Global Travel News

BookOutdoors Partners with Pattern Insurance

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BookOutdoors has today announced its partnership with global Insurtech MGA Pattern. Together, they are making it easier for customers to confidently book outdoor travel by offering relevant and affordable travel and weather insurance.

Pattern’s platform enables BookOutdoors to offer different combinations of the most relevant protections, embedded directly into the purchase path.  Rain Protection is one of the most highly relevant products in outdoor bookings, as it gives customers the confidence to book their outdoor vacation, knowing they have the option to cancel their booking and receive a full refund if an eligible weather event is in the forecast.

This new partnership supports BookOutdoors belief that every booking should be safe and hassle-free. With thousands of places to stay, from camping and glamping to RV resorts and cabins, and adding more every day.  BookOutdoors want customers to have an entirely personalized experience. Following their vision, Pattern is helping them to embed relevant, real-time insurance into their customer journey.

Brian Nolan, Co-Founder and CEO, says: “BookOutdoors mission is to make it easier to book outdoor travel. We’ve got thousands of remarkable places to stay that are not only camping or RV parks. With a simple integration and dynamic product offering, Pattern allowed us to get up and running with insurance in no time. Thanks to Pattern, we are now able to protect the outdoor experiences for our customers with hassle-free, personalized and affordable insurance.

Meitav Harpaz, CEO and Co-Founder of Pattern Insurance, says: “We love the focus on quality and experience. Pattern’s solution aligns with BookOutdoors’ goal of making outdoor experiences easy to book. Our platform enables them to easily offer real-time, relevant, personalized insurance. Embedding insurance creates a new source of income for BookOutdoors while providing RVers, Campers, and Glampers with the protection they desire.”

About Pattern
Pattern is a global InsurTech MGA that empowers online travel, recreation, and events companies to design, build and distribute innovative insurance offerings seamlessly in their customer journey. Pattern protections address risks associated with a change of plans, travel disruption, inclement weather and medical assistance, amongst others, to build consumer confidence and boost revenues. Pattern parametric protections trigger a customer compensation process automatically when a covered event happens.

About BookOutdoors
Driven by the belief that the future is brighter when everyone spends more time outdoors, BookOutdoors makes planning and booking outdoor travel a more joyful, seamless experience, while fueling the growth and success of its partners. Guests can search and book thousands of designated tent campgrounds, RV parks, cabins, glamping resorts, and other outdoor stays, all with no membership or booking fees. For property owners, BookOutdoors works alongside their existing booking channels to help eliminate unsold site nights and deliver additional value.

 

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

MUU Hotels and Resorts Announces Flagship Property MUU Bangkok

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MUU Hotels and Resorts Announces Flagship Property MUU Bangkok - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25HOTELS.comBangkok, Thailand, November 15, 2022 / TTRAVELINDEX / MUU Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of its first property, MUU Bangkok, marking the brand’s debut in the Kingdom. A play on the Thai word for community and kinship, MUU transforms the luxury hotel experience into something personable, yet constantly evolving around the wants, needs and desires of its guests and the community in which each property exists. A place where suits and pajamas can share the same space comfortably, each one enjoying moments of happiness, made better through warm, uncompromised service and contemporary design.

Creative dynamism, warmth, thoughtful engagement and unpretentious quality are the pillars of the MUU brand. Each property will stand out in exciting and authentic ways bringing quality to all aspects of service, experience, and design. The central focus is on human interaction and making guests comfortable while taking care of their needs. In essence making the world a better place for its guests and the community MUU calls home.

“We want to create a sense of community for and with our guests, both through the hotel spaces and through concierge-like recommendations of what’s happening around our property,” says Christian O.H. Zunk, Group General Manager of MUU Hotels, adding that “the idea of constantly innovating and transforming, so that regular guests can always expect to experience something new upon their return, is also key to our brand.”

The 148-room MUU Bangkok, part of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World community, sits in the middle of Bangkok’s tony neighbourhood of Thong Lo with views of the bustling cityscape. Packed with hip bars, award-winning restaurants, cool cafes and buzzing community hangouts, Thong Lo is where the bold, beautiful, and creative live and thrive. The adjacent high-end Eight lifestyle mall also adds a sophisticated layer of community spirit to the guest experience. Sitting between Bangkok’s main roads of Sukhumvit and Petchaburi gives guests easy access to the airport and the BTS Skytrain system to explore the city’s other vibrant neighbourhoods.

Accommodation comprises spacious rooms, suites and residences starting at the 37-sqm Deluxe King and going up to the 180-sqm spectacular Thong Lo Suite, which includes a spacious private terrace. With modern amenities and friendly, personalised service, the contemporary lifestyle-oriented residences ranging from the 52-sqm One Bedroom Residence to the 170-sqm Three Bedroom Residence with Terrace are ideal for extended stays. Each self-contained sanctuary has contemporary design cues accessorised with warm timber floorings, a sumptuous king-sized bed, comfortable sofa seating and marble coffee table, and spacious marble bathrooms stocked with eco-friendly amenities.

Also tapping into the communal vibe are two restaurants and two bars, including a speakeasy, a high-tech gym and a rooftop swimming pool. Otto Italian Restaurant opens onto the expansive pool terrace, serving classic and modern Italian cuisine paired with an extensive wine list. One level below, La Sala di Otto is an art-deco sanctuary with a choice of plush seating and private alcoves, perfect for a gathering of family or friends to enjoy a modern Italian-style grill experience with crafted organic wines.

With comfortable outdoor seating around the double infinity-edged pool, Slow Bar is ideal for an aperitif or a post-dinner drink with its fine selection of crafted cocktails and fine wines and a delicious menu of classic bar bites. Hidden away on the same level, 008 Bar is a cosy speakeasy bar offering rare whiskies and signature cocktails from the Prohibition era modified for today’s palate.

All through November the hotel is in a soft opening phase and will officially open on 1 December 2022. Room rates start from THB 6,000++ per night and includes daily breakfast.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WTTC Announces Ban Ki-Moon as Keynote Speaker for Global Summit

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WTTC Announces Ban Ki-Moon Former UN Secretary-General as Keynote Speaker for Global Summit - TRAVELINDEXRiyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 14, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) unveils Ban Ki-Moon as its first major speaker for its upcoming Global Summit in Saudi Arabia, taking place between 28 November and 1 December.

Ban Ki-Moon served as the eighth UN Secretary-General from 2007 to 2016. During his tenure he championed sustainable development, climate change and gender equality at the top of the UN agenda.

He served as South Korean Foreign Minister from 2004 to 2006 and now serves as Deputy Chair of The Elders.

Ban will be spearheading the esteemed group of industry leaders that will gather with key government representatives from across the globe to align their efforts to support the sector’s recovery and move beyond to a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Travel & Tourism sector.

Taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 28 November to 1 December, the global tourism body’s highly anticipated Global Summit is the most influential Travel & Tourism event in the calendar.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Ban Ki-Moon has spent his eminent career in public service, inspiring international cooperation, and peace, and advocating for sustainable development.

“It is a pleasure to have such an influential speaker confirmed for our Global Summit in Riyadh.

“Our event will bring together many of the world’s most powerful people in Travel & Tourism to discuss and secure its long-term future, which is critical to economies and employment around the world.”

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort to Set New Benchmark in Integrated Luxury Hospitality

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JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort to Set New Benchmark in Integrated Luxury Hospitality - TRAVELINDEXKhao Lak, Thailand, November 12, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Transformative project unveils extensive renovation and expansion including an additional 127 rooms and villas, the Aqua Play Zone, new dining outlets and one of the largest event spaces in southern Thailand. Pioneering resort, JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa has opened its doors to guests following an 18-month long renovation and expansion that has transformed the property and set a new beanchmark for fully-integrated luxury resort experiences in Thailand.

The reimagination of the resort completes the vision of creating a “destination within a destination” and heralds a new era for Khao Lak, Thailand hottest beach destination located an hour’s drive north of Phuket International Airport. This is due largely to the considerable additions that open up new market segments for the destination – but also importantly due to the innovative guest experiences that have been introduced.

“We are delighted to be unveiling JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa today. There is high demand for fully-integrated, beachfront resort experiences in Thailand from around the world and we are positioned to deliver this across multiple segments and market sectors. I believe Khao Lak is ready and I believe the destination will become one of Thailand’s leading leisure tourism and MICE hubs in the years to come,” said Abhimanyu Singh, General Manager, JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa.

A total of 127 additional rooms and villas have been built: 76 Deluxe Lagoon Pool View Rooms, 28 Deluxe Lagoon Pool Access Rooms, 20 Family Pool Access Studios, two One-Bedroom Villas and, for the ultimate escape, the Two-Bedroom Villa, to create a total of 420 rooms, suites and villas – including 178 with direct access to a private pool or the resort’s 2.4 km lagoon pool waterway – the longest in Southeast Asia.

Inspired by traditional southern Thai houses, the standalone villas are located on Khuk Khak Beach, overlooking the Andaman Sea. The one-bedroom villas feature naturally-lit living spaces with contemporary furnishings, spa-inspired bathrooms and extensive outdoor space, including a private pool. While the two-bedroom villa spans 213 square meters, with a master king bedroom and a twin bedroom for children, extended family or friends, featuring two separate infinity pools.

The new accommodation is complemented by new facilities, such as the Aqua Play Zone, an exhilarating new destination for families and where the water fun, literally, lasts all day long. Highlights include the wave pool where kids and families get the chance to duck and dive before heading over to the fountain trampoline, a creative water activity designed for, what else, jumping!

The watery theme continues with an oversized blue slide before kids and parents can retreat to the Sala Restaurant & Bar, a cool, casual outlet right next to the slide serving comfortable, familiar and healthy classics. Sala is expected to quickly become basecamp for kids during their stay so they are close to the action – and can take part in the daily pasta making, mixology masterclasses and marshmallow roasting held at Sala.

Kids can also have a go at “sea boxing”, help the environment in the Art of Trash workshop, or simply cruise around the 2.4 km pool on their floating hammocks, grabbing an ice-cold fresh coconut on the way courtesy of the resort boats that ply the waters – before catching a movie at the beach. Alternatively, families can enjioy beach picnic in one family tent – or enjoy the interactive Teppankayi Show at Sakura Japanese restaurant.

The resort’s collection of 11 restaurants and bars offer an array of dining choices, ranging from traditional Thai cuisine with sunset views at Ta-Krai to authentic Italian cuisine at Olive, and international fare at Waterfront. New additions include Sala Restaurant & Pool Bar, while Drift Beach Bar & Grill is the resort’s new steak and seafood grill, inspired by regional Mediterranean cuisine. All-day refreshments and cocktails can be enjoyed at the Deli, Beach Bar, Infinity Pool Bar, Aquamarine Pool Bar and Czar Lobby Bar.

Vacations are all about reconnecting with your loved ones, and a key ingredient for this is JW Garden, an outdoor space dedicated to cultivating organic vegetables. Here families are guided by the resort’s chef to pick fresh ingredients and learn how to cook Thai dishes. Alternatively, guests can enjoy a family picnic among the fragrant herbs and flowers, or even in the privacy of their own suite or villa.

A brand-new ballroom is a major part of the expansion creating a new MICE destination in southern Thailand. Chic, stylish and naturally-lit, the 758-square meter venue can host up to 810 attendees for life’s most meaningful and memorable moments, such as gala dinners, award ceremonies, corporate conventions, nad weddings. It is fully equipped with the latest audio-visual technology, can be flexibly divided into three separate spaces for more intimate events, and the inviting pre-function area can also host exhibitions.

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa is also complemented by a sister property on-site, JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort Suites, an exclusive collection of 52 stylish two-bedroom suites range from 89 to 111 square meters with bright indoor and outdoor spaces, southern Thai-inspired design, contemporary living areas and private terraces or balconies that overlook the natural tropical surroundings. On the ground floor, pool access suites allows guests to step straight into the inviting 2.4 km-long lagoon swimming pool.

Other facilities and experiences include a fully-equipped fitness center, tennis and squash courts, the Kids Club and Quan Spa, which offers holistic healing therapies from traditional Thai massages to revitalizing body wraps and scrubs, many of which use organic coconut oil produced onsite at the resort. A series of serene spaces such as cozy cabanas let guests reconnect and create memorable moments, whilst Khuk Khak Beach offers an idyllic setting to stroll, splash or sit in the shade of palm trees.

About JW Marriott
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. JW Marriott is a tribute to the founder of Marriott International, J. Willard “J.W.” Marriott, who prioritized his own well-being so that he could take better care of others. Inspired by his approach to life and rooted in holistic well-being, JW Marriott properties offer a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together and experience every moment to the fullest. Today there are more than 100 JW Marriott hotels in more than 35 countries and territories worldwide that cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers who come seeking experiences that help them be fully present, foster meaningful connections and feed the soul. Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition.

About Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO – Women’s Empowerment Centre Stage of Tourism’s Restart

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UNWTO - Women's Empowerment Centre Stage of Tourism's Restart - TRAVELINDEXBerlin, Germany, November 11, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The shared progress being made in putting women’s empowerment ‘centre stage’ of tourism’s restart has been presented at the World Travel Market in London.

With the pandemic having made clear the extent to which women and girls everywhere are disproportionately affected by crisis, UNWTO partnered with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and UN Women to put gender equality at the heart of recovery plans. The Center Stage project was piloted in four countries – Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Jordan and Mexico – bringing on board both governments and businesses as well as NGOs and community associations.

As part of the initiative, UNWTO conducted a survey on the impact of COVID-19 on tourism employment. The research found that, between March 2020 and September 2021, women in tourism were:

  • 3% more likely to lose their job, 8% more likely to have a pay cut and 8% more likely to have reduced working hours in Costa Rica.
  • 5% more likely to lose their job, 2% more likely to have reduced working hours and 12% more likely to have a pay cut in the Dominican Republic.
  • 4% more likely to lose their job, 8% less likely to have a pay rise and 20% more likely to pay someone to look after their dependents in Jordan.
  • 3% more likely to lose their job, 8% more likely to have a pay cut and 3% more likely to take time off to care for their dependents in Mexico.

The four pilot countries have led the way in putting gender-equality centre stage of their tourism recovery plans and UNWTO is committed to taking this work further and wider

UNWTO’s pioneering ‘Centre Stage’ project was designed to address this, working with 3 governments, 38 businesses and 13 civil society organizations to implement year-long gender action plans.

The project has produced the following results:

  • 702 businesses/entrepreneurs received gender-equality training
  • 712 people received in-person training
  • 526 women received a promotion
  • 100% of participating businesses strengthened sexual harassment prevention
  • 100% of participating businesses committed to ‘equal pay for work of equal value’
  • 1 hour online ‘Gender Equality in Tourism Training’ course on atingi.org
  • Gender Mainstreaming Guidelines for the public sector
  • Gender Inclusive Strategy for tourism businesses
  • An awareness campaign at global scale about gender equality in tourism.

UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, said: “As we rethink the future of tourism, it must be one in which women and men are equally empowered to take the opportunities that the sector’s restart is bringing. The four pilot countries have led the way in putting gender-equality centre stage of their tourism recovery plans and UNWTO is committed to taking this work further and wider.”

For more information on the report contact: centrestage@unwto.org

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

NO CANADA, NO PROBLEM: ‘So much optimism’ at World Travel Market

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Optimism reigned in London at World Travel Market last week as the global travel trade convened to celebrate a return to travel after three pandemic-plagued years – and to chart its future.

After all, as author and TV traveller Levison Wood – dubbed “Britain’s best-loved adventurer” – told delegates in a keynote address, travel is more than seeing new sights; rather it’s a means to sustainability and giving back, a bridge to peace, and to seeing the best in other people.

Still, Wood’s noble sentiment was overshadowed by delegates simply enthused to be back at work again and doing what they did – without restrictions – before travel was halted.

Business experts, industry leaders, and other key tourism movers and shakers from across the world were on all hand – though Destination Canada and Brand USA were notably absent, the former planning its own Showcase at Canada House in London this week. (Visit Florida, Orlando and Las Vegas led a much smaller US pavilion than usual).

The show at the ExCel Centre – now a long-time venue of the annual event – kicked off with key travel trends on Monday, where sustainability was a major theme, and the keynote for Wood, who shared anecdotes from his unique trekking travels to a delighted audience. The Responsible Tourism Awards saw businesses receive accolades for their commitment to people, sustainability and eco credentials.

On Tuesday, tourism ministers and dignitaries from across the globe came together for the Ministers’ Summit, while people queued round the block to be entertained by entrepreneur Steven Bartlett, the youngest-ever investor on Dragons’ Den and host of The Diary of a CEO podcast, as he shared the secrets to his success on the Future Stage.

Inclusion was a key theme of Day Three, on Wednesday, when equality, diversion and inclusion was seen as a positive way to address the post-pandemic recruitment crisis and market to a wider client base. Sustainability sessions saw a call for an industry-wide single certification system to avoid ‘greenwashing.’

On the Technology Stage, the packed program of tech sessions covered everything from personalization and big data to blockchain, the real prospects of space travel, and the talent crisis that’s currently affecting the sector.

Middle Eastern destinations and suppliers, including premier partner Saudi Arabia, led more than 3,000 exhibitors on the trade show floor with typically elaborate and opulent displays, while destinations from Trinidad and Tobago to Uganda and Iran sent first-time or returning exhibitors.

However, it was the jammed aisles of ExCel – nearly 36,000 attendees, double last year, walked through the door – where masks were as rare as the sun during a rainy week in London, that truly marked a return to the vibrant “good old days” of WTM – 2019 and before.

Goway Travel Sr. VP Craig Canvin described last year’s hybrid WTM (virtual and in-person) as much smaller and subdued, with delegates in a “much more exploratory mood.”

By comparison, this year’s bustling event was a welcome opportunity to make up for lost time and to reconnect – in person – with current and prospective business partners after so long apart.

Juliette Losardo, Exhibition Director, WTM London, said: “Attendance at this year’s World Travel Market was fantastic! WTM London is a microcosm of the travel sector – where participation mirrors industry sentiment – it’s encouraging to see this level of engagement as tourism reaches towards full recovery, and of course demonstrates the importance of face-to-face events.”

Such was the importance of being able to reconnect with its partners, representing more than 110 countries around the world, that Goway sent four senior execs to the show.

“WTM is an extremely important show, and this was more about the excitement of the return to travel – and what’s to come!” Canvin told Travel Industry Today.

And, chimed in Goway Groups Only VP Shirley Rourke, “It was great to see so much optimism!”

RELATED STORY: No Canada – Destination Canada skips World Travel Market

NO, CANADA!: Destination Canada skips World Travel Market

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Meliá Embraces the Birds and the Bees

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Bali, Indonesia, November 14, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Meliá Bali is abuzz about its first batch of homegrown honey. The oceanfront property, situated along the pristine coastline of Nusa Dua, added bee hives to its impressive 1,000 sqm organic garden over the summer.

“We wanted to play our part in supporting pollination, biodiversity, and a healthy ecosystem, within our garden, and also on a broader scale,” said Eduardo Perera Castro, Meliá Bali’s general manager. “Honey bee populations have long been in decline around the world and these incredible insects are the ones who pollinate the majority of crops people eat. Their survival is essential.”

In order to keep guests safe, Meliá Bali introduced a stingless variety of bee, Trigona Laeviceps, known locally as Klanceng.

“The taste of this honey is unique and different from the typical honey people are used to. It is a bit dark in color, not clear, and has a slightly sweet, sour and bitter taste blend,” added Eduardo. “It is believed to have a higher range of nutrients and nutritional value compared to normal honey bees.”

In true farm-to-table fashion, a concept at the core of Meliá Bali’s food offering and several of the Meliá hotels and resorts in the region, the first harvest will be used in the property’s restaurants and cafe. Guests will also be able to find this honey at the honey bar at breakfast, along with other honey types from around the Indonesian Archipelago. As the yield increases resort guests will be able to purchase their own jar as a reminder of their stay.

Meliá Ba Vi Mountain Retreat in Vietnam Draws a Feathered Crowd

Surrounded by the primordial forest of Ba Vi National Park, Meliá Ba Vi Mountain Retreat, has no shortage of feathered friends. In fact, the 10,815-hectare national park is home to 115 different varieties of bird species.

Birds like the Large-tailed Nightjar, Indian Cuckoo, Asian Koel, Spotted Dove, and Kingfisher, have made their homes in the tropical jungle and amid the time-worn remains of French colonial ruins that have been reclaimed by nature. To experience the diverse wildlife guests can take part in hiking trips, solo or guided, or slower paced activities such as the retreat’s forest bathing offering.

Guests who prefer not to venture far have the opportunity to feed birds onsite with the hotel being home to around 300 – 400 birds. Daily from 10:00 – 10:30 am and again from 4:00 – 4:30 pm guests are invited to a feeding session where hotel staff help explain (especially to children) the importance of protecting nature and animals.

“We want to move beyond just protecting the local animals in the locations we serve. We want to help them and introduce to others how they may too,” said Ignacio Martin, Meliá’s managing director Southeast Asia. “In Thailand we already took this to the next level at Meliá Koh Samui, when we provided additional land to help feed elephants rescued from exploitation activities.”

In 2021 Meliá Koh Samui launched a 250-square-meter community farm with 200 banana trees, as well as such additional elephant fodder as napier and sweet grass, to support the Samui Elephant Haven.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

It’s Aloft Bangkok’s 11th Anniversary – Help Us Celebrate & Play in Style

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Metropole Hanoi Announces Exclusive Dinners with Michelin-Star Chef - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, November 14, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11, Marriott Bonvoy’s bright and bold hotel in the beating heart of Bangkok, is celebrating its 11th anniversary – and we want YOU to help us mark this special occasion in style!

Under the ‘Celebrate & Play’ promotion, exclusive anniversary rates start from just THB 4,011++ per room per night and include fabulous perks that let you check in, chill out and enjoy even more fun. Book from 11 November to 15 December 2022, for stays taken by 28 December 2022, guests can leverage additional Marriott Bonvoy bonus points with nightly 1,111 points or 11,111 points for suite paying, daily breakfast, a welcome drink at W XYZ bar, free mini-bar, early check-in at 11 AM, 20% discounts on F&B, laundry and more, other terms and conditions apply.

Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11 is a distinctive select, modern, fresh and fun hotel. With savvy design and free-flowing energy, guests can celebrate in style in the unique openness of a no-walls, no-limits space.

Feel the vibe from the moment guests check in at Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11. Meet & mingle with friends over music by live DJs and signature cocktails at W XYZ bar. Grab a bite from the snack attack menu at Re:fuel by Aloft open 24/7, play a game of pool at Re:mix lounge. Cool off or lounge in style at Splash pool, get charged and rejuvenated at Re:charge gym.

Experience a whole new vibe with loft-inspired design, totally tech-savvy rooms with free Wi-Fi and a great social scene. Our zones are always abuzz with energy and action – an ideal place to be for NEXT Gen and global travelers.

An easy breezy adventure awaits all guests in Thailand’s hippest hotspot! Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11 is just steps from the best shopping, nightlife, and dining destinations, and a quick 5-minute stroll to Nana BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway stations for easy access to Bangkok’s biggest attractions.

Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11 offers jet-setting style at a steal and brings urban cool to unexpected places, where anything can happen: energy flows, personalities mingle and opportunities abound.

Take advantage of this fabulous 11th anniversary offer at Aloft Bangkok and book Bangkok stays now at https://www.marriott.com/reservation/availability.mi?propertyCode=BKKAL&clusterCode=corp&corporateCode=YX1, email BKKALReservations@marriott.com, call 02 207 7000

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Metropole Hanoi Announces Exclusive Dinners with Michelin-Star Chef

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Metropole Hanoi Announces Exclusive Dinners with Michelin-Star Chef - TOP25RESTAURANTS - TRAVELINDEXHanoi, Vietnam, November 14, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / David Gallienne, the head chef and owner of Le Jardin des Plumes, a one-Michelin-star restaurant in France’s Normandy region, will host two exclusive dinners at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi on Nov. 17-18.

In the first of these special meals, diners will experience a premium set menu spotlighting French gastronomy paired with Bollinger champagne on Nov. 17. This intimate Michelin-caliber meal will be available for 20 persons and served in the lovely glasshouse venue of L’Orangerie.

The next night, on Nov. 18, Chef Gallienne will serve an exclusive “Le Jardin des Plumes Michelin dinner” in the newly refurbished Le Beaulieu at Metropole Hanoi.

The winner of the popular reality TV show Top Chef France in 2020, Gallienne was born and raised in Le Mans, and has more than 15 years’ experience working in the kitchens of several Michelin-starred restaurants in Normandy, from Alençon to Rouen and Bagnols-de-L’orne.

In early 2020, he became the owner of the hotel and gourmet restaurant Le Jardin des Plumes, where he has served many prestigious guests including French President Emmanuel Macron and a former Japanese prime minister.

In love with his native region, Gallienne delights diners’ taste buds by proposing a cuisine inspired by the Normandy region, which he revisits with surprising flavors while also raising awareness about the wonders of nature, the natural rhythm of the seasons, and the work of local producers and artisan suppliers.

Le Beaulieu, the award-winning modern French fine dining restaurant at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, and its refined al fresco extension La Terrasse recently celebrated their reopening following an extensive seven-month refurbishment.

With an elegant and sophisticated new design, alongside renowned French gastronomy and a wide selection of wines, the signature restaurant at Metropole Hanoi ties together the hotel’s 120-year-old storied past with a contemporary new look that manages to meld the opulent, the classical and the modern in a single scheme that’s long on white, gold and heathery blue-grays.

Operating in its current space since 1901, Le Beaulieu is believed to be the oldest continually operating restaurant in Vietnam.

For more information about these two exclusive dinners, or to make a reservation, please contact Tel: 024 3826 6919 ext. 8200

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 364 rooms. The historic Metropole wing has 106 guestrooms and three Legendary Suites. The suites are named after famous residents and visitors to the hotel (Graham Greene, Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham) and have access to the Club Lounge.

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; Spices Garden offers the ultimate in Vietnamese gastronomy; 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 chocolate buffet 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, 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 consisting of more than 5,200 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Laguna Golf Lang Co Retains EarthCheck Gold Status

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Laguna Golf Lang Co Retains EarthCheck Gold Status - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25GOLFCOURSES.comLang Co, Vietnam, November 14, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Laguna Lang Co has restated its credentials as one of Vietnam’s most sustainable large-scale projects by retaining its EarthCheck “Gold Certification” for 2022.

One of Asia’s most far-reaching integrated resorts, Laguna Lang Co encompasses award-winning hotels Banyan Tree Lang Co and Angsana Lang Co, as well as Laguna Golf Lang Co — a signature design by UK legend Sir Nick Faldo.

Located in a part of Vietnam renowned for its pristine nature, Laguna Lang Co prides itself on having a strong focus on sustainability.

Notable initiatives include a moratorium on single-use plastics and its “edible golf course” planted with rice fields and tended by water buffalos.

EarthCheck is regarded as the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for travel and tourism. And the retention of Gold status is another key indicator of a successful wider sustainability push by Laguna Lang Co.

“Vietnam is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and we are fortunate enough to have one of its most visually stunning sites,” said Adam Calver, Director of Golf and Destination Marketing at Laguna Lang Co. “Our resort can be viewed as an escape to nature and we are determined to do everything in our power to preserve its unique qualities.”

The resort has completely eradicated the use of single-use plastics in almost all aspects of its operations. Laguna Lang Co has finalized the installation of its own water bottling plant to allow the resort to completely eliminate plastic water bottles and utilize reusable glass bottles.

Other key green initiatives at the resort include a tree-planting program aimed at increasing tree cover for local unused land and providing a new income source for underprivileged communities in Lang Co. The species — Melaleuca quinquenervia — is efficient in oil production and brings higher economic returns than traditional indigenous tree varieties.

Additional programs feeding into the EarthCheck accolade include trash collecting activities, sponsorship of underprivileged youths through the resort’s Seedlings Mentorship Program, and sustainability workshops in local communities conducted by Laguna Lang Co Sustainability Officers.

The resort is also focused on its successful “Greater Good Grant” initiative. Launched in 2020, the program offers sustainability projects around Vietnam access to eco grants. With the initiative ongoing, the resort is encouraging applicants to come forward and take advantage of financial support that will help them build a better future.

“To continue to keep EarthCheck Gold Certificate status and achieve a higher EarthCheck certificate in the future, we need to work hard and pay more attention to protect the environment and community,” added Calver. “We are passionate about being an industry-leader for sustainability here in Vietnam. We need to deliver a clean, safe, prosperous, and healthy destination for travellers to visit, live, work, and play at our resort.”

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News