HOTS ZONE

HOT | Zone

FEEL ON TOP OF THE WORLD AT AGRA THE HIGHEST ROOFTOP LOUNGE IN CENTRAL JAVA

Amid the heritage charms of Solo in Central Java soars a hip urban venue that has set nights in the city abuzz – Agra, the highest rooftop lounge and bar, located on the 29th floor of Alila Solo.

Agra offers an exclusive evening rendezvous for evening drinks and late-night celebration against Solo’s city skyline. Open every night from 5.00pm until late, Agra serves up a delicious selection of eclectic tapas, perfect for sharing, alongside a wide array of creative cocktails, mocktails, wines and spirits.

Amongst Agra’s signature cocktails is 29º (local proof), a jamubased cocktail showcasing three kinds of rum. Opt for The Italian Cream Soda for an alcohol-free alternative.

As a perfect accompaniment, indulge in flavourful bites such as Potato Bombas Barcelona, a traditional Spanish Catalan dish made with potatoes stuffed with lamb stew and pesto aioli, or Tongseng Tortellini, an Italian interpretation of an authentic Solonese delicacy. Agra seats up to 120 guests – 55 indoors and 65 at its spacious outdoor terrace, where guests may lounge in comfort and drink in the panoramic 270-degree city views. The interiors are inspired by the colours and patterns of tropical plants native to the region.

The space’s delicate colour combination and accent detail are the outstanding work of architect Budiman Hendropurnomo from Denton Corker Marshall Jakarta.

Agra’s indoor area includes a private dining room, which can be booked for private occasions and celebrations – by day, a cozy space to host an executive meeting or informal arisan for up to 12 guests, and by night, an elegant space for business dining or date nights. Lovebirds looking for a uniquely romantic dining experience may book Agra’s Dine with The Stars, an intimate five-course dinner for two with cocktail pairing, starting from IDR 1,500,000, for an unforgettable private indulgence high on level 29. Live DJ performances every Thursday to Sunday crank up the energy, making Agra a favourite weekend nightspot for urbanites. Meanwhile, those in the mood for a weeknight wind-down, can enjoy Agra’s upcoming treats, including Thirst-Day Ladies Night every Thursday from 5.00pm to 9.00pm, and a One-4-One Sundowner Ritual on Mondays to Fridays from 5.00pm to 7.00pm. Evening crowd pleasers include a series of stand-up comedy and guest DJ entertainment.

As the sun sets on Solo, Agra is the place to be… In keeping with its sophisticated vibe, a smart dress code applies – no shorts, sleeveless attire or sandals.

HOT | award

GENERAL MANAGER OF THE LANDMARK MANDARIN ORIENTAL, HONG KONG AWARDED ‘GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR, GREATER CHINA’ AT THE BMW HOTELIER AWARDS 2016

Hong Kong – The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is proud to announce that the hotel’s General Manager, Torsten van Dullemen, has been named ‘General Manager of the Year’ for Greater China at the 2016 BMW Hotelier Awards.

The award ceremony held last Thursday night hosted over 400 hoteliers from across Greater China and ASEAN. 34 award winners were announced.

Torsten has been in the hospitality industry for 30 years, living and working in 11 cities across 9 countries and 3 continents. He was appointed General Manager of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong in January 2015 and is responsible for ensuring that the hotel maintains its position as one of the best in the world.

Torsten has held several senior hotel management positions within the Group – and prior to joining The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, was General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Manila, which closed in 2014. Torsten first joined the company in 2004 as Resident Manager of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London and was also Hotel Manager of the Group’s Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok property, and General Manager of the Group’s former hotel in Chiang Mai.

Of Dutch nationality, Torsten has a broad knowledge of the international hotel sector having spent an extensive part of his professional career in both Asia and Europe. He speaks a number of languages, including Dutch, German, French and Italian.

“I am delighted to receive this award and proud to oversee this chic and stylish award-winning property in Hong Kong.” said Mr Van Dullemen. “The award would not be possible without the support of the entire hotel team, who work tirelessly to delight our guests each and every day.” He added.