Exploring two of Jeju's newest hotels

Skyfinity

By Yun Suh-young

Jeju Island, one of the most-frequented travel destinations among locals and foreigners, offers great weather and picturesque scenery during the day. But there are not many choices for entertainment at night.

However, if you are staying at either Kensington Jeju or Shilla Stay, the two newest hotels on Jeju, you need not worry about boredom at night. In fact, you might end up enjoying a better nightlife inside the hotels than outside.

Kensington Jeju - family/ couples

Midori Sour

The Kensington Jeju, a marine-concept resort that opened in the island's Jungmoon region in June, has an amazing outdoor rooftop infinity pool, "Skyfinity," which is best enjoyed at night.

Skyfinity is the first and only rooftop infinity pool in the country and has received wide praise from visitors since it opened last summer.

The rooftop pool area consists of the 25-meter main pool, a seven-meter Jacuzzi, a Finnish sauna sky cabin and sun beds, some of which are on the water.

As night advances and the sky turns charcoal black, the "Bubble Party" begins at the Club House next to the pool. The party is held daily from 8:30 to 10 p.m. and hotel guests can enjoy live DJ music, with unlimited drinks, from wine and beer to cocktails.

The pool lights up in pink, yellow and orange and coupled with the DJ's music playing on the stereo, you will realize it is the best you can get from nightlife in Jeju.

For couples, it is the perfect romantic atmosphere ― the pool has round sofa-type sun beds that can spaciously accommodate two adults. There are heaters above the sofas to warm swimmers. The water is also heated during chilly weather so the pool is accessible all year.

Parents may wonder what to do with the young ones while they groove away at the adults-only pool, but they need not worry. There are childcare swimming programs at the ground-floor outdoor pool while parents enjoy the party.

There are three other ways to enjoy the night at the hotel.

Club House

The Hanul Orum, an Italian restaurant on the top floor, offers superb dishes and stunning views of the outdoor swimming pool. Chef Kim Hyung-rae, who recently joined the restaurant, is the former owner-chef of Ciro Olivo in Seoul.

Musical performances by Italian couple Aida Duo is also something to look out for. Stefano Vagnini and Giorgia Ragni, who live and perform at the hotel under a one-year contract, offer four performances a day, two of which are at 8 and 9 p.m. Sip a cocktail while enjoying their show, which differs every time, depending on the guests.

If you prefer to relax and wrap up the night in tranquility, visit The Spa by Thalgo for a refreshing massage. The French cosmetics brand offers facial and body treatments until midnight.

Shilla Stay - business travelers

Cafe

If you are a business traveler who booked a night at the newest Shilla Stay Jeju, which opened in March, don't wander around the city alone in the dark. Instead, opt for a drink at the Cafe, a "petite" version of Park View, The Shilla's signature buffet restaurant.

Shilla Stay Jeju is the third branch of the budget hotel chain Shilla Stay by The Shilla, which opened two others in Dongtan and Yeoksam in 2013 and 2014.

The Cafe at the Shilla Stay Jeju is a rooftop restaurant, with a terrace, on the 12th floor. The restaurant has breakfast and lunch buffets and turns into a bar at night offering beer, wine and snacks. No dinner is served.

Wine selections at the Cafe

At the time the reporter visited, the weather was too cold to sit outside, but with slowly rising temperatures, it may be refreshing to enjoy a glass of wine at the Cafe at night. The Cafe is apparently the only outdoor rooftop terrace restaurant among the hotels in Jeju city.

The view from the terrace is not stunningly beautiful during the day, with only dull-colored buildings showing their facades and a glimpse of the ocean in the distance, but the night view is a contrast, with building lights glittering charmingly in the dark.

Because the hotel is right in the center of Jeju city, a 10-minute drive from the airport, the location is not exactly ideal for a relaxing getaway, but it is suitable for business trips and city tours.

The Shilla Stay Jeju is slightly larger than the other two chains, with the size visibly comparable from the lobby. Italian architect and designer Piero Lissoni designed all the hotels. The overall design theme is consistent, with minimalism to the fore.

The Cafe’s outdoor terrace at night

Package information:

- Luxury all-inclusive package

The all-inclusive package offers nearly everything at the hotel without additional payment. From meals and drinks to access to bars and parties, this package is a one payment-for-all option for those who want luxurious relaxation. It is inclusive of a night in a deluxe room, three meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and a choice of one activity program. It is available until May 31, beginning at 590,000 won (excluding 10 percent VAT).

For more information, call 1855 - 0202 or visit www.kensingtonjeju.com

- Heavenly Spring

This romantic package for couples includes a one-night stay, wine and beer at the rooftop bar, and a gift set consisting of Lush bath products and a Shilla Stay teddy bear. The price starts at 199,000 won (excluding 10 percent VAT). It is available until April 30.

- Happy Together

This is a package for friends and includes a one-night stay, two COVA coffees, wine and beer at the rooftop bar and an Estee Lauder travel pouch per room. The price begins at 179,000 won (excluding 10 percent VAT). It is available until April 30.

For more information, call 064-717-9000 or visit www.shillastay.com/jeju