Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts has announced a global partnership with French Bossa Nova band, Nouvelle Vague, to curate a 24-hour soundtrack for every Le Méridien hotel around the world. The partnership coincides with the launch of Le Méridien brand’s new global beverage programme, Le Méridien Sparkling, inspired by the European aperitif culture. Both initiatives further elevate the signature Hub experience, a reinterpreted lobby space where curious-minded travellers 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.
To mark the launch of these two new programs, Le Méridien hotels around the world held aperitif-inspired santés (or cheers) for guests on 29 April. The first santé event took place at Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur, featuring a live performance by Nouvelle Vague.
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 1960s French cinema, providing a modern twist on the classics.Nouvelle Vague will embark on a global tour of select Le Méridien hotels and resorts throughout 2014. Following the performance at Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur, the band travelled to Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi on 8 May, followed by exclusive performances at Le Royal Méridien Shanghai and Le Méridien New Delhi later this year. The performances coincide with the launch of new Hubs in these destinations. For a full list of tour stops, visit www.lemeridien.com/music.
Le Méridien Sparkles: Spritzers and Bubbles Take Centre Stage
Designed to transform the Hub from day to night, Le Méridien Sparkling invites guests and locals to socialise, gather and converse, while enjoying specialty sparkling beverages in a lively atmosphere. Signature cocktails available at all Le Méridien hotels worldwide, include: String of Pearls, blueberry and lemon infused Grand Marnier, topped with sparkling wine and garnished with lemon peel strips and blueberries soaked in Grand Marnier; Aperol + Raspberry Spritz, Aperol 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 presseco-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.
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