Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts is partnering with French Bossa Nova band, Nouvelle Vague, to curate a 24-hour soundtrack for every Le Méridien hotel around the world. Additionally, the band will embark on a live tour to select destinations worldwide throughout the year.
The partnership coincides with the launch of Le Méridien brand’s new global beverage program, Le Méridien Sparkling, inspired by the European aperitif culture. Both initiatives further elevate the signature Le Méridien Hub experience, a reinterpreted lobby space where curious-minded travelers and locals converge for creative exchange. The curated soundtrack, combined with effervescent spritzers and cocktails, will transition Le Méridien Hubs from day to night, offering a modern twist to the social ritual of cocktail hour.
“Our new 24-hour soundtrack and nightly aperitif experience further evolves the programming of our signature Le Méridien Hub,” says Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader, Le Méridien & Westin. “Inspired by our European roots, the new social elements set the tone for a perfect evening for both our Le Méridien guests and locals, creating a unique hotel experience unlike any other.”
To mark the launch of these two new programs, Le Méridien hotels around the world will hold aperitif-inspired santés (or cheers) for guests this evening. The first santé event will take place at Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur, featuring a live performance by Nouvelle Vague. Other Le Méridien hotels will then host santé events over the next 24-hours as the sun begins to set in their destinations.
Led by music producers Marc Collin and Olivier Libaux, Nouvelle Vague is a collective of talented artists, featuring a rolling cast of popular Parisian musicians. Translated literally as “New Wave” in the French language, the group’s music pays homage to the swooping elegance of Bossa Nova, melancholic melodies of the “New Wave” era and 1960’s French cinema, providing a modern twist on the classics.
Le Méridien brand’s partnership with Nouvelle Vague honors its French heritage and offers guests a unique 24-hour curated playlist of music that promotes discovery and culture, enhancing the brand’s award-winning Arrival Experience in its signature Le Méridien Hubs worldwide. The daylong playlist will include original music by the band as well as songs that inspire and stimulate the group.
Additionally, Nouvelle Vague will embark on a global tour of select Le Méridien hotels and resorts throughout 2014. Following this evening’s performance at Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur, the band will travel to Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi on May 8, followed by exclusive performances at Le Méridien Shanghai and Le Méridien New Delhi later this year. For a full list of tour stops, click here for a sneak peak of Nouvelle Vague’s 24-hour hotel soundtrack.
“Both Le Méridien and Nouvelle Vague find shared inspiration in modern classics with a twist – from the midcentury backdrop of their distinct hotel designs to the iconic songs we perform in 1960s Bossa Nova style,” says Olivier Libaux of Nouvelle Vague. “As part of this like-minded new partnership, we have fused travel and music to create a memorable experience for curious, creative Le Méridien guests around the world.”
Designed to transform the Hub from day to night, Le Méridien Sparkling invites guests and locals to socialize, gather and converse, while enjoying specialty sparkling beverages in a lively atmosphere. Infused with the timeless sophistication of the classic European aperitif hour, Le Méridien Sparkling offers a modern twist to the traditional cocktail hour. Starting each evening, all Le Méridien Hubs will transform from coffee bars into swanky destination lounges, featuring a menu of destination-inspired effervescent cocktails and spritzers (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), bringing a spirited flair to the Le Méridien Hub experience.
Signature cocktails available at all Le Méridien hotels worldwide, include: String of Pearls, blueberry and lemon infused orange liqueur, topped with sparkling wine and garnished with lemon peel strips and blueberries soaked in orange liqueur; Aperitivo + Raspberry Spritz, Italian aperitivo and homemade raspberry and vanilla soda topped with Prosecco and garnished with a raspberry; and Peaches, Vanilla + Prosecco, peach puree, lime juice, and homemade vanilla syrup topped with prosecco and garnished with vanilla bean shaving.
Hotels will also feature a variety of destination-inspired concoctions such as the Oceanus Breeze, a prosecco-based cocktail from Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu evocative of the blue seas surrounding the idyllic islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park; and Spice Souk, a masala chocolate truffle tea spritzer at Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort inspired by Dubai’s famed Spice Souk.
Launched in 2011, the signature Le Méridien Hub™ re-interprets the traditional hotel lobby into a social gathering place, building on the brand’s award-winning Arrival experience and coffee culture. Le Méridien arrival consists of four elements: large-scale artwork in high impact areas; sensory experience, illustrated through Le Méridien signature scent, sound and use of light; UNLOCK ART™ programme, featuring artist designed key card collections that offer access to Le Méridien affiliated contemporary cultural centers in the destination; and a 24-hour curated soundtrack, now curated by Nouvelle Vague.
Each Hub also features the Master Barista, a recently launched initiative to meet the growing demands of coffee lovers at every Le Méridien hotel worldwide. Master Baristas lead coffee-related initiatives at each hotel, serve as a coffee cultural ambassador, and maintain knowledge of current coffee trends within the destination.
Photos Courtesy of Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts
