Whether you are staying in town or heading overseas for Valentine’s Day, these new luxurious lodgings will give you and bae endless reasons to stay in.
Rosewood Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Rosewood’s newest Asian outpost pays tribute to the culture and customs of Cambodia in its interiors and more. For starters, Melbourne-based boutique design studio BAR Studio has given all 175 rooms French window shutters as a nod to its colonial past while modern Khmer art displays welcome a promising future. Standing at 188 metres, the capital’s finest hotel occupies the top 14 floors of the capital’s tallest building. For unbeatable panoramas of the city, and the Tonle Sap and Mekong River, savour a sundowner in sky bar Sora on the 37th floor. From $345.
The Academy Hotel, London, United Kingdom
Bookworms will love this latest opening by Malaysia-based YTL Hotels. Set in a neighbourhood in Central London known for playing host to the Bloomsbury set (famous literary figures like Virginia Woolf and E.M Forster who lived in the early 20th century), much of its design story is inspired by the surrounding history. And you can find these famous authors’ books lining the shelves at The Library. Our favourite part of the accommodation is the plant-filled conservatory which looks pretty and quintessentially English on a light-filled day. From $424.
Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This hotel may command a prime location – within walking distance to the best malls and food places — and also sweeping views of iconic KL landmarks like the Kuala Lumpur Tower and Petronas Twin Towers from its rooftop pool, but the spa trumps all other reasons for staying at this urban retreat. This KL outpost does very well in what the brand is first and best known for – an indulgent spa session. Book the Signature Banyan Tree Retreat Room, which is dressed in soothing neutrals and accented by warm orange and brown tones, and be prepared to bliss out after your treatment. From $354.
The Murray, Hong Kong
Once a building for government offices in the 1960s, The Murray has been transformed into the city’s biggest hotel opening this year. Foster + Partners who were behind Singapore’s Capella resort in Sentosa have preserved the original distinctive recessed windows and impressive archways designed by architect Ron Phillips. Seventy-five per cent of the velvet rooms are larger than 50sqm, with panoramas of Hong Kong Park and Victoria Harbour . But the real star is the egg-shaped free-standing bath. From $580.
Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, Thailand
Fans of design maven Andre Fu can expect his signature style at Bangkok’s latest opening – understated with pops of colour, class and opulence. Floor-to-ceiling windows at the 171-key hotel command green views of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, and the rooms come with sumptuous Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries. Make sure you take a dip at its outdoor infinity pool on the 16th floor — it opens up to an impressive panorama that’s quite a sight as the sun sets. There are three floors of food and beverage options to choose from, but the hottest one is fine-dining Front Room that serves Nordic-inspired Thai food helmed by Fae Rungthiwa, formerly of Noma. From $542.
The Edinburgh Grand, Scotland, United Kingdom
This hotel’s 50 “apartments” (Capital Studios are the entry level ones) are bedrooms with a kitchenette, sofa and coffee or dining table. The look is updated Art Deco with drench showers, heavy brocade curtains and upholstered headboards that sometimes depict Scottish woodlands and wildlife. Modern comforts include Nepresso machines, and Siemens and Dualit appliances. For F&B, there’s the reservationsonly Register Club that serves champagnes, mean cocktails and posh pub grub like lobster rolls, and also Hawksmoore, a wellknown British chop and steakhouse in the former banking hall. From $405.
Bulgari Hotel Shanghai, China
The well-known jewellery brand’s second outpost in China after Beijing has stayed true to its Italian roots. All 82 rooms and 19 suites are dressed in warm chocolate hues, dark wood, Italian marble furniture, and the softest Bulgari cashmere blankets dressed by Milanese interior design firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. Despite all the Italian finery, the property is still plugged into the identity of the city – its grounds are part of the refurbished historic Chamber of Commerce, a relic of Shanghai’s concession-era past. From $696.
The Melbourne Hotel, Perth, Australia
Everyone loves a good restoration story. The refurbishment of the original hotel built in 1897 took over 10 years and cost AUD$40 million (S$39 million). The hotel has an old world charm — in fact, one of its lifts is the oldest in the city centre. Some walls have been stripped to reveal the brickwork, giving a raw edge that juxtaposes against the polished and refi ned look of the façade. You’ll also love the exciting food and drink options. Its cantonese restaurant Grand Orient is helmed by Chef Chan Kwok formerly of Hua Ting in Singapore, while Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu has people queuing for up to an hour. Besides craft beers and cocktails, Aurora bar on the rooftop off ers views of the busy juncture of the city’s two oldest streets. From $224.
The Barcelona Edition, Spain
When the founder of Studio 54 opens a hotel, you can expect it to be anything but conventional. Located in the historic and bohemian Barri Gotíc (the Gothic Quarter) in Barcelona, the 100-room hotel puts Ian Schrager’s penchant for quirky details on display. Besides the sweeping spiral staircase – a signature feature at Schrager’s hotels so far, there is the salt water-filled swimming pool on the roof top and a cabaret restaurant that is both flamboyant and fun. From $590.
Six Senses Duxton, Singapore
The Six Senses’ first outpost in Singapore in a traditional shophouse district is a departure for the brand better known for its simple yet chic resorts in exotic locales. Outfitted by Anoushka Hempel, a former Bond girl turned hotelier and interior designer, this Singapore hotel sports a luscious look with gold, yellow and black interiors. Even for locals, there’s a very good reason to visit. Yellow Pot, the in-house Cantonese restaurant, serves lowsugar, low fat, gluten- and hormone-free food without compromising taste. From $390.
PHOTO SIX SENSES DUXTON
