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Bangkok, Thailand, December 03, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok presents the winter menu at Alex Dilling at Lord Jim’s, furthering the restaurant’s evolution under Chef Alex Dilling’s direction. His approach continues to define this new chapter for the iconic dining room. The winter menu represents a considered progression in his cooking, one that is deeply rooted in tradition and attuned to how guests want to dine today.

A new winter menu at Lord Jim’s reflects Chef Alex Dilling’s distinctive interpretation of European gastronomy, where seasonal produce and precise technique guide the dining experience.

At the heart of the winter menu are dishes that honour tradition but with a new perspective. Poule au Pot, a French comfort classic, is prepared with corn-fed chicken thigh slowly braised and enclosed within a ravioli. A timut pepper-infused consommé completes the preparation and echoes the familiar warmth of chicken noodle soup enjoyed across both European and Asian homes. Pâté en Croûte, a highlight of Chef Dilling’s own family Sundays, is crafted with Iberica pork, foie gras, boudin noir and pistachio. The Dover Sole Grenobloise is roasted over open flame and served with an aromatic gewürztraminer and caper sauce.

Game season in Europe inspires the Venison Pithivier which features fallow deer seasoned with juniper and Thai green peppercorn, combined with foie gras, wrapped in Swiss chard and puff pastry, served with a hay-smoked green peppercorn jus.

Ingredient sourcing reflects a commitment to quality and provenance, with produce predominantly from France and select items from Japan, as well as seasonal ingredients from Thailand. This emphasis on origin and craft ensures each dish carries a clear sense of place and season. Highlights include milk-fed lamb from Pays d’Oc, sweetbreads from Limousin, fish from Brittany, shellfish from Hokkaido and local produce from a farm in Kamphaeng Phet province.

Supporting Chef Dilling is Chef George Kay, whose work alongside him in London contributed to earning two Michelin stars for Dilling’s namesake restaurant. He now brings that experience and a distinctive culinary voice to Alex Dilling at Lord Jim’s as Chef de Cuisine.

The winter menu is available now.

Open for dinner daily: 6:30pm – 10:30pm

For reservations or enquiries, please call +66 (0) 2 659 9000 or email mobkk-adlordjims[@]mohg[.]com.

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Singapore, December 03, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Marriott International, Inc. today announced a landmark moment in its regional growth journey with the Legacy Mekong, Can Tho, Autograph Collection joining its portfolio, marking the company’s 700th property in Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC). The milestone underscores Marriott’s continued momentum across the region, reflecting its strategic focus on expanding thoughtfully into diverse destinations beyond traditional gateway cities.

Situated on a private islet along the Hau River, Legacy Mekong, Can Tho, Autograph Collection introduces the brand’s signature storytelling hospitality to the heart of Vietnam’s lush Mekong Delta. The property joins Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection as the second Autograph Collection hotel in Vietnam. Each offers experiences that are “Exactly Like Nothing Else,” blending authentic cultural expression with distinctive design and heartfelt service.

“Introducing our 700th property in APEC is a proud moment that reflects the trust our owners, partners, and guests place in Marriott,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “Vietnam continues to be one of our most exciting growth markets, and the opening of the Legacy Mekong, Can Tho, Autograph Collection highlights our commitment to thoughtfully expanding our presence beyond major cities, introducing travelers to new destinations that are rich in culture, character, and opportunity.”

A Growing Presence Across Vietnam and the Region

With 30 open properties across Vietnam and a robust development pipeline of over 50 projects, Marriott continues to strengthen its presence across the country, spanning from major urban centers like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to emerging leisure destinations such as Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc and Ha Giang. Vietnam is rapidly becoming one of Asia’s most dynamic travel markets, welcoming over 17 million international visitors in the first 10 months of 2025, up more than 21% year on year, with strong inbound growth from key regional markets including China, South Korea, and ASEAN neighbors. This momentum positions Vietnam as a rising hub for both leisure and business travel within Asia Pacific.

This opening also marks another step in Marriott’s long-term growth strategy in APEC, where the company now operates 700 properties across 27 brands in 22 countries, with 400 more properties in the development pipeline. As part of the Marriott Bonvoy platform with nearly 260 million members globally, travelers can connect seamlessly to a world of rewards, experiences, and destinations across the region, underscoring Marriott’s commitment to offering more choice and deeper engagement in one of the fastest-growing travel regions in the world.

Introducing a Storied Outpost in the Heart of Mekong Delta

Surrounded by eight hectares of tropical gardens on Au Islet, Legacy Mekong, Can Tho immerses guests in the natural beauty and enduring rhythms of the Mekong Delta, known as the “Rice Basket of Vietnam, a three-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, the property captures the essence of riverside living through designs inspired by mangroves, banyan trees, and fruit orchards. Guests are welcomed with bracelets woven by palm leaves, herbal infusions, and traditional blessings before retreating to one of the 86 elegantly designed bungalows and private pool villas, each offering views of the river, lake, or garden.

Legacy Mekong, Can Tho spotlights an enchanting yet underexplored region of Vietnam, offering experience-seeking travelers authentic adventures, organic cuisine, and cultural traditions. Dining celebrates the Mekong’s rich culinary heritage, from locally sourced Vietnamese favorites to “Breakfast with a Story” – a dish paired with the tale of its origin.

Autograph Collection Hotels are inspired by a clear vision and story that makes each property individual, unique, and exactly like nothing else. Multi-sensory wellness offerings including a hydrotherapy spa, yoga and Pilates studio, and meditation pavilion offer indulgence for travelers while families will appreciate the engaging children’s club, while the courtyard pool, gong rituals, and herbal refreshments add to the sense of calm and connection. Keeping the storytelling alive, guests depart with a symbolic linen pouch of seeds and an invitation to “carry the Mekong home.”

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Cairo, Egypt, December 01, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Cairo witnessed this evening, Friday, a distinguished diplomatic and ceremonial event as the Afro-Asian Union (AFASU) held an official grand celebration honoring renowned cardiac surgeon Professor Dr. Mohamed Tewfik Zezouq, awarding him the prestigious AFASU Golden Award under the titles: “Doctor of the Year – Man of the Year – The Beating Heart of Egypt.”

The celebration took place in the Zurich Hall at Concorde El Salam Hotel, with an eminent attendance that included H.E. Prof. Dr. Mohamed Shokweir, Assistant Minister of Health and Chairman of the General Organization for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes; H.E. Ambassador Dan Munyuza, Ambassador of Rwanda in Cairo; and Major General Dr. Ahmed Abdullah, former Governor of the Red Sea. The event also attracted numerous diplomats, healthcare leaders, AFASU members, and media representatives from across Egypt.

AFASU Celebrates Professional Excellence and Humanitarian Leadership

In his opening remarks, Dr. Hossam Darwish, President of the Afro-Asian Union (AFASU), stated that this honor reflects the Union’s commitment to integrating professional distinction with social responsibility. He emphasized that the award recognizes Dr. Zezouq’s exceptional achievements and humanitarian contributions, positioning him as an inspiring model for the next generation of medical professionals.

Major General Ashraf Abu Eish, Secretary-General of AFASU, added:
“Our mission is to support every distinguished individual serving humanity and society. Investing in role models is the smartest investment in the future of Africa and Asia. Despite challenges, skeptics, and detractors, we continue to enhance all forms of integration that promote health security and sustainable development for our nations.”

International Recognition and Egyptian–Rwandan Cooperation

The ceremony featured discussions highlighting Egypt’s emerging role as a regional hub for medical and health tourism between Africa and Asia.

H.E. Ambassador Dan Munyuza, Ambassador of Rwanda in Cairo, underscored the importance of expanding medical cooperation and developing health tourism. He affirmed that Rwanda welcomes Egyptian expertise and values the contributions of Egypt’s distinguished physicians. He also pointed to future opportunities for linking Rwandan medical teams and patients with Egyptian specialists, supporting Africa’s broader health development strategies.

Major General Ahmed Abdullah, former Red Sea Governor, praised Dr. Zezouq, affirming that he “fully deserves the titles of Man of the Year and Doctor of the Year,” and expressed his appreciation for AFASU’s careful and intentional selection of its honorees.

A Heartfelt Message from the Honoree

In his acceptance speech, Professor Dr. Mohamed Tewfik Zezouq expressed profound gratitude for receiving such a meaningful distinction, noting that “leadership in medicine cannot be separated from humanitarian responsibility.”

He urged young physicians to pursue continuous learning and to place humanitarian service at the heart of their profession, emphasizing that “the true value of a scholar lies in his ability to help others.”

The “Messages of Congratulations” segment included emotional tributes from senior medical leaders and distinguished guests, all of whom highlighted Dr. Zezouq’s unique blend of surgical excellence and humanitarian leadership. Speakers stressed that the award serves as a genuine call for future generations of doctors to follow the path paved by “Egypt’s Beating Heart.”

They also affirmed that his contributions will remain a guiding light for scientific research and charitable medical work across Africa and Asia.

Closing Ceremony

The event concluded with the official presentation of the Golden Honor Shield to Dr. Mohamed Tewfik Zezouq, followed by commemorative group photographs.

The celebration reaffirmed AFASU’s role as a vital soft-power institution committed to strengthening professional and humanitarian cooperation between the two continents.

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Sepang, Malaysia, December 01, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / In line with the urgent Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by certification authorities requiring airlines to roll back the software on the Airbus A320 Family, AirAsia Aviation Group (AirAsia) will implement the mandated changes beginning today, 29 November 2025. This directive does not impact its A330 fleet.

In compliance with the AD, AirAsia is prioritising the timely implementation of the rollback and will adjust flight operations accordingly. According to media reports citing Airbus sources, around 6000 aircraft could be impacted globally across the industry.

AirAsia will reach out to directly notify guests on affected flights and service recovery options. Guests are also encouraged to stay updated on their flights via the AirAsia MOVE app, the AskBo chatbot, and their registered email for the latest information.

Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group said: “We are taking immediate steps to comply with the Airworthiness Directive and aim to complete the process within the next 48 hours, while ensuring minimal disruption to our guests. We seek our guests’ understanding, as these mandated measures are essential in upholding the highest standards of operational safety. We would also like to thank our engineering teams, who began the process immediately and are working around the clock to complete the required actions.”

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Bangkok, Thailand, December 01, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Extraordinary Travel Festival (ETF), the leading gathering of the world’s most adventurous and accomplished travelers, is excited to announce Roberto Helou, known online as Explorob, as a featured speaker for ETF III, scheduled for October 22–25, 2026 in Bangkok.

Roberto Helou is a French-Lebanese cyclist, filmmaker, and environmental activist with a massive and engaged following (380K+ on Instagram as @explorob). His journey is defined by epic overland adventures, sustainability, and storytelling. After leaving his studies in environmental engineering and audiovisual communication, Helou dedicated himself to exploring the world, founding Plastic Free Lebanon to fight plastic pollution while embracing zero-waste and ecological travel.

One of his most remarkable undertakings: cycling from Cairo to Cape Town, capturing raw and human stories across Africa, highlighting issues of culture, sustainability, and shared humanity. This expedition became the foundation for his YouTube mini-series and Instagram storytelling, bringing light to environmental and social realities often unseen.

“Roberto Helou embodies sustainable exploration and creative courage,” said ETF co-founder Ric Gazarian. “He teaches us that travel is not just about distance, but about connection—with people, landscapes, and the planet itself.”

At ETF III, Helou will share insights drawn from his life on the road, including:

• Long-distance overland cycling strategies
• Capturing travel stories through film and photography
• Environmental activism and sustainable travel
• Building human connections across diverse communities
• The mental and physical discipline required for epic journeys

The festival will bring together hundreds of elite travelers—country collectors, adventurers, explorers, and storytellers from around the globe. Among its 20+ speakers, ETF III will spotlight individuals pushing the boundaries of what travel means in a deeply connected world.

“Our vision for ETF is to inspire a community rooted in curiosity, creativity, and purpose,” Gazarian adds. “Roberto’s approach to travel — methodical, artistic, and environmentally aware — is an ideal example of what it means to live adventurously and responsibly.”

ETF III will feature keynote talks, breakout sessions, film screenings, cultural events, and social gatherings, culminating in a gala dinner. Previous editions of the festival have drawn front-page attention from major media outlets including the Wall Street Journal and the Australian Financial Review.

Ticket Information

Tickets for ETF III are on sale now:
extraordinarytravelfest.com/tickets/
Use code BANGKOK for a special discounted rate.

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Dalat, Vietnam, November 29, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / BWH Hotels, a leading global hospitality enterprise comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels, expands its portfolio in Vietnam with the opening of Best Western Premier Imperial Dalat, a brand-new upscale hotel that puts guests in the heart of an enchanting destination known as the “City of a Thousand Flowers.”

Nestled in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Da Lat is an oasis of cultural charm and natural beauty, with a refreshingly cool climate and a wealth of attractions for all travelers. Commanding a prime location close to the city center, Best Western Premier Imperial Dalat is within walking distance of Da Lat Market, Xuan Huong Lake and Con Ga Church, and surrounded by casual cafés and scenic photo spots.

The 91-key hotel was designed to meet the needs of both leisure and business travelers, featuring contemporary rooms and suites – including connecting options for families – with panoramic views of the city or mountains. Throughout their stay, visitors can swim in the year-round heated pool, work out at the fitness center, or feel rejuvenated at the spa, while children can enjoy fun activities at the kids’ club. Culinary options include authentic Vietnamese and Western cuisine at the all-day dining venue, an elegant Japanese restaurant, a stylish lobby lounge, vibrant beer garden and sophisticated cigar lounge.

Best Western Premier Imperial Dalat is also a hub for meetings and events, with a grand ballroom and several smaller function spaces providing intuitive options for every occasion, from executive meetings and training sessions to gala dinners and one-of-a-kind weddings.

“As Vietnam is one of the key markets for BWH Hotels, we are excited to introduce guests to this exceptional new property in Da Lat. With its fresh air, breathtaking scenery, lush floral landscapes and a wide range of attractions—from historic palaces and pagodas to golf courses and organic farms—this is the perfect place to unwind, create memorable experiences, or make a lasting impression. We look forward to supporting the growth of tourism in the City of a Thousand Flowers” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels.

With the opening of Best Western Premier Imperial Dalat, BWH Hotels now offers five hotels and resorts across Vietnam, spanning destinations including Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc and Nha Trang, with many more in the pipeline.

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Bangkok, Thailand, November 28, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / These were shocking, yet incredible and overwhelming news that caught with us today. INDDEE garnered Two Michelin Stars in today’s (November 27, 2025) prestigious Michelin Guide Thailand 2026 Award Ceremony. This recognition comes only two years after we opened our doors and marks a milestone we never imagined reaching this quickly.

Joining the very few two-star restaurants in the city is both an honour and a responsibility. We now stand among the kitchens described as “excellent cooking, worth a detour”. This second star, also makes INDDEE the second Indian restaurant in Thailand to hold this distinction and the 4th in the world.

“It still feels unreal. To grow from our first star to two stars in such a short time… we are grateful, humbled and very overwhelmed. This win is for our loyal guests, patient suppliers, our powerful team of unique individuals, ownership without whom we would not be here today, and everyone who believed in what INDDEE could become.” ––Chef Sachin on receiving the 2026 Two MICHELIN Stars for INDDEE

This ninth edition of the MICHELIN Guide Thailand also marks the 125th anniversary of the Guide, reinforcing its role as one of the world’s most respected authorities in dining.

A Vision of Changes

This past year brought a lot of change to INDDEE. New ideas, dishes, ingredients, pairings, a more refined experience. Your support gave us the confidence to keep evolving and to hold ourselves to higher standards every day.

This second star is a moment of celebration, but also a promise. As Chef Sachin said earlier today, “Let’s celebrate today, think big and start fresh tomorrow.” – and we can’t agree more. We’d love to welcome you back to INDDEE. Our creatively simple journey keeps moving, keeps improving and stays true to its promise of continuous enhancement. And we’ve got plenty of things brewing for you already up our sleeve for 2026!

A warm thank you to you – our loyal guests, our suppliers and everyone who has supported us from the beginning. We would also like to recognise the team members who pushed tirelessly behind the scenes: Thanakorn Bottorff, Matylda Grzelak (Maddy), João Pereira, Ravi Sharma, Jalam Singh Rana, Buhngar Pradabyart (Lah), and Rajesh Kewalramani, whose vision has been central to this project.

The complete listing of the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2026, including INDDEE’s recognition, can be found on the official MICHELIN Guide website and mobile app.

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Amsterdam, Netherlands, November 28, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / ICCA and Destination Canada have unveiled The State of Sustainability in Associations Report, revealing that while global associations increasingly value sustainability, many still struggle to turn commitment into measurable action.

According to the study, 66% of international associations now rate sustainability as very or extremely important, up from 60% in 2023, but consistent implementation remains elusive. Nearly a quarter (24%) still do not calculate their carbon footprint, and 19% outsource measurement rather than building internal expertise.

The report also highlights a “cost paradox”: 63% cite cost as the top barrier to sustainable event planning, yet 46% are willing to pay 5–24% more for sustainable options—suggesting perception, not price, is the true obstacle.

Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, said: “Our industry has moved beyond debating whether sustainability matters. The challenge now is transforming aspiration into accountability. This report provides the insight and evidence our community needs to act with purpose and precision.”

Virginie De Visscher, Executive Director, Business Events of Destination Canada, said: “At Destination Canada, we are committed to building a more sustainable business events industry—in Canada and around the world. We’re proud to partner with ICCA on this report, and we hope it empowers associations and destinations alike to turn their sustainability goals into lasting impact.”

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Bangkok, Thailand, November 28, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is partnering with Content With Purpose (CWP) to produce Pacific Asia: Tourism with Purpose – an inspiring new digital series celebrating how tourism across the Asia Pacific region can drive a more responsible, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Tourism is one of the world’s most powerful forces for connection – linking people, economies, and cultures across an extraordinary diversity of places. Throughout the Asia Pacific region, tourism supports livelihoods, strengthens communities, and fuels innovation across industries. Yet as the sector evolves, its true value extends far beyond visitor arrivals and receipts. Reflecting on PATA’s renewed mission and holistic vision, Tourism with Purpose will explore tourism’s wider impact on people and places, on well-being and the environment, and on the many sectors it touches beyond the visitor economy.

As travel across the region continues to grow, the need for a sustainable and resilient approach has never been greater. Through destination stewardship, skills development, and cross-sector collaboration, tourism can ensure that growth is inclusive and that its benefits are shared widely to create opportunity and prosperity for all.

Launching in the year of PATA’s 75th anniversary, Pacific Asia: Tourism with Purpose will showcase the stories, innovations, and partnerships leading this transformation. Through short form films, expert interviews, and character-led storytelling, the series will highlight pioneering initiatives in sustainable tourism, climate action, community empowerment, and regional connectivity – revealing how purpose-driven tourism can uplift both societies and ecosystems.

Aligned with PATA’s commitment to be a catalyst for meaningful impact, Tourism with Purpose will amplify diverse voices from across the Asia Pacific and share a distinctly regional perspective with the world, celebrating the power of tourism to connect, protect, and inspire.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “Tourism acts as a bridge between cultures, communities, and economies. Through Tourism with Purpose, we want to highlight how our region is leading the way toward a more responsible and resilient tourism future. This series will showcase the people and partnerships driving that change, demonstrating how purposeful travel can create lasting benefits for our environment, our societies, and generations to come. We also extend our appreciation to Content With Purpose for their help in bringing these previously untold stories to life.”

Max Smith, Founder and Managing Director of Content With Purpose, added: “We’re delighted to be partnering with PATA to create a series that celebrates the transformative potential of tourism. The series is an opportunity to celebrate the vision and leadership across the Asia-Pacific, and to show how tourism, when guided by purpose and collaboration, can strengthen communities, protect the planet, and inspire a more connected world.”

The series will launch with a preview screening at the PATA Annual Summit 2026, to be organised from May 11 – 13 in Gyeongju and Pohang, Korea (ROK). The screening will be followed by a full series launch at the PATA Travel Mart 2026, in Sarawak, Malaysia, from August 18 – 20. An extensive digital campaign will then extend its reach across PATA’s network and beyond—engaging policymakers, businesses, NGOs, academia, travellers, and the public in driving collective action toward a more inclusive, resilient, and purpose-driven future for tourism.

Organisations within the tourism industry—both public and private—interested in contributing to the series are encouraged to contact Sophie Newboult, Series Development Manager at CWP, to learn more.

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Bangkok, Thailand, November 27, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Park Hyatt Bangkok is delighted to announce the appointment of Chef Alessio Banchero as the new Chef de Cuisine at Embassy Room La Marina, the hotel’s Coastal Italian restaurant. Hailing from Genoa, Italy, Chef Alessio brings over two decades of culinary expertise to elevate the dining experience at Embassy Room La Marina, which now unveils a new culinary concept celebrating the vibrant flavors of Coastal Italy alongside beloved everyday Italian favorites.

Growing up in the coastal city of Genoa, Chef Alessio’s passion for food was sparked not only in his aunt’s restaurant kitchen, but also by the nearby harbor where he spent hours observing fishermen at work. Fascinated by their daily catches, he was curious about the variety of fresh seafood they brought in. These early experiences shaped his deep appreciation for authentic, ingredient-driven cuisine, particularly the sun-kissed flavors of Coastal Italian cooking. A graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute Nino Bergese in Genoa, he has honed his craft across the globe, from standalone restaurants like Zeffirino and Ristorante Il Veliero in Genoa to acclaimed establishments in the United States, Thailand, India and Mauritius.

While renowned for his mastery of coastal Italian flavors, Chef Alessio specializes in Italian classics as a whole, bringing a deep appreciation for traditional recipes across Italy’s rich culinary heritage. His signature dish, Spaghetti alle vongole e bottarga, spaghetti with clams, “bottarga” cured mullet roe, candied lemon zest, reflects his hometown’s flavors. Another guest favorite is the Casoncelli di Gamberi e Salsa alle Zucchine, delicately stuffed with prawns and served with zucchini sauce, burrata, peas, and Mazara del Vallo red prawns, a dish that truly delights prawn lovers. Last but certainly not least, he proudly presents the Tagliatelle al ragù di costine; handcut tagliatelle, Wagyu beef shortribs ragout, and apecorino.

“I am thrilled to join Park Hyatt Bangkok and immerse myself in this incredible city’s culinary scene,” said Chef Alessio. “Working alongside the talented team, I’m eager to create unforgettable dining experiences with dishes that resonate with Thai diners’ love for bold, fresh flavors.”

Located on the 9th floor of Park Hyatt Bangkok, Embassy Room La Marina offers a refined yet relaxed atmosphere inspired by the warmth of Italian dining traditions and the charm of fisherman villages. Experience Chef Alessio’s authentic dishes, where the flavors of Italy’s coastal regions are complemented by comforting, everyday Italian favorites, inviting everyone to share and cherish.

Embassy Room La Marina focuses on capturing the essence of Italy’s coastal regions with a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. The culinary philosophy is inspired by marinas of fisherman villages and provincial fresh produce markets, where the freshest ingredients of the day are celebrated and enjoyed for their exceptional quality. The team works in unity to deliver a warm and gracious authentic experience unique to Embassy Room La Marina.

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