The property features a design that stays true to the buildings’ colonial art deco and Victorian aesthetics while stylishly capturing contemporary beauty and elegance. Precise lines and geometric shapes are a recurring design theme, a nod to the art deco style of the early 20th century – when the Capitol Building was constructed. Travertine limestone columns, high-gloss piano rosewood lacquered finishes and Italian marble floors showcase the richness and opulence of Victorian design and are beautifully juxtaposed against muted warm tones, lightly embossed champagne-coloured wallpaper and the integration of Chengal wood flooring from the original building.

High corniced ceilings, dramatic archways and grand windows offer sweeping views of the city and an abundance of natural light that shifts with the day, lending an almost ethereal glow to the space. Lamps and cornices in each room have a patterned design – customised to represent the scales of Singapore’s mascot, the Merlion, in a subtle tribute to the nation.

“We are excited to house the first Kempinski brand in Singapore at this iconic landmark,” says Christian Gurtner, managing director of the Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore. “Whether through thoughtful design, abundance of gourmet food and beverage options or impeccable personal service, guests can look forward to an exquisite, five-star experience… a sense of place where rich heritage meets the finest traditions of European luxury.”

The 157 guestrooms and suites are each marked by detailing and light-filled high-ceiling interiors. Spanning almost 50 unique room configurations, each area is thoughtfully-designed, working cohesively within these conservation structures. In all eight room categories, guests can expect spacious living spaces including a luxurious bathroom, Sonos audio system, a generous work desk area, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages from the minibar, complimentary Wi-Fi, and much more.

Special opening rates begin at SGD 568-plus (Bt13,500-plus). For reservations, email reservations.singapore@kempinski.com.

Located in central locations, all hotels are close to such popular leisure and lifestyle destinations as Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina, one of the largest waterfront developments in the region.

At Address Hotels + Resorts and Vida Hotels and Resorts, guests booking a two-night stay will be rewarded with one night for free. Other properties, where guests can enjoy these benefits include Address Downtown, Address Boulevard and Palace Downtown – all in Downtown Dubai; Address Dubai Marina and Address Montgomerie. Under the Vida Hotels and Resorts umbrella are Vida Downtown, assuring style and convenience, and Manzil Downtown, delivering authentic Arabian hospitality.

“Dubai has established its credentials as a year-round holiday destination and a hub for business travel. We are offering outstanding value for our guests, who can enjoy memorable experiences in our exceptional hotels. These offers will be irresistible to guests and add to their joy of exploring one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations,” says Olivier Harnisch, chief executive officer of Emaar Hospitality Group.

Rove Hotels offers unbeatable value with rates starting at AED 198 (Bt1,760) per night across all five properties – Rove Downtown, Rove Healthcare City, Rove City Centre, Rove Trade Centre and Rove Dubai Marina. Guests can also benefit from “Live It Up” offers, only available for purchase at the reception counters in participating hotels.

During their stay, guests can enjoy interesting sightseeing tours to VR Park, Dubai Ice Rink, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and KidZania, Dubai Opera and At the Top, Burj Khalifa. The price for any two attractions is US$39 and for four US$59.

Find out more at http://www.AddressHotels.com, http://www.vidahotels.com or http://www.rovehotels.com.

Located in the magnificent glass house L’Orangerie Ephemere in the gardens of the Cite de la Ceramique in Sevres, France, the Chocolate Cottage will lure guests into an idyllic setting.

Designed and manufactured by Jean-Luc Decluzeau, the renowned artisan chocolatier who specialises in chocolate sculptures, this unique 18-square-metre chocolate cottage will be crafted out of approximately 1.5 tonnes of chocolate.

The up to four guests lucky enough to secure the cottage will enjoy a decadent, delicious night, surrounded by chocolate treats in every corner.

Custom chocolate details include everything from the walls and roof to the fireplace, dresser, clock, cups, books and even a chocolate chandelier.

The chocolate extravaganza extends outside the cottage to a white-chocolate duck pond and an incredible flowerbed made entirely all out of chocolate.

And the good news for die-hard chocoholics is that many of the delectable items in the cottage are actually edible, at least by those lucky enough to stay the night.

Anyone who wants to stay in this chocolate dream-come-true must be quick, as only a few select nights are available for booking. At 10am (CET) on September 19 and September 26 one night will become available for the October 5 and 6 stays respectively. This unique experience can be booked for just 50 euros by visiting http://www.Booking.com/hotel/fr/the-chocolate-cottage.en-gb.html.

In addition to the Chocolate Cottage, Booking.com will offer lucky guests – in partnership with the chocolatier – a unique workshop dedicated to crafting personalised mini chocolate chalets, sure to delight the taste buds and imaginations of young and old alike.

For details about the location, visit http://www.lOrangeriedelaManufacture.com.

The Island Hideout, Phang Nga

Everything about The Island Hideout is serene. From the locally sourced building structures to its views overlooking Phang Nga Bay, this island retreat is as relaxing as it gets. Sustainability is high on the agenda for this property: renewable energy powers each of the lodges, they’ve surpassed 80-per-cent diversion rates on all waste produced, and the food is locally sourced.

137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai

The photogenic 137 Pillars House is known for its iconic garden wall bordering a 25-metre lap pool. This boutique eco resort teams up with WarmHeart Environment to create charcoal from its organic waste and implements chemical-free ways of eliminating toxins from its rooms and gardens. This even extends to a non-toxic mosquito control program that encompasses “mosquito detectives” who continuously monitor every square inch of the property for potential mosquito breeding grounds.

Islanda Hideaway Resort, Krabi

This beautiful resort on the fishing and farming island of Koh Klang is a strong supporter of its local inhabitants, sourcing food from local suppliers wherever possible. The hotel also has its own organic garden, so you can be sure of fresh, local produce that’s really giving back to the community. Surrounded by mangroves, it’s also a great spot for observing the local wildlife as well as fisherman at work.

Sivatel, Bangkok

Sivatel aims to be Bangkok’s go-to boutique hotel for sustainability with its concept of eco-friendly hospitality. Products used throughout the hotel are eco-friendly, cruelty-free and locally sourced; toiletry packaging is paper free; and laundry bags are recyclable. The hotel is also mindful of minimising water, energy consumption as well as waste production.

Six Senses, Koh Samui

Six Senses Samui has been recognised by Green Globe 21, a global benchmarking and certification program that promotes sustainable travel and tourism. The Six Senses brand is continually developing initiatives to minimise its impact on the environment, which includes creating its own bio-diesel, filtering and recycling waste water and partnering with organisations such as Unicef and Restaurants against Hunger.

Aleenta Resort and Spa, Phang Nga

Named Thailand’s Best Small Green Resort in 2014, Aleenta Resort encompasses a wide range of green initiatives such as water waste management, energy conservation, nature conservation and recycling. Aleenta also partners on green projects with local schools and eco-organisations such as the Baan Khao Pilai Elementary School, Marine Turtle Foundation and Pure Blue Foundation.

Akyra Tas Sukhumvit, Bangkok

Akyra Tas Sukhumvit is the first hotel to launch in Thailand without single-use plastic in its rooms or dining outlets. Guests are encouraged to use the hotel’s reusable water bottles and self-service drinking water stations; bathroom amenities are served in locally produced ceramics; all bin bags used throughout the hotel property are biodegradable; and reusable shopping bags are available to encourage guests to “say no” to plastic bags while hitting up the Bangkok shopping malls.

From the famed Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) Square – where the world-famous festival is held each October – to historical temples, quaint villages, seafood markets, and stylish retail districts, travellers have more than one reason to make a stop here.

The city’s sprawling beaches make Busan a popular destination for sun lovers. Laid back, yet still bustling, Haeundae Beach is one of Korea’s most beautiful beaches featuring natural untouched wonders. For foodies, Haeundae also offers a variety of local delicacies, from restaurants specialising in king crab and cold noodles, to street vendors peddling fish sticks and steamed dumplings.

Given its location, Busan also offers an abundance of fresh seafood. For the best finds, locals direct visitors to the Jagalchi Market, often likened to Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Market, where varieties of live and dried seafood are prepared in different ways.

The second most populous city after Seoul, Busan has its share of cultural attractions that capture the oldworld charm of Korea’s rich heritage. Gamcheon Cultural Village consists of hundreds of tiny, colourful houses, shops and buildings dotted throughout a maze of small, winding streets. Built on surrounding hills with views overlooking the sea, the village rises above the city and is known as the “Santorini of Korea”. The village’s hand-drawn murals and sculptures create a living art installation and a picture-perfect hotspot for visitors.

Another scenic landmark, the Haedong Yonggung Temple, is a breathtaking temple perched atop a rocky hill overlooking the East Sea. Dating back to the 13th century and built by a legendary Buddhist teacher, the temple is nestled between the sea and mountains and boasts a beautiful three-storey pagoda that represents tranquil harmony. For panoramic views of the city, Busan’s newest attraction, the Busan Air Cruise, offers a magnificent 1.6-kilometre journey above the sea in glass-enclosed cable cars.

Korea is renowned for its shopping – endless malls selling clothes, makeup, and accessories – and Busan is no exception. The lavish Shinsegae Centum City is listed in the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest department store, housing countless brands as well as entertainment options, including an indoor golf range and spa.

With sweeping views of the ocean, Shilla Stay Haeundae is a choice of your accommodation. Located just a two-minute walk away from the picturesque Haeundae Beach, the property features a relaxed, residential-style design with clean lines and soft hues that showcase the surrounding coastal region. Six room types are available including the Ondol Suite, which recreates an authentic Korean under-floor heating system for guests looking to experience a traditional Korean home.

For a dining experience, its Haeundae’s Cafe serves a wide selection of fresh seafood as part of its daily buffet available throughout the day. Guests can also lounge and soak up the sun in the hotel’s rooftop pool, which overlooks the panoramic beachfront, while enjoying refreshing drinks and snacks from the poolside bar.

The property also offers a “Welcome to Korea” package which includes a Busan City Tour Bus Ticket (oneday pass), complimentary breakfast, and exclusive Shilla Stay teddy bear gift. Room rates start at KRW 114,000 (Bt3,400) per night, based on two persons sharing a room.

For more information visit http://www.ShillaStay.com/haeundae/index.do.

Surrounded by virgin jungles and plenty of hiking trails, guests can experience the spectacular views in a helicopter ride, interact with wildlife in nature sanctuaries, go horseback riding and mountain climbing and explore Maori culture and the active White Island Volcano.

The resort offers eight villas, four chalet apartment suites, a family cottage and the Pheasant Cottage overlooking the spectacular surrounding of wildlife habitats and lakes. The villas are fitted with comfortable furnishings and period decor, designed in union with natural wood to give the villas a warm, cosy and relaxing feel.

The rooms boast spacious bathrooms with jacuzzis, fireplaces, large beds, Wi-Fi and kitchens, with private chefs and assistants being provided to manage everything during your stay. The resort also features a library, concert hall, fitness and Kinloch Club, an 18-hole golf course designed by Jack

Those preferring to stay in the resort can relax at the exclusive Wilderness Spa and enjoy the Maori Healing Rituals and the Signature Estate Sourced Manuka Honey Body Scrub that are complemented by a full range of organic treatments from Janesce, a professional botanical skincare, based on a harmonious blend of plants and pure essentials oils.

Find out more at http://www.Treetops.co.nz.

Nestled on Wireless Road in downtown Bangkok this incarnation will provide world-class wellness facilities, elegant accommodation and best hospitality services to ensure a luxurious experience for health-conscious guests. Shady and relaxing with lush landscaped gardens, the hotel will offer 294 stylish rooms and easy access to Ploenchit BTS skytrain station and Phetchaburi MRT metro station, perfect for getting around.

“Opportunities to manage legendary hotels do not arise often, and we’re delighted to bring Movenpick’s signature style to the Nai Lert Park Hotel, which has been a Bangkok landmark for more than three decades,” said Andrew Langdon, chief development officer for Movenpick Hotels & Resorts.

“We look forward to moving this captivating property into an exciting new era as we introduce a healthconscious generation of guests to Movenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok and further provide worldclass wellness facilities in association with the adjoining BDMS Wellness Clinic.”

All rooms and suites will feature contemporary designs and hightech amenities while resort facilities will include a large freeform outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and wellness spa. The restaurant will serve all natural, organic Thai and international cuisine, the lobby lounge will offer allday healthconscious refreshments and the pool bar will provide the perfect spot for informal gatherings.

The resort will also become a preferred meetings and events destination with its ballroom and function rooms featuring natural light and direct garden access, able to cater to groups of all sizes, from intimate social occasions to largescale corporate conferences, while the greenish garden provides a romantic setting for al fresco events and weddings.

“We are excited to work with Movenpick to introduce a Wellness Resort with worldclass hospitality as well as specialised inhouse wellness programmes that are designed for prevention and the achievement of a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr Poramaporn PrasarttongOsoth, chief operating officer of Bangkok Dusit Medical Services.

Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) was established in 1969 and is ranked in the top five private hospital groups globally in terms of revenue. It is one of the most prestigious hospital networks in the AsiaPacific region with a total of 45 hospitals across the network that have been accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI).

Find out more at http://www.BDMS.co.th.

Designed to allow couples to indulge in a rare romantic evening, the Kid’s Activity Centre provides trained and experienced “fun-buddies” to look after groups of little ones from 6 to 10pm.

“Our Parents’ Night Off gives adults with kids four hours of complete freedom that’s perfect for unwinding with a spa treat, enjoying a romantic dinner for two, or simply sipping a signature cocktail together at sunset before heading back to the room to watch a movie. We understand that parents need some alone-time together, but we want to make Parents’ Night Off great fun for kids too,” says Sabine G. Lamberts, general manager.

Youngsters aged four and upwards are checked into the Kids’ Activity Centre for fun games with their playmates, before ordering some appetising dishes from the kids’ menu and eating together. After dinner, movie night starts at 8pm, with a choice of family-friendly films to enjoy before the sleepy kids are picked up by their relaxed parents.

Meanwhile, parents can choose to relax with a luxury spa session at Santiburi Spa that offers a choice of contemporary treatments and ancient therapies as well as indoor baths, outdoor soaking tubs, Turkish massage table and invigorating Vichy shower.

Health-conscious lovers can enjoy the romantic serenity of oceanfront dining at The Beach House, indulging in surf-and-turf culinary delights served right by the champagne sands. The Sala Thai restaurant also serves exquisite Thai cuisine in a relaxed heritage-inspired setting with delectable flavours delivered through the classic sharing menu.

Find out more at http://www.SantiburiSamui.com.

Now in its fourth year, the successful initiative, which honours the United Nations International Day of Charity on September 5, calls on guests and the general public to donate at least one kilo of food, clothing and educational supplies to disadvantaged communities around the world, with a focus on underprivileged youngsters.

This year, more than 30 hotels across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East are backing the campaign, which runs from September 1 to 15. Guests and visitors are invited to drop off at least one kilo of supplies at any participating hotel lobby, which will then be distributed locally by the charities each property has partnered with.

High-priority items include books, notebooks and stationery such as pens, pencils, rulers and erasers; canned foods such as tuna, soup, fruit, vegetables and concentrated milk; dry foods like rice, beans, oats, pasta, cereals, flour, powdered milk, baby formula, tea and coffee; and clothing for adults and children.

Last year, 8,500 kilos of supplies were donated to participating hotels – a figure Movenpick hopes to surpass with its 2018 campaign.

While each guest is encouraged to donate a “Kilo of Kindness”, all contributions will be gratefully received.

This year, Movenpick continues its partnership with beneficiaries of the charity drive, Chance for Children, an accredited non-governmental organisation (NGO) which was founded in 1999. Chance for Children seeks to empower the street children in Accra to take their lives into their own hands by providing them with love, safety and security as well as enabling them school education and professional training.

“Our Kilo of Kindness initiative has grown over the years with massive support from the public. In 2018, we are rallying support company-wide and across as many channels as possible in the hope it will be the charity drive’s most successful year yet,” said Noemi Delgado, director of sales & marketing, Movenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra.

The “Kilo of Kindness” campaign is part of the company’s global CSR programme, Shine, which groups initiatives around three pillars – environment, employer and social sustainability – with education the thread common to each.

For more information on participating hotels and the charities they are supporting, visit http://www.Movenpick.com/akiloofkindness.

 Function meets elegance in all the hotel’s facilities, and the 270sqm River Room with its unlimited range of room configurations, is no exception. Itr River Room can be set up as a Boardroom for 40 persons, in a U-Shape for 60, as a classroom or a buffet for 90 persons, a theatre for 200, a cocktail gathering for 300 persons, or as a Chinese Banquet for 180 persons.

It offers a high-tech sound system, full HD support for five motorised screen projectors in three different sizes and new chandelier lighting.

The experience is complemented by customised coffee breaks and delectable dining courtesy of executive chef Spencer Kells and his team, who are happy to prepare Chinese, Thai and international fare.

For more information, call the events department at (02) 307 8888 extensions 2921-2924 or e-mail: events.chrb@chatrium.com.