garden Inn Jakarta Taman Palem is a solid new business choice in the Indonesian capital. The upscale brand has opened for bookings from 1 August, and will cover all modern work needs, with 168 light, colourful guest rooms and suites featuring ergonomic desks and chairs, fast WiFi and 250 threadcount sheets. A business centre and meeting room are available, while leisure options include a restaurant, fitness centre and outdoor pool. The hotel is less than 20 kilometres from Central Jakarta and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, with plenty of shopping and restaurants nearby, plus a water park and golf course. Opened: August 2021 Best for: Straightforward business facilities close to town hilton.com
WINK HOTEL SAIGON CENTRE, VIETNAM
New Vietnamese hospitality brand Wink launched its debut 237-room property in the vibrant Dakao Ward of Ho Chi Minh City’s central District 1. The hotel offers affordable luxury for the modern tech-savvy traveller – its hallmarks include digital check-in, contactless payment options and rideshare partnerships. Expect bright colours, grab-and-go street food concepts for breakfast and lunch, and space-efficient rooms featuring intuitive in-room controls, smart TVs and locally sourced amenities. Guests will enjoy a full 24-hour stay, no matter what time they check-in, and get a free pass to any Toong co-working space in the city – including the hotel’s own. Opened: May 2021 Best for: Tech-savvy Gen Z and millennial travellers looking for modern business luxury wink-hotels.com