32 33 May22259 A Present for the Music Obsessed Music: it brings people together, uniting us under a wave of melody, rhythm, and harmony. It relays stories, conveys emotion, and has the ability to deeply connect with individuals, altering their lives for the better. Henceforth, there is no better gift for Christmas than the gift of music. The vinyl record renaissance is in full swing. More and more people are investing in a record collection, which has sent sales through the roof, inviting more musicians to dip into the medium. Whilst the resurgence in popularity has come as a surprise to many, sales across the United States have been steadily rising for the past 16 years. However, for audiophiles and music fans everywhere, 2021 was a shock to the system as long play record (LP) sales jumped by over 50%. Indeed, MRC Data – a data and analytics provider to the music business and consumers – states that 41.7 million LPs were sold in the United States in 2021, a dramatic increase from 2020’s 27.5 million. According to The Vinyl Factory, this trend was echoed in the UK, as more than 5 million records were sold in 2021, the highest total since 1990. Vinyl Records as Gifts When thinking of a Christmas gift, a vinyl record or a turntable probably isn’t where your mind immediately goes to; however, both products are highly versatile and can be very affordable. The best gifts are those that have had thought put into them, and music is, quite simply, an area in which you can’t go wrong. From Metallica to Billie Eilish, and BTS to Slipknot, many musical artists are releasing vinyl records, meaning that there is something suitable for everyone’s music taste. 2018 data from the Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA) shows that the average record price in the UK sits at around £20.31, and for second-hand vinyl records this cost can be even lower. Sites such as eBay, Music Magpie, eil.com, and more, are awash with vintage and contemporary vinyl records alike, and the lucky few may even discover a rare gem or an original pressing, which makes the piece all the more valuable! Turntables and Accessories The world of turntables can at first be convoluted and confusing. Prices range from double figures to thousands, and with so many on the market, it is difficult to find the right turntable to fit your needs. However, there is one common mistake that first-time buyers make: they buy a suitcase turntable. Affordable and aesthetically pleasing, it can be easy to fall into their trap, after all they offer the conveniences of being portable, compact, and lightweight. Yet there are several downsides that outweigh the positives: the needles used are notorious for scratching records, they offer poorer sound quality, and by having inbuilt speakers, they run the risk of producing feedback and audio distortion. Henceforth, there are dozens of affordable turntables available that do not compromise the listening experience, and such decks can be improved upon over time through the addition of high-quality speakers and preamplifiers. Whilst this does drive up the price, it is worth it, as they cultivate better audio quality and make the experience even more enjoyable. Whether you’re buying for a friend, a family member, old, or young, vinyl records make for an excellent gift. Suitable for music veterans and fledgling fans, the medium is an accessible way to delve into music, and as time progresses and more people begin collections, it also makes for an excellent investment. Indeed, music never goes out of style – it is eternal, a force that replenishes the soul, and brings light into people’s lives. Music is the perfect gift. Sep22090 Service Delivery That’s All Heart Our Most Scenic Luxury Resort (Malaysia) is the Bangi Resort Hotel. Nestled on the peak of Bandar Baru Bangi, the resort overlooks the bustling city with Kuala Lumpur; 29 km away, well within sights. Over the past 25 years, Bangi Resort Hotel has built a reputation for excellent service designed to delight its clients. We speak with Monica Lim, Director of Guest Relations, to find out more. Five-star Bangi Resort Hotel is a popular retreat for golfers, corporate clients, aviation crews, and just about anybody looking to get away from the busyness of daily life. Situated halfway between Kuala Lumpur city centre and the city’s international airport, Bangi Resort Hotel sits in the middle of a 27-hole championship golf course. Guests are treated to stunning views of lush greenery and impressive skylines from each of the hotel's 256 rooms and suites, with each featuring its own balcony and bathtub. Monica tells us, “Our central location makes Bangi Resort Hotel a natural choice for meetings, incentives, conventions, events, and weddings. The resort is also a popular family staycation destination as we offer tours and activities at our very own farm.” The resort’s farm is part of its effort toward being more environmentally responsible. Using techniques such as conventional produce farming, aquaponics, and hydroponics, farm produce includes giant passionfruit, avocado, grapes, corn, and sugar cane. As part of its green initiative, Bangi Resort Farm aims to educate its guests on responsible tourism. By making its own efforts toward sustainability, it hopes to encourage conversations about adopting green practices with its visitors. Bangi Resort Hotel is also known for its diverse food and beverage offering. Four restaurants delight clients with local seasonal delicacies as well as taste sensations from around the world. Funtasia offers panoramic views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline whilst chefs create dishes before your eyes. Japanese Wagyu restaurant, Hisashi, prepares select cuts of melt-in-the-mouth beef, celebrity Chef Wan creates food with love, peace and compassion at De. Wan by Chef Wan1958, whilst myBurgerLab Express serves up hearty artisan burgers by the poolside, perfect for casual sunset wind downs So what drives the team at Bangi Resort Hotel to deliver every time? Monica explains, “We are driven by our mission ‘to passionately delight customers with memorable experiences’. We’re about accessible affordability without compromising on quality. Our guest experience team works to deliver the best customised journey for every guest. It starts before they walk through our doors and continues until after they leave with memories of their stay. Our warm hospitality and good food are what sets us apart.” Delighting every guest takes a dedicated team passionate about hospitality and ever eager to learn. The Bangi Resort Hotel team aren’t all from conventional hospitality backgrounds. But every team member has a positive attitude and a willingness to cater to the preferences of each guest with sincerity. Monica says, “We listen with our hearts and deliver with anticipation for our next guest’s visit.” As life returns to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic, the hotel is welcoming back international guests. For the rest of 2022, Bangi Resort Hotel expects to host more visitors from Europe and the return of international conventions and conferences. The resort will be hosting MotoGP racers again, and plans for 2023 include upgrading its rooms and facilities. Winning Most Scenic Luxury Resort – Malaysia is no small achievement and we wish Bangi Resort Hotel the best as it continues to draw people to it. It is about that personalised experience for each guest that keep them coming back for more! Contact: Monica Lim Company: Bangi Resort Hotel Web Address: www.bangiresorthotel.com
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