Picture this: You’re on a 3-Day 2-Night work trip in a different country. There are only a few hours to spare after work meetings. Still, it’ll be nice to explore the city and immerse in the culture. For the adventurous spirit, Renaissance Hotels offer that and more.
Renaissance Hotels worldwide recently celebrated the 10th annual Global Day of Discovery, inviting both travellers and locals to engage in curated activities that reflect the spirit of the local community.
Global Day of Discovery
For a decade, Marriott Bonvoy’s Global Day of Discovery (GDOD) is the one day in the year where all 170+ Renaissance hotels hold a large event. All branches celebrate on the same day, a worldwide and stunning experience at each hotel, no matter which one you’re visiting. GDOD is meant to open travellers to the local scene, showing them the wonder of the area that they’re exploring in.
Key Features of the Global Day of Discovery:
- Local Immersion: Events are designed to showcase the culture, traditions, and history of the surrounding area, often involving local artists, musicians, chefs, and other creatives.
- Exclusive Experiences: Guests often have access to special tours, performances, and tastings that aren’t typically available to the public.
- Art and Music: Many celebrations incorporate live music performances and art exhibitions, emphasising Renaissance Hotels’ connection to culture.
- Culinary Highlights: Signature dishes or menus crafted by local chefs are often featured, giving guests a taste of the region’s cuisine.
During the Activation Day of GDOD, the Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong navigators team guided guests through the iconic “Hua Lamphong Railway Station” (Bangkok’s former central passenger terminal), before visiting the hidden gem “Taibaan Cafe” for a creative session of painting. It was an unforgettable day as everyone got to immerse in Bangkok’s unique charm.
What is R Finds?
This year’s GDOD took on a new significance with the launch of R Finds. This new platform is a global marketplace for local discoveries—spotlighting the creativity, talent, and innovation of the neighborhoods surrounding each Renaissance Hotel. This curated journey into the heart of local communities offers travelers the chance to explore and shop for one-of-a-kind treasures that tell the unique story of each property’s neighborhood and hidden gems.
At Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel, their lobby and drop off area was transformed into an elevated Evening Markets, designed around the ‘Talad Rom Hub Train Market’ theme, that featured local vendors with street-fair-inspired food and beverages, an electrifying live performance by Thai artiste Burin Boonvisut, and a preview of the R Finds digital marketplace.
When it came to the F&B vendors, the hotel had a scrumptious variety of local delights such as Grilled chicken with sticky rice and mango salad, Phad Thai (Stir-fried rice noodles), Khao Phad Rod Fai (Railway-style fried rice with crispy pork), various street food menus curated by expert chefs, Assorted Thai Dessert platter, plus free-flow drinks (fresh coconuts, booster shots) throughout the evening.
The immersive experience also included a unique shopping experience showcasing local artisans and their signature products that represent their neighborhood’s creative culture and craftsmanship. From scented candles and home goods, to purses and apparel, here are the 6 local brands that were featured at Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong during the R Finds launch:
1. Nam-ob Nangloy: Capturing Thai Essence
As one of the oldest brands around, Nangloy was founded more than 100 years ago by Hieng T. Chiengthong. After learning the traditional method from a friend in the palace, she created a recipe by blending the scents of various Thai flowers and herbs with Western perfumes. Nangloy still uses the same signature formula to this day and has since expanded its range of products.
2. Prodpran: Handmade Crafts with Purpose
ProdPran Craft, which means “Favourite Craft”, is a home decor and lifestyle brand that uses sustainable materials to produce beautiful handcraft items such as handbags, purses, scarves, and more. Collaborating with senior artisans and housewives, ProdPran Craft prides itself in giving back to the local communities.
3. Holen: Premium Gifts with a Cultural Twist
Holen is best known for their premium gifts and souvenirs. Drawing inspiration from the Ramakien epic, the brand’s signature character is a giant monkey that oozes a touch of whimsy playfulness and uniqueness to its wide range of products.
4. Narada: Timeless Thai Silk Gifts
Silky soft and uniquely colourful, Narada is the go-to place for premium scarves and shawls. Designed for everyday versatility, Narada uses high-quality fabrics with patterns and colors inspired by nature to reflect Thai art and cultural heritage in its handicraft.
5. Pahakahmah: Handmade Loincloths
Pahkahmah blends tradition with contemporary style while preserving the charm of the Thai traditional loincloth. From clothing and bags to keychains, neck pillows, handfan, and dolls, each item features the signature Pahkahmah design pattern.
6. Mince: Design and Sustainability for Everyday Use
Using sustainably sourced materials to create eco-friendly products, Mince has been making vibrant and colourful bags that come in various styles and sizes that cater to every occasion; both casual and formal. Having collaborated with Monocle magazine and local artists, Mince continues to push boundaries with its creativity.
Bonus:
Back in Malaysia, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre brought together Malaysian designers, artists and brands for its first GDOD since reopening.From live performance by Malaysian singer Claudia Tan to a cool DJ set by Disko Santan, celebs like Nazreem Musa, Hunny Madu, Agy, Amri Aziz, and Guest Navigator Azfarheri were there to witness the transformation of the signature Evenings at Renaissance program into a vibrant Evenings Market.
The GDOD event in KL featured fashion brands Asly and SHALS, art works by Haris Rashid, handmade goods by Fariza Basri, refreshing drinks by Wild Kombucha and a tattoo booth by Tattooist Ashley.
The mixologists at R Bar concocted housemade mocktail Pineapple Tepache using Josapine Pineapple and crafted locally-inspired signature cocktails like Bunga Matahari, Asam Siesta, and Semara Tropika. These beverages were paired with local favourites like Nasi Lemak in a glass, Roti Boom, Ramly Burger sliders, and Mie Goreng.
Regardless where you are in the world, GDOD is a brilliant opportunity for everyone to venture out of their comfort zones and discover the hidden gems in the city’s local neighborhood. If you’re on the lookout for your next adventure, R Finds connects you to various intriguing neighborhood finds – all in one place.
To discover intriguing neighborhood finds from around the world all in one place or for more information on R Finds, visit www.R-Finds.com. To learn more about Renaissance Hotels, visit www.renhotels.com.
