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Elevate the Occasion with Premium Products and Wines from Australia

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Elevate the Occasion with Premium Products and Wines from Australia - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25RESTAURANTS.comSydney, Australia, December 31, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / During the holiday season there’s nothing more important than spending time with family and friends around a table.
For those special people in your lives, you can elevate the occasion by preparing your menu early and including some premium products and wine from Australia.

For a stress-free way to celebrate Christmas or New Year’s Eve, plan and prepare your main course early so you can spend more time with your guests and not have to worry about what’s cooking. To help you out, we have provided a great recipe below which is sure to please your guests! They might even think you have some culinary training.

But before we get to recipe, why Australian products? Simply because cooking with Australian products is delightful and brings wonderous flavour to any dish. It’s easy to see why Aussie produce the go-to option for chefs around the world is the beef, dairy cows and lambs graze on green pastures, the seafood is caught off golden shores, the fresh fruit is picked from lush orchards, the vegetables are grown in rich soils and the wines from pristine vineyards.

Besides the places that Australian food comes from, it’s the people which make them great. Australian farmers take great pride in their land and livestock and pay attention to every small detail so people can trust the high-quality of their products.

Australian beef and lamb are packed with flavours and nutrition because Australian farmers raise their stock in pristine environments and feed only the best grass and grain. The result is a high-quality product that is always tender and juicy.

Australia is also home to some of the best dairy products in the world – milk, cheese, butter, cream, yoghurt and more! Australia takes its dairy very seriously and has been producing quality products since early 1800s – it’s part of their heritage! This dairy comes from pristine landscapes where the air is clean, and the water is fresh. Add to this Australia’s strict food safety systems, innovative dairy processes, and the Australian Dairy Industry’s Sustainability Framework!

Australian seafood is easy to cook, harvested from pristine waters, packed with nutrients and bursting with flavour. From packaging to harvesting methods, every stage of the process impacts quality and taste Australia’s world-class seafood products.

Australia has one of the largest collections of fruit, nuts, and vegetables on the planet. Their delectable varieties are grown under golden rays and are world-renowned and perfect to add to any dish.

Australia has one of the most thrilling wine scenes in the world with 65 distinct regions and a wide variety of wine styles to choose from. Australian winemakers pay close attention to capture what’s in the grape and bring it to the glass.

You can add Australian products to any Thai meal. We’ve chosen one for you – Beef Fat Fried Rice with mussels, mozzarella, and butter – which brings together the best of Australian and is a true crowd pleaser. It elevates the Khao Phad to a gourmet level. The best part? It’s easy to make, almost effortless.

You can find Australian products and wines in leading supermarkets around the Thailand.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket Launches Authentic Thai Cuisine Restaurant

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Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket Launches Authentic Thai Cuisine Restaurant - TOP25RESTAURANTS.com - TRAVELINDEXPhuket, Thailand, December 30, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Indulge in the delightful tastes and textures of authentic Thai Cuisine nestled in an elegant Thai-style teak house amongst a tropical garden and overlooking a lagoon at Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket. Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, a luxurious beach resort on Phuket’s northwest coast, is pleased to announce the soft opening of Benjarong, the Signature Thai restaurant of all Dusit Thani hotels under the Dusit International’s umbrella. Benjarong serves authentic Thai Cuisine crafted from unique recipes passed from generation to generation.

Formerly known as Ruen Thai, Benjarong is an ode to Thailand’s culinary heritage and blends the delicacy of flavours with visual appearance in the form of sophisticated ingredients and artistic presentation. The restaurant’s location is as immaculate as the cuisine served. Benjarong is set in an elegant teak house designed in the Thai tradition, surrounded by gardens, and overlooking the lagoon. The atmosphere is enchanting and refined.

Benjarong aspires to source locally from Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi and the northeastern region of Thailand in order to deliver the highest quality seasonal ingredients. The restaurant is pleased to collaborate with farmers and producers in different parts of Thailand who have introduced us to ingredients from the rich biodiversity of the region.

Chef Boonram is at the helm of Benjarong. With over 20 years experience as the chef of Ruen Thai, he uses fresh local ingredients, cooked with authentic methods, to honour the traditional flavours of authentic Thai Cuisine.

Discover the enticing flavours of signature dishes at Benjarong including Mung Korn Lui Fai, Phuket lobster in red curry sauce served with flambé’ or Yum Nue Yang, a Thai-style tenderloin beef salad.

About Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket
Located next to the white sands of Bang Tao beach overlooking the Andaman Sea and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket comprises 253 elegant rooms, suites and villas. Amongst other facilities, it offers five dining outlets, a fully equipped gym, tennis and sports courts, a luxurious spa, an outdoor swimming pool, a watersports centre, a children’s play area, and easy access to the neighbouring 18-hole Laguna Phuket Golf Course.

Guests can also enjoy a range of complimentary activities reflecting responsible tourism practices. Among some of the options offered are sustainable crafts workshops such as upcycled tie-dye and bag painting; cooking classes featuring locally sourced ingredients; and Thai cultural workshops where guests can learn more about the history of Phuket and the island’s unique traditions and customs.

Dusit’s new group-wide wellness concept, Devarana Wellness, also offers complimentary activities that enhance emotional and physical resilience, such as yoga, meditation, and breathwork. A Family Retreat Programme, meanwhile, features a mini-farm workshop, educational kids camp, stand up paddleboarding, and other entertaining and enriching experiences for adults and children alike.

About Dusit International
Established in 1948, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: hotels and resorts, hospitality education, food, property development, and hospitality-related services.

The group’s portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under a total of six brands (Dusit Thani, Dusit Devarana, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 16 countries worldwide. The group also operates culinary schools and hospitality colleges in Thailand, plus catering companies for the education sector in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Dusit International’s diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Accor Welcomes Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium to its Network

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Accor Welcomes Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium to its Network - VISITTHAILAND.net - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, December 30, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Accor Hotels has signed a management agreement for a Grand Mercure hotel in the heart of Thailand’s vibrant capital city. This popular hotel, which has been welcoming the world’s travellers for over 26 years, will be refurbished and rebranded as Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium, creating localised guest experiences aligned with the vision of Accor’s premium brand.

Perfectly located on New Phetchaburi Road in downtown Bangkok, just a short distance from Sukhumvit Road, the city’s most dynamic commercial and retail district, and easily accessible via Phetchaburi MRT subway station, the hotel is ideal for business and leisure visitors alike.

The 568 rooms and suites offer panoramic city views and premium amenities, including business desks, locally inspired artworks and bathrooms with rain showers and bathtubs. Eight room categories, ranging in size from 30 to 129 square metres, ensure plenty of choice for corporate guests, couples and families.

The hotel will offer an array of leisure facilities including an outdoor swimming pool and sundeck, a fully-equipped fitness centre and serene spa, and diverse dining options including a Japanese teppanyaki restaurant, an all-day dining destination, pool bar and deli. For meeting planners, the hotel has a ballroom and a selection of meeting rooms that can host up to 350 people for corporate and social events.

Grand Mercure’s vision for a new style of international hospitality began in 1997. A group of hoteliers wanted to provide sophisticated locals with premium hotel standards while being respectful of their values. The first Grand Mercure hotel opened in São Paulo and since then the brand has blossomed around the globe, satisfying the growing desire to honour cultural identities.

“Just as no two countries are completely alike, no two Grand Mercure hotels are completely alike,” says Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer for Accor, Southeast Asia, Japan & South Korea. “Each property is tailored to offer a uniquely local spirit, where the community can feel at home and visitors can discover the unexpected. I am proud to welcome Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium to our network, becoming our fourth Grand Mercure in Thailand. This signing demonstrates the confidence that owners continue to place in Accor’s renowned brands, local knowhow and experts spanning every function of the hotel business.”

To honour each region’s way of life, Grand Mercure properties bring each country’s culture and customs to life for today’s travellers. By showcasing the destination’s authentic rituals, each hotel inspires local guests to rediscover their culture and travellers from afar to gain a deeper understanding of their destination – all while enjoying outstanding international premium services.

“Our hotel has been one of Bangkok’s most popular places to stay ever since it first opened in 1996. Now, by harnessing the global strength and premium, local style of the Grand Mercure brand, we are embarking on an exciting new era of hospitality. I am confident that this new partnership with Accor will delight our returning clientele and help us attract many new guests in future,” said Khushroo Wadia, Executive Director of Maxwin Builders Ltd., the owning Company of the Hotel.

Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium is easily accessible via road and rail, including Bangkok’s elevated expressways and MRT subway network. Makkasan Station, the downtown terminal of the Airport Rail Link to Suvarnabhumi International Airport, is just a short distance away.

The Grand Mercure network consists of more than 55 hotels in 12 countries worldwide. Its efficient size allows the brand to focus on each individual property. The brand boasts a pipeline of 30 new hotels and 7,200 rooms due to open in the coming years.

About Accor
Accor is a world leading hospitality group consisting of 5,300 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The group has one of the industry’s most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing more than 40 luxury, premium, midscale and economy hotel brands, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more. Accor’s unmatched position in lifestyle hospitality – one of the fastest growing categories in the industry – is led by Ennismore, a joint venture, which Accor holds a majority shareholding. Ennismore is a creative hospitality company with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. Accor boasts an unrivalled portfolio of distinctive brands and more than 230,000 team members worldwide. Members benefit from the company’s comprehensive loyalty program – ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a daily lifestyle companion that provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. Through its global sustainability commitments (such as achieving Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2050, global elimination of single use plastics in its hotels’ guest experience, etc.), Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the Group 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 Maxwin Builders
Maxwin Builders is part of the GP Group, a Thailand based Strategic Investment Group which owns a number of public and private companies across diverse sectors such as resources, shipping, construction, pharmaceuticals, aviation and technology.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Rwanda Announced as Next WTTC Global Summit Host

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Rwanda Announced as Next WTTC Global Summit Host - TAVELINDEX - VISITRWANDA.orgKigali, Rwanda, December 29, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / During the closing session of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Global Summit in Riyadh, the Rwandan capital of Kigali, was announced as the host city for 2023, marking the first time the event will visit Africa.

Rwanda, the home of the International Gorilla Conservation Programme, will showcase the power of sustainable tourism to protect biodiversity and create thriving communities.

WTTC closed its largest ever Global Summit today with more than 3,000 delegates attending the event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The global tourism body’s Global Summit saw speakers such as former UK Prime Minister Theresa May, former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, and actor, filmmaker, and Golden Globe winner, Edward Norton.

The most influential Travel & Tourism event in the calendar, WTTC’s record breaking Global Summit, was attended by more than 85 countries and over 50 ministers.

More than 250 media delegates from around the world attended the event, with many thousands of people around the world watching remotely.

During the event, WTTC and the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom Saudi Arabia launched the Environmental & Social Research (ESR).

This groundbreaking new data details the climate footprint of the global Travel & Tourism sector, and in a world-first, this the research covers 185 countries across all regions, and will be updated each year with the latest figures.

WTTC also launched its Cities Economic Impact Report (EIR).

Sponsored by Visa, the report shows cities remain the powerhouses of global tourism and will drive the recovery of the sector and economies around the word.

Addressing delegates during her closing speech, Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “Saudi Arabia will be the next major destination for visitors as it invests $800 billion in showcasing the Kingdom to the world.

“From the Red Sea to snow-capped mountains, Saudi is full of surprises.

“We are incredibly excited that Rwanda will host our next Global Summit in 2023. An amazing country famous for its conservation work, Rwanda is building its reputation as a must-see destination.”

Under the theme “Travel for a Better Future” the event in Riyadh focused on the value of the sector, not only to the global economy, but to the planet and communities around the world.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

‘BEST TOURISM VILLAGES’ OF 2022

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Looking to get off the beaten track and discover the essence of rural, sustainable tourism in 2023? Consider these villages – the world’s best in 2022, according to the UNWTO – designated from across destinations from Austria to Vietnam.

The ‘Best Tourism Villages 2022’ accolade by the World Tourism Organization recognizes rural destinations that are embracing tourism as a driver of development and new opportunities for jobs and income, while preserving and promoting community-based values and products.

The initiative also recognizes villages for their commitment to innovation and sustainability in all its aspects – economic, social, and environmental – and a focus on developing tourism in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In late 2022, a total of 32 villages from 18 countries in the five world regions were awarded the recognition for the year. The villages were evaluated by an independent Advisory Board based on a set of criteria covering nine areas:

• Cultural and Natural Resources
• Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources
• Economic Sustainability
• Social Sustainability
• Environmental Sustainability
• Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration
• Governance and Prioritization of Tourism
• Infrastructure and Connectivity
• Health, Safety, and Security

“For rural communities everywhere, tourism can be a true gamechanger in providing jobs, supporting local businesses and keeping traditions alive,” says UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO showcase the power of the sector to drive economic diversification and create opportunities for all outside of big cities.”

<The village of Umm Qais, Jordan, is famous for its impressive colonnaded streets, vaulted terrace, and the ruins of two theatre

The 2022 best village list includes:

• Zell am See, Austria
• Wagrain, Austria
• Puqueldón, Chile
• Dazhai, China
• Jingzhu, China
• Choachí, Colombia
• Aguarico, Ecuador
• Angochagua, Ecuador
• Choke Mountains Ecovillage, Ethiopia
• Mestia, Georgia
• Kfar Kama, Israel
• Sauris-Zahre, Italy
• Isola del Giglio, Italy
• Umm Qais, Jordan
• Creel, Mexico
• El Fuerte, Mexico
• Ksar Elkhorbat, Morocco
• Moulay Bouzerktoune, Morocco
• Lamas, Peru
• Raqchi, Peru
• Castelo Novo, Portugal
• Pyeongsa-ri, Republic of Korea
• Rasinari, Romania
• AlUla Old Town, Saudi Arabia
• Bohinj, Slovenia
• Rupit, Spain
• Alquézar, Spain
• Guadalupe, Spain
• Murten, Switzerland
• Andermatt, Switzerland
• Birgi, Türkiye
• Thái Hải, Vietnam

A total of 136 villages were put forward for consideration by 57 UNWTO Member States (each Member State could nominate a maximum of three villages) for the 2022 edition. From these, 32 were recognized as Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO.

A further 20 villages will enter the Upgrade Program. All 52 villages will also become part of the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Global Network created in 2021 which from this date gathers 115 villages from the five continents. The Network provides a number of benefits including onsite and online training, sharing of good practices and international brand recognition and awareness.

The Best Tourism Villages initiative is the flagship project of the UNWTO Tourism for Rural Development Program, which includes three pillars:

1. The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’: Recognizes villages that are an outstanding example of a rural tourism destination with accredited cultural and natural assets, that preserve and promote rural and community-based values, products, and lifestyle and have a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability in all its aspects – economic, social and environmental.

2. The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Upgrade Programme: The Upgrade Programme benefits a number of villages that do not fully meet the criteria to receive recognition. These villages receive support from UNWTO and its Partners in improving elements of the areas identified as gaps in the evaluation process.

3. The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Global Network: The Network provides a space for exchanging experiences and good practices, learnings, and opportunities. It includes experts and public and private sector partners engaged in the promotion of tourism for rural development, as well.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

LISTENING IN: Oh, yes those were the days!

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“Those Were the Days” was a smash in 1968, topping the charts in the UK and almost (No. 2) in the US, where it was held out of top spot by “Hey Jude” no less. Not sure the song’s ranking in Canada, but it was a pretty big hit in my house and one of the first songs I remember when I was kid.

Besides being top of the pops in all the important places, Mary Hopkins was one of the first artists to be signed to the Beatles’ Apple Records, and “Those Were the Days,” with its the notably nostalgic, old world feel, was produced by Paul McCartney.

It was heady stuff for an 18-year-old from Wales, whose first recordings were Welsh folk songs, and soon to be duplicated the following year with another memorable hit, “Goodbye” (another favourite in our household).

Here’s a performance of the former from the Ed Sullivan Show in ’68.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Global Transformation of Sheraton Hotels & Resorts Gains Momentum Throughout Greater China

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Sheraton Xi’an Chanba
Sheraton Xi’an Chanba

With 2022 coming to a close, the transformation of Sheraton Hotels & Resorts – the most global brand within Marriott Bonvoy’sâ portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands – continues to build momentum across the globe, with Greater China now featuring eight properties exemplifying the modernized design concept, including the soon-to-open Sheraton Xi’an Chanba. These hotels join the growing number of properties around the world displaying the brand’s design transformation, totaling more than 30 properties by the end of the year.

“Following the transformation of four incredible hotels across Greater China, we’re excited to welcome these four additional hotels in the region entering a new chapter showcasing the brand’s new vision,” said Amanda Nichols, Global Brand Leader, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. “As Sheraton continues to inspire new journeys into the new year, we look forward to welcoming guests to enjoy all the familiar comforts of the brand, but with fresh, contemporary updates along with new, exciting guest-programming experiences.”

The new approach draws on the brand’s roots as a community hub with places to connect and be productive. The design balances timelessness with a fresh and modern feel, creating an environment where guests feel comfortable and at ease whether working, meeting, or relaxing. Built with its global, productivity-focused guest in mind, Sheraton’s new elevated food and beverage philosophy and seamless technology integration are additional focal points of the brand’s transformation.

Sheraton Xi’an Chanba
With proximity to many places of interest in Xi’an, Sheraton Xi’an Chanba offers 228 residential-style guest rooms and suites with serene, bright spaces and captivating views over the city.

The soon-to-open new hotel takes its design cues from the city’s history and culture, especially that of the Tang Dynasty. The lobby art installation made of metal, ceramics, and resin glass were inspired by lamps lit in celebration of the local Lantern Festival. A host of public spaces and amenities have been created, including the brand’s signature Community Table. The hotel offers elevated food and beverage experiences with a bar and three restaurants. Part bar, part coffee bar, part market, &More by Sheraton transitions guests seamlessly from day to night with food & beverage options that are locally sourced, easy to enjoy while working, and customizable to accommodate all tastes and time schedules. Through collaboration with Laihui Coffee, it also creates unique coffee drinks inspired by local ingredients, including chestnuts from Qinling.

Sheraton Club, an exclusive space for Marriott Bonvoy Elite members and Club-level guests, features a circular-shaped Oval Bar and is an ideal place for guests to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning or cocktails in the evening over mesmerizing skyline views.

Sheraton Xi’an South

Sheraton Xi’an South
Sheraton Xi’an South

Located at the heart of Xi’an Software New City in Xi’an Hi-tech Industries Development Zone, Sheraton Xi’an South offers proximity to many Fortune 500 enterprises and is set to be the new hub for locals and travelers to connect and collaborate.

The hotel offers 321 modern guest rooms and suites that feature bright, well-lit spaces with warm, residential appeal comprised of soft finishes and light wood tones accentuated with black metal accents. With Xi’an Talent Park nearby, guests staying on the north side of the hotel enjoy beautiful garden views from their room. All guest rooms are equipped with new and modern amenities that foster productivity, including height-adjustable working table, integrated power and charging, and layered lighting.

The property offers an elevated food and beverage experience with local, gourmet-market themed Daily Social, Chinese poetry-inspired YUE, and the curated, intimate bar, Unspoken. The brand’s reimagined look is also incorporated in the lobby, which is designed with a flow that is natural, intuitive, and uncomplicated. Additional facilities include a Grand Ballroom, five meeting rooms, and the Sheraton Fitness.

Sheraton Ningbo Xiangshan Resort

Sheraton Ningbo Xiangshan Resort
Sheraton Ningbo Xiangshan Resort

Sitting on a 575-mile coastline in Xiangshan, Sheraton Ningbo Xiangshan Resort lays claim to some of the area’s most beautiful settings. The property is the first resort in the Asia Pacific region to bring Sheraton’s design transformation to life. The ingenious interior design incorporates elements that denote the distinctive rock formations in the area and the local fishing heritage. In the lobby, the design pays homage to Xiangshan’s culture by utilizing black and white colors to form a dramatic visual contrast, showcasing the aesthetics of fishing nets and wood carvings that are unique to the area. The resort offers 270 spacious and modern guest rooms and suites, most of which boast views of the sea or mountains through large floor-to-ceiling windows, with selected guest rooms featuring a large outdoor balcony.

Sheraton Ningbo Xiangshan Resort offers two elevated dining outlets – Daily Social and YUE – and a sophisticated dessert house Sweet Box, providing guests with an eclectic choice of flavors.

Sheraton Nanjing Kingsley Hotel & Towers

Sheraton Nanjing Kingsley Hotel & Towers
Sheraton Nanjing Kingsley Hotel & Towers
REXZOU

Sheraton Nanjing Kingsley Hotel & Towers commands a prime location in Nanjing’s financial and commercial center – the Xinjiekou business zone. The renovation was well-thought to combine the hotel’s over 20 years of history into a design that matches the lifestyle of today’s travelers, with elements that reinterpret local cultures and arts, such as the staircase handrails and screens that create a modern rendition of the local Jinling Folding Fans. Equipped with the brand’s signature Community Table and tech-enabled Studios, the expansive lobby has been repositioned as an open, shared space, aiming to promote social interaction and collaboration. It is also a reflection of Sheraton’s commitment to creating places where guests from around the world can come together. It welcomes guests to 70 newly renovated guest rooms and suites as part of the first phase of guest rooms refresh. Additional facilities include the all-day dining restaurant Daily Social, YUE Chinese restaurant, Danny’s Irish Restaurant & Pub, the Sheraton Towers Lounge, and &More by Sheraton, where guests can enjoy a cup of Julius Meinl, Austria’s national treasure coffee originated from 1862.

These four properties join Sheraton Guangzhou Hotel, Sheraton Mianyang, Sheraton Zhaoqing Dinghu, and Sheraton Chengdu Pidu as transformed Sheraton-branded properties in Greater China. Sheraton plans to continue its transformation journey in the region with the brand expecting additional hotels to showcase the new modernized look next year with the openings of Sheraton Beihai Resort and Sheraton Lanzhou Anning.

To find out more about the new Sheraton experience, visit The New Sheraton website.

Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of United States federal securities laws, including statements related to expected hotel additions and renovations; and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the risk factors that we identify in our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release. We make these forward-looking statements as of the date of this press release and undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Sheraton® Hotels & Resorts
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts makes it easy for guests to feel welcome at over 435 hotels and resorts in nearly 75 countries and territories around the world. As the most global brand within Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of extraordinary hotel brands sitting at the center of hundreds of communities around the world, Sheraton has a rich heritage in creating a sense of belonging for guests, wherever they are in the world. Sheraton is currently undergoing a major brand transformation, creating a signature community experience for the next generation of travelers and locals alike at properties across the globe. The new vision for Sheraton features intuitive design, tech-forward experiences, and upgrades to everything from public space and F&B to flexible meeting space. For more information, please visit the Sheraton website, and stay connected on Facebook, and @sheratonhotels on Twitter and Instagram. Sheraton is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit the Marriott Bonvoy website.

About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences, including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit the Marriott Bonvoy website.

Media Contacts
James Bardwell
Senior Manager, Global Communications, Premium Brands
Marriott International
James.Bardwell@Marriott.com

Michele Lv
Senior Director, Brand PR & Communications – Asia Pacific
Marriott International
Michele.Lv@Marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Discover the Wonder of Winter Truffles at Akira Back

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Discover the Wonder of Winter Truffles at Akira Back - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, December 29, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Akira Back, the innovative and inspiring Asian restaurant on the top floor of Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, is inviting guests to discover the wonder of winter truffles this January with its luxurious new culinary promotion.

Diners can celebrate the start of 2023 in style with a choice of inventive and indulgent à la carte dishes that showcase this highly-prized ingredient. Sourced and imported directly from the shady woodlands of southern Europe, black winter truffles have a rich and complex flavor that will transport the taste buds to the cool, atmospheric forests.

There are four special dishes to choose from; Akira Back’s signature Truffle Tuna Pizza (THB 740++) will be enlivened with fresh black winter truffle, umami aioli, and white truffle oil, and for vegetarian diners, the unique Truffle Mushroom Pizza (THB 600++) will also be elevated with this sublime seasonal ingredient.

Alternatively, Akira Back’s talented culinary team has unveiled a sumptuous seafood dish of Pan-Seared Halibut (THB 830++), accompanied with fresh black winter truffle and soy beurre blanc – an elegant “east meets west” creation. Finally, for a truly opulent epicurean experience, a prime cut of Japanese A5 Wagyu (THB 4,050++) is served with fresh black winter truffle and green asparagus.

This mouth-watering quartet of dishes will be available for dinner (17.30 – 22.30 hrs) at Akira Back from 1st to 31st January 2023. If you’re seeking a special treat to start the New Year in style, the “Wonder of Winter Truffles” is sure to elevate your evening.

For more information and reservations, please call +66 (0) 2 059 5999 or email restaurant-reservations.bkkqp@marriotthotels.com or book via http://sevn.ly/xVAiAU7H

About Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queens Park Hotel
The largest hotel in Bangkok and the first Marriott Marquis hotel in Asia Pacific, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park is a new landmark in heart of the Thai capital. The hotel offers extensive facilities, including 1,388 rooms and suites, over 5,000m² of function space across more than 30 venues, two swimming pools, 24-hour fitness center, the Quan Spa and a collection of restaurants and bars. Centrally located on Sukhumvit Road, in Bangkok’s vibrant business and entertainment district, the hotel is the perfect choice for all travelers to this pulsating city.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ODE TO VENICE

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Venice has been flabbergasting visitors for centuries. Entering the city via the Grand Canal is an unforgettable experience whether it’s your first time or the tenth. Walt Disney could not have improved upon this architectural fantasy of Romanesque and Renaissance palaces, domed churches and arched bridges, all bathed in that rich radiant light that is Venice’s alone. Truman Capote once quipped that, “Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs at one go.”

The moment I first laid eyes on her I was smitten by La Serenissima. Who would not be seduced by this fantastic mirage rising like a Venus from the lagoon? Nothing succeeds like excess could be her motto—from the golden mosaics of the Doge’s Palace to the marvelous Tintoretto-painted ceilings on the Sculoa di San Rocco.

Venice is like a treasure chest brimming with precious exotica from all over the world. This fantasy isn’t far from reality. The city was built by merchant princes whose navies ruled the eastern Mediterranean and dominated trade routes between Europe and faraway eastern lands.

So, if Venice seems to be a tapestry woven of silk, velvet and lace imbued with saffron, cinnamon, amber and silver filigree, it’s because those riches and more first entered the western world through her labyrinth of waterways. Probably nowhere else on earth does East meet West with so much panache.

Based on its watery logistics, Venice can be pricey, but I’ve also found several inexpensive ways to immerse yourself in her many charms. Read on.

(All prices approximated in Canadian dollars.)

THE “YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE” SPLURGE LIST

Posh Cocktails at the Gritti
I recommend a splurge at the Gritti Palace hotel on the Grand Canal, across from the Santa Maria del Salute church. Dating back to 1475, the building became the private residence to Andrea Gritti, the Doge of Venice in 1525. Sit out on the Riva Lounge terrace, outfitted like a yacht, and sip a Bellini made with Champagne and white peach purée. It may be the most expensive Bellini in Venice (about $30), but I doubt you’ll find a better one. Besides, the ambiance and people-watching are worth the bucks.
www.thegrittipalace.com

Burano, Island of Laundry & Lace
Buy exquisite hand-made lace at Emilia on Burano, the fisherman’s island, its houses painted in assorted crayon colours with ever-present laundry hanging from the windows. Lacemaking has been a tradition here as the wives of fishermen kept their hands busy. Why are the houses and shops painted so brightly? Probably so the fishermen could navigate to their homes when the lagoon is blanketed with fog. Dine on divine Piscean platters at Da Romano restaurant, owned by the same family for more than 100 years. My hero, Anthony Bourdain, sat in the same chair as I did, our handsome waiter Daniele informed me. Tony and I both enjoyed the specialty fish risotto and the decadent dessert made with mountains of meringue and Chantilly cream. From Venice, take the #12 vaporetto from Fondamenta Nova.
https://www.daromano.it/en/

Where Venice Was Born
Make a pilgrimage to the island of Torcello, where Venice began back in the sixth and seventh centuries when the locals of the northwest Adriatic fled to the lagoons from the attacking barbarians. Visit Torcello’s remarkable cathedral and marvel over the Byzantine mosaics. Linger over lunch in the glorious garden of the Locanda Cipriani, where the British royals, Elton John and Ernest Hemingway also have dined. The three-course menu costs about $100. If you linger too long over your linguine, the Locanda has five charming rooms.
www.locandacipriani.com

The Ultimate Operatic Experience
Enjoy live opera in the 12th century Palazzo Barbarigo Minotto on the Grand Canal. Guests and performers move from room to room for each act. At Musica a Palazzo chose from the Barber of Seville, La Traviata or Rigoletto performed weekly. Cost is $135.
www.musicapalazzo.com

The Ultimate Cliché
Shell out about $115 (more in the evening) for a 40-minute ride in a sleek black gondola gracefully maneuvered through the narrow canals by a dashing gondolier. It’s reputed that a naked Lord Byron swam home via the Grand Canal after a night on the town while his servant, carrying his clothes, followed behind in a gondola!

THE “CHEAP THRILLS” SAVE LIST

Take a Pass
Cost for a three-day vaporetto pass is about $78. Compare that with $20 for a one-time ride and you will probably opt for the pass.

The Best Rides in Town
Hop vaporetto number one at dusk, just as Venice’s iconic lamplights are casting their mauve glow against the misty sky. Pass the floating palaces, their grand salons illuminated by Murano-glass chandeliers and their lacy facades seeming to melt into the watery mirror below. Fantasize about masked balls at Carnevale.

Note also that the cheapest (and shortest) gondola rides are aboard the no-frills traghetti that cross the Grand Canal in several places. The fare is less than a dollar.

Wander & Wonder
Enjoy the local morning market at the Rialto Bridge where you can bargain for Carnevale masks, leather goods and admire the catch the day. Then allow yourself to get lost in the maze of narrow passageways, bridges and canals in this oldest part of town.

Keep in mind as you stroll around Venice’s 400 bridges and 117 islands, you’re actually walking over a petrified forest. The thousands of wooden poles pushed into the mud to create foundations over time have become petrified and are stronger than steel. In Venice, truth can be stranger than fiction.

Where else could Charles Dickens write, “The gorgeous and wonderful reality of Venice is beyond the fancy of the wildest dreamer. Opium couldn’t build such a place, and enchantment couldn’t shadow it forth in a vision…It has never been rated high enough. It is a thing you would shed tears to see.”

Grazing Venetian Style
Join gondoliers in rustic bacaros (wine bars) all over town for small glasses of wine and cichetti (savory tapas) such as marinated artichokes, a cod mixture spread on polenta squares and mini salami sandwiches. Try Cantina Do Mori, Venice’s oldest tavern dating back to 1462, San Polo 429, near the Rialto Market.

Or, mingle with locals at Al Merca, a cupboard-sized wine bar at the Rialto Market. Enjoy a spritz cocktail (originated in Venice) made of Aperol bitters, Prosecco, a dash of mineral water and garnished with a slice of orange or an olive.

Far from the Madding Crowd
Enjoy rustic fare under a canopy of grape vines with laundry flapping from nearby windows and kids kicking soccer balls in a quiet corner of Cannaregio. At Osteria alla Frasca, you’ll dine well on grilled octopus, homemade gnocchi with prawns and zucchini washed down with a good selection of reasonable wines.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

BDMS Wellness Brings World Class Wellness to Anantara Riverside Bangkok

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BDMS Wellness Brings World Class Wellness to Anantara Riverside Bangkok - VISITTHAILAND.net - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, December 28, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort announces the opening of the BDMS Wellness Clinic Retreat in a forward-looking initiative that is set to strengthen Thailand’s position as a wellness tourism leader.

Located on the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya river amidst 11 acres of lush tropical gardens, Anantara Riverside offers urban serenity twinned with authentic discoveries, and a preventative healthcare centre that offers a wide range of wellness, aesthetic, and health screenings. Here guests feel connected to nature when receiving counselling and medical services from a team of BDMS Wellness Clinic professionals.

The BDMS Wellness Clinic Retreat at Anantara Riverside is part of the award-winning Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) network – Thailand’s largest operator of private hospitals with over 50 facilities in Thailand and Cambodia – and the first outpost of the BDMS Wellness Clinic.

The Retreat’s tenet is a strong believe that prevention is better than cure and a commitment to helping guests reach their health goals; adopt a healthier lifestyle; and achieve their optimal wellbeing. It offers comprehensive wellness screenings utilising advanced science and technology that allow physicians to accurately predict future health issues and help disease while enhancing mental and physical performance and quality of life.

The BDMS Wellness Clinic Retreat offers signature wellness check-up packages that are comprehensive wellness assessment programs aimed at the early detection and prevention of diseases. The programs also analyse signs of biological and bio-chemical ageing processes to improve health and help maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle; slow the ageing process; and increase longevity. Rates for the signature wellness check-up packages start from Thai Baht 10,800++.

Other specialty check-up treatments include weight management; immunity; food intolerance; comprehensive genetic analysis; telomere length measurement; NK cell activity diagnostics and treatment; cancer screening; and intravenous fluids treatments.

Guests can also choose from a range of aesthetic services in facial and body treatments that use the latest technologies under the close supervision of specialised dermatologists.

Multiday check-ups and treatments at BDMS Wellness Clinic Retreat offer luxurious accommodation at Anantara Riverside and incorporate treatments at the renowned Anantara Spa that draw from healing practices of East and West. The Retreat’s nutritionists and the resort’s award-winning culinary team have designed wellness cuisine menus that can be personalised according to guests’ dietary requirements and tastes to assist the body in restoring health; strength; balance; and enhancing longevity.

The three-night Detox Package promotes the immune system; prevents cardiovascular disease, neurological diseases, and age-related degenerative diseases; and increases the production of collagen for the body and skin with antioxidants. Supplementary healing treatments and supervised activities include a detox intravenous drip; a green tea detox body wrap; a Himalayan thermal therapy treatment; a nutrition consultation; and daily yoga sessions and Thai herbal steam treatments. Rates start from Thai Baht 46,260++ for two people sharing a room and include accommodation for three nights and daily wellness breakfast and lunch.

Other wellness accommodation packages focus on anti-aging and wellness check-ups.

Commenting on the opening of the BDMS Wellness Clinic Retreat at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, Mr William Heinecke, Chairman of Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas’ parent company Minor Hotels, said that the Covid-19 pandemic brought the topic of health to the top of mind for individuals, companies, and whole countries – a trend that has yet to show signs of slowing.

“When international travel resumed, it was at our resorts that we saw the biggest bounce-back, as travellers sought nature-integrated environments to heal and rebalance. With more consumers becoming interested in preventive wellness, Minor Hotels, being the country’s largest hotel operator, is in a perfect position to offer full-circle wellness services thanks to our partnership with BDMS Wellness Clinic – a recognised leader in preventive and personalised medicine”, Heinecke said.

About Anantara
Anantara is a luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, connecting them to genuine places, people and stories through personal experiences, and providing heartfelt hospitality in the world’s most exciting destinations. The collection of distinct, thoughtfully designed luxury hotels and resorts provides a window through which to journey into invigorating new territory, curating personal travel experiences.

From cosmopolitan cities to desert sands to lush islands, Anantara connects travellers to the indigenous, grounds them in authentic luxury, and hosts them with passionate expertise. The portfolio currently boasts over 40 stunning hotel and properties located in Thailand, the Maldives, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Zambia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Portugal, with a pipeline of future properties across Asia, the Indian Ocean, Middle East, Africa and South America. The brand’s premier vacation ownership programme, Anantara Vacation Club, extends the opportunity to own a share in the Anantara experience with a portfolio of 8 luxurious Club Resorts as well as travel privileges at partner resorts and hotels worldwide.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News