Waterfalls, a beach of fine sand, the shade of luxuriant flora: to read the presentation of Pan Pacific's future flagship hotel, you might think it was set in the heart of a paradisiacal region far from the hustle and bustle of busy life. Not at all: it is in the heart of Singapore, on Orchard Road, the Champs-Elysées of the City-State, that the Asian luxury brand will open next May. a 347-room hotel pushing back the boundaries of the urban resort idea.
The architecture of the Pan Pacific Orchard, designed by WOHA, is organised into four vast landscaped terraces integrated into the building in stages. The first, the Forrest Terrace, wraps lianas and cascades of water around the lobby and the first three floors, offering residents a relaxing arrival. Guests at the restaurant perched on the second and third floors will be able to enjoy the view of this great green in the middle of the city, as the hotel is covered by a total of more than 7,300 m² of foliage. A little higher up, on the fifth floor, the Beach Terrace plays on the holiday atmosphere, with an outdoor swimming pool on sandy shores complemented by a beach bar, a sort of "beach bar". seaside resort a stone's throw from Singapore's most prestigious shopping centres.
Another place, another atmosphere at 11e floor with the Garden Terrace, covered with a green lawn. Bordered by private cabanas, the terrace is ideal for relaxing in the shade, enjoying a drink from the hotel's main bar or, for VIP guests, taking advantage of the top-of-the-range services of the Pacific Club Lounge, which opens onto the outside.
While the Garden Terrace can also host customised events, the Pan Pacific also makes the most of its setting, in line with the sustainable criteria of companies, to offer a unique venue for events with its fourth and final terrace, the Cloud Terrace, which occupies the top floors of the 18e à 23e. Integrated into the skyline of the City-State, Cloud Terrace has a 420-seat ballroom. " The only space in the city where you can 'meet in the clouds'. " Pan Pacific underlines.
The great outdoors and long stays
In addition to this new flagship embodying its commitment to sustainability, the Asian group UOL, owner of the Pan Pacific luxury and Parkroyal upmarket brands, is not immune to another trend: long-stay accommodation. This segment is far from being a passing fad, as can be seen from the intense development of new projects, whether by specialists such as Adagio or Ascott, or major hotel groups such as Accor or Marriott.
Already offering Serviced Suites versions of its brands in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Ningbo, The UOL Group plans to double its residential offering by the end of 2023, adding the equivalent of 4,000 keys in several major cities. And this in Asia, but also in Africa. "We expect this market to continue to grow, as demand increases for long corporate stays and relocation to regional business hubs."said Choe Peng Sum, CEO of Pan Pacific Hotels.
Among recent developments, a Parkroyal Serviced Suites opened in Bangkok in mid-November in the lively shopping district of Sukhumvit Soi 6. In addition to 194 key from Executive studios to two-bedroom flatsThe hotel also offers a spa and a restaurant. At the beginning of 2023, another establishment is expected to open in Hanoi, on the shores of West Lake, with 122 suites, as well as a rooftop bar-restaurant and swimming pool.
July 2023 will see the completion of a major project, with the establishment of this brand in Jakarta, within a futuristic real estate complex, Thamrin Nine. Right in the heart of the Indonesian capital, this new business and residential district will comprise three skyscrapers, including the future tallest tower in the southern hemisphereThe Autograph Tower, almost 385 m high, will feature a luxurious Waldorf Astoria on its upper floors.
As for the neighbouring Luminary Tower, which is slightly lower - just over 300 m - it is preparing to welcome this Parkroyal Serviced Suites next summer, with 180 suites and a host of business facilities, including a large ballroom. More on this later, the Luminary Tower will also be used by other UOL Group brands with a Parkroyal hotel in November next year, followed by the opening of the Pan Pacific Jakarta in 2024.
As for the 'suites' version of this luxury brand, a Pan Pacific Serviced Suites has just opened its doors. in Kuala LumpurThe hotel is located in the Bukit Bintang district, in the "golden triangle" of the Malaysian capital. Offering 210 one- and two-bedroom suites, the establishment is topped by a floor with a view, the 25eThe Living Room is dedicated to both relaxation and work. With its rooftop swimming pool, fitness centre and lounge where you can enjoy breakfast or a drink at any time of day, the hotel also has The Living Room, which includes a meeting room and billiards table.
But the boom in Pan Pacific Serviced Suites is also being exported outside Asia, with an establishment expected next year in NairobiIn the Westlands business district, close to the embassies. As in Jakarta, it is in a building complex that is set to transform the skyline of the Kenyan capital that the brand will be integrated. Housed in a 26-storey tower, the Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Nairobi will offer 128 flats ranging from one-bedrooms to penthouses. The establishment is designed for very long stays, with a dedicated residents' area, a multimedia room, a gym and an outdoor swimming pool, lawns and a children's playground. All with access, within the complex, to a shopping mall and several food courts.
