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Alain St Ange to Publish his Breathtaking Autobiography

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Alain St Ange to Publish his Amazing Autobiography - VISITSEYCHELLES.org - TRAVELINDEXVictoria, Mahé, Seychelles, January 7, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Alain St Ange, the former Seychelles Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, has announced the upcoming launch of his new autobiography, “Alain St. Ange, My Journey”. Travelindex caught up with Alain to understand a little more about his new venture.

What inspired you to write an autobiography now?
My autobiography chronicles my life from the La Digue Island boy, who was brought up to become a loving father and grandfather, and who rose through the ranks with hard work, tenacity, and an un-wavering passion for Seychelles.

This is a personal story, not only about a life that I’ve been proud to live, but about my family that helped shaped me into the man I became.

My love for history is why I’ve attempted to place on record not only my life, but also the family tree from which I descended as well as that of my wife Ginette St.Ange née Michel. This work is inspired by the desire to continue to document and preserve the rich history of our families for future generations. It’s said that most of us will be forgotten within 4 generations; hopefully this book can help our descendants understand where we came from and to not forget those that came before us.

I am writing my autobiography now as time waits for no one, and I’m at the best stage of my life to reflect and dedicate the time required. I’m proud of my story and felt it may well inspire others. This knowledge kept me working and kept me digging through family historical records. Today, I realise more than ever before, the pains and tribulations of past generations. From as far back as those who were slaves, where even the family name was adapted to the one who freed them, to today only six generations later, to participate in the Nation’s Presidential Elections.

Can you share more detail about your autobiography?
My autobiography documents my life from birth, to education, through to my employment years including my time at the Ministry of Tourism. It includes details on my self-exile following termination of employment by Albert Rene in the early 1980’s, and subsequent re-employment into the Seychelles Tourism Board following a call by the Islands’ Tourism Private Sector Trade, through to my appointment as Minister of Tourism by James Michel.

The book covers my bid for the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) position and the subsequent saga that ended with a court case against the Seychelles Government. The book ends with a section dedicated to Politics in Seychelles, from the family’s participation in the colonial era, right up to my own bid at the last Presidential elections.

Alain St. Ange, My Journey documents the construction of the ‘Cabanes Des Anges’ Hotel at La Digue in 1972, including never-seen-before photos forwarded by previous guests from the 1970’s, until it was acquired under duress by the Government of Albert Rene. This section includes extracts documenting what transpired in the recent sessions of the TRNUC (Truth & Reconciliation Committee).

A lot of the book has been dedicated to documenting and preserving the family historical lines from the different branches of my extended St Ange (Saint Ange) Family of Seychelles, including the Mellon, De Charmoy Lablache, and Savy families. I’ve also taken the opportunity to document and preserve the rich heritage of the Michel and Hunt families (through my wife, Ginette St.Ange née Michel).

This section includes as many birth and death certificates that we could find, their final resting places where available, as well as photos and some of their individual life stories. It was important that they weren’t forgotten, and my book gave us the repository to properly preserve their legacies.

Interspersed throughout the book are all the major events that I lived through and documented as seen through my eyes. These events include the construction of the US Tracking Station, the reclamation of Victoria, the first and only visit by Her Majesty QE Elizabeth II, the construction and opening of the Seychelles International Airport, the subsequent first aircraft landing in Seychelles, the first Seychelles festival in 1972, the launching of tourism in Seychelles, independence of the Islands from Great Britain in 1976, the Military Coup in 1977, and the return of multi-party democracy in 1993.

The book is written in an easy-to-read format where each photo speaks a thousand words and supported by little anecdotes providing a real sense of the time.

Have you enjoyed the process of writing your autobiography?
The research undertaken for my autobiography enabled me to discover myself, as well as my family’s achievements, ensuring that the St.Ange family generations to come will better understand their proud legacy.

“YOU MAY SAY I’M A DREAMER, BUT I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE. I HOPE SOME DAY YOU’LL JOIN US, AND THE WORLD WILL LIVE AS ONE.

I re-echoed these famous words of John Lennon at the opening of the first edition of the ‘Carnival International de Victoria’ in 2011, and even today, these words continue to guide me. I’ve lived a full life with no what-ifs and have remained true to myself throughout. What more can one ask from life?

Where can we get a copy of your new book?
We are in final discussions with publishing houses, and I am still finalizing details at this stage.

More information will be shared as soon as we go to print.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Pimalai Resort Plans Exciting New Additions in 2023

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Pimalai Resort Plans Exciting New Additions in 2023 - TRAVELINDEX - VISITTHAILAND.netKoh Lanta, Thailand, January 7, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Eco-sensitive five-star sanctuary in Koh Lanta named as “World’s Top Best Hotels” and “World’s Best Hotel With a View”, while also achieving prestigious UNESCO and Green Globe certificates for sustainability. Pimalai Resort and Spa, the five-star sanctuary on the southern Thai island of Koh Lanta, is celebrating one of the most successful years in its stellar 21-year history, including six highly prestigious awards and accolades. Not content to rest on its past successes however, the resort has also now revealed plans to embark on series of exciting new developments for the year ahead!

In 2022, Pimalai was named as the World’s Top 1% Best Hotels by Tripadvisor’s “Traveller’s Choice 2022 – Best of the Best Awards” – an impressive honour that was based on the genuine reviews and ratings of its guests. Another of the world’s biggest online travel sites, Agoda.com, gave Pimalai a superb “2022 Customer Review Award” score of 9.4 out of 10.

Condé Nast Traveller, one of the world’s leading luxury lifestyle publications, revealed its “Readers’ Choice Awards” for 2022, placing Pimalai in its “Top 15 Resorts in Thailand” list. These awards are voted for by this glossy magazine’s readers, who are among the world’s most discerning travellers. In addition, the Boutique Hotel Awards 2022 honoured Pimalai with two illustrious titles: “Best Hotel with a View Asia 2022” and “World’s Best Hotel with a View 2022,” which reflect the breath-taking vistas Pimalai’s guests can enjoy from its stunning hillside setting, across Kantiang Bay and the Andaman Sea beyond.

A haven of sustainability, Pimalai is dedicated to operating in complete harmony with the environment and community. This focus on conservation was also recognised in 2022 as the resort achieved its “Green Globe Certificate,” which followed the latest independent audit of its business practices. Finally, Pimalai was presented with the “UNESCO Sustainable Travel Badge,” which underscores the property’s enduring pledge to the pillars and principles of responsible travel.

“We are delighted and deeply humbled to receive such a large number of honours and accolades this year. The fact that so many of these awards were based on the opinions of our guests makes them extra special. We are also gratified that our commitment to sustainability has been recognised by two of the world’s most respected organisations: Green Globe and UNESCO. I would like to thank everybody involved in making 2022 such a successful year for Pimalai, including our customers, partners, team members and our friends in the community. We look forward to enhancing our experiences with fantastic new facilities and activities in 2023,” said Brice Borin, General Manager of Pimalai Resort & Spa.

With just 121 stylish rooms, spacious suites and spectacular pool villas spread across 100 acres of unspoiled jungle, cascading gently down to a 900-metre-long stretch of sand at Kantiang Bay, Pimalai is a sanctuary of luxury and tranquility. Guests can soak up ocean and mountain views from their private balconies or elevated infinity pools, or unwind with kayaking, cycling, Thai cooking classes, muay Thai boxing, yoga and more. Small-scale excursions allow explorers to uncover idyllic offshore islands and world-class diving and snorkelling sites, including Koh Haa and Koh Rok, or take a jungle trek to Klong Chak Waterfall, with the chance to visit a giant wild banyan tree. The award-winning Pimalai Spa offers deeply soothing therapies in the midst of the lush jungle, and two outstanding seafront restaurants – Rak Talay and Seven Seas – embrace local and seasonal produce, including organic herbs and southern Thai seafood.

Sustainability is a core element of the Pimalai concept and travellers are invited to take part in many eco-sensitive activities, such as beach cleaning, turtle release programmes, mangrove tours and more. Pimalai’s tours and excursions also directly support communities, including the chance to visit Lanta Old Town, purchase authentic handicrafts, dine at local restaurants and more. And of course, Pimalai has abolished single-use plastic throughout the resort. This multi-award-winning resort forms part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s (SLH) Considerate Collection, an exclusive community of socially responsible and eco-conscious five-star hotels.

Looking ahead to 2023, Pimalai is preparing to enhance its guest experiences with beach villa renovations, additional spa therapies, fresh culinary concepts;
– Thai Night Buffet: every Wednesday night at Spice N’ Rice restaurant
– Surf and Turf: every Sunday night at Rak Talay Beach Restaurant
and more sustainable initiatives – including a fresh drinking water programme.

About Pimalai Resort and Spa
Koh Lanta’s first five-star resort, Pimalai Resort & Spa has been redefining luxury hospitality on this idyllic Andaman island since it launched almost two decades ago. Voted Southeast Asia’s second best resort in Travel + Leisure’s annual “World’s Best Awards”, this award-winning property cascades through 100 acres of tropical jungles easing its way towards one of Thailand’s best beaches: Kantiang Bay. It’s here that guests while the days away lounging on what often feels like a private beach or spend action-packed afternoons out in the cerulean sea scuba diving, snorkelling or simply relaxing on a sunset cruise. A smattering of local bars and restaurants line the beach, but its Pimalai’s onsite eateries that tend to steal the show. The legendary Rak Talay beachfront bar and restaurant is as loved for the sumptuous Thai-style seafood as it is its sunset setting, while nestled in the resort’s jungle interior, Seven Seas serves up Michelin-chef-conceived menus throughout the evening. Guests can also indulge in an array of onsite wellness experiences, ranging from traditional Muay Thai classes to early evening tennis matches and pampered afternoons at the signature Pimalai Spa. With no immediate neighbours, the 121-room resort is a serene sanctuary where guests can feel completely at peace in their private surroundings. From Hillside Ocean Pool Villas that command vistas of the stunning scenery through to the Beachside Villas, situated only a few short steps away from the shoreline, rooms at Pimalai cater to all tastes with spacious layouts and designs that seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant Launches Lunar New Year Dishes

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Bangkok, Thailand, January 6, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit unveils special set menu’s to celebrate this Lunar New Year.

From 21-24 January, toast the Year of the Rabbit with two distinctive menu options for a table of 10 persons. The Kinship New Year is priced at THB 23,888++ and the Opulence New Year at THB 38,888++.

Highlighted recommendations from our special menu
• Steamed Live Phuket Lobster with Minced Garlic and Egg white (600 g) THB 2,888++
• Abalone and Fresh Salmon, Crispy Fish Skin “Lo Hei” Yu Sheng THB 1,388++
• Braised Japanese Rice Topped with Australian Abalone THB 1,388++

Celebrate the year of the Tiger with us at Wah Lok. For every THB 15,000 spent, receive an Ang Pao (Traditional Chinese Red Packet) of a THB 1,000 voucher for your next visit.

Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant
Level 2, Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit

Lunch: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Dinner: 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm

For more information or reservations, please contact us at 02 090 7888

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Tanah Gajah Named One of the Best Hotels in Asia

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Bali, Indonesia, January 6, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, moored in the rice paddies of Ubud, has been named one of the “Best Hotels in Asia” in the prestigious LLM (Luxury Lifestyle Magazine) Readers’ Travel Awards 2022. The property was the only hotel in Indonesia to land a coveted spot on the list.

Just over 31,000 people from across the globe voted in this year’s awards. Thirty hotels from Asia were selected and Tanah Gajah claimed spot number 21. The awards cover the most astonishing travel destinations, show-stopping hotels, cruise lines, tour operators and the like across a variety of travel related categories.

The 20-key property is spread out over six lush hectares of land in the uplands of Bali. With roots that go back to the legendary designer and art collector, Hendra Hadiprana, the property has long attracted art and design lovers. It was originally built in the 1980s as a holiday home for Hadiprana and his family and was transformed into a resort in 2004. Though the Hadiprana family relinquished its occupancy of the site as a private family compound, the patriarch’s art collection remained, and numerous sculptures, antiques, and artwork from his travels can be found throughout the property to this day.

The resort offers two dining destinations, The Tempayan and Panen Padi Lounge. The new Tempayan was unveiled in 2020 with a design inspired by wantilan, a Balinese style pavilion. The tapas outlet, Panen Padi Lounge, also debuted during the pandemic. Both locations command prime locations with views over rice paddies and the resort’s hot air balloon experience.

The resort’s spa also takes in the property’s quintessential Balinese landscape, while the main pool is guarded by Ganesh statues and partially flanked by ponds with resident swans. Private pool villas are available for guests who would like to enjoy a dip in privacy.

This latest accolade comes hot on the heels of the property earning recognition in the Condé Nast Traveler annual Readers’ Choice Awards, announced in October. Tanah Gajah was recognized as the 4th Best Resort in Indonesia and 31st Best Resort in the world.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Singapore Yacht Show to Set Sail Again

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Singapore Yacht Show to Set Sail Again - VISITSINGAPORE.org - TRAVELINDEXSingapore, Singapore, January 6, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Asia’s biggest and longest-running boat show returns to Singapore from 27-30 April 2023. When the long-awaited 10th edition of the Singapore Yacht Show was cruelly forced to shut down just a few weeks before opening back in March 2020, nobody thought it would have to be postponed more than a few months… Finally, a full three years after the beginning of that awful period, the show can finally go on – as indeed it must! Better late than never!

Much has changed on the boating industry landscape in all that time, but it has unquestionably ended up being a highly positive change. SYS organisers had worked flat out over the whole year following SYS 2019 to promote the 10th edition, and somehow, coupled with the lifestyle changes that were enforced on everyone, all the yacht brands, retailers and brokers alike have had three of their best business years in history – without the region’s main boat show even taking place!

We have all had to adapt, and to ensure that going forwards the Singapore Yacht Show as well as its sister events in Thailand and Hong Kong will be sustainable and secure for the future, Verventia is joining with all the experienced, respected and professional boat show organisers and marketers in the region. We will be a team in which the global industry can have total faith as genuine partners with all the necessary local knowledge, and we will be operating one combined event platform called “Asia Yacht Shows”. Watch this space for more details shortly…

With a huge amount of interest from many new players as well as from all the long-standing exhibitors, sponsors and supporters of SYS since its inception 10 years ago, the show needs to grow. And with Verventia’s push to get foreign superyachts coming to Asia to cruise and charter, which they can now do legally in Thailand, we are already seeing a big influx of large yachts here, and interest from Asian buyers and charterers is growing fast. The show needs to grow with it. The choice of the best venue for all three shows is still under discussion, therefore, and will be announced shortly.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Cotai Water Jet Resumes Routes Between Hong Kong and Macao

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Cotai Water Jet Resumes Routes Between Hong Kong and Macao - VISITMACAO.org - TRAVELINDEXMacao, Macao SAR, January 5, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / As Macao SAR government optimises epidemic prevention measures and further relaxes restrictions on entry from Hong Kong to Macao, Cotai Water Jet announces the resumption of ferry services for the City Routes between Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal (Sheung Wan) and Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal starting from Jan. 8, 2023.

Cotai Water Jet will provide six sailings daily between Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal (Sheung Wan) and Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal at the beginning of services resumption.

Cotai Water Jet, which is wholly-owned by Sands China Ltd., offers a direct high-speed ferry service between Macao and Hong Kong with the sailing time of around an hour. After disembarking from the ferry, visitors can get on the free shuttle buses from Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal to The Venetian Macao, The Parisian Macao and The Londoner Macao , and experience the dazzling city of Macao.

For more details about Cotai Water Jet or to check sailing schedule, please call the hotline on (852) 2859 1640 (Hong Kong) / (853) 2885 0595 (Macao).

About Cotai Water Jet
Launched in November 2007, Cotai Water Jet is a premium high-speed ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. Its 11 custom-built catamarans have the capacity to carry more than 400 passengers each and operate at top speeds of approximately 42 knots. Passengers on Cotai Water Jet have a choice of three classes of service as well as direct sailings between ports in Macao, Taipa, Hong Kong, Kowloon and Hong Kong International Airport, providing an important transportation option for both locals and visitors to Macao. The Cotai Water Jet service is managed and operated on behalf of owner Sands China Ltd. by Chu Kong High Speed Ferry Co. Ltd. of Hong Kong.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ADVENTURER TALKS TRAVEL: On the ground with Levison Wood

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Levison Wood – perhaps the most famous television adventurer since Michael Palin – says more people want to feel their travels will give them a “spiritual, emotional connection.” The British filmmaker and author adds, “They want to feel good about what their journey has achieved; it is about giving back.”

Speaking at the recent World Travel Market in London, Levison said he believes that most travellers “have a genuine desire to see the best in people.”

Wood has visited 120 countries over the past two decades and told WTM London delegates about his many adventures, from meeting the Dalai Lama in India to tracking elephants in Botswana.

He talked about going off the beaten track in countries such as Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Sudan, and how he is now highlighting the need to protect wildlife in destinations that he visits.

His work has featured on C4, Animal Planet, Discovery, CNBC and National Geographic and he is known for epic walks – along the Nile, the Himalayas and in South America, as well as through the Caucasus Mountains, and around the Arabian Peninsula.

(Ed note: His series, usually about four episodes per hike, are often shown on PBS in Canada and well worth the watch).

Wood at WTM London

“Humans are all explorers; it is deep in our DNA. Everyone here has an explorer’s mindset. When I go on these extended walks, I find that when you put yourself in the same vulnerabilities as the communities you meet, you’ll see less as a tourist and more as a fellow human being,” he said.

He told the audience how he wants to “shine the spotlight on places that may need more attention,” where tourism can be an important bridge between communities, and a “bridge to peace” generally.

Wood recalled how he set up an adventure operator in 2010 called Secret Compass, which opened up tourism in Iraqi Kurdistan and now offers trips to other off-the-beaten-track destinations.

“I entered travel with no experience or background,” the former soldier said. “It was a sense of optimism that there is a desire to look beyond the headlines and go to places that people would shy away from. We sold out immediately: people wanted a sense of adventure. Experiential and meaningful – that is the future of travel.”

He added: “The travel industry plays such a huge part in bridging communities. We are all ambassadors; we have a duty to show what the world can be like.”

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

LISTENING IN: May day – Queen guitarist knighted

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Brian May is now a “Sir.” The Queen guitarist, who also has a doctorate in astrophysics and is an animal welfare advocate, received a knighthood as part of the UK’s annual New Year’s Honours list for services to music and charity – the first such list to be signed off by King Charles III.

“Maybe a few more people will listen to me than would otherwise, you know, if it’s Sir Brian on the phone,” May said in an interview, adding he hopes the knighthood will give him “a little bit more clout” – particularly in his animal advocacy efforts.

Amongst other things, May has campaigned against badger culling and fox hunting through an animal welfare group he founded in 2010 – named “Save Me” after the 1980 Queen song. Some animals he’s rescued over the years were released onto his land.

But May, still big-haired to this day (although distinctly grey), is mainly known as the co-founder of the legendary British group Queen – formed in 1970 with the late Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor, and later John Deacon. Having written many of its biggest hits he also helped forge a distinct sound for the band through his unique guitar work, prompting Total Guitar magazine in 2020 to name him the best rock guitarist of all time.

Perhaps notably, May and Queen (minus Mercury) performed “God Save the Queen” from the roof of Buckingham Palace in 2002 (how’s that for a rooftop concert, Beatles?) and this past summer, opened the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee concert opposite the palace at the Victoria Monument (banner photo). In the corresponding TV special, the Queen hilariously tapped her teacup with a spoon to the beat of “We Will Rock You” playing outside.

A terrific singer as well, May perhaps suffered only in comparison to his inestimable partner, Mercury, who is considered the greatest rock vocalist ever.

Years ago, I met May, along with Roger Taylor, at a Toronto theatre event at which the pair were promoting a musical they were involved in at the time. And while I found him pleasant and easy-going, such was my respect for the rock legend that, even then, I’m pretty sure I called him “sir.”

Here is May performing – with a little help from about 15,000 friends – a touching version of “Love of My Life,” originally sung by Freddie on the classic 1975 album “A Night at the Opera,” the epic that of course also included “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Lyrics

Love of my life, you’ve hurt me
You’ve broken my heart and now you leave me
Love of my life, can’t you see?
Bring it back, bring it back
Don’t take it away from me, because you don’t know
What it means to me

Love of my life, don’t leave me
You’ve taken my love (all of my love) and now desert me
Love of my life, can’t you see?
(Please bring it back) Bring it back, bring it back (back)
Don’t take it away from me (take it away from me)
Because you don’t know (oh oh oh know means to me)
What it means to me

Who will remember
When this is blown over
And everything’s all by the way (oh yeah)
When I grow older
I will be there at your side to remind you
How I still love you (I still love you)

Back, hurry back
Please bring it back home to me
Because you don’t know what it means to me
Love of my life
Love of my life

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Mondrian Singapore Duxton Unleashes a People-Powered Movement

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Mondrian Singapore Duxton Unleashes a People-Powered Movement - TOP25HOTELS.com - TRAVELINDEXSingapore, Singapore, January 4, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / It’s hospitality, but not as you know it at Mondrian Duxton Singapore, where General Manager, maverick and all-round mischief-maker Robert C. Hauck is assembling a team unlike any other to launch something special from Q1, 2023.

Hauck has taken a unique approach to hiring under Mondrian’s ‘unexpected talents’ mantra, scouring the streets and hunting in all the right places for the cream of creative types and inspired individuals from both within and outside the industry to deliver a guest experience with a difference.

Call him a conductor, a disruptor, or one who marches to a different drummer; just don’t call him conventional. Hauck has built a career on breaking new ground and thinking outside the box. Now, this philosophy is given free rein at Singapore’s most eagerly awaited hotel.

“Any hotel is only as good as the people who bring it to life,” says Hauck. “Mondrian has given me the freedom to do something truly innovative and really cast the net wide in taking a new approach to assembling a team. It’s all about creating a place for individuals and personalities with a lot to offer but who may not fit in to a conventional hotel. They might be misfits in a sense, but they’ll fit in here.”

“Here” is Duxton Hill, Singapore’s happening precinct non-pareil, home to the latest addition to the Mondrian family of hotels, joining the brand’s properties in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, London, Cannes, Doha and Seoul. Since its launch in LA in 1996 by Ian Schrager, Mondrian Hotels have been brought to life by the quality of their people and a commitment to creativity, art and the unexpected.

Hauck has begun the hiring process by staring at a blank canvas and painting in bold and unexpected strokes. He has already assembled a core team of over 70 people, ensuring there’s a solid backbone of experienced industry operators to which he has added rebels, dreamers and outsiders, creating a fresh perspective for the hotel, a new energy and a collective entrepreneurial spirit.

Avatar of Hauck’s approach is full body-tattooed Ah Seng, who has turned his life around since leaving prison and has always dreamt of having his own restaurant. He has now been hired to be the manager of Bistro 126, Mondrian’s staff restaurant at their hip Shophouse office space. Or take Raymond Leong, 64, senior sales manager of an events and cruise company, laid off during the pandemic, who reinvented himself as a Grab driver, now hired as a quality and training manager, a job he always aspired to doing.

Unexpected talents with diverse backgrounds can be found everywhere. An elderly cleaner who has three diplomas in marketing repurposed as public area supervisor and director of inspiration. An executive assistant who had been enjoying a retirement baking sourdough bread but got bored, after a career in strategic brand planning for brands that are household names. Social media and visual marketing tyros, fresh graduates, a former Olympian athlete, a luxury fashion expert and award-winning bartenders. These are among the passionate and talented characters given another chance to find their calling.

But how to find them? Hauck’s team can be seen handing out ‘We like your style’ cards to begin a conversation. “My motto is chase talent, don’t wait,” he says. “From tattoo conventions to alternative gigs, from art happenings to theatre and sport, it’s about casting the net wide and knowing true talent when you see it. This will be the essence of what we are bringing to the market at Mondrian Singapore Duxton.”

About Mondrian
The debut of Mondrian Singapore Duxton in Southeast Asia follows that of Mondrian Seoul Itaewon in 2020, which signaled the brand’s entry to Asia Pacific. The brand’s portfolio of seven hotels will more than double its footprint by 2023, with upcoming openings in Bordeaux, Cannes and Australia’s Gold Coast to name a few. Mondrian is more than a hotel: it’s a way of travel. Known for its groundbreaking design and progressive programming it is a “must” destination for locals or travelers. Mondrian is always at the heart of the most exciting cultural scenes in the world, serving up innovation and creativity for everyone. Mondrian provides a playful framework so that guests and locals alike can immerse themselves in the culture of each city it inhabits. Design is at the center of the Mondrian experience with hotels designed by some of the world’s most famous architects and designers, including Philippe Starck and Marcel Wanders. Mondrian is part of Ennismore, a creative hospitality company rooted in culture and community, with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. Formed in 2021, Ennismore is a joint venture with Accor, which holds a majority shareholding.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Banyan Hua Hin Unveils Conscious Living Inspired Villa Suasana Project

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Banyan Hua Hin Unveils Conscious Living Inspired Villa Suasana Project - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25VILLAS.comHua Hin, Thailand, January 3, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Villa Suasana integrates a multitude of sustainable solutions into the project in the Banyan Residences community. The world is changing. Urbanisation is giving way to escapism as a rising number of city dwellers seek a healthy, active lifestyle, away from the traffic and tension of their metropolitan lives. In line with this rising trend, Banyan Hua Hin is fast-becoming one of the country’s most desirable places to live, work and relax.

Nestled between the mountains and the sea in Hua Hin, on Thailand’s gulf coast, the exclusive community of luxury residences, pool villas, world-class golf and medical facilities has a proven track record of helping Bangkok’s residents to realise their dreams of a new life. Now, the company is building on its successful formula.

The launch of Villa Suasana, an all-new residential concept dedicated to natural and sustainable living, will further enhance Banyan Hua Hin’s status as an appealing destination for a generation of “conscious” urbanites, executives and entrepreneurs.

Villa Suasana is specifically designed for individuals, couples and families who want to experience a sense of freedom and have a more sustainable impact on the planet. Named after the Balinese word for “atmosphere,” these luxurious two- and three-bedroom pool residences offer 180 to 303 square metres of naturally-lit space, with bright and spacious interiors, contemporary furnishings, shady terraces and a refreshing private pool.

The new concept also puts sustainability at its core, with integrated eco solutions including solar panels, salt-water pools and pure water filters. And under a limited-time offer, every new owner will receive two complimentary Segway Ninebot KickScooter F25s – the ultimate clean, green way to get around the Banyan Hua Hin community.

As a further endorsement of its quality, Banyan Residences has been named as the “Best Housing Development – Hua Hin” at the PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards 2022. Judged by a group of industry specialists, the award was based upon the contemporary design of the villas, their liveability and surrounding facilities, which include the highly-acclaimed 18-hole Banyan Golf Club and onsite Be Well Medical Center. Banyan Hua Hin’s senior management team collected the accolade at a black-tie gala ceremony at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok.

“In the post-pandemic era, society has evolved and people are prioritising their personal health, wellness and sustainability above all else. As flexible, remote working becomes the norm, an increasing number of executives are choosing to avoid the hecticness and time-loss caused by a daily commute in heavy traffic. Bangkok families are spending more of their free time closer to nature and enjoying the beach life. With Banyan Hua Hin and Villa Suasana, business and leisure come together amid uplifting scenery and pure air. It’s a healthy, active and truly inspirational environment,” said Tjeert Kwant, Group CEO of Banyan Thailand.

The award marks the latest vote of confidence for Banyan Hua Hin, from buyers and the industry alike. The community experienced a surge in sales throughout the pandemic as urban residents sought a healthy active lifestyle outside of Bangkok and international long-stay visitors returned in healthy numbers.

Villa Suasana prices start from THB 9.5 million.

About Banyan Thailand, Hua Hin
Stylish, spacious and sophisticated, Banyan Thailand, Hua Hin is a spectacular residential community development nestled between the mountains and the sea near Thailand’s glittering gulf coast. Just 2.5 hours’ drive from Bangkok and 10 minutes from Hua Hin, our private villas come fully equipped with the latest fixtures and facilities. Investors can own their unique private residence in this exclusive estate, guests can rent one of our spacious two-bedroom pool villas for an extended vacation, dine at exceptional restaurants and enjoy activities courtesy of our Banyan Privilege card or play at one of our world-renowned Banyan Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course created by Thailand’s number one golf course architect, Pirapon Namatra.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News