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Tatler Asia
09-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
Jet-set baby: The chicest baby-friendly destinations around the world
2. Kyoto, Japan With its quiet temples, spotlessly clean streets and thoughtful infrastructure, Kyoto is a dream for parents who want the 3Cs: calm, culture and convenience. Many family-friendly ryokans and hotels offer baby gear rentals (from strollers to cribs), and public family-friendly facilities are plentiful and pristine. The orderly pace of life here means minimal overstimulation for you and your baby. Why it works: Immaculate, organised and tranquil—just like you wish your nursery was Amenities to look for: Family rooms in ryokans, diaper-changing facilities at every turn and baby gear rental services Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto provides spacious baby-friendly suites, Japanese-style baths perfect for bedtime rituals and even mini yukatas for photos. Don't miss: The best things to do in Kyoto, Japan 3. Singapore Singapore is practically engineered for parents. From stroller-accessible public transport to high-tech nursing pods in malls, the city is a masterclass in urban planning for families. High chairs are everywhere, sidewalks are wide and smooth and everything is close enough to make nap schedules (almost) achievable. It's a clean, modern hub that removes the stress from urban travel. Why it works: Think air-conditioned malls with nursing rooms and parks with shaded playgrounds. Amenities to look for: Steriliser availability, nursing pods and stroller-friendly everything Where to stay: Capella Singapore on Sentosa Island offers baby cots, in-room dining with child-friendly menus and concierge-arranged babysitting. 4. Tuscany, Italy Tuscany's golden hills and warm-hearted locals create an atmosphere so relaxing, even your baby might sleep better. Agriturismos (family-run farm stays) come with kitchenettes, high chairs and ample outdoor space to roam. Locals will coo at your baby like it's their long-lost grandchild, and the slower rhythm of life is perfect for long walks and impromptu al fresco meals. Why it works: Italians adore babies, and vineyards are more charming when your baby is cooing under olive trees. Amenities to look for: Farm stays with on-site kitchens, high chairs and lots of space to roam Where to stay: Borgo Pignano, a restored estate with all the baby essentials and lavender fields to keep your Instagram stories on point 5. Vancouver, Canada Vancouver is nature's playground—with added stroller ramps. Surrounded by sea and mountains, it offers clean air, safe parks and spacious, stroller-friendly sidewalks. Baby equipment rentals are widely available, public bathrooms are equipped with changing tables and there's always a family-oriented café nearby. You get the outdoors without sacrificing urban ease. Why it works: A laid-back, nature-filled, baby-friendly city with fresh air and polite people who will happily help you with your stroller Amenities to look for: Wide sidewalks, clean public changing areas and baby gear rentals Where to stay: Fairmont Pacific Rim is a family-friendly hotel, offering cribs, childproofing kits and a knowledgeable concierge who can recommend parent-friendly spots in town. 6. Da Nang, Vietnam Tucked between lush mountains and soft beaches, Da Nang is Southeast Asia's most underrated family escape. Unlike its flashier neighbours, it offers serenity without sacrificing luxury, and the hotels here roll out the red carpet for babies. Why it works: Beachy without the bustle of Bali, and the hotels here know how to treat travelling families like royalty Amenities to look for: Poolside cabanas, kids' menus with porridge and purées and nannies on call Where to stay: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is a baby haven—think quiet beachfront pavilions, 24-hour room service and powder-soft sand perfect for chubby baby toes. 7. Copenhagen, Denmark Scandi-chic and stroller-smart, Copenhagen might just be Europe's baby capital. Here, babies nap outside in designer prams while parents sip coffee unbothered. Finally, a place where you can parent stress-free and stylishly. The public transport is ramp-equipped, restaurants have changing tables as standard and there's a general vibe that babies aren't a nuisance; they're part of the culture. Why it works: The baby-friendliest capital in Europe, where even the most stylish locals tote a Bugaboo Amenities to look for: Ramp-equipped public transport, changing tables in cafes and hotels with kitchenettes Where to stay: Hotel SP34, where you can borrow a stroller, warm bottles at the bar and step out into a city that practically invented design-minded parenting 8. Niseko, Japan While known for its powdery slopes, Niseko turns into a whisper-quiet wonderland during off-season—ideal for babies who thrive on peace and crisp mountain air. Scenic trails invite long stroller walks, and the gentle hum of the mountains makes this one of the rare places where you might actually get a full night's sleep. Why it works: Japan's premier ski resort is surprisingly great for babies, especially during the off-season when it's quiet and cool. Amenities to look for: Quiet chalets, heated floors and babyproof layouts Where to stay: Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono offers private onsens, baby cots and winter concierge services to make even snow-covered strollers manageable. 9. Gold Coast, Australia Sun, surf and surprisingly thoughtful design for families, Gold Coast is practically a baby beach utopia. Playgrounds spill onto the sand, and the locals will high-five your toddler instead of glaring. You might be booking an annual Gold Coast trip after your first visit. Why it works: Sunshine, surf and serious family vibes, with playgrounds by the beach and stroller paths galore Amenities to look for: Fully equipped vacation rentals, shaded pools and beach clubs with baby changing areas Where to stay: The Langham, Gold Coast has cribs, blackout drapes and a very understanding staff if your baby decides to cry mid-check-in. 10. Tagaytay, Philippines Just a car ride from Metro Manila, Tagaytay is the cool-weather escape where babies and their sleep-deprived parents can finally breathe. The vibe is laid-back, the air is pine-fresh and family-friendly cafés mean your baby and your in-laws will be fed and happy. Why it works: Just a short drive from Manila, this cool-climate getaway is breezy, green and wonderfully walkable. Amenities to look for: Airy suites, baby-friendly cafés and hotels that accommodate extended family naps Where to stay: Anya Resort Tagaytay offers spacious suites, cribs and cosy verandas where your baby can nap while you enjoy your fifth cup of barako coffee.
Forbes
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
New Waldorf Astoria Osaka Raises The Bar On Luxury
Peacock Alley at Waldorf Astoria Osaka The Waldorf Astoria brand made its glittering debut in Japan earlier this month. The much-anticipated Waldorf Astoria Osaka blends New York glamour with Japanese design essence in a shiny new-build set on the top floors of a 39-story skyscraper that forms part of the new Grand Green Osaka development. Imagined by André Fu, the celebrated Hong Kong-based interior designer behind some of the world's most iconic hotels, including Capella Singapore and The Upper House in Hong Kong, the hotel is an intriguing mix of Eastern and Western design. Fu's blend of the unabashed grandeur of Waldorf Astoria's New York Art Deco roots with the understated sensibility of Japanese zen minimalism is not just tasteful and sophisticated, but downright jaw dropping. If you meet at the clock at Waldorf Astoria Osaka, it will be under this 144-year-old timepiece from legendary Japanese manufacturer Seiko. Like the elegant Peacock Alley, the new place to see and be seen in Osaka, with its soaring ceilings, mesmerizing views and statement clock—a 144-year-old timepiece from legendary Japanese manufacturer Seiko—echoing the legacy of the original Waldorf Astoria New York. The 252 guest rooms are some of largest in the city, offering a mix of delicate Japanese design details and classic Waldorf Astoria comforts. The rooms, which include two 1,570 square-foot penthouse suites and a more than 2,000 square-foot Presidential Suite, all sit between the 31st and 38th floors, offering breathtaking 360-degree views spanning all the way from Osaka Bay to the Hyogo mountaintops. The hotel also features three additional food and drinks venues, as well as a huge fitness and wellness center. Osaka is part neon-lit metropolis, part retro-futuristic old town. Often ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities, Osaka is known as The Kitchen of Japan (yes, its food credentials even rival those of Tokyo!), famous for dishes like shabu-shabu (or Japanese hotpot) and a myriad of street food, from battered octopus balls (takoyaki) to cabbage-filled pancakes (okonomiyaki). Osaka is part neon-lit metropolis, part retro-futuristic old town. It is safe, progressive, easy to navigate, and an ideal alternative to Tokyo and Kyoto as more young travelers prioritize lesser-known destinations over those suffering under the blight of overtourism. "Today's luxury travelers are increasingly seeking out less obvious destinations, often bypassing 'overtourism' hotspots in favor of authenticity and deeper connections," says Candice D'Cruz, Vice President, Hilton Luxury Brands, Asia Pacific, adding that luxury hotel brands are finding new homes in places where travelers seek both novelty and familiarity. The bedroom of the Presidential Suite at Waldorf Astoria Osaka. D'Cruz explains that, while Osaka has long been a world-class destination, its luxury hospitality market has remained relatively untapped compared to Tokyo and Kyoto. "Waldorf Astoria has always been known for its pioneering spirit, and with Waldorf Astoria Osaka, we have embraced this legacy while delivering luxury in a way that resonates with a new generation of travelers. Our guests are getting younger, and they desire an effortless yet refined experience of luxury that feels personal, intuitive, and seamlessly integrated into their lifestyle," she adds. Canes & Tales cocktail bar at Waldorf Astoria Osaka. Takanori Nakamura, a journalist and television presenter specializing in luxury lifestyle and the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants Academy Chair for Japan, agrees that the opening of Waldorf Astoria Osaka has the potential to "bring a significant impact". He says that, while Osaka has a "unique" food culture, one that has the potential to make the city a very attractive destination for travel and tourism, this is not well known globally. "When people think of the city of Osaka, both in Japan and abroad, not many of them think it's luxurious," continues Nakamura, adding that Osaka tends to be perceived as "casual, intimate and friendly". "This opening could be a breakthrough, since the Waldorf Astoria brand is one of the most luxurious there is," Nakamura says. Waldorf Astoria Osaka has four food and drinks venues, including Jolie Bistro, a contemporary reimagining of a classic French brasserie. The new hotel is set right on Umekita Park, the site of Grand Green Osaka, an urban development project that has turned the city's disused train yards into an 11.5-acre park and commercial complex. Apart from the Waldorf Astoria, other high-profile openings here include the new Time Out Market Osaka, the first of its kind in Asia, featuring a carefully curated selection of 17 kitchens and two bars that showcase the best of the Kansai region's top culinary talents. Just a few minutes' walk from Osaka train station, Waldorf Astoria offers easy access to all the culinary and cultural wonders of Japan's second city—from the designer boutiques of Shinsaibashi, to the culinary vibrancy of Dotonbori, and the storied grounds of Osaka Castle—as well as the nearby cities of Kyoto, Nara and Kobe. All three are less than an hour away by high-speed train—an ideal option for anyone wishing to plan a day trip and be back in time for dinner. Kyoto, with its temples, shrines, and geisha, is only 15 minutes from Osaka by bullet train. And whereas Kyoto has been forced to implement measures such as banning tourists from certain areas and imposing a higher lodging tax for hotels following an unprecedented influx of post-Covid tourists, Osaka remains less crowded and more affordable than its neighbor. Last but not least, timing is everything, and the opening of Waldorf Astoria Osaka could not be more optimally positioned to cater to the more than 28 million travelers who are expected to visit the city in the coming months to attend the Osaka-Kansai World Expo that kicked off on April 13. "We are thrilled to open our doors at a moment when the world's eyes are on Osaka. With the city preparing to take center stage for the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, Waldorf Astoria Osaka is not just a new luxury hotel but also a symbol of the city's transformation and future as a premier global destination," comments Candice D'Cruz. The Waldorf Astoria Osaka has a huge wellness and fitness center, including a spa, an impressive gym and a dreamy indoor pool. "Japan is unquestionably one of the world's most compelling and sophisticated destinations. As Hilton celebrates more than 60 years of legacy in this remarkable country, we are proud to debut our iconic Waldorf Astoria brand in Osaka and elevate the benchmark of luxury in this cosmopolitan city,' said Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton, concluding: "This is a historic year for the brand worldwide, as we mark the growth of luxury travel here in Asia Pacific and set the course to more than double our Waldorf Astoria portfolio in this region over the next two years.'
Forbes
13-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Cacao Ceremonies, Spicy Treatments: How Capella Is Reinventing Wellness
Jorge Hernández, the director of spa and wellness at Capella Singapore, shows off a coloring book that guests receive after their treatment. The idea is to keep them disconnected from their electronic devices for a few more minutes. "We wanted to do something different," he says. Aren Elliott On the outside, Capella's Auriga Spa looks like any other wellness facility in Singapore. There are treatment rooms, saunas, steam baths and a pool. But that's where the similarities end. "We want to separate ourselves from the other luxury spas," explains Jorge Hernández, the director of spa and wellness at Capella Singapore. "We want to define what wellness means in Singapore." Singapore isn't short on high-end hotels with spas. The Raffles, the St. Regis and the Mandarin Oriental all have world-class wellness programs. In this competitive landscape, standing out requires more than just plush robes and soothing music. So Capella, a 113-room resort on Singapore's exclusive Sentosa Island, is taking a different tack. It's banking on locally inspired treatments, a strong connection with the community, and a forward-thinking approach that challenges the traditional definition of wellness. Hotels are sizing up the $6.3 trillion wellness industry in their own way. Some are integrating it into their operations. Others are adding wellness amenities to their rooms. Still others see wellness as a way to stand out from their competitors. The entrance to Capella's Auriga Spa in Singapore. Aren Elliott To set itself apart, Auriga Spa is reimagining its facials and massages — and it's reaching new markets. "Customers now want more mental wellness activities," Hernández says. "They are looking more for holistic experiences." The spa has introduced experiences you probably won't find at any other spa in Singapore, such as a cacao ceremony. The ritual is described as a "heart-opening" treatment that allows you to experience love in its purest form, feeling an intimate connection with yourself and others. The benefits are said to include an energy boost and deep reflection. It's guided by a local collective of mindfulness mentors. Capella's other treatments have a deeper purpose than relaxation. Some of its massages are synched to the moon phase and use gua sha and cuppings to improve circulation and immune support. Facials are "age reversing" with a combination of vitamins, minerals and a "highly active" collagen face mask. Its signature Balot Ng Aruga treatment even incorporates Thanaka powder, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties and is favored by royalty in Asia. "These are experiences related to Malay culture, which you won't find outside this area," says Hernández. The exterior of the Capella Singapore. The hotel integrates modern design with two Tanah Merah military buildings from the 1880s. Aren Elliott While Capella is a luxury hotel that attracts mostly international guests, its spa has cultivated a strong local following. "The main clients here are locals," Hernández says, noting that 65 percent of his business comes from Singapore residents. Interestingly, Auriga Spa has also carved out a niche with travelers making their way through Singapore's Changi Airport, a major global transit hub. "We have a wellness day pass that's very popular with airline passengers," he explained. He recalls one passenger who had a 10-hour stopover in Singapore and texted him to see if she could purchase a day pass. She arrived early in the morning, had breakfast and a 90-minute treatment, and then enjoyed the pool before returning to the airport to fly to her final destination. Singapore is, of course, one of the world's most popular layover destinations. Qantas' famous QF1 flight from Sydney to London stops in Singapore for two hours. Singapore's circular airport shopping center, with its indoor waterfall in the mall, is legendary. In a place like this, you would almost expect to be invited to a cacao ceremony or to receive a massage attuned to the lunar cycle. A massage bed in the spa at the Capella Singapore. Aren Elliott The world of wellness moves quickly. Capella's Auriga Spa is has ambitious expansion plans and is planning a full overhaul of its treatment menu to keep up. "We're going to refresh the menu in a couple of months and bring in some new exclusive skin care brands," says Hernández. Behind the upgrades, there's a strong belief that the very definition of wellness has shifted. "Before COVID, wellness was more transactional," he explains. "A 60-minute treatment was enough — then it's back to work." Not anymore. Now, wellness is seen as a necessity. People want to disconnect, and the Capella wants to help them in big and small ways. The hotel even gently encourages guests to stay unplugged after their treatment by providing them with stress-relieving coloring books.. "We want them to stay disconnected as long as possible," he explains. In an ever-changing city like Singapore, the pursuit of wellness is a dynamic journey. Capella's Auriga Spa, with its focus on unique experiences, local connections, and continuous improvement, is charting its own course. It promises to be an interesting journey.
