Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei - Bridging Tradition and Innovation

Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei stands out as a beacon of timeless elegance and forward-looking innovation in Japan's hospitality industry. In Kyoto's Okazaki district, the hotel is nestled gracefully beside the Okazaki Betsuin Branch Temple, marking the brand's first new addition in nearly two decades.

In the eastern heart of Kyoto, where each day begins with the gentle embrace of the rising sun, the hotel embodies a spirit of renewal and new beginnings. Embedded in the rich heritage of Higashiyama, the surrounding ambiance fosters traditional Japanese culture and craftsmanship.

It strives to redefine the essence of Kyoto's aesthetic sensibility for a new era through the vision of Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei. As part of the ethos of "a redefining era of Kyoto's aesthetic sense," RENS Nomura collaborated with Kyoto's artisans and custodians of traditional crafts. In collaboration, we reimagined spaces within the hotel to inspire hope and innovation, free from historical constraints.

The partnership with "GO ON," a collective of six Kyoto craftsmen who continually push boundaries and explore novel horizons, is at the core of this endeavour. By collaborating, RENS envisions a hotel that bridges traditional crafts and the future, inviting guests to explore its boundless possibilities.

Every corner of Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei tells a story of craftsmanship and ingenuity. From the exquisite tea canister crafted by 'Kaikado' at the guest room entrance to the intricate bamboo latticework by 'Kohchosai Kosuga' adorning the elevator halls, each detail reflects a legacy of dedication and mastery that is sure to inspire admiration and respect.

The lobby features metalwork lampshades created using the "Kanaami Tsuji" technique, while the private restaurant room showcases ceramics made with the "Asahiyaki" technique. The Nishijin weaving, inspired by serene lakeside imagery and handcrafted by "HOSOO," adds timeless sophistication to bed headboards.

Aside from aesthetics, RENS is steadfast in its commitment to addressing the pressing issue of declining traditional crafts production. Kyoto's traditional industries shall be re-appreciated and supported by the hotel, showcasing their enduring beauty and relevance and instilling confidence and trust in our guests.

As a living testimony to a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei is more than just an accommodation. Each detail speaks of a heritage preserved and a future envisioned.

GO ON is a Kyoto-based group of six people with traditional Japanese craft backgrounds. From their roots, we expand into multiple fields, such as art, design, science, and technology.
In tradition, GO ON seeks to uncover unseen potential.
In our creative actions, GO ON consider the future, and the bright ages to come.

*Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei is the silver winning project from the Sky Design Awards 2023.

TO CELEBRATE HIDDEN GEMS AND AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES IN SINGAPORE

GRAND HYATT SINGAPORE LAUNCHES CONTEST, MOMENTS OF MORE*, TO CELEBRATE HIDDEN GEMS AND AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES IN SINGAPORE

Designed to inspire wanderlust of Singapore, the contest offers a Grand Prize of one million World of Hyatt points that can be used to redeem free stays, room upgrades, dining and spa experiences at Hyatt hotels in Singapore and around the world.

Grand Hyatt Singapore has launched “Moments of More”, a visual storytelling contest, to invite all Singaporeans and global travellers to share their treasured experiences that are off the beaten path in Singapore. Participants can compete to win a grand prize of one million World of Hyatt points that can be used to redeem free nights, room upgrades, gourmet and wellness experiences at Hyatt hotels in Singapore and around the world.

Today, more luxury travellers are seeking bespoke, original experiences that provide them with a sense of place. Harnessing a common passion for sharing personal perspectives, Moments of More challenges the stereotypes that visitors to Singapore may have of the country while inspiring them to explore Singapore’s unique appeal in their own way. The contest encourages participants to recommend their personal discoveries, lesser-known experiences and favourite memories.

Submissions for the contest will open on 28 August and close on 29 September 2023 at 2359hrs. The top five entries will be announced on 16 October 2023 for public voting. One Grand Winner will be announced by 31 October 2023.

The grand prize winner of one million World of Hyatt points can indulge in enriching experiences worldwide, up to 200 standard room nights in Hyatt hotels and resorts worldwide, subject to availability. The winner may also redeem suite upgrades, gourmet experiences or spa treatments at participating outlets.  Please refer to attached Annex A for an illustration of sample redemptions.

To recognize exceptional submissions, four additional prizes comprising four sets of two-night retreats when the transformed Grand Hyatt Singapore reopens next year, complemented by a room credit of SGD600 for in-hotel experiences, will be awarded to four finalists.

In a bold and theatrical move, Grand Hyatt Singapore has produced a captivating movie trailer-style video instead of a conventional campaign video to kick off Moments of More. Entitled “The Grand”, this teaser aims to inspire intrepid explorers to fully immerse themselves in all that Singapore has to offer, including the soon-to-unveil Grand Hyatt Singapore.

“Moments of More bears testament to Grand Hyatt Singapore’s legacy as the region’s leading hotel for trailblazing celebrations and experiences in the past five decades. True to the Grand Hyatt brand promise, we eagerly invite friends in Singapore and from around the world to share their Singapore Story and bring travel dreams to life,” said Charis Choi, Regional Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Southeast Asia, Hyatt. “As we prepare for Grand Hyatt Singapore’s unveiling next year, we look forward to capturing the unexpected facets of Singapore in celebration of the diversity and unique charm of this City in Nature.”

Participants are encouraged to watch Grand Hyatt Singapore’s “The Grand” movie trailer before uploading their entries to the microsite. Judging guidelines are based on the creativity in recommending local recreation activities; ways to recharge in the City in Nature; or sustainability activities (40 percent), the originality of the post (50 percent), as well as the public appeal during the voting period (10 percent). Participation eligibility and Terms and Conditions can be found on the microsite.

Transformation of Grand Hyatt Singapore

Slated to reopen in phases from the first quarter of 2024, the reimagined Grand Hyatt Singapore is set to offer an immersive experience for the aspirational guest. With 699 guestrooms and suites complemented by theatrical gourmet and lifestyle concepts, the newly transformed hotel promises to be A Grand Living Room and Wellness Haven in the Orchard Road area, hosted by a team of trusted associates. Guests can expect opportunities to connect, rejuvenate and celebrate their #MomentsOfMoreSG at @grandhyattsing.

For more information or enquiries, please visit MomentsofMore.sg

Tri Vananda Partners With CBRE For the Development of Wellness Resort

Tri Vananda, the expansive integrated health concept in Phuket, has chosen global real estate services firm CBRE as the project manager for its world-class wellness facility. Nestled amidst lush forests in northern Phuket, yet conveniently close to the international airport, Tri Vananda - meaning "forest of lasting happiness" in Sanskrit - is the brainchild of Montara Hospitality Group, renowned for the exclusive Trisara resort. This ambitious project has joined forces with CBRE, a global leader in real estate, to ensure its success.

The development of Tri Vananda's wellness resort is in capable hands, with esteemed consultants like Habita and Arsomsilp designing the architecture, known for their innovation and sustainable practices, and P49 handling the exquisite interior design. Spanning 600 rai of pristine lakes and forests in Phuket, Tri Vananda merges biophilic philosophy with luxury wellness experiences. The grand opening is slated for Q4 2025, featuring a luxury wellness resort, residential wellness community with villas, and a protected wetland nature reserve.

The collaboration with CBRE, Habita, Arsomsilp, and P49 demonstrates Tri Vananda's commitment to delivering an unparalleled wellness resort experience. These partnerships bring together world-class expertise in project management, architectural innovation, and luxury design, promising to exceed the expectations of future guests.

"We are thrilled to have such high-caliber professionals on board," said Kittisak "Kitt" Pattamasaevi, CEO of Montara Hospitality Group. "CBRE's project management expertise, combined with the creative insights of Habita, Arsomsilp, and P49, will undoubtedly help us realize our vision for the wellness resort at Tri Vananda. Their collective experience will add prestige and unmatched quality to our project."

Stay tuned for updates as Tri Vananda sets the benchmark for an extraordinary wellness experience in the heart of Phuket.

About TRI VANANDA:

Forging a new chapter of Montara Hospitality and its most ambitious project to date, Tri Vananda brings to life a first-of-its-kind development rooted in multigenerational living, wellness, sustainability, and nature. Framed by the raw beauty of Phuket, best-in-class medical facilities, wellness amenities, and tailored programs are purposefully designed to nurture seasonal guests and year-round residents alike. Tri Vananda will set the benchmark for wellness real estate and tourism in Asia through transformative experiences that highlight mindfulness, physical and cognitive health, community building, and a connection to nature, offering a panacea to the frenzy of urban life when it debuts in 2025. Trivananda.com

About Montara Hospitality:

Montara Hospitality Group was established by the Pattamasaevi family, the original shareholders and developers of the renowned Trisara on Phuket Island. The group also owns one MICHELIN-starred PRU and MICHELIN Green Star JAMPA, MICHELIN recommendation Seafood at Trisara, plus the renowned Thai restaurant Praya Dining in Bangkok. Together with a team of experienced hoteliers, Montara Hospitality invests in best-in-class hospitality platforms that connect investors, lifestyle travelers, and innovative hoteliers. Montara's properties include Phuket's most exclusive pool villa beach resort, Trisara; Bangkok's only river mansion boutique hotel, Praya Palazzo.www.montarahospitality.com