Credit: Zouk

GENTING Hong Kong is reaching out to a wilder clientele with its acquisition of iconic Singapore club brand, Zouk.

Launched in Singapore in March 1991, Zouk has established itself as the leading nightlife destination, and is expecting a new club in Clarke Quay in 3Q2016.

“Zouk is a brilliant example of a local Singapore brand that has not only achieved worldwide status and recognition in the global club scene, but has truly evolved into a subculture of its own for generations of trend-setters in Asia,” said Andrew Li, vice president, lifestyle and F&B concepts, Genting Hong Kong.

“As Genting Hong Kong continues to expand its reach in attracting a younger and more lifestyle driven clientele, we are confident that the addition of such an iconic institution will further complement and enhance the company’s overall brands and offerings across the region.”

Following the acquisition, Genting Hong Kong will get its hands on Zouk’s major trademarks as well as the upcoming new Zouk club. Genting Hong Kong will also continue the annual ZoukOut dance music festival’s operations in December 2015.

“Zouk…has all along held ambition to expand beyond Singapore and Malaysia. Genting Hong Kong will take the Zouk brand to the next level and to greater heights together with the existing Zouk Singapore team, mapping its footprint out of Singapore and Malaysia, and for the future,” said Lincoln Cheng, Zouk brand founder.

Credit: Ani Villas

ANI Villas is set to debut in Asia with the launch of a 10-bedroom property in Koh Yao Noi, Thailand and a 15-bedroom estate in Dikwella, Sri lanka.

Located on the island of Koh Yao Noi, Ani Villas Thailand can be reached by boat from Phuket or Krabi, which is either an hour’s ride from the respective airports, or a 10-minute helicopter journey across the bay.

The villa spans two beachfront acres with all bedrooms equipped with large living spaces, bathrooms, Apple TV and music streaming capabilities.

Facilities include a 33m beachfront pool, children’s pool and double helix water slide, open-air dining sala, spa, fitness centre, bar, yoga pavilion and an enclosed living sala. Guests can also enjoy activities such as cooking classes, cycling, rock climbing, and dining with personal chefs.

Ani Villas Sri Lanka will open this December and is located just outside Dikwella on the central south coast. It is a three-hour drive from Colombo International Airport or 30-minutes by seaplane to a neighbouring lagoon.

The 4.5ha resort offers two villas and 13 suites. Each villa boasts a two-storey sea-facing living sala, library, game room and an open dining sala which overlooks a 23m beachfront pool as well as an adjacent children’s pool with a water slide.

The suites, which come with terraces and pitched roofs, are equipped with plush beds, stone bathtubs, outdoor showers, and modern media technologies.

Resort facilities include a spa, tennis court and gym. Guest can also opt to go outside the resort grounds to take part in activities such as whale watching, fishing, boating, surfing, taking a safari tour or tea tasting at a plantation.

An event pavilion, suitable for events and destination celebrations, is also available.

Credit: Pearl Discovery Development

PAN Pacific Hotels Group has signed an agreement to operate a 205-key luxury serviced suite development located in Nusajaya, Malaysia, in partnership with Pearl Discovery Development, a joint venture set up by Singapore-based real estate developers Pacific Star and DB2.

Named Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Puteri Harbour, it is located within the larger Puteri Cove Residences mixed-use development, and will offer studio, one- and two-room apartments for both short and extended stays. The projects are slated for completion in 2018.

Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Puteri Harbour will occupy 16 floors within one of the three apartment towers at Puteri Cove Residences, which includes an additional four blocks of SOHO/loft units and a two-level waterfront retail promenade.

SOME 400 iconic artworks that paint the story of Singapore’s art history since the 19th century will go on display at the National Gallery Singapore’s DBS Singapore Gallery.

Named Siapa Nama Kamu?, the title of the collection is based on the words on the chalkboard in Chua Mia Tee’s painting National Language Class, which was created in 1959 when Singapore gained self-governance.

National Language Class by Chua Mia Tee. Credit: Gift of Equator Art Society, Collection of National Gallery Singapore

“National Gallery Singapore is the first museum in the world dedicated to modern art from Singapore and South-east Asia, and will present the most extensive long-term exhibitions of art from the region. Through Siapa Nama Kamu?, we want to present a cohesive narrative of Singapore’s art history and engage our visitors with lesser known aspects, such as developments in the 19th century and the formation of art groups resulting from anti-colonial sentiments in the 1950s,” said Eugene Tan, director of National Gallery Singapore.

The exhibition explores Singapore’s identity and links to South-east Asia and the rest of the world since the 19^th century with a total of six themes – Tropical Tapestry, Nanyang Reverie, Real Concerns, New Languages, Tradition Unfettered and Shifting Grounds. Displays will be updated regularly.

Tiger’s Whip by Tang Da Wu. Credit: Collection of Singapore Art Museum

Admissions to the DBS Singapore Gallery is complimentary from its opening date, November 24, to December 6. After this, complimentary admissions will continue for Singaporeans and permanent residents.

Rudrojit Deb. Credit: Manathai Hotels & Resorts

MANATHAI Hotels & Resorts has appointed Rudrojit Deb as general manager of the soon-to-launch Manathai Surin Phuket with immediate effect.

Deb has over 19 years of hospitality experience with brands such as Grand Hyatt, Pullman and Marriott in India and Malaysia.

The 66-key Manathai Surin Phuket will officially open on November 1, 2015 and will be situated on Surin Beach, 30 minutes away from Phuket International Airport.

Thai textures and fabrics are used extensively in the resort’s facilities, with materials such as rattan, wooden screens, local silks and terracotta flooring.

Lotus ponds are also scattered throughout the property, while the pool is enclosed by three-metre high hedges, creating a naturally private space. Rooms feature a sunken pool seating and direct pool access.

F&B options include the pool bar which serves light refreshments, and Pad Thai, an all-day dining restaurant, which features Thai cuisine and also offers cooking classes.