Hotel living made more homey at the Grand Hyatt Residences

TOWERS OF GOLD Artist’s perspective of the Grand Hyatt Manila Residences South Tower, Grand Hyatt Manila, and Grand Hyatt Manila Residences; and the Grand Hyatt Manila Facade

The extent of the global health crisis is unknown. A bitter truth is that COVID-19 is not the last pandemic we are going to experience. Having said this, home, now more than ever, is our ultimate solace, a safe haven that should feel far from being a lockdown facility.

For some, a stint living in hotels helps create a bridge to cross life’s tougher moments. Many celebrities and artists prefer hotels to houses and apartments because of the convenience and lifestyle tied to them. Imagine having an army of staff at your disposal ready to serve and help you in every conceivable way, 24-hours a day. This is the main consideration with the real estate developer Federal Land Inc.’s current project, the Grand Hyatt Manila Residences.

This first and only Grand Hyatt branded residences concept in Southeast Asia revolutionizes the standards of Filipino luxury living. A two-tower condominium maintains the impeccable service and thoughtful amenities the iconic hotel brand has come to be known for. What sets it apart from other developments is the exclusive access residents have to the five-star hotel, Grand Hyatt Manila, with special privileges, including access to the services and facilities of the hotel.

Read more: Manila Bulletin

The pool area with a private pool house at the right for your limited social gatherings.

I LOVE staycations.

Even if it’s just in Metro Manila…even it it’s less than 10 kilometers from my home. An overnight stay or two in an attractive hotel—with a pleasant staff, comfortable rooms, and delicious cuisine—is a welcome respite from the drudgery of one’s own home surroundings (i.e., I don’t have to cook, I don’t have to clean my room, and the air-conditioning is free). The staycation experience can expectedly be jacked up by a swim in the hotel pool or a 60-hour deep tissue massage with facial.

Until Covid-19 swooped down on us, that is, and took away every bit of fun in our lives. Now staycations can feel quite stiff and a bit distressing, even if one knows hotel managements have gone through a lot of effort to make their properties feel safe and secure, while protecting their guests from the dreaded virus.

At the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, I got a taste of what staycations would be like under Covid. My hired car arrived at the entrance, and after the usual preliminary inspections at the entrance, I went through the hotel’s glass doors and came upon the property’s massive, luxurious lobby. There was something missing though: walking toward the reception area, the place seemed empty and devoid of personality.

It was quiet, and despite having an overnight luggage, no one bothered to help me wheel it. In fact, I noticed that as soon as the car pulled up in the hotel driveway, not one attendant opened the car door, as one would usually expect in a four- or five-star hotel.

Read more: Business Mirror

At home with a concierge, a spa, a gym, fancy restaurants, and 24/7 guest services, why not?

PIED À TERRE Chateau Marmont on Sunset Strip, in West Hollywood, California, last year (Valerie Macon for AFP)

Spent the weekend at the Grand Hyatt in BGC. I was on the 45th floor, might as well have been on top of the world. From my altitude, the surrounding buildings seemed dwarfed, and there were picture windows so clear the glass panes seemed nonexistent everywhere I turned that I might as well have been in the clouds.

Yes, I was up in the sky, yet everything I needed from earth down below I could have just by dialing guest services. No sooner had I made one press on the wireless than a guy came up to help me figure out the Illy espresso machine, but while he was at it, he might as well make me coffee. He did. I made a mental note to send him off to fetch me some bath salts in case I found the mood to waste precious time in the tub, but that would have been too Marie Antoinette of me in this century.

Last year, as this still-lurking, still-lingering party-pooper of a virus sent us all home grounded, some enterprising young creative made wise use of his time sheltering in place by renovating his room to look and feel like a hotel suite. He posted everything like a project in progress on social media and each of his posts went viral, spreading like wildfire on the internet feeds.

Who doesn’t want to live in a hotel? Who doesn’t want to extend a grand hotel stay for a month, a year, a decade, a lifetime?

Read more: Manila Bulletin

It’s easy to fall in love with the way of Zen, especially during these uncertain times. It is about simplicity, finding ways to meditate to cope with the chaos of everyday living.

“The Japanese have a distinctive style of form, shape, and tradition, carried down through the ages,” revealed Paul Tange, chairman of Japanese architectural firm, Tange Associates. ”In our firm, we inject simplicity to provide living and working spaces for self-discovery, personal growth, and relaxation.”

Stand high

This type of serene living stands high in the heart of Ortigas Central Business District (CBD). With Tange Associates as its design consultant, The Grand Midori in Ortigas, developed by Federal Land Inc., features Japanese aesthetics that exhibit the “height of Zen living.”

The Grand Midori Ortigas is situated in a 5,090 square meter prime property. It is a two-tower condominium that houses 908 units that will be a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom variations.

Interiors and landscape take inspiration from the Japanese concept of ‘wabi-sabi’ and ‘miyabi’ that focuses on the discovery of beauty in imperfection and expression of elegance and refinement.

“When we work on design, we consider how to incorporate the individual style and personality into the architecture,” said Tange. “Of course, we prioritize comfort of the people who will use the space in all our architecture, whether residential or commercial.”

Read more: Manila Standard

Over the last decade, we’ve seen several real estate developers ‘marry’ a luxury Hotel with Residences. It’s often been a fruitful union as the equity of the hotel chain enhances the luxury element of the residences and apartments. But generally, what they’re selling is merely the proximity of the two and the association by name. And that’s why the interface between Grand Hyatt Manila at BGC, and Grand Hyatt Manila Residences by Federal Land, really caught my attention.

It’s a ‘marriage’ that possesses a special quality;’ going beyond the proximity, convenience, brand equity, and promising Possibilities. And I purposely capitalize Possibility, as Grand Hyatt Manila Residences South Tower promises to be the benchmark for this type of luxury, high-end property. What Grand Hyatt Manila Residences South Tower offers is the opportunity to come home to grand experiences on an everyday basis!

I’ll talk about the Home & Design features below, but I’ll highlight now the a la carte services and Globalist membership to the World of Hyatt, that comes with ownership of a Grand Hyatt Manila Residences unit. Say you’re hosting a special dinner for guests or friends at your Grand Hyatt Manila Residences unit – well, imagine what kind of feast can be whipped up, the kind of surprise that you’ll elicit from your party, as you unveil the Grand Hyatt chef you privately contracted to prepare the dinner.

Read more: Manila Bulletin

Makati is a city best enjoyed from the street: it’s filled with surprises on every comer, with Ayala Avenue providing the soundtrack to your discovery. But for the uninitiated, there is more than one way to experience Makati living— from above. Imagine being able to see the sun rising over lush Urdaneta landscaping from one window, and seeing Makati’s night skyline come alive as the sun sets in another. While there will only be a handful of places that give you rich, 270-degree views of the CBD, The Estate Makati lets you enjoy this and more, from the comforts of your own home.

The Estate Makati is the brainchild of ST 6747 Resources Corporation (STRC), the joint venture of SMDC and Federal Land, Inc., and Foster + Partners, the multi-awarded British architecture firm. Foster + Partners is known for many iconic landmark structures globally like The Gherkin in London, Apple Park in Cupertino, and the Hong Kong International Airport. This will be Foster + Partners’ debut development in the country, and as such it was designed with sustainability and longevity in mind. In addition to using passive design techniques that maximize the structure’s strengths, it was also built with sustainable, environmentally friendly materials and construction techniques vetted by the firm themselves.

Read more: Philippine Star

Welcome to Mi Casa, the warmth and charm of island living.

Everyday is a holiday in this comfortable midrise condominium enveloped in a calm, welcoming atmosphere.

Designed by renowned global architecture and design firm CallisonRTKL, top local design firm Aidea, and seasoned interior designer Chat Fores, Mi Casa gives you a distinct, Hawaiian-inspired vibe that invites you to bask in life’s simple pleasures.. With its convenient location within Pasay City’s Bay Area, Manila’s entertainment hub and future business district, you re connected to key destinations in and around the bustling city.

At Mi Casa, enjoy a vacation that lasts a lifetime.

+63 917 871 8338 I www.micasa.com.ph
LTS 033484

Read more: Philippine Star

Federal Land, Inc. celebrates another milestone with the topping off ceremony of Mi Casa Hawaii Tower. The event marks the structural completion of the first tower of the development. Mi Casa is a tropical-inspired residence that features resort-style amenities and a central location within Metro Park, Federal Land’s master-planned community in Bay Area.

In photo are Federal Land, Inc. executives and partners (from left to right): Mr. Aris A. Cuevas, DMCI vice president and head building business unit; Engr. Richard Naval, head of external construction management group; Mr. Antonino Aligaen, head of technical execution group; Ms. Cherie Fernandez, head of project development group; Mr. John Cabato, head of Metro Park and Grand Central Park township business unit; Engr. Roy Lachica, head of construction management group; and Mr. Allen Mindalano, head of Federal Land sales channel group.

Read more: Business Mirror

Some of the country’s central business districts transformed into ghost towns almost in the wink of an eye last year at the height of COVID-19-related lockdowns.

From highly-urbanized melting pots of young professionals out to take on the world, CBDs became deserted communities as malls closed down and office workers stayed home.

Many predicted the demise of CBDs but more than a year later, many of these financial hubs are slowly returning to normal.

In today’s issue of Property Report PH, we look into the development of some CDBs around the country and the future looks promising.

Andrew Tan-led Megaworld for instance, is strengthening some 11 townships across the country while Ayala Land is optimistic on the rosy prospects of its Cresendo estate in Tarlac. Bacolod also has a lot to look forward to.

In Makati, Rockwell Center sees the full recovery of the office market in two years.

Sheila Lobien, Lobien Realty Group CEO, in an interview with Property Report’s Catherine Talavera, summed it well:

“For CBDs in the Philippines, it will be back to business as usual, with some tweaks to accommodate the working arrangements that may include working from home. However, we do not see the work-from-home arrangement as making a huge dent on office space requirements of companies for three reasons:

“Health protocols: More space shall be required per employee to maintain social distancing and health protocols during a pandemic;

Read more: Property Report PH

Real-estate developer Federal Land Inc. continues to revolutionize the standards of Filipino luxury living with the two-tower Grand Hyatt Manila Residences, the first and only Grand Hyatt branded residences in Southeast Asia. Designed to bring hotel-like luxury living to its residents,homeowners can expect world-class architecture, thoughtful amenities, premier location, ala carte hotel services, and exclusive access to Grand Hyatt Manila.

1 Five-star residences

Grand Hyatt Manila Residences is the epitome of luxury with an elegant design and 188 generous living spaces that are comprised of 120 sqm-to-143 sqm two-bedroom and 205 sqm-to-394 sqm three-bedroom configurations. Envisioned by Casas + Architects, Inc., the establishment puts a premium on space to give plenty of room for individuals and families to thrive and enrich their lifestyles.

Developed alongside Ove Arup & Partners and other local collaborators, the overall architectural design of the 50-story building melds style and function, masterfully constructed according to global standards of efficiency, safety, and engineering technology.

The living spaces are divided into zones, increasing privacy and exclusivity as the floors ascend. The low zone from the 8th to 25th floors consists of eight units per floor, the mid zone from the 26th to 38th floors house four units, while the high zone from the 39th to 50th floors has only two units per floor.

Inside, all units reflect a distinct, hotel-like ambiance — from high ceilings to expansive windows and private balconies that give a panoramic view of the city. Two three-bedroom units on the 39th floor have their own private garden.

All units also come with ceiling-concealed duct air-conditioning in the living, dining and bedroom areas. Designed with natural stone, polished marble, and engineered wood flooring, every living space exudes elegance and class.

Leveling up the concept of hotel-like living, the bathroom and kitchen spaces are also given the luxury treatment through seamless integration of trusted appliance brands. For instance, the two-bedroom units come with a Gaggenau range hood and cook top for the kitchen, as well as a front-loading, automatic, washer dryer in the service area.

Read more: Philstar Global