THE 555 metre tall Lotte World Tower shimmers in the afternoon sunshine, seemingly piercing the cloudless Seoul sky. This two-year-old skyscraper, the highest structure on the Korean peninsula and sixth tallest building in the world, is home to the Signiel Hotel located between the 76 and 101 floors. Conveniently situated in the upmarket district of Gangnam, the heart of the business and leisure district on the south side of the Han River, it has recently become one of the most iconic landmarks in Korea, Asia’s third largest economy.
Lotte World Tower, home to Signiel Seoul hotel, Korea
Guest room interior at Signiel Seoul
The hotel was inspired by the concept of creating a mansion in the sky, with the interior combining the embodiment of eastern and western elements. Hibiscus, the national Korean flower symbolising peace and happiness, is evident throughout the Signiel, which is accentuated by an instillation of white ceramic flowers seamlessly floating over the dramatic glass central staircase.
The indoor pool at Signiel Seoul
The spa relaxation area at Signiel Seoul
The super king size bed in my suite takes centre stage directly opposite the floor-to-ceiling windows. My equally spacious bathroom has separate cubicles for the bath, shower and toilet (which literally lights up when approached), with mirrored shelves neatly lined with bottles of amenities by Parisian fragrance house Diptyque.
STAY restaurant at Signiel Seoul
The Signiel’s opulence extends to its unrivalled recreational facilities across the 85th floor, including a swimming pool extending almost the entire length of the property. There’s a cutting-edge 24-hour gym and an Evian Spa inspired by the French Alps, with the sound of flowing water in the background, and moving images of nature projected onto the walls, which creates an ambiance of mindfulness and tranquillity in an urban oasis .
BICENA restaurant at Signiel Seoul
BAR81 at Signiel Seoul
Breakfast at the Signiel is a feast for the senses, with never-ending colourful buffet counters filled with Asian and continental foods, supported by numerous chefs in the open kitchen preparing breakfast from the a la carte menu. The artistic display of perfectly ripe fruit and salad buffets is reminiscent of a lavish wedding banquet. The Signiel’s dining options include Yannick Alléno’s STAY, where the French Michelin star chef presides over the menu, and BICENA, which showcases contemporary Korean cuisine. The Signiel is home to Seoul’s most talked-about nightspot, Bar 81, a sublime location to view Seoul’s nightscape and ponder over the longest champagne menu in the country.
Rolls Royce courtesy of Signiel Seoul
Lotte World Tower has its own subway station and is adjacent to numerous Lotte World attractions including its recreation centre, department store, concert hall, aquarium and cinema. The Signiel epitomises everything that is great about Korea – I am now beginning to understand why Forbes recently proclaimed Korea as the most innovative country in the world.
by Amanda Bernstein