With the clock striking midnight, heralding the arrival of the new year, you may be scratching your head on where to go in 2020. Now, this is not just any other new year, it is the start of a new decade so it is time to live up a little by travelling to far and exotic places. To help fuel your wanderlust, The Peak has collected four experiences that you should definitely make time for in the new year.
GREAT EQ
A much-loved Malaysian landmark returns to Kuala Lumpur’s city skyline, this time taller and more sophisticated than ever. EQ Kuala Lumpur celebrated their official opening late last year, and is already making waves in the local hospitality scene. Right where the old Equatorial Hotel used to be, now sits Equatorial Plaza and the 52-storey hotel, residences and office building, bringing a breath of fresh air to the area. Aside from the legendary service they’ve been known for, EQ offers a brand new spa experience at the Sanctum Spa, high tech fitness centre kitted out in Technogym equipment, the exclusive Equator Club lounge, and the return of the signature Nipah restaurant in the lobby. Take a weekend and stay in one of their 440 luxury hotel rooms situated on the upper floors, for sweeping views of the city skyline.
READY, JET, GO
Jet around in style and in utmost privacy, with the Aman Private Jet. This recently unveiled experience is an extension of the luxury resort’s philosophy to ultimate comfort and privacy in travel. The Bombardier Global 5000 plane marks the height of luxury personal aircrafts, and now Aman’s guests have unlimited and completely customisable access to their own private jet, complete with the Aman Jet Concierge service. Whether short or long haul, domestic or international, between Aman or non-Aman destinations, passengers are able to opt in for stress-free travel. The Bombardier Global sits up to 12 and includes unique Aman touches such as on-board tea ceremony and amenities from the Aman Skincare range. Guests can also choose to experience the jet through four curated journeys across some of their best-known properties in Asia.
KYOTO CALLING
Kyoto, famous for the old-world charm of its many temples and traditional imperial palaces, now welcomes a new hotel. The Park Hyatt Kyoto is located in one of the city’s best-preserved historic districts, Higashiyama hills. This serene hillside retreat is within walking distance to several of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage sites and with the well-preserved traditional architecture of the area. The hotel is a low-rise building that houses 61 guest rooms and nine suites designed with classic Japanese architectural style. On the grounds also stands a historic Edo-era teahouse and Japanese Garden and five dining venues that showcases Japanese cuisine in all ways, from authentic breakfasts at The Living Room to craft spirits and sake at Kohaku bar, and even historic 142-year old kaiseki restaurant Kyoyamoto.
ART IN MOTION
Belmond brings yet another unique experience for their guests, this time on board the Belmond Hiram Bingham, as the South American luxury train journey gets kitted out for the Art in Motion programme. Belmond Hiram Bingham is the first train in South America with an art installation, seen on the train’s observation car that is made over with the illustrations by award-winning Peruvian artist, Fito Espinosa. But the art isn’t limited to the locomotive’s exterior, as on the inside art takes form in the food and drinks served on board. A whole new food menu is devised inspired by the landscapes of Peru and putting a contemporary spin on traditional Peruvian flavours. Drinks-wise, mixologist Aaron Diaz curated an exclusive cocktail menu that celebrates Peru’s art of spirits.
