BUILT SOME 50 years ago and home to various government offices over the decades, the Murray Building has now become a home away from home for travellers from around the world.

Standing tall on the Hong Kong skyline, The Murray was brought back to life early this year and transformed into a luxury landmark hotel through an extensive preservation project by world renowned architects Foster + Partners. The Murray is part of the “Conserving Central” programme, a government-backed initiative that aims to preserve what remains of the historic heart of the city.

The Murray is the new flagship property of the Niccolo Hotels brand.

Exterior view of The Murray  

The exterior of the colonial-era building designed in 1969 by British architect Ron Phillips, was left mostly untouched by the new architects, who considered the original architect’s sustainable design way ahead of its time, especially in terms of responding to the climate of Hong Kong. The windows are recessed and the building’s orientation avoids the harsh tropical sun.

The new design retains the facade, the arches, a vehicle ramp leading to a covered car park and even the century-old tree in the forecourt of the main entrance. Other aspects have been upgraded and the building’s life extended by introducing new functions appropriate for the changing demands of the city – giving it a sustainable legacy for years to come.

One of the main goals was to reconnect the building at ground level with a new street front, transparent and open ground floor space, and landscaping of the surrounding grounds.

Decorated with marble and bronze stainless steel, the luxurious lobby features a black, white, and gold palette that is minimalist but elegant. At the higher end of the lobby, a chandelier called “An Aggregation – 20170106” made of charcoal dangling from nylon threads created by Seoul-based artist Bahk Seon-ghi also draws the eyes.

The hotel lobby leads to an eyecatching charcoal mobile art piece by Seoulbased artist Bahk Seon-ghi.  

The 25-storey sanctuary boasts spacious rooms and suites with more than 75 per cent of them an impressive 50 square metres or even bigger. Each of The Murray’s 336 rooms have floor to ceiling windows, the frames of which are recessed to let in more light while still maintaining the thermal level.

All rooms in the hotel are angled so each offers either a stunning view of the green oasis that’s Hong Kong Park or the Central business district and, in the distance, Victoria Harbour.

The Murray Suite goes one better with three panoramic views of the city. Designed especially for well-heeled travellers who are used to the finest of creature comforts, the 225sqm suite includes a bedroom with an oversized en-suite bathroom, his and hers walk-in wardrobes, separate living and dining areas, a pantry, study, and fitness zone, as well as the option to connect with an additional deluxe room for added space.

I spent two nights in a Grand room on the thirteenth floor. Billed as a standard room and measuring 50sqm, it has a contemporary interior with a fabulous carpet covering the beautiful hardwood floor and other surfaces dressed in rare stones, glass, leather and textiles.

A Grand room

The room layout and the furnishings give off the impression that you are staying in a residential apartment rather than a hotel. Unlike typical hotel room layouts, the wardrobe is positioned at the side of the bed instead immediately at the door.

For me though, the highlight is the view and I’m no sooner through the door than I’m rushing to the two huge windows to witness the full scenic view of the city. While tourists in Hong Kong may feel bottled in by the ubiquitous skyscrapers, I see only the green tranquillity of Hong Kong Park.

The Grand room features a luxurious bathroom with separate bath and shower in black-and-white marble. Next to the huge free-standing bath and the golden metallic rain-shower is a range of organic aromatherapy bath amenities imported from Australia. It also features a huge sliding door with magic glass that goes translucent at the push of a button.

Another feature making for a more pleasant stay is what I call the “smart switchboard” that helps you control the lighting and mood of the room by pushing one switch to select how light or dark you want the mood as well as swapping the sheer blinds for blackout ones.

Guests can enjoy a serene and surprisingly green view of Hong Kong Park through the huge windows inside room. 

A corner, with a square window also looking out at the park, is dedicated to a working area equipped with a desk and multi outlet home with power strip surge protector.

There’s complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, broadband internet access, and Smart TV which you can watch while snuggling into the leather cushion in the rest area.

One of the reasons tourists love Hong Kong is the food. The Murray has five restaurants and bars offering a variety of cuisines in different atmospheres.

I would recommend Popinjays, the rooftop bar and restaurant, that delights with panoramic city views and an energetic atmosphere. Due to fully open in July, it will serve an even bigger range of the finest European dishes. It’s named after the original name for a parrot in English, because they always occupy the rooftop.

Night view at Popinjays, rooftop bar and restaurant 

I wanted Chinese food so ordered Abalone congee and stir-fried noodles with Wagyu beef served with home-made XO sauce.

You can burn off all those extra calories at the hotel’s 24-hour gym on level three, which is equipped with the new generation of fitness equipment from Technogym or just relax at the adjacent spa with a massage and beauty rituals.

The Murray is close to the Peak tram station and surrounded by the old streets that make up the Central neighbourhood. You can choose to wander through this maze of art, culture and archetypal neighbourhoods then admire the quirky artistic landmarks on Hollywood Road.

AT A GLANCE

High point: Good location, with surrounding greenery, energy-efficient design and spacious rooms

Low point: Not enough seats in the hotel lobby

Pay for it: Prices range from HKD4,000 (Bt16,300) for a Grand room to HKD53,000 for The Murray Suite

Find it: 22 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong

Contact it: (+852) 3141 8888 and themurray@niccolohotels.com

Browse it: http://www.NiccoloHotels.com and Facebookcom/TheMurrayHK/

The villa occupies 286 square metres and is complete with a 520sqm private pool that’s just a few steps away from the sandy shores of north Chaweng beach, making it one of the largest private pools in a resort on Koh Samui.

This infinity pool runs the entire width of the 13.5m beach frontage and is framed by a 114sqm wooden pool deck, shaded by two ancient banyan trees that keep the extensive outdoor lounge and al fresco dining areas naturally cool.

Fulllength glass windows along the front of the villa can be drawn open to blur distinction between outdoor and indoor living spaces. Curved archways subtly define the interior spaces, and draw references from the curvature of the full moon, a lunar muse that inspired many of the design elements applied around the resort.

The villa has two 25sqm bedrooms, featuring kingsized beds, walkin wardrobe areas, and bathrooms with freestanding circular bathtubs. The 30sqm master bathroom also comes with outdoor shower and bathtub options allowing guests to stay that much closer to the blue skies and sea breezes.

As part of the Sala Signature Selections, guests can choose from a variety of scents for bath soaps, shampoos, conditioners, body lotions and pillow types to finetune their bespoke experience.

The open design and stunning setting are perfect for weddings and exclusive gatherings for up to 25 guests. Private events are fully catered by the resort, whether it’s a poolside BBQ birthday celebration in the afternoon or a sunset wedding cocktail reception and party on the deck.

The resort plans to open its second phase in 2019 that will house 83 rooms, pool villas and pool suites, as well as the Sala Spa and Gym, a garden oasis swimming pool with inviting Garden Pool Bar, plus an openair show kitchen with an exciting roadside restaurant and bar concept.

Rates for the Oceanfront twoBedroom Presidential Pool Villa start from Bt28,000.

Online booking can be made via email info@salahospitality.com or by visiting http://www.SalaHospitality.com.

You get all the usual Club benefits, plus a terrific choice of pillows, a plush Simmons mattress, blackout curtains, mood lighting and relaxing music.

Also waiting for you will be pillow mist, aromatherapy body shower gel, aromatherapy body lotion and a selection of calming tea.

“We believe that guests’ restful sleep and comfort comes first,” says the hotel’s Viranat Silananda.

The Amara in the Silom area has 250 guestrooms, all decorated with Thai artworks. The all-day-dining restaurant Element serves Singaporean and authentic Thai cuisine. The rooftop nightspot Aka-Aza boasts spectacular views and the Bar makes magnificent cocktails.

At the Element, guests can enjoy breakfast all day, every day. On the menu are Eggs Benedict, Croque Madame sandwiches, huevos rancheros, fish and chips, fresh quinoa fruit salad and toasted waffles.

Go to Bangkok.AmaraHotels.com or call (02) 021 8888.

In its “Mobile Travel Tracker”, the website says millennials spend on average 39 minutes a day on social media while on vacation, and 59 per cent are glued to Instagram.

“We all know the drill,” says regional marketing director Jessica Chuang. “You walk into your hotel room and before you’ve even checked out the mini-bar, you’re setting up the perfect shot of the room and the crisp linen for Instagram.”

Beautiful balcony views, jaw-dropping bathrooms, statement staircases and rooftop pools feature in the top 10.

From London and Paris to Bangkok and Bali, Hotels.com can fill your feed with hearts, likes and envy-inducing comments with these 10 insanely Instagrammable hotels.

The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London is breathtaking, picture-perfect and majestic. The iconic staircase, familiar to many from the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe” music video, has been widely bragged about on social media.

Get a mate to snap you gliding down these in your fresh holiday fashion for the ultimate envy-inducing post.

Review rating: 8.8 out of 10

The Hotel Plaza Athenee in Paris has a romantic view from every room. It even made Carrie Bradshaw squeal on “Sex and the City”. This quintessential Instagram photo will have your followers commenting, “#epic #wow”.

The rooms overlooks the Eiffel Tower, contrasted against the bright red flowers and blue sky.

Review rating: 9.6 out of 10

The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island in Maldives is famous for its restaurant, Ithaa, five metres below sea level. With 180-degree panoramic views, there is an endless number of angles to capture. And the six-course luxury dinner provides plenty more to “snap” #nofilterneeded.

Review rating: 9.2 out of 10

The Jade Mountain Resort on St Lucia is perfect for the beautiful bathrooms. Could a bathroom view be more inviting? Making waves among your followers.

With its stunning Caribbean views, luxurious setting and air of ultimate indulgence, this bathroom is a must-soak and must-snap for travellers.

Review rating: 10.0 out of 10

The Icehotel in Sweden is a picturesque background for a profile picture. Almost everything is made of ice and each suite is individually decorated by artists from around the world. It really is a one-of-a-kind icy stay.

Review rating: 8.6 out of 10

Lebua at State Tower in Bangkok is home to the Sky Bar at the top of the State Tower. With panoramic views going on forever, it makes the perfect Insta shot and becomes famous by “The Hangover” franchise.

Review rating: 8.8 out of 10

The Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort in China has been nicknamed the “doughnut” for obvious reasons – it’s one of the world’s most unusually shaped hotels. Spread over 27 floors above water and two below (to create a full oval), it a true marvel that will definitely encourage a few double-taps.

Review rating: 9 out of 10

The Caves in Jamaica are located on a cliff side in Negril, where you can ramp up the romance with a candlelit dinner in one of the private caves and say, “#romanceme”.

Review rating: 9.8 out of 10

The Crazy Bear with Oxfordshire with its quirky interiors is an #Instadream. The wacky designs will give your grid a side of luxury and a hint of weird. Inspired by the Moulin Rouge, the staircase is decorated with foliage painted in 24-carat gold leaf. Persian pony skin hangs on the walls of the bar and the chandeliers drip.

Review rating: 7.2 out of 10

The Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Italy offers poolside bliss like you’re floating on the edge of Lake Como. It’s a tranquil oasis allowing guests to indulge a floating pool, private beach and quintessential European umbrellas.

Review rating: 10 out of 10

Occupying the upper floors of the complex alongside luxury retail outlets, the hotel will have 227 guestrooms and suites, six restaurants and bars, meeting and banquet spaces, a fitness centre, a spa and an outdoor swimming pool.

“We look forward to bringing Mandarin Oriental’s renowned level of service excellence to Vietnam for the first time,” says group chief executive James Riley.

The Mandarin Oriental Saigon will be adjacent to the Saigon Opera House and the People’s Committee Building and within walking distance of most of the city’s other key landmarks and dining and shopping areas.

“With its exceptional design, locale, history and culture, Union Square Saigon is destined to become a landmark destination,” says Union Square general director Jonathan Au.

“We are delighted to welcome Mandarin Oriental to this project, which will not only raise the level of luxury hospitality in the city, but will also increase awareness of Vietnam internationally.”

The room rates start from Bt14,400 and this holiday package offers personalised suite butler service, pre-dinner drinks and snacks at McFarland House or Regency Club Lounge, in-suite aromatherapy steam and milk bath, access to Tranquility Court pool, steam room and sauna, complimentary laundry service for two items per day, complimentary Wi-Fi and a 60-minute massage treatment for two.

Set up your break by calling (032) 511 234 or http://www.TheBarai.com.

Conference calls

Companies looking for a venue for their seminars and meetings can now take advantage of the full-and half-day packages offered by Amara Bangkok throughout the year.

Both packages include a well-equipped room, an arrival coffee break, three snack items and a live cooking station, unlimited freshly brewed coffee and other beverages, international lunch buffet, meeting service application and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. Prices range from Bt700 to Bt1,500 per person.

Check out the best rates at (02) 021 8888 extension 5110 or email events.bangkok@amarahotels.com.

Splendour in the light

Vivid Sydney, the world-famous festival of light, music and ideas, returns to Australia’s bay and celebrates its 10th anniversary from Friday to June 16.

Like every year, the festival features three main zones. The Vivid Light space will transform the city into a wonderland with light sculptures and large-scale architectural projections onto iconic buildings and structures.

The Vivid Music stage offers an extensive program of performance, multi-genre musical collaborations, the best in contemporary and experimental music, while the Vivid Idea section showcases a diverse flow of ideas and multi-disciplinary discussions to support the development of Sydney’s creative sector.

See the programmes at http://www.VividSydney.com.

Oriental treats

After being awarded Five Red Pavilions by the Michelin Guide Taipei 2018, Mandarin Oriental, Taipei invites guests to celebrate with the Star-studded Stay package available through July 15.

Starting at TWD 31,000 (Bt33,500), the package covers accommodation in a suite, exclusive Oriental Lounge access for two, a Michelin-starred signature tasting menu for two people prepared by Chef Tse Man at Ya Ge and a souvenir menu to take home.

Make a reservation at http://www.MandarinOriental.com.

Room rates start at HKD 17,500 (Bt71,000) and the package includes daily breakfast for two served in-room or at Popinjays, a Grown Alchemist facial and a personal nutrition consultation, in-suite dining experience with butler service, a welcome drink and exclusive access to the Platinum Lounge, complimentary make-up and personal styling service, personal bar and late checkout up to 6pm.

Make a reservation by emailing reservations.themurray@niccolohotels.com.

Going to new heights

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort in Oman is offering two new climbing trips for adventurers wanting to explore the Green Mountain and the limestone landscapes.

Conducted by two certified instructors, the 120-minute Jabal Activity Wall course is ideal for beginners as it teaches the basics of climbing. It’s priced at OMR 40 (Bt3,329) per person and OMR 60 per couple.

The Ultimate Jabal Activity Wall offers the opportunity to fly like a bird on an exciting 90-minute “via ferrata” session, Oman’s first mountain zip lines. The course is OMR 50 per person and OMR 80 per couple.

Set up your plan at http://Jabal-Akhdar.Anantara.com/.

Wind in their sails

The annual Samui Regatta is celebrating its 17th anniversary this year, running from May 26 to June 2 and drawing famous yachts and sailing experts from around the world.

This year, Duncan Hind with his 66-foot “Alive” from Australia is a newcomer to class IRC Zero and will be joined by Li Hongguan from China, Sam Chan from Hong Kong and Ray Roberts from Australia, while Kevin Whitecrafts with his THA72 from Thailand will defend his trophy.

The event will coincide with the first round of kiteboard competition “Asia & Oceania – KTA Hydrofoil Series” that will be held between May 31 to June 2.

Check out the programme at http://www.SamuiRegatta.com.

Book now to save

Travellers planning their next trip can save up to 60 per cent when booking accommodation through Hotel.com.

The mobile application is offering last minute deals in 26 cities, namely Bangkok, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh, Bali, Manila, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Osaka, Kyoto, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Dubai, Rome, Prague, Milan, New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego.

Customers also get a chance to win discount coupons for more savings when playing interactive game with Hotels.com’s Pug – brand ambassador at https://th.hotels.com/page/pug-th.

Angkor for all the family

The luxury Shinta Mani Shack Angkor hotel in Siem Reap welcomes the green season with the Family Adventure Package priced at US$1,035 (Bt33,000) per family (two adults and a child) until September 30.

The package includes a three-night stay in a Pool View Room and other benefits such as round trip airport transfers, fast track immigration on arrival, daily a la carte breakfast for two adults and one children, a full-day trip to the historic Angkor Wat with temple pass, English speaking tour guide and private vehicle, a local market tour followed by a cooking class and lunch and a meditation experience. Online bookings can be made at http://www.ShintaMani.com.

According to a survey conducted by travel website Booking.com of nearly 19,000 global travellers, 39 per cent of Thais say that interior design also plays a crucial role when selecting their holiday accommodation.

This has a huge influence on the enjoyment of holidays, as accommodation with great interior design creates a more memorable holiday, according to 84 per cent of Thai travellers.

When asked what the top “must-haves” would be when it comes to the look and feel of their holiday accommodation, comfort (72 per cent), a modern minimalist look (55 per cent) and eco-friendly feel (50 per cent) were cited as the key ingredients to creating the perfect place to stay. However, Thai travellers may be keen to unleash their green fingers, as natural light (48 per cent), wide-open spaces (38 per cent) and greenery (38 per cent) also ranked highly. On top of that, having something a bit different and staying in unique accommodation was also important for four in 10 Thai travellers.

Holidays are a time for experiencing new things and indulging in what isn’t available back home. Of those who sought these “must haves” in their holiday accommodation, a high proportion did not have these features back home. Twenty-eight per cent said their own abode didn’t have plenty of natural light, 36 per cent didn’t have any greenery and nearly 49 per cent said their homes weren’t modern.

When it comes to features that really maximise the enjoyment of holiday accommodation, lighting is a key, recurring theme, with 46 per cent saying that great lighting is an accommodation must-have, but for a more vanity-induced reason – so that they can be confident that they look their best when getting ready.

As comfort was ranked as the top must-have, it’s no surprise that a comfortable bed was deemed the top item that people want to see when they arrive at their holiday home in order to have that ‘home away from home’ feeling. If a bed is comfortable and the bedroom is inviting, 60 per cent of Thai travellers even admitted they would choose to stay in their accommodation over going out in the evening.

It’s not just a decent bed that can stop them from venturing out of their holiday home. Thirty-seven per cent) of Thai travellers said that a well-stocked and easy to navigate kitchen was a must-have for that ‘home away from home’ feeling and in fact a well-designed spacious kitchen means travellers choose to eat in much more than dining out (51 per cent), meaning the role that accommodation plays on holiday is paramount to the overall experience.

This new capsule series boasts the vibrant confluence of modernity and tradition in Japanese culture, anchored in classic silhouettes and eccentric patterns. Chufy will share her experiences of a journey to Japan, showing her love for the destination through the lens of The Luxury Collection’s celebrated hotels including Suiran in Kyoto and The Prince Gallery in Tokyo.

“I fell in love with the culture of Japan when I visited for the first time five years ago, so I was thrilled to explore the destination with The Luxury Collection upon my return. Their hotels are unique and cherished expressions of their locations,” said Sanchez de Betak.

“Both The Prince Gallery in Tokyo and Suiran in Kyoto had beautiful kimonos waiting for me in my room upon arrival, and I ended up wearing each lovely garment throughout my travels. This attention to detail and personal connection to the destination truly resonated with me, and ultimately inspired me to create my own versions with bold prints and my favourite fabrics.”

The collection features ready-to-wear clothes and accessories, and infuses rich silks in a vivid palette of playful yellow, vibrant orange and persimmon mixed with deep midnight blue and dusty rose.

Sanchez de Betak’s bold and colourful designs are influenced by the vintage Japanese fabrics and antique matchboxes she collected during her travels across the Land of the Rising Sun. Among the highlights are a luxurious silk kimono dresses in ethereal pink with white silhouettes of Japanese cherry blossoms, sleek ivory Nibushiki bomber jackets embroidered with dragons and Hokusai-inspired waves and an imaginative “Trippin” kimono rope with vivid shades.

“With an adventurous spirit, a gift for storytelling and keen eye for design, Sofia is the true embodiment of a Luxury Collection Global Explorer,” said Anthony Ingham, global brand leader, The Luxury Collection and W Hotels Worldwide.

“We are thrilled that her experiences at our iconic hotels in Japan provided inspiration for this incredible capsule collection. Perfectly aligned with The Luxury Collection’s core passions, each unique piece is reminiscent of Japan’s indigenous charms, treasures and spectacular settings.”

The products range in prices from $369 (Bt11,800) to $2,500 and are available on http://www.luxurycollectionstore.com and http://www.chufy.com, as well as at The Webster, Matches Fashion, Bergdorf Goodman, and FiveStory.

Standing 2,500 metres above sea level, the hotel is a mere 42 kilometres from the park and bills itself as a “Sanctuary for the Senses” thanks to its handpicked collection of luxury amenities.

The resort is also offering a series of activities throughout the year, among them the chance to explore the natural surroundings and a full cultural immersion for an authentic Jiuzhaigou experience.

Guests can take advantage of the “Night on Us” promotion that continues through July 15 by booking direct at http://www.BanyanTree.com, which rewards visitors with one complimentary night for every two-night stay.

Those booking a two-night Sense of Exploration package will enjoy daily breakfast, two set meals, and a half-day village tour including round-trip transfer and farmhouse lunch for two.

Check the best rates at http://www.BanyanTree.com/en/china/jiuzhaigou.