Belmond Mount Nelson, Cape Town Celebrates ‘100 Years in the Pink’

Belmond Mount Nelson, the blushing Pink Lady of Cape Town, launches a year of celebrations to mark ‘100 years in the Pink’. The hotel was painted the rosy hue after 11 November 1918 to mark the end of World War I and a new era of peace; the centenary year begins on 10 November 2018 with a special garden party in partnership with 200 years of Veuve Clicquot Rosé. 

Throughout the year, a series of new ‘Touch of Pink’ guest experiences are available including special Afternoon Tea in the iconic Tea Lounge, pink-inspired cocktails, spa treatments and a specially curated art exhibition.

General Manager Xavier Lablaude comments, “Our beautiful lady was painted pink 100 years ago to demonstrate friendship, harmony, and peace – in doing so, the Italian General Manager at the time created a timeless icon and we are proud that this legacy lives on today. We are looking forward to continuing this legacy and to a year of rosy pink celebrations.”

A TOUCH OF PINK

Throughout the Centenary year, #BelmondTouchofPink experiences will be on offer throughout the hotel, guests will be able to indulge in rose-infused teas and cocktails and spa treatments or enjoy the sweet taste of rosé on a tour of the nearby vineyards in a classic car. A specially curated art exhibition will also raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness.

TIME FOR TEA

The famous Tea Lounge is the heart and soul of Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, subtly designed to reflect the famous pink exterior with views out onto the verdant gardens. For the Centenary year, the Afternoon Tea features delicacies such as wild berry tea Turkish delight, raspberry-filled white truffles, pink macarons, strawberry meringues and coconut ice, pink pavlova and pink filled eclairs. The Mount Nelson tea is an exclusive blend of six international teas from Africa and Asia, flavoured with buds and petals of the signature Mount Nelson pink rose. Add some sparkle with a glass of regional rosé sparkling wine, inspired by the elegance and beauty of the finest roses.

PINK CHEERS

Pink cocktails, inspired by Belmond’s other pink properties, including Belmond Hotel Cipriani, are served in Planet Bar, as well as G&Ts made with Cape Town Pink Lady Gin, named after the hotel, which is infused with hibiscus flowers and rose petals, with a heavenly hint of rose water.

TICKLED PINK

For the ultimate relaxation, Librisa Spa’s fragrant rose-petal oil massage, designed to enhance deep relaxation and increase lymphatic flow, has been created using handcrafted rose petal and geranium poultices blended with local herbs.

PINK PICTURES

Launching in April 2019, the “Touch of Pink” Art Exhibition is curated by acclaimed artist-in- residence Cyril Coetzee, whose distinguished sitters have included Nelson Mandela. The exhibition features 40 paintings by local artists with 25% of the proceeds given to Breast Cancer Association.

BLUSHING TALES

With a storied past, Belmond Mount Nelson has played host to many vibrant characters who have visited the hotel throughout its history; from Queen Elizabeth II who celebrated her 21st Birthday in the grounds and John Lennon, who surprised guests by meditating in the gardens under a tree; to President Nelson Mandela who welcomed world leaders for the first World Economic Forum held on African soil; and the Dalai Lama enlightened over 500 Capetonians who sat cross-legged on the floor in the Ballroom.

BELMOND TOUCH OF PINK

The two-night Belmond Touch of Pink package at Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel available from 8 November 2018 – 8 November 2019 based on two people sharing a room starts from 14,650 Rand (approximately £790 / USD1,000). Package includes accommodation on Bed and Breakfast basis, Afternoon Tea for two, Rose Petal massages and pink cocktails served in Planet Bar.

For more info, please visit www.belmond.com/touchofpink.

The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts

Blossoming brand weaves stories of adventure, art, culture and romance from Rome’s Piazza del Popolo to Phuket’s Bang Tao Beach.

The Pavilions, Madrid

Inspired by novelist M. M. Kaye’s epic intercontinental tale of romance and adventure, The Far Pavilions, The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts is a handpicked labour of love for founder Gordon Oldham, providing a sophisticated and engaging alternative to traditional hotels. At The Pavilions, privacy is paramount, and guests can embark on a personal adventure full of colourful local characters and vibrant communities, unique cultural insights, culinary revelations and breathtaking surges of adrenalin.

From the canals of Old Amsterdam to the steppes of central Mongolia, seven Pavilions Hotels & Resorts enchant guests by providing not just an exceptional place to sleep, but a place to be. In their own inimitable way, each and every Pavilions property offers a luxurious, intimate space where careful design and mindful service meet.

The Pavilions - Madrid

In Europe, three stunning boutique hotels in Amsterdam, Madrid and Rome will be complemented by new openings in Rome and Lisbon in the next two years. The Asia portfolio meanwhile includes The Pavilions Bali, where the brand’s story began in 2000; the magnificent flagship resort in Phuket; an inspirational eco-friendly Nepalese organic farm retreat situated in a Himalayan valley; and, every summer, a breathtaking Mongolian luxury pop-up camp offering escapism, adventure and reconnection with the essence of life and nature in the ancient Okhorn Valley National Park.

A second Himalayan experience comprising an exclusive enclave of lakeside tented villas - accessible by paddleboat, hiking or for the less intrepid off-road 4x4 - opens this November; with further new openings in Rome, Niseko and Lisbon to follow in 2019/2020.

The Pavilions - Bali

Binding all of these diverse, singular Pavilions experiences together is a shared commitment to positive participation in community life; to celebrating and elevating local talent and produce; and minimising environmental impact

About The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts
Step into one of The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts and experience luxury and immersive locales like no other. Every Pavilions Hotel is a sophisticated, private haven in which to relax or play, highlighting the arts, culture, romance or adventure. From a vantage view of Phuket’s famous beaches or a stone’s through away from Piazza del Popolo, The Pavilions properties are located in some of the most desirable spots in the world.

The Pavilions - Phuket

With the corporate office headquartered in Hong Kong, The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts is one of the fastest growing boutique hotel groups in the region, with over six acquisitions within a twelve-month span and a new headquarter office location since October 2016. With their boutique size and careful design philosophy, The Pavilions offer secluded spaces with mindful service, even in the busiest of cities. The hotels are distinctly individual and unique, yet all are underpinned by the core values of building meaningful connections in unrivalled locations and a mindful respect for privacy.

Rejuvenate Your Energy @ Alila Ubud's New Fitness Centre

Alila Ubud brings the healthy lifestyle experience to a new level with its recently opened fitness center established in collaboration with PrimaFit, whose vision is to help people to “look better, feel better, live longer”.

The fitness landscape has gone through significant changes over the past 10 - 20 years. Current trends are seeing a movement away from static machines to more whole-body movements, and an increased emphasis on training all the energy systems, as well as the musculoskeletal, neuro and endocrine systems.

This is an exciting time and Alila Ubud is determined to bring its guests a workout experience that is as good as, if not better than, the one they enjoy back home. From dumbbells and treadmills to bench presses, the equipment will engage and inspire people to do more, to push themselves further, to live better.

These days, more people subscribe to the belief that the quality of life starts with a healthy lifestyle, giving rise to many campaigns about the benefits of healthy living activities. Responding to the healthy lifestyle challenge, Alila Ubud is pleased to provide world-class health facilities in the form of a fitness center that is open for 24 hours.

PrimaFit started in 1988 with an idea, and a vision – to provide enjoyable fitness solutions for a healthy appearance and longevity. Today, it is Indonesia’s leading supplier of world-class fitness equipment and services. Whether setting up a five-star commercial facility, or a small home gym, PrimaFit can design and equip a facility that best meets individual needs.

Through its collaboration with PrimaFit, Alila Ubud now offers travelers who make health and fitness a part of their every day the perfect opportunity to stay healthy on holiday while still enjoying themselves.

For more information: www.alilahotels.com/ubud

The Sky Garden at Alila Solo

Sowing the Seeds of Sustainability

SINCE its inception in 2002, Alila Hotels & Resorts has been an advocate of sustainable tourism, integrating commerce, conservation and community towards “conscious travel”. Each of its hotels aims to provide travellers with an enjoyable stay whilst benefitting and bettering the local community.

As the tallest building in Solo, and a landmark of luxury hospitality in the region, Alila Solo aims to lead by example. As part of its commitment towards “conscious travel”, its Sky Garden on the rooftop grows a range of organic ingredients that are harvested fresh for use in the hotel’s restaurants. Additionally, the Sky Garden helps in the management of food waste, with organic food waste being recycled in the garden in the form of compost.

Besides providing a sustainable supply of fresh produce, the Sky Garden is also where guests participating in the hotel’s Cooking Class can learn more about the garden and handpick the ingredients they will cook with at Épice restaurant. In this journey from garden to plate, guests will learn how to cook three or four authentic Indonesian dishes, which they will then enjoy for lunch in the venue of their choice: the main restaurant, pool deck or in their room or suite. A truly nourishing and memorable experience to be savoured long after leaving Solo.

Selected ingredients are also harvested from the organic garden and used to create signature cocktails by the resident mixologists of Agra Rooftop bar and lounge. Guests can try their hand at concocting these garden-to-glass tipples in a fun Mixology Class for two, learning how to whip up a cocktail like a pro from Agra’s bartenders. Guests will be served a delicious platter of food to share while waiting to unleash their inner mixologist.

These immersive Alila Experiences can be booked by guests during their stay at Alila Solo:

Épice Cooking Class: IDR 480,000++ / person
Agra Mixology Class: IDR 528,000++ / person

For reservations, email us at: solo@alilahotels.com

For more information: Alila Hotels

The Immersive Alila Experience

A new urban retreat in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s cosmopolitan Bangsar district that's surprisingly different

ALILA 's first property in Malaysia now welcomes guests at their urban retreat set high above Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant Bangsar district. Taking up the the top floors of The Establishment, the five- star Alila Bangsar is a contemporary haven for business and leisure blending a lively city vibe with world-class restaurants and bars.

Innovative Design by Neri and Hu

Alila Bangsar’s sleek, dark-cladded façade provides a dramatic contrast to its soothing white interiors. Clean lines, and natural tones allow light to stream in while revealing striking views of the iconic skyline with artfully placed lush foliage bringing nature indoors. Meticulously designed by internationally renowned duo Lyndon Neri & Rossana Hu, the hotel’s 143 rooms and suites comprises Studios, Balcony Studios, Deluxe Studios, Deluxe Corner Studios, the Bangsar Suites and Alila Suites. The spacious interiors come with floor-to-ceiling windows bathing the rooms with natural light and panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur. Guest rooms are equipped with LED television, telephone, in-room safe, minibar and kettle. A dedicated butler service is provided at the Alila Living Room located on every guest floor from the 35th to 40th floors, with all day refreshments to pamper guests with a home-away-from-home experience.

R & R, Alila-Style

Unwind by the pool on Level 40, where its garden landscaping, luxurious loungers, and infusions of natural light give way to spectacular views. The Pool Bar serves retro favourites and local tropical flavours. On level 41, the French semi fine-dining restaurant Entier, takes an avant-garde approach, in nose to tail dining - helmed by Chef Masashi Hirouchi from the two Michelin-starred L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in London. On the same level, the Pacific Standard cocktail lounge oozes mid-century glamour while serving craft spirits. Rising above all through three levels is Lido, the Rooftop Bar, promising panoramic unadulterated views and high spirits. Made with fresh and authentic quality produce, Botanica + Co offers menus of wholesome and delectable dishes designed to delight guests’ senses.

The Alila Experience at the heart of destination Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur

Alila Bangsar invites guests to enrich their stay in Kuala Lumpur with a series of unique destination experiences curated to reveal the city’s hidden gems through activities that cater to different personal interests. From learning about local culture, crafts and culinary traditions, to exploring the city from fresh perspectives, the Alila Experience at Alila Bangsar offer once-in-a-lifetime adventures you'll never forget.

Highlights include:

1. Pewter Crafting at Royal Selangor

Kuala Lumpur is the home of Royal Selangor, the world’s foremost name in quality pewter whose history dates back over 130 years. Guests can uncover the secrets of pewtersmithing in a tour of the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre, followed by a hands-on workshop at its School of Hard Knocks, learning how to cast, polish and decorate a pewter accessory – a memorable souvenir to bring home.

2. Lake Gardens by Segway

Amidst the busy city streets sprawls the Lake Gardens, a vast park of landscaped gardens and trails. One of the best ways to explore this peaceful green oasis is on a personal guided Segway tour winding through the park’s many unique gardens and scenic spots, such as the Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens, Herb Garden and Deer Park.

3. Kuala Lumpur Food Walk

This guided walk meanders through the back streets and alleys of the city and its suburbs, where guests can discover the city’s hidden food spots and best local eateries. Kuala Lumpur’s melting pot of Indian, Chinese and Malaysian cultures translates into an exciting array of tastes and flavours just begging to be savoured. A tantalising adventure for food lovers.

Off-The-Road Cooking Class

Guests can indulge their culinary passions further in a cooking class at the Lazat Cooking School, located on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur in a beautiful jungle setting overlooking the lush Penchala Hills. On the morning’s agenda is a trip to a traditional wet market to explore local ingredients, before learning how to cook some authentic Malaysian delicacies in a lovely open-air kitchen. Guests will then enjoy the fruits of their labour for lunch surrounded by the sounds of nature.

City Sky Tour

Those looking for a truly romantic gesture can sweep their sweethearts off their feet with an exhilarating bird’s-eye tour of the city in a private aircraft. Panoramic views of the skyline and its most famous landmarks from hundreds of feet in the air make for the most amazing photos, and an incredible experience to share with that special someone.

Responsible Hospitality

Sustainability is one of the pillars of Alila Hotels & Resorts and at Alila Bangsar several initiatives have been rolled out across the hotel such as IPTV technology which allows guests to access destination and facilities information on their TV and the creation of nature-friendly E-Zones to enjoy and help conserve paper. A Press Reader app is available to all guests, allowing access to any magazine and newspaper on a mobile phone or tablet as well as e-check-in via an iPad and paperless invoicing.

For more information Immersive Alila Experience

Mandala, No Other Place, Except Our Other Places

Mandalais a portfolio of privately owned, design-led residences in spectacular Balinese locations conceptualized around clean, flowing lines and open airy spaces that mix raw, industrial elements with warm, elegant and luxurious finishes to provide private refuges with a signature flair for the unexpected.

Mandala began as the vision of owner Ben Jones, Founder and CEO of the M.Development family of businessesand creator of an award-winning group of bars and restaurants, including Bali’s hottest new beach club, Ulu Cliffhouse. This trailblazing new villa brand establishes a new paradigm in luxury accommodation, bridging the gap between branded boutique hotels and one-off, fully independent villas for those who want to kick back with the creature comforts and consistency of a five star hotel while enjoying the exclusivity of a private home. Each villa is a super-luxe, five+ bedroom property, with painstaking attention to detail throughout, from interior design, architecture and services to the exceptionally high standards of staff training.

“Our ultimate goal is to create and set the “standard” for five-star villas,”said Ben Jones, owner of Mandala. “We are building a brand where consumers will expect and receive quality, experience and service on par with any five-star hotel, with the privacy and discretion of a private villa, in literally the most beautiful locations we can find.”

Designand aesthetics are central to Mandala, the result of a dynamic collaboration between the creative team of Ben Jones, James Hillier and James Brown, the acclaimed international award-winning designers of Motel Mexicola in Bali and Africola in Australia, amongst others. Each villa has been developed to meaningfully occupy its environment and is located in a carefully selected, truly magical destination, emblematic of its location, from the green Balinese rice paddies of Canggu, to the surf of Uluwatu and the picturesque lagoon in Nusa Lembongan. Ben's love of design, food, art, music and travel is reflected in the villas, and together with his wife Nathalie, who works in luxury fashion and beauty for Chanel, they have weaved their passions into the properties.

Mandala sets a premium standard across all locations, with an unforgettable food program, incredible menus and a fully stocked bar with premium brands, a wine cellar, Mandala’s custom infused spirits range and even their own bottled cocktails, inspired by Ben’s Singapore bar Operation Dagger, ranked in the world’s top 20 bars. Each property has its own art collection, bespoke bathroom products, and fully equipped gym with workout programs and a vetted list of Bali’s best yoga instructors, meditation coaches, fitness professionals, surf instructors and aestheticians all on call. The villas have attentive but discreet staff in attendance 24/7 to ensure any and every need is met.

Mandala started as a dream home in Canggu and the concept has evolved into a portfolio of superb sites with the launch of three more villas in Berawa, Uluwatu and Nusa Lembongan with further locations to follow in 2019.

The Villas

The House (Canggu)

Featured in Elle Decoration’s “World’s Most Beautiful Homes” and Condé Nast Traveller’s “The Hot List” 2017

Minutes from the surf breaks of Canggu in Bali’s most happening neighbourhood, this one-of-a-kind villa was designed by one of Bali’s leading architects and its unique features include a glass-bottomed pool, swim-up copper bar, boxing gym, and infinity swimming pool that overlooks the adjoining paddy fields. The House has five king en-suites spread over 6,500 square feet of interior, each with a signature bathroom. The striking open plan entertaining space is centered around a palm tree growing through the double height ceilings and sunken living room in shades of ocean blue.

The Home (Canggu)

This five king-ensuite bedroom villa neighbours Mandala.The House, just minutes away from the beach. The elegant villa was designed by the same award-winning architect and spans over 5,000 square feet of meticulously designed interiors, with paddy fields on two sides and a peaceful riverside frontage. Curated with world-class art and finished to the highest standards with heavy use of local stone work, artisan ceramics and bespoke furniture, highlights include the stylish poolside suites and master bedroom with tailor-made dressing room and private terrace. The property has a beautiful outdoor dining area and brass bar shaded under a fragranced canopy of bougainvillea and jasmine, this villa is truly your home from home.

The Rocks (Uluwatu)

This mind blowing 5,000 square foot luxury villa is newly finished and in arguably the best location on the island. Situated on the rocks of Uluwatu between two of Bali’s most iconic surf spots Padang Padang and Bingin, with its turquoise shutters, panoramic view and swim out access to impossible break, The Rocks is truly the ultimate beach house. Each of the six bedrooms features a pastel-hued ensuite bathroom and private terrace overlooking the white sand and azure waters, while the open plan entertaining space includes a private bar and ocean deck. Work out in the outdoor jungle gym, sip on a margarita with unrivalled views of the famous sunset and fall asleep to the sound of the waves, you won’t want to leave.

Coming soon!

The Bay (Nusa Lembongan from January 2019)

This new addition to the portfolio is located on the small island paradise of Nusa Lembongan, just a thirty-minute boat trip from Bali. For those looking for a barefoot beach getaway, look no further. This five bedroom water-front villa overlooks Sandy Bay, arguably the best sunset spot in Bali, an area we fell in love with for its understated chicness, dreamy beach and for the wild energy and dramatic beauty of the crashing waves at Devil’s Tear just across the bay from the property. Nusa Lembongan’s vivid aqua crystal clear waters are perfect for diving, surfing and snorkeling, and the island can be hiked across in two hours and is dotted with pristine white sandy beaches.

The Services – at a glance

• The Mandala concierge is always on hand with a black book of contacts to arrange a wide range of services at the villa and excursions including: massages, spa services, personal trainers, private yoga classes, surf lessons, private bartenders, restaurant reservations, bar and club access
• Mandala knows how to throw a party, from weddings to birthdays to product launches, we have access to full catering, mixology, event planning services and can partner with our sister business Ulu Cliffhouse in Uluwatu 
• Each villa is fully staffed with an in-house manager, chef, housekeepers and full time security
• The complimentary breakfast menu caters to each and every diet, from the healthier poached eggs and avocado on rye bread to the more indulgent scrambled eggs with chorizo and fresh pastries
• If you are travelling with children we can provide a baby cot, arrange for barriers to surround the pool, organic baby purees, nannies and anything else you may need!
• VIP meet-and-greet service at the airport, whisking you through customs in a flash.

The Design of Four Seasons’ First Urban Hotel in Kuala Lumpur

Wilson Associates was commissioned by Hotel Properties Limited to design the interiors of Four Seasons’ first urban hotel in Kuala Lumpur. The hotel has 209 guest rooms and suites, as well as serviced apartments for extended stay and Four Seasons Private Residences. The new property is located in the heart of the Golden Triangle neighbourhood next to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center.

Design Concept

Wilson Associates took advantage of the Four Seasons hotel’s exotic location, selecting materials and finishes to reflect the local culture yet exuding understated sophistication. The interiors are light, spacious and have an open feel with soft tones which combine well with the luxurious, warm-metal finishes.

“The world has become our home where countries are no longer maps of faraway lands but destinations within our reach and within those destinations we do subconsciously look for the familiar touch that connects our heart to that land,” says Susan Isaac, Design Director & Principal with Wilson Associates.

Color Palette

From rich and deep to pale or bold, the variety of blue-green tones applied to the bedrooms at Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur adds strong accents to the space. Calming and restful, and reminiscent of forests and oceans, the blues and greens conjure youthfulness and vibrancy. Accents of pomegranate pink, associated with femininity, lend an atmosphere of freshness, sweetness, and comfort. The color represents the hibiscus hues mixed with multiple shades of grey, found in the soft sunsets of Malaysia. Tones of black, deep chocolate and soft gold are subtly blended into the spaces.

Wilson Associates’ thoughtful design masterfully interplays natural light, neutrals and fantastical color to create shadows, shapes and reflections. Period details are paired with bright all-over tones, while cut outs – interior windows, doorways, stairwells – are emphasized through sudden shifts in shade. The result is playful and mesmerizing, incorporating views of Kuala Lumpur’s breath taking skyline.

The intention of the design is to present guests with a sense of personalized comfort and the essence of belonging. From the public areas to the rooms, Wilson Associates approached the design through the eyes and expectations of a well-travelled and seasoned guest. In every space and at every junction is a sense of being comforted, welcomed and embraced.

Perks of the Location

Kuala Lumpur is a thriving city, a recognized destination by many local and foreign investments with an advancing technology sector. It is also a lush region with an equally rich tourist market, and voted the second-most visited city in Southeast Asia. The establishment of the Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur, and interior architectural design by Wilson Associates, present a sophisticated destination in the heart of this thriving locale.

About Wilson Associates

For nearly 50 years, Wilson Associates’ dynamic talent and collaborative spirit have inspired and created some of the world’s most iconic, avant-garde spaces, among them the Conrad Koh Samui; The Venetian Las Vegas; Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve; and the Armani Hotel Dubai. Wilson has a strong international footprint, with more than 300 team members and design hubs in 10 cities: Bangkok, Dallas, Dubai, London, Los Angeles, New York City, Paris, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo.