Lonely Planet Asia — April 2017

GLOBETROTTER

WORDS: JOSMIN ONG & AKANKSHA NAIR PHOTOGRAPHS: OAKWOODASIA, THE WHITBY, PARADISEVIETNAM

March this year saw the launch of the most

luxurious boat Halong Bay has ever set its eyes

on. The Paradise Elegance cruise ship was

launched by Paradise, the leading providers of

luxury hospitality services in Vietnam.

Measuring 200ton in steel, 61m long and 13m

wide, the cruiser is by far the biggest overnight

option available within the UNESCO World

Heritage site. Passengers onboard have the

option of continuing the cruise towards other

famed natural attractions around Vietnam, or

participate in land excursions around caves,

islands and fishing villages. There will be a

second Paradise Elegance cruise ship that is

expected to launch in June 2017.

paradisevietnam.com

QUIRKY LUXURY AT

OAKWOOD STUDIOS

SINGAPORE

The Oakwood recently added one more property to its award-winning

portfolio of 33 properties in Asia. Oakwood Studios, just off Orchard Road in

Singapore, is a collection of 98 serviced apartment suites. The serviced

apartments just won Best Interior Design at the recent Serviced Apartment

Awards 2017. Kitsch meets chic at Oakwood Studios, where bold shades of

red complement the stylish contemporary interiors to welcome residents to

the lavish property. Unique to Oakwood Studios are the curated spaces, such

as an open kitchen and outdoors garden terrace, and movable furniture

around the property that allow for flexible work and meeting spaces or just a

personalised niche for one. Oakwood Studios has also partnered with

Samsung, which gives guests access to smartphones that double as an

apartment key and come with complimentary data and local calls.

oakwoodasia.com/singapore

PARADISE IN HALONG BAY

THE WHITBY

OPENS IN NYC

The Whitby will be Firmdale Hotels’ second outing in New York City

that will be fitted into the heart of SoHo situated on West 56th Street

and 5th Avenue. The Whitby has only 86 rooms and suites that have

been individually designed in Kit Kemp’s colourful and carefree style

through the use of pattern, texture, and original artworks. Set over 16

stories, each guestroom also boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, and

some have private terraces with views over the city skyline. Within the

boutique hotel is The Whitby Bar that has a 30ft pewter bar and gray

oak floors. It serves all-day dining from a frequently changing menu

created by Head Chef Anthony Paris.

firmdalehotels.com