Latest news with #GrandHyattSingapore
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
More than 50 years on, grand Singapore hotel goes green
Family is a big deal to Singaporeans. You only have to go to Sunday brunch at the Grand Hyatt in the Orchard Road district and see the multi-generational tables of locals enjoying it for evidence of how family is valued as a cultural pillar in the island nation. But family ties are also important to the workings of the hotel itself. For example, long-time employee Kakak Azizah Sulaiman met her husband at Grand Hyatt Singapore, and now works with her two sons in the Rooms Department. Other staff members working alongside relatives include sisters in Food & Beverage; as well as other siblings in Engineering and Human Resources. As the landmark hotel celebrates the conclusion of a multi-year renovation – just in time for Singapore's own 60th birthday celebrations – it is also celebrating its own 'legacy of loyalty', which not only comprises these family connections but longevity of service as well. More than 35 per cent of the Grand Hyatt's staff has been with the hotel for more than a decade, some for multiple decades. When it comes to guest experience, especially in Singapore's competitive hotel market which is forecast to face a workforce shortage in the next couple of years, that kind of stability counts for almost as much as beautiful spaces. Fortunately for those staying at the Grand Hyatt Singapore, the hotel now has both. The Grand Hyatt Singapore was South-East Asia's tallest hotel and one of Singapore's first five-stars when it opened as the 22-storey Hyatt Regency in 1971.
The Age
2 days ago
- Business
- The Age
More than 50 years on, grand Singapore hotel goes green
Family is a big deal to Singaporeans. You only have to go to Sunday brunch at the Grand Hyatt in the Orchard Road district and see the multi-generational tables of locals enjoying it for evidence of how family is valued as a cultural pillar in the island nation. But family ties are also important to the workings of the hotel itself. For example, long-time employee Kakak Azizah Sulaiman met her husband at Grand Hyatt Singapore, and now works with her two sons in the Rooms Department. Other staff members working alongside relatives include sisters in Food & Beverage; as well as other siblings in Engineering and Human Resources. As the landmark hotel celebrates the conclusion of a multi-year renovation – just in time for Singapore's own 60th birthday celebrations – it is also celebrating its own 'legacy of loyalty', which not only comprises these family connections but longevity of service as well. More than 35 per cent of the Grand Hyatt's staff has been with the hotel for more than a decade, some for multiple decades. When it comes to guest experience, especially in Singapore's competitive hotel market which is forecast to face a workforce shortage in the next couple of years, that kind of stability counts for almost as much as beautiful spaces. Fortunately for those staying at the Grand Hyatt Singapore, the hotel now has both. The Grand Hyatt Singapore was South-East Asia's tallest hotel and one of Singapore's first five-stars when it opened as the 22-storey Hyatt Regency in 1971.
Business Times
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.'
Vogue Singapore
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
Kavita Thulasidas on fashioning identity, legacy, and home
A key figure in contemporary Indian bridalwear, Kavita Thulasidas leads with a sharp eye for tradition while infusing her own modish spin into designs. She took the reins of her family's iconic Stylemart boutique in 1999, turning it into a go-to for luxe bridal and fusion wear. In 2004, she launched Asian Woman, a label that quietly blends East and West with effortless grace. Her namesake label, born in 2019, zeroes in on couture bridalwear, all about intricate, personal touches. In 2024, she made her Paris Fashion Week debut, bringing a piece of home into the international spotlight. Taking the reigns of her family's famed boutique Stylemart, Kavita Thulasidas is a key player in bringing traditional Indian design forward in our local landscape. @kavitathulasidas How did you start your journey into fashion? What sparked your entry and what continues to drive your work today? Fashion has always been in my blood. I grew up in a family deeply rooted in textiles and tailoring—at just seven, I was already accompanying my mother on merchandising trips to India. That early exposure to the craftsmanship, colour and storytelling of fashion left a lasting impression. As a teenager, I was already contributing design ideas. By 18, I debuted my first full collection at Grand Hyatt Singapore. Later, I lived in France and immersed myself in fashion libraries and museums—an experience that deepened my understanding of elegance, culture and identity. Back in Singapore, I took over Stylemart as director and eventually launched my own labels: Asian Woman in 2006 and Kavita Thulasidas in 2019. Both are rooted in heritage but shaped by a contemporary sensibility. What are some of the key challenges you've faced and how have you overcome them? One of the early challenges was being boxed in as an 'Indian designer' tied solely to ethnic wear. While that identity is a part of me, it's not the whole story. I wanted to explore beyond borders, to show that my design voice could be both rooted and globally relevant. By blending Asian craftsmanship with high-fashion Western tailoring, and by constantly evolving my perspective through learning and collaboration, I've worked to challenge both personal and industry expectations. The goal is always to honour where I come from, while pushing towards new creative frontiers. Her namesake label, Kavita Thulasidas, brings her family's illustrious design ethos forward through the form of couture bridal pieces. @kavitathulasidas How does Singapore—its culture, textures or rhythms—show up in your design language? Singapore is more than my birthplace—it's my muse. I've witnessed its transformation first-hand, from a modest city-state to the global design hub it is today. That resilience, ambition and multicultural beauty is reflected in every detail of my work. My silhouettes echo our shared values: grace, strength, unity. My beadwork nods to our ever-lit skyline. My prints capture the lush vibrancy of our garden city. Over the years, my designs have evolved to match Singapore's rhythm: ever-changing, yet deeply anchored in identity and pride. 'Heritage and modernity aren't opposing forces—they're dance partners. Tradition gives my work meaning; modernity gives it movement.' What are some of the most meaningful milestones in your career so far? Winning the Singapore Stories design competition in 2022 was a pivotal moment. It wasn't just a personal win—it was a national recognition of cultural storytelling through opportunity led to showcasing my work at Paris Fashion Week 2023, which felt like bringing a piece of Singapore to the world stage. I've also been deeply honoured to have two of my designs acquired by the Asian Civilisations Museum, preserving them as part of our national heritage. These moments have affirmed that fashion can be both beautiful and meaningful. What does 'home' mean to you and how does that feeling manifest in your creative process? To me, home isn't just a place—it's a sense of belonging, a feeling of safety and purpose. Home is where your heart rests. That emotional connection is woven into everything I design. I want my pieces to carry memory and meaning; to feel timeless, personal and proudly rooted in identity. In a world of fleeting trends, I strive to create garments that people treasure, wear with pride and eventually pass down like a living heirloom, and a hint of nostalgia keeps my work grounded and personal. The local designer pushes constantly pushes creative boundaries by putting a modish spin on traditional silhouettes, blending Eastern and Western influences. @kavitathulasidas Do you think about legacy in your work? How do you navigate heritage and modernity? Always. Legacy isn't something I take lightly. Every design I create is an offering to the ongoing story of Singapore's cultural and design heritage. Heritage and modernity aren't opposing forces—they're dance partners. Tradition gives my work meaning; modernity gives it movement. I collaborate closely with skilled artisans to honour traditional techniques, while also designing with today's woman in mind: her lifestyle, her voice, her individuality. If your brand were a Singaporean dish, what would it be and why? Mala hotpot. Bold, layered, complex and unapologetically expressive. Just like my designs, it's a mix of tradition and experimentation. Every ingredient simmers with purpose. It invites you to choose your own adventure, much like how my pieces are designed for individuality. There's heat, there's harmony and a quiet confidence that lingers. Mala makes a statement and so do I. Vogue Singapore's July/August 'Home' issue is now out on newsstands and available to preorder online.
