I’m coming up to my third anniversary as a Partner Account Manager at SilverDoor Apartments, but I’ve spent my whole career working in the global mobility industry, amassing some 15 years of experience. In that time I’ve worked alongside property partners all across the APAC region, from Singapore to Sydney and Shanghai to Seoul.
One of the things that I’ve realised during my time as a serviced apartment specialist is how many properties are designed in a way that reflects the diverse cultures found within the region. Whether this is through intricate interior design or innovative furnishing, demonstrating an appreciation and respect of certain cultures can go a long way in terms of generating interest from corporate clients.
Here, I want to showcase a few of the apartments that do this best…
Village Hotel Katong: Singapore
Using an array of paintings, furniture and ceramic ornaments, Village Hotel Katong apartments embrace the Peranakan culture. Derived from Singaporean natives marrying immigrants mainly from China between the 15th and 17th centuries, the Peranakans formed a stable community and created their own unique lifestyle.
Somerset Liang Court: Singapore
Somerset Liang Court’s lobby area can be described as a mini-museum, due to its exhibition of items that were used in the 1960s. Having personally visited this apartment myself, I can confirm that this added element of history gives the apartments a distinctive sense of historical importance.
Capri by Fraser China Square: Singapore
When I first walk into a new property partner’s apartment, I am always looking for some energy and enthusiasm to jump out at me. When walking into the Capri apartments by Fraser China Square, the contemporary art of Samsui women dotted around the apartments struck me as a brilliant way of livening up a room. A blend of traditional Singaporean culture with modern art creates a warming and welcoming feel.
The Middle House: Shanghai, China
In my role as Partner Account Manager, I have been lucky enough to travel to many different countries around Asia-Pacific. As China continues to become one of the world’s leading business travel hubs, I have found myself visiting the country more and more. China’s heritage is a key part of their culture and this can be seen within The Middle House Apartments. Including oriental styled blinds, vases, paintings and rugs, these apartments are perfect for the culturally minded traveller.
Capri by Fraser Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam
South-East Asia is famously known for its history being embedded in their day-to-day practices. In one of Vietnam’s most busy cities, Ho Chi Minh City, this has transcended into their modern residential buildings. Capri by Fraser Ho Chi Minh City apartments have silk paper and hand-made lanterns dotted around apartments, as well as one of the national dishes, ‘Pho’, is served every day for breakfast.
Citadines Sukhumvit 11: Bangkok, Thailand
With a growing economy, luxury accommodation in Bangkok is becoming increasingly common. Citadines Sukhumvit 11 has furniture inspired and adapted from a local form of transport, a Tuk-Tuk. Combined with lots of quintessentially Thai artwork and a complimentary Tuk-Tuk service, this apartment block also offers local herbal drinks at reception daily.
Quest East Perth: Australia
One of our closest Australian property partners, Quest, has a multitude of historic properties that have endless amounts of character. One of these is Quest East Perth apartments. Built-in the 1940s, the lobby and reception was, in fact, a former church. With stained windows and a vaulted roof, the reception area provides a welcoming aura before you walk into the state of the art high-rise apartment block.
Citadines Millennium Ortigas: Manila, Philippines
One of the popular business hubs in the Asia-Pacific is the Philippines. Home to the Citadines Millennium Ortigas Apartments, they demonstrate a fantastic understanding of the national culture through ‘Jeepney’ (small buses) artwork. On top of this, traditional clothing such as ‘barongs’ and ‘husis’ are displayed throughout the property, yet again demonstrating that not succumbing to the western aesthetics can be beneficial in attracting customers from all over the world.
