Global Travel News

Asia’s Top Junior Golfers Shoot for the Stars as Faldo Series Asia

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LANG CO, Vietnam (April 9, 2025) — Asia’s top junior golfers will be aiming to follow in illustrious footsteps next month as the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final returns to Laguna Golf Lang Co for the 16th time.

Regarded as the world’s premier junior golf circuit, the Faldo Series has helped launch the careers of notable names including major winners Rory McIlroy, Danny Willet and Yani Tseng, as well as other familiar names including Tyrell Hatton, Joaquin Niemann, Eddie Pepperell, Li Haotong, Mel Reid, Carly Booth, and Nasa Hataoka.

And the brightest young talents from across the region will battle it out over the Sir Nick Faldo Signature course at Laguna Lang Co from April 22-25, 2025, with dreams of following in the footsteps of past champions and reaching the pinnacle of the game.

“The Faldo Series has always been about providing young golfers with the opportunity to compete at an elite level and learn the skills needed to succeed in the professional game,” said Sir Nick Faldo. “Laguna Golf Lang Co is the perfect venue for the Grand Final, offering a championship-calibre course in a stunning location. We’ve seen so many talented young players emerge from this event, and I have no doubt this year’s field will be stronger than ever.”

One player who knows exactly what it takes to win at Laguna Golf Lang Co is last year’s champion, Nguyen Duc Son. The 18-year-old Vietnamese star triumphed in the 2024 edition of the tournament with impressive rounds of 70, 69, and 69, finishing at -5. Since then, he has been pursuing a career in golf in Australia, studying in Melbourne while continuing his development as a player.

Son’s story is a testament to the growing impact of the Faldo Series in Vietnam, demonstrating how the event provides a pathway for young players to gain international exposure and take the next step in their careers. His success underscores the role of Laguna Golf Lang Co in fostering golf’s next generation, particularly in a country where the sport is rapidly developing.

Beyond hosting world-class competitions, Laguna Golf Lang Co continues to enhance its reputation as one of Asia’s premier golf and lifestyle destinations. Sandwiched between the East Sea and the forested foothills of the Annamite Mountains, the resort offers championship golf alongside luxury accommodations, wellness experiences, and cultural attractions. With immaculate course conditions and a layout designed to challenge and inspire, the Sir Nick Faldo Signature course is a fitting stage for Asia’s future golf stars.

This year’s event will once again reinforce Vietnam’s emergence as a key player in the global golf landscape. That’s a reputation that is being enhanced by efforts such as the Vietnam Golf Coast (VGC), a destination marketing drive involving some of the region’s signature clubs.

“We are incredibly proud to host the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final once again,” said Stephen Banks, Director of Golf at Laguna Golf Lang Co. “This event not only highlights the incredible talent emerging from Asia but also showcases our course and resort to a global audience. We are committed to supporting young golfers on their journey and look forward to welcoming players, families, and fans for what promises to be a fantastic tournament.”

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Why Thai Food Lovers Should Know Her Name

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Why Thai Food Lovers Should Know Her Name - Chef Nooror - BLUE ELEPHANT -TOP25RESTAURANTSBangkok, Thailand, April 10, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Master Chef Nooror has been named one of Bangkok Post’s Women of the Year 2025—a huge honor for the woman who turned Thai Heritage Cuisine into a global phenomenon.

The Bangkok Post Women of the Year 2025 list just dropped, and guess who made the cut? Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, the woman who has spent over four decades putting Thai Heritage Cuisine on the world map. While some chefs build restaurants, she built an empire of Thai flavors, from the kitchens of Blue Elephant to the spice aisles of supermarkets in 45 countries. Her mission? “Thai Kitchen to the World”—and trust us, she’s making sure it stays there.

But let’s rewind. Master Chef Nooror’s journey started in Chachoengsao, where she fell in love with cooking at a young age. Fast forward to the 1980s, she co-founded Blue Elephant Brussels, and suddenly, European diners were falling for heirloom Thai dishes like Massaman curry and Hor Mok. The momentum never stopped; Paris, London, Bangkok, Phuket, Malta, Copenhagen—you name it, she’s left her mark. And it’s not just about restaurants. Her commitment to preserving Thai Heritage Cuisine led her to revive lost recipes, and train future generations.

And now? She’s standing tall alongside Thailand’s most influential women—leaders in business, sports, diplomacy, and innovation. But don’t think for a second she’s slowing down. With royal honors, international accolades, and a whole new generation of chefs learning from her, Master Chef Nooror is still leading the charge. So here’s to the woman who made the world crave Thai flavors—one dish, one ingredient, and one generation at a time.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Langham Hospitality Group – Music Director Appointment

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London, 1 April 2025 – Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) has placed audio marketing centre stage, naming veteran DJ and events specialist Andrew Grant as its Group Director of Music. The newly created post will see Grant composing a full-spectrum strategy that includes live performances, collaborations, and signature soundscapes, all designed to strengthen LHG’s family of hotel brands and the distinctive guest journeys they foster.

Andrew Grant, Group Director of Music, Langham Hospitality Group

“Music is a key part of our strategy to elevate our brands and create unforgettable experiences for our guests,” Langham Hospitality Group CEO Bob van den Oord said. “Andrew’s unparalleled expertise and visionary approach make him the ideal leader to drive innovative and impactful audio marketing initiatives across our company.”

Part of LHG’s Brands Operations team, Grant will focus on forging strategic partnerships with leading music industry entities, including artists, festivals, and record labels. He will also design and implement music programming across the firm’s global portfolio of properties and devise special events and activations for this year’s 160th anniversary of The Langham Hotels & Resorts, LHG’s luxury and flagship brand. Grant will concurrently oversee music curation at Eaton DC, where he serves as Director of Music and Radio.

With over 25 years of music industry experience, Grant’s career has included roles as diverse as Resident DJ at Ibiza’s iconic DC10 night club, and producer for Valencia-based record label Barraca Music. His extensive background also encompasses music event production and logistics expertise gained through positions at entertainment company Aronis Group and the Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival.

About Langham Hospitality Group

A wholly-owned subsidiary of Great Eagle Holdings, Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) comprises a family of distinctive brands, including The Langham Hotels and Resorts, Cordis Hotels and Resorts, Eaton Workshop and Ying’nFlo. With over 40 hotels and residences in operation or development, LHG has a global footprint that extends across Asia, Europe, North America, Australasia and the Middle East. The group takes its name from The Langham, London, Europe’s first Grand Hotel. For over 150 years, this flagship property has been the pinnacle of sophisticated and gracious hospitality, a philosophy that is reflected group-wide through inspiring design, cutting-edge innovation, sincere service and an unwavering commitment to building great memories.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Approach Tours Launches the Great Canadian Contest to Celebrate Local Brands

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Approach Tours launches the ‘Great Canadian Contest’ to celebrate local brandsApproach Tours, Canada’s largest retiree group tour operator, has launched the ‘Great Canadian Contest’ to celebrate proud Canadian companies and support the Buy Canadian movement.

The Buy Canadian movement exploded after the US announced significant tariffs on Canadian imports to the US, encouraging shoppers to shun US products and support local producers and businesses instead.

For the ‘Great Canadian Contest’, Approach Tours has pooled a pot totalling over $100,000 of tours and other prizes from large and small Canadian businesses including Waterloo, Ontario-based BBQ manufacturer Broil King, Nova Scotia-based Peace by Chocolate, and Toronto-based media outlet Cottage Life.

Entrants will be placed in weekly prize draws up until May to win products from these companies, or the top prize – a completely free tour from Approach Tours.

To enter, shoppers can book a tour on the Approach Tours website and will be entered into each subsequent draw, giving multiple opportunities to win big. Winners will be drawn every Thursday from travellers who have booked by 11:59pm the day before, with entrants limited to the first 2,000 travellers who book.

“This year we have seen Canadians proudly standing behind our companies, buying local produce and supporting them in the face of tariffs,” comments Daniel Fequet, Co-Founder of Approach Tours.

“This has happened in travel too, with a recent Approach Tours study finding that 76% of Canadian travellers are now less likely to travel to the US. The ‘Great Canadian Contest’ is our way of celebrating and giving back to the Buy Canadian movement, as a proud Canadian and Montreal-based tour operator.”

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection Welcomes Its New Executive Chef

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Meet Chef Pisut “Nong” Nahan, Executive Chef at V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection, where he oversees the resort’s entire dining repertoire, including Yon | Ocean House, Akoya | Star Lounge, special events, and in-villa dining. Chef Nong style of cuisine is “Thai with a modern twist”, a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. His mastery of vibrant Thai and creative flavours, coupled with a commitment to seasonal ingredients and authentic techniques, makes him one of Thailand’s most exciting rising stars. 

Chef Nong was born and raised in Phang Nga, a picturesque coastal province wedged between the Andaman Sea and the Thai-Malay border. Chef Nong recalls the warm energy of his grandfather and mother cooking in the kitchen and the family gathering to share meals around the table. This sense of community around the dinner table ignited his passion for cooking. 

Chef Nong’s culinary career spans 18 years, taking him from humble kitchens in Phang Nga to Michelin-starred kitchens across the region. He began his career at the age of sixteen in a local restaurant, where he relished learning traditional, home-made techniques and experimenting with flavours. Chef Nong was introduced to fine dining techniques whilst working with Chef Joe Louis Léon at Aleenta Phang Nga, a renowned French chef who introduced Michelin-level techniques to the southern province. He continued to hone his skills at Aziamendi, a gourmet destination in Natai Beach led by 3-Michelin Star Spanish Chef Eneko Atxa. 

Chef Nong spent several years in the Maldives, where he opened and served as Head Chef for Baan Thai restaurant, which was named one of Maldives’ top 15 restaurants. Most recently, Chef Nong designed the menu at Phuket’s Black Ginger, which received Michelin Plate recognition and was named one of Phuket’s Top 25 Best Restaurants for two consecutive years.

When not in the kitchen, Chef Nong explores local markets and eateries. He credits the island’s abundance of fresh, local ingredients and its strong sense of community as the perfect environment for culinary creativity and growth. He draws inspiration from Phuket’s UNESCO recognition as a gastronomic destination and its vibrant and muliti-cultural Thai, Chinese, and Malay food culture. “I try to deeply understand and connect with the ingredients,” says Chef Nong. “It’s easy to do this in Phuket, where there is a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and balancing sweet, salty, sour, and spicy elements. I am able to draw on ingredient’s unique textures and flavours and create exceptional meals. The process is exhilarating.” 

Chef Nong is excited to continue his culinary journey at V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection, where he will continue to nurture the resort’s emphasis on sourcing fresh, local ingredients and elevating coastal Thai and European cuisine.

About V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection

V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection is an exclusive all private pool villas resort located 39m atop a secluded hilltop overlooking secluded Ao Yon Bay. Architecturally-designed to highlight the unique elevation and fully-immersed in nature, the resort features 26 private pool villas in 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 6-bedrooms options. Luxurious interiors include seamless indoor outdoor flow, generously-sized infinity pools and stunning ocean views. Personalised 24-hour butler service ensures an indulgent and memorable stay.  Yon | Ocean House, the resort’s landmark gastronomic hub serves regional Thai and European coastal cuisine. The luxury rooftop Akoya | Star Lounge is renowned for its intriguing mixology and 360° sunset, night sky and ocean views. The resort’s integrated wellness program is inspired by European and eastern healing therapies and beauty rituals, including the age-defying properties on local Andaman Sea pearls.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sunset Salon – Wine & Cheese Pairing Experience

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SUNSET SALON

WINE & CHEESE PAIRING EXPERIENCE

Rare artisanal cheeses from legendary Les Frères Marchand, France’s oldest artisanal cheesemakers, paired with wines from our exclusive cellar, live DJ & spectacular Ao Yon Bay sunsets.

THB 4,800++ per couple*

12 April 2025 | 6 PM – 9 PM

Akoya | Star Lounge, V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection

*Wine pairing includes 4 glasses per person.

For enquiries and reservations, please contact:
📧 HB775@accor

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Blissful Sunday Brunch – Exclusive Cheese Experience with Les Frères Marchand

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BLISSFUL SUNDAY BRUNCH

Exclusive Cheese Experience with Les Frères Marchand

Join our special edition brunch!

An extravagant brunch with live chef stations, panoramic views overlooking Ao Yon Bay.

Plus a wide selection of artisanal cheeses from legendary Les Frères Marchand, France’s oldest cheese maker, paired with 4 glasses of wine per person.

THB 4,200++ per person

13 April 2025 | 12PM – 3PM

Yon | Ocean House, V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Songkran Sips & Bites at Akoya Beach Lounge

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TOP25 Restaurants PhuketPhuket, Thailand, April 8, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Songkran Sips & Bites! Celebrate Thai new year amidst sunsets at Hua Hin’s luxury beachfront lounge with live DJ at Akoya | Beach Lounge

Savour your choice of 3 Thai-inspired cocktails per person—created just for Songkran! Served with a platter of 5 classic Thai snacks.

THB1,200++ per person

12 – 14 April 2025 | 18:00 22:30 hrs.

At Akoya | Beach Lounge, V Villas Hua Hin – MGallery Collection

Explore More or Reserve Now > shorturl.at/9DRU1  or call 03 261 6039

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Songkran International Seafood Buffet at VIE Hotel Bangkok

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Songkran International Seafood Buffet at VIE Hotel Bangkok - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, April 8, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / An Unforgettable Seafood Experience. Celebrate the Thai New Year with an extravagant seafood feast and international fusion buffet!

Highlights include fresh seafood: river prawns, oysters & Alaskan king crab, plus live stations with Wagyu noodles, pan-seared foie gras & more. Enjoy Thai, Japanese, Chinese & Western favorites, and finish with chocolate fondue & decadent desserts. Free flow soft drinks included.

Adult THB 1,900 net per person

Child 5-12 years old THB 950 net per person

Child under 120 cm. FREE!

*Reserve in advance to receive a complimentary lobster dish per person.

At La VIE Bistronomy, 11th floor of VIE Hotel Bangkok – MGallery Collection

13 – 16 April 2025 | 18:00 – 22:00 hrs

Explore More or Reserve Now > shorturl.at/6FHvT

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

LVMH and Accor Join Forces to Take Orient Express to New Horizons

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LVMH and Accor Join Forces to Take Orient Express to New Horizons - TRAVELINDEXParis, France, April 8, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Accor and LVMH have entered into a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of Orient Express, a legendary House synonymous for more than a century with the most exclusive travel experiences.

Since the inaugural voyage of its train in 1883, Orient Express has been taking the discovery of the world to new heights for clients in search of distinctive and refined adventures. A symbol of elegance and audacity, Orient Express embodies a lifestyle that encapsulates the extraordinary and enchantment.

Following its acquisition by Accor in 2022, Orient Express is developing new iconic ventures for trains, hotels and sailing ships whose exacting standards will reflect an extraordinary positioning within the travel world. The renaissance of an historic train and the launch of the first Orient Express sailing ship in 2026 will be the next steps in this renewed impetus. In parallel with these launches, Orient Express will open its first hotels in Rome and Venice while continuing the selective development of its global destinations.

Under the terms of the agreements signed today, LVMH will be joining forces with Accor through a strategic investment in the Orient Express brand, in the company that will operate the future hotels and trains, and in the entity that will own the two sailing ships. The first ship is currently under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France, and the two groups will continue to search together for a third partner for this new venture.

By contributing to the revival of this iconic brand, LVMH will add its unique expertise in high-quality products and services, illustrated in particular, in the world of travel, by the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train and the five other trains also operated by Belmond around the world. These extraordinary experiences reflect the operational expertise and creativity of LVMH Hospitality Excellence in this field.

Within its Luxury and Lifestyle division, Accor brings together the leading collection of luxury brands with a century-old legacy in the hotel and fine dining sectors. The remarkable heritage and history of several of these brands, including Raffles, Fairmont and Potel & Chabot, have enabled Accor to rejuvenate the experience for clients in search of excellence and distinctiveness. This vision is at the heart of the Orient Express project.

Bernard Arnault, LVMH Group Chairman and CEO, said, “Orient Express has embodied adventure and elegance since its origins. Its name has become part of our cultural heritage and remains a source of inspiration for the greatest artists. Orient Express epitomizes the art of refined living and the audacity that drives each of our Houses. We are delighted to be partnering with Accor to accelerate the renewal of this travel icon. Each of our groups will bring the best of its expertise to take Orient Express to the pinnacle of the art of hospitality.”

Sébastien Bazin, Accor Group Chairman and CEO, said, “Orient Express is a legend ever since its creation 140 years ago, drawing on its roots and its oneiric universe while remaining at all times firmly focused on the future. With Orient Express, Accor is reinventing the art of travel, discovery and great odysseys. With LVMH today, we are opening a new chapter in this exciting journey, with the ambition of exploring new horizons and embodying the audacity and creative passion that drive our groups. We’re delighted to enlist LVMH’s rare expertise to continue pushing further the frontiers of this legend and bringing its embodiment to life in an ever more singular way.”

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News