Latest news with #SignielSeoul
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Seoul hotels double down on ‘small luxuries' with fancier, pricier desserts
Champagne bingsu with Perrier-Jouët sold at the InterContinental Seoul Parnas. PHOTO: INTERCONTINENTAL SEOUL PARNAS Seoul hotels double down on 'small luxuries' with fancier, pricier desserts SEOUL - The price of summer desserts in South Korea's luxury hotels has hit a new high, with one bowl of bingsu now selling for up to 150,000 won (S$140). High-end hotels are banking on what they call 'small luxuries' to appeal to locals looking for special indulgences even in a time of rising inflation. On Sunday, the InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas released this season's most expensive offering: a bingsu made in collaboration with French champagne brand Perrier-Jouet. Priced at 150,000 won, it just edges out 2024's record set by the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, with a mango bingsu that sold for 149,000 won. The new Belle Epoque-themed dessert includes champagne granita, avocado-coconut ice cream, and a swirl of Swiss Tete de Moine cheese on top. A official from the InterContinental said the hotel wants to to deliver a 'multi-sensory gastronomic experience' through its collaboration with a global premium brand. Signiel Seoul, located in South Korea's tallest skyscraper, is leaning into the apple mango trend with a series of high-end desserts crafted under the consultation of French chef Yannick Alleno. Valrhona white chocolate mango cake sold at the Signiel Seoul. PHOTO: SIGNIEL SEOUL Its signature apple mango bingsu is priced at 130,000 won, while separate offerings include a 120,000 won mango cake topped with Valrhona Ivoire white chocolate mousse. At the Shilla Hotel, its newest dessert combines black truffle ice cream, cookie crumble resembling forest soil, and herbs meant to mimic grass. The ice cream itself is made with Kimpo Gold Rice, a specialty rice once served to Korean royalty, and is topped with truffle shavings and a splash of Chateau d'Yquem dessert wine. It costs 60,000 won, and fresh truffle is grated directly onto the dish at the table. According to hotel industry sources cited in Korean media, demand for these ultra-premium desserts does not cease to grow among domestic customers. One industry official noted that more South Koreans are turning to hotel bakeries and lounges for birthdays or anniversaries as they look for 'small luxuries to feel special'. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Check out ST's Food Guide for the latest foodie recommendations in Singapore.
Korea Herald
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Packages and promotions
Sofitel Ambassador Seoul offers spring promotions with view Sofitel Ambassador Seoul celebrates cherry blossom season with exclusive promotions. The "Blooming Encounter" package includes a French lunch course with cherry blossom-themed dishes, such as crab and scallop roulade and grilled lobster tail, at the bistro Fait Maison. Guests can also indulge in cherry blossom desserts at Jardin d'Hiver, created in collaboration with French chocolatier Valrhona. At the rooftop bar Latitude32, three cherry blossom-inspired cocktails are available, alongside an augmented reality game, "Cherry Drop," offering prizes like French buffet vouchers and Moet Champagne. The hotel is also offering the "Lucky Blossom" package, which includes a lake-view room upgrade and access to the rooftop bar and AR game. The package is available for bookings until April 10, with stays until April 13. Kumho Tongyeong Marina Resort enhances family activities Kumho Tongyeong Marina Resort is enhancing its offerings for spring with new family-friendly activities and an updated breakfast menu. The resort is introducing two new yacht programs: Yi Sun-sin Historical Sailing Tour and Navigator Experience Yacht Program. Guests can enjoy a historical tour of Hansando Island and Jeseungdang while wearing Yi Sun-sin costumes, or take part in a navigation experience with exploration kits. The resort is also offering a Premium Charter Yacht package that includes costumes, bird feeding and photo opportunities. The revamped breakfast menu features local specialties like Tongyeong-style bibimbap, grilled sea eel and fresh pho. Signiel Seoul launches 'Signiel Blossom' package Signiel Seoul has introduced a 'Signiel Blossom' package that includes a one-night stay and the option to choose between two cherry blossom cocktails or an afternoon tea set. The limited-edition cherry blossom cocktails are Deep Blossom, which blends the scent of cherry blossoms and peach, and Blossom Tree, combining grapefruit with cherry blossom aroma. Guests can also enjoy the Le Gouter Signiel afternoon tea set, featuring nine desserts such as champagne strawberry mousse and strawberry Basque cheesecake. The package is available for reservations until April 10, with stays through April 15. Three distinctive happy hours at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul Four Seasons Hotel Seoul introduces an exclusive 'Happy Hour Promotion' at Akira Back, Charles H. and OUL. At Akira Back, enjoy a special happy hour featuring one signature dish and a beverage for 45,000 won per person. Dishes include tuna pizza, hanwoo tacos and soft shell crab. This offer is available daily from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m until June 30. Happy hour at Charles H. offers a selection of cocktails paired with premium bites like truffle arancini bites and hanwoo beef tartare, priced at 50,000 won per person, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m daily. OUL, a contemporary Korean bar, offers signature cocktails and modern Korean dishes such as chadol baegi muchim, (seasoned beef brisket) and dak twigim (fried chicken) for 45,000 won per person. Happy hour runs Tuesday to Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., available until May 8. Kensington Hotels & Resorts launches 'Spring Flower Tour' package Kensington Hotels & Resorts unveiled a "Spring Flower Tour" package, in collaboration with nearby spring flower attractions. Available until April 30, this package includes a one-night stay, breakfast for two and access to local tourist spots. The deal is available at 13 properties, including three Kensington Hotels — Yeouido, Seorak and Kent Hotel Gwangnlli — and 10 Kensington Resorts. Guests can explore spring flower spots such as the iconic cherry blossoms of Han River Park near Kensington Hotel Yeouido, or enjoy the scenic "Cherry Blossom Tunnel" at the nearby Mogujae Tunnel in Seorak. yoohong@
