FOUR SEASONS MACAU, COTAI STRIP
What's it like? There are not just one, but five outdoor pools ranging from 136 sq m to 511 sq m. Two of the pools are shallow pools, while another is a lagoon pool. There is also a hot tub for soaking. All are located on the ground level.
In an effort to offer event planners more options, the hotel recently invested in an acryllic glass floor that can be easily assembled over one of the shallow pools. Julius Santos, Four Seasons Macau director of sales and marketing, was attracted to the concept when he first spotted "cars in the middle of lakes in the US".
What's been held there? The "Walk on Water" innovation was unveiled in May to showcase the most recent Jaguar model, Jaguar XJ (see news).
A liquor company has signed up in August as the first customer to incorporate the special flooring in its function, while a couple has asked to use it for their wedding reception in 2014. The rental rate starts from US$12,624, excluding F&B and entertainment costs.
GRAND HYATT SEOUL
What's it like? From its perch overlooking the Han River, this Olympic-sized outdoor pool is ringed by a spacious deck and sunbathing terrace. It has an indoor counterpart inside Club Olympus fitness centre. Since swimming outdoors during Seoul's bitter winters is unbearable, the hotel hit upon the idea of extending its use as an ice-skating rink. Through the years, the conversion has become a sort of ritual for Seoulites, marking the change in seasons and time for some breath-taking fun
What's been held there? Special corporate evenings with specially designed menus consisting of hearty fare and warming beverages as well as birthday parties and "Lovers' Days" where couples pay two for the price of one.
SHANGRI-LA'S FAR EASTERN PLAZA TAINAN
What's it like? On closer inspection, the outdoor pool, located on the seventh floor as is the gym, resembles a giant heart. The spacious pathway leading to it is the area where most of the event sets up are positioned.
What's been held there? The hotel's banquet team can suggest a variety of themes to spice up a company party, with a Hawaiian motif that includes performers being a popular choice. Shangri-La's clients have included a European luxury car brand as well as global banking and pharmacutical groups. A barbecue menu tops a long list of cuisine alternatives.
SOFITEL PHILIPPINE PLAZA MANILA
What's it like? Its lagoon-style swimming pool remains the signature of this popular urban resort. Waterfalls and two giant slides add to the uniqueness of the attraction from where the famous Manila Bay sunset can be enjoyed.
What's been held there? The area by the seawall is ideal for set ups. Recent patrons included promoters of "DVF Loves Roxy", a collaboration between surf apparel and the iconic designer, Diane von Furstenberg, who staged a fashion show and Watson's personal care store that launched its "Sun Up to Sun Down" campaign, teaming up with the Philippine Department of Tourism, to highlight the country's pristine beaches and rich culture. Guests not only enjoyed a view of the famous Manila Bay sunset but also manicure and hand massage sessions, a delicious buffet and dance performances. In May 2012, delegates of the Asian Development Bank Global Conference let down their hair after deliberations in a luau-themed party there, while the Asian Patent Attorney's Meeting were treated to Filipino-themed cultural night during their function in Manila in November 2011.
W TAIPEI
What's it like? Summer or winter, the WET Deck of W Taipei is kept busy with a variety of activities. Styled as an "urban beach", the elongated pool, featuring a boardwalk and chic chaises running alongside it, has provided the stage for parties that raise the cool factor of Taipei.
What's been held there? To launch the arrival of warmer weather, "London Beats by DJ Klaus & Ameet" saw a massive DJ booth lifted above the catwalk sheething the pool that accommodated the fashion show by Quicksilver and Roxy. In December, the area will be transformed into a 200-square-metre Chill ice-skating rink, which companies can book for their festive activities. This first time the hotel did this was in December 2012, which proved so popular that it's bring back the attraction.
What's it like? Summer or winter, the WET Deck of W Taipei is kept busy with a variety of activities. Styled as an "urban beach", the elongated pool, featuring a boardwalk and chic chaises running alongside it, has provided the stage for parties that raise the cool factor of Taipei.
What's been held there? To launch the arrival of warmer weather, "London Beats by DJ Klaus & Ameet" saw a massive DJ booth lifted above the catwalk sheething the pool that accommodated the fashion show by Quicksilver and Roxy. In December, the area will be transformed into a 200-square-metre Chill ice-skating rink, which companies can book for their festive activities. This first time the hotel did this was in December 2012, which proved so popular that it's bring back the attraction.
