Thoughtfulness also comes into the design of each element of the guest experience, right down to the stylish glass lifts that offer sweeping views of the city, or the hotel’s stylish atrium, adds Aniere. For a serene escape look no further than the hotel’s Keyaki Garden Pavilion, set in the heart of a beautifully sculpted Japanese garden, the gently streaming water of the koi pond adding a romantic atmosphere. ‘Visitors say they are transported right into the charming gardens of Kyoto; it is the perfect backdrop for intimate moments such as an evening walk between couples and even marriage proposals,’ says Aniere. Keyaki offers unique experiences including the perfect backdrop for wedding proposals, as part of Pan Pacific Singapore’s Marry Me package. Graceful luxury Wherever it is in the world, Pan Pacific aims to stay true to its heritage of Graceful Luxury, with a touch of Singapore. In Pan Pacific’s new London property, in the heart of the City’s Square Mile, you will find playful nods to its Asian roots, says general manager Anne Golden. ‘Guests have told us that they feel as though they are in Asia with the humility of service and genuine kindness.’— Anne Golden, general manager of Pan Pacific London ‘We have tried to be playful with our heritage, introducing Chinese Riesling to London, and using ingredients not usually found in the West, like salted duck yolk, ponzu and tamarind. We incorporate little Asian touches into our afternoon tea collection, with viennoiseries and cakes in our SHIOK! Patisserie which incorporates flavours like matcha and dragon fruit powder.’ Experience playful nods to the hotel’s Asian roots at Pan Pacific London Golden points out that even their uniforms are cut in a way to hint at their Asian heritage, incorporating some Peranakan touches – a style of clothing influenced by the Chinese and Malay cultures – with ornate fabrics and jewellery and using brooches and mandarin collars for some of the jackets. Above all, Golden believes the elements of Singapore are best represented with the philosophy of graceful luxury, which encapsulates the heart of Singaporean hospitality. ‘Graceful luxury is a key attribute of the team, as they were chosen for their roles based on their high levels of kindness and humility as well as their attention to detail and passion for guest service,’ she says. She adds that guests are welcomed as long-standing friends and the aim is to anticipate a guest’s preferences based on the reason for their stay. ‘We aim to ensure that everyone’s experience is equally as memorable and that they experience a moment of calm away from the hustle and bustle of the city.’— Anne Golden, general manager of Pan Pacific London A touch of grace, wherever you are 2023 will be a momentous year for the group, beginning with the addition of a new hotel in its home country in April. The 23-storey Pan Pacific Orchard Singapore, located alongside Singapore’s Orchard Road shopping belt, was the brainchild of Singaporean architect WOHA, known for its dramatic nature-inspired designs. The lush 347-room haven will feature foliage-covered walls and ceilings along with a quartet of terraces. ‘Towering, living green columns with cascading foliage visually connect the four strata to lend the urban hotel a touch of resort,’ said WOHA. Pan Pacific Orchard will offer guests a unique vertical garden to experience. The design-forward hotel is made up of four unique tiers, each with a distinct feel and charm. The first tier takes inspiration from the forest, presenting guests with a majestic entrance to the hotel. Above that, the second tier offers a relaxing tropical oasis with a pool in which you can lay back beneath the palm groves. Guests also have the option of unwinding in the gardens of the third terrace, stretching out on the manicured lawn and listening to the fountains. The fourth tier has been envisaged as a Cloud Terrace, with an event space surrounded by thin mirror pools and filigree planting, bathed in natural light from the roof canopy. The eclectic environments give guests the luxury of choice to enjoy a stay their way. Meanwhile, in Japan’s vibrant Shinjuku district, The Bellustar Tokyo, a Pan Pacific Hotel, is creating a dramatic addition to the skyline. Set to open in 2023, the skyscraper complex is the vision of architectural firm Kume Sekkei, famous for having designed the capital’s Yayoi Kusama Museum, also in Shinjuku. Overlooking the gorgeous panorama of the iconic city, The Bellustar Tokyo is located on the very top floors of the skyscraper. Five penthouses form the pinnacle of the hotel providing sensational views, as well as a sumptuous duplex apartment with a plush living room, kitchen and bar.