Kuala Lumpur’s New Boutique Hotel ‘Else’ Set to Launch in September
By Lifestyle+Travel
Situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, the city’s new boutique hotel Else is slated to open in September 2022 in the former Lee Rubber Building, honouring the landmark’s architectural legacy while embracing contemporary design, featuring 49 well-appointed guest rooms, 2 compelling dining concepts, and modern wellness facilities.
Else Founders Justin Chen and Javier Perez commissioned local leading designers, artists and partners to create their vision of conscious hospitality. Malaysian design
firm Studio Bikin conceptualised the design and oversaw the restoration which was executed by Faizah Architect, another celebrated Malaysian partner. Complex, thought-provoking and inspiring art pieces have been acquired from emerging and award-winning Malaysian artists.
“Else has been a four-year project realized through the challenges of the global pandemic and inspired by the emerging new era of traveller. The result is an urban haven for the globally minded and curious. Our design and construction team have sensitively balanced a contrast of new and old with a refined juxtaposition of a pre-war building beautifully preserved and innovative design that invites all our guests to explore the property on their own, and discover intimate pockets to pause and reflect,” commented Justin Chen.
Else opens on 10 September 2022 with opening rates from MYR 398 until 31 October 2022. For more information, visit www.elseretreats.com
By Lifestyle+Travel
Royal Cliff Pattaya passes the assessment for five-star hotel standard
Four hotels of the Royal Cliff Hotels Group have been awarded the prestigious Accommodation Standard for Tourism 2024 - 2027 in the 5-star resort category by the Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and the Thailand Hotel Standard Foundation. The certified hotels—Royal Cliff Beach Hotel, Royal Cliff Beach Terrace, Royal Cliff Grand Hotel, and Royal Wing Suites & Spa—successfully passed the assessment based on an internationally recognized quality system. This certification highlights the Group's excellence in management, covering key aspects such as service, accommodation, facilities, cleanliness, safety, and the exceptional relaxation experience provided to all guests. The certification aims to honor and recognize hotels, resorts, homestays, and tourist attractions that contribute to elevating Thailand's tourism industry. By enhancing competitiveness and building confidence among tourists worldwide, this initiative supports Thailand's vision of becoming a leading global tourism hub. Perched atop a 64-acre private estate with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand, the Royal Cliff Hotels Group boasts four award-winning hotels, charming travellers from all corners of the world. Unlock a world of magical experiences with Royal Cliff’s curated promotions and packages at the ultimate luxury destination. Ensure your exceptional holiday by booking directly with Royal Cliff. Not only do we guarantee the best prices, but we also offer exclusive value-added extras to elevate your hotel stay. To secure the premium experience you deserve, reservations at (+66) 38 250 421 ext: 2732, or drop an email to reservations@royalcliff.com. For more information Please visit www.royalcliff.com, www.facebook.com/royalcliff and www.instagram.com/royalcliff
By Lifestyle+Travel
Singapore’s Finest of All
Travel with Trip.Best to Explore the Best of the Best in Singapore In today’s digital age, technology plays an increasingly significant role across numerous sectors whether business, medical, travel or other. Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to make more triumphs and is replacing manpower in various sectors, while becoming increasingly reliable and trustworthy. Digital knowhow likewise benefits tourism and travellers in many ways. With smart software such as the all-in-one “Trip.com” installed on your phone, you're sure to have a trusty travel companion with you throughout your journeys. In addition to finding fantastic deals and helping with reservations, it will help you tailor your itineraries so you get the maximum out of them. There’s also the Trip.Best list of recommendations for each destination for where to stay, what to see, where to dine and hang out, and more, curated by digital analysis of a range of travel products on Trip.com including booking volume, thematic focus, travel distance, reviews and overall product quality. Only the top 1% of products are featured on the list. I followed the leads on Trip.Best during my recent trip to Singapore and they made my visit even more mesmerising than before! Marina Bay Sands Hotel • No.1 : 2024 Trip.Best Global 100 – Instagrammable Hotels Marina Bay Sands Hotel is 'the' location to stay in Singapore for its striking towers, opulent décor, star facilities and smooth service, as well as panoramic views of the city and Marina Bay. Furthermore, a number of attractions lie within walking distance, making the hotel extremely convenient. Its cutting-edge design and spectacular vista offer homage to several Instagrammable areas throughout the hotel, particularly at the luxurious SkyPark. Sentosa Island • No.7 : 2024 Trip.Best Global 100 - Things to Do • No.7 : 2024 Trip.Best Asia 100 - Things to Do • No.1 : Trip.Best - Best Things to Do in Singapore Sentosa, located just off Singapore's southern coast, is a man-made island that was transformed from a military fort into one of Asia's major leisure destinations. Often referred to as the "State of Fun", Sentosa is packed with attractions, great resorts especially for families, and three main beaches with imported white sand. A visit to Singapore would not be complete without visiting this entertainment destination, for which one would need to spare at least a day. Cable Car • No.79 : 2024 Trip.Best Asia 100 - Things to Do • No.13 : Trip.Best - Best Things to Do in Singapore Sentosa Island is easily accessible via various means: via the Sentosa Express monorail that departs from VivoCity shopping mall or by car, bus or even on foot via the Sentosa Boardwalk. However, for a scenic route, the Singapore Cable Car offers a stunning aerial view of the cityscape and the island. The cable car is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with a special collaboration with Hello Kitty and the new SkyOrb Cabin, the world’s first chrome spherical cabin. Skyline Luge • No.77 : 2024 Trip.Best Asia 100 - Things to Do • No.10 : Trip.Best - Best Things to Do in Singapore Located at Imbiah Lookout on Sentosa
By Lifestyle+Travel
Come Sleep
Supreme Stay in Seoul At the heart of Korea’s Silicon Valley sites DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo, ready to serve all travellers both business and staycation. It targets “unpretentious comfort-seekers who appreciate being taken care of and value human connections”. Setting the Scene The first full-service upscale hotel in Seongnam, DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo sits a short 10-minute drive to Pangyo Techno Valley with its IT and medical industries, and a distance of 58 km from Incheon International Airport and 16 km from Gangnam Station in southern Seoul. Still, it is surrounded by nature with most rooms showcasing a mountain view, and the colour palette is neutral and muted, inspired by the lush foliage surrounding the property. I was welcomed warmly in high-ceilinged lobby where an efficient staff completed my check-in in no time at all. I was told that the hotel consists of a total of 432 hotel rooms and 162 residences, and offers and indoor swimming pool, sauna, outdoor tennis court, a screen golf range as well as the largest state-of-art banquet facility in the area – basically, everything one would really need for a happy stay, be it for business or leisure. Getting Comfortable I was happy seeing ceiling-to-floor windows in my Premium Corner Room (43 sqm), with a view of foliage on the grounds. The abundant natural light that came into the room was welcoming and set me at ease. The separate cloak room was located opposite the washroom which was behind a solid wooden sliding door. The in-room facilities were of premium quality. I enjoyed the scented Crabtree & Evelyn amenities, and soaking in the tub while overlooking the verdant view. DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo is truly a good “home away from home” in Pangyo, I assure you. Dining Options Demeter keeps all guests very satisfied with its buffets, though it offers an à la carte menu as well. You’ll find local and international options to keep your stomach happy all day long. Do watch out for complimentary bites of local “Comfort Food” as well, which aim to nourish the soul. Mine was a bowl of Doenjang Jjigae, a stew which was hearty and filling. On a higher note is Nyx, the sleek rooftop bar and bistro offering tasty fusion bites and a panorama of the city. Why I’d Return The Ambassadors of Feel Good Moments (assigned staff) did a marvellous job making me feel comfortable and welcome from check-in till check-out. In addition to the signature warm cookie welcome, I received a welcome message in my guestroom written in my own language. Additionally, the staff knew about my upcoming birthday. Such personal touches and warm hospitality elevated my stay and impression of the hotel. One or Two Quibbles… The automatic light in the cloakroom kept turning off while I was still unpacking; I must have been taking too long. I had to exit and then re-enter the cloakroom to turn it back on. DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo 26 Baekhyeon-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea 13553 T: +82 34 678 5500 F: +82 31 678 5600 W: DoubleTreebyHiltonSeoulPangyo.com IG: