Cover Lexus redefines luxury beyond the road with the Singapore debut of Refine Dining, an immersive evening where craftsmanship, culinary artistry and thoughtful hospitality came together in perfect harmony
Lexus redefines luxury beyond the road with the Singapore debut of Refine Dining, an immersive evening where craftsmanship, culinary artistry and thoughtful hospitality came together in perfect harmony
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From a serene chauffeured journey in the Lexus LM 500h to an invitation-only dinner at Akira Back, Lexus launches Refine Dining in Singapore with a multisensory experience that proves true luxury is found not only in where you arrive, but in how every moment along the way has been considered
There are certain evenings where the destination is almost beside the point. Long before the first course arrived at Akira Back inside JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach, Lexus had already begun telling its story. Tatler was whisked from Tatler House in the spacious Lexus LM 500h, a vehicle whose effortless composure transformed the journey itself into the evening's opening act. The city slipped quietly past as thoughtful design, hushed refinement and impeccable comfort set the tone for what would become an exploration of craftsmanship in its many forms.
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The occasion marked the Singapore debut of Refine Dining, Lexus' inaugural regional culinary initiative developed in partnership with Marriott Bonvoy. Beginning in Singapore before travelling across Southeast Asia over the next two years, the series introduces a new expression of luxury for the Japanese marque, extending its celebrated philosophy of Omotenashi beyond the automobile and into the world of gastronomy, design and hospitality. Rather than simply sponsoring a dinner, Lexus has imagined an experience where every element has been meticulously considered, from the chauffeured arrival to the final course.
Above In Singapore, Lexus partners with JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach to present the local chapter of Refine Dining, uniting thoughtful hospitality, culinary artistry and impeccable craftsmanship
In Singapore, Lexus partners with JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach to present the local chapter of Refine Dining, uniting thoughtful hospitality, culinary artistry and impeccable craftsmanship
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Welcoming guests was Hao Quoc Tien, President of Toyota Motor Asia, who introduced Refine Dining as a celebration of craftsmanship, culture and culinary excellence. The collaboration brings together some of Asia's most acclaimed Marriott Bonvoy dining destinations through experiences rarely available to the public, creating an entirely new platform where chefs, designers and artisans can collectively explore the many possibilities of refinement.
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If luxury has increasingly become synonymous with experience rather than possession, Refine Dining understands the distinction instinctively. The initiative rests upon a philosophy shared by both Lexus and Marriott Bonvoy: that genuine hospitality lies in anticipation rather than excess and that the smallest details often leave the most lasting impression.
Above Opening the evening, Hao Quoc Tien, President of Toyota Motor Asia, unveils Lexus Refine Dining, an ambitious new platform where design, gastronomy and hospitality converge
Opening the evening, Hao Quoc Tien, President of Toyota Motor Asia, unveils Lexus Refine Dining, an ambitious new platform where design, gastronomy and hospitality converge
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That philosophy unfolded beautifully throughout the evening's exclusive menu, created solely for the launch and unavailable outside the experience. Michelin Selected restaurant Akira Back interpreted the Lexus values of precision, innovation and craftsmanship through contemporary Japanese cuisine, with each course carefully composed to reveal familiar flavours through unexpected perspectives. Like a Lexus vehicle itself, every dish balanced technical mastery with emotional resonance, demonstrating that restraint can often be the greatest luxury of all.
Yet perhaps the evening's most fascinating collaboration sat beneath one particular course. Singapore design practice Hans Tan Studio created a bespoke Bone China dining piece exclusively for Refine Dining, transforming what could have been an ordinary plate into an object of quiet fascination. Produced using bone ash repurposed from Akira Back's own culinary process, the piece reflected the restaurant's zero-waste philosophy while embodying Lexus' commitment to thoughtful innovation. Hidden references to the all-new Lexus ES, including subtle interpretations of its flowing silhouette and signature spindle grille, rewarded observant diners without overwhelming the object itself. Even more remarkably, the vessel was engineered to retain warmth for longer, allowing guests to experience each dish precisely as intended. It was a reminder that craftsmanship often reveals itself through function just as much as beauty.
Above Akira Back's Charcoal Robata "Sanchoku" Ribeye celebrates Japanese craftsmanship through meticulously sourced beef, traditional robata cooking and refined fermentation techniques. Served on a bespoke Bone China dining piece by Hans Tan Studio, the signature course perfectly embodies the spirit of Lexus Refine Dining
Above Akira Back's Mirugai & Uni showcases the precision of Japanese craftsmanship through delicately sliced mirugai, Hokkaido uni and N25 Oscietra caviar. Every element reflects the spirit of Lexus Refine Dining, where refinement is found in both flavour and technique
Akira Back's Charcoal Robata "Sanchoku" Ribeye celebrates Japanese craftsmanship through meticulously sourced beef, traditional robata cooking and refined fermentation techniques. Served on a bespoke Bone China dining piece by Hans Tan Studio, the signature course perfectly embodies the spirit of Lexus Refine Dining
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This dialogue between culinary artistry and industrial design captures the spirit of Refine Dining. Rather than treating food and design as separate disciplines, Lexus invites them into conversation, demonstrating how precision, creativity and human-centred thinking transcend industries. Whether expressed through the engineering of an electrified vehicle, the balance of a perfectly composed dish or the curve of a handcrafted dining vessel, excellence begins with an uncompromising attention to detail.
Above Designed exclusively by Singapore's Hans Tan Studio for Lexus Refine Dining at Akira Back, this bespoke Bone China dining piece transforms thoughtful craftsmanship into functional art. Crafted using bone ash repurposed from the restaurant's culinary process, it reflects a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and exceptional design
Above Guests were given an insight into the design philosophy behind the bespoke Bone China dining piece created for Lexus Refine Dining. Designed by Hans Tan Studio, it incorporates subtle cues from the all-new Lexus ES, including its flowing body lines and signature spindle grille
Designed exclusively by Singapore's Hans Tan Studio for Lexus Refine Dining at Akira Back, this bespoke Bone China dining piece transforms thoughtful craftsmanship into functional art. Crafted using bone ash repurposed from the restaurant's culinary process, it reflects a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and exceptional design
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As Refine Dining continues across Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia and Brunei, each destination will present its own collaboration between celebrated Marriott Bonvoy chefs and leading local designers, ensuring every chapter reflects the culture and craftsmanship unique to its home. It is an ambitious regional undertaking, but one that feels entirely natural for a brand whose understanding of luxury has always extended beyond the product itself.
For Lexus, the automobile has never been the final destination. It is simply the beginning of the journey. Refine Dining demonstrates that craftsmanship can be tasted as readily as it can be driven and that the most memorable luxury experiences are those where every detail, however quietly expressed, works together in perfect harmony.
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Adriel Chiun is the Branded Content Editor of Tatler Singapore.
