T H E O.V.T C ASSI A JAVA N I C A
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TA B L E O F CO N T EN TS 05
REIMAGINE
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A CO N T E M P O RA RY H E R I TAG E I T E RAT I O N
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T H E M U R RAY, H O N G KO N G , A N I CCO LO H OT E L
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CASS I A J AVA N I CA VA R . I N D O C H I N E N S I S
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CA R E A N D P R E S E RVAT I O N
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T H E A R B O R I ST
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BLOSSOM DIARY
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BLOSSOM INFUSIONS
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T H E P I N K D E L I G H TS CO L L E C T I O N
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O . V. T P I L S N E R
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A SIGHT TO BEHOLD
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BLOSSOM WEDDINGS
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B L O S S O M F E S T I V A L AT T H E A R C H E S
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PINK AND WHITE SHOWER ART BAZAAR
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N O TA B L E P H O T O G R A P H Y 2 0 2 0
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REIMAGINE
“Reimagining the iconic Murray Building as a luxury hotel was a remarkable component of the Conserving Central initiative. The careful conservation of the Old and Valuable Tree (O.V.T) within the site allowed it to be seen in its magnificent glory while acting as a welcome sight to guests and visitors to the hotel.” – Mr Peter Woo, Completion and Plaque Unveiling Ceremony on 20 December, 2017
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A C O N T E M P O R A RY H E R I TAG E I T E R AT I O N
In 1969, the government commissioned the former Murray Building, the tallest government office tower, on legendary Cotton Tree Drive. British architect Ron Phillips, who lived and worked in Hong Kong between 1956 and 1969, tabled his design for the new government building with a vision of energy-efficient design and modern day architecture. A sizable Cassia javanica var. indochinensis was already present prior to construction and was a majestic sight that stood proud in the carpark of the Murray Building. The tree still holds a special place in the hearts and memories of many civil servants who previously worked in the government tower. The tree was registered as an Old and Valuable Tree (O.V.T) in 2014, the only O.V.T of its species in Hong Kong, for its large size, precious species and historical significance. In 2013, the O.V.T was diligently preserved as the building was transformed into a luxury hotel as part of the Hong Kong government’s Conserving Central initiative. Constantly monitored and meticulously cared for, the tree now welcomes guests in the forecourt of the hotel’s sweeping entrance.
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Ron Phillips, taken in 2017 in UK, aged 89 years
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T H E M U R R AY, H O N G K O N G A N I CCO LO H OT E L Located along legendary Cotton Tree Drive in the heart of Hong Kong’s cultural business district, The Murray has quickly established itself as a luxury iconic landmark hotel for the city. This contemporary sanctuary features 336 sophisticated spacious suites and guestrooms across 25 storeys, with six elegant dining destinations including Popinjays, the glamorous rooftop restaurant and bar with panoramic city views. The hotel’s terraces around The Arches, an architectural signature of the building also showcase views of the city, St John’s Cathedral, Hong Kong Park and Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens. The Niccolo Room on the 25th floor adds to the list of the city’s most desirable event spaces for banquets, weddings and conferences with a capacity to seat 240 guests or receptions for up to 300. Additionally, there are two smaller boardrooms all featuring natural light. Built in 1969, the building has won multiple awards for ground-breaking and energy efficient design. Sir Norman Foster’s team at Foster+Partners accepted the challenge to re-design the architectural and interior finishes, and has brought this magnificent building to life as a celebration of the past and future. The Murray is dedicated to savvy business travellers, captains of industry, leaders in style and global entrepreneurs. Guests will experience new encounters, timeless pleasures, while discovering new styles, tastes and cultures through its unique signature experiences.
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C A S S I A JAVA N I C A VA R . I N D O C H I N ENS IS Originally from Hawaii, Cassia javanica var. indochinensis grows extensively throughout tropical Indochina. When it flowers in early summer from April to June, its majestic green canopy turns into a sea of pink and white. Hence, the tree is fondly referred to as the ‘Pink and White Shower’. It bears fruit in July and August, with seeds embedded in long cylindrical black pods. Only a handful of Cassia javanica var. indochinensis can be found in Hong Kong, and The Murray’s tree is the only one registered as an O.V.T. Cassia javanica var. indochinensis has an average life span of 50 to 60 years. The grande dame at The Murray has lived way beyond this expectation! Due to the podium of the former Murray Building being constructed around the tree, there is some evidence that the tree was already enormous in size 50 years ago. Therefore, the tree may well be at least 70 years old. Yet, it is as vital as its younger counterparts – every year it flowers with stunning pink buds, white petals and yellow stamen. A sight to behold and a gift of nature to marvel for the Hong Kong community. Registration No.: Registration Date Botanical Name: Common Name: Chinese Name: Height: Crown Spread:
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LANDSD(LEASED) CW/1 8 September 2004 Cassia javanica var. indochinensis Pink and White Shower 節果決明 17 metres 14 metres
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C A R E A N D P R ES E R VAT I O N The O.V.T’s future was under threat and almost certified dead by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department during the midst of the Conserving Central project. The government brought in a team of tree experts with the support of Chi Lin Nunnery, to preserve the O.V.T. Extra protection work was meticulously carried out during the building’s conversion project. Prior to the commencement of the work, protective measures including tree isolation fencing were carried out to ensure the demolition work would not jeopardise the health of the O.V.T. A permanent support system and soil remediation plan are also in place to maintain the tree’s condition. To date, the hotel continues to carry out regular health checks on the tree and has appointed landscape consultants to conduct biannual onsite horticultural assessments. Carrying on its important role of serving the city and the people of Hong Kong, the tree had been given a new lease on life at The Murray.
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THE ARBORIST Trees are the unsung heroes in our lives. They provide fresh air, shade from the sizzling sun, shelter and food for wildlife. Yet, when they suffer and cry out for help, it’s hardly heard. This is where the arborist comes in, as a doctor to take care of the health and safety of these gifts of nature. The arborist of The Murray has been looking after the O.V.T since the conversion project started. The project has resulted in the tree’s trunk and roots being revealed from under the concrete carpark of the former building so that it gains much easier access to sunlight. The leaning tree is also protected with substantial support to ensure it and its surroundings are safe. From fertilising and regular pruning to pest control and hedge trimming, The Murray is making every effort to keep our old and valuable friend healthy and well. Every flowering season is a triumph for us, a living record of history and memory.
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B LOS S OM D I A RY The blossoms have been recorded since 2011, from the date the first flower emerges to the day the last flower falls from the tree.
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2011
A P R I L 7 – M AY 2 0
2017
A P R I L 5 – M AY 2 6
2012
A P R I L 6 – M AY 1 8
2018
A P R I L 6 – M AY 1 9
2013
A P R I L 7 – M AY 2 3
2019
A P R I L 6 – M AY 1 9
2014
A P R I L 1 0 – M AY 2 8
2020
A P R I L 1 5 – M AY 2 9
2015
A P R I L 8 – M AY 2 3
2021
APRIL 1 –
2016
A P R I L 1 0 – M AY 3 1
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TO U RS
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Guests at The Murray are invited to go beyond Hong Kong’s dazzling city life and immerse themselves in the beauty of the hotel’s neighbourhood, where history, nature, culture and architecture intersect. Open to both hotel guests and the community, The Murray’s City Insider Tours acquaint guests with a selection of guided walks through the hotel and some noteworthy neighbouring areas to engage participants in culturally rich elements and educational perks.
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T H E H I S T O R I C M U R R AY T O U R The Historic Murray Tour is a 60-minute guided walk to engage guests with the hotel’s rich history, architecture, art and contemporary chic facilities, including the O.V.T.
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T H E B OTA N I C A L TO U R
The Botanical Tour is a 60-minute stroll through Hong Kong Park’s beautiful lake and waterfall sites, with viewing of its celebrated collection of flowering trees.
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B LOS S OM I N FUS I O N S Cassia Afternoon Tea Specially crafted to celebrate the beauty of nature, the Cassia Afternoon Tea is inspired by the O.V.T in full bloom, where spring fruits and rosy ingredients are ingeniously incorporated into both savoury and sweet treats. Delicacies to watch out for are the Strawberry Dacquoise, Sakura Macaron, Rose and Lychee Opera Cake, Brie Cheese and Beetroot Tart. Available only during blossom season in April and May at Garden Lounge. While dining at any of the hotel restaurants, guests will receive an exclusive mask holder with Cassia javanica print in tribute to the O.V.T. Alternatively, order a takeaway to bring the epicurean pleasure home. The takeaway set is also elegantly housed in a limited-edition tea stand with O.V.T floral design. GA R D E N LO U N G E, U G/F 12 April to 31 May 2021 2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.; 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. HKD 698 for two (All prices are subject to 10% service charge.)
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C H A R B O N N E L E T WA L K E R P O P- U P
An array of iconic Charbonnel loose chocolate truffles as well as the Easter-exclusive collection are available for purchase at Garden Lounge. Celebrate the blossom season with the iconic Pink Marc de Champagne Chocolate Truffles. Savour luxurious white chocolate truffles with a hint of strawberry and a creamy milk chocolate Marc de Champagne centre, all rolled in a little powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance. GARDEN LOUNGE, UG/F 22 March to 30 June 2021
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O .V . T P I L S N E R
Of special note from the personal bar in our guestrooms is The Murray-exclusive O.V.T Pilsner. Crafted by local brewery Young Master, the beer is a tribute to the majestic `Old and Valuable Tree’ at the hotel’s forecourt. A clean and crisp all-day lager, the refreshing beer is lightly steeped in floral notes, honouring the springtime blossoms of Hong Kong. Its alcohol by volume measure is 4.5%. O.V.T Pilsner is also available in the guestroom, at Murray Lane and Popinjays Bar.
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A S I G H T TO B E H O L D
Best viewed from the Garden Level, the tree has been carefully preserved and diligently cared for. Celebrate the elegance and history of this grande dame with a lovingly curated staycation where you can admire its beauty and delight in dining treats inspired by our mother nature. Available for stays between 12 April to 31 May 2021 only, “Pink and White in Bloom” is priced from HKD 2,500 per night with the following privileges: • Cassia Afternoon Tea for two at the designated restaurant or in the guestroom (alernatively, pick up a takeaway set at departure) • HKD 1,200 dining credits per night (except the Chinese restaurant) • Cassia-inspired welcome cocktail for two at Popinjays on arrival day • Complimentary overnight parking for one vehicle per stay • A blooming plant to take home For reservations and booking terms, please visit niccolohotels.com. All prices are subject to 10% service charge.
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B LOS S OM W E D D I N GS
For those whose imagination is boundless and who dream of flawless unions, enchanted memories will be yours to treasure. For those who seek a touch of majesty, in this city’s most singular beacon of style, against its most iconic backdrop, The Murray awaits.
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B LOS S O M F ES T I VA L AT T H E A RC H ES
Dates: 29 April to 2 May, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Venue: The Arches, Level 1 Festival Components: 1. Outdoor flower market and floral themed and Japanese lifestyle offerings from local brands 2. Array of market stalls with floral themed food and beverage, sustainable goods, lifestyle products 3. Local hat milliner, Ms Imelda Ho from Artisan Blossoms to showcase a specially curated collection of hats inspired by blossoms 4. Cassia Afternoon Tea takeaway to enjoy hanami 5. Perfume Scent Bar 6. Perfume Trees Gin x Perrier to curate a rejuvenating floral cocktail exclusively for The Murray
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PINK AND WHITE SHOWER ART BA ZA AR
In collaboration with the Academy of Visual Arts (AVA), Hong Kong Baptist University, to host a two-day arts and crafts market on 18 and 19 May 2021. The two parties share a mutual passion in protecting heritage and nature through art experiences. The event is also their joint effort to nurture art entrepreneurship via business activities that generate market value and public awareness. Dates: 18 and 19 May, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Curatorial Components: Tart bazaar will bring together alumni of AVA to showcase art projects, including • A tea ceremony by TOKI NASHIKI • An aromatic herbal laboratory by OKAPI Studio • The “Sound of Tree” installation by MUDWORK • An OVT cyanotype workshop by nomad nomad • A portrait drawing by STUDIO MARY • A pastel Nagomi art display and a guided tour about architectural features and natural space And 20 more art and craft related stalls hosted by HKBU Alumni
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# T H E M U R R AY B L O S S O M P H O T O C O N T E S T Capture the blossom moments to stand a chance for winning fabulous prize. From 12 April to 31 May 2021, simply follow @themurrayhk on Instagram and “like” the contest post. Take a photo of The Murray’s OVT and share it on your public Instagram account with hashtags #TheMurrayHK, #TheMurrayBlossom and #節果決明. Tag three friends in comment under the post and invite them to follow @themurrayhk. Our judging panel, including The Murray’s Hotel Manager Dean Dimitriou, journalist Benny Li and Dr. Chan Yan Chong, will select one photo entry that will win a two-night stay in an N2 Grand room with daily breakfast. For full entry details and terms, please visit the hotel official Instagram account @themurrayhk.
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