1. Grand Mercure Hanoi, Vietnam
Grand Mercure Hanoi is an elegant treasure trove of arts and crafts, with lacquerware from Ha Thái lacquer village, Chu Dau pottery from Hai Duong province, and Bat Trang ceramics on display throughout the hotel.
The interior is inspired by rice, with shimmering water-filled fields, hillside terraces, and the colour and shape of individual grains showcased in many elements throughout the hotel.
There are two function rooms on offer, with Trang An Grand Ballroom being the largest at 324m2. This venue can be divided into two smaller spaces for 120 and 80 guests respectively in theatre-style. Another venue option is Dong Do 1 and 2, which can seat 15 each in a theatre setting.
Elsewhere, four restaurants and bars provide options for social gatherings. Each boasts original culinary concepts – Locally, which promises contemporary all-day dining with international flavours and local favourites; Cat Vi, a signature 15th floor Asian brasserie that blends regional gastronomy and Vietnamese soul food with spectacular city views; Van’s lobby lounge; and VIVU Rooftop Sky Bar.
2. JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa, South Korea
Crafted by award-winning interior designer Bill Bensley, the new JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa impresses not only with its architecture and design but also with its location.
The property takes inspiration from the raw natural beauty of Jeju and its farming and fishing traditions, with landscaping crafted to take in low lava stone walls, cabbage fields, and mustard flowers that bloom in springtime, and a palette of grey, black and white adopted across the hotel to represent the local volcanic landscapes.
With it perched on a cliffside, the hotel grants guests stunning views of the volcanic coastlines and endless stretches of blue ocean.
As its surroundings are directly connected to Route 7 of the island’s famous Olle Trail, guests can easily head off for a liberating hike. For more wellness activities, check in with the hotel’s line-up of yoga, pilates and sound healing sessions.
For meetings and events, the hotel offers a Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 600 guests, as well as other customisable function rooms.
3. Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore
Soaring above Singapore’s prime shopping belt, Pan Pacific Orchard is a verdant sanctuary with an exemplary architectural design that draws nature inwards, featuring four seamlessly connected stacks – Forest, Beach, Garden and Cloud – each providing exceptional experiences across unique environments.
Its architectural design – think terraced landscaping, which takes in 14,000m2 of foliage and water features – sets it apart from the malls along Orchard Road.
Event planners looking for a venue high up in the clouds will be interested in the pillarless 600m2 Claymore Ballroom, which features a panoramic LED video wall, natural daylight filtering in from floor-to-ceiling windows, and an outdoor terrace for al fresco receptions. This space has ample capacity for 420 guests.
4. The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas
Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the mighty Himalayas and within the Rishikesh pilgrimage and yoga hub, The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas cuts a majestic figure with tall columns, high ceilings, and an earthy palette dominated by shades of white.
The resort occupies a unique vantage point, where guests can rejuvenate their minds, bodies, and souls by connecting with the natural splendour of Rishikesh.
With the Westin brand’s strength in wellness, guests here are assured of opportunities to tune up their minds and bodies during their stay.
For corporate gatherings, the hotel offers 1,985m2 of event spaces, including a pillarless Grand Ballroom for up to 750 guests. Alternatively, take social events outdoors on the lawn where mountain views spill out generously.
