5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Times
Weddings and wellness at Grand Hyatt Singapore
THE STORY OF GRAND HYATT Singapore dates back to 1970, when it was lauded as South-east Asia's largest hotel. But for all its accolades, it prides itself most on the connections it has made with its guests over the years, especially its reputation as a 'venue for love', says June Choong, its director of events.
Now that the hotel has completed a major refurbishment, that connection continues to be strong, she adds. 'For decades, we have been honoured to host the weddings of the siblings, cousins and even children of the couples who previously celebrated their own special day with us.
'Many of our long-serving colleagues have also walked hand-in-hand with families through multiple milestones, becoming part of their story.'
Grand Hyatt Singapore prides itself on its reputation as a 'venue for love', says the hotel's director of events, June Choong. PHOTO: GRAND HYATT SINGAPORE
The hotel marks its own new milestone with its multiyear makeover, layering its 55-year heritage with Singapore's garden narrative. The recent transformation 'enhances the wedding experience while preserving' the features couples have loved for years, says Choong.
The Grand Ballroom's 6-m-high ceilings can accommodate tall floral decor. PHOTO: GRAND HYATT SINGAPORE
'What truly elevates the experience are the newly introduced offerings that complement the celebration – from reimagined restaurants and bars perfect for pre-wedding dinners or post-wedding brunches, to beautifully renovated suites and guestrooms that provide comfort and sophistication,' she adds.
'New gardens and lifestyle venues also offer picturesque backdrops for photography, adding more moments worth capturing.'
A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU
Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle
Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself.
Sign Up
Sign Up
The lush garden leading to the pool is one of these spaces. It was designed by landscape architecture firm Grant Associates, which has won awards for its work on Gardens by the Bay.
Grand Hyatt Singapore is now a holistic sanctuary in the heart of Orchard. PHOTO: CHANTAL ARNTS
It is also among the features underscoring Grand Hyatt Singapore's rebranding as a holistic sanctuary in the heart of Orchard. Planning a wedding can be stressful, but the hotel's new integrated wellness destination, Damai – fronted by the lush garden – can turn the pressure into peace.
'At Grand Hyatt Singapore, we believe every wedding journey should be as restorative as it is celebratory,' says Choong. That is why the hotel's wedding packages highlight a 90-minute, full-body classic massage for two at Damai. The revitalising session can be extended with time in the salt steam room or infrared sauna.
Damai can turn the pressure of wedding planning into peace. PHOTO: CHANTAL ARNTS
At Damai, designed by Japanese studio NAO Taniyama & Associates, specialised treatments such as skin-rejuvenating facials, guided breathwork and movement sessions at the first and only Mind Body Therapy wall in a Singapore hotel will leave couples feeling and looking their best on their special day.
Damai shares a garden view with Oasis, making it ideal for al fresco, barbecue-themed dinners or post-wedding brunches. The nearby garden, with its quaint arbours and clusters of outdoor seats, beckons after-meal strolls.
Eating well continues the feel-good factor, and the lauded Le Pristine Singapore fits the bill for small pre- and post-wedding gatherings in a high-design environment, featuring artworks by Rotganzen, Sabine Marcelis and Rinus Van de Velde handpicked by chef Sergio Herman.
Grand Hyatt Singapore offers four ballrooms to choose from. PHOTO: GRAND HYATT SINGAPORE
The hotel's other culinary institutions, beloved for generations, offer more familiar spaces for small gatherings. There is Pete's Place for relaxed Italian cuisine; 10|Scotts for cosy, cocktail-style dining; and StraitsKitchen, one of the few fully halal-certified hotel restaurants in Singapore.
For the ceremony, Grand Hyatt Singapore offers four ballrooms to choose from. In the Grand Ballroom – the most spectacular of the lot – 6-metre-high ceilings offer ample room to show off tall, dramatic floral decor.
When the partying is done and dusted, newlyweds ought to return to Damai to rest and reconnect. PHOTO: GRAND HYATT SINGAPORE
And when the partying is done and dusted, Choong recommends a return to Damai. 'For those extending their stay, Damai provides a tranquil environment to rest and reconnect.' This sets the tone for the next step after the wedding – the honeymoon.
The spa's Recovery programme is a good choice following the festivities – the 120-minute experience includes infrared heat and LED light therapy to boost the metabolism, rejuvenate the skin, aid muscle recovery, and reduce fatigue.
With Grand Hyatt Singapore, couples can start married life on a refreshed and peaceful note. PHOTO: GRAND HYATT SINGAPORE
'Additional experiences such as private yoga or meditation, access to the vitality pool and relaxation lounge, and treatments designed for deep renewal offer newlyweds a chance to begin their next chapter feeling centred, recharged and well-cared for,' says Choong. 'It's a perfect way to start married life – on a refreshed and peaceful note.'
