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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
Meliá Chiang Mai’s jewel in the crown, 360-degree rooftop bar Mai The Sky Bar, will welcome an award-winning bartender next month to concoct an imaginative selection of Thai-inspired cocktails.
Benz Naphat Boonmamuang, a.k.a “Mr B”, who hails from Chiang Mai and has been recognized among Thailand’s top mixologists, will “take over” Mai The Sky Bar on Friday August 2 from 7pm until midnight.
Perched on Meliá Chiang Mai’s 22nd floor, Mai The Sky Bar – the highest in Chiang Mai – offers spectacular views of the Ping River to the city’s east and famed Doi Suthep Temple on the mountaintop to the west. The remarkable venue features rooftop terraces at varying heights, with a spectacular glass bridge connecting the bar’s highest seating areas.
Mr B, the beverage and bar manager at Anantara Chiang Mai’s Brit Bar at 1921 House, has more than a decade’s experience of mixology under his belt. He has been recognised in the prestigious “World Class Thailand” Bartender of the Year Awards, named the second runner runner-up in the 2024 awards and a finalist in 2023. He was also the first runner-up at the Giffrad West Cup this year and a finalist in the Dewar’s Highball Challenge last year.
His Thai-inspired cocktails on offer during the takeover include a highball cocktail dubbed “Poy Luang”, which means a grand celebration featuring a lively procession dominated by the sounds of the gamelan.
Paying homage to traditional drinking customs where alcohol is typically consumed with pickled fruit, the cocktail features a homemade wild apple sparkling juice – made from wild apples, galangal and citron grown by the Doi Ang hill tribe community in Chiang Mai’s Fang District – mixed with Johnnie Walker Black Label Whiskey. The cocktail is garnished with plum-soaked citron wrapped in edible plastic; a nod to the world’s need to reduce plastic use.
Mr B’s selection of cocktails complement Mai The Sky Bar’s menu featuring dishes underpinned by local sustainable and organic farming. Drawing on Meliá’s Spanish roots, the city’s most happening venue’s vibrant menu serves a variety of tapas and pinchos, grazing boards and desserts under sections dubbed “Para Picar”, “Tableros” and “Postres” respectively.
Mai The Sky Bar’s resident DJ will spin commercial house music, afrobeats, pop and dancehall tunes from 8pm.
Entry to Mai The Sky Bar for Mr B’s takeover is THB 250 net per person, with credit towards food and drinks.
About Asset World Corp Public Company Limited
Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) is Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group and a member of TCC Group, with the focus on hospitality, lifestyle destinations, and commercial workspaces. Driven by the philosophy of “Building a Better Future,” AWC strives to grow and expand beyond the norms with a diverse array of quality projects, providing responsible and sustainable solutions for all our stakeholders. The company has two main businesses. Hospitality business managed by top hotel executives of world-renowned hotel brands such as Marriott, The Luxury Collection, Okura, Banyan Tree, Hilton, Sheraton, and Melia, and Commercial properties whose projects include 1) Retail and Wholesale such as lifestyle travel destinations, community shopping malls, community markets, and wholesale business real estate. Popular real estate projects consist of Asiatique the Riverfront Destination, Gateway at Bangsue, AEC FOOD WHOLESALE PRATUNAM, and Tawanna Bangkapi, and 2) Commercial buildings including the famous ‘The Empire’ and Athenee Tower located in Bangkok’s central business district. AWC is committed to integrating its sustainability strategy in every part of its operations to create long-term sustainable value for all stakeholders. The sustainability strategy consists of three key pillars: Better Planet, Better People and Better Prosperity, while the framework has created numerous long-term initiatives including the ReConcept, The GALLERY and other projects.
About Meliá Hotels & Resorts
Meliá has 125 hotels in Europe (56), America (18), Cuba (16), Africa (5) and Asia (30). We are present in 32 countries and currently have 21 hotels under development in 11 countries. At Meliá Hotels & Resorts, we stand out for our unique Spanish style in the hospitality industry and for our warmth, closeness and passion for service. This means that we offer our guests a unique wellness experience. Our Spanish warmth and spontaneity are part of our Mediterranean roots and are always present in the Meliá experience. An experience that is enriched by providing thoughtful extra services. Paying attention to the smallest details and providing personalized experiences for each guest. How do we interpret wellness in the MELIÁ brand? We see wellness from an innovative perspective. It is not wellness applied only to nutrition or wellness services, it is 360º wellness. The wellness we want to convey is global. You can find it in all aspects of the brand from different perspectives: physical wellness, spiritual wellness, leisure wellness, social wellness, occupational wellness, environmental wellness, financial wellness and nutritional wellness.
About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International has more than 400 hotels open or in the process of opening in more than 40 countries, and a portfolio of nine brands: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, The Meliá Collection, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá and Affiliated by Meliá. The Company is one of the world’s leading hotel chains in the leisure segment and its experience in this area has allowed it to consolidate itself in the growing market of urban hotels inspired by leisure. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led it to be recognised as the most sustainable European hotel company (listed as “Sustainability Yearbook Member” in 2024 by S&P Global), as well as being a “Top Employer 2024” brand in Spain, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Italy, Germany, France and Vietnam. Meliá Hotels International is also part of the IBEX 35.
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
Vietnam Golf Coast (VGC) clubs will be taking a roadshow to Korea this week to spread the gospel about the world-beating golf possibilities in Central Vietnam.
The region has emerged as a hub for golf travel in Asia thanks to an array of layouts designed by luminaries including European legends Sir Nick Faldo (Laguna Golf Lang Co), Luke Donald (Ba Na Hills Golf Club), and Colin Montgomerie (Montgomerie Links), as well as other huge names like Greg Norman and Robert Trent Jones Jr.
The area’s burgeoning reputation on the global stage was reflected during 2023, a year that saw the total number of rounds played on its courses reach an all-time high.
And Laguna Golf Lang Co and Montgomerie Links, two of the fulcrums of the VGC, a destination marketing effort linking Central Vietnam’s signature courses, will be spreading the gospel about the region at separate events in Seoul and then Busan. These events are part of a strategic initiative to attract more international visitors to Central Vietnam by showcasing its premier golf offerings.
In Seoul, the roadshow will feature an information session for media and tour operators keen to learn more about Danang, a city that has become a central hub for golf tourism in the region. Attendees can explore the unique attributes of Central Vietnam’s golf courses, hotels, and tourism destinations. Representatives from the Danang Tourism Promotion Center, under the management of the Danang Tourism Department, will also be present to provide insights and answer questions.
Following the Seoul event on July 8, the roadshow will move to Busan, where a similar program will be conducted to engage with local media and tour operators on July 12. The focus will be on highlighting the unparalleled golf experiences available in Central Vietnam, emphasizing the region’s capacity to offer a complete holiday package that includes world-class golf, exquisite cuisine, rich cultural heritage, and luxurious accommodations.
“This roadshow underscores the VGC’s commitment to promoting Central Vietnam as a premier golf destination and strengthening its ties with the Korean market,” said Le Vo Hoang Van, club manager at Montgomerie Links where Colin Montgomerie has fashioned old-world design elements into a challenging layout. “By bringing together key stakeholders from both countries, the VGC aims to create lasting partnerships and drive tourism growth.”
“Central Vietnam is truly one of Asia’s most complete golf destinations, offering brilliant year-round golf, great food, rich cultural heritage, and fantastic accommodation,” added Stephen Banks, director of golf at Laguna Golf Lang Co. “The region has long been a favourite of Korean golfers and their families. Therefore, we are excited to share this with our Korean friends and welcome them to experience everything our region has to offer.”
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
Thailand’s first INNSiDE hotel is turning one this month, marking the milestone with discounts on room rates and dining, a giveaway campaign and fundraising to support education for disadvantaged children.
Reaching 34 floors and towering over Bangkok’s trendy On Nut neighborhood, INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit debuted on July 7 last year with a design that draws inspiration from some of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks. The 208-room hotel cut the ribbon on a host of remarkable facilities, ranging from a sky-high transparent infinity pool and rooftop tapas bar to integrated co-working spaces and playful meeting rooms and multifunctional areas.
Part of a collection of unique urban and beach hotels in 14 different countries designed for those with curious minds who cultivate a fluid lifestyle when it comes to work and leisure, INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit is celebrating its first anniversary in the following ways:
– Guests receive 10 percent and 20 percent discounts on room rates for INNSiDE Rooms and The Townhouse accommodations respectively (subject to availability). Bookings must be made directly to reservations on +66 2 340 5499 or via social media messaging on Instagram and Facebook with promocode ‘1ANNIV’ by July 31 this year for stays until October 31, 2024.
– Guests who have booked the 1ANNIV promotion also enjoy 10% off dining at the hotel’s LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar and The Kites Eatery during their stay.
– A social media giveaway campaign will offer three complimentary one-night stay prizes with dining credits. Participants must answer the hotel’s Facebook post question “What’s your favorite spot at our hotel and why?” and like, share and set their repost as public to enter the competition. Winners will be announced on July 29 this year.
– Guests are encouraged to make a voluntary contribution of USD 1 (THB 35) or more during check-out to provide funds to support education for disadvantaged children.
Offering authentic Spanish tapas, wines, beer on tap, cocktails and signature sangrias, LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar invites diners to embark on a culinary pilgrimage across Spain, to a backdrop of sweeping vistas of Bangkok’s skyline. A spectacle unlike any other in Bangkok, tapas bar guests on the 33rd floor peer into the bottom of the hotel’s infinity pool. The tapas bar’s design, including its striking angled lines and cabling, pay tribute to Bangkok landmark, Rama VIII Bridge.
In addition to drawing on Meliá’s Spanish origins and celebrating Spain’s gastronomy, the hotel’s dining landscape taps local roots with fresh, colourful Thai cuisine. The chefs at all-day dining venue The Kites Eatery serve up central, northern, north-eastern and southern Thai cuisine a la minute using quality ingredients sourced from local farms. The Kites Eatery’s chic setting is also dominated by soaring windows giving way to stunning views of Bangkok.
Since its grand opening, the hotel has been making waves in Bangkok and beyond, receiving recognition and accolades from the likes of Hong Kong-based Destination Deluxe and UK-based Luxury Lifestyle Magazine. New York City-based Luxury Lifestyle Awards recently lauded the hotel as this year’s leading luxury bleisure hotel in Bangkok.
“Our property has quickly become a flagship for the rest of Asia and we have been attracting younger, purpose-driven travellers from Thailand, Asia and across the globe,” said the hotel’s general manager Aarron Nelson. “Our hotel is all about connecting with people; we offer a product that has a lot of storytelling behind it with something different on every floor of the hotel. In addition to our creative meeting rooms and a unique blend of functionality and style across every inch of our multifunctional areas, our location makes us ideal for MICE planners. We are close to Bangkok’s two major convention centres as well as EmQuartier and True Digital Park, which both have convention spaces.”
The hotel’s management and staff will celebrate the first anniversary on July 6 with almsgiving, Trimurti shrine worship, a monk ceremony at Fah Room and offerings to monks.
About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International has more than 400 hotels open or in the process of opening in more than 40 countries, and a portfolio of nine brands: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, The Meliá Collection, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá and Affiliated by Meliá. The Company is one of the world’s leading hotel chains in the leisure segment and its experience in this area has allowed it to consolidate itself in the growing market of urban hotels inspired by leisure. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led it to be recognised as the most sustainable European hotel company according to S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook 2024, as well as being a “Top Employer 2024” brand in Spain, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Italy, Germany, France and Vietnam. Meliá Hotels International is also part of the IBEX 35.
About INNSiDE by Meliá
INNSiDE is a collection of unique urban and beach hotels designed for those with curious minds and fluid lives. Always true to their destination, they give guests the freedom to connect or disconnect among an independent community of like-minded travellers.
INNSiDE provides guests with all the everyday essentials and extra-special details to make their stay all the more unique. From in-room comforts to the inspiring Big Idea Space, Open Living Lounges, and fitness studios, we allow guests to feel more-than-at-home.
Sustainability is also packed into all the little details: every room is equipped with paper and plastic-free collateral and complimentary organic cosmetics. INNSiDE celebrates the culture of each of its locations with an events calendar, handy city guides for guests, and by spotlighting a local artist’s work across the hotel walls and onto merchandise and staff uniforms.
There are currently 38 INNSiDE by Meliá properties worldwide, with the brand continuing to expand its global footprint. All properties are located in the best lifestyle neighbourhood travel destinations. Some of them are Spain (Madrid, Mallorca, Ibiza, Fuerteventura, Zaragoza), United Kingdom (Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester), United States (New York, Lima), Germany (Berlin, Bremen, Frankfurt, Munich, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Aachen, Leipzig, Hamburg) Czech Republic (Prague), France (Paris), Italy (Milano), China (Zhengzhou), Indonesia (Yogyakarta), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) and Netherlands (Amsterdam).
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
The Anam Cam Ranh has been named as one of Vietnam’s top beach resorts by prestigious magazine Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau.
Readers of the magazine voted the 12-hectare beachfront resort among the winners of Vietnam’s “Best Beach and Island Resorts” category of this year’s Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific.
Readers of the publication voted the resort, renowned for its spectacular location overlooking Long Beach on Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula and its Indochine era-inspired design, in the seventh spot in the list of ten winners.
When Vietnamese businessman Pham Van Hien set foot on Cam Ranh about 12 years ago, he was struck by its unspoiled sands and waters, its dramatic headlands and offshore islands. A dream took root that came to fruition in The Anam Cam Ranh: “I have visited many countries during three decades working in the tourism and the airline business and it is rare to find so many remarkable qualities in one under-the-radar location,” said Hien. “There isn’t a more desirable place to be on the water in Vietnam.”
Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong & Macau, said of the awards: “Taking in the hospitality industry in 15 countries and territories as well as the travel industry more broadly across Asia-Pacific, the Travel+Leisure Luxury Awards winners for 2024 reflect the ballots of you hotel guests, frequent fliers, cruise-lovers, points guys, and wellness junkies, and highlight the places and people that make for the best high-end wanderlust. With so many tried, trusted and true hotels getting your votes, and well as the slew of new openings in the region and ideas in luxury hospitality percolating out there, we’ve put together a special print edition: The Hotels Issue 2024.”
About The Anam Group
After the auspicious debut of The Anam Cam Ranh in 2017, the independently owned and operated The Anam Group celebrated the grand opening of its second property, The Anam Mui Ne, in January 2023, and multipurpose convention centre Axi Plaza in Cam Ranh in April, 2024.
With “Indochine Charm” and “Modern Luxury” as its watchwords, the group blends colonial-era aesthetics and attentive Vietnamese service with modern comforts and convenience. “The Anam” today is a reference to another name, “An Nam”, which was the name of Central Vietnam during the French Indochina era.
The Anam Cam Ranh overlooks 300 metres of beachfront on Vietnam’s scenic Cam Ranh peninsula, which averages more than 300 sunny days per year. The luxurious five-star resort boasts 77 villas and 136 rooms and suites. The Anam Cam Ranh features a French-inspired fine dining restaurant, all-day dining restaurant, a Vietnamese restaurant and bar, a classical bar, a beach club, in-room dining, a 10 treatment-room spa, indoor and outdoor movie theatres, three capacious swimming pools, ballroom, conference rooms, recreation and fitness centre, a tennis court, yoga room and deck, kids club, putting green, onsite sustainable farm, gift shop and more.
Like its predecessor The Anam Cam Ranh, The Anam Mui Ne’s design is also an echo out of Vietnam’s Indochine era. Situated in southern Vietnam’s popular beach town Mui Ne, the 1.2 hectare beachfront resort affords spectacular ocean vistas and features 127 elegant rooms and suites, including seven 142sqm suites with private pools and a 122sqm presidential suite with an extra room for the bodyguards. Its dining landscape comprises an all-day dining restaurant and grill, beachside restaurant and bar, and lobby bar. A five-treatment room spa, two vast swimming pools, a ballroom, conference rooms, water sports center, fitness center, yoga room, kid’s club and gift shop are among the resort’s host of world-class facilities.
With a design inspired by Vietnam’s iconic basket boat, Axi Plaza is a game changer for Cam Ranh and MICE offerings on Vietnam’s coastline due to its distinctive architecture and design, and spectacular beachfront location. Adjacent to The Anam Cam Ranh, Axi Plaza offers a vast state-of-the-art conference hall, a 360-degree rooftop venue, stunning outdoor beachfront event space, about 10,000sqm dedicated to shopping and dining outlets, and more.
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
An oceanfront resort that has helped shape the wellness industry in Vietnam continues to reinvent itself to meet the diverse needs of its guests through new treatments and improving the spaces in which those therapies are offered. This month TIA Wellness Resort launches four new treatments including a new master therapy, a retreat-exclusive treatment, and gives its 22 treatment rooms a facelift.
“Our experience, and guest health assessments, revealed a heightened need for tension relief in areas commonly affected by daily life, especially due to the digitalization and prolonged screen time many of us experience,” explained Ramon Imper, general manager of the resort.
Guests taking part in one of the customized retreat programs at the property can now experience cupping, an ancient healing technique that originated in China and is a mainstay of traditional Vietnamese medicine. TIA Wellness Resort’s cupping therapy was developed by Dr. Phan Minh Duc, head of the Rehabilitation Center in Quang Nam province, where the resort is located, in collaboration with the property’s wellness training manager.
The 60-minute ‘Vietnamese Cupping Therapy’ involves a gentle tissue warm-up followed by the application of suction cups at acupuncture points. The traditional therapy has a host of benefits ranging from draining excess fluids and toxins to increasing blood flow to the skin and muscles. It also stimulates the peripheral nervous system and strengthens the immune system.
The two 30-minute treatments that specifically cater to daily computer users include a ‘Back & Shoulder Tension Release,’ to provide lasting relief and relaxation to an area where many people hold stress; and the ‘Holistic Head & Neck Harmony,’ a meridian-point therapy focusing on the head and neck to reset and balance mental well-being and overall health. The treatment also helps with neck mobility, while offering deep relaxation.
“We also recognized a growing need to focus on leg care,” added Ramon. “Traditionally, legs receive less attention and limited treatment time in most massages. To address this, we created the new leg recovery treatment, which is dedicated solely to the legs.”
The 50-minute ‘Deep Tissue Leg Recovery,’ alleviates tension and fatigue in the legs through a combination of deep tissue techniques and gentle stretches. In contrast to desk-bound workers this is a good fit for those who are on their feet all day, recovering from intense physical activity, or have just taken a long flight. The revitalizing treatment promotes blood circulation and muscle recovery.
In recent months the wellness team have also added new facials in collaboration with Comfort Zone, a science-based, regenerative and sustainable skincare brand founded in Italy. Four different facials on the menu tap the botanical powers of the nourishing skincare brand with options including: Recover Touch, Active Pureness, Hydra Glow, and Remedy Soothing. All are 50-minutes.
The new offerings complement the existing line up of 29 treatments available to wellness-inclusive guests. Guests who book a retreat also have access to an additional seven therapies including sound healing, master reiki, and the new Vietnamese cupping treatment.
With the addition of the treatments comes a renewed focus on the treatment room design. Elements have been added to the existing 22 rooms to create a more peaceful ambiance in line with the original design philosophy.
The resort’s overall design draws inspiration from the Forbidden City, a walled city inside an age-old Citadel in the nearby former capital of Hue. The greater emphasis now placed on arches within the treatment rooms mimics the arches present in the UNESCO-protected structures throughout the historic site.
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
Accor hotels in Cambodia, including Raffles Hotel Le Royal and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, have launched a month-long campaign spotlighting Khmer culture, heritage and hospitality.
‘Discover Cambodia’, which runs throughout August, will feature an array of extraordinary activities, memorable meals, exclusive discounts and more. Some highlights include:
Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh will host an exclusive Khmer dinner and dance performance at Le Phnom 1929 at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, in addition to a special cocktail menu inspired by famous Cambodian singers at the hotel’s iconic Elephant Bar.
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap will offer an extraordinary ‘Golden Age Tasting Menu’ (priced at $60++ per person) from Aug. 1-10 at the Khmer fine dining restaurant 1932, as well as an exclusive Sunday Champagne Brunch on Aug. 4 (starting from $60++ per person) celebrating 1960s Cambodian pop music with the Khmer Magic Music Bus.
ibis Styles Siem Reap will serve an afternoon ‘Cambodian Delights’ buffet on Aug. 2 from 3pm-5pm, a ‘Carb-up Pasta Fiesta’ buffet on Aug. 3 from 6pm to 8pm at $15 per person accompanied by a live Cambodian R&R, and a ‘Weekend Late Breakfast’ buffet on Aug. 4 priced at $9.60. The hotel will also feature a Cambodian Delights Tray priced at $10 and a fresh sugarcane juice station from Aug. 1-10.
Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort will present a special Khmer cocktail promotion and Asian High Tea from Aug. 1-10, both in Explorer’s Tales – Champagne bar. The high tea, priced at $20++, includes coffee, tea or hot chocolate in addition to a stand of Asian gastronomic delights, daily from 3pm-5pm. The Garden fizz Cambodian cocktail, priced at $14++, features gin, tonic, cucumber, mint and lime.
TRIBE Phnom Penh Post Office Square will offer a traditional Khmer-themed dinner at Hemisphere Sky Bar, with a concert by Sok Visal spotlighting the golden age of Cambodia and live dance performances on Aug. 15.
Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra will host a kids’ camp with tennis, badminton, taekwondo, football and more, along with cooking classes, treasure hunts and creative challenges. The camp will run throughout August from Monday to Friday (8:30am to 5pm), priced at $75 per child per day, or $265 weekly. The hotel will also host a special Sunday Brunch at Do Forni on Aug. 11 featuring foie gras terrine, slow-cooked lamb leg, beef cheek, oysters and much more, with an optional free-flow of Champagne Taittinger. Brunch is priced from $50++ per person for limitless food or $110++ with limitless Taittinger Champagne. The Distillery will host a unique Rum Explorer on Aug. 9, featuring a flight tasting and canapes for $30++. Wine Affair on Aug. 23 will feature a variety of unique wines priced at $30++, including canapes.
Novotel Phnom Penh BKK 1 will host a special Basque culinary event that promises to delight both food enthusiasts and music lovers. On Aug. 16, from 6pm to 10pm, guests are invited to indulge in a lavish Basque buffet night at Makila Restaurant, accompanied by a live band performing hits from the golden era of modern Khmer music in the 1960s. The festivities continue the following day with a Basque buffet brunch on Aug. 17 from 11am to 3pm, featuring a live band. That night from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, guests can enjoy pintxos and Basque cocktails at Kaixo Bar.
Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort will offer a Khmer Set Menu at Food Exchange for $27 from Aug. 20-30, complemented by an exhibition on Cambodia’s golden era. The hotel’s Domrei Bar & Cigar Lounge and Aqua Bar & Grill will serve unique Khmer cocktails starting at $5. On Aug. 24-25, the main lobby will have a traditional Khmer desserts live station from $2.50. Lastly, Domrei Bar & Cigar Lounge will host a Saturday live session featuring famous Khmer songs from the 70s and 80s on Aug. 24 from 8pm to 11pm, with ‘Buy 1, Get 1 Free’ cocktails.
ABOUT ACCOR
Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries with 5,600 properties, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry’s most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States.
ABOUT ALL
ALL is a booking platform and loyalty program embodying the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay. Through the ALL.com website and app, customers can access an unrivalled choice of stays from more than 45 Accor brands in 110 countries, always at the best price. The ALL loyalty program gives members access to a wide range of rewards, services and experiences, along with over 100 renowned partners. ALL supports its members daily, enabling them to live their passions with over 2,000 events worldwide each year: local activities, chef masterclasses, major sports tournaments and the most eagerly awaited concerts. ALL is the loyalty program preferred by travellers.
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
Radisson Hotel Group is set to bring a new splash of color to Bangkok’s hospitality scene as it introduces the Thai capital’s first Radisson RED hotel: Radisson RED Bangkok Sukhumvit 18. This stylish, art-inspired lifestyle hotel will make its debut in the fourth quarter of 2025, following a playful reimagining and rebranding of the popular Park Plaza Bangkok Soi 18.
Radisson RED presents a playful twist on the conventional with original artworks, inspiring interiors and seamless social spaces that let savvy travelers kick back, relax and feel the spirit of the city. This makes it the perfect fit for Bangkok, where the streets buzz with activity, day and night. Situated in the heart of Sukhumvit, surrounded by shopping malls, bars, street food and so much more, this trendy (upper-) upscale hotel will be the ultimate base for adventure-seeking urban explorers.
Upon opening in Q4 2025, Radisson RED Bangkok Sukhumvit 18 will feature 125 redesigned rooms, all equipped with super-comfy RED Beds, power showers, and cutting-edge tech including high-speed Wi-Fi and smart solutions. Guests can chill out, check-in on Instagram and mingle with their fellow travelers at the hotel’s public spaces, all of which are fully connected. The fitness center is ideal for workouts and the rooftop pool and bar is a great place to kick back and relax. For corporate visitors, the bright meeting rooms will breathe new life into business events.
The hotel has a prime location just moments from Asok BTS skytrain and Sukhumvit MRT subway stations, putting the entire city within easy reach. Queen Sirikit National Convention Center and the lakes, lawns and paths of Benchakitti Park are just footsteps away.
Chaiyud Sakchiraphong, Owner, Park Royal Co., Ltd., said: “Bangkok is a city that bursts with life, and nowhere is more vibrant than the downtown Sukhumvit district. The Radisson RED brand, with its colorful and playful concept, fits perfectly within this part of the city. This area is known for its dynamic atmosphere, bustling nightlife, and diverse cultural attractions. By introducing Radisson RED here, we are confident it will resonate with the energy of Sukhumvit, offering a unique and memorable experience for guests.”
Kavin Saknarula, Owner, Park Royal Co., Ltd., said: “We value our long-term partnership with Radisson Hotel Group and look forward to creating a hotel that becomes an iconic symbol of this area, making it a popular option among local and international visitors alike.”
Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, commented: “Park Royal is a strong and trusted partner. The introduction of Radisson RED will bring a new edge to the upscale hospitality sector in Bangkok, as its fresh and bold approach will make it stand out from the crowd. This rebranding is a testament to the power of our brands to meet the unique needs of every market.”
As a testament to its strategic vision, Thailand remains one of Radisson Hotel Group’s key markets, with a robust portfolio of 14 hotels currently operating and under development. This includes Radisson RED Phuket Patong Beach, set to become the country’s inaugural Radisson RED hotel upon opening. This expansion underscores Radisson Hotel Group’s commitment to pioneering social hospitality and setting new industry standards across South East Asia.
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
Leading boutique cruise operator Ambassador Cruise has launched a “One Adventure – Two Wonders” experience that plies the limestone karst-studded waters of Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed bays Halong and Lan Ha.
The three-day, two-night cruise “combines the best of both worlds; two awe-inspiring seascapes, in the northern reaches of the Gulf of Tonkin, each alluring and remarkable in their own way,” said Nguyen Cao Son, founder of Asia Premier Cruises Corporation, which owns Ambassador Cruise.
On the first day of the cruise, passengers board Ambassador Cruise 1, the largest and most luxurious vessel in Halong Bay, featuring 46 cabins with a private balcony or terrace, twin 360-degree sundecks, a restaurant, plush piano lounge, bars, an open-air Jacuzzi pool, and a spa. Highlights of the itinerary’s first day include a buffet lunch with views of Halong Bay’s limestone islets, experiencing Luon Cave’s compelling lake on a bamboo boat or kayak, and the chef’s special dinner at the vessel’s restaurant. Passengers also visit Titov Island, famous for its crescent moon-shaped beach and, at the island’s peak, 360-degree views of Halong Bay.
The following day, guests explore Sung Sot Cave, Halong Bay’s largest and most impressive cave with incredible stalactites before disembarking at Halong International Cruise Port to visit iconic landmark Quang Ninh Museum and other historical sites such as Dong Pagoda. Showcasing archaeological artifacts from prehistoric times to the modern era, the museum is also home to Vietnam’s biggest whale skeleton.
Passengers then set sail on the relatively uncharted waters of Lan Ha Bay that afternoon and evening aboard Ambassador Signature Cruise before returning to Halong International cruise Port by speedboat on the third day.
Unprecedented for Lan Ha Bay, Ambassador Signature Cruise offers 39 cabins with a private balcony or terrace, a spacious sundeck, restaurant, piano lounge, bars, spa, and a water slide that takes guests to the bay’s emerald sea. A delectable lunch and premium Michelin-standard dinner menu are served at the vessel’s restaurant. Another highlight of the second day of the itinerary is a visit to Viet Hai, a traditional floating fishing village, which showcases the daily lives of locals.
Day three of the cruise includes a visit to and a tour through Light and Dark Cave by bamboo boat or kayak. The cave features impressive stalactites and leads to a peaceful lake surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
Guests have the option of starting the second and third days of the cruise with a tai chi session on the sundeck before a light breakfast is served in the piano bar and a full breakfast at the restaurant. Happy Hour drinks and canapes, live music, spa treatments, and squid fishing are also on offer during the cruise.
“Why make the difficult choice of choosing between cruising Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay when you can experience both?” said Cao Son. “We have a lot of people ask which bay is better to cruise when they reach out to book with us and so our answer is now: ‘One Adventure – Two Wonders’.”
Although it retains all the majesty of its superstar neighbor Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay sees a fraction of the traffic. The two seascapes are virtually interchangeable, but the lack of tourist boats gives Lan Ha Bay a more isolated appeal.
Since launching its first vessel in 2021, Ambassador Cruise has made a name for itself as the leading luxury cruise operator on Halong Bay. It now operates three vessels; Ambassador I, Ambassador II and Ambassador Signature. Guests choose from a variety of journeys including overnight cruises, day cruises, and dinner cruises.
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
Luxury heritage hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia is a local leader in environmental innovation Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the iconic luxury hotel on the doorstep of ancient Khmer archeological sites in Cambodia, has introduced a new fleet of electric tuk-tuks, providing an innovative and eco-friendly transportation option for guests.
The sleek ONiON T1 vehicles feature a white exterior shell that shields passengers from the hot tropical sun and rainy downpours, while their sturdy suspension and ample legroom ensure a smooth ride for those exploring the vibrant city of Siem Reap and its surroundings, including the UNESCO World Heritage wonder of Angkor Wat.
“Sustainability is top of mind in everything we do at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor – from sourcing local ingredients in our restaurants and eliminating single-use plastics to other initiatives aimed at reducing our carbon footprint – and we are thrilled to be able to offer our guests these eco-friendly tuk-tuk passenger vehicles,” said General Manager Joseph Colina.
The new tuk-tuks are manufactured by ONiON Mobility, a green transport company headquartered in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. The partnership between Raffles and ONiON underscores a shared commitment to environmental sustainability, the hotel said.
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor originally opened in 1932 as a rest stop for archeologists and adventurers exploring the ancient kingdom of Angkor Wat.
Earlier this year, the hotel unveiled a series of exclusive ‘Curated Journeys’ offering guests new ways to experience Siem Reap’s rich culture and history.
These include a ‘Bespoke Temple Dinner’ served by candlelight at the magnificent temple complex of Angkor; a ‘Lost Civilisations of Angkor by Vespa’ tour, where the ancient world meets the here-and-now; ‘Meet the Elephants of Angkor’, a memorable visit to an elephant sanctuary where guests can get up close and personal with these gentle giants; ‘Khmer Culinary Discovery’, which offers a deep dive into the culture and traditions of authentic Cambodian cuisine; ‘Siem Reap Art Tour’ explores the city’s flourishing art scene; and ‘Reflections of Angkor’, which offers a unique opportunity to develop one’s photography skills.
Several of these excursions will be available via the new electric tuk-tuks.
In April, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor is listed as one of the world’s Best Luxury Hotels by TOP25Hotels.com
ABOUT RAFFLES
Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
