There’s no place like Horizon Homes

The Shangri-La Group is going into Bonifacio Global City in a big way. Not just with a new hotel, but with a mixed-use development project that’s envisioned to be a landmark in BGC.

Called Shangri-La at the Fort, the development will have a hotel, a hotel residences, a retail space on the ground floor, Horizon Homes or condominium units that are for sale on the top floors, and sports and leisure club Kerry Sports.

Shangri-La at the Fort general manager John Rice is responsible for these five components of the development. “The approach to the project is very different, the philosophy is different,” says John. “The project was conceived in the way it relates to the context of Fort Bonifacio, not something that stands apart from it — we want to be a dynamic partner of this community.”

The first design of the project was discarded by the Shangri-La, which is why the project sat for more than a year. With the second design, the vision of its architecture being responsive and a partner in the whole BGC development was realized.

The building today is finished, and turnover starts from the third quarter of this year to the second quarter of 2016. Shangri-La Hotel will open first this year, followed by the hotel residences and Horizon Homes.

John elaborates on the interesting backstory of how the design came to be. “We had a full design that was shelved and we said we would start again. There were even rumors that Shangri-La had abandoned the project because it sat there for a year and a half. The reality of it is that we were simply not happy with the first design because it was not sympathetic to what FBDC (Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation) was trying to achieve with their master plan. In fact, the design was ‘fighting’ it. Our final design is fully sympathetic to the context, it fully understands that we want to be a player in this vision as opposed to coming in and just building a structure.” 

On the ground floor is the retail space — about 6,000 sqm. —and the hotel component is elevated on the second floor with a driveway. In terms of units, the hotel residences are from levels 9 to 17, from 18 to 40 are the hotel guestrooms;  and from 41 to 62 are the Horizon Homes.

 “Fort Bonifacio is an urban site, it’s very pedestrian friendly and interactive. By elevating the hotel , we are creating retail on the ground floor that is friendlier to shoppers and pedestrians. It is very different from Shangri-La Makati in that sense.”

Shangri-La is looking at 24 to 30 stores for the retail section and a variety of brands that hotel guests want. “Look at the Bonifacio High Street concept — it is primarily restaurants, entertainment and retail. We want to extend that, so when you cross into our block, you will see a continuation of that character but perhaps slightly elevated, ever so slightly.”

John also makes a distinction between Shangri-La Hotel Residences and serviced apartments. “They get the full services and amenities of a hotel room except that they are larger apartment units. Serviced apartments, on the other hand, are usually low cost and don’t have full hotel services and amenities.”

Then there is the Shangri-La signature sports and leisure club called Kerry Sports, which is on the 6th and 7th levels and which hotel guests have access to, and other people can buy membership in. 

“Kerry Sports is a new concept that we first rolled out in Shanghai and Beijing. It has a large gym component, an adventure zone that is targeted to kids ages 3 to 12 and with party rooms, a spa and physiotherapy component, NBA-grade basketball court, tennis and squash courts, yoga studio, and F&B outlets. The other Kerry Sports we have runs on a yearly membership and renewal, it’s a very good model because you don’t lock people in.” 

Occupying the top floors are the Horizon Homes. Everything you expect from and every experience you love about a Shangri-La Hotel — from the warm hospitality to the attentive service — you will have in your own home.

Because — and this is what sets Horizon Homes apart, says John — your home is part of the Shangri-La at the Fort complex. “Buying a Horizon Home and living there will be a total experience, you are part of the heart and soul of the complex. It is the Shangri-La standard that we are offering to homebuyers. You are buying a home and will probably pass it to your children so it’s important for us to embed those values and service into people’s homes. Literally, every service and experience that you get in a Shangri-la Hotel you can have if you want it.”

Horizon Homes will have its separate and exclusive lobby, facilities  and amenities that hotel guests will not have access to.

“Inside, every unit will have the luxury of space and views from balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows. The high ceilings and open layout mean homeowners can accommodate large gatherings and parties with access to Shangri-La services such as the hotel chef and sommelier.” 

The units have two kitchens, a wet kitchen and the main kitchen, which is fitted with Miele and Sub-Zero appliances; bedrooms have oversized walk-in closet and access to five-star housekeeping services; bathrooms have a separate bathtub and glass-block shower.

Horizon Homes will have its exclusive swimming pool, gym, kids’ play areas, function and meeting rooms. They don’t get a free membership to Kerry Sports but it’s right there below — just as the hotel’s F&B outlets and shops are. And beyond that, the entire development that is The Fort or BGC

 “Above all this, it’s just going to be a fun place to live,” says John. “I think living at the Fort, the future of Manila, is fun. You see people shopping and running every night, there is a strong concept of healthy living and it’s pedestrian friendly. We want the Shangri-La complex to be alive all the time.”

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For more info, log on to www.shangri-la.com/horizonhomes; call 813-8888 local 78782, 752-7377.