Andaz Xiamen

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the opening of Andaz Xiamen in south China. Situated in the heart of Xiamen, within the mixed-use development of The MixC and close to Xiamen Botanical Garden, Andaz Xiamen is where old meets new and east meets west, weaving in the sights, sounds and tastes of its local neighborhood to create a dynamic environment and an immersive experience for guests.

Art and design

Created by world-renowned designer JID—which was founded by the celebrated late Indonesian designer Jaya Ibrahim—Andaz Xiamen has been inspired by the city's sobriquet as a 'Garden by the Sea.' The hotel has been conceived as a modern mansion inspired by tropical Nanyang style.

As in typical local homes, Andaz Xiamen features high ceilings, repeated arched detailing and living spaces linked by walkways open to cooling tropical breezes. Throughout the hotel, an abundance of speckled terrazzo, timber louvres, tactile wicker and rattan and graphic tiling and carpeting create continuity between spaces and reinforce the Nanyang feel. Ceilings have been inspired by pergolas and trellises to evoke an outdoor atmosphere and much of the artwork feature tropical flora and fauna. All the artwork at Andaz Xiamen is by artists either from Xiamen or with a strong connection to the city and the hotel will actively nurture local talent, offering a platform for emerging young artists.

Rather than a traditional hotel uniform, Andaz Xiamen colleagues are free to choose from the clean-lined, sculptural ready-to-wear collection of Wan Yifang, a designer who was born in Xiamen. The designs distinguish the associates while allowing them to express their own 'Andaz' which means personal style in Hindi.

Rooms

Andaz Xiamen houses 304 elegant rooms, including 20 suites with separate living rooms, which enjoy vibrant views over the city. The Nanyang-inspired private spaces feature high ceilings typically found in tropical climates and natural textures and materials for a comfortable, relaxed feel, from rattan-backed armchairs to woven bamboo wall paneling to timber louvres. To make each stay barrier-free, all non-alcoholic minibar drinks and snacks are complimentary in each guestroom, as are local telephone calls and Wi-Fi.

Drinking and dining

With its prime location in the heart of Xiamen, the four innovative, immersive drinking and dining venues at Andaz Xiamen showcase the vibrant local neighborhood through authentic local flavors.

Andaz Lounge is the convivial heart of Andaz Xiamen, a bright central gathering spot where skylights, tropical plants, graphic carpeting and views of an outdoor courtyard come together to create a vibrant Nanyang-style space. Here, in-house guests are greeted upon arrival and can drop in at any time for complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. In the evening, the lounge offers complimentary wine, beer and locally inspired canapés. Additionally, Andaz Lounge serves a menu of light snacks as well as an elevated afternoon tea experience.

No. 101 Chinese Restaurant,named after the hotel address, presents local Minnan and Chaoshan cuisines with a twist. Overlooking a tropical outdoor courtyard replete with reflecting ponds, the vibrant all-day eatery houses a series of open kitchens showcasing live culinary theatre and an array of Nanyang design elements from the rattan ceiling to the graphically tiled floor. The restaurant opens daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Sharing the outdoor terrace with No. 101 Chinese Restaurant is More Than Wine, celebrating the ocean-faring culture of Xiamen and Nanyang. Dominated by a striking central bar tiled to resemble fish scales, More Than Wine specializes in classic tiki cocktails with a local twist, as well as rum and agave spirits, carefully selected wines, artisanal craft beer and refreshing mocktails.

Off-site, Sugar Pavilion is located in a glass house within the piazza at The MixC mall. The all-day European café and bar serves contemporary Italian cuisine by the hotel's Italian executive chef, Alessandro Martinelli, as well as health-centric drinks and desserts.

Wellness

For guests inspired by physical wellbeing, the Fitness Center on the 2^nd floor is fitted with the latest cardio equipment, free weights and a yoga room. Alternatively, guests can take a dip in the heated 25-meter outdoor swimming pool on the lobby floor.

Social Spaces

Andaz Xiamen aims to push the limits of innovative meeting spaces by creating locally inspired, residential-style spaces in the spirit of a creative "studio." The hotel offers nearly 21,527 square feet (2,000 square meters) of Nanyang-inspired event space, including seven standalone spaces ranging in size from 861-9,687 square feet (80-900 square meters) and catering to up to 800 guests. The hotel's gracious 9,687-square-foot (900-square-meter) Ballroom is blessed with a 31-foot (9.5-meter) high ceiling featuring nautical-style chandeliers and bougainvillea-inspired carpeting and wall panelling. For a more casual event, the 2,152-square-foot (200-square-meter) Pool House by the outdoor pool features a show kitchen for catering à la minute and can house between 72 attendees in a board meeting to 170 guests during an event seated theatre style.

Xiamen is located on China's southeast coast. During the Qing dynasty, Chinese citizens migrated from Xiamen and other coastal regions to Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Citizens who returned to Xiamen built villas influenced by their living experiences in Southeast Asia resulting in a unique cultural environment and a tropical interior style known as Nanyang ('southern seas'). Today, more than 40 percent of the city enjoys forest landscapes and has been awarded the 'Scroll of Honor' by the United Nations Habitat and the title of 'International Garden City' by the International Park and Recreation Association for its clean air, relaxed pace and pleasant living conditions.