TIME LINE

Friday, February 21, 2025

Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing

Marking the Group’s second hotel in the Chinese capital, Mandarin Oriental Qianmen has opened in Beijing, offering a blend of luxury and local culture…

Located in the heart of a traditional hutong neighbourhood inside the Beijing Central Axis, the capital’s key cultural artery, Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing is a remarkable, unique property of just 42 courtyard houses. Intimately connected to the city, its expansive, luxurious accommodations feature exquisite oriental aesthetics and represent the pinnacle of Chinese hospitality. With refined wellness and immersive culinary experiences and a distinguished event setting, contemporary luxury, sumptuous heritage, art and nature combine, just steps from The Forbidden City, Qianmen and The Temple of Heaven.

Immersive dining experiences at Mandarin Oriental Qianmen include Yan Garden, where Michelin-starred Chef Fei and his team craft superb Cantonese cuisine. Guests can also enjoy TIAO, a contemporary cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and upscale Beijing-inspired bar fare, or indulge in authentic, relaxed regional Italian dishes at VICINI. For a more serene escape, Maple Lounge provides an intimate setting, serving the finest teas in a tranquil courtyard.

One-of-a-kind event spaces offer the perfect canvas for unforgettable weddings, meetings and cocktail receptions across two remarkable settings; Mandarin Palace and Zhengyang Mansion. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental provides guests with a transformative experience beyond relaxation, featuring private treatment suites, a Tea House, a healing space and a fitness centre.

From the perfect start to the day at breakfast to restorative wellness treatments, unique hutong tours and elegant limousine transfers, both local and international visitors will be able to discover a wealth of experiences on offer at Mandarin Oriental Qianmen.

Following the recent opening ceremony, the much-anticipated signature fan of Mandarin Oriental was also unveiled. Designed by renowned Chinese artist Xu Bing, it incorporates his original ‘Square Character Calligraphy’, which arranges alphabets into rectangular forms that resemble Chinese characters. “Unveil Beijing’s Soul” is inscribed on the fan in Chinese ink, capturing the spirit of the hotel.

“We are truly honoured to open the doors of our unique hutong sanctuary, offering guests an unparalleled hospitality experience in the Chinese capital,” commented Andy Guan, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Qianmen.

Having grown from its Asian roots over 60 years ago into a global brand, the Group now operates 41 hotels, 12 residences and 24 exclusive homes in 26 countries and territories with an ambitious pipeline and many more projects under development.


Monday, February 17, 2025

Regent Bali Canggu

Now Open 150-Key Regent Bali Canggu, The Regent brand has expanded its impressive luxury portfolio to the shores of Canggu Beach in Bali, with the highly anticipated opening of Regent Bali Canggu.

Nestled on Bali's coveted southwestern coast, this resort marks the first Regent Hotels & Resorts opening in Indonesia since IHG Hotels & Resorts' acquisition of the brand in 2018. The resort is poised to become one of the most sought-after beachfront destinations in Bali.

Bathed in the warm glow of Balinese sunlight and serenaded by the gentle rhythm of the waves, Regent Bali Canggu - an all-suites and villas resort - offers guests the epitome of discreet maximalism where serenity meets stimulation. The beachfront property will have one of the world's first Regent Spa experiences, five exceptional dining venues, nine swimming pools, and a Regent Club.

Regent Bali Canggu features 150 elegantly appointed suites and villas, many offering sea or garden views and direct lagoon access. Setting a new standard for spaciousness Canggu, entry-level Studio Suites start from an impressive 818 square feet and include oasis bathrooms, complete with a hand-carved teak bathtubs and rain showers.

The opulent Two Bedroom Penthouse Oceanfront with Private Pool has an extraordinary 6,652 square feet of living space, a fully equipped kitchen, a private terrace and a 322-square-foot infinity pool, all overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Equally captivating, the One Bedroom Beachfront Villa with Private Pool spans 3,519 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, offering sweeping ocean views. The addition of a dedicated pantry joined with personalized Regent Club advantages elevate the Regent villa experience.

A fresh interpretation of the Balinese tropical experience, Wimberly, Allison, Tong, and Goo (WATG) have designed the 14-acre resort to harmonize with Bali's geography and cultural heritage. The use of timber and andesite stone across the low-rise development pays homage to Bali's abundant resources, leaving a lasting impression of Balinese architectural significance by blending the island's rich charm with redefined modern luxury.

Interior design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) have created the resort's aesthetic with natural colors, textiles and intricate craftsmanship. The interiors celebrate Indonesia's diversity through the integration of batik and Balinese imagery, all within a curated color palette that reflects the ethereal beauty of the island.

Landscape architect John Pettigrew has harmonized the resort's architecture with its natural surroundings, using local plants and reclaimed materials to create gardens that soften the building's geometric lines.

Regent Bali Canggu features five distinctive dining venues. The signature restaurant, Taru, showcases authentic Indonesian dishes such as rendang sapi and udang bakar woku, inviting guests to savor the rich flavors of the region.

Sazón, led by award-winning Chef Andrew Walsh, is a Spanish hideaway on Batu Bolong, where guests can enjoy authentic tapas and reinvented Spanish classics. Standout dishes include the squid-ink-based paella, arroz negro, and the octopus and potato espuma entrée, perfectly paired with a sophisticated selection of Sherry and Cava wines.

Cure, set to open later in 2025, will present a modern European menu infused with Asian influences, celebrating the abundant produce of Indonesia.

Debuting in partnership with Raison d'Etre, the Regent Spa & Wellness will be the first-ever Regent-branded spa, set to open in late 2025. This spa will harness Bali's rich heritage in health and wellness, offering treatments designed to help guests reconnect with their mind, body, and spirit. The spa menu will feature an array of scrubs, wraps, and massages, alongside advanced skincare sessions utilizing Kerstin Florian beauty products. Guests can expect an alchemy of vibrating crystal energy, healing aromas, and restorative light frequencies.

The spa has seven restorative treatment rooms, including a couple's suite, a sauna, and a plunge pool. Additionally, the dedicated Beauty Hub will offer a range of services for hands, feet, and face, while the Health Club invites guests to begin or end their day in a state of rejuvenation. Equipped with dual-functional spaces, the Health Club features a mat-based studio for yoga and stretching, as well as a spacious gym outfitted with Technogym strength and cardio equipment. Guests can also unwind at one of the property's nine pools, each accompanied by private cabanas and the whispers of the sea breeze.

The Regent Experience Agent, a hallmark of the Regent brand, will serve as a dedicated point of contact for personalized service, ensuring seamless communication, thoughtful suggestions, and support throughout the guest journey, from pre-arrival to departure.

Upon arrival to their suite or villa, guests can find a thoughtfully crafted, complimentary Refreshment Gallery featuring alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and locally sourced gourmet snacks that are unique to Bali.

The new Regent design philosophy is brought to life through illustrations that capture the essence of each location. For Regent Bali Canggu, the artwork is inspired by The Legend of The Bali Strait, intertwined with the majestic Besakih Temple on the slopes of Mount Agung. Created by renowned Romanian artist Saddo, the illustration features symbols such as Manik Angkeran, the Besukih Dragon, and the iconic Canggu waves, setting the tone for the beauty and meticulous attention to detail that guests will experience during their stay.

Regent Club, an exclusive full-service lounge, is distinguished to provide an elevated guest experience for select one-bedroom suites, villas and two-bedroom penthouses, though is also available as a supplement to all room categories. Guests can dine with a meticulously crafted a la carte breakfast, sit comfortably in the light-filled lounge and sip afternoon tea, lie back in one of the cabanas alongside the private infinity pool, and enjoy complimentary champagne at the Club's evening cocktail program from 5:30pm - 7:30pm each day.

Set to open later in 2025, Regent Kids will provide an interactive indoor and outdoor playground, ensuring that the youngest visitors enjoy a blend of fun and learning.



















































Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts proudly announced the opening of its 70th property, Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto. This landmark hotel sets a new standard for luxury and innovation in the heart of the world's technology hub. “Just as Silicon Valley has transformed global communication through groundbreaking advancements, Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley will redefine business hospitality in this high-tech region,” stated Wolf Hengst, President of Worldwide Hotel Operations at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

Strategically positioned at the gateway to Palo Alto, the birthplace of Silicon Valley, and just minutes from Stanford University, the hotel stands as the pinnacle of East Palo Alto's ambitious University Circle redevelopment project. Designed by Hill Glazier Architects, its sleek, ten-story glass façade reflects the dynamic spirit of the region. Inside, 200 elegantly appointed rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, offering breathtaking views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and San Francisco Bay. A rooftop lap pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, and a spa with seven treatment rooms cater to guests seeking balance between work and well-being.

The hotel’s interiors embrace Northern California’s natural beauty, incorporating rich wood finishes like Douglas fir and Mekore, complemented by warm earth tones. Guest rooms are designed for the modern traveler, featuring 42-inch plasma televisions with HDTV programming, seamless WiFi connectivity, spacious workstations, and luxurious marble bathrooms equipped with deep soaking tubs and glass-walled showers.

Dining at the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley is a sophisticated experience at Quattro Restaurant and Bar, where Italian-born Executive Chef Alessandro Cartumini presents contemporary Italian cuisine paired with boutique wines from around the world. The restaurant also offers a rare treat in the Mid-Peninsula area—an outdoor dining space for 75 guests, complete with a landscaped patio, a waterfall, and a sleek fire pit.

With over 7,000 square feet of flexible event space, including a grand ballroom, executive meeting rooms, and boardrooms, the hotel is designed to host everything from corporate conferences to lavish weddings. Cutting-edge technology supports seamless live webcasting, video conferencing, and real-time file transfers, with an expert on-site team ensuring flawless execution for any event.

"Beyond our world-class amenities and technology, our true mission is to provide highly personalized, attentive service," says General Manager Robert Whitfield. "Our philosophy is simple—anticipate our guests’ needs and deliver exceptional experiences, time and again."