TTG Asia Luxury May 2018 | Page 50

focus Sellers showcase Planners seeking innovative products at ILTM Asia-Pacific may be in for a bounty. Raini Hamdi picks a few First undersea villa, all-glass ballroom by pool, anyone? Hilton’s Luxury Group, comprising Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts, has a lot to talk about with luxury planners as the brands continue to expand in Asia-Pacific. Travel experts can get a sneak peek of Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, opening this year. Designed by acclaimed Hong Kong architect and designer, Andre Fu, the property is the brand’s flagship in South- east Asia. Meanwhile, sister Conrad, which positions itself as the destination for a new generation of smart luxury travellers, is launching a first-of-its- kind undersea villa at Conrad Maldives and the refurbished Conrad Centennial Singapore (see Singapore report). The Hilton’s Luxury Group booth at ILTM Asia-Pacific features a virtual oasis offering a glimpse into Conrad Maldives’ unique, game-changing undersea villa on Rangali Island. Hilton’s Luxury Group is also hosting an exclusive evening reception on May 22 to showcase Conrad Centennial Singapore’s newly-minted all-glass Pavilion ballroom by the pool. A Shangri-La for kids Always loved by luxury holidaymakers and planners of high-profile business and government meetings, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore has a new band of fans – the little ones – thanks to the renovation 44 TTG Asia luxury | May 2018 Conrad Centennial Singapore’s new Pavilion ballroom by the pool of its Tower Wing which features an entire level dedicated to families with young children. Level nine houses 19 Deluxe Family Rooms and five unique Themed Family Suites. Each suite features an elegant bedroom for the adults and a whimsical children’s bedroom. Pick from Safari, Treetop, Castle, Underwater and Space themes. As no stay for children is complete without play, there’s a new Buds by Shangri-La playground on level one housing a Recharge Café, a Toddler Zone and an Explorer Zone for children aged four and up. Explorer Zone has five themed play areas – Waterfall, a pit filled with cassia seeds; Space, for aspiring astronauts; Underwater, a submarine themed climb- and-slide structure; Fire Mountain where children can shoot soft foam balls from air guns; and Mesh Cave, a massive two- deck net structure that meant the second level was one giant, bouncy trampoline. Regular activities are held in three play rooms – Stage, a music room; Muddy, an arts studio where children are encouraged to paint on walls; and Bake, where children can discover the joys of cooking. Buds extends outdoors with a giant pirate ship play structure and a splash pad. Parents and child-minders are not forgotten. A pantry on level nine comes with a steriliser, washing machines and dryers that parents and child-minders can use. They are also supported by a family concierge who ensures that check- in is done swiftly and remains on hand throughout the stay period to assist with stay and activity requests. – Karen Yue Revitalisation of Year Visit Wharf Hotels Management at ILTM Asia-Pacific and get insights into one of the best conservation projects in Asia, The Murray, Hong Kong. The flagship of Niccolo Hotels, The Murray is a uniquely Hong Kong icon and was a former government building located in Central. It underwent a high-profile transformation designed by Foster + Partners into a hotel featuring 336 over- sized contemporary guestrooms and suites with enviable views of the city skyline and neighbouring Hong Kong Park. The cost: US$1 billion. Facilities include a stunning rooftop bar, a series of signature restaurants and bars, and creative meeting and event spaces. The Murray, which opened in January, offers a distinguished sense of arrival via its private forecourt, fronted by Murray Lane. Guests enter the building through its majestic 11m tall arches that give the building its definitive look. 100,000 steps at third garden in heaven Always full of ideas, Trisara Phuket, in collaboration with Fitbit, has launched a 100,000 Step Fitness Experience that takes