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Phuket, Thailand, September 04, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / A new era of beach club experience comes to Phuket with Rava, the latest lifestyle concept from Banyan Tree Phuket. Located within Laguna Phuket, an integrated resort destination along the famed Bang Tao Beach, Rava is a sprawling beach club tucked along a 180 mt. shoreline, making it the longest beach club in Thailand.

The word ‘Rava’ means sound and reverberation and personifies this expansive beachfront space where music, gastronomy, art, and conscious living come together to create one seamless experience that flows with the rhythm of the sea.

Sittichai Jitnatham, General Manager of Banyan Tree Phuket says “At Banyan Group, we have always been focused on evolving and curating experiences that meets the needs of our guests – present and future, and with Rava our effort is to create a beach club that blends luxury, tropical lifestyle and a love for all things local. It is designed not as a place to escape the mundane and instead as a place where we celebrate the extraordinary in everyday moments”.

When you visit Rava Beach Club every moment invites you to explore, indulge, and connect and with its 3 exquisitely conceptualized spaces, each visit of yours: Young & Fun – the beating heart of the beach club, this zone is upbeat and effortlessly cool with an alfresco dining area, sunbeds, cabanas, and 3 infinity pools serving small plates and eclectic mix of cocktails, premium wines and spirits. Master Grill is a warm, welcoming space that celebrates the art of grilling. The menu features premium cuts of meat, expertly dry-aged selections, whole grilled seafood, and signature sides. Prestige An exclusive lounge for Banyan Group Residence Owners that boasts two indoor dining rooms, semi-private areas for relaxation or dining, dedicated daybeds, and a private infinity pool, along with locker and shower facilities.

Speaking about the exclusive access for residence owners, Stuart Reading, Managing Director, Banyan Group Residences, says, “For our homeowners, Rava Beach Club is more than an amenity—it’s a privilege. Exclusive access to the Prestige Zone allows our residential community to enjoy a level of beachfront luxury that’s unmatched on the island. It enhances the everyday experience of ownership and elevates the value of our branded residences across Laguna Phuket”.

With the addition of Rava Beach Club, Laguna Phuket boasts wholesome avenues for travellers and Phuketians seeking a day out on the beach with loved ones, indulge in international coastal fare, sip on refreshing cocktails as you watch a sunset or immerse oneself in workshops and wellbeing activities, and as night falls watch a host of artists and performer take center stage and elevate the tempo of this beach club.

“The debut of the RAVA Beach Club marks a significant milestone for Laguna Phuket and represents an exciting expansion for the Banyan Group into the beach club scene. We are redefining the beach club scene on the island with this sophisticated oasis, which combines luxury, a vibrant atmosphere and distinctive experiences, all complemented by stunning views and architectural brilliance. The launch of RAVA caters to the diverse tastes of our guests and significantly enhances our leisure and entertainment offerings as a resort destination,” Paul Wilson, Managing Director, Laguna Phuket.

If you’re wondering what sets Rava Beach Club apart from other beachfront venues in Phuket, then picture morning soundscapes that ease you into the day, bold coastal cuisine grilled over open flames, and cocktails infused with foraged ingredients served with style and soul. Feel the energy rise with live tropical performances, hands-on mixology workshops, sunset painting sessions, and a boutique showcasing the best of beach essentials and resort wear from celebrated Thai designers and local artisans. Whether you’re here to relax, dance, create, or celebrate, Rava offers something you won’t find anywhere else.

Rava Beach Club is set to open its doors on 1 August 2025, and when it does, it’s sure to make waves, and you’ll want to be there when it does.

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Bangkok, Thailand, September 04, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Sirimahannop, the reimagined Thai tall ship and refined dining destination on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, has unveiled a new menu that will transport diners on a gastronomic voyage between Thailand and Scandinavia, the historic trade route sailed more than 100 years ago by the ship’s former captain Hans Niels Andersen.

Set to be launched in May, this creative new menu features the finest cuisine from East and West, with dishes artfully crafted using local, seasonal and imported ingredients. The main menu will be divided into three sections, influenced by the ship’s navigational coordinates.

100°E BANGKOK will showcase delights that capture the essence of the Thai capital’s vibrant food scene, with signature dishes such as House-Cured Dill Salmon – a Scandinavian classic elevated with the Thai flavors of tomato, basil and pomelo, and a Steamed Seafood Pot with khao soi curry broth, pickled cabbage, cilantro, and sourdough bread.

Alternatively, 45°E AT SEA draws inspiration from the ancient mariners’ onboard meals, including slow-cooked and cured meats that could be preserved on long journeys. Highlights include Beef Short Rib with five spice-infused red wine jus, cauliflower purée, grilled king oyster mushroom, broccolini, and mushroom ketchup.

Guests seeking the light, simple elegance of Nordic cuisine can discover 9°E COPENHAGEN – a refined approach to dining with plates such as Mackerel Escabeche, enhanced with carrot, orange, ginger, saffron, and dill, or Scandinavian Calamari with Thai chili, garlic, lemon, and chunky remoulade.

There’s great news for tapas lovers, as Sirimahannop’s popular “Tapas by the River” promotion will now be permanently added to the menu, with seven Seafood Tapas plates including Octopus with Thai Chimichurri and Marinated Anchovies with grated fresh tomatoes.

Sirimahannop’s new menu is perfect for every occasion, from after-work snacks and light bites accompanying sunset cocktails, to romantic couples’ meals and memorable dinners with friends and family.

This new menu is available from September 1, 2025 (16:30 – 22:30 hrs), priced starting at THB 220++. Marriott Bonvoy discounts apply.

Permanently docked at Asiatique The Riverfront, Sirimahannop is easily accessible by road and river, including shuttle boat services from the pier next to Saphan Taksin BTS skytrain station.

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Bangkok, Thailand, September 04, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Le Du Kaan, Bangkok’s first rooftop Thai restaurant, perched on the 56th floor of EA Rooftop at The Empire, is inviting its discerning guests to celebrate its 1st Anniversary this September with an exclusive “Meet & Greet” with Chef Ton Thitid Tassanakajohn, the Michelin-starred chef, who elevates Thai cuisine to exciting new heights.

One of the region’s most highly acclaimed culinary experts, Chef Ton is the only Thai chef to have two entries on the “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants” list. His original Thai restaurant, Le Du, made its debut in 2013 and a decade later, in 2023, this Michelin one-star establishment achieved the prestigious no. 1 ranking in the annual list of Asia’s best restaurants. Nusara, which opened in 2020, was honoured with third place in the same year. Now, he is delighting local and international diners at Le Du Kaan, which opened in 2024 and blends the finest Thai produce with a rich storytelling narrative.

For one night only, couples and friends will be able to come together and meet Chef Ton, learn about his creative vision, and savor his inimitable cuisine. On September 25, 2025, from 18:00-21:00 hrs, he will host an evening of extraordinary gastronomy at Le Du Kaan, with a special anniversary set menu ‘The First Chapter of Gastronomy’.

As the sun sets over the city, this epicurean adventure commences with Nam Tok Ped (dry-aged duck breast with crispy shallots, seasonal fruits and a nam tok sauce), and a highly evocative dish of Bai Liang Phad Kai (malindjo leaves with dry shrimp, salted egg yolk and duck egg). The finest seafood is then showcased with Lhon Pooh (crispy blue crab meat with caviar, yellow chili and turmeric), before guests are invited to savor Thailand’s most prized beef, ultra-tender Tajima wagyu, in Kua Kling Nuer Yang – a sublime Southern Thai curry with cumin leaves and stink beans, served with jasmine rice. Following the ocean-fresh Gaeng Leang Pla Yang (grilled Andaman fish with local mushrooms and hairy basil in a spicy mixed vegetable soup), diners can conclude this culinary journey with Kanom Buang, an indulgent ice cream made using prawn fat, palm sugar meringue, and grated coconut.

This special anniversary dinner is priced at just THB 4,900++ per couple, with an optional THB 4,000++ supplement for a bottle of Taittinger Prestige Brut Champagne or THB 4,500++ for a bottle of Bollinger Cuvee Brut Champagne. Following this one-of-a-kind occasion on September 25, guests can enjoy all six of Chef Ton’s delectable dishes as part of an à la carte menu from September 26-30, 2025. Prices start from just THB 320++ per dish.

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Bangkok, Thailand, September 02, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Akira Back Bangkok, the Japanese and Korean dining destination on the 37th floor of Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, invites diners to continue their culinary journey this September and October, with three new specialty dishes that embody Akira Back’s signature fusion of innovation and tradition.

These artfully crafted creations form part of a rotation across the worldwide collection of Akira Back restaurants – from Las Vegas and Seoul to Dubai and Toronto – celebrating the group’s identity as “A Global Brand with a Local Soul.”

For a limited time, Chef Sunghyun Yoon, the talented sous chef at Akira Back Bangkok, will showcase these delectable dishes:

AB Sukiyaki (THB 2,200++) – A luxurious take on the beloved Japanese hot pot, featuring melt-in-your-mouth A5 wagyu beef, earthy truffle, and a silky onsen egg, served with seasonal vegetables for the perfect balance of taste and texture.

Surf & Turf (THB 2,450++) – An indulgent pairing of succulent Maine lobster and rich Australian Black Onyx ribeye steak, complemented with umami-rich mushrooms and a velvety béchamel cheese sauce to create a luxurious mouthfeel.

Cured Salmon Nigiri (THB 540++) – A modern twist on the classic Japanese nigiri; delicately cured salmon layered with zesty wasabi aioli, crispy potato textures, and pickled onion for a tangy yet refreshing bite.

These three specialty dishes will be available until October 31st, 2025. Akira Back Bangkok is open daily for dinner (17.30 – 23.00 hrs.) and lunch from Thursday – Sunday (12.00 – 14.30 hrs).

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Bali, Indonesia, September 02, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Cross Hotels & Resorts has signed a Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with Geonet Developments International for ELLE Resort & Beach Club by Cross Collection, a high-style beachfront destination set to open in 2028 in the heart of Seminyak, Bali. This bold signing marks another key milestone in Cross Hotels & Resorts’ mission to become APAC’s Leading Alternative to Global Hotel Operators, while spotlighting the brand’s growing expertise in managing lifestyle experiences.

Located along Seminyak’s legendary coastline, ELLE Resort & Beach Club by Cross Collection is poised to deliver a refined yet vibrant stay, blending the sophistication of the ELLE brand with Bali’s iconic beach energy. The resort will feature 170 ultra-luxury hotel rooms & suites, each designed to reflect a modern, effortless glamour. At its heart, the signature beach club will serve as a cultural and social anchor, offering music, fashion, mixology, and cuisine in a setting that invites day-to-night celebration.

Harry Thaliwal, CEO of Cross Hotels & Resorts, commented “This is more than a signing. It’s a celebration of bold partnerships and vision-led hospitality. With Geonet’s investment strength and our lifestyle brand expertise, we are creating an iconic resort and beach club that captures the spirit of ELLE. As we expand across Asia Pacific, we remain focused on delivering owner value, guest delight, and long-term impact. This collaboration embodies our ambition to lead as the region’s most exciting alternative to traditional hotel chains.”

Chad Egan, CEO & Founder of Geonet, added “We are so excited to bring ELLE into this collaboration. It marks our first project together with the globally iconic brand. This is also our second collaboration with Cross Hotels & Resorts, which reflects the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality assets. Backed by the global reach of Flight Centre Travel Group, Cross brings the operational focus and brand energy we were looking for. Together, we’re creating a bold new beachfront destination that speaks to style, connection, and commercial performance.”

Evan Burns, Country Manager – Indonesia for Cross Hotels & Resorts, added “ELLE Resort & Beach Club by Cross Collection is a fresh, magnetic addition to Seminyak, delivering the vibrancy of a modern beach club lifestyle with the comfort of a curated resort stay. We’re confident this property will set new benchmarks in Bali’s hospitality scene.”

With this signing, Cross Hotels & Resorts further strengthens its footprint in Indonesia, which includes an expanding portfolio of lifestyle-driven properties. Cross Hotels & Resorts operates five distinctive brands – Cross, Cross Vibe, Away, Lumen and Cross Collection – across four countries: Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Japan.

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Phuket, Thailand, September 02, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Asia’s biggest sustainability event for tourism, PHIST 2025, broke records today with over 1,300 delegates from across the region as government and business leaders warned the hospitality industry to act fast on integrating community-driven sustainability into travel and tourism experiences to appeal to a new generation of visitors.

Hotels and tourism operators need to engage with local communities to enrich travel and tourism programmes and meet the changing preferences of travellers in order to drive visitor dwindling numbers and reboot Thailand’s flagging tourism industry, delegates heard.

Held at the Angsana Laguna Phuket resort, the 8th edition of Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism (PHIST) brought together hoteliers, policy makers and innovators for more than 25 hard-hitting sessions, alongside a sustainable fashion show, farm-to-table showcase and awards recognizing best practices.

In Phuket, the public and private sectors have collaborated very successfully in the past, such as with the Sandbox initiative establishing Phuket as the international entry point into Thailand during the Covid pandemic, and the industry is urging them to do so again.

Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat used his keynote address to call for stronger local governance and sustainable urban resort planning.

“Local power and lasting progress can be achieved if we focus on four key areas – green spaces, infrastructure, sustainability, and the move towards a Phuket Special Administrative Zone here. For example, a new community park at Layan Beach will be created to increase green space and help curb illegal construction,” he said. “Laguna Phuket group also contributed for a road.” William E. Heinecke, Chairman and Founder of Minor International, which operates 640 hotels in 65 countries, including more than 30 in Thailand, urged the private sector to deliver measurable results.

“Our framework at Minor is built on three pillars – People, Nature and Responsible Business. By 2030 we aim to support 3 million people through workforce development and community engagement,” he said, as he accepted the Green Giant Award for his leadership in sustainable business.

The bigger picture is that Thailand’s tourism industry is flagging and needs to pivot to re-energise its offering across the world.

“Thailand has a chance to reset,” said Mr. Bill Barnett, Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks and founding organiser of the event. “Community engagement and positive social outcomes have been left behind. This is the new battle ground for the industry.”

Organized by the Phuket Hotels Association, C9 Hotelworks and Greenview, PHIST 2025 underscored how sustainability has shifted from buzzword to business imperative in Asian tourism. With record attendance and a sharper focus on community impact, the message was clear: hotels can no longer thrive without helping their host communities do the same.

PHIST 2025 is proudly supported by Pan Pacific Hotels, Winnow, Luxury Escapes, Tuu, Delivering Asia, QUO, SaiYok Springs, and many of the region’s most forward-thinking hospitality brands.

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Bangkok, Thailand, September 02, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The PATA Youth Symposium 2025, hosted by the International College for Sustainability Studies, Srinakharinwirot University (SWUIC) and in collaboration with Bangkok University International (BUI), brought together more than 100 youths and industry professionals to Srinakharinwirot University in Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday, August 25.

As an embodiment of the Association’s commitment to bridging the gap between education and industry, the symposium ensured that young professionals are equipped with proper knowledge and tools that will help them navigate future careers.

“The symposium has been designed to equip young tourism professionals with the insights they need to prepare for the workforce,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “Beyond simply attending, youths are joining us as keynote speakers, panellists, and even moderators, sharing the stage with industry leaders and mentors. This demonstrates that building a sustainable future for our industry requires both sides to work together—exchanging ideas, wisdom, and practical approaches that shape how we view the workforce of tomorrow.”

He added, “On behalf of the Association, I extend my gratitude to our gracious host, Srinakharinwirot University, as well as to the speakers and all who contributed to making this symposium possible.

Thanakorn Thongprayoon, Dean of the International College for Sustainability Studies, Srinakharinwirot University, said, “At SWUIC, our mission is to nurture globally minded graduates who are not only career-ready, but also deeply committed to sustainability and inclusivity. It’s a privilege to host this inspiring event that aligns so closely with our core values. This symposium exemplifies our shared goal: to ignite new ideas, foster meaningful dialogue, and empower the next generation of tourism leaders.”

PATA Chair Peter Semone, who officiated the symposium alongside Thongprayoon, said, “PATA is committed to supporting this generation’s journey into the workforce by providing the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to excel and stay competitive in an ever-evolving industry. We are determined to open the hearts and minds of the younger generation, and showcase the tourism industry as one of the most dynamic and fast-moving service sectors that hold many rewarding opportunities for those who choose to build their careers in it.”

He added, “To the younger generation, my advice is to pursue what you love. With passion and dedication, you will certainly find your purpose and achieve meaningful success.”

Happenings at the PATA Youth Symposium 2025 @ PTM 2025

The Symposium opened with an inspiring virtual address by Sophia Montgomery, Physics Student at Harvard University and Paris 2024 Olympian in Women’s Dinghy Sailing. Sharing her personal journey, Sophia highlighted the importance of setting clear goals, committing fully, and developing action plans that sharpen one’s skills in order to achieve success.

The second session featured Jonathan Low, CEO of Global Success Learning Academy, who emphasised the importance of cultivating “G.R.I.T.” – Growth mindset, Resilience, Influence, and Trust – especially in times of uncertainty and rapid change. Challenges, he reminded the participants, should be viewed as opportunities for growth.

Shifting focus to career readiness, a panel discussion spotlighted young alumni who had successfully transitioned from university into the tourism industry. Moderated by Sirimada Siriwattanakarn, a fourth year student in BA Sustainable Hospitality and Tourism Management from SWUIC, the session featured Napa Arunruakthavorn, Executive – Membership Relations, PATA, and Pitchakorn Pasookkamol, Talent Development Manager, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok. Both panellists shared practical advice, stressing the importance of networking, engaging with perspectives beyond one’s own generation, and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone.

The afternoon programme turned to insights from industry professionals through two thought-provoking panels. The first, on hidden opportunities in the workforce, featured Mike Stewart, Regional General Manager South East Asia, Intrepid Travel; Elliot Laoroekutai, Digital Marketing Executive, iSanook Hotels & Resorts; and Kritsanee Srisatin, Founder & Managing Director, Stream Events Asia Ltd. and Vice President, Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA). The panellists advised youth to seek organisations that align with their values, understand their unique contributions, and embrace mentoring as a way to stay relevant in a fast-evolving industry. Stewart also shared Intrepid’s practice of reverse mentoring, where junior staff provide fresh perspectives to senior leadership, ensuring that traditional approaches are constantly challenged.

The second panel, moderated by Jeffrey David Wright, a fourth year student in BA Sustainable Hospitality and Tourism Management at SWUIC, provided practical recruitment insights. Nicha Ratanakul, Senior Manager – Human Resources, Dusit International, and Pirasak Momin, Owner-Representative & Senior Consultant to Owner/CEO, PROMM Hospitality Group, discussed what recruiters look for in young candidates. They highlighted the importance of attitude and interpersonal skills, as well as preparation strategies to help fresh graduates stand out during interviews.

To complement the panels, Marriott International and PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter conducted two interactive student workshops, offering participants hands-on learning experiences. These included guidance on preparing for job interviews, understanding recruiter expectations, and mock interview sessions featuring representatives from student chapters who practised responding to questions that are often encountered in job interviews.

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Danang, Vietnam, September 1, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Vietnam Golf Coast (VGC) clubs are gearing up for one of their busiest golfing seasons yet, with a calendar of high-profile tournaments set to draw players from across the globe.

The surge in activity underlines the region’s growing reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s premier golf hubs, where championship-calibre courses meet stunning landscapes and world-class hospitality.

Kicking off the packed period is the IMG Trophy at Ba Na Hills Golf Club on Saturday, 13 September 2025. The event is expected to attract more than 130 golfers from Vietnam and overseas, offering a vibrant mix of sporting excellence, cultural exchange, and community connection.

Located just 30 minutes from Da Nang, Ba Na Hills Golf Club has been at the forefront of Vietnam’s golf boom. Designed by Ryder Cup legend Luke Donald and managed by IMG, the mountain course has garnered an impressive list of accolades: six consecutive titles as Asia’s and Vietnam’s Best Golf Course at the World Golf Awards, Asia’s Best Luxury Golf Course in 2023 and 2024 at the World Luxury Travel Awards, and a place in Golf Digest’s World Top 100 in 2019.

“The IMG Trophy brings together skill, friendship, and the unmatched beauty of our surroundings,” said Simon Mees, General Manager of Ba Na Hills Golf Club. “Players will face a course that rewards precision while experiencing the cultural warmth and spectacular landscapes that make Central Vietnam so special.”

Ba Na Hills will also host the Vietnam World Masters 2025, another marquee event on the golfing calendar. This international tournament will unite amateur golfers from around the world for a week of competitive play and social events, further cementing Central Vietnam’s status as a bucket-list destination for the sport.

Further north along the coast, Laguna Golf Lang Co will add to the region’s high-season momentum with a string of major events. Highlights include the Cobra Puma Pro Ams Charity Event in September, the Vietnam Golf Course Owner Summit in October, and the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) gathering in November.

Situated within the award-winning Laguna Lang Co integrated resort, the Sir Nick Faldo–designed championship course weaves through jungle, rice paddies, and coastal dunes, offering a playing experience that blends challenge with cultural and natural immersion.

“This autumn’s schedule shows how firmly Central Vietnam is on the global golfing map,” said Gavin Herholdt, Managing Director of Laguna Lang Co. “From major tournaments to industry gatherings, our courses are attracting players, decision-makers, and fans from all over the world — and they’re discovering a region that delivers both sporting excellence and an unforgettable sense of place.”

The flurry of activity this autumn reflects the region’s emergence as a year-round golf destination, bolstered by favourable weather, a growing network of international flights, and continued investment in facilities and events by its leading courses.

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Chiang Mai, Thailand,  September 1, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Meliá Chiang Mai’s signature restaurant Mai Restaurant & Bar has unveiled a new menu of innovative dishes concocted via a thoughtful cooking process to slash food waste and greenhouse emissions.

The intimate restaurant on the hotel’s 21^st floor serves contemporary Northern Thai dishes with Mediterranean influences to a backdrop of a compelling design referencing the city’s rich culture and spectacular vistas of the city and famed Doi Suthep Temple on the mountaintop to the west.

As part of the hotel’s 360° Cuisine concept, executive chef Suksant Chutinthratip (Billy) and Mai Restaurant & Bar’s Sous Chef Karn Phojun craft dishes featuring fresh produce from the hotel’s network of ethical and chemical-free suppliers including organic gourmet farms Rong Khum in San Pa Tong and SEED in San Sai. The chefs use as much of every ingredient as possible before leftovers are returned to the farms as compost, and leftover cooking oil is sent to be recycled into biodiesel.

The new menu’s six appetisers range from ‘Hoi Shell Samunprai’ featuring hot seared deep blue sea scallops, dried chili drops and turmeric chip, to ‘Khao Soi Salad’, a mixed salad bowl with fresh produce from the farms, accompanied by khao soi dressing, tai lue tofu, wheat, and cage-free eggs.

In addition to three soups and three rice and noodle dishes, the menu outlines nine meat, seafood or vegetarian main courses. ‘Cheeva Pork Chop’ with locally sourced pastured pork chop, wild pepper corn sauce and apple salad, ‘Neau Yang Nam Prik Kha’ made up of grilled Thai-Angus rib eye beef, dried galangal gravy and San Pa Tong rice, ‘Kua Haam Gai Benja’ low cooked chicken roulade, sai oua stuffing and lemongrass foam are among the delectable meat mains.

Alongside seafood dishes such as ‘Kanom Jeen Nam Prik Goong Pao’ with seared tiger prawns, fermented rice noodles, curry sauce and garden herbs, vegetarian mains include ‘Yum Makeua Yao’ comprising grilled eggplant, chili-soy dressing, garden herbs and wheat germs and ‘Saar Phak Tod’ of vegetable fritter, lemon aioli and garlic chips.

To round off the dining experience, four desserts are on offer including ‘Lum Yai Pudding’, comprising organic longan pudding, butterscotch sauce and coconut ice cream. The organic longhans, for example, are a product of Rong Khun farm’s “Farm Lab” established by Prof. Dr. Puangrat Kaewlom and Mr. Piroj Kaewlom (Dr. Puangrat’s father) to explore and demonstrate real-world solutions for sustainable agriculture that range from healing soil to improving consumers’ health.

The Farm Lab’s key responsibilities include: developing and testing organic farming methods tailored for perennial fruits, starting with longan orchids; applying and evaluating biochar, compost, and natural microbial treatments to improve soil health and enhance soil carbon sequestration; and monitoring soil respiration and biodiversity as indicators of ecosystem recovery and carbon storage potential. The Farm Lab also serves as a training and demonstration site for farmers, researchers, students, and businesses seeking practical tools to address climate change, food safety, and regenerative farming.

Through the ‘Organic Longan Project’, Chiang Mai Green Kitchen partner restaurants including Mai Restaurant & Bar visited the Farm Lab, learned about organic Longan production, and created signature Longan-based menus, that highlight health, sustainability, and creativity, featuring ‘Lum Yai Pudding’.

Adjacent to the hotel’s executive lounge and tucked under MAI The Sky Bar, the highest rooftop bar in the city, the 38-seat Mai Restaurant & Bar is a visual marvel. Diners enter the venue under an arch that pays homage to a nearby temple. In a salute to Chiang Mai’s Bo Sang Umbrella Village, large lit installations of umbrella ribs cling to the ceiling. Various artworks of umbrella canopies hang on the walls, such as those made from antique Chiang Mai textiles. The carpet’s concentric patterns, in the likes of gun-metal grey, periwinkle and soft amber hues, reference umbrella tops in a striking yet subdued way.

About Meliá Hotels & Resorts

Meliá Hotels & Resorts is the best-known international brand in the portfolio of the Meliá Hotels International company; it has more than 100 city and resort hotels in the main leisure and business destinations of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The brand offers exemplary meetings and events facilities in all important business cities as well as in exotic locations, catering to the ever-expanding conference and incentive travel market. As part of its innovation philosophy and new positioning, Meliá Hotels & Resorts has reinvented itself to cater to every aspect of the guests’ wellbeing. Unique experiences are created for guests and are defined by relaxation, quality time and personalised services. For a balanced lifestyle, Meliá Hotels & Resorts instinctively understands the guests’ needs and lifestyle expectations, which is an integral part of its redefined identity.

About Meliá Hotels International 

Founded in 1956 in Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International operates more than 380 hotels (portfolio and pipeline) throughout more than 40 countries, under the brands Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Paradisus by Meliá, ME by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, The Meliá Collection, INNSiDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá, and Falcon’s Resorts by Meliá, plus a wide portfolio of affiliated hotels under the “Affiliated by Meliá” network. The Group is one of the leading companies in resort hotels worldwide, while also leveraging its experience to consolidate the growing segment of the leisure-inspired urban market. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led the Group to become the most sustainable hotel company in Spain and Europe, according to the last S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (Silver Class). It also has ranked seventh in the Wall Street Journal’s list of the 100 most sustainably managed companies in the world (and the leading travel company) and is the only Spanish travel company included in the list of “Europe’s Climate Leaders 2021” by Financial Times. Meliá Hotels International is also included in the IBEX 35 Spanish stock market.

About Asset World Corp Public Company Limited 

Asset World Corp Public Company Limited is a holding company under TCC Group operating leading integrated lifestyle property development in Thailand. The company has two main businesses consisting of the Hospitality business managed by top hotel executives of world-renowned hotel brands such as Marriott, The Luxury Collection, Okura, Banyan Tree, Hilton, and Sheraton and Retail, Wholesale and Commercial properties whose projects include 1) Retail and Wholesale including 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 Trade Center – Pantip Wholesale Destination, and Tawanna Bangkapi and 2) Commercial buildings including the famous Empire Tower and Athenee Tower located in Bangkok’s central business district.

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Rutherford, New Jersey, September 01, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Northstar Travel Group (“Northstar”), a leading B2B travel industry events, media and information services company, today announced that JTB Corp. (“JTB”), one of Japan’s leading travel solutions providers, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Northstar from investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital and its co-investors. As part of the transaction, Northstar will operate as a wholly-owned, independent subsidiary of JTB and will continue to be led by its existing management team, including Chief Executive Officer Jason Young. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Northstar operates iconic B2B travel event, media, and market intelligence brands like Travel Weekly, Business Travel News, ALIS, The Meetings Show, and Phocuswright. Through these platforms, Northstar connects a global audience of more than one million professional travel buyers, who shape and drive the travel industry, with more than 1,500 supplier customers seeking to engage them.

“We are thrilled to partner with JTB as we enter the next phase of our company’s incredible history,” said Young. “Our shared commitment to the travel industry, cultural alignment, and collective expertise – combined with the opportunity to accelerate Northstar’s geographic expansion in the Asia Pacific region – will enhance our ability to deliver value to our audiences and customers as we advance our mission.”

The transaction advances JTB’s growth strategy, which includes geographic expansion and targeted investments in events, information services, market intelligence, and other strategic lines of business associated with the travel industry.

“Today’s announcement marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for JTB Group,” said Eijiro Yamakita, President and CEO of JTB Group. “Northstar brings outstanding expertise and fresh perspectives that perfectly align with our strategic vision. By operating Northstar as an independent subsidiary, we preserve their neutral market position while creating a powerful platform for delivering superior customer experiences. We are confident this structure will unlock significant growth potential while contributing to the innovation and future growth of the travel industry.”

Co-Managing Partner Anup Bagaria and Senior Partner Michael Struble of EagleTree Capital commented, “It has been an honor to partner with the Northstar team, including Chairman and former CEO Tom Kemp and current CEO Jason Young, and to witness the Company’s impressive transformation over the last few years. We are confident Northstar is well positioned for future success and look forward to watching it thrive as part of JTB.”

BrightTower served as financial advisor and Jones Day served as legal counsel to Northstar. SMBC Nikko served as financial advisor and Venable LLP and Mori Hamada & Matsumoto served as legal counsel to JTB.

Closing of the transaction is expected in September 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

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