NEWSROOM

With the arrival of the new year, the hospitality industry embraces a new start and hotels take on new looks. Among them, one is emerging rapidly and is becoming a major player in the market: Artyzen Hospitality Group, the protagonist of this interview. At the beginning of the new year, the editors of the Grand Hotels Media have the pleasure to hold an in-depth talk with Mr. Peter Wynne, Senior Vice President of the group, to explore the charm of the rising star. 

Peter, along with his vivid narration, unveils the story of Artyzen Hospitality Group bit by bit. Launched by Shun Tak Group in 2013, the group has a head office in Hong Kong and regional offices in both Shanghai and Singapore. Under the Group’s portfolio of brands are distinctive lifestyle brands that bring to life culturally relevant guest experiences in a unique and contemporary way by celebrating the beauty of traditions, the heritage of the locations and the people of those communities. “The Group’s premium lifestyle brands include Artyzen Hotels & Resorts, Artyzen Habitat, YaTi by Artyzen and The Shàng by Artyzen. Among them, Artyzen Hotels & Resorts is our luxury lifestyle brand where each one is uniquely crafted with contemporary re-interpretation of the locale’s culture and art traditions. Artyzen Habitat is a true reflection of our brand motto – “Inhabit the Space You Live”. A midscale lifestyle brand, Artyzen Habitat is adored for its comfortable residential-like rooms, contemporary design, and space closely linked to the local community. YaTi by Artyzen is a select service hotel that truly offers elevated value for travelers who seek a cool place to stay and a vibrant space for social activities. A perfect combination of social scenes and travel needs, the brand brings to its guests great added value and a unique experience. Targeting a growing generation of sophisticated urban elites, our recent launch, The Shàng by Artyzen, caters to their desire to explore unique artistry and urban lifestyle. The Shàng by Artyzen Qiantan Shanghai is our first hotel of this distinctive brand.” Peter shares with us. In addition, Artyzen Hospitality Group also operates a collection of independent brands including Grand Coloane Resort Macau, Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel, and The Plantation Inn in Maui, Hawaii. 

“We opened our first hotel, Artyzen Habitat Dongzhimen Beijing, in 2017. It was the group’s first step to introduce itself to the world, followed by Artyzen Habitat Hongqiao Shanghai, our first property in Shanghai, launched one year later. Within four years, we are now operating seven hotels in Macau, Beijing, Shanghai, and Hawaii. It is now time for us to reaffirm our position as a homegrown business creating lifestyle brands with diverse and culturally rewarding experiences to fulfill the evolving needs of the next-generation guests, especially for travelers based in China. This is also the reason we participate in the fourth China International Import Expo this year.” Peter adds. 

Since its inception, the group has been committed to “Art, Culture and Emotional Wisdom” with unique sensibilities to curate relevant brand experiences for travelers by ‘re-interpreting’ and ‘re-imagining” the Chinese axiom of what it is to live, by way of “clothing”, “food”, “house”, “walk”, and “music”. “Clothing” is about personal style whereby guests experience unique culture and heritage of the locale through interior design, décor, and curated programs. The group also enhances the guest experience by incorporating the local culture and heritage of the city into design philosophy, showcasing the charm of the locale and conveying its brand message. For example, Artyzen Singapore, a property under development, is inspired by fusing Peranakan culture with contemporary design aesthetics, creating concepts that are uniquely ownable. “Food” means culinary innovation. This epicurean journey begins from selecting the freshest local ingredients to experimenting with creative cooking methods. Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau attributes its Sino- Portuguese connection with “Boa Vida” – translated from Portuguese as “enjoying the good life”, elevating dining experiences to appreciating a good life by curating seasonal events such as the popular Wine and Dine parties and Weekend Markets. “House” is the space where we live, and the hotel is similarly a microcosm of modern day living. Every development by Artyzen Hospitality Group is thoughtfully designed with a strong commitment to building environmentally, socially, and culturally sustainable habitats. One of Artyzen Habitat’s brand signature experiences is Townsquare – a combination of work, play, rest, discovery, and community all-in-one; a place where locals and travelers alike gather for a bite and conversations. Exploration and discovery of a city, the core meaning of travel, are encapsulated in “Walk”. Our dedicated Artyzen hosts are always prepared to recommend local favorites and hidden gems. The Penmanship workshop exclusively offered at Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau curates a journey of art, culture and heritage, where guests gain a first-hand experience of the precious art of Macau. “Music” is an essential element for the enjoyment of life. It covers events and activities that engage and entertain guests and locals as well as the curated soundtracks for different hotel brands and special live music performances and DJ events. The “Ghostly Travel Agency” at Artyzen Habitat Dongzhimen Beijing is a Halloween-themed event with games, buffet and party, where the local community and hotel guests experience an entertaining and culturally rewarding lifestyle. 

2022 will be an important and meaningful year, as it will witness milestone expansions in Lingang and Qiantan, key areas in the development of the Shanghai municipality. The Lingang cluster will be built into a special economic function area, featuring Artyzen Lingang Shanghai, Artyzen Habitat Lingang Shanghai, Lingang Xinchen International Conference Center and Eature Residences Lingang, as well as several restaurants and bars. The Qiantan cluster, positioned to become “Shanghai’s newest International Business Zone”, features Artyzen Habitat Qiantan Shanghai and The Shàng by Artyzen Qiantan Shanghai, a new brand designed for the sophisticated urbanites. As a homegrown company, the group sees Shanghai as its launch pad for business and keeps pace with the city development, making its contribution to the growth of Shanghai. NEW BUND 31, an unappalled partnership between Shun Tak Group and Lujiazui Group, is a 215,000 square meter mixed-use development project, which consists of a state-of-the-art performing arts center, a lively and fun retail space, a Class-A 36-storey office tower, and an Artyzen hotel with 202 rooms. The destination is anticipated to be in full operation by early 2023. With art, innovation and lifestyle at its core, NEW BUND 31 will become a key contributor in Pudong New Area’s goal of establishing major cultural landmarks. Peter says, “We are delighted another 12 properties are under development and target to open by 2023 in major gateway cities including Shanghai, Zhuhai, Suzhou, Chongqing, and Singapore; ten of which will be in Shanghai. This “Magic City” accounts for more than 50% of our distribution. It is our launch pad to leading premium lifestyle experiences in the region.” 

In the post-pandemic era, the young generation becomes the major customers of hotels. Peter explains, “The needs of our guests have always been our priority, especially those of Chinese guests. In the market of China, we focus on Generation Z and millennials, as on average they spend 11% more than the Generation X. The Covid-19 pandemic has truly posed a great challenge for the hotel industry, but I am very positive toward the Chinese market. In the future, we will launch more innovative services and offerings catered to our Generation Z and millennial guests to win their recognition. In addition, at Artyzen Hospitality Group, it is not only about guests finding happiness and joy. Ensuring that our employees feel a sense of belonging is equally important. Therefore, we share our values and visions to employees while carrying out trainings to enhance their understanding of the brands. We are focused on strengthening the bond and connection among our employees. Only by keeping guest satisfaction and employee engagement running in parallel can we truly build an upscale brand that is popular and celebrated in the market.” 

Peter has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and joined the group in 2020. Prior to Artyzen Hospitality Group, he assumed key roles at a number of international hotel groups. Highly seasoned in new hotel development, pre-opening management, and operations, Peter has worked across different countries, which fostered his openness and rich skills in catering to guests of different cultural backgrounds. When asked about what differentiates Artyzen Hospitality Group from its peers, he answered, “Artyzen Hospitality Group is not a cookie-cutter and not generic international but one that is boutique, lifestyle and culturally rewarding. Our vision is to create premium lifestyle brands that truly connect with our guests, locals and the community in a meaningful way.” The journey ahead is a long one with many more possibilities waiting to be explored and discovered. Young and vibrant, Artyzen Hospitality Group is blessed with unlimited vitality and potential, and we look forward to witnessing more of its exciting achievements in the future. 

Grand Hotels Magazine 2022 January Issue

The Best New Hotel in Singapore
Artyzen Singapore
Neighborhood: Orchard Road
Opening 2023

Opening in 2023, Artyzen Singapore will be the first new hotel added to Singapore’s Orchard Road district in over a decade. What was once the sprawling home of the late Tan Hoon Siang (grandson of Singapore philanthropist Tan Tock Seng) is being transformed into a 20-story luxury property. The 142 rooms (eight suites and 134 standard rooms) will sport a distinctive aesthetic, fusing reinterpreted facets of Peranakan art and style (known for intricate details and immaculate workmanship) with contemporary design. If offerings at its sister properties are a guide—like the teaching of pānānā (navigational techniques) at the Plantation Inn in Maui—expect local cultural experiences here too.

Original Article on AFAR: The Best New Hotel in Singapore 

The premium lifestyle brand experience pioneered by Artyzen Hospitality Group (the Group) goes beyond stylish, cosy accommodations to encompass unique immersion into local heritage, culture and tradition.

Artyzen Hospitality Group (hereinafter as “the Group”) partakes its inaugural exhibition at the fourth China International Import Expo to reaffirm its commitment in China. The Group positions Shanghai as the launch pad for further strategic expansion. Embracing “Art, Culture and Emotional Wisdom” as the operating philosophy, the Group creates differentiated and culturally rewarding lifestyle brand experiences to fulfill the evolving needs of the next generation of guests and to generate profitable partnerships with developers and owners.

Under the Group’s portfolio of brands are distinctive lifestyle brands that bring to life culturally relevant guest experiences in a unique and contemporary way by celebrating the beauty of traditions, the heritage of the locations and the people of those communities. The Group’s premium lifestyle brands include Artyzen Hotels & Resorts, Artyzen Habitat, YaTi by Artyzen and The Shàng by Artyzen. The Group also operates a collection of independent brands including Grand Coloane Resort, Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel and The Plantation Inn.

“We opened our first hotel – Artyzen Habitat Beijing Dongzhimen in 2017. Within four years, we are now operating seven hotels in Macau, Beijing, Shanghai and Maui, Hawaii,” said Peter Wynne, Senior Vice President of Artyzen Hospitality Group. “We are delighted another 12 properties are under development and target to open by 2023 in major gateway cities including Shanghai, Zhuhai, Suzhou, Chongqing, and Singapore; Ten of which will be in Shanghai. This “Magic City” accounts for more than 50% of our distribution. It is our launch pad to leading premium lifestyle experiences in the region.”

Artyzen Hospitality Group together with its strategic business partner Lujiazui Group are scheduled to open landmark integrated developments in Lingang Special Area and Qiantan International Business Zone within the next six months. The Lingang cluster features Artyzen Lingang Shanghai, Artyzen Habitat Lingang Shanghai, Lingang Xicheng International Conference Center and Feature Residences Lingang, as well as several restaurants and bars. The Qiantan cluster features Artyzen Habitat Qiantan Shanghai, The Shàng by Artyzen Qiantan Shanghai, a new brand designed for the sophisticated urbanites.

Artyzen Hospitality Group is a homegrown company with unique sensibilities to curate relevant brand experiences for travelers by ‘re-interpreting’ and ‘re-imagining” the Chinese axiom of what it is to live, by way of “clothing”, “food”, “house”, “walk”, and “music”.

“Clothing” is about personal style whereby guests experience unique culture and heritage of the locale through interior design, décor, and curated programs. For example, Artyzen Singapore, a property under development is inspired by fusing Peranakan culture with contemporary design aesthetics, creating concepts that are uniquely ownable.

“Food” means culinary innovation. This epicurean journey begins from selecting the freshest local ingredients to experimenting with creative cooking methods. Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau attributes its Sino-Portuguese connection with “Boa Vida” – translated from Portuguese as “enjoying the good life”, elevating dining experiences to appreciating a good life by curating seasonal events such as the popular Wine and Dine parties and Weekend Markets.

“House” is the space where we live, and hotel is similarly a microcosm of modern day living. Every development by Artyzen Hospitality Group is thoughtfully designed with a strong commitment to building environmentally, socially, and culturally sustainable habitats. One of Artyzen Habitat’s brand signature experiences is Townsquare – a combination work, play, rest, discovery, and community all-in-one; a place where locals and travelers alike gather for a bite and conversations.

“Walk” is about exploration. Artyzen Hospitality Group understands travel is not about going from point A to point B but a journey to discovery. Our dedicated Artyzen hosts are always prepared to recommend local favorites and hidden gems.

“Music” means joyful experiences. In addition to recommending local scenic spots, the Group also collaborates with local artists and people within the community to co-create meaningful social and cultural events. Recently, Artyzen Habitat Beijing Dongzhimen celebrated Halloween with the “Ghostly Travel Agency”, a memorable evening with themed buffet and interactive games.

Artyzen Hospitality Group is confident to lead the premium lifestyle experiences and meet the evolving demands and preferences for both business and leisure travelers.

YaTi by Artyzen is Artyzen Hospitality Group’s latest lifestyle inspiration in the fast-growing Hongqiao area in Shanghai. The hotel is conveniently connected with direct access to another design-led brand under Artyzen, Artyzen Habitat, that was officially launched a year ago.

“Embracing the group’s philosophy of ‘Art, Culture and Emotional Wisdom’, and catering to today’s modern traveler’s evolving lifestyle, YaTi by Artyzen represents a simplified but diverse lifestyle of creativity, vitality and passion. We believe YaTi is more than a place to stay, it is a living room for those youthful travellers who seek today’s social, art and culture scenes wherever they go,” said Peter Wynne, newly appointed Senior Vice President of Artyzen Hospitality Group.“YaTi by Artyzen Hongqiao Shanghai is strategically positioned as a select-service hotel that provides essentials without fanfare and complications. In conjunction with the adjacent Artyzen Habitat hotel, guests enjoy the unique benefit of direct access to the added facilities in Artyzen Habitat, such as a fully equipped gym, Utility Hub with self-serviced laundry, a bistro and café, an amphitheatre and events studios. Together, the two hotels create a smart business model and added value for guests that cannot be found in other comparable select-service hotels.”

Located in the greater Hongqiao area, the hotel is an integral part of the multi-faceted Shanghai MixC complex with a few steps from the Ziteng Road Metro Station on Line 10 and a short drive to the Hongqiao Railway Station and the Hongqiao International Airport. Guests can easily get to entertainment hotspots including Xintiandi, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road and nearby shopping malls.

YaTi by Artyzen Hongqiao Shanghai has 303 guest rooms that are efficiently decorated for a clutter-free experience. It is smartly designed with business and leisure travelers in mind. The 2×2 meters oversized bed with huggable pillows, tent-size duvets and fluffy bedding offer quality restorative sleep. The full-length window for superior outlook of the city view or a fully pressurized rain shower after a long day brings true relief while travelling. The Living Room and Bar are contemporary and socially designed for working and relaxing, as well as social and casual gatherings. Surrounded by a specially commissioned art collection, there are hot desks for co-working, computer desks equipped with Apple desktop computers, and sofa areas with big-screen TVs. A bar located centrally in the Living Room, provides all-day beverages and a simple menu with localized cuisine offerings. It is a food pantry by day and a bar by night. Guests can also try out the mixology by well trained, multitasking baristas-slash-bartenders at the designer-furnished outdoor patio to unwind after an exciting day in the city. On the second floor, there are 8 one-of-a-kind stylish meeting rooms for meetings, networking, collaboration and achievement. Each room is equipped with up to date technologies, filled with art pieces and colorful furniture with whiteboard and chalkboard wall where brilliant ideas can be jotted down.

YaTi by Artyzen Hongqiao Shanghai is a vibrant select service hotel that truly offers elevated value. It’s the place to go for guests who are looking for a venue that will perfectly blend social gatherings and elegant accommodations.

Shanghai China is a strategic hub for Artyzen where an additional six hotels panning three brands are under development over the next two years. Other hotels in Greater China operating and under development include Beijing, Chongqing, Macau and Zhuhai. International locations include a currently managed hotel in Maui, Hawaii, and a new hotel in Singapore. By 2023, Artyzen’s portfolio will have 15 hotels in operation.

Meanwhile, the hotel is offering a promotion to celebrate the starting of a new journey. Guests who book for two nights consecutive stay will enjoy half price on its second night room rate from now till 30th March 2021 at www.yatihotel.com.

Artyzen Hospitality Group (“AHG”, “Company”) announces today the appointment of Peter Wynne as Senior Vice President, who will be heading the Company. He has taken over from Robbert van der Maas who will be leaving the Company in mid-November 2020.

Peter has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He joined the Company from Hard Rock International as Area Vice President of Hotel Operations – Asia Pacific, where he oversaw a pipeline of development projects in the region, expanding managed operations in China and Southeast Asia. He has established and led a regional support team to ensure marketing, sales and operational support is provided to all operating units and critical path support for pre-opening projects. Prior to that, Peter worked for Swire Hotels, where he was first General Manager – Projects and Development based in Hong Kong corporate office. His role was to focus on development pipeline and future hotel projects from early feasibility studies, all the way to pre/post opening operation support. Subsequently, he was relocated to Beijing and became Area General Manager to oversee operations of both The Opposite House and EAST, Beijing. Other major hotel groups for which Peter worked for include Raffles Hotels, Taj Hotels and Aman Resorts. During his career, he has worked in locations such as Australia, China, French Polynesia, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Seychelles, Switzerland and The United Kingdom, and he is a British national. 

“We are delighted to welcome Peter to lead the way forward for AHG. We believe the new leadership will enable AHG to continue developing in a self-sustainable manner, while its parent company Shun Tak Holdings will continue to be fully behind the team in capitalizing growth opportunities. I would like to thank Robbert, particularly in co-establishing AHG, having put in extensive effort in leading the Company to develop it over the years to its current stage, and wish him every success in his future,” said Rogier Verhoeven, Vice Chairman of Artyzen Hospitality Group.