Brunei’s grande dame, the Empire Hotel & Country Club, has been further enhancing its reputation as the premier place to meet – and celebrate – by adding the Indera Samudra Grand Hall to its wide range of venues scattered throughout the sprawling 130ha seaside complex.
The property’s latest product adds 5,270sqm to its existing 3,210sqm event space portfolio and consists of four halls. Combined, they create a grand ballroom that can accommodate 2,000 for a formal dinner and up to 3,000 for cocktails, three breakout rooms seating 50 classroom-style, as well as a roof deck and outdoor space that lend themselves to themed functions, as in the case of the farewell cocktails and dinner of the 54th Assembly of Presidents of the Association of Asia-Pacific Airlines, which was staged there in November using the rainforest as a recurring backdrop.
Wifi access is available in all parts of the building.
So far, the largest event held at the Grand Hall was a Hari Raya party – the feast marking the end of the Ramadan fasting period – for local institution Baiduri Bank in October 2010.
The Empire expects to complete a new guestroom concept by year-end, spending US$6.1 million to add 196 units to its current inventory of 518. Evangeline Imperial, the hotel’s director of sales and marketing, says these will feature “abundant natural sunlight, and the latest technology showcasing wifi internet access, plus 55-inch LED TVs that allow guests to check their bills and facility information, enjoy video-on-demand and order room service”. Other conveniences will include universal plug outlets, iPod docking stations and internet radio. The new wing will be incorporated in the main Atrium Building, which consists of deluxe, superior and Ocean rooms and suites. Sixteen villas are located in the gardens. N
ASIA’S HIDDEN GEM
Low-key Brunei has all the right stuff as a high-calibre destination for regional business events
If motivation, inspiration and productivity are the key objectives of your next meeting or conference, then Brunei might just be the perfect destination you are looking for.
Brunei has many outstanding and unique components as a preferred venue for regional events, which are difficult to match by other Asian destinations.
Rich not only in wealth but also in fresh air and a clean environment, the peace-filled sultanate delivers the right ambiance for a productive strategy or brainstorming session.
Being productive is also about following the programme schedule by the minute, and a wrinkle-free logistical flow can be easily assured in Brunei given the streets do not have the ubiquitous traffic jams found in many cities.
Event organisers can put away security and safety concerns in this friendly sultanate. Outdoor activities can be designed with the confidence that your group will encounter nothing but the genuine welcome of the local residents without a tinge of commercialism.
After all the serious business is done and the minutes of the meetings have been taken, your group can enjoy a host of leisure activities to reinvigorate the mind and body for their trip back home.
Brunei has international-class golf courses to challenge both casual players and seasoned golfers. The top hotels have luxurious spa treatments to pamper your group from head-to-toe.
For the adventurous, there are wildlife excursions, jungle treks, scuba diving and other water sports to choose from.
Brunei’s ability to customise experience to fit your group’s taste and preference makes it a well-rounded destination for any discriminating batch of international delegates.
For more information, contact
Brunei Tourism at info@bruneitourism.travel or 673 238 28 22
