Global Travel News

Meliá Phuket Mai Khao Appoints Nattinee McMillan as DOSM

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Meliá Phuket Mai Khao Appoints Nattinee McMillan as DOSM - TRAVELINDEXPhuket, Thailand, March 21, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX /  Nattinee McMillan, a talented professional with 15 years of hospitality experience in sales, event management and operational roles has been named Meliá Phuket Mai Khao’s director of sales and marketing.

The Thai national joins the 30-suite and 70-villa resort, that opened in December on eight acres of Phuket’s northwestern coastline on the Andaman Sea, after working as the director of sales at Dream Phuket Hotel and Spa, another five-star resort on the island, where she also assisted with hotel operations.

She started her hospitality career in 2006 with the banquet department at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, and quickly rose through the ranks to become an event manager, communicating with guests and across hotel departments to bring together weddings and MICE events.

After completing her Master of Business Administration in hospitality and tourism management at Prince of Songkla University 2015, she moved to COMO Point Yamu as the sales and event manager, handling sales enquiries, planning and delivering weddings and undertaking regular evening stints as the manager on duty.

In her role at Meliá Phuket Mai Khao, she has implemented a sales and marketing strategy for the resort’s debut, as well as put a team together to achieve sales and growth targets and build brand confidence and business relationships.

“Nattinee is an all-rounder who excels at everything she puts her mind to,” Meliá Phuket Mai Khao’s general manager Magdalena Martorell said. “Her proactive leadership style, excellent communication and negotiation skills, and rich experience in Phuket’s luxury hospitality landscape place Nattinee in excellent stead for her new role to propel our resort into 2022 as Thailand reopens up to the world.”

Meliá Phuket Mai Khao recently unveiled a host of facilities including Mediterranean-inspired accommodations, four dining outlets, a five-treatment-room spa, three swimming pools, a fully-equipped fitness center, kids’ club, ballroom and two multi-function rooms. Of the 70 villas with private plunge pools, 15 “wellness villas” feature an open-air Vitamin C shower, ultrasonic essential oil diffuser, GermGuardian air purifier, fit ball, yoga mat and more.

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

 About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International operates more than 380 hotels (portfolio and pipeline) throughout more than 40 countries, under the brands Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Paradisus by Meliá, ME by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, INNSiDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá and TRYP by Wyndham. The Group is one of the leading companies in resort hotels worldwide, while also leveraging its experience to consolidate the growing segment of the leisure-inspired urban market. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led the Group to become the most sustainable hotel company in Spain and Europe in 2020, according to the SAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). It also has ranked seventh in the Wall Street Journal’s list of the 100 most sustainably managed companies in the world (and the leading travel company) and is the only Spanish travel company included in the list of “Europe’s Climate Leaders 2021” by Financial Times. Meliá Hotels International is also included in the IBEX 35 Spanish stock market index and it is the Spanish hotel leader in Corporate Reputation (Merco Ranking).

About Phuket Villa Group
Founded in 1989 in Phuket (Thailand), Phuket Villa Corporation, together with its affiliates, has constructed over 7,000 houses and condominium units all over Phuket and Bangkok. As one of the first developers in Phuket to include a wide range of lifestyle facilities within its developments, such as tennis courts and swimming pools, the Group offers detached homes, townhouses and commercial buildings, catering to the growing local real estate market. In addition, the Group also has two hotels under its banner, offering more than 300 rooms to tourists and business travellers, mirroring Phuket’s steady growth as a premier tourist destination of Thailand. Over the years, Phuket Villa Corporation continues to re-invent itself to cater to an increasingly diverse customer base in a more competitive landscape.

 

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Raffles Le Royal Voted No 1 Hotel in Cambodia

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Raffles Le Royal Voted No 1 Hotel in Cambodia - TOP25HOTELS.com - TRAVELINDEXPhnom Penh, Cambodia, March 21, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Raffles Le Royal has been voted “Best Hotel in Cambodia” by the readers of the prestigious DestinAsian.

• Discover Cambodia and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

The historical and iconic hotel, a “must-visit” for many a traveler to Phnom Penh, beat out stiff competition to scoop the award in the magazine’s annual poll.

“Originally opened in 1929, Phnom Penh’s Grande Dame is more inviting than ever thanks to a recent restoration project,” said the editorial. “Parisian-style all-day brasserie Le Phnom 1929 is a new addition to the culinary lineup, while the legendary Elephant Bar remains a popular haunt for afternoon tea and happy-hour cocktails.”

Each of the 175 rooms and suites at Raffles Hotel Le Royal underwent a full refurbishment as part of a meticulous one-year restoration project in 2019. Returning guests will immediately notice lighter and brighter interiors, accentuated by spotlights. Segafredo coffee machines, USB charging stations, and Simmons pillow-top mattresses are among the new features that add modern appeal. Traditionalists will be relieved to hear that the heart and soul of this vintage landmark hotel has been lovingly maintained. The hardwood floors have been polished to a squeak; the ceiling fans still whirl, and the old brass rotary telephones continue to ring.

“We are delighted and honored to receive this vote of confidence after such a challenging period with the pandemic lockdown and a major renovation on our hands,” said the hotel’s new general manager, Dennis de Groot.

• Discover Cambodia and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

ABOUT RAFFLES
Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Villa Nai 3.3 Appoints Maksim Juričić as New General Manager

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Villa Nai 3.3 Appoints Maksim Juričić as New General Manager - TRAVELINDEXDugi Otok, Croatia, March 21, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The luxurious, five-star adult-only hotel, Villa Nai 3.3, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, opened in Summer 2021 on the Croatian island of Dugi Otok, is delighted to announce the appointment of its new General Manager, Maksim Juričić.

Maksim began his career in northern Italy’s finest resort destinations including Lake Garda and Madonna Di Campiglio. He then spent 11 years at the Park Hyatt Milano as a Concierge and Concierge Assistant Manager. In 2008 he became an esteemed member of Les Chefs d’Or and in 2012, he was given the honour of being named as ‘One of the Five Best Concierges in Milan’ by Where Magazine. Maksim continued to develop his knowledge and finesse his skills, in a five-star hotel collection in Ireland before returning to Croatia, from where he originated as a native of the Northern Istria region.

The recent appointment of Maksim as General Manager for Villa Nai 3.3. coincides with the re-opening of the property for the 2022 season. His exemplary customer service skills, combined with his excellent ability to co-ordinate and manage people, will be advantageous for the luxurious and unique property.

“My philosophy is to offer genuine and authentic hospitality without compromising on quality, coincides with the focus of the strong team already in place at Villa Nai 3.3. As a team, I hope that we continue to meet the requirements of our guests through our bespoke and tailor-made service. We will continue to create unique experiences at Villa Nai 3.3. Dugi Otok is a secluded gem of splendid isolation, and the Dalmatian region is an area of immense beauty. It is an ultra-luxurious destination. I was incredibly impressed by Villa Nai 3.3, as well as the overall property, estate, and vision of the owners and look forward to the beginning of the 2022 season as General Manager.” Enthuses Maksim Juričić.

“We are thrilled to have Maksim Juričić as our new General Manager. His forward-thinking approach for Villa Nai 3.3 and passion for the Dalmatian region are admirable. We aim to centre Villa Nai 3.3 as a hub for the Kornati archipelago in 2022 and are in the process of creating bespoke itineraries for our guests to have a more interactive experience with the olive harvest during October. Maksim has been hugely involved in this and I am looking forward to seeing the great work he will do at Villa Nai 3.3.” Delights Goran Morović, Owner of Villa Nai 3.3.

About Villa Nai 3.3
Villa Nai 3.3 opened in Summer 2021 and was designed by renowned Croatian architect Nikola Bašic who drew inspiration from luxurious yachts to create a truly unique concept hotel, which blends seamlessly into the outstanding natural beauty of Croatia’s historic Dugi Otok Island. The exclusive hotel has just eight deluxe rooms and suites for the ultimate comfort and private experience. Villa Nai 3.3 is situated amongst 500-year-old olive groves from which they source the olives used in their multi-award-winning olive oil 3.3. The “liquid gold” is used as a basis in their soothing spa products and treatments and in each of the delectable dishes at their 3.3 Restaurant and Grotta 11000 Restaurant which contain the very best of local produce from surrounding farms, orchards, and waters. Equidistant between Venice and Dubrovnik, guests can expect an experiential, culinary, and wellness journey at Villa Nai 3.3.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

World Congress on Snow and Mountain Tourism returns to Andorra

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World Congress on Snow and Mountain Tourism returns to Andorra - TRAVELINDEX - UNWTO

Andorra la Vella, Andorra, March 21, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The UNWTO 11th World Congress on Snow and Mountain Tourism will take place 23-25 March 2022 in Andorra. The event was postponed in 2020 amidst the global pandemic. When taking the stage this week, it will focus on MOUNTAINLIKERS: A New Approach to the Future.

For more than two decades, the UNWTO and the Principality of Andorra have been working on the development of snow and mountain tourism. The first event took place in 1998, with an intention to establish a permanent forum on the development and sustainability of tourism in mountain areas. The event is held every two years by UNWTO and the Andorran Government in collaboration with the seven Andorran parishes in rotation. The 10th Congress in 2018 attracted 350 participants from 33 countries.

The main objective of the Congress has been providing a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities of the sector and acquiring an overview of successful business models, innovation, the impact of climate change, and tourism marketing. Today the Congress has become an international benchmark for the exchange of knowledge regarding trends, tools, and opportunities for tourism development in mountain areas.

The 11th Congress sessions will cover health and well-being, sustainable consumption, and address innovation and digital transformation. Delegates will explore such topics as A.I. and ICT for the evolution of tourism contributing to sustainability and the environment, and they will discuss the development of responsible and inclusive destinations.

Andorra is nature par excellence. 92% of the surface is natural space, and only 8% is developable. While the country offers authentic experiences in natural settings, preserving the environment and facilitating sustainable tourism is essential to its long-term social and economic well-being. All the discussions, with Andorra being on the backdrop, will be dealing with urgent and severe global issues. There is much anticipation full of the Andorran air, as the country welcomes the Congress to return after four years.

Jordi Torres Falcó, the Andorran Minister of Tourism and Telecommunications extends a warm welcome to the international participants: “It is essential to contribute and cooperate between all the [stakeholders] involved for the recovery of this sector. Thus, having tourism professionals and experts at the Congress guarantees that the issues that will shape the future of mountain tourism will be discussed.”

Haybina Hao reporting for Travelindex from Andorra la Vella.

Haybina is an international travel industry reporter and has been reporting in both Chinese and English. Linkedin

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Work Together and Make Tourism Pillar of Peace, UNWTO to EU Ministers

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Work Together and Make Tourism Pillar of Peace, UNWTO to EU Ministers - EUROPETOURISM.net - DESTINATIONFRANCE.org - TRAVELINDEXE

Dijon, France, March 19, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has been recognized for asserting the values of tourism and promoting the sector as a pillar of peace and recovery. At an informal meeting of EU Tourism Ministers, the French Presidency of the European Council welcomed the leadership of UNWTO and noted the strong unity of the sector in the face of an historic challenge.

Addressing delegates, the UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili warned of the ‘triple threat’ of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the climate emergency and war in Europe. Since the start of the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, UNWTO has added its voice to the strong condemnation of the wider United Nations system and other international bodies. In Dijon, representatives of the French Presidency were joined by Ministers from across the region in commending the unequivocal stance taken by the UNWTO leadership.

Tourism has an active role to play in reasserting our shared values and promoting peace

Tourism as a beacon of peace and hope

Secretary-General Pololikashvili stressed that, in the face of such challenges, “tourism has an active role to play in reasserting our shared values and promoting peace”, adding that it is a role the sector is fulfilling. “Just as we did during the pandemic, we are seeing the best of tourism, and this support will grow in size, scope and power over the days ahead,” he added.

As the Ministers of Tourism of the 27 EU states met in person for the first time since the start of the pandemic, UNWTO also made the case for enhanced cooperation and solidarity. “We are stronger together,” Secretary-General Pololikashvili told the conference, which also featured the participation of European Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton. All of the delegates were urged to recognize the key role that the restart of tourism will play in promoting international solidarity and in providing hope for millions of people in every global region.

Tourism’s Restart Underway

UNWTO has welcomed the steady lifting and easing of the travel restrictions introduced in response to the pandemic. As of 15 March, seven countries around the world have completely lifted their COVID-19 related restrictions, fully in line with the recommendations of UNWTO and the World Health Organization (WHO, and Ministers of the 27 EU member states were urged not lose focus on the challenges still standing in the way of the sector’s recovery.

The UNWTO Secretary-General called on the EU governments to provide tourism with the support it needs to make a difference, while also commending the recovery plans of many EU member states. “Targeted help for tourism will benefit every level of the sector, most notably small and medium-sized businesses and individual workers”, which represent up to 80% of the tourism sector, he said. He also made clear that now is the time for tourism to step up its climate action commitments, with cooperation again cited as the essential foundation for building a more sustainable and resilient sector.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Accor Continues Expansion of Luxury Footprint in Saudi Arabia

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Accor Continues Expansion of Luxury Footprint in Saudi Arabia - TRAVELINDEX - TOURISMSAUDIARABIA.com

Madinah, Saudi Arabia, March 19, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Accor, group with over 420 hotels across India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, continues to expand its luxury footprint in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the signing of its first Sofitel property in the Holy City of Madinah, scheduled to open in 2023. With plans to revamp and rebrand under the Sofitel marque next year, the hotel will continue to operate under white label while it undergoes a comprehensive renovation to position it at the pinnacle of the luxury market in Madinah. Upon completion of the revitalization works, the hotel will stand out as a beacon of modern luxury and French savoir-faire, blending the brand’s unique sense of joie de vivre with the very best of the locale.

• For a comprehensive travel guide on Saudi Arabia, visit TourismSaudiArabia.com

Partnering with Waqf Sheikh Abdul Bari al-Shawi, represented by the principal of Sheikh Hamza al-Shawi, the hotel ownership is part of a joint charitable entity that donates a portion of its annual profit to treat patients in need in Madinah.

“The agreement reinforces and advances the humanitarian message the Waqf stands for. We could not think of a better group to collaborate with than Accor and look forward to a successful partnership in the coming years,” mentioned Sheikh Hamza al-Shawi, Principle and representative of the Waqf.

The hotel boasts a landmark location in the centre of Madinah, a short walk from the northern entrance of the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. The property features 469 keys, including the most luxurious suite in Madinah, two- and three-bedroom suites, three dining outlets, an executive lounge, two meeting rooms and a fitness centre with a gym.

“The hotel is another great addition to our luxury portfolio in the Kingdom and the region overall”, says Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey. “The new Sofitel Madinah is set to become the ultimate choice for travellers, including those partaking in the annual Islamic pilgrimage, that are looking for unparalleled luxurious hospitality while being strategically located, minutes away from key Holy landmarks.”

The signing of this milestone project further strengthens Accor’s already dominant position in the religious markets of Madinah and Makkah, providing guests with an unparalleled and diverse offering when visiting the Holy Cities.

• For a comprehensive travel guide on Saudi Arabia, visit TourismSaudiArabia.com

Accor currently operate 40 properties (14,660 keys) in Saudi Arabia with a pipeline of 42 properties (10,864 keys).

About Accor
Accor is a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,300 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The group has one of the industry’s most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing more than 40 luxury, premium, midscale and economy hotel brands, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more. Accor’s unmatched position in lifestyle hospitality – one of the fastest growing categories in the industry – is led by Ennismore, a joint venture, which Accor holds a majority shareholding. Ennismore is a creative hospitality company with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. Accor boasts an unrivalled portfolio of distinctive brands and approximately 260,000 team members worldwide. Members benefit from the company’s comprehensive loyalty program – ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a daily lifestyle companion that provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. Through its Planet 21 – Acting Here, Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the Group is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

RUNNING FOR WINE

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After a pandemic hiatus, the Marathon du Medoc is back. And registration for this most hedonistic sporting event opens in April. While most marathons are populated by lean, spandex-clad competitors, the Marathon du Medoc is not your typical running event. It’s more like Halloween on steroids, with 8,500 runners in costume following an annual theme set by the organizers. The year I attended was animals. For 2022 runners are to follow a “Cinema” theme.

These are serious costumes, we’re not talking a mere mask!

The marathon is September 10. And there are packages, including the opportunity for non-runners to join a 10k walk on the 11th.

The event starts and ends in Pauillac, which is a 53kms-drive from Bordeaux. We pulled our rental van into a convenience store parking lot on the edge of town. Two adults dressed as bumble bees stepped out of the sleek blue BMW next to us, pulled gossamer wings out of the trunk and stretched after their 1,200-km drive from Germany. He is a banker, she is an economist. They were lean, fit and anxious to buzz off.

Walking to the start line I saw participants painting black and yellow strips on each other’s torsos to finish their bee costumes. Others preened friends’ tails, adjusted wings, utters or ears. There were flamingos, swarms of ladybugs, herds of cattle, Ninja turtles, swans, gorillas, penguins, sheep, pigs, a pair of lobsters from Vancouver and almost 1,001 runners dressed as Dalmatians escaping several Cruella Devilles.

Those who broke the dress code, stuck to a domestic theme, like bakers running with baguettes and bloody-apron-clad butchers waiving cleavers at those dressed as farmyard animals. There were Musketeers, a Napoleon in cutaway green velvet jacket and silk knickers, and a surprising number of men dressed as French maids in various stages of dishabille.

Julia Child’s observation that “In France, cooking is a serious art form and a national sport,” applies to the Marathon du Medoc. In typically French fashion they elevate the act of running into a culinary event. In North America marathoners are parsimoniously offered water and fresh fruit. Here, since they run past 50 chateaux and vineyards (including Chateau Lafitte Rothschild), on a route that has 21 gourmet food stations, runners are offered red or white wine – literally whatever the house specialty – as well as local cheese, oysters, and fresh fois gras served on warm-from-the-oven baguettes. It’s the Aquitaine’s version of fast food.

The marathon starts and finishes in Pauillac a small town on the Gironde River midway between the city of Bordeaux and the Atlantic Ocean and winds through the villages which dot the vineyards of Bordeaux. Citizens move furniture outside to watch the costumed runners squeeze through narrow village streets before heading to the vineyards. Each stop on the route has food and music ranging from jazz to reggae, folk, rock and classical.

For non-runners, this set up is great because you can watch the start from Pauillac’s quayside, wander the town, have a decent lunch, sip the best Bordeaux, then observe participants cartwheel, skip, and dance their way across the finish.

The runner with the best time receives their weight in wine while other top finishers receive crates of wine. Everyone else receives a bottle of marathoner wine.

The evening before the marathon there is a carb-loading, wine-paired pasta dinner for 1,500 participants which this year is at the Chateau Pedesclaux. The Chateau will also offer lunch to 1,500 of Sunday’s walkers.

This is a marathon which has equal appeal for runner and non-runner.

If you go

The marathon receives 15,000 applications a year and can only accredit 8,500 runners. This year’s marathon is September 10. Registration opens in April. For details and to apply go to: http://www.marathondumedoc.com

Other marathons running clients may be interested in include:

Standard runs:

April 18 – Boston Marathon http://www.baa.org

May 1 – Toronto Marathon, http://www.torontomarathon.com

May 1 – Vancouver Marathon https://bmovanmarathon.ca/register

May 20-22 – Bluenose Marathon www.bluenosemarathon.com

June 19 – Banff Marathon http://banffmarathon.com

Quirky Runs:

June 23 – For nighthawks Iceland’s Suzuki Midnight Sun Run offers a half marathon, 5 and 10 km runs.
http://www.marathon.is/the-race-midnight-run/suzuki-midnight-sun-run

July 16 – Laugavegur Ultra Marathon is run over a 55 km mountain course in Iceland. http://www.marathon.is/ultramarathon

July 25 – Swissalpine, Davos, Switzerland offers a variety of runs and walks up and down the Alps. It has events in February, April 1 and June 1, 2022 https://www.swissalpine.ch/en

August 14 – Not since Moses Run is a tide-dependent 10 km run, 5 km walk on the ocean floor in the Bay of Fundy. http://www.notsincemoses.com

Adrenaline Junky Extremist Runs:

April 13 – FWD North Pole Marathon https://www.npmarathon.com

August 28 – Comrades Marathon (an ultra 56.1-mile/90 km event) www.comrades.com

November 17 – Volcano Marathon, Atacama Desert, Chile http://www.volcanomarathon.com

December 14 – Antarctic Ice Marathon near the South Pole. http://www.icemarathon.com

October (start) –World Marathon Challenge consists of seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. http://www.worldmarathonchallenge.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PUBS, PATIOS & BARS: Ireland’s oldest pub, where stream of whiskey are flowing

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“I am goin’, I am goin’/ Any which way the wind may be blowin’/ I am goin’, I am goin’/ Where streams of whiskey are flowin’” – The Pogues

Such is the reach of Sean’s Bar that I discovered the famed Irish establishment’s own unique branded whiskey being served at an Irish pub on the Danforth in Toronto. But as much as I enjoyed the experience, it’s undoubtedly better to have a wee dram or two where it originates – Athlone, County Westmeath.

The town (and pub) is situated on the River Shannon on the southern shore of Lough Ree (in the midlands, half-way between Dublin and Galway) and smack in the heart of Ireland’s “whiskey country.” Hence Sean’s foray into brewing its own nectar, which is dedicated to “Luain” the first innkeeper at Sean’s Bar, who built the pub at a strategic point on an early cross-country travel route. Today, the town Athlone (atha Luina in Irish) takes its name from the man and pub around which it was built.

Sean’s single malt whiskey ‘Clonmacnoise’ was first released in 2018; a blend of grain and malt whiskeys, it offers floral hints, light malty notes, and a slight sweetness, with a warm spicy finish. For those who can’t make it to the pub, it can be ordered in Canada at www.corkwinesandwhiskeys.ca.

But for those who can sample it at source, they find its attributes enhanced by a delightful, traditional Irish pub with all the trimmings, and one that boasts status as Ireland’s oldest pub (dating to 900 AD) as authenticated by the Guinness World Book of Records.

With whiskey and pints always flowing, the pub plays host to both a local and international clientele, the latter no doubt aided by its designation by Lonely Planet as one of the 25 most incredible bars and in the world.

Among the famous patrons have been U2, Freddie Mercury, and Boy George.

Given the historic nature of the venue (much of which was uncovered during a 1970 renovation), special talks and tours may be available to patrons, explaining for example, why the floor is sloped and covered with sawdust.

Appropriately, whiskey history is also offered in partnership with Midlands Whiskey Experiences; and guests can also learn how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness, a unique experience in and of itself.

Traditional music – a must for any Irish bar – rings out every night of the week, and along with an Irish turf fireplace, guarantees that visitors will find an abundance of good ol’ Irish craic.

Sean’s Bar is located at 13 Main St. Athlone, and is open daily from 10:30 a.m. (except Sundays, 12:30) to 11:30 p.m. (12:30 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays).

Trad session

With glass purposefully in hand, we at Travel Industry Today continue our series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues. For more articles in the series, click here:

PREVIOUS ARTICLES: https://travelindustrytoday.com/pub-patio/

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Archipelago Announces Opening of New Havana Hotel

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Archipelago Announces Opening of New Havana Hotel - TRAVELINDEX

Havana, Cuba, March 18, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Archipelago, Southeast Asia’s largest privately owned and independent hotel management group, today announced the expansion of its Cuban portfolio with the opening of the 600 room Grand Aston La Habana Hotel. Rising to the Havana Malecón sky, this urban oasis is ideally located in the bustling Vedado, the capital’s central commercial district, close to offices, shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Vedado is much more than a commercial district, it also has an electric nightlife, with clubs like La Zorra y el Cuervo, the Yellow Submarine, and the Cabaret Parisien providing quality entertainment.

Grand Aston La Habana takes modern living to the next level, revealing uniquely designed architecture, fresh rooms, eclectic dining, inspiring event spaces, and beautiful wellness facilities, including the city’s only 24-hour fitness center and an amazing 56-meter long swimming pool overlooking the sparkling waters of Havana Bay. With an innovative design, its interior decoration is a perfect fusion between the Havana style of the 1930s and the Asian refinement of Grand Aston.

For a unique experience of rejuvenation and relaxation, its Wellness Center by Spa Ubud offers exotic Asian healing techniques, the only one in the city offering massages with authentic Balinese techniques. The hotel is also the first in the capital to house a bank branch (BFI).

“We’re delighted to be opening what will become a true icon in the Havana hotel scene. One of the most creatively designed hotels is ready to welcome guests to experience the fusion of Asian and Cuban hospitality in a fantastic location,” said John Flood, President & CEO of Archipelago.

About Archipelago
Southeast Asia’s largest privately owned and independent hotel management group, operates more than 150 hotels, with a further 50 hotels under development across Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and the Middle East. A trusted hotel company with a long track record and more than 30,000 rooms operating or under development in over 60 destinations with brands including ASTON, Collection by ASTON, The Alana, Huxley, Kamuela, Harper, Quest, NEO, favehotels and Nordic.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Six Senses Fiji Reopens April 1 with Bula Welcome

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Six Senses Fiji Reopens April 1 with Bula Welcome - TRAVELINDEX

Malolo Island, Fiji, March 17, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Hosts Look Forward to Providing Trademark “Bula” Warm Welcome. Hosts at Six Senses Fiji, many returning to their previous roles, are ready to welcome guests back to their little corner of paradise from April 1. Their familiar friendly faces will serve as the perfect antidote to months of lockdowns and travel bans as new arrivals step off the speedboat.

Picture-perfect Backdrop for Every Smile
Located on Malolo Island, the largest of the Mamanuca Islands, Six Senses Fiji is surrounded by gently shelving crystal-clear waters accessed from a palm-fringed white sand beach. The re-opening is timely, with the Easter holidays and short breaks on the horizon, as well as prime conditions for surfing and diving starting from April onwards. With pent-up demand at a premium, the resort has been humbled by the reaction and interest to its opening. It is already full for the entire first month and operating on a waitlist-only basis.

Multi-bedroom Residences for Celebrating Special Moments
The past two years have forced many families and groups of friends to miss out on celebrating milestone birthdays, weddings, births, and graduations. The residences, which feature between three and five bedrooms, are designed to bring everyone together. They include a fully equipped kitchen, private living area, expansive private pool, and outdoor seating and entertaining space. Those looking for a self-sufficient vacation will enjoy in-villa dining and sundowners, personal yoga, and eight hours of complimentary babysitting per day. Those seeking the convenience of the resort amenities can choose from the three restaurants, gourmet deli, cooking school, and a host of activities that can be arranged by the dedicated Guest Experience Maker.

Turquoise Playground for Water Babies
From beginners to pros, the resort offers watersports for all skill sets. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming are unlimited (as long as guests return in good time for cocktail hour). Beginners’ surf lessons take place within the safety of the private bay or nearby Swimming Pools wave, and expert surfers can head out to the world-famous Cloudbreak just a 20-minute boat journey away. For those seeking a serene nature immersion, the resort has spent extensive time working on coral replantation. This dedication has paid off, resulting in a beautiful snorkeling experience right off the Six Senses Fiji beach. Fiji is also revered the world over for some of the best dive sites. Introductory sessions can be carried out in the guest’s private pool and there are options to complete the PADI or SSI dive courses at a plethora of sites rich with colorful corals, clownfish, lionfish, reef sharks, and more, all within a 10-minute boat ride.

Sustainable Living and Dining
All residences, villas, and facilities are designed to be 100 percent solar-powered by the largest microgrid in Fiji to use Tesla batteries. Many ingredients for the three restaurants – Tovolea, Rara, and Teitei – as well as the deli, ice creamery, Alchemy Bar, and spa, are grown fresh in the resort’s gardens, which are thriving or sourced from local farmers and fishing communities. The hens at Cluckingham Palace are match-fit to ramp up egg production, and the beehives, Mushroom Hut, and Water Bottling Plant are also in full working order. Guests walking along the winding boardwalk through the trees might catch a glimpse of one of the friendly Fijian Crested Iguanas in their natural habitat.

Pioneering Wellness
Set in lush jungle, Six Senses Spa Fiji is a contemporary take on a traditional Fijian village with a layered approach to wellness and treatments that go beyond the ordinary. The extensive signature menu includes best-loved treatments such as the Fijian Bobo Massage using warm poultices of herbs picked from the spa garden to increase circulation and ease muscle tension. For guests wishing to take a deeper inner focus, one-, three-, five- and seven-night wellness programs focus on specific issues such as brain health, immunity, yoga, sleep, and fitness. Ayurvedic treatments are also available, overseen by Spa Director Deepak.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News