30 November 2022
The Hong Kong-based Artyzen Hospitality Group is zooming in on discerning millennial and gen Z jetsetters who seek masterfully crafted, socially conscious, personalised and polished escapes.
A decade ago, it was the rise of the millennials, and today, it’s the rise of the Gen Zs. With their forces combined, these two segments make up the “next generation jetsetter” who is dominating today’s global travel market…with an even larger—and more lucrative—reign expected over the next 10 years.
Think hyper-informed, socially conscious, design-focused, and culturally attuned new-age travellers, all of whom are lusting for escapades that are as authentic as they are personalised, with connectivity, creativity, flexibility and sustainability right at the top of their wish lists. This industry-wide evolution has changed the way hotels operate. As well as the way they design experiences, accommodations and ecosystems.
While more traditional hotels are adapting to this fast-changing landscape, there’s a new lifestyle hotel group that’s born for it: the Artyzen Hospitality Group. The Hong Kong-based hotel management company sprung onto the scene nine years ago, with grand plans to build contemporary properties that immerse guests in the culture and energy of their destinations through artful design, stylish service, elevated flavours and authentic experiences. For example, their first hotel, Artyzen Habitat Beijing Dongzhimen, which opened its doors in 2017, reflects the artistic energy and experiences of the nearby 798 Art Zone, Beijing’s renowned art and design district with must-visit galleries and museums.
We speak to Peter Wynne, senior vice president of Artyzen Hospitality Group, to find out more about what their vibrant properties have to offer, and what to expect from the hotels to be opened in China and Singapore over the next two years.
On the global allure of Artyzen’s Asia-rooted DNA
“We are a homegrown brand with lifestyle pillars that pay homage to the Chinese culture by reinterpreting and reimagining the Chinese axiom of what it is to live: 衣食住行乐”, says Peter Wynne, senior vice president of Artyzen Hospitality Group. 衣食住行乐 stands for “clothing”, “food”, “house”, “walk” and “music”, and serves as the brand’s guiding lights for everything they do. “Clothing” is a representation of style, and manifests in the art and design that’s both showcased around and weaved into the interiors of their properties; while “food” presents gastronomic ways to discover each locale’s unique culture through native flavours and culinary techniques. “House” reflects the habitats and the communities, both for locals and tourists, interpreted in fresh, modern perspectives. The concept of “walk” is how the hotel flexes its insider muscles, inviting guests to explore in and around the hotel like a local, with a specially curated guide to each destination’s best-kept secret haunts and special access to the most sought-after ones. And finally, “music” represents the intuitive services and joyful guest experiences that make the stay unforgettable.
On the distinctive lifestyle brands of the Artyzen Hospitality Group
“We have two flagship brands and a series of distinctive lifestyle hotels. The first is Artyzen Hotels & Resorts, a luxury lifestyle brand where each property is an iconic curated gem with a passion for creating guest experiences. The second is Artyzen Habitat, which is all about connecting with the community and neighbourhood”. The brand’s tagline “inhabit the space you live” reflects their emphasis to create culturally and socially sustainable habitats—an all-in-one community to work, play, stay and discover. The other lifestyle hotels are customised with a specific target audience in mind, including The Shàng by Artyzen, which caters to sophisticated urbanites with an eye for thoughtful design and stylised environs: “Our inaugural hotel for this brand is designed by Neri&Hu and recently opened in Qiantan Shanghai”. The other newly minted brand is YaTi by Artyzen, which is crafted with the Gen Z traveller in mind. Aesthetically bolder, with a fresher, more eclectic energy, YaTi by Artyzen Hongqiao Shanghai welcomes guests to mix and mingle, be it for business or pleasure, with its art-filled conference rooms, event studios, bustling social spaces and F&B options that are also frequented by visitors from the university and start-ups in the area. “In addition to these Artyzen-endorsed brands, Artyzen Hospitality Group also operates a portfolio of independent hotels we call Independent Collections, including Grand Coloane Resort, Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel and The Plantation Inn”, he adds.
On the pandemic’s impact and coming back stronger
“No doubt, the world hadn’t experienced such challenges before. That said, I am proud to say that Artyzen Hospitality Group came up stronger despite the headwinds. This year, we grew from strength to strength and opened five diverse projects in Shanghai, including lifestyle hotels, conference centres and service apartments. We are also launching a series of new projects in Singapore, Shanghai, Suzhou, Zhuhai and Chongqing, with development plans for other major gateway cities underway”, Wynne explains. 2023 is slated to be a watershed year for the group, operating 19 new projects worldwide—with more than 50 per cent in Shanghai.
These new openings include Artyzen Singapore and Artyzen NEW BUND 31 Shanghai. “We are extremely thrilled and looking forward to writing this “tale of two cities”, he enthuses. “First, on Artyzen Singapore. This luxury lifestyle hotel is opening in mid-2023 and we have already received a number of accolades including Best Hotel Architectural Design and Best Hotel Interior Design at the Asia Property Awards Singapore 2022. Earlier this year, we were also recognised as one of the “Hotly-Anticipated Best New Hotels Opening” by AFAR. Designed in partnership with renowned architect ONG&ONG Pte Ltd and interior designer studio Nic Graham & Assoc. from Australia, Artyzen Singapore was once the sprawling tropical-garden mansion of the late Tan Hoon Siang (an active botanist and grandson of Singapore philanthropist Tan Tock Seng). This prime real estate is being transformed into a 20-storey vertical oasis with 142 rooms and a roof garden. Lush green foliage accentuates balconies on different floors, further emphasising the building’s spatial lightness. An outdoor spiral staircase connecting the fourth floor restaurant to the Wellness & Workout area a floor above creates an enchanting guest experience. Finally, the green theme extends to The Roof Garden, a private social destination that is alive with botanical vibes where guests enjoy savoury snacks and signature drinks in the sunken lounge. For a bit of action, guests can dip in the “floating pool”, 25-metre cantilevered infinity pool with a partially transparent base. The perfect spot to chill and relax. See and be seen”.
Set to open in 2023 is the Artyzen NEW BUND 31 Shanghai in the buzzy New Bund Area, which is also home to the NEW BUND 31 Performing Arts Center where a diversity of multisensory performances and exhibitions of global genres, forms and disciplines of art, fashion design and youth culture will be showcased within its 2,500-seat Grand Theater and a 1,500sqm Black Box Arts Space, providing an art and cultural hub in and around the hotel. Designed by world-renowned award-winning Neri&Hu Design and Research Office, Artyzen NEW BUND 31 Shanghai is a modern classic; subtlety weaving unique Shanghainese aesthetics, art, and cultural temperament into the hotel design and guest experiences. This prime real estate with a gross floor area of 13,393sqm boasts 202 striking and spacious guestrooms, an expansive fifth floor ingeniously integrating indoor and outdoor spaces, which is complete with a destination restaurant, al fresco bars, and one-of-a-kind full event spaces. Perfect for stylish and exclusive social events big and small. We envision this landmark property to be a place of respite, a place of curiosity, a place of culture”, affirms Wynne. Summing the property up in three words, he says “artisan, heritage and iconic”.
On positioning Shanghai as a strategic launchpad
A subsidiary of Shun Tak Holdings Limited, the boutique hotel specialist may be based in Hong Kong, but it has made the megacity of Shanghai—with its myriad of fast-developing districts—its launchpad for strategic expansion.
Aligning their strategy with the demands and needs of urban development, Artyzen Hospitality Group is launching five contemporary lifestyle properties in Qiantan and Lingang, each with a distinctive identity designed for the modern traveller, he elaborates:
“The Shàng by Artyzen Qiantan Shanghai is our new boutique lifestyle brand by Artyzen designed by world-renowned award-winning Neri&Hu Design and Research Office. Inspired by the charm of Shanghai’s alleys, the designers reinterpret and seamlessly weave elements of Eastern art and cultural aesthetics into the modern living space. The hotel offers 210 calming and cosy guestrooms and a 24-hour fitness centre, catering to the healthy lifestyle of urbanites. The Living Room adjacent to the hotel lobby is a buzzing social area where guests can enjoy relaxed conversations over snacks and drinks. Secondly, the Artyzen Habitat Qiantan Shanghai: a lush sanctuary in the heart of the city. Artyzen Habitat Qiantan Shanghai is an urban living space designed for work, entertainment, relaxation, and discovery. Leading international interior design consultancy SL+A Group has created a welcoming cocoon of 246 modern guestrooms with thoughtfully curated bright and lively artworks. Some of the room types such as Studios and Suites are equipped with kitchenettes and other facilities, which help guests keep up with their regular routine during their trips. Thirdly, Artyzen Lingang Shanghai: a premium business and leisure destination by Dishui Lake. Just a stone’s throw from popular tourist attractions: the Shanghai Astronomy Museum and Haichang Ocean Park, the hotel is only a 40-minute drive to Shanghai Disney Resort. 305 contemporary guestrooms are bright and modern, with some rooms offering unrivalled views of Dishui Lake. There are seven restaurants that offer a medley of different cuisines: including a Mediterranean all-day dining, an authentic Shanghainese restaurant, and a steakhouse serving the best cuts. Ideal for MICE meetings and events, the hotel’s expansive 1500 sqm pillarless event space offer plenty of possibilities for different occasions, from business conferences to wedding banquet, and guests can enjoy front row views of picturesque Dishui Lake.
Fourthly, the Artyzen Habitat Lingang Shanghai and Lingang Xinchen International Conference Center: A new landmark for business exhibitions. Located on the bank of Dishui Lake in the Lingang Special Area, the hotel is connected to a large international conference centre, making it an ideal choice for business and social travellers. The 364 contemporary rooms along with modern facilities provide a warm and welcoming experience for social and business travellers. Some rooms include separate living rooms and are equipped with kitchenettes, while others offer unparalleled views of Dishui Lake. The hotel is directly connected to the International Xinchen International Conference Center. The expansive conference space covers 4000 sqm and is an ideal location for business conferences, banquets, and wedding celebrations. The 2200 sqm pillarless ballroom is fitted with state-of-the-art conference equipment and can be divided into two separate banquet halls of 1100 sqm.
And finally, Eature Residences Lingang, a place for smart modern living. Setting a new benchmark in contemporary urban living with state-of-the-art facilities and a welcoming feel of home. 128 elegant Chinese-inspired design service apartments located near Shanghai Pudong International Airport and other major transportation hub is the preferred choice for both business and leisure travellers”.
Thoughtfully crafted and culturally connected accommodations aside, the heart of these hotels also lie in Artyzen’s brand of warm, personalised service that discerning guests appreciate. When asked about catering to the new and next generation of travellers, and how high tech-soft touch experiences are what they seek, Wynne says: “I think high tech is behind it, but it doesn’t dominate. People still want to have a human touch, and they still want to have great elements of service. Speed, efficiency and cleanliness are key, as well as accessibility and pricing. Great product, great service, and reasonably priced”.
“Luxury means different things to different people. In terms of our hospitality, it’s about making people feel special, cared for, and in some cases, spoiled. The basis of luxury without all the gimmicks is a great bed, great accommodation, great restaurant, and really good people. That’s what luxury is to me, and to us”, he muses.