Raffles Singapore’s New Virtual Interactive Play Will Help You Beat Zoom Fatigue

Raffles Singapore’s New Virtual Interactive Play Will Help You Beat Zoom Fatigue

Over the past year, COVID-19’s devastating impact on the global travel industry has challenged hotels worldwide to devise creative ways of engaging past and future guests from afar.

The Raffles Hotel Singapore has answered the call (and then some) with a wholly original experience this spring. Earlier this month, it unveiled a first-of-its-kind virtual interactive play, “The Curious Case of the Missing Peranakan Treasure,” an intriguing whodunnit set against the epic backdrop of the iconic Grand Dame of Singapore. Through June 30, viewers can take part in the mystery from wherever they are—or immerse themselves in its twists and turns on-property through exclusive experiences at the fabled hotel.

Viewers assume the role of detective, tasked with unwinding the mystery of the Peranakan treasure—a priceless silver jewelry box and the centerpiece of a fictional onsite exhibition, whose late-night disappearance from its lobby perch sets the ensuing events in motion. Following brief introductions to the cast of characters—whose secrets reveal themselves as the action unfolds—you’ll piece together clues by exploring the hotel’s hallowed halls amidst overheard chats and eye-opening flashbacks.

The show—penned by award-winning playwright Jean Tay and directed by critically acclaimed actor/director Hossan Leong—deftly weaves the Raffles’ peerless history and gleaming grandeur into the narrative. As you click through highlighted spots on the property map, you’ll observe conversations between characters in a range of elegant rooms and public spaces, including the Writers Bar, the Sir Stamford Raffles Presidential Suite, and even service stairwells. Objects within scenes—a grand piano, a liqueur bottle, a palm tree—sparkle and glow in invitation; with another click, you’re instantly transported 50 years back in time to glean details of a backstory—involving a star-crossed romance and other fateful events—that begot a similar theft and set the stage for the present-day action.

Limited-time “daycation” and “staycation” packages celebrate the show, tempting guests with a real-life visit to the 19^th-century landmark. After your virtual entrée into the story from the comfort of one of the hotel’s sumptuous suites, you’ll leave your computer behind as you canvas checkpoints across the property to unearth the missing loot—and enjoy perks like Singapore Slings served in the famous courtyard along the way.

Those who manage to solve the mystery (hint: it’s tougher than you think) can garner prizes ranging from e-vouchers for the artfully merchandised Raffles Boutique to a timelessly chic afternoon tea for two at The Grand Lobby. All successful mystery solvers also earn a chance to win a one-night stay in a charming Palm Court Suite.

Filmed entirely on location at Raffles Hotel Singapore, the virtual theatrical experience combines immersive 360-degree views, surround sound, and augmented reality choice-based capabilities that allow you to decide the sequence of how the story unfolds—all artfully stitched together by technology company Xctuality. Tickets are $38; visit SISTIC and the hotel website for details.

Published at Fri, 30 Apr 2021 03:46:31 +0000

Article source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexandrakirkman/2021/04/29/raffles-singapores-new-virtual-interactive-play-will-help-you-beat-zoom-fatigue/