The latest openings on our radar this season
Shanghai
A comfortable night's sleep beckons at Hyatt Zhongshan Park Shanghai
Perfect for families looking for an on-the-go city break, Hyatt Zhongshan Park Shanghai has just opened its doors. This is the first time Hyatt has launched Caption, its new lifestyle brand, in Asia
Pacific.
The 245-room hotel is located in the lively Yuyuan Road neighbourhood of Shanghai and offers easy access to historic Shanghai, shopping malls and boutiques.
The interiors of the hotel are designed to spark connection with the local neighbourhood, with curated local artworks illustrating nearby Zhongshan Park and traditional lane houses.
Embracing all the latest tech, the hotel features digital keys, personalised lighting systems, Bluetooth media hub and smart TVs. There are customised cocktail-making facilities and ‘self-activated’ 24-hour grab-and-go food options. In an effort to reduce plastic, there are water fountain stations on every floor.
An all-day ‘hangout’, Taole Central on the second floor, serves locally inspired food and drinks, coffees and snacks. The hotel also offers handy workspaces if you’re combining a little business with your leisure trip. Comedy talk shows and craft workshops are also hosted in the space with the aim of sharing the local culture with guests.
There’s also a 24-hour fitness centre with a wide range of gym equipment.
Singapore
The new Mercure Icon in Singapore is the largest Mercure hotel in the world
Hospitality group Accor has opened Mercure Icon in Singapore city centre. This newly built, mid-scale hotel has 989 rooms which makes it the largest Mercure hotel in the world.
The interior design draws on nearby Chinatown’s colourful facades and the heritage-rich surroundings of Club Street, Ann Siang Hill and Duxton Hill for inspiration. A short stroll from the hotel are the bustling alleys of Telok Ayer and Chinatown and guests can take advantage of a complimentary Chinatown Food and Heritage Walking Tour offering a deep dive into the area’s cultural and culinary heritage.
Telok Ayer MRT station is walking distance if you’re exploring further afield.
The property is aimed at both leisure travellers as well as business types and rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows or balconies. Eco-conscious amenities include filtered water dispensers and biodegradable bathroom amenities.
The property offers no fewer than six dining spaces, including all-day international restaurant Chara Brasserie, Klara Cafe and Bar in the lobby, Michelin Guide-listed L’antica Pizzeria da Michele from Naples (this is the restaurant’s debut in Singapore), French-inspired La Table d’Emma and sushi restaurant Ashino which opens later this year.
On the hotel’s Landscape Deck, guests can enjoy a dip in the pool or stretch out on the wellness deck. Gym bunnies will appreciate the well-equipped fitness centre.
Laos
Escape the heat of Vientiane in Cosi's rooftop pool
Thai hotel operator Centara opened Cosi Vientiane Nam Phu earlier this spring. The 95-room hotel offers eco-friendly rooms, a rooftop pool and three room types including Cosi Room, Plus and Family.
The twelfth century city of Vientiane on the Mekong river weaves rich culture, cuisine and history with modern charm. Cosi is conveniently located walking distance from shops, cafes, street vendors and landmarks including the Victory Monument and Vientiane night market.
Centara is one of Thailand’s leading hotel groups with properties covering all the main Thai destinations, plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Cambodia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.
“We’re thrilled to introduce Cosi Vientiane Nam Phu to travellers seeking a dynamic and immersive experience in Vientiane,” said Cosi Vientiane general manager Pasin Nopsuwan. “Our hotel embodies the spirit of modern hospitality, offering the perfect blend of comfort, convenience and connectivity.”
To celebrate the opening, Cosi Vientiane is offering a 30% discount for bookings and stays made before July 31, 2024.
Hong Kong Airlines is now flying direct to Vientiane from Hong Kong. For more on this story, head to this link.
Maldives
SO/ Maldives completes the huge three-resort Crossroads development
A third luxury resort has opened at Crossroads in the Maldives, the Indian Ocean’s first fully-integrated leisure destination. This launch marks the completion of Crossroads Maldives.
Crossroads first opened its doors in 2019 and features a trio of resorts, including SAii Lagoon Maldives, a Curio Collection by Hilton, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and now SO/ Maldives, a private island destination.
The three resorts are linked via The Marina @ Crossroads, a lifestyle area and beach walk with restaurants, bars, beach club, boutiques, wellness centres, water sports centres, kids’ clubs, 30-berth yacht marina and Maldives Discovery Centre.
The new opening, SO/ Maldives, is located in Emboodhoo Lagoon in the Kaafu atoll, a short speedboat ride from the international airport at Male.
SO/ Maldives has beach and water villa accommodation with furnishings by award-winning designers and original art pieces. There’s also a Wellness Camp, fitness centre and the Lazuli Beach Club.
“The opening of SO/ Maldives marks an important milestone as we officially complete the first phase of Crossroads Maldives,” said S Hotels & Resorts chief executive officer Michael Marshall. “This exceptional resort will further broaden the appeal of this multi-island integrated resort destination.”
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