Northstar

(TOP RIGHT) ILLUSTRATION: GETTY IMAGES Venue Highlight 53 NOV-DEC 2018 MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS MCMAG-ASIA.COM Novotel Okinawa Naha opens in the district of Shuri. AccorHotels Novotel parks by Okinawa The 328-key Novotel Okinawa Naha has opened in the former royal capital of Shuri. The hotel brings the brand's signature "modern easy living" comfort to Naha City, which is home to historic sights like the World Heritage Shuri Castle. For meetings and events, the hotel has three meeting rooms that can cater for up to 540 guests. Dining options include four restaurants and a bar serving a variety of authentic Japanese cuisine, local Okinawan dishes and international buffet. Leisure facilities include a 24-hour gym, 25m outdoor infinity pool and kids' club. Nearby, guests have late night entertainment and shopping options at Kokusai Street, Sakae Machi and Naha Interchange. New properties joining city and coastal locations offer distinct themes such as music, wellness and heritage. COMPILED BY AUDREY NG AND NAOMI NEOH Hard Rock International Rocking vibes along Desaru Coast The 365-room Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast has opened as part of the Desaru Coast integrated resort in Johor, Malaysia. Corporate meetings can be held at the hotel's three meeting rooms, or for a fresh breath of air, planners can use the al fresco Woodstock Lawn for 150 guests. Nikko Hotels International Buzz on the block in Bangkok Marriott International Wellness focus at The Westin Brisbane T he Japanese luxury hotel group will open the 301- key Hotel Nikko Bangkok in early 2019. Located at 27 Sukhumvit Soi 55, the five-star hotel will be within walking distance of BTS Skytrain Thonglor station. Planners can expect extensive meetings and events spaces spanning 1,800sqm. Its largest, the Fuji Grand Ballroom, will be able to host 1,250 guests for cocktails. A further eight small and medium-sized function rooms, outdoor terrace and balcony will also be available. For dining, the hotel offers a choice of four restaurants and lounges. E vent and meeting planners looking for health and wellness-focused options for delegates can consider The Westin Brisbane, a 229-key hotel opening in November. Located 20km from Brisbane Airport and walking distance to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, the rst Westin hotel in Queensland has 930sqm of integrated conference and event space. Its ballroom, which accommodates up to 500 people, two breakout rooms, pre-function area and signature restaurant with nutritious menus are located on the same oor to encourage interaction. There are also three boardrooms with oor-to- ceiling glass windows. OPENING SOON The Westin Brisbane The hotel is also directly connected to Desaru Coast Conference Centre, which can host up to 1,000 people. Expect brand signature offerings such as a daily memorabilia tour of nearly 80,000 items in the Hard Rock collection and the Sound of Your Stay programme, which offers guests complimentary use of vinyl players and records as well as a Fender guitar.

• Cover