A GRAND NEW NAME
On July 15, a “grand” celebration was held in honour of the new rebranding of Grand Nikko Bali (grandnikkobali.com), formerly Nikko Bali Resort & Spa, in Nusa Dua. The new name is meant to reflect a host of new upscale features at the resort, including 19 new luxury villas, a multi-purpose event space and a wedding gazebo. The new luxury villas include one, two and three room accommodations, all of which include private swimming pools, outdoor and indoor living areas, large bathrooms and butler service. The rebranding celebration was attended by more than 300 guests including the president and CEO of JAL HOTELS (the owners of Nikko Hotels International) , Marcel P. Van Aelst and the corporate executive officer of JAL HOTELS, Hiroshi Oishi, as well as members of the diplomatic community, media and hospitality industries. Guests were treated to a fabulous dinner as well as traditional and modern Balinese dance performances. For an in-depth look at Grand Nikko Bali’s new luxury villas, see our review on page 118.
CHEF SHERLOCK TAKES THE CASE
One of the pioneers of luxury in the south of Bali, Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa (nusaduahotel.com) has a 30 year history of satisfying the high-expectations of its guests. They recently welcomed a new Executive Chef, Ian Sherlock, to oversee the sprawling resort’s five restaurants. Chef Sherlock bring with him 28 years of experience in luxury hotels and restaurants, with a professional career spanning from England, where he was born, to China, Germany, Dubai, Morocco, Bahrain, Thailand and the Caribbean. Fluent in Cantonese and German, the critically acclaimed, award winning chef is ready to apply his vast knowledge of Asian and international cuisine to the hotel’s restaurants, which include venues specialising in Balinese, Asian, Italian and international dishes.
GOING VOGUE IN SINGAPORE
The Little Red Dot has another nightlife coup to crow as they are now home to the world’s first VOGUE Club (vogueclub.com.sg). Opened in August, the venue builds on the Vogue Cafe concepts in Dubai and Moscow. Sharing the same brand name as the internationally renown Vogue fashion magazine means that this club has a lot to live up to in the style department, but it’s uber-cool design ensures that does its printed partner proud. Set in the heart of Singapore’s central business district, VOGUE Club is housed in a cylindrical glass structure on the 45th floor of the iconic Singapore Land Tower skyscraper. The high fashion venue offers 360° panoramic views of the city’s dramatic skyline from its 200-meter high vantage point. Designed by award-winning Dutch designer Joris Angevaare, VOGUE Club features four distinct spaces including a dining room, a bar, The Ultra-Lounge and private lounging rooms. The dining room is adorned with iconic fashion photography from the magazine’s legendary archives, as well as chic baroque-inspired furniture. After hours, The Ultra-Lounge opens its doors to Singapore’s fashionable elite, where they can enjoy progressive house tunes from Resident DJ, Jon White, formerly of Ministry of Sound and Hotel Costes.
