Meet Asia's greenest, swankiest and largest hotels

From Singapore to Tokyo and Bangkok, landmark openings to usher in the new year.

A sky bridge at Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay brings guests across the atrium on level four through a tree top experience.
A sky bridge at Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay brings guests across the atrium on level four through a tree top experience.

Singapore's first garden-in-a-hotel welcomes guests

One year after Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) unveiled more details on the rebranded ParkRoyal Collection Marina Bay, the group's garden-in-a-hotel property has officially opened in December.

Following a S$45 million (US$33.9 million) renovation, the 21-storey hotel is part of PPHG's official launch of the new ParkRoyal Collection Hotels & Resorts brand — which touts sustainability and wellbeing as its two main pillars.

Guests can expect a swathe of amenities and architecture reflecting eco-friendliness, well-being and iconic design. This includes a four-storey high sky bridge amid a treetop walk experience with pavilions hidden, and a further 370sqm of lush gardens, 13m green wall, and more than 2,400 trees, scrubs and ground covers that function as natural air purifiers.

On sustainability, the hotel provides glass bottles and a filtered water system in every room, and utilises biodegradable packaging for amenities. This is extended to the meetings front, with eco-friendly amenities and refreshments using locally-sourced ingredients given out for events at any of the events.

Event planners have more than 18,580sqm of dedicated space to play with, including the grand ballroom, which accommodates up to 700 people, or the atrium ballroom which fits 300 pax and comes with a private foyer.

All-day dining restaurant, Peppermint, uses sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients, with all five restaurants offering hand-harvested produce from its urban farm starting this month. Guests into wellness can head to the gym which offers fitness classes, the signature St Gregory spa, or mineral water pool fitted with 1,380 fibre optic lights turning it into an underwater galaxy of stars.

Four Seasons' back in Bangkok

The luxury hotel offers 299 keys along the iconic Chao Phraya River.
The luxury hotel offers 299 keys along the iconic Chao Phraya River.

Originally slated for a February 2020 launch, the opening of the luxury brand's Bangkok property also marks its return to the Thai capital, after its original Four Seasons Bangkok property was rebranded as Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel and Spa in 2015.

New features include a 3,823 sqm riverfront grand ballroom with expansive outdoor terrace; dining along the hotel's waterfront promenade address, and the massive two-story Presidential Suite which comes with three bedrooms, uninterrupted river views and soaring ceilings.

For event planners — there's also The Conservatory, a residential-style function floor with its own ballroom and river views, a garden terrace, meeting rooms, a boardroom and a communal coffee break area plus show kitchen and skylight. Besides a dedicated event planner, the team of chefs will work closely with planners to plan a menu.

Architect Jean-Michel Gathy — the same name behind other luxe hospitality giants such as Aman Resorts, Park Hyatt, Mandarin Oriental, St Regis, One&Only and Banyan Tree — has also included an art space to celebrate Thailand's legendary craftsmanship and artistry.

Tokyo has a cool Edition

A specialty restaurant with an outdoor terrace overlooking Tokyo Towe.
A specialty restaurant with an outdoor terrace overlooking Tokyo Towe.

The Tokyo outpost which opened last year 20 October marks the first Edition hotel in Japan, with design elements by architect Kengo Kuma — the same name behind the capital's Olympic stadium.

At this hotel, it's about honouring Japan's traditions while injecting a good dose of cutting edge and avant-garde — a concept the city is known for. Guests can expect design inspired by Buddhist temples, much like the hotel's two-storey lobby which doubles as a communal space.

Apart from the 206 rooms including 22 suites, guests are encouraged to socialise in the more than 10 working spaces, including the picture-worthy restaurants helmed by Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens. There's The Blue Room with city views, The Jade Room offering tastes of Japan flavours and an alfresco area 137m off the ground.

To book a space for an event or conference, the hotel offers 387sqm of meeting studios which come with video conferencing capabilities, executive car services, smart boards and electronic flip charts, and 24-hour multi-lingual secretarial staff.

Dusit Thani says 'sawatdee' to Singapore

Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore marks Bangkok-based Dusit International's entry into the Lion City.
Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore marks Bangkok-based Dusit International's entry into the Lion City.

On the grounds of Laguna National Golf & Country Club lies the 198-key Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore, marking Bangkok-based Dusit International's entry into the Lion City.

A 10 minutes' drive from Changi International Airport and 15 minutes to downtown, the resort soft opened on 4 December with a wellness destination focus.

Business guests will be able to book from the boardroom, three meeting rooms, three event lawns, and ballroom taking up to 520 guests. After which, they can retire into a range of rooms, suites and eight pavilions with private pools.

For leisure, apart from access to golf grounds, guests may utilise the 24-hour gym, three tennis courts, three pools, and a practice nine-hole putting green. Continuing on the wellness slant, the three restaurants and one bar offers menus using ingredients from the hotel's onsite garden, while the Devarana Wellness programme offers traditional Thai massage and premium health and beauty therapies.


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