Brought to you by Pan Pacific Hotels Group
Taking sustainable hospitality up a notch, Parkroyal Collection is the latest brainchild of UOL Group Limited and hotel subsidiary Pan Pacific Hotels Group Limited (PPHG).
The brand targets those with a sense of purpose and responsibility at heart, by demonstrating that sustainability and modern lifestyles can integrate through conscious design and efforts.
Singapore’s first hotel-in-a-garden
A landmark in the heart of Singapore’s vibrant Chinatown, Parkroyal Collection Pickering (previously Parkroyal on Pickering) pioneers a unique ‘hotel-in-a-garden’ design concept, setting more than 15,000m2 of lush greenery against a stunning aquamarine facade in reflecting a modern interpretation of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
The cantilevered skygardens lining the facade and vertical green walls are irrigated with a gravity-driven rainwater harvesting system, which switches to recycled water when there is insufficient rainwater.
Other eco-friendly operation practices include light and motion sensors in managing energy consumption; using resusable bottles for in-house filtered drinking water; ceasing single-use plastics across the hotel since 2019; and natural ventilation in two-thirds of the hotel, thereby relying lesser on air-conditioning.
Committed to provide a holistic experience for guests, the hotel has dedicated an entire floor to wellness – from an infinity pool to a 300m garden walk – to locally-sourced and organic plant-based dining options from its own herb garden, to green meetings and weddings.
Diners craving for a guilt-free indulgence can look forward to Lime Restaurant’s vegan a la carte menu featuring interesting takes on plant-based dishes, or feast on the sumptuous buffet spread of international and local delights. Don’t miss the opportunity to try out their creatively themed buffets – the ever-changing menus are only available for a selected period of time – blink and you’ll miss it!
The hotel’s green credentials have bagged many awards, including being named as one of the 50 Most Influential Tall Buildings of the Last 50 Years by The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat; Asia’s Leading Green Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2020 for the sixth consecutive year; as well as picking up a nomination for World’s Leading Green Hotel, an award which the hotel has claimed for the last two consecutive years.
Sparking that joie de vivre
Following a complete makeover to the former Marina Mandarin, Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay will join PPHG’s global portfolio of nearly 50 hotels, resorts, and serviced residences on December 1, 2020. The 583-room hotel will also bear the brand’s iconic design, eco-friendly practices, and focus on well-being.
While Parkroyal Collection Pickering highlights external landscaping, the greenery is brought inside Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, birthing the first garden-in-hotel concept in Singapore.
Prepare to be wowed by a 13m high vertical wall flanked by raised planters to create a panoramic view of a forest, if you haven’t already been taken in by the warm welcome at the entrance.
Retaining its cinematic 21-storey indoor atrium designed by the neo-futuristic American architect John Portman – one of the largest in South-east Asia – guests are set for an immersive treetop experience as they cross the sky bridge on level four to a lush garden with sculptural pavilions inspired by bird nests, setting the scene for a noctural rainforest ambience.
Stepping up with its sustainability commitment, a giant skylight made with UV-treated glass bathes the entire hotel in natural lighting; guestrooms will be fitted with water filters to discourage the use of disposable plastic water bottles; premium bath amenities that are paraben-and-cruelty-free will be offered; as well as deriving guest amenities (e.g. toothbrushes and eating utensils) from environmental-friendly materials such as corn-starch.
And what is a transformation without ramping up its gastronomic offerings? From Cantonese to Halal concepts, open kitchens to greenhouse-inspired private dining areas, refreshing takes on signature dishes and sustainably sourced ingredients will certainly capture diners’ imagination.
The brand new halal concept restaurant, Peppermint, welcomes all-day diners with an all-you-can-eat concept. Curated farm-to-table cuisine featuring distinct flavours from around the world will be served from its theatrical open kitchens to your table, or greenhouse-inspired private dining areas. Menus include plant-based options and the use of sustainably-and-local ingredients, noting the uptick on conscious eating.
Nestled in a garden oasis on level four, the Atrium Lounge replicates a rainforest canopy setting offering a nature-inspired afternoon tea, transforming into a whisky bar by night, serving over 90 variations to tantalise the tastebuds.
Let award-winning chef Edward Chong invoke your senses as he pairs traditional Cantonese cuisine with modern culinary techniques; heightening the experiential journey at the rejuvenated Peach Blossoms amid natural lighting, light woods, and a touch of oriental.
For a worthy backdrop in the next social media post, jump right into the 25m outdoor mineral water swimming pool fitted with fibre optic lights at the base, which gives one an illusion of swimming amongst a galaxy of twinkling stars.
To depart from the humdrum of everyday life and elevate your sense of well-being, visit Parkroyal Collection Hotels & Resorts.
Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour, Australia
Standing an elegant 13-storeys tall, Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour is located on the corner of Bathurst and Sussex Street and features 152 guestrooms, each divided into four distinct zones – a desk space, a sofa area, king-size beds, and bathrooms. Hotel facilities include a rooftop heated infinity pool, a 24-hour fitness centre, and three F&B venues. With a philosophy of building hotels for the future, the new look Crowne Plaza leans on design aspects that move guests seamlessly between work and downtime, including the Plaza Workspace, a new take on the traditional hotel lobby offering a space where guests and locals alike can work, meet and socialise.
The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon, Japan
Centrally located near the metro stations of Kamiyacho, Roppongi-Itchome and Toranomon, the hotel is housed within the upper levels of Tokyo World Gate, a new 180m, 38-storey mixed-use skyscraper. All 206 rooms, including 22 suites and several rooms with private terraces, offer unobstructed views of Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Bay. Adding to the urban resort atmosphere is a spa, a 24-hour gym, as well as a lap swimming pool and Jacuzzi. The hotel also has four meeting studios, divided by sliding partition walls which can be combined to create a large ballroom accommodating up to 250 guests.
On-site restaurants are spearheaded by Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens, in what marks his first foray into Japan. The Blue Room offers all-day dining, while The Jade Room serves up a bespoke Japanese menu – both boast private dining rooms. Outside on The Jade Room + Garden Terrace, is a Sky Garden floating over 140m above street level. The outdoor restaurant serves a small menu of sharing dishes, while the bar offers a selection of specially curated cocktails. Gold Bar at Edition transitions from a lounge during the day – with an afternoon traditional Japanese tea ceremony and an all-day food menu – to a cocktail bar in the evenings. Together with the Lobby Bar, both bars serve custom cocktails, as well as a variety of sake.
The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike, Autograph Collection, Japan
Marriott’s Autograph Collection Hotels has planted its third flag in Japan, with the opening of The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike, Autograph Collection in northern Kyoto. Situated in the heart of Kyoto’s Rakuhoku district, the hotel is adjacent to Takaragaike Park, which offers walking trails with scenic views of spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Togo Murano, The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike’s 310 guestrooms come with thoughtful amenities including free Wi-Fi and views of Takaragaike Park and its surroundings.
Dining options are designed to create an immersive experience in local as well as international culinary traditions. For instance, guests of Ito-Zakura French restaurant are invited to visit the century-old Morita Farm in nearby Kamigano to handpick their own vegetables, which they will later enjoy in a French-inspired meal. To explore Kyoto’s dining scene, guests can request a curated list of must-visit places, such as the traditional riverside dining (kawadoko) at the nearby Kibune or Takao restaurants. Special arrangements can also be made for a dinner in a tatami room with a maiko at the hotel.
Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre, Malaysia
Nestled in the heart of the city centre, Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre is the first under the brand in Johor and the third in Malaysia. The 335-room hotel is part of Komtar JBCC mixed-use development comprising retail and commercial office spaces and has direct connection to the Persada Johor International Convention Centre via Persada Link Bridge covered skywalk. Amenities include a sky pool, steam rooms, a 24-hour fitness centre, and four multifunctional meeting rooms. For a social dining experience, the hotel is home to Dine @ Eight, offering all-day-dining with an open kitchen theatre concept serving local cuisines, as well as some of Johor Bahru’s best continental flavours.