HotelsCombined List Hotels Offering Wedding Proposal Packages

The world's leading hotel price comparison site lists amazing hotel proposal packages currently on offer across the globe

Asking for someone's hand in marriage is undeniably daunting - figuring out how to do so in an unforgettable, ultra-romantic way is just plain stressful. Thankfully, a number of hotels across the globe are helping relieve this anxiety by offering incredible proposal packages that manage every dreamy detail, from the perfect setting to the engagement ring itself.



“Due to the rise of viral videos capturing extraordinary proposals, the pressure is definitely on would-be fiancés to pop the question in a unique and memorable manner,” says Alycia Simons, Global PR and Content Manager for HotelsCombined. “Consequently, we're seeing an increase in tailored engagement packages that take a lot of the apprehension out of getting down on bended knee.”

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, for instance, have a longstanding policy of providing the utmost assistance possible with wedding proposals, a program the iconic practices on a regular basis.

“Because of the amazing views we offer over the city's famous harbour, we're a hotspot for proposals and our concierge team have become experts at crafting one-of-a-kind engagement experiences,” says Four Seasons Hotel Sydney spokeswoman Hansni Bhagani. “With a little advance notice, there's not much we can't put together. In the past, we've arranged everything from helicopter rides to intimate dinners aboard a luxury yacht. My favourite proposal though would have to be arranging the words “Will You Marry Me?” in Kit Kat bars – the bride-to-be's favourite treat - on the bed. Simple, but very effective.”

But if travelling to Sydney isn't an option, HotelsCombined's easy-to-use search filter enables travellers to quickly locate properties with romantic themes in any destination, enabling suitors to book the perfect proposal spot.

And just in time for Valentine's Day, we've compiled a list of our favourite hotel proposal packages currently on offer across the globe:

The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa, Cape Town, South Africa

Valid until February 28, the “Royal Proposal” package at this luxury waterfront property is the stuff that dreams are made of. The experience includes a night's stay in the dazzling presidential suite (which has housed many a celebrity), a personal butler, helicopter transfers, all food and beverage, a dozen red roses, a couple's spa treatment and personalised embroidered bathrobes to take home as a memento. At sunset, the suite's private terrace, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, is set up for an intimate dinner of canapes, seafood and cocktails; for breakfast, sparkling wine and oysters are served to celebrate your betrothal.

The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, USA

As a nod to the hotel's 100th birthday and this year's 100th Rose Bowl Game, the thoroughly decadent “Proposal of the Century” package is only for those with deep pockets. On offer throughout 2015, the $100,000 USD engagement bundle features private and exclusive use of the Rose Bowl Stadium, where up to 40 friends and family can witness the engagement taking place. The proposal itself will also comprise a photographer and videographer, use of the Rose Bowl video message board, a private serenade presented by the 40-piece Pasadena Symphony Orchestra and a custom-designed engagement ring with a 2.50 carat cushion-cut diamond valued at $35,000 USD. Wait – there's more! The package additionally contains a two night stay in the Tournament of Roses Presidential Suite, champagne, 100 long-stemmed roses, a four-course dinner, monogrammed bathrobes and a dedicated engagement coordinator to plan the entire extravaganza from start to finish.

Il Salviatino, Florence, Italy

We can't think of anything more romantic than a stay in a 15th Century Italian villa – unless it's also paired with a couple's massage and a romantic candlelit dinner. Throw in a three-hour tour of the region's best jewellers with a personal shopper, and the “Perfect Proposal” package here is pretty irresistible. But should things go awry with a rejected proposal, heartbroken paramours can take comfort in knowing that the package includes a “back-up plan” with an open-bar session.

Hotel de Glace, Quebec City, Canada

Carved entirely out of ice every year, this hotel is a truly one-of-a-kind spot to pop the question. Until the icy refuge melts away at the end of March, guests can take advantage of a proposal package that includes the customization of a theme suite with a fireplace, a bottle of ice cider, two hand-made ice flutes, rose petals and candles. Best of all, there's a jewellery box made of ice for the engagement ring.

Stowe Mountain Lodge, Vermont, USA

Suffering from a serious case of pre-proposal jitters? This ski getaway thoughtfully provides “proposal coaches” to guide would-be fiancés through every detail. While the resort offers several lavish engagement packages to select from, our favourite is the Winter Wonderland offering currently available - it features an amazing outdoor adventure (suitors can choose from dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice climbing, zip lining, a sleigh ride or a snow shoe scavenger hunt), valet parking, dinner for two, daily breakfast, champagne and roses. Package enhancements include hiring a professional videographer or photographer to capture the proposal (disguised as a tourist, employee or guide so as not to arouse suspicion).

Caneel Bay Resort, Saint John, US Virgin Islands

While the stunning tropical setting here would be enough on its own to warrant a “yes” to any marriage proposal, this five-star resort further sweetens the deal with the services of a “romance curator” and a proposal package containing champagne, a professional photograph of the big moment (provided electronically for immediate social media posting) and a memory box to hold any keepsakes gathered throughout their visit. As an extra perk, couples who then go on to book Caneel Bay as a wedding venue will receive a complimentary stay on their wedding night.

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Four Seasons Bangkok to become flagship Anantara

Minor Hotel Group (MHG), operator of 120 hotels and resorts across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean and Africa, has announced that it is set to reflag one of its owned properties, the Four Seasons Bangkok, to its luxury Anantara brand.Located in prestigious Rajadamri in central Bangkok’s Siam district, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel & Spa will join the brand’s Thailand portfolio on 1 March 2015. Minor Hotel Group will make a significant investment to enhance the hotel.

Strategically located in the heart of central Bangkok, opposite the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, the hotel is within close proximity to the main business, nightlife and shopping districts, Lumphini Park, and many of the city’s key cultural attractions, providing the ideal base for the business or leisure traveller.

Facilities at the 354-key hotel, which has become a preferred destination for luxury travellers, include seven restaurants and bars, a spa, a gym and an outdoor swimming pool. For business guests, extensive meeting and event rooms offer flexibility for large and small events, with the ballroom seating 400 for a dinner dance and 550 in theatre style.

The General Manager of Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel & Spa will be Ms Titiya Chooto, who is currently General Manager at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and before that was Hotel Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, hence bringing considerable experience and knowledge of the property with her to the new role.

For William Heinecke, CEO and Chairman of Minor International, the rebrand of this prestigious hotel is the culmination of a life-long dream to operate a flagship property in the heart of the Thai capital. Anantara was founded by Mr. Heinecke and was launched in 2001 as part of a long term strategy for MHG to develop its own brand offering discerning travellers unique experiences of indigenous luxury in some of the world’s most enchanting destinations. Since the brand’s launch it has now grown to a portfolio of over 30 highly acclaimed properties in eight countries, with a strong future pipeline of over ten hotels and resorts.

Built in 1978, the property launched as a Peninsula hotel prior to being sold to Regent Hotels in 1982. Four Seasons assumed management of the hotel following its acquisition of Regent Hotels in 1992. The Regent Bangkok was owned by Rajdamri Plc, which Minor Hotel Group acquired 100% of in 2001. The hotel was then rebranded as Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok in 2003. Over the past 22 years, the property has become an integral part of the community, hosting a Cancer Care Charity Fun Run every year and most recently the 15th Annual World Gourmet Festival, both in association with the Thai Red Cross in support of local causes.

Lobby

Minor Hotel Group and Four Seasons will continue to work together for years to come to provide a premier luxury hotel experience in Thailand to discerning travellers at three award-winning resorts; Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, and Four Seasons Resort Tented Camp Golden Triangle.

William E. Heinecke commented, “Owning this prestigious hotel in the heart of Bangkok and working with the fantastic team during its time as Four Seasons Bangkok has been an amazing journey. I am looking forward to continuing the journey in the next stage of this property’s life as Anantara Siam”.

Dillip Rajakarier, Chief Executive Officer of Minor Hotel Group, added, “Minor Hotel Group is excited to make the announcement of the transition of this prestigious property in central Bangkok to our core luxury Anantara brand. The property will make a superb addition to the brand’s portfolio. We also look forward to continuing the journey with the team of Associates who have ensured the success of the hotel over the last 22 years and who will be an integral part of Anantara Siam Bangkok moving forward”.

PEI Modern comes to Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

After a massive refurbishment and rebuild of the ground floor of Sydney's iconic Four Seasons Hotel, the space will transform again after just two years operating as The Woods restaurant.

'Elegant and contemporary' space for new Pei Modern Sydney

After some cosmetic reworking, the space now houses Mark Best's Pei Modern restaurant, a concept imported from his stylised namesake eatery in Melbourne along with team leader, Matt Germanchis. Best is well known in Sydney's elite dining circles for his acclaimed establishment, Marque, in Crown Street.

Pei Modern can seat up to 180 guests in the new “elegant and contemporary space” that is just as suitable for a private evening meal as it is for business dining and lunches.

The menu, while simple, unpretentious and uncomplicated is heavy on culinary skill, use of local and seasonal produce well-presented and artfully prepared.



Best is in house at the moment while the kitchen prepares his new Sydney-centric menu. And his team are coming up to speed pretty quickly.

“Local produce is the backbone of our menus and while it is constantly changing to match seasonal surrounding elements, our menus are only ever a 'style guide' we apply to what is available,” says Best.

“The strength of Pei Modern is simplicity. It's a local, organic, slow and wholesome reinvention of bistro foods. There's no drizzling, dotting or frothy garnishes. It's simple yet bold and all about the food.”

While the ingredients may be simple and plain, the final result is anything but.

Our group of fussy diners were treated to a representative array from the menu that demonstrated Best's imaginative take on regular fare.

We opened with Clyde River rock oysters from the NSW south coast. Bigger than most rock oysters I remember, but still with that gnarly, rough hewn look and intense flavour that makes the larger Pacific plate oysters taste like gooey nothing by comparison.

The beef tartare mixed with sea urchin and horseradish on toast followed by burrata (a creamy mozzarella mix), green cauliflower and egg yolk jam had many of us double-taking as these vivid concoctions hit the table. But there wasn't a plate that went back to the kitchen that wasn't licked clean. The ricotta dumplings with kale and hazelnuts was just showing off. Kale is like a type of headless wild cabbage, super healthy and finding favour in modern kitchens.

The Milly Hill lamb shoulder came straight from the mallee root fired oven, cooked with chamomile and big enough to share. Again, the bones looked like they had been flensed with a scalpel, every morsel of fragrant meat extracted with surgical dexterity.

Accompanying wines challenged our palates too with such obscure varietals as Tscharke's Girl Talk Marananga Savagnin. This grape is a close relative of the pinot and produces a beautiful crisp white with just the right citrus and stone fruit that won't smother other delicate food flavours.

The lamb was matched perfectly with a 2013 Best's Great Western Young Vine Pinot Meunier. Again an unfamiliar varietal for me, with more weight and berry flavours than a light pinot noir but not the palate-smashing heaviness of a Cabernet or Barossa Shiraz. James Halliday gave this a 93.

As if we needed any more, but the treats kept coming. We finished with the famous spiced doughnuts, blood orange and whey butterscotch challenged by the meringue with white chocolate ganache and blueberries. This sweet medley was chased down with sticky Moss Wood Margaret River Botrytis Sémillon.

The attraction of Best's creation is, in my mind, the meats. The wood-fired oven and grill enhance the flesh like no simple hotplate can do. The consistency and flavour is something else again and the creative combination of unusual herbs and spices brings new life to otherwise standard fare. If someone tries the 800g Angus T-Bone, please post a picture!

Now open

Settle in for a long lunch or a dash in for a quick and tasty bite. Pei Modern is as versatile as it is satisfying.

Eat Up

Pei Modern Sydney is now open for reservations and taking bookings for lunch and dinner.
Reservations can be made by email to sydney@peimodern.com.au or call 02 9250 3160.
Lunch: Monday to Friday 12pm - 3pm
Dinner: Monday to Saturday 5:30pm - 10:30pm
For latest menu and bookings, see www.peimodern.com.au



Report by Roderick Eime

Pei Modern Opens at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Today, Melbourne's best new restaurant for 2012 comes “home”. Welcome to Pei Modern at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney.



The kitchen is headed up by Matt Germanchis, who has worked alongside Best at Pei Modern in Melbourne since it opened in 2012, he is joined by restaurant manager Tara Sullivan and award-winning sommelier Annette Lacey.

The new menu includes:

• Wood fired tiger prawns with slow cooked pineapple and sorrel
• Bar Cod, old fashioned celery, currants and verjuice
• Kurobuta pork cutlet with fermented blueberries
• Anchovy parmesan shortbread
• Surf clams with smoked butter and fermented corn

Seating up to 190 people, Pei Modern is the perfect backdrop for all casual and corporate dining experiences.

For further information, restaurant enquiries and bookings, please visit http://peimodern.com.au

Opening Hours

Lunch

Monday-Friday: 12-2:30pm

Dinner

Monday-Saturday: 5:30pm until late

Four Seasons unveils hotel industry's first fully branded jet

#FSJet

Four Season's branded B757

 The sky is literally the new limit as Four Seasons continues to reimagine luxury hospitality with the introduction of the Four Seasons Jet, the industry's first fully branded private jet experience.

With Four Seasons on the fuselage and the iconic Four Seasons logo on the tail, the completely retrofitted Boeing 757 will feature interiors and exterior design customized by the company's team of design experts, setting the stage for a travel experience like no other. Beginning in February 2015, the Four Seasons Jet will transport 52 guests on bespoke journeys, offering discerning travellers a distinctly Four Seasons travel experience from the moment they book their trip. Four Seasons in-flight staff, including a dedicated on-board concierge, will coordinate with local Four Seasons concierges in each destination to ensure that the Four Seasons Private Jet Experience is nothing short of extraordinary.

“Taking our legendary service to the skies is a natural extension of what we've been doing in our hotels for more than 50 years,” says Susan Helstab, Executive Vice President Marketing, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “The Four Seasons Jet showcases the unforgettable people and experiences that make Four Seasons unique. It speaks to our pioneering spirit and the aspirations of today's modern luxury traveller in an imaginative new way.”

Individually handcrafted leather flatbed seats

An ambition to reimagine the future of luxury hospitality is what first inspired the company to create private jet journeys that focused exclusively on stays at Four Seasons properties worldwide in 2012. Now, with the debut of a fully branded Four Seasons Jet, guests can look forward to individually handcrafted leather flatbed seats, globally inspired cuisine and signature Four Seasons service – on board and on the ground. Global in-flight Wi-Fi keeps guests and staff connected, so that spa treatments, tee times, private excursions and more can be arranged “on the fly” to augment each thoughtfully planned itinerary. Travellers will also have access to exclusive experiences available only to Four Seasons Jet passengers.

“The decision to offer one-of-a-kind trips aboard a custom-designed Four Seasons Jet reflects an understanding of our guests' evolving needs and preferences,” continues Helstab. “It recognizes their desire to pair adventure and discovery with the luxury of a fully immersive Four Seasons experience.”

Reservations aboard the new Four Seasons Jet are currently open for the following trips:

Around the World, February 2015 – Beginning in Los Angeles and concluding with a celebratory dinner in London, this 24-day, 9-destination journey explores dynamic cities, exotic islands, architectural wonders and awe-inspiring natural environments. Highlighted by an only-by-private-jet stop at the Taj Mahal, all accommodations will be at Four Seasons hotels and resorts.

Backstage with the Arts, April 2015 – In the company of like-minded travellers who share a passion for the arts, guests will visit six cities and spend 16 indulgent days filled with backstage visits to Europe's most stunning museums, outstanding performances at Teatro alla Scala in Milan and the Estates Theatre in Prague, exquisite dinners and a private gala in the Pavlovsk Palace outside St. Petersburg.

Around the World, August 2015 – Epic is the word to describe this globe-circling expedition through nine destinations, including stays in three of the newest Four Seasons hotels, plus the brand's very first safari lodge in the Serengeti. From the Forbidden City in Beijing to the medina in Marrakech, the pristine waters of the Maldives to the excitement of the world's largest fish market in Tokyo and a final, glittering dinner in New York, it will be 24 days no one will ever forget.

Each journey includes air travel and ground transportation, planned excursions, all meals throughout the trip and luxurious accommodations exclusively at Four Seasons.

The Four Seasons Jet, including accompanying staff and crew, may also be privately chartered.

To learn more visit fourseasons.com/jet and follow the #FSJet hashtag on Twitter and Instagram for the latest news, updates and insider glimpses of the Four Seasons Jet.

Live, and Learn as Four Seasons Creates New Experiences to Astound and Educate

Holidays can create memories to last a lifetime – but what if they could do much more? Four Seasons invites travellers to discover diverse cultures, learn new skills, journey through history, and see the world as they never have before – all in luxurious Four Seasons style.

Always innovating, always imagining new ways to make travel more exciting and enriching, Four Seasons hotels and resorts have put together exclusive opportunities for exploration and learning that are as unique as their destinations. They're perfect for families – from moms, dads and children to grandparents, cousins and extended families – or friends travelling together, or couples getting away a deux to share the experience.

With every need anticipated and every detail attended to, guests have the freedom to fully immerse themselves in new adventures for mind, body and spirit that create unforgettable memories and lasting impressions for many years to come.

And, there's never been a better time: Just as many are planning summer vacations and those in the southern hemisphere dream of winter escape, Four Seasons introduces Get Away, Get More offers. Packages are available for booking now for stays from June 15 to September 15, 2014 at hotels around the world, including one of the year's most anticipated new resorts, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort, opening this August. Package offers may include exceptional savings on room rates, complimentary breakfast, or the opportunity to experience more with a hotel or resort credit.

Consider the Possibilities

This year, custom itineraries and one-of-a-kind educational opportunities are as easy as booking a holiday with Four Seasons. A few of the experiences* that will both astound and educate in 2014 include:

• Fascinated by bats? While more than 100,000 trek to Lady Bird Lake's Congress Bridge annually to see where 1.5 million bats make their summer home, only guests of Four Seasons Hotel Austin get all the goodies included in theGo Batty! Family Package.
• Kids more interested in Bella and Edward than a vacation with family? In Hungary, they'll learn the legend – and gory truth – about Dracula in Vlad the Impaler's castle prison, with the Twilight Tour from Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest.
• Yearn for America's wild romantic past? In the majestic Rocky Mountains of Wyoming, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole offers a full curriculum in its new Wild West Academy, with hands-on classes ranging from wildlife safaris and Shoshone lore to gourmet dinners under a sparkling night sky.
• Looking to kick up your fitness regime a notch or two? Try muay thai – the Thai boxing discipline that means "the art of eight limbs." It can be challenging, but under the guidance of a former world champion at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Thailand, it can be mastered by teens and adults of all ages and fitness levels.
• Want to bring all those school literature lessons to life? Four Seasons Hotel London at Canary Wharf presents an unforgettable Shakespearean London Day with backstage theatre tours, a period cooking class, learning how to write a sonnet and more.
• Love to make noise and dance? Guests of all ages join in the fun as Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahitaintroduces Sega dancing, embodying the remote island's passion for music, colour and celebration. Participants even make their own Ravanne Rhythm, with hands-on instruction in making a ravanne drum.
• Love to immerse in new cultures? Four Seasons Resort Seychelles invites guests to get to know local Creole customs and fun with cooking and dance classes, favourite local children's games played by local children and a festive night featuring live music, performers and a fabulous Creole feast.
• Want to explore the "real" Australia? Four Seasons Hotel Sydney recommends Discovering Australian Bush, a full day tour that includes seeing native animals up close and personal, exploring unusual landscapes, and even a bushwalk guided by an indigenous elder.

Four Seasons also continues to offer one-of-a-kind experiences including the "Become an Elephant Researcher" atFour Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Thailand; the opportunity to "adopt" a coral reef at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora; the dream-come-true "Own a Pony Experience" at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire; the chance to be part of ongoing efforts to study and protect sea turtles at Four Seasons Resort Nevis, West Indies; or private tours of contemporary artist studios with Four Seasons Hotel Prague.

For more possibilities, explore fourseasons.com, find the latest news on press.fourseasons.com and follow the conversation using hashtag #discovertogether.

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney unveils new Full Harbour View Junior Suite

The spectacular sight of the soaring white sails of the Sydney Opera House and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge will greet guests staying in the new Full Harbour View Junior Suites at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney.

In addition to spectacular harbour views, the suite comes with exclusive privileges including complimentary Executive Club access for guests and up to three friends.

A private haven for guests, the Executive Club on Level 32 of the Hotel overlooks Walsh Bay and offers deluxe full breakfast buffet with chef-attended egg station, all-day light refreshments, and an evening pre-dinner canapés and premium spirits open bar with an award-winning sommelier selection of wines. Other Executive Club privileges include complimentary garment pressing, high-speed internet access throughout the Hotel, dedicated concierge services, selection of daily newspapers and magazines, and savings on Executive Club boardroom functions.

The Full Harbour View Junior Suite features an open-concept living area that includes a lounge area, oversized sleeping and relaxation spaces, and a generous executive business station. Guests staying in the Full Harbour View Junior Suite will also receive luxurious Appelles amenities made from certified organic Australian ingredients in the marble bathroom.

The Full Harbour View Junior Suite is available from AUD 595.00 a night. For reservations, call 02 9250 3100 or book online.

Four Seasons Hotel Singapore ranked as “#1 Best Hotel in Singapore” by Condeì Nast Traveler magazine

In an unequivocal affirmation of unparalleled standards of personalised service, readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine honoured the hotel as the "#1 Best Hotel in Singapore" in their annual Business Travel Poll.

With the results of the Poll published in this month's issue, business travellers were asked to rate hotels, hotel brands and airlines globally. Based on a final score of 100, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore scored 90.5

 

Elated by this latest award, Regional Vice President and General Manager Antoine Chahwan said, "Condé Nast Traveler magazine's readership comprises a group of highly discerning travellers who place a premium on making their business trips both productive and successful. To have our hotel distinguished as the best among our peers is testament to our staff's unwavering dedication to exceptional service".

To further offer service and efficiency for our business travellers, guests who avail of the hotel limousine receive complimentary use of an iPad, WiFi and charging station. With direct connectivity to hotel management, guests may also arrange curb side check-in, pre-order lunch or other last minute details. At the same time, a host of time- and cost-saving benefits awaits with the Chauffeured Transportation Services list that is easily reserved by the Concierge:

• JetQuay Airport Services upon arrival or departure at Changi International Airport.
• Limousine service available on an hourly basis with a minimum charge equivalent to three hours.
• A 15 percent discount on a round-trip airport transfer.

http://www.fourseasons.com/singapore

Four Seasons and Singapore mean business

Spectacular Singapore Skyline (Four Seasons Singapore)

by Roderick Eime in Singapore

The convivial living room in the Four Seasons Singapore is an ideally comfortable venue to meet with Regional Vice President and General Manager Antoine Chahwan, whose landmark property has just been awarded “#1 Best Business Hotel in Singapore” by readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine in their annual Business Travel Poll.

Chahwan is rightfully confident in his property's enviable position in one of Asia's most competitive hotel environments and the Four Season brand seems a perfect fit for this sophisticated corporate market. He is quick to defer to the staff who are the public face of the hotel.

Four Seasons Regional Vice President
and General Manager Antoine Chahwan (R Eime)

“To have our hotel distinguished as the best among our peers is testament to our staff's unwavering dedication to exceptional service,” he said in a press statement trumpeting the coveted award.

But what is it about Singapore that works so well for the Four Seasons brand and how have both managed to stay ahead of the growing competition from the regional opposition like Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok?

“I believe with the opening such new facilities and attractions as the Marina Bay area and casino, the three-star Michelin restaurants, Sentosa Island, the aquarium and Universal Studios has lifted Singapore out of the perception as just another shopping destination or financial hub and become a truly world class destination for everyone, adults and kids alike. Not forgetting the Grand Prix, of course, which is the only F1 race run at night and is really an event in itself with international entertainment and not just a race. These innovations and continued proactive support from the government keeps Singapore fresh and occupancy levels over the 80 per cent mark throughout the city. From my perspective, at least, it's all very positive.”

Chahwan's flagship property here in Singapore isn't about to rest on its laurels either. Soon to celebrate its 20th birthday, a series of rolling refurbishments will keep the pinnacle hotel in 'like new' condition. Chahwan explains.

Foyer looking towards the boardroom of the Grange or the Patterson rooms

“Even when you look around now, you have the effect of a grand residence. The owner's art works and artefacts create a feeling of opulence and timelessness. Even so the living room where we are sitting now and the front door and driveway will be redone. The bar will be closed on the 28th (of October) and reopening December 6. Then the 3rd and 20th floor pools. We will remodel the 3rd floor (the Club) with new furnishings and upholstery, then next year we'll move onto the rooms, starting with some of the suites, then eventually the entire hotel.”

Even though the rooms were most recently updated in 2008, bathroom fittings and soft goods will also be renewed this year.

Chahwan also believes the hotel's location, just 50m from Orchard Boulevard, but still enjoying an oasis-like setting is another strong point-of-difference enjoyed by the Four Seasons Singapore.

“I know I've mentioned a lot of material changes and updates both here at the Four Seasons and in Singapore, but the thing I believe that really sets us apart is the service, and that's something that will never change.”

For further details on the hotel and its offerings, please visit http://www.fourseasons.com/singapore

Four Seasons Magazine Online

Read this issue online

Your Travel Guide to Singapore The latest dining, shopping and sight-seeing tips from a travel expert By Teri Johnson

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Four Seasons Hotel Sydney Launches New Residential Meeting Suites

– The New Way to Meet

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is redefining the way guests meet, offering a bespoke home-style approach with the launch of four stunning new residential meeting suites.

Created by award-winning designer Michael McCann, the Hotel has transformed the entire level two space overlooking the atrium lobby from the hotel's former Kable's restaurant and two Private Dining Room to four creative and flexible meeting suites – Studio One, Studio Two, Studio Three and The Residential Suite.

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney has set itself apart from traditional hotel meeting rooms with a focus on creating a stylish yet relaxed and homely environment, offering ample lounge space to ensure clients meet in comfort.  Menus have been redesigned to offer bespoke home-style cuisine each day of the week, ensuring a variety of options across multi-day events.

With a capacity of up to 120 guests, The Residential Suite – resembling a designer lounge-cum-boardroom – offers state of the art technology with projector screen and a LED 60 inch television stored inside a stunning hand-crafted timber side-board. Adding to the room's namesake is an adjoining lounge area featuring Italian fabric, custom-made lounges and armchairs, a central hand-made timber coffee table, brass trunks. Warm timber shelving houses a range of quirky home wares including a woven rubber bowl with white marble eggs, copper shoe and plaster roller-skate.

The Studios offer our guests flexible space, catering from 18 to 180 guests in a range of configurations. These suites offer all the latest state-of-the art audio visual technology. Sound proof and visual room dividers provide separation from one large space to three more intimate rooms.

In keeping with the residential ambiance, the Studios feature a stunning collection of original ceramic, stone and porcelain artworks designed by top artists from the UK including Richard Godfrey, Craig Underhill and Peter Beard – representing one of the largest collections of its kind in the world.  These pieces create a gallery-like appearance, individually showcased on floating glass shelving around the perimeter of the space.

In addition, the Hotel has transformed the former Café into a relaxing lounge area available exclusively for guests using the Studios and Residential Suite.  Two breakout areas featuring hand-crafted tortoise-shell inspired wooden and leather veneer armoires are located at either end of the Studios allowing guests to enjoy all day self-serve beverages and snacks.

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney General Manager, Vincent Hoogewijs, said the meeting suites are a welcome addition to the Hotel, "this is the final phase of a large scale three-stage refurbishment and one we are extremely proud to share with our guests.

The suites are not only an ideal place for large-scale meetings and conferences, but the residential feel we've chosen creates an ideal venue for weddings, while the Residential Suite transforms from meeting by day to private dinner by night, anything is possible!" Mr Hoogewijs affirmed.

For information, bookings visit www.fourseasons.com/sydney or contact our Catering Sales department on (61 2) 9250 3100.

The Woods at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney Opens Creating a New Era in Hotel Dining!

The Woods, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney's adventurous new dining destination has thrown open its doors, paving the way for a new generation of hotel dining in Australia!

Sporting a chic contemporary yet rustic appearance, this stunning ground floor restaurant's ethos revolves around wood-fired cooking with Hamish Ingham at the helm as Restaurant Executive Chef. He is supported by his restaurateur partner Rebecca Lines who is overseeing The Woods' management.

Created by award-winning designer Michael McCann, The Woods draws in guests with its spectacular centrally located wood-fired oven and open-plan kitchen complete with wood-fired grill. Ingham sources fresh, home-grown produce which is cooked over a variety of naturally-flavoured Australian woods including apple wood, mushroom and mallee stumps.

The wow factors include a creative live vertical herb wall which forms the backdrop to the chef's table, a hand-hewn butcher's block to display the home-made bread and butter, and a dramatic black and white feature cow hide wall hanging that frames the open-plan cold kitchen.

Guests can have a taste of The Woods at the restaurant's bar on entry which offers its own lighter menu, or go deeper into The Woods for the experience of a semi-private dining room which even has its own separate entry path, ideal for larger bookings and functions.

Ingham's philosophy for The Woods is very much about the art of simplicity.  He showcases the purest ingredients in a light, fresh, balanced way using the evocative nature of burning wood.

The Woods is open Monday to Friday for lunch and Monday to Saturday for dinner.  For further information visit www.thewoodsrestaurant.com.au

For reservations and festive functions call (02) 9250 3160 or email hello@thewoodsrestaurant.com.au

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Brand New Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou

HBA SETS NEW BENCHMARK FOR AVANT-GARDE HOTEL DESIGN WITH THE BRAND NEW FOUR SEASONS HOTEL GUANGZHOU

China's most significant hotel opening this year creates new design landmark for the city of Guangzhou

Global interior design leaders HBA, Hirsch Bedner Associates set out to challenge perceptions of hotel design with the styling of the Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou, a stunning new architectural landmark in China's southern provincial capital and the brand's 88th property worldwide. Remarkable for both its soaring height and tapering avant-garde design, the newly opened hotel is set to become a new benchmark for interior design in Asia.

Rising 103 stories above the Pearl River, the Four Seasons Guangzhou occupies the top third of the new Guangzhou International Finance Center. The project is architecturally dramatic for its triangular tower, diagonal lattice and soaring, 30-floor-high atrium. HBA's interior design concept is striking, developed to push the boundaries of design and challenge perceptions of the classic hotel interior.

HBA won an international competition to design the hotel. "It was because we were able to beautifully communicate a visual presentation that upholds the integrity of the Four Seasons brand coupled with innovative design and sensitivity to location," said Ian Carr, CEO of HBA in Singapore.

Every detail of the hotel's elegant yet ultramodern interior was meticulously planned and executed to ensure an exceptional guest experience. From the ground floor, guests take dedicated express elevators to the 70th floor lobby, where a dramatic three metre (ten foot) red steel sculpture by Australian artist Matthew Harding appears to float on a sea of watery glass, reflecting the astounding ceiling window 30 floors above.

The incredible naturally-lit atrium, surrounded by restaurants and rooms above, is higher than the top of St. Paul's Cathedral in London and New York's Statue of Liberty. The intricate textured screen made of woven metal wraps around the interior of the sky-high lobby. In a subtle reference to the hotel brand, the screen is themed around the four seasons, from spring in the basement to fall in the upper reaches.

"The artwork extends to edgy, modern Southern Chinese pieces by local artists and continues the theme of the four seasons from spring on the ground floor to winter at the top floor," said Sandra DeSouza, Director of Canvas, art consultants on the project. For instance, at Tian Bar on Level 99, the artwork is pure, white and ethereal in a fitting tribute to the heavens.

A key challenge facing HBA was to match interiors with the complex structural columns featured in all public spaces and the hotel's 104 guest rooms and suites. Each boasts a unique floorplan as a result, with the building narrowing as it rises and columns intersecting at different points. The only constants in HBA's guest room interiors are the bathrooms and beds, positioned to offer unparalleled views of the Pearl River Delta and cityscape. Floor to ceiling glass windows additionally encourage guests to "look right down", said Carr. "This design is naturally inspired by the 103-storey building we were given. We didn't want to close up the windows and deny guests the spectacular view."

Furniture is predominantly modern Italian, with contemporary Chinese art playing off elements of nature and culture. HBA created beautifully customized carpets that are watercolor-like and evocative of the skies and clouds.

"Everything Four Seasons does is classy – nothing trite or glib," said Carr.

Embracing this brief, HBA's objective was to bridge the gap between Four Seasons' "modern conservatism" style and the building's avant-garde architecture, with the vast, light-filled central atrium contributing to a particularly dramatic effect.

"Where guests check-in, they can look up and see beautiful patterning spanned across 35 floors of tapering diagonal glass, it's quite amazing," said Carr.

This lent itself to creating further patterns of angles and refractive elements in the interior design, from the handrails in the atrium – custom measured for each floor – to a dynamic skylight at the top, with angular black panels. The effect is magnified in interior corridors, with angled glass deliberately projecting outwards to "embrace the height". Nowhere is this sense of height more intense than from a bridge on Level 100, where a staircase projects into the void and glass floors look down 40 floors below to the lobby.

In addition to Tian Bar, HBA also provided sumptuous interiors for Yu Yue Heen, Caffe Mondo and Kumoi – three of the hotel's four new dining destinations. Located on Level 71, signature Chinese restaurant Yu Yue Heen deliberately speaks a different design language than the rest of the project, with interiors playing on traditional Chinese calligraphy and carrying the colors of the Red Dragon. In Yu Yue Heen, and throughout the hotel, design marries tradition and innovation to firmly ground interiors in modern China.

"Overall, Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou breaks conventions, coupling luxury with the avant-garde," added Carr. "The architect created amazing spaces for us to work with and this building really stands out as a new design icon for both Guangzhou and for the Four Seasons brand."

For HBA in Los Angeles, Atlanta, San Francisco, London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, Singapore, Brisbane, Melbourne, New Delhi, Dubai Thailand, Moscow, Istanbul and Manila, visit www.hba.com


Bridging the gap between Four Seasons' ultra-luxury standards and the avant-garde design of Guangzhou IFC, HBA's design creates a space that is sumptuous and soaring in scope

The building's unconventional structure required more than 100 different room configurations, each offering unimpeded views of the Pearl River Delta and cityscape

In signature Chinese restaurant Yu Yue Heen, and throughout Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou, HBA's concept marries cultural tradition and design innovation