GRAND Hyatt Hong Kong has introduced two new activities that will bring a touch of entertainment to meetings at the hotel.

Aimed at keeping meeting delegates refreshed and alert throughout the event, the Plateau Spa Rejuvenating Break offers a neck and shoulder massage or hand massage. Meeting planners who take this option will see the coffee break area transformed into a relaxing spa lounge, with aromatic candles and soothing music to set the ambience.

The Plateau Spa Rejuvenating Break is available at the supplement rate of HK$880 (US$113.40) for a 20-minute session, including two skilled therapists working in five-minute blocks.

The Wine Tasting Session aims to bond team-mates through a fun and educational wine appreciation activity led by the hotel’s own sommelier and wine ambassadors.

Held during meeting breaks, this 20-mimute activity includes two selected wines and is available at the supplement rate of HK$800.

All rates are subjected to a 10 per cent tax, and a minimum of six to a maximum of 12 guests is allowed for each activity.

JACQUES Arnoux, who founded Pacific World in Hong Kong in 1981, will retire from the company on March 31 this year.

Under his leadership Pacific World expanded across Asia becoming the leading MICE business in the region. Jacques was instrumental in Pacific World’s strategic development, selling the business to First Choice in 2006 (now part of TUI Travel).

Arnoux remained managing director until October 1, 2011 and became a member of the Non-Executive Board. In this role he accompanied the transformation of the company to a global player through a rebranding exercise in November 2011.

David Schelp, Pacific World chairman, said in a press statement: “Jacques is one of the icons in the MICE industry. He led the way 30 years ago, spotting the opportunities with the Pacific World brand. His long and successful career and wealth of expertise and knowledge is valued by all.”

Arnoux commented: “Seeing the business grow from one office in Hong Kong to having a presence in 16 countries has been a fantastic experience. I would like to thank the many colleagues, clients and suppliers that have contributed and supported me over the years. I am sure that Pacific World will have a prosperous and successful future.”

THE 532-key Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal opened its doors on Tuesday, with facilities catering to both leisure and business travellers.

Inspired by 15th to early 17^th century Renaissance architecture and the urban planning of the city of Venice, the hotel is located at the waterfront and consists of ten stately buildings arranged in a crescent formation.

Beautifully manicured lawns, unique water features and private beaches are some of the many highlights of the luxury property, which overlooks a 1,600m² pool and is backed by the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

“We are delighted to open our first hotel in the United Arab Emirates capital of Abu Dhabi, a city we have waited to be in until finding absolutely the right location,” said Herve Humler, president and COO of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, in a press statement.

Guests can choose to stay in rooms, suites or villas with one and two bedrooms, spacious outdoor terraces, separate arrival palazzo and private butler service.

The Ritz-Carlton Club Level provides a dedicated concierge, private check-in and five F&B offerings throughout the day within an exclusive lounge boasting panoramic views of the property, canal and city skyline.

Event planners can utilise the hotel’s 1,550m² Roma Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 900 guests and is divisable by three. There are also two expansive marble foyers with natural daylight, 14 meeting rooms and a traditional majlis.

Other facilities include 10 restaurants and bars, including three signature restaurants created by award-winning Japanese designer Super Potato.

ALMOST nine months after the opening of Gardens by the Bay on June 29 last year, interest from organisers of private and public events are still looking strong, said a representative of the attraction.

Darren Oh, assistant director (business), Gardens by the Bay, said: “All new venues tend to be highly sought after in the first six months, and Gardens by the Bay was no exception. We were swamped with event enquiries at the start. But now, after passing the sixth-month mark, we are still very much in demand.

“We find ourselves having to limit the number of events here to three a week, so as not to overload our operations team.”

Oh added that the horticulture attraction was able to maintain its popularity among event organisers due to its proximity to many quality hotels and convention centres, as well as “good word of mouth”.

He said: “Moreover, there is nothing else like Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. Our venues are different in nature, so we are able to cater to a wide range of events.”

Gardens by the Bay’s largest event space, The Meadow, with standing capacity for 30,000 people, has been booked for family day carnivals, sports events and concerts. Silver Leaf, an outdoor space surrounded by towering Supertrees, has hosted several private corporate parties and banquets.

Corporate demand for the indoor Flower Field Hall within the iconic Flower Dome is strong too, with many clients choosing to feature a tour of the chilly conservatory, which replicates the cool-dry climate of Mediterranean regions, with their banquet or award ceremony.

Event organisers who rent the Flower Field Hall for functions with at least 300 guests can purchase entrance tickets to the Flower Dome at a discounted rate of S$10 per pax.

“As the Flower Dome closes at 21.00, events that start late can have the entire venue to themselves,” said Oh.

Oh revealed that Gardens by the Bay “has many venues with the potential to host private events” and there are plans to “open more for commercial use eventually”.

MALAYSIA Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) is developing a mobile application as part of its support programme for conferences in the country with at least 500 international participants.

Set to be launched in Kuala Lumpur in May, the technology will comprise two components: a conference application and a conference delegation welcome kit.

The conference application will contain updated conference information and features that allow delegates to vote and respond to surveys on their smartphones.

The conference delegation welcome kit will include listings of places of interest and dining privileges, as well as public transportation details and street maps.

MyCEB general manager sales & marketing, Ho Yoke Ping, said the mobile application would add value to international conferences secured in Malaysia and attract more international conferences to the destination.

Other Malaysian states, such as Sarawak, Sabah and Penang, will get their hands on the mobile application at a later stage.