Spring has arguably never been as important as this year, 2021. Why? Because it’s the season of rebirth, renewal and regrowth. Exactly what the world needs right now.
As the days become longer and the weather warms, plants grow and flowers bloom, new beginnings of beauty and vitality. In fact, the season was originally known as ‘springing time’, when plants would spring from the earth.
As the earth comes to life again, across Asia we celebrate with ancient traditions, including marking the arrival of cherry blossom. We look at ways to truly connect with nature and wildlife, celebrating the day which honours and celebrates our planet more than any other: Earth Day.
Finally, it’s time to look at the bubble link between Singapore and Hong Kong, hopefully reopening soon in a sign of spring rebirth and renewal that everyone is keenly awaiting.
Blossoms
First then to that cherry blossom, the profoundly important symbol of change and birth. They are especially loved because their life is very short, reminding us in the process of the temporary nature of our own lives.
Most famously of course cherry blossom is associated with Japan, where it is known as sakura. People gather in their millions to enjoy cherry blossom parties, eating and celebrating with friends, family and colleagues, all while sat under the falling pink and white blossoms. It’s a tradition called hanami and dates back at least 1000 years.
At the HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel and Spa, their afternoon Tea Set is a sakura experience for all the senses. Looking out over their Courtyard Garden with the shidare-zakura weeping cherry blossom in the full flourish of spring, guests get to enjoy perfectly formed petit fours representing the best of the season, all served on Kyoto artisanal tableware. There’s even a sakura cocktail with rosy liqueur to catch the transient beauty and aromas of spring.
At the brand new W Osaka, a ‘Feel Bubbly’ deal lets you party in style with free-flow drinks and happy hour beverages, either before or after checking out the city’s fabulous sakura blossoms. One of Japan’s best cities for hanami, choose from Osaka Castle or parks including Expo 70 where more than 5000 cherry trees entice visitors, including in the evening when they are beautifully illuminated.
It’s not just Japan however which embraces the elegance and aesthetic of blossoming flowers season in spring.
At JW Marriott Hotel Seoul, a ‘Spring in Bloom’ package celebrates seasonal fragrances in a
collaboration with Italian cosmetic brand Santa Maria Novella. Founded in 1612 in Florence, the famed craftsmen produce exquisite skincare products and perfumes, examples of which guests will enjoy during an intimate staycation with family or friends. There’s even an afternoon tea set inspired by freesia flowers.
Borneo Wildlife for Earth Day
It’s very fitting that Earth Day on April 22 falls in the middle of spring, given that it is an annual celebration of the environment and a timely reminder of the importance of long-term ecological sustainability. Events are held to mark it, lights go out – but most of all we take time to appreciate mother earth and the extraordinary natural world she provides.
It surprises a lot of people that the world’s third largest island – more than twice the size of Germany – is Borneo. The stunning biodiversity there and unique species make it a perfect destination throughout the year, but especially in springtime.
Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa is the only 5-star luxury hotel in the area of Gunung Mulu National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guests can explore the rainforest and caves of Borneo, helping to rediscover and rejuvenate themselves in tranquil rainforest surroundings. One of the biggest draws is the extraordinary sight of 3 million wrinkled-lipped bats flying out of Deer Cave, the world’s largest cave passage. For adventurers, ascending Mulu Summit and limestone Pinnacles are other possibilities – or maybe just a sunset cruise downriver on a local longboat is your idea of enjoying nature.
Staying in Borneo, Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu is the perfect base to let guests have an authentic experience of the natural world in and around Earth Day. Day trips include visits to Sandakan and the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Few creatures are as iconic as the orangutan and seeing the rescued orphaned baby orangutans from logging sites, plantations and illegal hunting are a timely reminder of man’s impact on the environment. The Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve covers 10,000 acres of virgin rainforest, where 60-80 orangutans live free.
The Spring Bubble We’re All Hoping For
Finally, to the long-awaited and much-anticipated ‘bubble’ for travel between Singapore and Hong Kong. If and when the launch is confirmed, it will certainly be the ‘spring’ that the two Asian powerhouses need. In excited anticipation, a number of properties are offering special deals and packages to ensure that the first trip in a long time lives up to – and surpasses – all expectations.
As if world-class accommodation, service and dining weren’t enough, then The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore has also become the only hotel in the world to offer an augmented reality hotel art tour experience. Whether you’re an art aficionado or enthusiast, you’ll be able to interact virtually with art pieces by renowned artists such as Frank Stella and Dale Chihuly. The storied property is home to one of the largest contemporary art collections in Southeast Asia with 350 “museum quality” pieces from other greats including Zhu Wei, David Hockney, Tay Bak Koi and Robert Motherwell. When it comes to fabulous local eats, the hotel’s Colony serves up some of the city’s finest, or alternatively Makansutra Glutton’s Bay is just a two-minute walk away for great hawker eats.
This spring when you hit up the Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel you’ll be in the heart of Orchard Road – Singapore’s prime shopping and entertainment district. Retail therapy is always a draw but after a prolonged period with no travel, the sights, sounds and goods on offer will be even more enticing. When you’re all shopped out, for rest and relaxation, sunbathe at the outdoor swimming pool in a tranquil, resort-like setting.
The Westin Singapore are looking forward to welcoming guests back while also ensuring that their well-being is front and centre. They promise a quintessential Singapore experience from their ideal location between iconic Marina Bay and Chinatown. They’ll compile a personalised itinerary for guests from Hong Kong – or indeed staycationing locals – with must-go attractions and must-eat dishes. You’ll even get a canvas tote bag stuffed with goodies including the must-have pocket tissues so you can ‘chope’ – or reserve – your seats at a local hawker centre.
When it comes to those visiting the +852 from the Lion City, then again guests are spoilt for choice. W Hong Kong has a ‘fuel fix staycation’ that includes a 30-minute Vital Dome Detox experience and bliss® spa voucher for any treatment – to kick back after a long day of sights, shopping and eating. Talking of which, the hotel’s location is seamlessly connected to the city’s famed Elements mall, meaning that every imaginable retail temptation is right on your doorstep.
If games with the family are your bag, then JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong, in the heart of the city and just steps from the Peak Tram, has a special offer to let you discover the city’s hottest attraction, ‘Monopoly Dreams Hong Kong’. In addition to a stay in well-appointed guestrooms, you’ll get coveted admission tickets, while kids even get welcome amenities. You’re also a short stroll from Hong Kong’s beloved Botanical Gardens where young and old can marvel at a world of nature from orangutans to flamingos.
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