Ascott's Growing Presence in Saudi Arabia (Jeddah)

Coming soon to the vibrant port city of Jeddah in 2015 and 2016, the Citadines Sari Jeddah and Somerset Corniche Jeddah by the wholly-owned service residence arm of CapitaLand will open respectively. The 51-unit Citadines Sari Jeddah is slated to open in 2015 while the 135-unit Somerset Corniche Jeddah, the first Somerset-branded serviced residence in Saudi Arabia, will open in 2016.

The additions will strengthen Ascott’s portfolio in Saudi Arabia to nearly 700 apartment units across five serviced residences. In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Ascott’s portfolio will increase to more than 1,700 apartment units across 11 properties in Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. 

The management agreements for Citadines Sari Jeddah and Somerset Corniche Jeddah are awarded by United Spectrums Holding, a subsidiary of Abdul Samad Al Qurashi Group, one of the leading conglomerates in Saudi Arabia with operations throughout the Gulf region and Europe. Besides Citadines Sari Jeddah and Somerset Corniche Jeddah, Ascott will manage the 125-unit Ascott Tahlia Jeddah and the 122-unit Citadines Al Salamah Jeddah for the Group when the properties open in 2015. 
 
In the GCC, Ascott is also scheduled to open Ascott Olaya Riyadh, as well as its first properties in Oman, Somerset Panorama Muscat and Sohar Garden Residences, in 2015. Ascott currently manages Ascott Park Place Dubai, Ascott Doha, Somerset West Bay Doha and Somerset Al Fateh Bahrain. 

Citadines Sari Jeddah

About Citadines Sari Jeddah 
 
Citadines Sari Jeddah is strategically located on Sari Road near the junction with King Abdulaziz Road. These are two of Jeddah’s main arterial roads, which house multinational companies such as Unilever and Saudi Hollandi Bank. Residents will be able to enjoy convenient access to international boutiques, restaurants and cafés nearby. The property is also right next to Stars Avenue Mall, one of Jeddah’s most prominent and popular shopping centres. 
 
An ideal accommodation for independent travellers who appreciate city living, Citadines Sari Jeddah will offer studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments that come with a fully-equipped kitchen, separate work and living areas, as well as modern amenities. Residents can enjoy facilities such as a residents’ lounge, restaurant and swimming pool. 

Somerset Corniche Jeddah 

About Somerset Corniche Jeddah 
 
Somerset Corniche Jeddah is located along the city’s picturesque coastal area, just a street away from the Red Sea and a 20-minute drive from the King Abdulaziz International Airport. The property is close to Jeddah’s main business districts in Tahlia and Al Khalidia, international schools such as American International School and British International School and the King Fahad Hospital. It is also within walking distance to parks, restaurants and retail outlets along the coastal area, providing a range of leisure options to residents and their families on short or extended stays. 
 
Guests can choose from a mix of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments to suit their needs. Somerset Corniche Jeddah’s facilities include a swimming pool, fully-equipped gymnasium, residents’ lounge, children’s playroom and restaurant. 

World’s Largest So SPA by Sofitel Opens in Sentosa

The largest So SPA in the world has opened in the heart of Sentosa offering rejuvenating world traditions and the latest in French cosmetology. Previously known as the Spa Botanica, the So SPA has been lightly rejuvenated with stylish fittings to preserve the colonial charm and it is located at a 6,000-square-metre heritage site.

The So SPA comes with 14 indoor treatment rooms, six outdoor pavilions with private gardens, and unique indoor and outdoor treatment facilities. Guests get to enjoy the unique Spa Garden concept with mud pool and float pool with cascading waterfall, or spend time to quieten their minds in the meditative labyrinth. For those who prefer more privacy, a special ladies’ only area is located within the lush spa gardens.

The spa menu is inspired by gastronomy and it offers a wide range of poetic and surprising treatments. Reminiscent of a gourmet French restaurant, treatments are sectioned into Starters, Mains, Specials and Desserts for guests to customise their very own pampering therapy.

Signature treatments are inspired by local elements and exclusive to So SPA such as The Sentosa Massage – the treatment is based on four main cultures of Singapore where East meets West, delivering an intense experience of harmony and relaxation. Tailor your treatments and choose from a selection of essential oils, choice of pillows, and post-treatment teas. Other signature treatments that are found in So SPAs around the world include the So Exhilarating Massage and So Rejuvenating Facial, both focusing on a euphoric experience.

Moving away from the traditional concept of spas as sanctuaries, So SPA is an inviting and socialising place that provides a very personal experience. A socialising patio encourages spa-goers to interact with one other, and is perfect for a group spa party. For a more intimate experience, guests can seek solace in the deep relaxation room, designed to calm the mind.

Treatments start from S$100 with outdoor and indoor facilities included as part of the package.

Click HERE to access the Spa Treatment Menu. 

For reservations, please call 6371 1288.

Visit www.singaporeresortsentosa.com/SoSpa for more details.

Le Club Accorhotels - Benefit More!

With over 2,700 luxury to economy properties around the world, Accor upgrades its current loyalty program (Le Club Accorhotels) and rewards the Group's most loyal customers even more. There are four major tiers of status that you earn with the program and they are namely the Classic, Silver, Gold and the Platinum (being the highest of course). Every €10 of eligible spend earns you 25 base points.

With effect from 01 July 2014, you will earn bonus points depending on your membership status with the program. I will be calculating the average cash-back/rebate for each membership tier with the standard conversion rate (2,000 Points = €40). Here's a detailed breakdown of how may points you will earn per €1 (and the average cash-back/rebate in the brackets):

• Classic Members - 2.5 points (5.0%)
• Silver Members - 3.125 points (6.5%)
• Gold Members - 3.75 points (7.5%)
• Platinum Members - 4.375 points (8.8%)

The above calculations are based on the full service properties that Accor has (since the economy properties have a different earning rate) - Sofitel, Pullman, M Gallery, Grand Mercure, The Sebel, Novotel, Suite Novotel and Mercure. 

Accrued points in Le Club Accorhotels can also be used for a range of other redemption options which include Airline Points, Partner Points, Partner Credits as well as Charity. 

For more details regarding the specifics of individual membership tiers, please click HERE to access the official website. 

Potato Head Folk opens on Friday

Travellers to Singapore will be excited to know that the hospitality and entertainment group behind the famous Potato Head Beach Club in Bali is set to open in Singapore - its first international venture. What's exciting is that this new establishment opens in Singapore coming Friday (06 June 2014)! 

Housed in an iconic building along Keong Saik Road (home to many hidden gems in Singapore), the destination combines four exciting venues that guests are able to combine or visit individually to concoct that unique experience depending on the occasion. The building will feel like a private house with various levels featuring contrasting interiors that is set to attract the creative crowd from the arts, fashion, film, music and design worlds.

First Floor (The Kitchen) - a burger restaurant
Second Floor (Living Room) - a relaxed restaurant with table service
Third Floor (Private Studio) - a decadent drinking den
Fourth Floor (Roof) - tropical paradise open-air bar 

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LEVELS ONE & TWO

Three Buns is an innovative restaurant and bar which redefines the neighbourhood burger joint and promises the best burger experience in Singapore. Serving an entirely home-made menu of mouth-watering burgers, sides, sodas and cocktails, everything is available to takeaway or enjoy whilst soaking up the atmosphere on the verandah tables.

Three Buns Restaurant will host a programme of performance, exhibition and interaction featuring Singaporean talents as well as those invited from all over the world. Be it an intimate gig by an up and coming singer, spoken word, poetry or a show of contemporary art this room will be a feast for all the senses.

LEVEL THREE

Inspired by Bromley’s own Melbourne studio, the intimate bar on on the third floor of Potato Head Folk is Studio 1939. The space showcases a selection of modern art pieces juxtaposed with Chinese heritage pieces. Serving exclusive menu items available only in Singapore in an ever-changing menu, Studio 1939 will (more importantly) also feature a selected cocktail and wine list. Studio 1939 opens from 5pm to 1am and is by reservation only (no walk-ins sorry!). 

LEVEL FOUR

Serving as Potato Head Folk’s garden, this will be a beautifully stylish, tranquil and fantastical lush bohemian oasis taking inspiration from Tiki cocktail culture. Painted in vivid blues, lush reds and vibrant yellows by David Bromley, The Rooftop is an escape for guests. One of the only rooftops in this part of Chinatown, it offers a chance to mingle and relax amongst the fragrant herbs, exotic flowers and tropical plants whilst appreciating the stunning views across Singapore. In keeping with the tropical ambiance, tiki cocktails created by Dre Masso and barbecue dishes will be served. All drinks will be served in wooden bamboo and coconut cups from Bali. This unique space will also host exclusive ‘Folk Gatherings’; regular dinners under the stars that will feature a guest chefs from Singapore and further afield, specially imported ingredients and unusual performances.

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36 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089143

Sofitel So Singapore

Housed in an iconic heritage building, formerly known as the Telecommunications Authority of Singapore (TAS) building from 1927 on Robinson Road, the Sofitel So Singapore has opened its doors in the heart of the Singapore CBD. Led by an award-winning designer, Isabelle Miaja, the Sofitel So Singapore is designed by the only French design house in Singapore - MIAJA Design Group. There are 134 impeccable rooms located within a So Hip wing and a So Heritage wing. The hotel features a light-filled atrium with unique artworks and a captivating hexagonal light installation called L’Hexagone. 

Facade of Sofitel So Singapore (Artist's Impression) 

Dine in bed on a plush ‘bed-table’ within the stunning Xperience restaurant created by Chef Anne-Cecile Degenne or take a dip in the glamorous golden-tiled rooftop pool with unsurpassed views of the urban city. 

Rooftop Pool at the Sofitel So Singapore (Artist's Impression)

Those familiar with the creative director of French luxury label Chanel, will be thrilled to know that The Lion's Seal emblem is masterfully designed by Karl Lagerfeld himself. The emblem can be found throughout the hotel in BooKube, DoorKnockers on the So Heritage Wing and the bespoke bathrobe en nid d’abeille (available for purchase) featuring the red and white ‘The Lion’s Seal’ embroidery . The library space known as La BibiloteK (next to the Xperience Bar) contains a collection of books that are carefully curated by Karl Lagerfeld himself. Front-of-house ambassadors are dressed in garde-robe straight from the fashion designer’s namesake collection, KARL LAGERFELD, as they greet guests walking through the hotel entrance. 

Accommodation

Inspired by the 19th century French decadence, every room in Sofitel So Singapore features a high ceiling and light boxes featuring images of palatial glass domes inspired by the traditional architecture of Europe and modern constructions in Singapore. Depending on the experience you are after, choose from basic rooms (So Cosy and So Comfy), club rooms (So Club) or a range of suites (So Studio, So Lofty and So VIP) for those who likes to indulge. 

So Cosy Room
25 sqm, 3-meter high ceilings with French touch, Sofitel MyBed, rain shower, 42" LCD TV with sound bar, Apple Mac mini media solution, iPad mini, iPhone5. Complimentary WiFi, free personal bar, illy coffee machine and surprise gimmicks.

Guests who fancy greater living space with club benefits can opt for a So Club room which offers up to 35 sqm in room space, champagne breakfast as well as laundry and F&B credit. 

So Club Room
35 sqm, 3-meter high ceiling, Sofitel MyBed, 42" LCD TV, Apple Mac mini media solution, iPad mini, iPhone5C. Complimentary WIFI & local calls, free minibar, Illy coffee machine & luxury playlist: champagne breakfast, F&B credit and laundry.

Bathtubs are only available for So Club rooms and above. 

So Club Room's Bathroom with bahtub

For those who enjoys more than a little indulgence, there are nine opulent suites which offers a complimentary one-way transfer from the airport. Guests will also enjoy a daily Champagne breakfast and an ‘ExtenSo’ late check-out until 2:00pm. Complemented by regal balconies flanked by antiquated columns, the So Lofty suites overlook Singapore’s bustling business district and are reminiscent of traditional Parisian apartments. With the modern traveler in mind, Sofitel So Singapore is equipped with the world’s first completely Apple®-based guest technology solution in every room, including iPad minis to control all room functions and iPhones to call for hotel requests.

So Lofty Suite
80 sqm, Sofitel MyBed, balcony, Separate rain shower & bath, 47" LCD TV, Apple Mac mini, iPad mini, iPhone5C. Airport pick up, WIFI, free minibar, illy coffee machine & luxury playlist: champagne breakfast, F&B credit, laundry, gimmicks and more.

So Lofty Suite's Bathroom with signature 'Bed' bathtub

Dining

Sofitel So Singapore's signature restaurant, Xperience will appeal to those seeking for a unique gastronomical experience. With a relaxed yet stylish gastro-bar dining concept, Xperience will take guests on a one-of-a-kind experiential and interactive culinary journey of the senses. Helmed by Chef Anne-Cecile Degenne, Xperience diners will be able to design their own customised menus, based on different culinary experiences - crunchy, juicy, smoky, creamy, silky, spicy and zesty – to name a few.

Xperience Restaurant at the Sofitel So Singapore

Ensuring a social environment and tapping into the increasing trend for family-style sharing, dishes will also be available in three sizes: XS for tasting, XM for a personal size and XL for sharing; with a complementary extensive cocktail list, allowing guests to choose drinks based on their mood or create something from scratch. Thirty-five wines by the glass ensure that all occasions can be catered to on 35 Robinson Road. Modern beats and music from the hotel’s resident and guest DJs adds vibrancy to the atmosphere of the restaurant and bar. 

The exclusive rooftop bar, HI-SO, commands 360-degree views of Singapore’s urban-skyline, and is an exclusive venue for the glamorous and fashionable young urbanites in Singapore. Guests stepping into HI-SO will be transported to a luxurious beach-club experience, complete with unique designer cocktails and delicious gourmet bites. Guests can bask in relaxing cabanas next to Singapore’s only golden-tiled swimming pool or groove to the music of the hottest DJs in town under the stars. 

Exterior Facade of the Sofitel So Singapore at night (Artist's Impression)

Opening Offers

1. Weekends@So 

Celebrate the weekend by indulging in the ultimate urban staycation at Sofitel So Singapore 
Starting from only SGD $599++ for two persons, Weekends@So includes the magnificent champagne brunch on Saturday, accommodation in one of our luxury design rooms and a morning-after all-day breakfast on Sunday with two glasses of champagne. 
 

2. 100 Dollars, 100 Days 

Be the first to experience the exquisite rooms at Singapore’s new unique design boutique hotel. Guests can book now to receive a complimentary $100 food and beverage credit for a limited 100-day period. 

For more information, or to book, please visit www.sofitel.com or call +657016800

Sofitel So Singapore 
35 Robinson Road, Singapore 068876
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