The makings of One World Hotel
To be able to call yourself a true hotelier, one has to achieve a few milestones, from working your way up through the ranks and garnering international experience in hotels overseas to finally, helming a hotel, says Ho Hoy Sum, general manager of One World Hotel. “That is the ultimate challenge... and that’s where all my white hair comes from,” he adds, with a smile.
Ho began his 33-year career in the hospitality industry in 1976 as a cashier at Federal Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, and from there moving on to Awana Genting, then the Shangri-La Group with stints in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Beijing, before taking up the reins at the Grand Seasons Hotel and The Legend Hotel KL.
The latest feather in his cap is the opening of One World Hotel in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, which began operations in July 2007. One World has Ho’s personal stamp all over it, as he was the key driver in deciding the look, feel and identity of the hotel. As Ho tells it, he came onboard as general manager of One World in June 2006, when there was only a surface structure of the hotel on the plot of land adjacent to 1 Utama Shopping Centre. At that time, much of the details of the hotel still needed to be finalised.
“When I came onboard, some of the interior design was not yet finalised, like the F&B outlets, ballroom, guestrooms,” he says. “I spent a lot of time with the architect, as well as the interior designer, making changes to the layout.”
Ho describes One World Hotel as “classic contemporary”, one that fuses Asian aesthetics with touches of Western influence.
We are seated in a corner of the Sphere Lounge at the lobby of the hotel, basked in the soft afternoon sunlight streaming in from the tinted glass panels. Modern impressionist artworks adorn the walls, while contemporary metal sculptures and palm trees dot the seating area. Even though it was a weekday, the lounge was abuzz with pockets of people all around, and the hum of conversation mingled in cadence with lively tunes from a piano.
The lounge and adjacent lobby both have figured sycamore wall panelling and Crema Valencia marble in pleasant earth tones that exude a sense of old world glamour. An impressive chandelier illuminated by fibre optics hangs in the lobby, a somewhat futuristic-looking light fixture that made for an arresting centrepiece.
“We use a lot of chandeliers throughout the hotel, and artwork as well,” says Ho, revealing that these are all his personal touches. “Basically, I like art. To me, artwork gives a feeling of warmth and an identity to a place.”
The rooms in the hotel (there are 438) follow in the same classic contemporary vein. Tastefully furnished in amber and beige tones, the rooms perfectly marry comfort and luxury, and are outfitted with all the modern conveniences you would need. Ho highlights the element of interactivity in the rooms where, using the television and an attached keyboard, guests can perform such tasks as order room service and communicate room-to-room by broadcasting a message.
The hotel’s executive floors, called the Peridot Club, occupy five levels. Guests on the executive floors enjoy discreet and efficient check-in and check-out and exclusive use of the club lounge.
Ho says the plan was originally to build the hotel as a four-star establishment, but when he came onboard, he pushed for five-star. “There are no five-star hotels in the area, and the only other closest to it is Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa, so we are here to fill that void,” he says. To a question on One World Hotel’s competitive advantage, Ho points to the location of the hotel as having greater accessibility, as well as its MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) facilities.
“Our ballroom, when we say we have state-of-the-art equipment, we actually mean it,” says Ho. “We have the simultaneous translation system installed, high-resolution LCD projectors and high-end audio-visual system.”
Ho takes pride in that One World Hotel is “truly Malaysian”, from the architecture and interior design, which is done by local firms, to senior management, who are all Malaysians. “Some people think a five-star hotel must have a European. I think the Malaysian hotel industry has matured enough and quite a number of Malaysians have acquired enough experience to be able to run an international five-star hotel,” says Ho.
Case in point is, of course, Ho himself. With someone as experienced as him at the helm, One World Hotel is poised to make an indelible mark in Malaysia’s hospitality scene.
Varied facilities at One World Hotel
Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, One World Hotel’s full range of services, facilities, amenities and F&B outlets will ensure your needs are taken care of.
The Imperial Ballroom spans 3,100 sq m and can accommodate up to 2,000 people for banquets and 3,500 people theatre-style. The pillar-less space can be partitioned into three separate ballrooms for smaller functions. The ballroom is outfitted with state-of-the-art audio and visual systems, high-speed Internet access, satellite teleconferencing, simultaneous translation services and even vehicle accessibility. The extensive foyer outside makes for an ideal space for pre-function activities. Additionally, 15 other function rooms are available that can hold groups from 20 to 1,000 people.
Guests at the hotel can indulge in a world of relaxation and recreation. The Thann Sanctuary Spa (Malaysia’s very first) offers soothing aromatherapy treatments and relaxing massages in a peaceful and chic environment. For fitness buffs, the Wellness Centre on level two has a fully-equipped gym, four tennis courts and an outdoor swimming pool. After your workout, be sure to stop for a drink or a light meal at the Poolbar & Grill, which serves wellness cuisine and exotic juices.
When it comes to dining options, the hotel offers several delectable choices. The Cinnamon Coffee House has an extensive buffet spread every day, with mouth-watering local and international selections. The restaurant features a live cooking kitchen concept and an alfresco dining area.
Zuan Yuan Chinese Restaurant serves halal Cantonese cuisine, as well as a number of exotic Teo Chew dishes. Dim sum is available for lunch daily, and the restaurant’s eight-course set menus are perfect for family gatherings. There is also an extensive list of Chinese teas to choose from to complement the meal.
At Kura Japanese Restaurant, it’s Japanese food at its best. The menu offers an exquisite mix of rare treasured delicacies, as well as favourites like sushi, sashimi, tempura and more.
One World Hotel has three venues which are perfect for meeting friends or business associates for a drink and a light bite. Have a spot of tea at the lobby’s cosy Sphere Lounge while listening to the resident pianist play soothing tunes. For a more upbeat environment, head to the posh nightspot, the Long Bar. And cigar aficionados should make their way to the Havana Club for its selection of premium Cuban cigars.
Leisure fitness at Thailand’s Indigo Pearl Resort
The Thai beach paradise of Phuket has a reputation of being a party destination, but the Indigo Pearl Resort may soon mark a new dimension for the island’s tourism offering with a unique positioning — world class fitness and recreation programmes.
Indigo Pearl Resort’s recreation manager Sensei Darren Brinkman, a sports coach and karate instructor by training, is supported by a team of professional instructors who are able to assist guests with nature-related excursions, a vast variety of sporting and well-being activities, and a dose of culture.
Sports activities such as tennis, boxing and karate are perfect for those looking for a little competition whilst fitness classes such as FitBall, tai chi and yoga cater to those in search of overall fitness and well-being. The great outdoors are a huge pull for those looking to trek forest trails or even go cycling. If you’re looking to exercise your artistic vision, creative workshops that teach floral art, cooking and Thai massage are ideal. You’ll even be able to pick up a thing or two about the deejaying trade. Learn basic tricks such as blending, mixing, cutting and scratching in a one-hour session or alternatively, attend a three-day course where you can take home a CD of your own mix.
If you finally tire of leaving your room, rest assured that the experience of staying in is just as pleasurable. Inspired by Phuket’s tin mining past, Indigo Pearl Resort’s architecture and décor evokes a Thai factory of a century ago. The landscaping overflows with surprises: the post-modern transformation of a mature plantation spiced with modern sculpture and industrial art.
The resort’s imaginative, playful atmosphere extends from the dramatic architecture itself to the leisure facilities located within, allowing you to sculpt your own holiday or business event to personal inclination. Recognising its potential for corporate events, the resort specialises in event planning to create the best possible convention or business meeting experience.
Nominated as most stylish hotel by Singapore’s Elle magazine and ranked among the top 50 dream resorts by Honeymoon and Travel magazine, Indigo Pearl Resort was also listed in a newly-released book titled Tablet 10 Top Ten New Hotels: Asia & Africa, highlighting Asia and Africa’s 10 most unique and exciting new hotels.
To see what else Phuket’s Indigo Pearl Resort has to offer, visit www.indigo-pearl.com or email them directly at [email protected] for reservations.
Photo Short
Actress Jada Pinkett Smith turned heads when she showed up for her appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman last month, dressed in a beige corset-bodice, tube piece that accentuated her toned, petite physique. The stylish actress paired the dress with super-sexy, sky-high mercury heels from Salvatore Ferragamo’s spring/summer 2009 collection.
On the show, Pinkett Smith, whose husband is actor-singer Will Smith, talked about Hawthorne, the new medical TV drama in which she plays the head nurse and that recently premiered in the US. She also talked about her eldest son, Jaden Smith’s, new role in the remake of The Karate Kid, titled Kung Fu Kid (with Jackie Chan playing the mentor, and set for worldwide release on June 11, 2010), and revealed that the family will be living in Hong Kong during the filming.
This article appeared in Options, the lifestyle pullout of The Edge Malaysia, Issue 763, July 13-19, 2009