Global Travel News

Twistic and WeavAIR startups win the UN Tourism Hospitality Challenge

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Twistic and WeavAIR startups win the UN Tourism Hospitality Challenge - TRAVELINDEX.comGran Canaria, Spain, February 26, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The second edition of the UN Tourism Tech Adventures, along with Infecar is focused on Tourism Technologies and Solutions for Hotels and New Business Models

More than 120 entrepreneurs from nearly 70 countries around the World have presented their projects in the competition for startups focused on technologies and solutions in tourism for hotels and new business models created by UN Tourism and promoted by Infecar. The challenge, which serves to identify entrepreneurs in the sector, has culminated its edition with the election of ten finalists from around the world and two winners, the startups Twistic and WeavAIR.

All of them took part in the UN Tourism Tech Adventures on 19 and 20 February, within the framework of DigiON, the Canary Islands Business Digitalization Show, a meeting in which innovation was the protagonist against the backdrop of the island of Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands (Spain). The startups, which presented their projects in pitch format, shared the stage with leading industry professionals, including the Social Hub, Amadeus, Kerten Hospitality, the Hague School of Hospitality, Atlantis Tecnología y Sistemas, Minor Hoteles, the TUI Group and Federación de Empresarios de Hostelería y Turismo of the Canary Islands.

Through this challenge, UN Tourism and Infecar aimed to drive a revolution within the tourism sector, with sustainability and innovation as the drivers of change. Therefore, from the outset, the competition has aimed to focus on solutions that help redefine the hotel landscape and identify new business models. All of this in a sector that generated US$1.4 trillion in international tourism revenue last year alone, when there were an estimated 1286 million international tourists.

For Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism: “From a pool of 120 startups from over 70 countries, the competition received technological and AI-driven solutions that are aimed at revolutionizing hotels and forging new sustainable business models. I would like to congratulate the 10 entrepreneurs that were selected as finalists and will be accompanied for further opportunities via our UN Tourism Innovation Network. They are vital within the ever-evolving hospitality sector, redefining the tourism landscape with their disruptive approaches!”

In addition to personalized support for the startups, they have received mentoring from UN Tourism and its partners as well as the possibility to be part of the Innovation Network of the UN specialized agency for the tourism sector. Likewise, given UN Tourism’s commitment to education, the finalists have had the opportunity to benefit from scholarships to study at the Tourism Online Academy. The platform, which already has more than 25,000 students from over 150 countries, is a leading online learning center to meet the needs of those who work in or want to enter the tourism sector.

Meet the winning startups

The winner in the category of Innovations in Digital Hospitality and New Business Models was Twistic, a Spanish company that seeks to change the user experience through mobile applications, digital signature or electronic tags. It was joined as finalists by Czech startup Schulering, which has created a professional platform that connects hospitality through learning. The American startup Everhost, which works to make visitors feel like locals when they arrive at a destination. Also the Emirati Sparkle Haze and its commitment to big data and the use of Artificial Intelligence applied to user experience and guest security and the Tunisian startup Ostel Flow that offers new generation solutions based on the cloud.

In the Sustainability Impact category, the work of the Canadian company WeavAIR, which is dedicated to business intelligence solutions and remote auditing based on satellite networks and IOT, stood out and the finalists were Senange Eco, a sustainability consultancy dedicated to helping companies on their way to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals; the Dutch company Hotels for Trees, which is committed to planting a tree every time a guest decides to skip the daily cleaning of the room; the Spanish company Effiwaste, which works to eliminate organic waste from the HORECA channel by measuring via SAAS; and Purple Elephant ventures is a venture firm based in Nairobi, Kenya. They design smart travel technology start-ups from scratch with a focus on innovation in sustainable tourism.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

From London with Love, Café Wolseley Here to Stay in Bangkok

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From London with Love, Café Wolseley Here to Stay in Bangkok - TOP25RESTAURANTS.comBangkok, Thailand, February 25, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Café Wolseley, the esteemed Bangkok eatery from London, is proud to announce the transition of its celebrated pop-up at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel into a permanent fixture, following a successful one-year residency. This marks a new chapter in international expansion for The Wolseley Hospitality Group, renowned for its iconic London venues such as The Wolseley and The Delaunay.

Embracing the grand café culture of Europe, Café Wolseley Bangkok marries British elegance with continental flair, presenting a menu that features Wolseley favourites alongside innovative creations. The ambience of the ground-floor restaurant is a thoughtful orchestration of old-world charm and contemporary touches, creating the perfect backdrop to enjoy such signature dishes as the “Prawn & Avocado Cocktail”, king prawns and avocadoes served on shredded gem lettuce, dressed with sauce ‘marie rose’; “The Wolseley Coq au Vin”, marinated chicken braised in red wine and served with pancetta and button mushrooms; “Black Forest Gateaux”, griotte cherry, kirsch & chocolate.

The restaurant’s refreshed a la carte menu opens with a premium seafood selection in which dressed Dorset Crab sits alongside Antonius Oscietra Caviar and an assortment of Fines de Claire and Krystale Oysters. Some starters cater to meat enthusiasts with European staples like Steak Tartare with a spicy relish and Classic Eggs Benedict with York ham, whilst the French brasserie is evoked through Classic Onion Soup and Escargots finished with a dash of Pernod. For lighter fare, guests can try the excellent Yellow-Fin Tuna tartare, Smoked Salmon or Sea Bream Ceviche.

The menu retains many of Café Wolseley’s hero dishes including the twice-cooked Soufflé Suisse with parmesan and classic grill delights ranging from Wagyu rib-eye and cannon of lamb to pork chops. The vegetarian selection has been expanded to include a Wild Mushroom Stroganoff and a rich Cauliflower and Chickpea makhani curry served with mango chutney and chapatis.

When time is of the essence, the ever-changing prix fixe lunch menu (THB 900++ for two courses or THB 1,250++ with dessert) currently presents a refined yet filling selection of Pea Soup with mint and crème fraîche or Smoked Duck Breast Salad, followed by options like grilled Pork Chop or pan-seared Sea Bream, and sweet finishes of Coconut & Lime Sorbet or Chocolate Éclair. Meanwhile, the recently launched Wolseley Afternoon Tea is a classic traditional affair starring a variety of finger sandwiches, homemade scones and cakes, with the option to elevate the experience with a glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne. Available daily from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm, the experience is priced at THB 1,950++ for two, while the Champagne set is THB 4,150++ for two.

Café Wolseley is located in the Parichart Court at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel and is open from Monday to Saturday for lunch from 12.00pm to 2.30pm and Monday to Sunday for dinner from 6.00pm to 10.30pm. A private dining room that can accommodate up to 20 guests can be booked in advance for special occasions.

For more information or to make a reservation, please contact Anantara Siam Bangkok on telephone 0-2126-8866

About The Wolseley Hospitality Group
The Wolseley Hospitality Group was founded in 2003 and encompasses some of London’s best-loved restaurants; The Wolseley, The Delaunay, Brasserie Zédel, Colbert, Fischer’s, Bellanger and Soutine, with Manzi’s in Soho and The Wolseley City set to open in London in 2023. Immaculate presentation, seamless and personalised service, charming interiors, and an all-day dining offering are some of the ingredients that make the group stand out from the competition.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Trisara Entices Remote Workers with Long-Stay Rates

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Trisara, one of Thailand’s finest resorts, is capitalizing on Phuket’s reputation as a hub for remote working courtesy of special long-stay rates on its signature residences.

Its “Stay Longer, Save More” deal entitles guests to an exclusive discounted rate with extra benefits if they stay a minimum of four or seven nights. The additional benefits include daily breakfast, return airport transfer, complimentary use of non-motorized water sports equipment, complimentary daily outdoor activities as part of Trisara’s “Move in Nature” wellness program, and THB 2,500 in Wellbeing credits per bedroom each night, redeemable for activities including massage and beauty therapies, personal training, and yoga and meditation.

“Trisara offers the quintessential workation experience, seamlessly blending serene luxury with productive tranquility,” said Kittisak “Kitt” Pattamasaevi, the CEO of Montara Hospitality Group, the owners of Trisara. “It provides the perfect backdrop for focused work and rejuvenating relaxation. Our residences’ seamless integration of modern amenities and natural beauty ensures that every moment of your workation is both productive and fulfilling.”

Thailand has emerged as one of the world’s top countries for remote working in recent years thanks to its high-speed internet connection, excellent quality of life and diverse and rich culture. Indeed, it ranked as the third-best destination on the planet for attracting digital nomads according to a survey conducted last year by online resume builder Resume.io.

With its range of paradisical qualities including show-stopping beaches, MICHELIN-worthy restaurants like PRU and its sister restaurant JAMPA, other dining venues like Cielo and Seafood at Trisara, and a warm, welcoming climate, Phuket is near the top of the list as a choice for remote workers in Thailand.

And Trisara is staking its claim as a workation option for well-heeled professionals courtesy of its new deal allied to attributes such as exclusive lifestyle services including private chef and butlers.

Perched directly over the property’s private bay, Trisara’s collection of residences – which range in size from two-bed units to multi-bedroom configurations—rank among the most spectacular in Thailand.

Expansive suites, sea-facing verandahs, and extensive swimming pools are prominent in the residences’ blend of indoor and outdoor spaces that lend themselves to intimate gatherings.

Each residential villa is cared for by a dedicated maid and chef who prepare home-cooked Thai and Western dishes on demand and by request.

Its signature two-bedroom villas, for example, offer exclusive access to an 18-metre infinity pool.

The largest of the residences is Villa Sawan, an eight-bedroom “resort within a resort”. Home to ocean-facing views, lush gardens, and use of a cove with a private beach at the foot of the property, Villa Sawan is the ultimate exclusive escape. Take a dip in the Andaman Sea or unwind by swimming laps in the 25-metre swimming pool. Staff are available and on-call throughout the stay. The villa also features a home cinema, a well-equipped gym, and spa facilities.

With privacy guaranteed, the residences are also perfect for special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, marriage proposals or celebrations with extended family or with groups of friends.

“Working at Trisara is more than just a change of scenery; it’s an invitation to be inspired,” added Pattamasaevi. “For remote workers, productivity flourishes as effortlessly as the palm trees sway in the tropical breeze. Meanwhile, our residences allow larger groups to connect in unique residences with harmony with nature, allowing for a sense of reconnection, privacy, and the ultimate in luxury relaxation.”

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

First Hyatt Place Now Open in Makassar, Indonesia

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First Hyatt Place Now Open in Makassar, Indonesia - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comHyatt Place Makassar, the first Hyatt Place hotel in Indonesia is officially open today, expanding the Hyatt Place brand’s footprint globally in markets that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members. The new hotel features the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings.

Because Hyatt’s efforts are grounded in listening and fueled by care, Hyatt Place hotels combine style, innovation and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy to navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveler. Strategically located in Sudirman street, this mixed-use building is integrated with high end apartments 31 Sudirman Suite. The hotel is near the bustling business district and surrounded by renowned tourist attractions, local culinary and shopping districts. It offers a refined retreat for both business and leisure travelers alike.

“As Makassar continues to grow and thrive economically, we are excited to add to the momentum by welcoming the first Hyatt Place hotel to Makassar,” said General Manager, Yanita Supardjan. “With our smartly designed social spaces and guestrooms with separate work and sleep areas, our multitasking guests can easily accomplish what they need to do whether it’s for business or leisure.”

Hyatt Place Makassar offers:

  • 145 spacious guestrooms with separate spaces to sleep, work and play, as well as a Cozy Corner sofa-sleeper
  • Breakfast for guests featuring a variety of hot and cold breakfast items to suit all guests’ needs
  • The Market, serving freshly prepared grab-and-go meals 24 hours a day
  • The Placery featuring specialty coffees, premium beers, wines and cocktails
  • Necessities program for forgotten items that guests can buy, borrow or enjoy for free
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout hotel and guestrooms
  • Event Spaces offer 360 square feet meters of flexible, high-tech meeting/function space
  • 24 Hour Fitness Center featuring cardio equipment with LCD touchscreens

Hyatt Place Makassar is owned by PT Indonesia Paradise Property along with PT Rifai Maju Properti, which also owns several well-known hotels, apartments and luxury malls in Indonesia including Grand Hyatt Jakarta, Sudirman 31, Plaza Indonesia, and many more.

“Makassar is a vibrant city, filled with friendly people, great neighborhoods, and an ever-expanding list of great places to visit and things to do or see, and Hyatt Place Makassar is central to all of them. We are confident that the Hyatt Place Makassar will exceed guest expectations and provide them with everything they need while visiting Makassar city,” said Supardjan.

World of Hyatt Gives Members 500 Reasons to Stay Somewhere New

To provide World of Hyatt members even more ways to be rewarded, World of Hyatt is offering members the opportunity to earn 500 Bonus Points for qualifying nights at Hyatt Place Makassar, from March 1- May 31, 2024, as part of World of Hyatt’s new hotel member offer.

HYATT PLACE MAKASSAR LEADERSHIP

Hyatt Place Makassar is under the leadership of General Manager Yanita Supardjan and Director of Sales Asdin Juniardi (Ardi). In her role, Supardjan is directly responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the hotel, including overseeing the hotel’s associates and ensuring guests encounter the thoughtful service for which the Hyatt Place brand is known. Ardi is responsible for providing sales service and support to travelers and meeting planners frequenting the Makassar area.


About Hyatt Place
Hyatt Place hotels combine style, innovation and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy to navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveler. Guests can enjoy thoughtfully designed guestrooms featuring distinct zones for sleep, work and play, and free flowing social spaces that offer seamless transitions from work to relaxation. With more than 395 locations globally, Hyatt Place hotels offer freshly prepared food around the clock, efficient service and differentiated experiences for World of Hyatt members.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s portfolio included more than 1,300 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 77 countries across six continents. The Company’s offering includes brands in the Timeless Collection, including Park Hyatt®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios, and UrCove; the Boundless Collection, including Miraval®, Alila®, Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, Dream® Hotels, Hyatt Centric®, and Caption by Hyatt®; the Independent Collection, including The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination by Hyatt®, and JdV by Hyatt®; and the Inclusive Collection, including Impression by Secrets, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Sunscape® Resorts & Spas. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith™, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services.

Read original article at Hyatt Newsroom

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sustainable Tourism and AI Powered by Weeva

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Multiple award winning sustainability platform Weeva will be exhibiting at ITB Berlin  from 5th – 7th March 2024. ITB is the world’s largest travel show, gathering key decision makers across the global travel industry as well as showcasing trends and providing unrivalled opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing.

Weeva will be exhibiting in Hall 6.1, on stand 505 near the eTravel stage-  the hottest spot for conversations around all things travel tech.

Weeva’s Chief Technology Officer, James Lever, will be speaking on the eTravel Stage on 5th March at 16h40, sharing some exciting announcements including the highly-anticipated integration of generative AI into the award-winning sustainability data management tool – leading the charge for hotel tech in this niche.

Also joining James in Berlin will be Weeva’s Head of Sales, Gulam Sawant, Trade Ambassador, Melony van der Merwe and on the media side, Claire Roadley, representing the PR & Marketing team.

Harnessing the power of tech and AI to manage sustainability doesn’t just save hotels manpower and resources – but helps ensure that tourism ultimately has a more positive impact on people, planet and profit.

About Weeva
Weeva is a pioneering Software-as-a-Service platform designed to democratise access to cutting-edge sustainability management tools for the travel and tourism industry. A ‘GSTC-Recognized system’, the platform helps hotels of all sizes access best-practice, science-based, and data-driven sustainability solutions. Weeva has developed partnerships with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Design Hotels, Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s Considerate Collection, and ATTA. In 2023, Weeva received the global Responsible Tourism Award for ‘Best for Addressing Climate Change’.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Welcomes New Culinary Director

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Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Welcomes New Culinary Director - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comSofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has appointed a new Director of Culinary, Remi Van Peteghem, who brings three decades of culinary experience including with numerous Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. Van Peteghem is a member of the Association of Maîtres Cuisinier de France.

Van Peteghem arrives in Hanoi from Singapore, where he most recently served as Culinary Director and Assistant Vice President of food and beverage for Resorts World Sentosa, overseeing its overall culinary operations, including at Michelin-starred Table65.

Prior to that, he was Executive Chef at InterContinental Doha The City, Executive Chef at Royal Monceau Paris (home to the Michelin-starred Il Carpaccio) and Executive Sous Chef at Peninsula New York. During his tenure at Peninsula Hong Kong, he oversaw the management of the historic and iconic French fine dining restaurant Gaddi’s for four years.

Other Michelin-starred restaurants Van Peteghem has worked with include Le Sensing (1 star), in his first position as Chef de Cuisine in 2011; Lasserre (2 stars); Pavillon Le Doyen (3 stars); L’Arpège (3 stars); Grand Véfour (3 stars); Il Cortile (1 star); Montparnasse 25 (1 star); and Carré des Feuillants (2 stars).

His culinary approach involves sourcing the highest-quality and freshest produce, both locally and imported, with a strong focus on seasonality, while he is very creative and open-minded in his creation of distinctive menus.

“Remi Van Peteghem’s extraordinary culinary and management talents are a perfect fit for Metropole Hanoi. Our renowned dining experiences are unparalleled across Vietnam, from our modern, award-winning French fine dining restaurant Le Beaulieu to authentic Vietnamese outlet Spice Garden and several other outlets,” said General Manager George Koumendakos.

Van Peteghem, a French national, joins Metropole Hanoi as the iconic, 123-year-old luxury hotel relaunches its historic Metropole Heritage Wing following an extensive and inspired renovation and restoration.

His arrival also follows that of a new Chef de Cuisine at Le Beaulieu, Charles Degrendele, who joined the hotel’s signature restaurant after its relaunch in 2022 following an extensive refurbishment that resulted in an elegant and sophisticated new design, alongside renowned French gastronomy and Hanoi’s most impressive selection of wines.

Stephane Prost, a French national, also recently joined Metropole Hanoi’s culinary team as Executive Pastry Chef. Prost, who specializes in fine chocolates and more, is a 30-year veteran of the culinary industry and has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants at 5-star hotels, as well as in resorts, palaces and luxury pastry shops around the world.

For more information on Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi or to make a booking, please call 0243 826 6919 (ext. 8500)

ABOUT SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE HANOI
A prominent fixture in the heart of Hanoi since 1901, the Hotel Metropole Hanoi has a long tradition as a luxury venue for prestigious events and a popular rendezvous for business and leisure travelers such as playwrights, ambassadors and heads of state. The recipient of numerous international awards for its fine service, this legendary landmark has contributed to the richness of local heritage.

The hotel includes 358 rooms that are divided into two wings – the historical Heritage Wing and the neo-classical Opera Wing. There are three legendary suites that are named after famous residents and visitors to the hotel (Graham Greene, Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham).

The Metropole restaurants and bars are all famous dining venues, each offering a different exotic experience: Le Beaulieu has the best French fare in this corner of the world; Spice Garden offers elevated Vietnamese cuisine with a contemporary twist; angelina is Hanoi’s bespoke bar-lounge-restaurant; La Terrasse brings Parisian-style to the sidewalks of Hanoi; Le Club Bar treats guests to its famous afternoon high tea and cool jazz performances; and, finally, Bamboo Bar brings poolside lounging to the next level.

ABOUT SOFITEL LEGEND
Sofitel Legend is an illustrious selection of heritage luxury hotels where the best of past and present converge. Set within beautiful and culturally-rich destinations with such notable hotels as the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan and Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, each legendary retreat is both timeless and elegant, delivering lavish settings, renowned restaurants and modern comforts matched with impeccable service for the ultimate luxury experience. Noble, rare and soulful, Sofitel Legend hotels entice worldly travelers who are all drawn to these beloved places of grandeur for their storied past, architectural beauty, sweeping vistas and enchanting ambience. Sofitel Legend is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,400 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Alma Resort Launches Wellness Retreats

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Alma Resort Launches Wellness Retreats - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comAlma, situated on Vietnam’s scenic Cam Ranh peninsula, has unveiled a series of wellness retreats featuring the likes of singing bowl meditation, hot stone therapy, yoga and detox and slimming treatments.

The resort’s Le Spa, which has 13 treatment rooms sprinkled onto the beachfront, has this month rolled out its ‘Le Spa Wellness Journey’, ‘Le Spa Half Day Retreat’ and ‘Detox and Slimming Program’ designed to inspire participants to kick-start a healthier lifestyle and lay the foundations for a longer life.

A three-day program, the Le Spa Wellness Journey’s first day starts out with a 60-minute power yoga session, followed by a 30-minute body exfoliation and a 60-minute back-stone treatment.

The second day comprises 60 minutes of singing bowl meditation or yoga, a 90-minute ‘Detox and Slimming Treatment’ and 30 minutes of foot stone therapy. The Detox and Slimming Treatment is underpinned by a massage technique using a wooden Gua Sha instrument designed to improve microcirculation and lipolytic action, release the storage of toxins and tackle cellulite to help transform the upper and lower body.

The final day of the three-day retreat begins with 60 minutes of Hatha yoga before a 90-minute energizing intensive facial treatment and 30 minutes of ‘Healing Hands’ therapy that focuses on acupressure points to release blockages and prompt healing.

The Le Spa Half Day Retreat and Detox and Slimming Program each start with a private 60-minute yoga and meditation class followed by a steam and sauna with fresh herbal aroma.

The half day retreat also features a 30-minute body exfoliation and a 90-minute ‘Le Spa Signature Treatment’ underscored by Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi, Shiatsu, and Thai stretching techniques that target pressure points and mirror the calming motion of gentle sea waves.

Meanwhile, the Detox and Slimming Program is rounded out with the 90-minute Detox and Slimming Treatment and the 60-minute ‘Fundamental Treatment’; a facial treatment that is customized to the skin’s individual needs.

All three retreats are complemented with healthy drinks and post-treatment snacks.

Le Spa’s manager Hoang Nguyen Minh Anh said although the retreats only ranged from half a day to three days, they were designed to inspire guests to appreciate the importance of learning how to relax and calm the body and mind, as well as learn of ways to release muscle tension and ease toxin blockages, in the hope “we can influence their everyday life once they’re back to reality”.

“Each retreat makes for a unique wellness journey that starts out with yoga, that emphasises the importance of breathing and stretching, before deploying restorative treatments and ending with a healthy drink and snack,” she said. “We think of each wellness retreat as a potent reminder of the need to learn how to relax, which can be very hard amid all sorts of demands including work, family, and life generally,” she said.

Bold, spacious and emblematic of Vietnam’s maturation as a destination, the independently owned and operated Alma features an array of food and beverage outlets and a cascade of 12 beachfront swimming pools. Other highlights include a 6000 sqm water park, a science museum, 18-hole putting green, kids club, youth club, sports courts, cinema, amphitheater, convention centre, gymnasium and yoga room. The resort also runs complimentary guided garden tours of its nursery garden, herb garden and chicken farm to equip guests with handy tips on how to nurture their own veggie patch and look after chickens.

About Alma
Situated on Vietnam’s emerging Cam Ranh peninsula fronting Long Beach, Alma resort commands some 30 hectares of inspiring ground. Emblematic of Vietnam’s maturation as a destination, the bold and spacious integrated resort offers 580 oversized suites and pavilions that all afford sweeping vistas of the ocean, including contemporary three bedroom oceanfront pavilions each totalling 224sqm with a living room, four bathrooms and a private pool. Alma features a broad spectrum of restaurants helmed by top chefs, a food court with an array of local and international cuisine, as well as a sports bar, pool bar and beach bar. Other highlights include 12 swimming pools cascading down to the beach and a waterpark with a lazy river, slides, wave pool and kids pool. Other highlights include a 13-treatment room spa, 75-seat cinema, convention centre, amphitheater, science museum, gymnasium and yoga room, 18-hole mini golf course, a youth centre with virtual reality games, a kid’s club, water sports centre and even an ‘Alma Mart’ mini supermarket.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sustainable Tourism and AI – Weeva heads for ITB Berlin 2024

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Multiple award winning sustainability platform Weeva will be exhibiting at ITB Berlin  from 5th – 7th March 2024. ITB is the world’s largest travel show, gathering key decision makers across the global travel industry as well as showcasing trends and providing unrivalled opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing.

Weeva will be exhibiting in Hall 6.1, on stand 505 near the eTravel stage-  the hottest spot for conversations around all things travel tech.

 

Weeva’s Chief Technology Officer, James Lever, will be speaking on the eTravel Stage on 5th March at 16h40, sharing some exciting announcements including the highly-anticipated integration of generative AI into the award-winning sustainability data management tool – leading the charge for hotel tech in this niche.

Also joining James in Berlin will be Weeva’s Head of Sales, Gulam Sawant, Trade Ambassador, Melony van der Merwe and on the media side, Claire Roadley, representing the PR & Marketing team.

Harnessing the power of tech and AI to manage sustainability doesn’t just save hotels manpower and resources – but helps ensure that tourism ultimately has a more positive impact on people, planet and profit.

About Weeva
Weeva is a pioneering Software-as-a-Service platform designed to democratise access to cutting-edge sustainability management tools for the travel and tourism industry. A ‘GSTC-Recognized system’, the platform helps hotels of all sizes access best-practice, science-based, and data-driven sustainability solutions. Weeva has developed partnerships with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Design Hotels, Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s Considerate Collection, and ATTA. In 2023, Weeva received the global Responsible Tourism Award for ‘Best for Addressing Climate Change’.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Bangkok’s 8 Most Treasured Chinese Restaurants

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For those with Chinese upbringing, there are few things better than having friends and family over to share an abundance of food spread across a turning Lazy Susan. This Dragon Year, as a tribute to the the undeniable influence of longstanding Chinese heritage that echoes through the streets of Bangkok, TOP25 Restaurants aims to shine a light on some of the city’s most treasured Chinese restaurants, jointly selected by our team of experts and members of Bangkok’s affluent Thai-Chinese/Chinese community.

❁ Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms ❁

Chef Man

A name that’s become synonymous with quality dim sum, Chef Man is every Bangkokian’s go-to for consistently reliable “home-style” Cantonese. Some crowd favorites include the molten lava buns, crispy prawn wrapped in rice noodle (cheung fun), roast pork belly, and baked snow buns with barbecue pork. Foodies will appreciate the egg noodle–slightly firm and deliciously sticky–with perfectly braised fish maw in flavorful abalone sauce.

Do not make the rookie mistake of showing up without a reservation. From “the Man” himself: Apart from the offerings, what are my plans for Chinese New Year? Work! There is no other secret to good food. Work hard and always, always put yourself in the shoes of your guests. How would you feel if you were served this dish? – Chef Man Wai Yin → more

Bangkok’s 8 Most Treasured Chinese Restaurants: Chef Man (left) - POTONG (right)

POTONG

TOP25 Restaurants’ “Rising Stars of 2022” and #35 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, POTONG needs little introduction. Within her 120-year-old heritage home, Chef Pam sets out to delight and form lasting memories for her guests while revealing bits and pieces of her own through a combination of the “5 Elements”–her culinary philosophy–and the “5 Senses” it takes to bring a memory to life.

“I believe our secret lies in our heritage and our beliefs. To recreate traditional dishes using other, modern methods requires understanding of the traditional ways.” – Chef Pichaya “Pam” Soontornyanakij

We caught up with Chef Pam and POTONG’s maître d’ Sacha to find out what surprises are in store for us in 2024. Expect an assortment of food and snacks on the Opium Bar’s new casual dining menu, starting this Chinese New Year. Exciting new dishes are also in development, this time as part of POTONG’s latest menu “Revolution”, something we all can look forward to in April 2024. We heard through the grapevine that regulars can start enjoying these new creations as early as mid-February. For those new to the experience, we offer a glimpse into Chef Pam’s tasting menu: the signature duck main.

POTONG works with a local farm in Cha Choeng Sao for the best possible duck with a precise weight of 2-2.1kg for the right marble percentage. The duck is marinated with 5 spices, the skin then partially cooked with a vinegar mix and dry-aged for 14 days before it is roasted at extremely high temperature for exactly 13 minutes. The result is tender meat with balanced, complex flavors and what is likely the most crispy and fragrant duck skin you will ever have.

I believe our secret lies in our heritage and our beliefs. To recreate traditional dishes using other, modern methods requires understanding of the traditional ways. Our “Progressive Thai-Chinese” respects the traditional “Thai-Chinese” cuisine, embraces it, and gives it a spin-off, innovating and improving as time goes by. – Chef Pichaya “Pam” Soontornyanakij  → more

Yu Ting Yuan

Since its opening, Yu Ting Yuan at the Four Seasons Hotel has been one of the top destinations in Bangkok for refined Cantonese flavors. Among regulars are connoisseurs who have educated themselves on the fine nuances of Cantonese cuisine, returning for the authenticity of the food, and of course, the overall experience. From Chef Tommy’s signature tasting menu, the wok-fried Australian Mayura Platinum Wagyu Striploin with black bean and dried tangerine peel brings a slice of authentic Hong Kong flavors to Bangkok.

Bangkok’s 8 Most Treasured Chinese Restaurants: Yu Ting Yuan at the Four Seasons Hotel

It’s like taking a culinary journey straight from the streets of Hong Kong with bustling food stalls where you can smell the sizzle of stir-fried beef with that unmistakable black bean sauce. Yu Ting Yuan works directly with trusted overseas and local producers to guarantee freshness, quality, and authenticity in ingredients brought to every table.

For abalone, guests have the option between Yoshihama abalone which is prized for its tenderness and delicate flavor, or the South African abalone which for its larger size and versatility, can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. The trend for Chinese food and Asian ingredients is on the rise. I think it’s fantastic.

For chefs, having access to a wide range of Asian ingredients is like having a palette of vibrant flavors and textures to play with, allowing us to craft dishes that are truly unique and exquisite. And for diners, with more diverse ingredients being incorporated into menus, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking to try something new. – Chef Tommy Cheung   → more

Man Tables

Chef Man’s bougie sister, Man Tables at Baan Turtle, houses 3 spacious private dining rooms where top bank executives often gather to wine and dine clients. Most loved among the venue’s high-profile regulars are the signature braised (fresh) fish maw and braised sun-dried South African abalone.

The secret to Man Tables’ rich, silky sauce? Top quality traditional Chinese ingredients and chicken broth gently simmered to an 80% reduction. This Chinese New Year, for a limited time, guests can also indulge in Iberico char siu (or Cantonese roast pork) and braised oyster. Trusted sources say that Chef Man Wai Yin is also available for at-home private catering, but only upon special request. → tel. 095 454 8978

Bangkok’s 8 Most Treasured Chinese Restaurants: Man's Table (left) - Chai Jia Chai (right)

Chai Jia Chai

Bangkok’s first Cantonese omakase restaurant where guests are served Chef Tsai’s selection of elaborate, seasonal dishes. The New Year Lao Qi Scampi, a refreshing shrimp scampi salad with celery, onions, dried radish, chili, and sweet basil, bean garlic sauce, and lotus roots snacks in a lucky Ang Bao (red envelope), is not only delicious but also conveys heartfelt wishes—lao qi meaning “picking up the happiness,” a cultural expression of good luck. → tel. 093 117 1909

Ah Yat Abalone

Nestled in the heart of Charoenkrung’s bustling food scene stands a beacon of heritage and tradition. Named after Chef Yeung Koon Yat, this iconic institution is known among Thai-Chinese and Hong Kong-Chinese expats with sophisticated palates for masterfully prepared abalone dishes, peking duck, top-notch dim sum, and live seafood. → tel. 02 291 7781

❁ Private Dining Only ❁

99 Chicken Pot

Favored by politicians and the business community for his creative takes on delicacies once served to emperors, Chef Parn’s at-home private catering might be one of Bangkok’s best kept secrets. Most requested dishes behind closed doors include his silky, crispy fish fin steak in abalone sauce (bright, citrusy notes) and smoked wagyu short ribs with surprisingly delicate, mala-infused sauce.

For fans of London’s contemporary art scene, Shanghainese pop art icon Jacky Tsai regularly enjoys Chef Parn’s crunchy, sticky sea cucumber in 20-Hour Emperor’s Chicken Soup. In the spirit of giving and sharing, the soup sans sea cucumber is also available for delivery. → tel. 096 687 9596

Bangkok’s 8 Most Treasured Chinese Restaurants: 99 Chicken Pot (left) - Cross BKK (right)

Cross BKK

Cross offers a unique, intimate dining experience in Bangkok, where a Chinese-French chef’s table takes center stage. Starting off as a passion project shared between two siblings, the table has since then become a well sought after experience. To try their fish maw in Chinese herbal chicken soup or Dutch oven abalone baked rice with egg yolk, truffle paste, and shiitake mushroom, you can (try) to secure a table on the 10th of each month, at 11am. With limited seatings–only 2 groups per day–Cross is often booked out within the day (for good reason).  → tel. 097 245 9899

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Women in Hospitality to Celebrate International Women’s Day 2024

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Bangkok, Thailand, February 22, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Banyan Tree Bangkok is pleased to present Women in Hospitality 2024 (WIH), an exciting global food and beverage forum set to captivate guests in Bangkok from Thursday, February 29th, to Friday, March 8th, 2024. The event promises an unparalleled experience with a charitable spirit to support women and inspire inclusion, donating 30% of the event’s revenue to the Halfway Home for Women Foundation.

Prepare to embark on an enticing journey featuring a unique mastery series, including engaging masterclasses, bartender takeovers, and an exclusive chef’s table collaboration. The event will bring together an array of acclaimed female food and beverage personalities from Thailand and beyond, dedicated to promoting and empowering women in food, beverage, and hospitality. Highlighting the WIH2024 experience is a remarkable eight-hand dinner aboard the river cruise.

On March 7th, guests will indulge in a culinary spectacle with “8-Hand Women in Gastronomy,” crafted by acclaimed chefs, including Michelin-starred Chef Saki Hoshino of Nawa, Chef Som of Som’s Table, Chef Sasha from Hybrid Restaurant, and Chef Renu from our very own Saffron Signature Thai Restaurant. The eight-course dinner will be expertly paired with an exceptional sake selection by sake expert Naoko from BB&B, ensuring an elevated dining experience. The two-storey cruise offers an alfresco floating bar ‘Moon Deck’ on the upper level and a secluded air-conditioned dining saloon on the lower level, where guests revel in the exclusively crafted tasting menu revolving around seasonal and local Thai ingredients.

In addition to the culinary delights, WIH2024 presents an extraordinary lineup of Women in Mixology takeovers. Kicking off on March 1st is Shatabi Basu, India’s first female bartender, showcasing her innovative cocktail creations, while on March 2nd, the renowned wine produce Penfolds will take centre stage, featuring a vibrant wine tasting experience accompanied by upbeat entertainment from a female DJ. The lineup continues until March 8th, with Monkey Shoulder taking over the night and closing up the forum with exciting notes.

Be a part of one of the most anticipated events of the year, filled with excitement, exquisite mastery, and heartfelt giving. Join us to celebrate the skills and compassion of Women in Hospitality, and make a meaningful impact to our community.

For more information and reservations, please call 02 679 1200 or email: hostesses-bangkok@banyantree.com

The event lineup:
• February 29th — Spirit of Asia Masterclass by Shatabi Basu
• March 1st — Inspirador Takeover with Shatabi Basu at Moon Bar
• March 2nd — Penfolds Takeover at Saffron Sky Garden
• March 3rd —Jameson Takeover with Moa Chadcha at Moon Bar
• March 4th — EcoSpirits Takeover with Nam Saowanee at Moon Bar
• March 5th — Giffard Takeover with Pei Liu and Green Liu at Moon Bar
• March 6th — Tanqueray Takeover with at Aly Lorenzo at Moon Bar
• March 7th — The 8-Hand Women in Gastronomy offering eight-course tasting menu aboard Saffron
Cruise at THB 5,200 net per person inclusive of sake pairing. Exclusive aperitivo at Vertigo TOO from
4.30 – 5.30 pm. The Saffron Cruise will embark from River City Pier at 6.30 pm.
• March 8th — Monkey Shoulder Takeover with Melody Joy Lim at Moon Bar

 

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News