So says our Deputy Venue Finding Manager, Stef Mansell, after a full blown visit to the Far East last month. We have a rigorous programme of venue visits throughout the year to venues in the UK, Europe and around the World. The Far East has been very much in demand this year so we needed to get up to date quickly.

The Conference People funded this visit completely ourselves and incorporated a wide range of hotels and non-residential venues.

Here she writes about just a few of the highlights of what became a very special trip….

Singapore

- Singapore is a very structured, clean, organised city
- English is their first language
- 30-minute drive from the airport

I stayed at the Grand Hyatt Singapore – The hotel is located just off Orchard Road and has 677 guest rooms along with 16 meeting rooms including two large ballrooms which can accommodate a maximum of 690 delegates theatre style.

For my first two days in Singapore I was lucky enough to be hosted by the Singapore Tourist Board who arranged hotels and venue visits for Sentosa Island, Marina Bay and the Financial District.

Sentosa Island is located approx. 15-minute drive from Marina Bay and is a little oasis away from city life. The Island offers a selection of themed attractions, rain forest, sandy beaches & some beautiful resort hotels.

The Shangri La Rasa Sentosa Resort and Spa is located on the beachfront. The hotel has 454 guest rooms and 15 meeting rooms, the ballroom can accommodate maximum of 480 delegates theatre style. You can utilise the hotels private section of the beach for team building activities along with drinks receptions and dinners.

The very famous Marina Bay Sands is as impressive as it looks and has its own Expo and Convention Centre located onsite along with 2,500 guest rooms, 30 restaurants including nine celebrity chef restaurants.

Bangkok

- Bangkok is a little rough around the edges but a very cultural and cosmopolitan city
- Bangkok has two airports depending on where you are flying to/from

I stayed at the brand-new Lancaster Hotel for two nights which has only been open since November 2017. The hotel is located in the Makkasan District and has 231 guest rooms, 10 meeting rooms and a stunning roof top outdoor swimming pool.

I stayed at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok for one night which has a great central location. The hotel has 380 guest rooms, 14 meetings rooms, nine restaurants. One of these restaurants is the Erawan Tea Rooms which has been honoured with a "Michelin Plates" recommendation by The Michelin Guide Bangkok 2018 and I was lucky enough to dine at.

The Peninsula Bangkok is a beautiful hotel located on the Chao Phraya River and offers a Thai Charm. The hotel has 365 guest rooms and seven meeting rooms. The Sakuntala Ballroom can accommodate a maximum of 440 delegates theatre style.

Hong Kong

- Vibrant, bright, busy city
- Hong Kong is approx. 30-minute drive from the airport

I stayed at the new Kerry Hotel (opened in April 2017), this hotel is located on Kowloon’s waterfront with incredible views over the Harbour. This Urban Lifestyle Resort has 546 guest rooms, seven meeting rooms including one of the biggest ballrooms on HK, an outdoor terrace (which isn’t common in HK) and a fantastic all-day dining concept with nine individual kitchens that serve a range of international and regional favourites.

Four Seasons Hong Kong has a prime location on Hong Kong Island with fantastic views over Kowloon and Victoria Harbour. The hotel has 399 guest rooms, 10 meeting rooms including two large ballrooms, two outdoor swimming pools and two restaurants (one holding two Michelin stars).

The Langham Hong Kong is located in the Tsim Sha Tsui district and has a timeless European elegance. The hotel has 498 guest rooms, four meeting rooms, rooftop outdoor swimming pool, and a three star Michelin star restaurant.

If this has whet your appetite for a taste of the Far East - give us a call on 01323 644644!