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
W MALDIVES – whatever/whenever
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!
W MALDIVES – whatever/whenever
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.
WUV Maldivian StyleAn escape to W Retreat & Spa Maldives
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.
W MALDIVES – whatever/whenever
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.
WUV Maldivian StyleAn escape to W Retreat & Spa Maldives
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.
W MALDIVES – whatever/whenever
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
W MALDIVES – whatever/whenever
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
W MALDIVES – whatever/whenever
Made for China by IHGUpscale hotel brand for the Chinese
W MALDIVES – whatever/whenever
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.
W MALDIVES – whatever/whenever
Orchard Road’s New HotelNew Traders Hotel will open in Singapore
W MALDIVES – whatever/whenever
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
W MALDIVES – whatever/whenever
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.
W MALDIVES – whatever/whenever
W MALDIVES – whatever/whenever
F i n d u s o n F a c e b o o k
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