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New Meliá Pattaya Hotel Announces Javier Gimeno as General Manager

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New Meliá Pattaya Hotel Announces Javier Gimeno as General Manager - TRAVELINDEXPattaya, Thailand, January 8, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / A hospitality veteran with three decades of industry experience in Asia and Europe, Javier Gimeno, will take charge of the new Meliá Pattaya Hotel.

The 234-room and suite hotel with expansive sea views is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2025 in the heart of vibrant Pattaya, a short drive from Bangkok on the Gulf of Thailand’s scenic east coast.

He joins Meliá Pattaya Hotel after working in senior management roles with Marriott International for more than a decade. Most recently, he was the cluster general manager with Marriott & Four Points by Sheraton Tianjin National Convention and Exhibition Centre in Tianjin, China.

He started his career in the mid-90s in his native Spain as a bellman at the Hilton Barcelona, and then held roles in guest services and operations departments at hotels in Barcelona and Andorra. His work in Asia goes back to 2000 where he worked in Shanghai before becoming a general manager with Barceló Hotels & Resorts in Davao, The Philippines, in 2002. His career has also taken him to Hong Kong and Malaysia.

“Javier’s extraordinary leadership skills and rich and diversified experience in opening and managing properties in Asia and key bleisure destinations like Barcelona place him in excellent stead to take charge of Meliá Pattaya Hotel, following the successful launches of Meliá Koh Samui, Meliá Phuket Mai Khao, Meliá Chiang Mai and INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit in Thailand,” said Ignacio Martin, Managing Director Asia Pacific at Meliá Hotels International. “A prime coastal destination situated so close to Bangkok, Pattaya is an excellent choice for holidays as well as meetings and events. As one of the leading companies in resort hotels worldwide, Meliá Hotels International is launching a bleisure hotel that not only fits perfectly with the destination but also redefines it.”

“My team and I are looking forward to unveiling this flagship Meliá Hotels International hotel underscored by Meliá’s warm Spanish hospitality, distinctive passion for service and focus on the customer’s wellbeing,” added Mr Gimeno. “Our hotel makes for the quintessential urban resort thanks to its host of facilities suited to leisure and business travellers alike including a rooftop restaurant that features a sky bar, a beach club, executive lounge, YHI Spa, Kidsdom kids club, swimming pool, ballroom, inspiring collection of meeting spaces and more.”

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 in the world (chosen as “Sustainability Yearbook Member” in 2024 by S&P Global), as well as being a “Top Employer 2024” brand in Spain, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Italy, Germany, France and Vietnam.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

New Danang Restaurant Unveils Unlimited Lobster

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New Danang Restaurant Unveils Unlimited Lobster - TRAVELINDEXDanang, Vietnam, January 8, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / All Seasons Buffet Danang has launched Vietnamese beach city Danang’s first-ever unlimited lobster buffet, brimming with fresh and locally-sourced lobster.

The restaurant, which opened in May this year at 193 Nguyen Van Thoai under the umbrella of Viet Deli, offers four indulgent dining experiences underscored by local, sustainably produced seafood.

The restaurant’s crème de la crème dining option is the ‘Unlimited lobster and all-you-can eat seafood’ experience priced at 1.55 million VND (USD 61) per person. Replete with crab, shrimp, langoustine, oysters, red snapper, clam, mussels, squid, octopus and more, the seafood buffet is 1.05 million VND (USD 41) paired with a whole lobster and 850,000 VND (USD 33.50) with a half lobster per person. The all-you-can-eat seafood experience is 700,000 VND (USD 27.50).

The ‘Chilled All Seasons seafood tower’, ‘Lobster surf and turf’, ‘Grilled lobster with the finest Ly Son garlic and butter’, ‘Wok-fried lobster with Hoi An chili sauce’ and ‘Baked lobster with melted cheese and truffle oil’ are among the restaurant’s signature dishes.

“Every season is seafood season here at All Seasons Buffet Danang, where we are breaking new ground in Danang as the first and only restaurant to offer unlimited lobster; a foodie’s dream,” Viet Deli country general manager Nguyen Quoc Hoa said.

Floor-to-roof glass panels usher in an abundance of natural light on each floor of the remarkable three-story restaurant, which clinched ‘Asia’s Best F&B Interior Design’ in the coveted 2024 Asia Architecture Design Awards. Defined by a neutral and earthy palette, the restaurant’s airy and spacious design is accented by exposed timber beams and brickwork and underscored by matte concrete floor. The elegant décor includes solid timber tables and mid-century chairs.

The Danang Department of Tourism awarded All Seasons Buffet Danang “Certified Tourism Service Destination” status on December 12 as part of the “Danang Food Tour” campaign that includes a digital culinary map and a “culinary passport” that involves participants collecting up to 50 separate stamps from 50 culinary locations across the city.

With a Mediterranean-style design and expansive sea views, sister restaurant All Seasons Buffet Nha Trang offers an international buffet and unlimited local lobster. The restaurant is situated in Ambassador Club, Nha Trang’s largest dining and entertainment complex, amid Vietnam’s first international yacht club Ana Marina.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Ghana Opens Its Doors with Visa-Free Entry Initiative

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Ghana Opens Its Doors with Visa-Free Entry Initiative - TRAVELINDEXAccra, Ghana, January 6, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Ghana has officially scrapped visa requirements for all African passport holders in a groundbreaking decision approved by President Nana Akufo-Addo. This bold move, announced in December, is expected to significantly ease movement across the continent, fostering intra-African connectivity and boosting Ghana’s tourism and economic growth.

Tourism Consultant Alain St.Ange, who has worked extensively across Africa, heralded the announcement as a game-changer for Ghana. “This decision by President Nana Akufo-Addo is visionary and forward-thinking. By eliminating the obstacles that visas represent, Ghana sets itself apart as a leader in facilitating travel and tourism,” said St.Ange, adding that biometric passports have rendered traditional visa systems outdated. St.Ange personally met President Akufo-Addo during a tourism event in Ghana and previously worked on tourism consultancy projects in Ghana under a World Bank initiative.

The visa-free access policy aligns with the President’s commitment made at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues a year ago, where he emphasized enhancing regional integration and promoting smoother movement across the continent. Before this decision, Ghana already provided visa-free access to citizens of 26 African nations and offered visas on arrival for travellers from 25 others. Only travellers from two African countries faced pre-entry visa requirements. “This is about building stronger ties across Africa,” President Akufo-Addo stated, noting that “Ghana’s future is tied to a united continent.”

St.Ange elaborated on the benefits of the decision, highlighting its positive impact on Ghana’s tourism industry. “When travellers are choosing between destinations, they are naturally drawn to those with fewer obstacles. Removing visa requirements demonstrates Ghana’s dedication to welcoming visitors and enhancing its tourism appeal. If visas are merely a fundraising tool, alternative solutions like levies on airfare should be considered instead.”

Ghana’s move places it alongside other African nations like Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin, which have implemented varying levels of visa-free or simplified access for African citizens. However, St.Ange warned against indirect entry barriers such as obligatory online applications, which he described as counterproductive.

“Tourism is an industry that promotes peace and drives economic growth for destinations that approach it wisely,” said St.Ange. “Countries burdened by fees and lacking value-for-money experiences risk long-term adverse impacts on their tourism sectors.”

By eliminating visa requirements for African passport holders, Ghana takes a major step toward regional unity and economic growth, setting a strong example for the continent. The decision highlights the nation’s commitment to fostering collaboration and promoting Africa as a thriving and interconnected region.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Over Four Years of Sustainable Efforts at Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort

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Over Four Years of Sustainable Efforts at Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort - TRAVELINDEXPhuket, Thailand, January 6, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort Shares Updates on Sustainability Efforts. The waters surrounding Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort are witnessing a remarkable ecological renewal. For the first time in over a decade, sea turtles and dugongs have returned to the area, drawn by the thriving seagrass beds that serve as their primary food source. This development highlights the region’s natural abundance and underscores Panwa Beach as one of Phuket’s most pristine green zones.

Aligned with its commitment to environmental sustainability, Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort has implemented several impactful initiatives to preserve and restore the local marine ecosystem. One such initiative is the cultivation and planting of seagrass every three to four months, which plays a vital role in supporting marine life. Additionally, the resort is actively involved in the care and release of stingray sharks back into their natural habitats.

These efforts reflect a broader dedication to sustainable tourism, with a focus on balancing environmental conservation and visitor experience. By fostering these initiatives, Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort aims to ensure that the natural beauty and biodiversity of the area can be enjoyed for generations to come.

As the resort continues to invest in these green initiatives, it invites guests and the local community to participate and learn more about preserving the marine ecosystem. Together, these actions represent a meaningful step toward a more sustainable future for Phuket and its surrounding waters.

Website: tamarindrestaurantphuket.com/ 

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Thailand’s INNSiDE Hotel Offers Spain on a Plate

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Thailand’s INNSiDE Hotel Offers Spain on a Plate - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, January 5, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Sky-high LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar, which crowns INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, has been awarded the prestigious “Restaurants From Spain” certification for its efforts to promote authentic Spanish gastronomy.

The Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX), an agency of the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade behind “Restaurants from Spain”, said the certification was designed to establish quality standards and criteria for consumers who look for not only quality Spanish cuisine but authentic quality Spanish cuisine.

ICEX recognises and supports restaurants around the globe focused on authentic cuisine and produce from Spain, and in turn Spanish culture, guaranteeing a level of quality of these establishments. The certification is awarded following a stringent selection process by a joint committee composed of official institutions and sectoral associations strongly linked to gastronomy, such as the Royal Academy of Gastronomy, the Ministry of Agriculture, FACYRE, the Regulatory Council for Sherry Wines, ANFACO, INTERPORC, the Spanish Wine Federation, the REPSOL Guide and the Ministry of Tourism of Castilla La Mancha.

Commanding the hotel’s two upper-most floors, the 33rd and 34th levels, with panoramic views of the Bangkok skyline, LUZ has quickly gained a reputation as “the place to be” since its September 15, 2023 debut. LUZ offers authentic Spanish tapas, wines, beer on tap, cocktails, signature sangrias, spirits, mocktails, spirits and more. In a spectacle unlike any other in Bangkok, diners on the 33rd floor peer into the bottom of the hotel’s 34th floor infinity pool.

Crafted by INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit’s Spanish Chef de Cuisine, Madrid-born Juan Ignacio García Racionero, who has honed his craft in some of Spain’s top kitchens, the menu takes diners on a culinary crusade through Spain, with a dynamic variety of local Thai ingredients in the mix too.

‘Gilda de Pulpo’ grilled octopus, olives, pickled paprika and olive oil, ‘Sardine Ahumada Con Lima’ smoked sardine with lime and avocado cream, ‘Gambas Al Ajillo’ sauteed prawns with chilli, garlic and olive oil, and ‘Ensalada De Salmorejo Burrata’ burrata with cold tomato creamy soup, anchovy and avocado are among ‘LUZ Tapas’ highlights.

Dishes already proving popular in the ‘Chef’s Tapas Selection’ include ‘LUZ Salmon’ Norwegian salmon with mango-passionfruit dressing and ‘Tuna Taki Taki Rumba’ Akani tuna with citrus dressing. ‘LUZ Signature’ delights include ‘Carrilleras de Cerdo Iberico’ braised Iberian pork cheek with carrots and cumin puree, ‘Pulpo a la Parrilla’ grilled octopus with paprika mashed potatoes and mango, and ‘Entrecot de ‘Ribeye’’ 300g Australian ribeye steak with layered potatoes and salsa de carne.

“We may be halfway across the world from Spain here in Bangkok yet we are honoured to be recognised as an authentic world ambassador of Spanish cuisine and for offering Spain on a plate,” Racionero said. “I am inspired to bring authentic Spanish flavours to the forefront and celebrate my native Spain’s rich culinary heritage, all the while applying a novel twist to enhance the new menu’s appeal to the local palate.”

“One of my favourite dishes is our ‘Pulpo a la Parrilla’. The addition of mango, chilli and smoked paprika purée creates a contrast of sweet, salty, and spicy flavours, offering a fresh take on the traditional Spanish recipe. Mango and chilli cater to the local palate and add unique flavours to the classic ingredients; all while staying true to the dish’s Spanish roots.”

Before joining INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, the Madrid-born chef worked at one Michelin-starred Saddle as well as Diverxo, recognized in the top three ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ in 2023, and acclaimed restaurants El Jardin De La Marquina and Montellen.

INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit is the newest member of an eclectic collection of urban and beach INNSiDE hotels — in 14 different countries across Asia, Europe, and the Americas — designed for those with curious minds who have a fluid lifestyle when it comes to work and leisure.

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 in the world (chosen as “Sustainability Yearbook Member” in 2024 by S&P Global), as well as being a “Top Employer 2024” brand in Spain, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Italy, Germany, France and Vietnam.

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).

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Ambassador Cruise Launches Day Cruises in Halong Bay

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Ambassador Cruise Launches Day Cruises in Halong Bay - TRAVELINDEXHalong Bay, Vietnam, January 5, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Ambassador Cruise has launched a luxurious new day cruise that makes the most of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay’s limestone karst-studded waters and key attractions such as Sung Sot Cave and Titov Island.

With a remarkable two-level dining space, open-air sundeck affording 360-degree views of the bay’s limestone karst-studded waters, the leading cruise operator’s new 99-passenger capacity vessel named “Lavoya Boutique Day Cruise – By Ambassador Cruise” will bring its fleet to a total of four vessels.

Cruisers get up close and personal with three of Halong Bay’s most spectacular attractions as part of the seven-hour cruise itinerary. The itinerary checks out the bay’s largest and most compelling cave, Sung Sot, home to myriad stalactites in all sorts of unique forms. Via a kayak or bamboo boat rowed by a local, passengers enter and exit stunning Luon Cave’ self-contained lake, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation, through a 100-metre long limestone arch. Afterwards cruisers visit picturesque Titov Island, swimming at its crescent moon-shaped beach and ascending some 450 steps to reach its peak and soak up panoramic views of the bay.

The day cruise has a prime focus on culinary excellence, underpinned by a premium lunch buffet, vibrant Vietnamese cooking demonstration and exquisite afternoon tea service.

The extensive lunch buffet showcases a diverse array of Asian and European cuisines including locally sourced seafood, beef, tuna, and other delicacies. Featuring nearly 30 dishes, the buffet’s highlights include US steak with grilled seasonal veggies, smoked tuna with green tea, hot and sour steamed mussels, crispy deep-fried prawns with chilli rock salt, stir-fried glass noodles with crab, and caramelised cinnamon pork shoulder. A seafood tower is also served to each table.

As the vessel glides through Halong Bay’s majestic limestone formations on its return to Halong International Cruise Port, the chefs stage the Vietnamese cooking demonstration and serve the elegant afternoon tea replete with fine pastries.

“As our premium day cruise experience, Lavoya Boutique Day Cruise – By Ambassador Cruise will see Ambassador welcome a new dawn with even more bucket-list worthy experiences,” said Nguyen Hong Nhat, General Director of Asia Premier Cruises Corporation, which owns Ambassador Cruise. “The itinerary will guide you through Halong Bay’s most spectacular locations with excellent Vietnamese cuisine and top-notch service.”

The cruise’s current itinerary, on offer during Vietnam’s winter and spring, begins with a 9am check-in at Halong International Cruise Port before transferring to the vessel. Guests disembark at the port at 4.30pm.

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 operates three other vessels; Ambassador I, Ambassador II and Ambassador Signature. Guests choose from a variety of journeys including overnight cruises of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, day cruises, and dinner cruises. The overnight and dinner cruises offer a “Floating Dinner” experience on their 360-degree sundecks. Ambassador Cruise is also introducing an exclusive dining experience in a private cave 40 kilometres from Halong Bay.

For more information about Ambassador Cruise or to make a booking, visit ambassadorcruise.com, email info@ambassadorcruise.com or call +84 1900 3045.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Russian Pianist Denis Matsuev to perform for HRH Princess Sirivannavari’s Birthday

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Russian Pianist Denis Matsuev to perform for HRH Princess Sirivannavari’s Birthday - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, January 5, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / On the auspicious birthday anniversary of RBSO’s Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, Rosconcert and B. Grimm Group Ltd., will present a concert titled “Denis Matsuev plays Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2” at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7th 2025, at the Thailand Cultural Centre.

For such an important occasion, the RBSO, with the support of the Embassy of Russia, has invited Denis Matsuev, who is widely regarded as one of the most prominent pianists of his generation, to Thailand. He has performed with the world’s most prestigious orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra, among many others. He also collaborates frequently with renowned Russian orchestras such as the St. Petersburg Philharmonic, the Mariinsky Orchestra, and the Russian National Orchestra. Denis Matsuev holds numerous prestigious titles, including “People’s Artist of Russia” and honorary professor at Moscow State University. He has been awarded the State Order of Honour, the Shostakovich Prize, and the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador designation.

Ivan Nikiforchin, a rising star among Russian conductors, graduated in conducting from the Moscow Conservatory and the Tchaikovsky Conservatory. Since 2017, he has worked with Valery Polyansky and, in 2021, became the conductor of the State Academic Symphony Capella of Russia. Currently, he conducts the State Academic Symphony Orchestra of Tatarstan and debuted at the Bolshoi Theatre in 2021 with Mozart’s Don Giovanni.

Matsuev will perform Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18. Dedicated to the hypnotist Doctor Dahl, the Second Piano Concerto marks Rachmaninoff’s return to productive composition and mental stability after three years of depression brought on by the failure of his First Symphony at its premiere.
The second half will consist of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Tchaikovsky-Symphony No. 2. Although the Second is Tchaikovsky’s shortest symphony, what makes this music distinctive is his use of folk tunes for some of its themes. Tchaikovsky wrote down these tunes in his sketchbook after hearing peasants sing them while he was on vacation at the family home in Kamenka.

This concert will demonstrate the incredible musical talent from Russia and highlight the elegance of notable conductors in celebrating Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari’s Birthday.

Tickets are available at Thaiticketmajor:
www.thaiticketmajor.com/concert/rbso-2025-denis-matsuev-plays-rachmaninoff-piano-concerto-no2.html

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Celebrate HRH L’Essence Féminine de la Musique

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Celebrate HRH L’Essence Féminine de la Musique - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, January 4, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and B. Grimm Group Ltd., will present a concert titled “Emmanuel Ceysson plays Glière’s Harp Concerto” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, August 9th, at the Thailand Cultural Centre.

This concert celebrates the auspicious birthday anniversary of RBSO’s Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya on the 8th of January. In keeping with the Concert name, the RBSO wishes to showcase the talented women in music by inviting female conductor and soloist. Katharina Wincor will lead the RBSO; A rising star in the conducting world, she studied conducting at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna and Zurich University.

Wincor received the Neeme Järvi Prize in 2017 and the third prize winner of the Mahler competition in 2020. Wincor is an assistant conductor in the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, where she has worked with Fabio Luisi since 2019. She has previously worked with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Deutsches Symphony Orchestra Berlin, the Bruckner Orchester Linz, Seattle Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, Naples Philharmonic, Tiroler Symphonieorchester Innsbruck, and the Utah Symphony.

The first piece is Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1, which is among the best-known pieces of music. This work was written in 1874 and will be performed by Ukrainian extraordinary pianist Anna Fedorova, who graduated from the Lysenko School of Music in Kyiv with Borys Fedorov and the Accademia Pianistica in Imola, Italy, with Leonid Margarius. She received her Master’s degree and Artist Diploma at the Royal College of Music, London, under the guidance of Norma Fisher.

She has performed with many orchestras, including the Philharmonia Orchestra, Verbier Festival Orchestra, Tokyo Symphony, Yomiuri Orchestra, Dallas Symphony, Hong Kong Philharmonic, and the Netherlands Philharmonic. Nicknamed the ‘house pianist’ of the Concertgebouw, Anna Fedorova has given over 45 concerts in this prestigious concert hall in Amsterdam. She is a regular guest at leading music festivals such as Verbier and Menuhin Festivals in Switzerland, Stift Music Festival in the Netherlands, Festival de Sintra in Portugal, and Ravinia Festival in the US. The second half will consist of

Tickets are available at Thaiticketmajor:
www.thaiticketmajor.com/concert/rbso-2025-lessence-feminie-de-la-musique.html

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Loved-Up Couples Fall for Romance and Weddings

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Loved-Up Couples Fall for Romance and Weddings - TRAVELINDEXMui Ne, Vietnam, January 3, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Orchestrating private candle-lit dining on the beach, ushering guests down white sand aisles and catering to all sorts of romantic whims, The Anam Mui Ne has rolled out alluring proposal, wedding, honeymoon and renewal of vows packages.

With an idyllic perch on one of southern Vietnam’s most spectacular beaches, the 1.2-hectare resort opened in 2023 with a design that borrows deeply from Vietnam’s Indochine era. Crafted by artisans from across the country whose trades have been handed down the generations, the resort evokes a romantic atmosphere with glowing lanterns, customized encaustic mosaic floor tiles, clay vases and statues on plinths designed by the Cham people, intricate woodwork and solid timber furniture from sustainable forests, authentic thatched roofs and more.

Since its January 2023 debut, The Anam Mui Ne has hosted more than 20 weddings as well as plenty of proposals and honeymoons. “We’ve been amazed at how popular our resort has been as a wedding and honeymoon destination; so much so as we were building our resort people driving past noticed our onsite billboard, called us and booked their wedding here well before we’d even opened,” said The Anam Group’s commercial director Martin Koerner. “It’s indicative of Vietnam’s growing popularity as a wedding and honeymoon destination due to our incredible beaches and landscapes, our hospitality and exceptional value for money.”

The Anam Mui Ne’s proposal experience is underpinned by a private candle-lit dining set-up on either the resort’s beach, beside one of its two vast swimming pools, in the privacy of a private-pool suite or room. Cooked by a private chef and served by a private waiter, the four-course menu includes the likes of ‘Pan-seared foie gras’ with mango, hibiscus sauce and watercress, ‘Lobster bisque soup’ with lobster wonton, squid and mussels, and ‘Black Angus Ribeye’ comprising chargrilled Australian prime ribeye steak flavoured with rosemary and caramelised garlic served with sweet potato mash, petite Greek salad and red wine jus.

Tying the knot invites possibilities ranging from an intimate ceremony for two on the beachfront or lawn to a formal dining arrangement for up to 130 guests for an exquisite buffet or 180 guests for a delectable set menu. A three-tier wedding cake, stunning flower arrangements, live background music by the likes of a guitarist, and bubbles for a toast are among an array of essentials for an occasion of a lifetime.

The 142sqm Private Pool Suites, a leading accommodation category, are popular among honeymooners. As their name suggests, the Private Pool Suites each have their own tranquil 22sqm private pools that are 1.3m deep and are complemented with terraces decked with sun loungers. At the suites, afternoon tea is served on arrival and private BBQs to themes ranging from seafood to premium meat to vegetarian or a mixture are on offer.

In addition to selecting from the broad spectrum of treatments available at The Anam Spa including couple’s massages, honeymooners are also encouraged to indulge in “The Anam Signature Bathtub Experience” that makes the most of the “star attraction” of the resort’s rooms and suites, a picture-perfect free-standing clawfoot bath. A homemade sea salt full body scrub, bathtub soak infused with oranges, flowers and essential oils, natural hair treatment and nutritious facial mask are among the eight pampering steps behind the bathtub experience.

The renewal of vows packages, like the wedding packages, also feature a night’s stay in a Premium Room, with a free upgrade to a Premium Ocean View Room depending on availability.

An array of picturesque settings throughout the resort, including the elegant lobby, hallways, swimming pool terraces, and the beachfront, afford compelling pre-wedding and wedding photo backdrops. Opening doors on the country’s fascinating culture, talented Vietnamese artists were commissioned to create 250 unique oil paintings for each room and suite, as well as the lobby and restaurants.

Mui Ne’s attractions include its beach, sand dunes, fishing village, Cham towers and “Fairy Stream” – a shallow stream that flows through vivid orange and white limestone formations. An expressway has cut the drive from Ho Chi Minh City to two hours.

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.

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, yoga room and deck, kids club, onsite sustainable farm and gift shop. The resort recently unveiled a wellness and recreation precinct with an 18-hole mini golf course, driving range, clubhouse, soccer field, tennis court, running track 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.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

2025 Dream Destinations of The World’s Most Traveled People

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2025 Dream Destinations of The World’s Most Traveled People - TRAVELINDEXChicago, United States, January 3, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Two hundred and fifty of the world’s most traveled people gathered for the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok.  This is a gathering of the world’s most avid, accomplished, and adventurous travelers.  In fact, a world record was set with 31 people who have been to every country in the world meeting at the ETF.  Travelers were surveyed regarding their “dream location”.  Some of these locations might surprise you and others you might never have heard of.

Here are the top 15 locations chosen by these accomplished travelers:

Antarctica 7.64%
Yemen 7.01%
Japan 5.1%
Pitcairn Island (UK) 3.82%
Papua New Guinea 3.82%
South Pole 3.18%
South Africa 3.18%
Madagascar 3.18%
Kamchatka (Russia) 2.55%
North Korea (DPRK) 2.55%
Greenland (Denmark) 2.55%
Italy 1.91%
Bouvet Island (Norway) 1.91%
Bhutan 1.91%
Argentina 1.91%

Matt McCaughey, an American who has traveled to every country in the world, chose Bouvet Island as his dream destination.  Bouvet Island is a Norwegian island located in the South Atlantic Ocean just north of the Antarctic Circle is considered the world’s most remote island.  Matt commented, “It’s about as remote as it gets, and I know very few people who have been there.  It is a total bucket list destination.”

Andy Hicks, who has traveled to over 120 countries, speaking of Pitcairn Island, “I’ve dreamed of visiting Pitcairn for years – the fact a small group of people are living in one of the most remote places on earth, nearly all of them the result of a ship muntiny (18th century HMS Bounty), is just mind-boggling to me.  Spending a few days on the island and getting to know some of the inhabitants, will surely be one of my coolest travel experiences.”

The following all garnered 1.27% of votes: Australia, British Indian Overseas Territory (UK), Brazil, Lake Louise (Canada), Costa Rica, Cuba, France, Timbuktu (Mali), Mongolia, Namibia, New Zealand, Siberia (Russia), Principality of Sealand, Syria, Thailand, Tokelau (New Zealand), Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, and Venezuela.

In this final group, each destination earned .64% of votes: Afghanistan, the Arctic, Patagonia (Argentina/Chile), Lord Howe Island (Australia), Botswana, Central Asia, Easter Island (Chile), Estonia, Faroe Islands (Denmark), Fiji, French Polynesia (France), Gaza, Greece, Hans Island (Canada/Denmark), Ladakh (India), Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Maldives, the Moon, Nepal, Nigeria, Lofoten Islands (Norway), Cook islands (New Zealand), outer space, Palau, Philippines, Portugal, the Republic of Slowjamastan, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sudan, Tonga, Palmyra Atoll (USA), USA, and Zanzibar (Tanzania).

Many would consider this to be an eclectic mix of dream destinations from the well-known to the esoteric.  The top three include Antarctica (remote and expensive to visit), Yemen (country racked by civil war since 2014), and Japan (a highly developed and touristed country).  Highly ranked and touristed destinations like France and Italy were listed.  Unstable and considered dangerous locations such as Afghanistan and Timbuktu are coveted.  Remote islands like Pitcairn Island and Bouvet Island cracked the top 15.  And some aspirational travelers have their sites on the great beyond, including outer space and the moon.  Even two micronations and self-declared countries, Principality of Sealand and Republic of Slowjamastan, earned their way on to the list.  The Sultan of Slowjamastan also appeared at the Extraordinary Travel Festival as a keynote speaker.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News