Global Travel News

Accor Hotels Adds Mercure Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie to its Portfolio in Malaysia

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Accor Hotels Adds Mercure Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie to its Portfolio in Malaysia - TRAVELINDEXKuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 18, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Located in the Selangor state of Malaysia, Mercure Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie launches in Shah Alam, Kuala Lumpur, under one of Accor group’s most celebrated midscale brands.

Accor has teamed up with Paramount Corporation to bring this newly built property to life. Conveniently located in the new integrated development of Utropolis Glenmarie, the hotel is just walking distance from the international university and surrounding F&B outlets, within a residential and industrial enclave where top international companies have their corporate offices. Mercure Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie is only minutes away by car to Sunway Lagoon, Sunway Pyramid shopping complex and Shah Alam Stadium. It is also easily accessible within a 40-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport via Elite Highway and 15 minutes away from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport Subang via Federal Highway.

Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer, Accor Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea said, “We are thrilled to introduce Mercure Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie, a significant addition to our midscale brand portfolio in Malaysia, joining the global Mercure network with more than 810 hotels in over 60 countries. This property is a perfect setting for residents and visitors to explore the local scene and enjoy business, leisure, and gourmet activities thanks to the authentic experiences that the property will contribute to the city.”

The 229 modern and contemporary rooms come in various categories, including superior, deluxe, privilege, and executive suite. All rooms are equipped with 55’ Smart LED TV, bathroom with rain shower and high speed Wifi. Paintings by a local artist adorn the walls in each room, conveying a story of local residents’ daily lives.

When it comes to convenience, Mercure Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie has guests covered with its hotel facilities. Unwind and relax after a busy day at Pool Bar Urban@13, organise exciting private events at the rooftop, which caters up to 30 guests, take a dip in the pool or work out in the fitness centre. Five pillarless and well-equipped function rooms with natural lighting, high-speed wifi and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment can host up to 140 persons for meetings, weddings and various events.

Enjoy fresh and locally sourced cuisine at Warna, the all-day dining restaurant, where scrumptious a la carte dishes are served, featuring local delicacies and full American buffet breakfast. Local desserts such as kuih-muih (local cakes) uniquely served in a food truck can also be enjoyed in this colourful restaurant.

“We are enthusiastic to welcome guests to experience Mercure Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie, the first international business hotel within Glenmarie that offers locally inspired experiences to business and leisure travellers alike,” said Ramesh Singh, General Manager of Mercure Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie.

Mercure Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie lives up to the group’s commitment to eliminate all single-use plastics from every touchpoint of the guest experience in all areas of the hotel, strengthening efforts to reducing environmental impact and to combat plastic pollution.

Guests can also benefit from Accor’s loyalty programme ALL – Accor Live Limitless, a daily lifestyle companion. ALL harnesses and enhances the brands, services and partnerships offered within Accor’s ecosystem, delivering meaningful experiences and rewards to its most engaged customers while enabling them to work live, and play, far beyond their stay, at home and around the world.

To celebrate the opening of the hotel, guests can enjoy special opening rates from RM 220+ per night, including breakfast for one and complimentary car park.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sakura Quality Announced as GSTC-Recognized Standard

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Sakura Quality Announced as GSTC-Recognized Standard - DISCOVERJAPAN.org - TRAVELINDEXKyoto, Japan, April 15, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The Global Sustainable Tourism Council is pleased to announce that ‘Sakura Quality An ESG Practice Standard’ for hotels and ryokans in Japan has achieved ‘GSTC-Recognized Standard’ status.

In Japan, particular qualities are associated with different flowers, and the quality associated with Sakura, the cherry blossom, is “spiritual beauty.” Sakura Quality began research in April 2011 and is currently working with 26 DMOs across Japan as a quality certification system that certifies quality together with DMOs across Japan (as of April 2022) and has adopted over 2,000 criteria for lodging facilities.

The ‘Sakura Quality An ESG Practice Standard’ for hotels and ryokans in Japan consists of 172 items: 117 environment-related items, 17 social-related items, and 38 business-related items.

The GSTC-Recognized status refers to the standard itself, indicating that a sustainable tourism standard or system has been reviewed by GSTC technical experts and the GSTC Assurance Panel and deemed the standard or system equivalent to the GSTC Criteria for sustainable tourism. It shows that the set of standards is based on the four pillars of the GSTC Criteria: Sustainable Management, Socioeconomic, Cultural, and Environmental principles. GSTC Recognition does not relate to the process of certification or accreditation.

“Sakura Quality has been conducting quality inspections of lodging facilities based on the Sakura Quality Standards that consist of items related to providing safe, secure, and honest services. In addition to providing safe, secure, and honest services, the ‘ESG Practice Standard’ consists of 172 criteria, including measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. This is an attempt to certify and disseminate information on SDG initiatives in Japan,” said Mr. Takeshi Kitamura, Sakura Quality CEO.

“The use of the GSTC Criteria and framework is increasing in Japan, and we are pleased to see that Sakura Quality is joining and supporting those efforts with a GSTC-compliant approach and gaining GSTC Recognition of their standard,” said Randy Durband, GSTC CEO.

Currently, 11 destination standards, 34 hotel standards, and 15 tour operator standards have achieved GSTC-Recognized status. The status offers the market proof that these standards adhere to international norms. GSTC Recognition does not ensure that a certification process is reliable, only that the set of standards used to certify are equivalent to the GSTC Criteria. GSTC-Recognized standard owners are encouraged to follow and complete the accreditation process, which assures that the certification process used to apply the standard meets international best practice, transparency, and rigor. A list of GSTC-Accredited certification bodies is available here.

About the GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are two sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, and Industry Criteria for hotels and tour operators. These are the guiding principles and minimum requirements that any tourism business or destination should aspire to reach in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources, while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for conservation and poverty alleviation.

The GSTC Criteria form the foundation for Accreditation of Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services; GSTC provides an accreditation program through its partner Assurance Services International to accredit Certification Bodies. The GSTC is an independent and neutral USA-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, NGO’s, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism.

About Sakura Quality
Sakura Quality is a joint quality certification system between Tourism Quality Assurance Association (TQAA), tourism regions, and DMOs in partnership with TQAA. It is a quality certification system that defines “safety, security, and sincerity” as “quality” that is required of accommodation facilities and reflects customer needs. TQAA manages the standards, manages the logo mark, conducts surveys and research on customer needs, trains surveyors, is the certification body, and operates “third-party committees” consisting of members who are neutral, objective, and highly knowledgeable, to support quality certification systems by DMOs and other organizations.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Italian Golf Property Rebranded as Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort

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Italian Golf Property Rebranded as Argentario Golf and Wellness Resort - TOP25GOLFCOURSES.com - TRAVELINDEXTuscany, Italy, April 15, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / One of Italy’s most luxurious golf properties has been rebranded the Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort to reflect more accurately the importance the Resort places on the wellbeing, both mental and physical, of its guests.

Whilst the Resort, formerly known as the Argentario Golf Resort & Spa, is well known for the quality of its championship golf course, the property now wants to highlight its wide range of on-site services and amenities that help promote a healthy body and mind through good diet and regular exercise whilst at the same time relaxing in the stylish, well-appointed hotel that is set in the midst of 77 hectares of natural Mediterranean terrain.

The Resort’s extensive, well-equipped 2,700 m² spa boasts a fitness centre with Technogym equipment, bio-sauna with chromotherapy, Kneipp circuit, heated indoor swimming pool with saline water, six massage cabins and tanning showers in which to tone and indulge whilst the Espace Wellness Centre focuses on relaxation and pampering with its many massage and treatment rooms.

At the heart of the Espace Wellness Centre is the MediSpa where a team of professionals that specialize in nutrition and naturopathy, coordinated by respected Italian nutritionist and biologist, Dr Luca Naitana, to offer guests the opportunity to regenerate and rejuvenate both body and soul. Here The Wellbeing Method, a new concept of wellness centres on reaching a balanced and healthy physical and mental state. It involves food re-education and exclusive treatments designed to achieve desired weight, shape and physical-mental wellness, and to maintain these long term.

For those who like to combine wellbeing with exercise, fitness sessions can be undertaken with the in-house Personal Trainer in the gym or at the outdoor fitness station, complemented by further activity on the tennis and padel courts, mini football pitch and jogging paths around the property.

Alongside its wellness proposition, Argentario is home to one of Italy’s finest golf layouts that was inaugurated in 2006 and designed by architect, David Mezzacane, and professional golfer, Baldovino Dassù. Awarded PGA National Italy status by The PGA (UK) in 2019, the golf course overlooks the picturesque Orbetello Lagoon and the Tyrrenhian Sea. The 6,218 metre, par 71 track meanders through ancient cork-oak woods on the front nine and amongst established olive groves coming home with stunning views over the landscape from almost every hole.

The Argentario Golf Academy features complimentary practice areas for chipping and putting, a host of driving bays as well as TrackMan IIIe simulator, a state-of-the-art platform for analyzing the golf swing, whether you are a high handicapper or beginner.

And thanks to the microclimate enjoyed by the course’s location on the Monte Argentario promontory in the Maremma region of south west Tuscany, golf can be played all year round.

Off the course, guests can treat themselves to the gastronomic delights of local chef, Emiliano Lombardelli, in the stylish Dama Dama Restaurant, named after the fallow deer that occasionally roam the Resort, whilst for a more informal experience, there is healthy Mediterranean fare with Tuscan influences available in the Club House Restaurant overlooking the 18th green. Both restaurants focus on the flavours and colours of the Maremma with healthy dishes using organic produce from small, carefully-selected local farms and, at certain times of the year, directly from the hotel’s vegetable garden and orchard.

The hotel itself offers a mesmerizing combination of old-world, retro glamour and seductive Tuscan charm set against a backdrop of modern design, state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional service.

Its majestic, high-ceilinged entrance, a dramatic central spiral stairway and gigantic windows are in stunning contrast to the intense blue Tuscan sky and Mediterranean landscapes whilst the 73 rooms and suites, all with private decked terraces, offer sleek, contemporary interiors that are beautifully curated by Milan-based Andrea Fogli.

Argentario is just 90 minutes by car from Rome Fiumicino Airport whilst Siena is just an hour and 15 minutes away and Florence a two-hour drive.

Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort
The five star Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort, located in the Maremma region of Tuscany, is an ideal destination for those looking for relaxing holiday that combines golf, wellness and gastronomy.

Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the Monte Argentario promontory, the resort is home to an eco-friendly golf course that meanders through cork-oak woods and olive groves. In 2019 it was awarded the status of PGA National Italy by The PGA, the only course in Italy to achieve the accolade.

The five-star hotel is a triumph of design and comfort throughout; a majestic entrance, a dramatic central stairway and huge windows are in stunning contrast to the intense blue Tuscan sky and Mediterranean landscapes whilst the 73 rooms and suites offer sleek, modern interiors that are beautifully appointed, all with private decked terraces.

The Resort also offers a comprehensive spa and wellness centre and a range of sporting activities whilst the Dama Dama Restaurant and Club House Restaurant serve delicious, healthy local cuisine prepared from locally-sourced produce.

Nearby the Argentario Golf Villas, exclusive bespoke luxury villas, boast ground-breaking design and views of the lagoon, sea and golf course that blend seamlessly into the landscape. Owners benefit from a range of amenities and services offered by Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort, including 24-hour security, property management and a rental programme.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

La Vie Hotels Announces Opening of Quality Resort and Spa Patong Beach

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La Vie Hotels Announces Opening of Quality Resort and Spa Patong Beach - HOTELWORLDS.com - TRAVELINDEXPhuket, Thailand, April 15, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / La Vie Hotels and Resorts is thrilled to be officially opening Quality Resort and Spa Patong Beach, alongside key franchise partners, Choice Hotels. The hotel opened to a crowd of almost 250 dignitaries, industry partners, celebrities, media alongside the CEO of La Vie Hotels & Resorts, Jerry Xu, Managing Director, Craig Bond, hotel owner Mr Amardeep Singh Khanijow and Anthony Stanley, Director of Performance & Revenue Management from Choice Hotels.

The opening of Quality Resort and Spa Patong Beach is the third property for La Vie in Phuket and represents the group’s commitment to growing in the region and investment in talent. The group recently expanded its Bangkok regional head office and continues to build its pipeline of hotels in South East Asia.

Located in the heart of Patong Beach, Phuket, Quality Resort and Spa has undergone a complete refurbishment of all its guestrooms, facilities and public areas, and is guaranteed to be a leading hotel of choice for international travellers heading back to the famed tourist island.

Boasting a prime beach-side location, Quality Resort and Spa Patong Beach features 88 rooms, 12 of which are poolside, surrounded by lush tropical gardens. It is an ideal destination for those wishing to enjoy in Patong’s vibrant atmosphere while also relaxing in a tranquil haven. Guests can also explore Patong Beach and its myriad of activities just steps from their room. The resort offers several dining options for guests, including Saffron, a Thai – Indian themed all day dining Restaurant, a Pool Bar, and James & Joyce – a lively Irish Pub.

Mr Amardeep Singh Khanijow, owner of Quality Resort and Spa Patong Beach said he is thrilled to be welcoming guests to the new property, and back to Phuket. “I remember as a child fighting my way through the jungles of Patong Hill to get to Patong Beach. I travelled early in my career and, having started one of my earliest businesses in Patong, this area has always held my imagination.”

“I have taken the time during the pandemic to consider what guests coming back to Phuket will want in a post-COVID era and partnering with an international hotel chain like Choice Hotels will position us perfectly to serve our guests as tourism returns. I can’t wait to share my pride and vision as Phuket welcomes visitors.”

Mr Jerry Xu, CEO of La Vie Hotels & Resorts said: “As a master franchisor for Choice Hotels in the region, La Vie Hotels & Resorts plans to grow the Choice Hotels portfolio in select markets throughout Asia-Pacific over the next several years, and Quality Resort and Spa Patong Beach Phuket will set the standard for many more to come.”

Mr Jerry Xu continued “We are thrilled to be opening this hotel, right in the heart of Patong Beach and we’re confident that, as international tourism returns, travellers will be drawn to the property, not only for its location and its facilities, but because they have the peace of mind, knowing they have an internationally recognised hotel chain ensuring safety and hygiene protocols are held to the highest standard.”

“La Vie Hotels & Resorts pipeline of hotels in South East Asia is very strong and we have some very exciting announcements which we will soon be making and we look forward to a big year of growth ahead”.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

FLOWER POWER: Once-a-decade Floriade in bloom again

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Heralding the advent of spring, thousands of tulips are in bloom this week in the Netherlands to welcome visitors to the opening of the once-a-decade horticultural exhibition “Floriade.”

This year’s edition aims to showcase horticultural innovations that can make urban areas more sustainable and healthier as people around the world increasingly shift to cities.

A new university building on the 60-hectare site on the edge of Almere, a modern city close to Amsterdam, has plants growing from one of its walls, while an apartment block is decked out in huge prints of flowers. It towers over a newly built cable car and a Corten steel sculpture of two human figures made up of tens of thousands of bees.

Sculptor Florentijn Hofman says he is sending a message about protecting biodiversity. “The work is about the relationship between bees and humanity, about connection. It’s about equilibrium and a respectful relationship between humans and animals and our complex interrelationship with nature,” he said.

Even the site itself highlights Dutch technical knowhow – it is built on land reclaimed from the sea decades ago. And amid a Dutch affordable housing crisis, the Floriade terrain is envisaged to become a new urban area of 3,000 homes after the expo ends on Oct. 9.

Dutch King Willem-Alexander opened the event Wednesday. It expects to welcome 2 million visitors as the displays shift through the seasons, from springtime to summer and autumn.

The legacy will be “a very, very green living area, a living arboretum,” said Annemarie Jorritsma, a senior Dutch representative at the show. “People are going to live within the nature. And I think it will be a wonderful experience to be able to live here.”

Previous Floriades have been about building parks, while this edition is about building a city, says architect Winy Maas, who designed the layout.

“For the first time, this is a Floriade that can become a neighbourhood,” he said.

More than 25 nations are presenting sustainable ideas during this year’s show under the theme “Growing Green Cities.” The Netherlands, a world leader in horticulture, has a one-hectare greenhouse where farmers are showing off their newest innovations.

Other countries are blending old and new in their national pavilions – from Qatar’s 3D-printed buildings shaped like age-old pigeon towers to China showcasing new uses for bamboo, a traditional building material.

“What I like very much is that China has taken the trouble to do not something traditional, but to use a traditional material – bamboo – for a very modern developments,” said Jorritsma.

“So, you also can see that… in China, people are now thinking about what are we doing? How can we change our use of the materials we already have and use them in a very modern way?” she added.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Easter Festivities in Southeast Asia

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Songkran Special Dim Sum at Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant - TRAVELINDEXWhile Easter is a traditional holiday and poignant Christian occasion around the world, it’s not so well known in Southeast Asia. But that hasn’t hindered a couple of innovative hotels from throwing on some fun-filled activities to remind guests about this most egg-citing of festivals.

Create Your Own Chocolate Egg in Phnom Penh

Specially for younger guests and locals, Raffles Hotel Le Royal is rolling out a chocolate egg-making class on Saturday, 16 April, at Le Phnom 1929 restaurant from 3pm – 5pm. It’s US$25 per child, and $30 for adults who will also be served free-flow wines and signature cocktails. Yum yum! And on Easter Sunday, 17 April, everyone is invited to the hotel’s iconic Swim n’ Brunch event by the poolside. From $55 per head, this 11am – 3pm day of fun and festivity includes BBQ, seafood towers, cocktails, Champagne, and an Easter Egg Hunt for kids. Best to book either day’s event in advance: call +855 23 981 888

A Lavish Easter Sunday Brunch in Hanoi

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi will set out a lavish spread for their Easter Sunday Brunch on April 17 served at A Wonderland by Le Beaulieu (the temporary home for Le Beaulieu in the hotel’s Spice’s Garden while the famed French fine dining restaurant undergoes renovations). The brunch will include a range of starters, cold fish, seafood, salads, cold cuts, soups, carving station, live cooking station, cheese selection, Vietnamese corner, desserts and more. The Easter Brunch is priced at VND 2,300,000++ per person (around $100), and there will also be a special egg hunt for children. For more information or to make a reservation, please contact the hotel’s food and beverage department at Tel: 024 3826 6919 ext. 8200

 

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Songkran Special Dim Sum at Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant

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Songkran Special Dim Sum at Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant - TRAVELINDEXWah Lok Cantonese Restaurant at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit celebrates Songkran Festival with new special Dim Sum.

Steamed Minced Shrimp and Pork Dumplings topped with Abalone. This Wah Lok signature dim sum is juicy, chewy and bursting with fresh flavours from the shrimp-pork duo. Topped with abalone for that perfect finish.

Available only from 13-15 April during lunch time

Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant
Level 2, Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit
Lunch: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Dinner: 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm

For more information or reservations, please contact us at 02 090 7888

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO and Italy Set Stage for Global Youth Tourism Summit

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UNWTO and Italy Set Stage for Global Youth Tourism Summit - TRAVELINDEXSorrento, Italy, April 14, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has announced more details of the upcoming Global Youth Tourism Summit, set to be held in Sorrento, Italy, from 27 June to 3 July.

The Summit, organized by UNWTO in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Tourism and the Italian National Tourist Board, will provide a unique opportunity for young people aged between 12 and 18 to share their vision for the future of the sector. For one week, 100 young delegates will network with and work alongside politicians, leading figures from across the tourism sector as well as from the worlds of entertainment and sports.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

Against the backdrop of the BIT travel trade show in Milan, UNWTO Director for Europe Alessandra Priante joined representatives of the project partners to share more details of the landmark Summit. The inaugural event will be held around the theme of International Sustainable Tourism. The program will include interactive activities oriented towards the Sustainable Development Goals and how they interact with tourism, during which participants will learn how to build a sector that combines sustainability, culture, gastronomy, innovation and climate action.

Empowering the next generation

The Global Youth Tourism Summit is a unique platform to celebrate and empower the next generation of tourism leaders

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “The Global Youth Tourism Summit is a unique platform to celebrate and empower the next generation of tourism leaders. It will help build a lasting legacy by providing young people with the skills and knowledge they need to transform tourism not only in their communities but everywhere.” UNWTO Director for Europe Professor Priante added: “Tourism offers opportunities to the youth. But youth gives tourism the opportunity to become stronger and more resilient. We are extremely proud of the first generation of GYST-ers, who already show their promise and commitment to transform tourism – starting from their local communities.”

High-level participation

In Milan, the organizers confirmed that several Italian Ministries will be involved (education, foreign, south), as will a number of key UN institutions, including FAO, UNICEF and ITU. The Summit will bring together major international players convened by UNWTO, including the Global Tourism Economy Research Center of Macao, the Bella Vista Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland, the Azerbaijan National Tourism Agency, Hilton International, Mastercard Europe and MSC Crociere. Confirmed institutional guests will include Commissioner Gabriel, the UN’s ENVOY for YOUTH Jayathma Wickramanayake, some of the UNWTO Ambassadors for Responsible Tourism Valeria Mazza, Didier Drogba, Gino Sorbillo and many other international VIPs and influencers.

Hosts anticipate ‘unique experience’

“A moment of osmosis between past, present and future can only benefit Italy which is being reorganized and reborn. We believe in the contribution and enthusiasm of the generations of tomorrow, not only for the lessons they can teach us and for the necessary comparison of what will come next, but also because new opportunities arise from this dialogue, not only in terms of tourist offerings, but also in terms of tourist training,” says Enit President Giorgio Palmucci.

Felice Casucci, Councillor for Tourism of the Campania Region adds: “The institutional chain must be compact at a time when it is necessary to have a broad vision and focus on young people for a great international message of peace. Sorrento is a unique opportunity to put together a highly recognized tourist destination with a narrative that is open to the territorial contexts and regional identity values among the most exclusive and attractive in the world.”

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

The Mayor of Sorrento, Massimo Coppola says: “Our city is honored to host the first edition of Global Youth Tourism. The objective of the event is to bring participants, selected and from all over the world, to live a unique experience, promoting the comparison and ensure that the new generations can pursue the mission of environmental sustainability. To animate it will be young people aged between 12 and 18 years, who will confront themselves and contribute to the definition of the World Tourism Agenda 2030.”

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The Most Exclusive Golf Course in America to Open in November

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The Most Exclusive Golf Course in America to Open in November - TOP25GOLFCOURSES.com - TRAVELINDEXRancho Mirage, California, United States, April 14, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Sensei Porcupine Creek Resort is Larry Ellison’s private golf retreat and one of the biggest new hotel opening of 2022. Porcupine Creek was originally established in 1998 at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains by power couple Tim and Edra Blixseth. The property and course is part of a 230 acres private estate that for about the past decade has been owned by a more famous billionaire, Oracle founder Larry Ellison. Sensei Porcupine Creek Resort is set against the majestic backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains, this 230-acre desert retreat integrates minimalist stone architecture with vibrant landscapes, centering you in the natural beauty of Rancho Mirage within the storied Greater Palm Springs area.

• Discover the World’s Most Exclusive Golf Courses at TOP25 Golf Courses.

Honoring its heritage as a private estate, Sensei Porcupine Creek invites you into an intimate environment that features lush spa gardens, world-class golf and tennis facilities and dining by Nobu, exclusively available to retreat guests. Led by science, guided by technology, and supported by an integrated team of highly trained Sensei Guides, Wellness Practitioners and sports professionals, Sensei aims to meet you precisely where you are on your lifelong wellbeing journey. Whether your goal is to focus on overall wellness in a rejuvenating environment or to achieve peak sports performance, an enriching stay at Sensei Porcupine Creek is designed to match your experience with your personal intentions.

The resort offers 22 luxuriously appointed accommodations ranging from several conveniently located Estate House rooms, spacious Santa Rosa rooms and freestanding private villas. The ten Estate Rooms are crafted with the intention of erasing the boundaries between an inviting indoor sanctuary and a natural desert oasis. Meanwhile, four Santa Rosa Rooms gathered around a private courtyard offer a quiet respite with individual garden patios and heated spas. Eight standalone Villas offer a personal haven for privacy, set along the resort’s sprawling golf course and integrated into the natural environment. Each Villa features either two or four bedrooms and is equipped with a state-of-the-art kitchen, open-concept living and dining room, and adjacent outdoor porch.

The beauty of the natural landscape welcomes you from the moment you arrive at Sensei Porcupine Creek, just minutes from Palm Springs. A procession of pristine palms invites you to explore the emerald-green fairways and lush gardens. The Estate House anchors this oasis, which offers 22 luxurious accommodations including intimate Estate Rooms as well as adjacent Santa Rosa Rooms and private Villas. The retreat features a state-of-the-art Diagnostic Center, Yoga and Fitness Pavilions, a relaxing swimming pool and the culinary delight of Sensei by Nobu.

• Discover the World’s Most Exclusive Golf Courses at TOP25 Golf Courses.

Open to guests ages 16 and older, our resort enhances self-discovery with luxurious accommodations, exquisite dining, expansive gardens, celebrated artwork, and premier wellness facilities.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Rooted in Mindfulness JW Marriott Launches Garden Collaboration with Lily Kwong

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JW Marriott Orlando Bonnett Creek Resort & Spa with Lily Kwong - HERO Image - 3.10.22.jpg
Lily Kwong and JW Garden Installation at JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa

JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announces the debut of three herb gardens envisioned and planted by renowned landscape designer Lily Kwong as part of the brand’s JW Garden program. Kwong, whose reverence for nature comes to life through her breathtaking botanical installations, is the founder of Studio Lily Kwong, a next-generation landscape design studio with a mission to reconnect people to nature. JW Marriott is guided by similar principles, with a commitment to mindfulness that allows guests to be present in mind, nourished in body and revitalized in spirit – pillars that directly align to the JW Garden experience. Kwong’s JW Garden projects are currently growing at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa; JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa; and JW Marriott Essex House New York.

Rooted in Marriott family tradition, the JW Garden is inspired by founder J. Willard Marriott who took daily nature walks, as well as his wife Alice, who grew fruits, vegetables and herbs for her legendary Sunday night dinners. Today, JW Marriott hotels around the world grow fresh produce and herbs in their own JW Garden, which are used in recipes, cocktails, oils and more.

“There is a synergy that exists between JW Marriott’s point of view on well-being and Lily Kwong’s passion for bringing people back to nature,” said Bruce Rohr, Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott. “Our JW Garden program invites guests to enjoy serene spaces and find balance while staying with us – the garden instantly acts as a respite for the mind and spirit and later nourishes the body through its gifts. Lily is further elevating the JW Garden experience and we cannot wait for guests to enjoy her vision.”

THE JW GARDEN INTERPRETED BY LILY KWONG
Studio Lily Kwong incorporated sustainable practices in each JW Garden including the use of repurposed, low-emission materials such as stucco; water-conserving techniques such as drip irrigation and mulching; and the omission of spray pesticides and fungicides common in commercial gardens. In addition to the gardens she has planted, Kwong’s expertise will be shared through a JW Garden Toolkit, which will be shared with other JW Garden projects around the world.

Providing a thoughtful, multi-sensory experience, while also supporting the hotel’s culinary programs, Kwong and her team centered each JW Garden around aromatic herbs. A signature herb was chosen for each to be harvested and used throughout the guest experience – from garnishes and butters in the kitchens to oils and scrubs at the spas. This was the first time Studio Lily Kwong has built gardens with herbs at their core and the result is a trio of traditional kitchen gardens with a twist, blending mindful moments such as a meditative pathway through olive trees at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa and Shou Sugi Ban benches inside the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa. To further honor the collaboration and tie back to the mission of the JW Garden program, JW Marriott will donate to one of Lily’s favorite charitable organizations in each destination.

“An herb garden is a beautiful portal to reconnect us back to the land and our senses,” said Lily Kwong. “Our JW Garden projects were designed to honor traditional kitchen gardens, but Studio Lily Kwong’s artistic approach to plant life adds unique and unexpected dimensions to each project. We are thrilled that JW Marriott guests will not only enjoy our gardens’ beauty, but also their bounty. Our greatest aspiration is that our work might inspire some guests to go home and grow their very own herb garden.”

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Description: Inspired by the diverse landscape of the California desert, Kwong and her team used native plants and edible herbs chosen for their therapeutic properties. With organically shaped garden beds that morph into hidden seating, the garden features peaceful walking paths and shade trees to mitigate the desert heat, inviting guests to rest and reflect. The garden also features a planting palette of endemic sages, desert marigold, milkweed and wildflowers to provide habitat and ecosystem support to fauna and insects.

Signature Herb: Sage

Also Growing: Rosemary, Prickly Pear, Olive Trees

Charitable Partner: Mojave Desert Land Trust, an organization whose mission is to protect the Mojave Desert ecosystem and its scenic and cultural resource values. The donation will provide fourteen growing benches for a shade house, education signage and support the growth of 1,200 plants annually.

JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa

Description: In addition to drawing inspiration from the legacy of citrus in Orlando agriculture, Kwong and her team chose herbs with strong aromatic power as scent has a direct route to the limbic system – a direct connection to emotion and memory. It is Kwong’s hope that the garden – with its inviting seating and calming vignettes – will help embed joyful memories for guests.

Signature Herb: Rosemary

Also Growing: Thyme, Lavender, Chives, Oregano, Mint, Marjoram, Orange, Kumquat, Tangerine, Meyer Lemon

Charitable Partner: Orlando City Foundation, an organization that brings soccer to under-served communities by investing in safe places to play, urban gardens and access to healthy food choices. Two new school gardens will be built as a result of the donation, with produce going to the community.

JW Marriott Essex House New York

Description: Inspired by the hotel’s exquisite Art Deco roots, Kwong and her team created a terrarium that serves as both a botanical art piece and sets a new standard for an indoor edible garden. Sitting in the hotel’s grand lobby, the garden takes cues from the design of Central Park – which can be seen through adjacent windows – and renowned landscape architect Frank Law Olmstead. It sits inside a custom-designed millinery cabinet with nods to the design of the hotel’s facade and interiors, created by a master fabricator (Līmen

Studio) using an ancient Japanese Shou Sugi Ban process.

Signature Herb: Mint

Also Growing: Lavender, Thyme, Rosemary, Marjoram, Chives, Oregano

Charitable Partner: GrowNYC’s Greening program, which has been building and supporting community gardens, urban farms and other open space projects across New York City since 1975. The resulting donation will support their one-acre Teaching Garden on Governors Island, a popular field trip destination giving NYC students an opportunity to plant, water, harvest, and cook fruits, vegetables and herbs.

THE GIFT OF GREEN
Both Lily and JW Marriott hope the JW Garden inspires guests to plant a garden of their own and have created an Herb Garden Kit Curated by Studio Lily Kwong for JW Marriott featuring: Halden Garden heirloom Thyme, Mint and Oregano seeds; Kanso planters made of upcycled rice husk, bamboo fiber and wheat husk waste; JW Marriott chef-crafted recipe cards; and a journal collaboration with poet Mia Moretti. Studio Lily Kwong chose these powerful herbs as they grow perennially, meaning when transplanted into the ground, they will grow back every season for an endless bounty. The Herb Garden Kit is available through Curated by JW on Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques, a collection of online retail stores selling exclusive bed, bedding, fragrance, and other bespoke items from a number of the leading hospitality company’s 30 extraordinary hotel brands.

For more information or to book a visit to a JW Marriott, please visit www.jwmarriott.com or follow along @jwmarriotthotels. To learn more about Lily Kwong, visit @lilykwong.

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. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

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. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com

About Studio Lily Kwong
Lily Kwong is a next-generation landscape designer with roots in the urban planning and art worlds whose mission is to reconnect people to nature. Lily specializes in creating transformative environments that combine horticulture, design, education and visual arts to create cultural experiences that harmonize people with their environment. Studio Lily Kwong’s botanical art installations have been featured on The High Line, Grand Central Station’s iconic Vanderbilt Hall, The Whitney Museum and more. For more information, visit studiolilykwong.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Parool Shah, Vice President l Global Brand Public Relations
Marriott International, Inc.
Parool.Shah@marriott.com

Derek Kokinda, Manager, Global Communications
Marriott International, Inc.
Derek.Kokinda@marriottluxurybrands.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News