Global Travel News

TIA Wellness Resort Launches New Health Elixir Menu

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TIA Wellness Resort Launches New Health Elixir Menu - TRAVELINDEXDa Nang, Vietnam, February 10, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Resorts may revamp their drink menus from time-to-time but few undertake a complete overhaul like TIA Wellness Resort has. Using science-based research and looking at several essential pillars of health – vitamins, proteins, gut health, and stress reduction – the TIA team have created a menu where every drink packs a wellbeing punch.

From microbiome-focused elixirs like Matcha Soda with spirulina, to collagen peptide boosters such as Collagen Colada, a blend of coconut, pineapple and collagen, along with mind calming offerings like Lavender Reishi Latte, there are drink options for all moods and mindsets.

“We’ve crafted an extensive beverage selection where each drink is like an internal spa treatment,” explained TIA Wellness Resort’s general manager, Ramon Imper.

Two dozen new smoothies, juices, elixirs, and cafe-style drinks have been designed for the menu. The first category, Vitamin and Nutrient Juice Blends, was created with immunity, energy and replenishment in mind. Examples include Blueberry, Apple, Lemon, Honey & Acai to combat fatigue, and Cucumber, Kale, Green Apple, Celery, Lime, Ginger and Spirulina for an alkalizing and energizing refreshment.

Gut Health Elixirs include Apple Cider Vinegar Lemonade for a tangy digestive fix and Peppermint Soda which also incorporates pea flower for a drink that is calming for the stomach. Protein-packed smoothies each contain 20 grams of protein per drink and use gluten-free protein powders made from all natural ingredients such as green peas, chickpeas, lentils, sweet potato, seeds and green beans. The powders are incorporated into flavorful drinks like a smoothie of Mango, Cashew Butter, Turmeric, and Almond Milk.

Collagen enhanced beverages include 15 grams of collagen. Drink options include cozy sips like a Collagen Chai Latte with coconut milk, dates, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves and collagen. Mind calming drinks look to reishi mushrooms, recognized for their ability to reduce anxiety and improve mood, and ashwagandha, which has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. TIA’s Beetroot Moon Milk is an infusion of beetroot powder, ashwagandha root, almond milk and honey.

“Our gut is known as our second brain. There’s a strong connection between the two,” explained Ramon. “Just as the food we eat impacts the connection, so does what we drink.”

“With every sip, why not opt for something that will enhance your wellbeing?” he added. That’s what we hope our guests will do. It’s an easy and delicious way to help improve our health.”

Along with the health-enriched blends, and as more guests opt for non-alcoholic drinks, the mocktail menu has also been reimagined.

The new drink menu is available to all guests with drinks ranging in price from VND 105,000 – VND 180,000 (approx USD 4-7) each. A selection of drinks are also being incorporated in the menu for TIA’s Body & Mind Cleanse, one of the resort’s private retreats.

Body & Mind Cleanse, launched last year, is a retreat that is offered year round and embraces nourishing raw food cuisine, detox therapies, and holistic wellbeing practices from sound healing to private yoga sessions so guests can detox and release toxins from the body, while also improving vitality. A key element of the new package is intermittent fasting, a practice where all the food consumed in a day is eaten during an eight-hour window. When the fast is broken guests follow a plant-based raw food and drink meal plan.

“Our new beverage offerings are one more way we can help our guests on their wellness journey,” added Ramon.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Meliá Chiang Mai Dips Guests in Sustainable Local Chocolate

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Meliá Chiang Mai Dips Guests in Sustainable Local Chocolate - TRAVELINDEXChiang Mai, Thailand, February 10, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / A cart brimming with Thai-inspired chocolate bars, featuring unique flavours ranging from ‘Mango Chili’ and ‘Massaman Peanut Curry’ to ‘Thai Tea’ and ‘Khao Soi Curry’, has trundled into Meliá Chiang Mai in support of local sustainable farmers.

The hotel has joined forces with award-winning boutique chocolatier Siamaya, a Chiang Mai company that makes bean-to-bar chocolate from locally sourced organic Thai cacao beans and ingredients and that pays farmers higher prices to ensure they receive a living wage.

The chocolate-laden cart is permanently stationed at the entrance of the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant Laan Na Kitchen. Its eclectic selection of dark chocolate varieties range from ‘Hill Coffee and Pomelo’ and ‘Thai Bullet Chili’ to ‘Tom Kha Coconut Curry’. In addition to milk chocolate bars such as ‘Durian’, ‘Orange Cranberry and Almond’, ‘Banana’ and ‘Masala Chai’, the cart also offers ‘Pumpkin Pie’ white chocolate.

A unique option is the ‘Khao Soi Curry’ bar that pays tribute to the creamy, slightly spicy yellow curry noodle dish from Northern Thailand. The milk chocolate bar is flavoured with hints of crispy noodles, spices, and fried shallots.

“By making chocolate from scratch in a responsible, compassionate and eco-friendly way, reducing waste across their production process and using recycled paper and soya-based inks for packaging, Siamaya Chocolate is a welcome part of our hotel’s network of ethical and chemical-free suppliers that is a central plank in Meliá Chiang Mai’s ‘360° Cuisine’ program,” said Meliá Chiang Mai’s general manager Marc Selinger.

The partnership with Siamaya is part of the hotel’s network of ethical and chemical-free suppliers, which includes gourmet farm SEED in San Sai District, organic gourmet farm Rong Khum in San Pa Tong, Jartisann’s Original Thai Cheese, which crafts artisanal cheese made from high-quality, locally sourced raw cow’s milk, and SUPHA BEE FARM, a local honeybee farm in Mae Rim.

“We support sustainability practices so our partners will continue to farm long into the future and we pay around 2-2.5 times as much as fair trade programs usually pay farmers for the cacao, often going on field trips to make sure the cacao is grown sustainably and with respect for the nature around the cacao plantations,” said Siamaya’s co-founder and chief executive officer Neil Ransom.

“With this higher payment we require pesticide free farming and a strict no-burning policy. As in other regions of Southeast Asia, pollution caused by agricultural burning is an issue in Thailand, and by introducing a no-burning policy we aim to contribute to a better and greener world,” added Siamaya’s co-founder and chief operating officer Kirstian Levinsen.

The hotel’s guests are also welcome to participate in Siamaya Chocolate’s chocolate making workshops and learn about what it means to have social awareness and sustainability as small business key values.

Meliá Chiang Mai’s ‘360° Cuisine’ program is designed to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint and promote healthy eating. Under the program, the hotel sources ‘farm to plate’ organic produce that travels only a short distance. As much of each ingredient is used – roots, leaves, stems, stalks and more – in a ‘thoughtful cooking process’ before ‘plate to farm’ food waste returns to the farms as fertilizer in a truly 360° concept. Leftover cooking oil is sent to be recycled into biodiesel.

About Asset World Corp Public Company Limited

Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) is Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group and a member of TCC Group, with the focus on hospitality, lifestyle destinations, and commercial workspaces. Driven by the philosophy of “Building a Better Future,” AWC strives to grow and expand beyond the norms with a diverse array of quality projects, providing responsible and sustainable solutions for all our stakeholders. The company has two main businesses. Hospitality business managed by top hotel executives of world-renowned hotel brands such as Marriott, The Luxury Collection, Okura, Banyan Tree, Hilton, Sheraton, and Melia, and Commercial properties whose projects include 1) Retail and Wholesale such as lifestyle travel destinations, community shopping malls, community markets, and wholesale business real estate. Popular real estate projects consist of Asiatique the Riverfront Destination, Gateway at Bangsue, AEC FOOD WHOLESALE PRATUNAM, and Tawanna Bangkapi, and 2) Commercial buildings including the famous ‘The Empire’ and Athenee Tower located in Bangkok’s central business district. AWC is committed to integrating its sustainability strategy in every part of its operations to create long-term sustainable value for all stakeholders. The sustainability strategy consists of three key pillars: Better Planet, Better People and Better Prosperity, while the framework has created numerous long-term initiatives including the ReConcept, The GALLERY and other projects.

About Meliá Hotels & Resorts

Meliá has 125 hotels in Europe (56), America (18), Cuba (16), Africa (5) and Asia (30). We are present in 32 countries and currently have 21 hotels under development in 11 countries. At Meliá Hotels & Resorts, we stand out for our unique Spanish style in the hospitality industry and for our warmth, closeness and passion for service. This means that we offer our guests a unique wellness experience. Our Spanish warmth and spontaneity are part of our Mediterranean roots and are always present in the Meliá experience. An experience that is enriched by providing thoughtful extra services. Paying attention to the smallest details and providing personalized experiences for each guest. How do we interpret wellness in the MELIÁ brand? We see wellness from an innovative perspective. It is not wellness applied only to nutrition or wellness services, it is 360º wellness. The wellness we want to convey is global. You can find it in all aspects of the brand from different perspectives: physical wellness, spiritual wellness, leisure wellness, social wellness, occupational wellness, environmental wellness, financial wellness and nutritional wellness.

About Meliá Hotels International 

Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International has more than 400 hotels open or in the process of opening, in more than 40 countries, and a portfolio of nine brands: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, The Meliá Collection, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá, and Affiliated by Meliá. The Company is one of the world’s leading hotel chains in the leisure segment and its experience in this area has allowed it to consolidate itself in the growing market of urban hotels inspired by leisure. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led it to be recognised as the most sustainable European hotel company in the world (chosen as “Sustainability Yearbook Member” in 2024 by S&P Global), as well as being a “Top Employer 2024” brand in Spain, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Italy, Germany, France and Vietnam.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Alain St.Ange Keynote Speaker in Egypt to Address: Smart Tourism and Destination Identity

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Alain St.Ange Keynote Speaker in Egypt to Address Smart Tourism and Destination Identity - TRAVELINDEXAswan, Egypt, February 9, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles known Tourism Consultant is set to leave the islands in the coming days for Egypt where he has been formally invited to participate as keynote speaker at the upcoming conference, “Smart Tourism and Destination Identity: Reshaping the Future of Tourism and Hospitality”, organized by Sadat University’s Faculty of Tourism and Hotels.

The conference will take place in Aswan, Egypt, from February 18 to 20, 2025.

The letter of invitation St.Ange received from the President of the Conference on behalf of Sadat University’s Faculty of Tourism and Hotels said “Your expertise and insights will greatly enrich the discussions and provide valuable perspectives on the future of tourism and hospitality”.

Alain St.Ange said as he prepares to fly out for this latest working mission, that he is trilled to be sharing his expertise after all his years of work in the tourism industry. “I fly our country’s flag proudly on the speaker’s circuit and I am so happy that a son of Seychelles continues to be invited to share his experience on tourism on the international stage” said Alain St.Ange

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UN Tourism Opens Call for Best Tourism Villages 2025

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UN Tourism Opens Call for Best Tourism Villages 2025 - TRAVELINDEXMadrid, Spain, February 8, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Tourism has opened applications for the 2025 edition of its prestigious Best Tourism Villages initiative. This initiative marks a continued commitment to advancing rural tourism as a catalyst for sustainable development and inclusion, while celebrating the rich tapestry of cultural and natural heritage, community values, and sustainable practices that make these destinations unique.

Since its inception in 2021, the initiative has gained global recognition. Across the previous four editions, UN Tourism has received more than 800 applications from over 100 countries. Today, the UN Tourism Best Tourism Villages Network includes 254 members worldwide: over 180 villages recognized as Best Tourism Villages and 70 participating in the Upgrade Programme, representing almost 60 countries across five world regions.

The Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism celebrates rural destinations where tourism serves as a catalyst for opportunity, cultural preservation, and sustainable growth

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “The Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism celebrates rural destinations where tourism serves as a catalyst for opportunity, cultural preservation, and sustainable growth. By harnessing their unique assets, these villages create opportunities for economic growth, safeguard local traditions, and promote a better quality of life for their communities. We are eager to welcome those villages that represent the role of rural tourism as a transformative force for good.”

Best Tourism Villages 2025 – Applications Open

UN Tourism Member States are invited to submit up to eight candidate villages through their respective National Tourism Administrations (NTAs).

Applications will close on May 19, 2025. The villages recognized as Best Tourism Villages 2025 will be announced in the third quarter of the year on the occasion of a UN Tourism event.

An external Advisory Board comprising global experts will evaluate applications based on nine key areas:

  • Cultural and Natural Resources
  • Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources
  • Economic Sustainability
  • Social Sustainability
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration
  • Governance and Prioritization of Tourism
  • Infrastructure and Connectivity
  • Health, Safety, and Security

Advancing Rural Development through Tourism

The Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism initiative aims to leverage tourism as a tool for rural development, well-being, and resilience. By combining efforts to value and preserve rural landscapes, cultural diversity, and knowledge systems, the initiative advances innovative tourism strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The initiative comprises three integral components:

  • Recognition as Best Tourism Villages: The recognition highlights rural tourism destinations that excel in preserving cultural and natural heritage, community-based values, and sustainability practices. The evaluation is based on their performance across nine areas spanning economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
  • The Upgrade Programme: Provides targeted support to villages that do not fully meet recognition criteria. These villages benefit from tailored guidance to bridge gaps and enhance their offerings.
  • The Best Tourism Villages Network: Serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among recognized villages and those in the Upgrade Programme. The Network organizes capacity-building initiatives to foster connections across sectors.

The initiative is part of the Tourism for Rural Development Programme by UN Tourism.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

OurAfrica.Travel introduces Story Series

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OurAfrica.Travel introduces Story Series - TRAVELINDEXLondon, United Kingdom, February 8, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / OurAfrica.Travel 2025 is officially live, and there has been a flurry of activity on the platform ever since. Buyers and exhibitors are networking and pre-scheduling their meetings for the show from 17 – 21 February 2025.

We are delighted to introduce an exciting new addition to the show with the launch of a Story Series, starting on Tuesday 11th February until 14th February. One of the topics is a celebration of some of our tourism industry’s heroes making a difference. These will be hosted by industry legend Colin Bell and will be accompanied by live webinars. Colin will be discussing some of the key topics and challenges in the industry today that will hopefully resonate with most of us.

Colin will be discussing some of the key topics and challenges in the industry today which are not only close to his heart but hopefully resonate with most of us. He has pulled together a list of guests who he will be chatting to during this Story Series, that you definitely won’t want to miss!

Colin Bell started his working life as a safari guide in Botswana in the 1970s. Over the years his travels took him to many far corners of Africa, witnessing first-hand some of the best wildernesses and some of very worst conservation catastrophes. Those coal face experiences led him to become one of the early initiators of the ‘Green Safari‘ tourism model – long before it became a fashionable “thing”.  Over the years he co-founded market leaders including Wilderness Safaris, Great Plains Conservation and now Natural Selection Safaris.

“Story Series started off as a simple idea to create a platform to dive a little deeper into showcasing some trade suppliers who make a difference.   Jonathan Robinson from Bean There Coffee Company and Emma Borg from Painted Wolf Wines sprung to mind! One conversation with Colin Bell later and we had a Story Series concept.  Shortly thereafter, Colin had a line-up of 10 people to interview!” said Co-Founder Allie Hunt.

The line-up includes Dave Wilson, Dr Andrew Baxter, Dr Ross Harvey, Craig Spencer, Dr Colleen Begg, Rod Cassidy, Simon Byron and Jackson Lusiya.

Story Series will also include live webinars about harnessing the power of AI in tourism from David Ryan, CEO & founder of Rhino Africa  and Natalia Rosa, founder of Big Ambitions.  Sammy Kelly, Head of Product Development from The Travel Hub Collection will also offer daily webinars.

Registration for Story Series will open on Friday 7 February and is for show participants only.  Whilst registration for new exhibitors is now closed, registrations for buyers and media is open until 14 February via the OurAfrica.Travel’s website.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sabah to Transform Asia Pacific Business Events Industry

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Sabah to Transform Asia Pacific Business Events Industry - TRAVELINDEXKota Kinabalu, Malaysia, 5 February 2025 – BE in Sabah 2025: Empowering Asia Pacific Through Business Events. Sabah is set to shine on the global stage with the highly anticipated BE in SABAH 2025 poised to empower the Asia Pacific region through transformative Business Events. Scheduled to take place from 27 to 28 February 2025, this landmark gathering promises to reshape the narrative of the Business Events industry while spotlighting Sabah as a premier global destination for Business Events.

BE in SABAH 2025 brings together visionaries, leaders, and innovators from across globe, setting the stage for collaborative growth and sustainable development. Under the inspiring theme “Empowering Asia Pacific Through Business Events”, the conference will tackle critical challenges, unveil emerging opportunities, and foster strategic partnerships that will shape the industry’s future.

Speaking at the press conference, Datuk Dr. Hajah Rosmawati Haji Lasuki, JP, Chief Executive Officer of SICC, shared her vision:
“BE in SABAH goes beyond expectations, offering a remarkable experience that embodies growth, connection, and innovation. It’s an invitation to explore the potential of Business Events, where industry expertise and strategic partnerships seamlessly converge to foster collaboration and success.”

The objective of BE in SABAH 2025 is to fortify the Business Events (BE) industry within the Asia Pacific region, positioning Sabah as a key gateway to East ASEAN. The event will serve as a catalyst for empowering business growth, harnessing the unique strengths of Sabah’s natural and cultural assets to enhance the appeal and impact of business events. Through fostering leadership development, cultivating essential skills, and promoting strategic business planning, BE in SABAH 2025 aims to drive sustainable growth and establish a robust network of professionals, advancing the region’s BE landscape.

Key Highlights of BE in SABAH 2025
• Dynamic Speaker Line-Up
Industry pioneers and thought leaders, including Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, and the ICCA Asia Pacific Board, will deliver keynote speeches and participate in panel discussions.

• Strategic Networking Opportunities: Tailored platforms for attendees to forge connections, explore business collaborations, and strengthen regional ties.

• Focus on Sustainability and Legacy: Workshops and sessions highlighting the importance of eco-conscious event practices and community impact.

• Showcasing Sabah: Exclusive experiences that integrate the state’s natural wonders and cultural treasures into the business events experience.

With an anticipated attendance of over 800 delegates with 40% international participation from across the Asia Pacific and beyond, BE in SABAH 2025 stands as a significant milestone in Sabah’s growing stature within the Business Events industry.

Targeting a diverse range of international delegates from key markets including Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, and other global business hubs, BE in SABAH 2025 offers unparalleled networking and collaboration opportunities for professionals seeking to expand their reach and explore new ventures.

BE in SABAH 2025 is jointly organised by MACEOS Sabah Chapter and SICC. With the strong backing of the state government—particularly the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah and Yayasan Sabah Group—as well as the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia, the forum underscores Sabah’s growing influence as a premier destination for transformative business events.

Register now to secure your spot at this game-changing event. For more information on participation, sponsorship opportunities, and the programme line-up, visit our official website at www.beinsabah.com.my

BE in SABAH: Gateway to East ASEAN – Elevating Business Events in Asia Pacific
Sabah is set to become the premier gateway for business events (BE) in East ASEAN, positioning itself as a strategic hub for growth in the Asia Pacific region. With its world-class facilities, unique natural beauty, and vibrant cultural diversity, BE in SABAH offers a dynamic platform for international industry leaders to converge, connect, and collaborate. This exclusive event provides unmatched opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and innovative partnerships, driving the future of business events across the Asia Pacific. Experience Sabah’s unmatched potential as the ultimate destination for impactful business events.

About SICC
Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) is owned by Innoprise Corporation Sdn Bhd of Yayasan Sabah Group – a state sanctioned organization in Sabah, Malaysia. SICC is the largest waterfront purpose-built convention, exhibition and entertainment facility in East Malaysia with a total function space of 153,197sqm. The gross built-up of the complex is 60,514sqm on a 6-hectare site. The multi-functional complex with its well-designed floor plan and extensive pre-function areas are well suited for a wide range of public and private events.

Sabah Overview
Sabah, the Malaysian state on Borneo’s northern part, boasts breathtaking natural wonders, including Mount Kinabalu and Sipadan Island. Rich in resources, with pristine beaches, coral reefs, and a diverse rainforest, Sabah offers a captivating experience. The region’s cultural diversity adds a mystical charm, making it a sought-after tourist destination. In response to increasing industry competition, the Malaysian Association of Convention & Exhibition Organiser & Suppliers (MACEOS) Sabah Chapter and Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) are hosting the second edition of the international Business Events (BE) Conference from 27 to 28 February 2025 at Sabah International Convention Centre. With the theme “Empowering Asia Pacific Through Business Events” the event aims to engage key stakeholders, foster growth, and elevate Asia Pacific’s profile in the global Business Events arena, contributing not only to tourism revenue but also sustainable community development.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Vibrant Venues for Valentine’s Day in Southeast Asia & Hong Kong

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Vibrant Venues for Valentine's Day in Southeast Asia & Hong Kong - TRAVELINDEXStrawberry Seas Forever at Koh Samui

February is strawberry season in Thailand, and Banyan Tree Samui is going all out with a Love You High Tea featuring a parade of afternoon tea nibbles, including strawberry-flavored sweets, scones, pastries and more, accompanied by a special Valentine’s sparkling strawberry cocktail. The location is the hotel’s panoramic Lobby Bar which offers spectacular vistas across the sea. The high tea is available February 10-16 from 12pm to 6pm. The resort’s beachfront restaurant Sands will host a 6-course intimate candlelit dinner (6,969THB per couple), accompanied by live music on the evening of 14th February, and the award-winning Thai restaurant, Saffron, recently listed in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide, will host a 6-course Thai set menu, also on Valentine’s evening from 6pm – 10pm at 6,969THB per couple. For more information and reservations, tel: +66 077 915 333.

Cupid Aims His Bow at Hong Kong

The Hari Hong Kong is greeting Valentine’s Day with a romantic stay replete with a chocolate strawberry bouquet and bubbles, an array of sublime dining experiences, and card writing to a special someone at a quaint “love trolley”. Standing 30-storeys tall on Lockhart Road in the heart of vibrant Wan Chai, the elegant hotel’s “Key to Your Heart” package offers loved-up couples a stay in one of the hotel’s luxurious rooms inclusive of daily breakfast for two, a welcome bottle of Prosecco, chocolate strawberry bouquet, HK$1000 dining credit, and early check-in and late check-out subject to availability. Priced from HK$2600++ per night and available for stays from February 1-16, 2025, the package is underpinned by rooms and suites imagined by renowned interior designer Tara Bernerd. For more information and bookings, call +852 2129 0398.

Couples in Cambodia

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the iconic 96-year-old luxury hotel in Phnom Penh, welcomes Michelin-starred French Chef Jerome Brochot for a series of highly exclusive meals at Raffles Hotel Le Royal from Feb. 12-14, including a one-of-a-kind, romantic 5-course Valentine’s dinner. The hotel has also unveiled a romantic Valentine’s package, including a two-night stay in a State Room (with a complimentary upgrade to a Suite room category), daily Champagne breakfast, a Valentine’s set dinner with wine pairing, a bottle of Champagne on arrival, a bouquet of red roses, complimentary one-way private airport transfer, and more. The package is priced at $1,290++ and available for stays between Feb. 13-16. For more information or bookings, call +855 23 981 888

Love in Vietnam

This Valentine’s Day, Azerai Resorts in Vietnam invites couples to escape into a world of romance with exclusive two-night stay packages, including special in-room decor, along with fresh flowers, wine, and more to set the mood for love. The beachside Azerai Ke Ga Bay in southern Vietnam and the historic Azerai La Residence, Hue, in central Vietnam have unveiled special packages to celebrate the occasion. The “Azerai Valentine Romance” package includes romantic room decor, a bottle of wine, a delectable chocolate set and an exquisite floral bouquet, in addition to daily breakfast, and a 60-minute couples spa treatment per stay. Azerai Ke Ga Bay, located a comfortable 2.5-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City on a new highway, is nestled amongst lush gardens, framed to the east by Hon Ba Island with its historic lighthouse and to the west by soaring sand dunes. Azerai La Residence, Hue, with 122 rooms and suites, is centered on a colonial mansion that was built in 1930 as part of the residence of the French Resident Superieur.

Dinner For Two with Chiang Mai Vistas

Meliá Chiang Mai’s signature restaurant Mai Restaurant and Bar on the 21st floor will serve an exquisite dinner accompanied with spectacular views of Chiang Mai from February 14-16 to mark Valentine’s Day. Served from 6-8pm, the four-course menu begins with a trio of delicacies called “Love’s Samplers”, comprising tuna roll, marine shrimp, and black tail chicken sausage. Following the consommé of beetroot ravioli with crab meat, the main dish is a choice between slow-cooked Angus beef or baked salmon fillet. The dinner is rounded off with heart-shaped petit fours. The dinner is priced at THB 35,000 net per couple inclusive of a glass of sparkling rose wine.

A Touch of Spain in Bangkok

LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar, which commands INNSiDE By Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit’s two uppermost floors, the 33rd and 34th levels, with panoramic views of the Bangkok skyline, will offer loved-up couples a romantic five-course menu on February 14. Offered across two seatings from 6-8pm and 8.30-10.30pm, the menu begins with “Mediterranean oyster with strawberry tiger’s milk” followed by “Croqueta Australian Wagyu oxtail with spicy akami tuna tartare.” After ‘Steak tartare with caviar and flaky potato’ and “Sea bass pil pil oven-baked sea bass fillets in chili and garlic butter,” profiteroles comprising choux pastry with vanilla bean and cherry end the dinner on a sweet note. Inclusive of two glasses of sparkling wine and free-flow mineral water, dinner is priced at THB 5,500++ per couple with a 10 percent discount for in-house guests. For more information +66 2 340 5498.

Fine Dining Accompanied by Live Pianist

The Anam Cam Ranh’s fine-dining restaurant The Colonial will serve a special set menu for couples with optional wine pairing, accompanied by a live pianist, this Valentine’s Day from 7-9pm. Priced at 1,600,000VND++ per person, with wine pairing an additional 800,000 VND++ per person, the menu begins with ‘Khánh Hòa oyster, watermelon and yuzu juice, with pomegranate and smoked salmon roe’ followed by ‘Chicken liver parfait with beetroot glazed in Hanoi plum’. Highlights include ‘Langoustine Norway with heirloom tomato, clarified tomato and strawberry umeboshi and micro herbs’, ‘Root beer granita with Ninh Thuận grape and porta sorbet and edible flowers’, and ‘150-Day grain-fed Black Angus tenderloin with roasted garden carrots, cashew puree and chorizo vela sauce’. Dinner ends with ‘Cherry and juniper ice cream with apple and beetroot jelly, and coconut sprout’. For further information or to make a booking, call +84 258 398 9499

Caviar and Champagne in Hanoi

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi invites couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day with an elegant 5-course French dinner at the century-old Le Beaulieu. Each course is skillfully crafted to delight the senses, with rich caviar and expertly curated wine and Champagne pairings. The meal on Feb. 14 is served from 6pm and priced at VND 3,800,000++ per person for dinner only (VND 6,200,000++ with wine pairing or VND 10,900,000++ with Champagne). Elsewhere in the hotel, L’Épicerie du Metropole has unveiled a heart-shaped cake made with white chocolate and berry praline, along with a selection of premium chocolate bars and more, while La Boutique offers a stunning array of floral bouquets. Le Spa du Metropole offers a range of romantic couples’ spa treatments in the privacy of an intimate setting.

Sip, Savour and Soak in Da Nang

TIA Wellness Resort’s Valentine’s Day getaway combines wellbeing and creative experiences that are at the heart of the property, with decadent cuisine and special touches for a romantic getaway. The one- or two-night package features a 5-course “Lovers Valentine’s” menu overlooking the infinity pool and palm trees with ocean waves crashing beyond. Breakfast is served at the beach with a waterfront setup just for the special day. A Valentine’s welcome cake is also included. Pampering involves a romantic turndown service with a milky bath drawn in the villa’s deep soaking tub. Couples will also take part in a “Stamp of Love” Creative Workshop, a variation on the daily creativity sessions the resort offers. Two wellness treatments per guest per night are also included with options like a Himalayan Heart Stone massage with warm salt stones or a Rose Bud Beauty Scrub. Prices start at VND 12,000,000 for one-night and VND 19,000,000 for a two-night stay in a One Bedroom Pool Villa.

An Andaman Surprise in Krabi

Situated in a quiet corner of tranquil Tubkaek Beach and facing a spectacular panoramic vista of uninhabited limestone islets, Banyan Tree Krabi is an idyllic venue for a special Valentine’s evening surprise. The resort’s beachfront lawn provides an intimate setting for couples with a candlelit dinner under the moonlight. On February 14th, for one night only, the resort offers an outstanding “Scent of Love” 5-course set dinner (9,900 THB per couple, inclusive of one bottle of sparkling wine). An amuse-bouche of crispy beer-battered oyster and rose jam is followed by homemade smoked beet-cured Salmon Gravlax, served with black caviar and salad. After soup and a sorbet, the main dish will be roasted Wagyu Beef Tenderloin Embraces Slow-Braised Beef Cheek in Red Wine Sauce, Asparagus, Truffle Purée, Risotto and Brandy Beef Jus or, alternatively, a fish dish which includes Krabi lobster. The meal will be rounded off with delightful sweets and fresh berries, and, hopefully, some memorable moments of magic.

A Celebration of Love and Wellness

Fusion, a wellness-inspired luxury hotel brand with properties up and down the Vietnamese coast and in Thailand, has unveiled a host of special ways for couples to celebrate the holiday of love. Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang invites couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a selection of romantic experiences, including a special set menu at Char Grill House (priced at VND 1,850,000 per couple), accompanied by soothing violin music. Creative workshops such as kite-making and flower-arranging offer alternative ways to connect. For the ultimate indulgence, the “Valentine Bliss Experience” awaits, featuring a luxurious 75-minute spa treatment, a private herbal bath in a suite, and sparkling wine (priced at VND 5,500,000).

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Cambodia Welcomes Back Biggles Big Band

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Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Cambodia Welcomes Back Biggles Big Band - TRAVELINDEXPhnom Penh, Cambodia, February 6, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Raffles Hotel Le Royal is set to welcome back Biggles Big Band, the world-famous jazz orchestra from Amsterdam, for a one-night-only performance on Saturday, Feb. 22.

The band is known for playing tunes from the great swing era, recreating the classic sounds of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and jazz singers like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Instruments in the band include trumpets, trombones, saxophones, guitar, piano, acoustic bass, drums, violins and more, along with vocalists.

Conductor Sir Adrie Braat founded the orchestra in 1985 and they play popular weekly shows in The Netherlands’ capital every Monday night at the legendary cafe Casablanca.

Tickets for the concert at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the 96-year-old luxury heritage hotel in Phnom Penh, are priced at $65 net, inclusive of set dinner and unlimited complimentary wines and beers courtesy of event sponsors Heineken and Celliers d’Asie. The evening programme runs from 7pm to 10pm, with the concert in the hotel’s elegant Royal Ballroom.

Biggles Big Band played its first-ever show in Cambodia last year, also at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, and received rave reviews from guests and local music fans alike.

For more information on Raffles Hotel Le Royal, or to make a booking for the concert, please contact +855 23 981 888

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.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Tanzania’s New Lemala Osonjoi Lodge

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Tanzania's New Lemala Osonjoi Lodge - TRAVELINDEXNgorongoro Crater, Tanzania, February 5, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Travel Promoters, recently appointed as UK Sales & Marketing representatives for Lemala Camps & Lodges and sister company Adrift in East Africa, has hit the ground running ahead of the launch of Lemala Osonjoi Lodge, which is due to welcome its first guests on 15th July 2025.

Dynamic duo, Lemala’s CEO Director of Operations Leanne Haigh and Head of Sales & Marketing James Haigh, will be visiting the UK during the last week of February and will,  along with the Travel Promoters’ team, be hosting a series of launch events across the country including private lunches and dinners in London, Alderley Edge, Chester, Cheltenham, Cirencester, Dorking and Brighton as well as product meetings and training sessions in between.

The new Lemala Osonjoi Lodge is being built on a hill just back from the Ngorongoro Crater rim, and has been named after the Osonjoi trees, which hold both symbolic and medicinal significance for the local Maasai. The lodge will feature 16 suites with king-size beds and beautiful en-suite bathrooms – with the views taking centre stage via large picture windows throughout. Each suite will also have a cosy nook with double bed for relaxing which can also double up as an extra sleeping area.  A slow-burn wood stove will provide a warm atmosphere and keep guests toasty when the cool mist rolls in, with the lodge located at around 8000 feet.

There will also be two 2-bedroomed suites to accommodate families or up to four adults and two children travelling together.  Suites will be light and beautifully decorated blending African chic with a twist of stylish Nordic design.

Central guest areas will comprise a cozy lounge, bar, outdoor viewing deck and a secluded Forest Spa which boasts the only indoor heated swimming pool in Ngorongoro.

Ideally located just 10 minutes’ drive from the Lemala Gate, Osonjoi guests will be amongst the first to arrive and last to leave the crater floor each day, ensuring a less crowded, unhurried wildlife experience.  Activities will include daily game drives and escorted walks with a Maasai guide.

The addition of Onsonjoi will complete Lemala’s circuit of Tanzanian lodges including Arusha at Hamerkop House by Lemala, Mpingo Ridge in Tarangire and Nanyukie and Kuria Hills in the Serengeti.

 

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Savor Special Winter Omakase at Nikaku Bangkok

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Savor Special Winter Omakase at Nikaku Bangkok - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, February 6, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / At Nikaku, a Two MICHELIN Star restaurant from Kitakyushu, Japan, we source the freshest fish from the Kanmon Straits and the surrounding waters of Kyushu, preparing it for nigiri in the traditional manner. Taste the Edomae sushi that rivals the essence of our Kitakyushu origin, bringing authentic Edomae sushi to Nikaku Bangkok, the only Kyushu restaurant in Bangkok, distinguished as a MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2025 Selected Restaurant.

We believe that the freshness of fish is the cornerstone of the Edomae sushi tradition. That’s why chef Funahashi meticulously sources the freshest fish from the Kanmon Straits and the surrounding waters of Kyushu. He then sends it directly from Fukuoka to Bangkok on the same day to be prepared for nigiri in a traditional manner.

Special Winter Omakase
21 courses 7,900 THB++/ Per Person
Dinner 17:30 / 20:00
Limited seats available for only 3 days from 2025 February 13th to 15th at Dinner!

Indulge in a meticulously crafted 21-course menu highlighting the finest winter fish and produce from Kyushu. Delight in seasonal specialties such as Karasumi (mullet roe), Hamaguri (Clams), Buri (Yellowtail), Shiroamadai (White tile fish), Buri (Yellowtail), Octopus, and more. Chef Funahashi’s commitment to excellence shines through in each Edomae-style nigiri, made with the fresh fish from the Kanmon Straits and Kyushu’s pristine waters, and paired with Kiokejikomi shouyu – a soy sauce aged in traditional Japanese wooden barrels to deepen its umami-rich.

Omakase Menu
Thursday to Tuesday (closed on Wednesday) Lunch 12:00
Dinner 17:30 / 20:00

Lunch and Dinner
21 courses 8,000 THB++ / Per Person 17 courses 6,500 THB++ / Per Person

Lunch Only
12 courses 4,000 THB++/ Per Person

About Nikaku Bangkok
At Nikaku Bangkok, distinguished as a MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2025 Selected Restaurant, and originating from the Nikaku Japan, a Two MICHELIN-Starred omakase restaurant in Kitakyushu, we believe that the freshness of fish is the cornerstone of the Edomae sushi tradition. That’s why chef Funahashi meticulously sources the freshest fish from the Kanmon Straits and the surrounding waters of Kyushu. He then sends it directly from Fukuoka to Bangkok on the same day to be prepared for nigiri in a traditional manner.

Two hundred years ago, the downtown area of Edo was bustling with the freshest catch gathered at the Nihonbashi fish market. To fully savor the taste of these fish, the Edomae nigirizushi technique was invented, allowing people to enjoy.

Today, we continue this tradition with “Anbai” and “Honte-gaeshi” in Kitakyushu at Nikaku.

What does Nikaku mean?
“Nikaku” means a pair of cranes. Cranes are considered lucky birds in Japan, and two cranes symbolize lasting prosperity.

Honte-gaeshi
About 200 years ago, sushi chefs in Edo (present-day Tokyo) pursued the creation of delicious sushi. As a result, they developed a technique. Today, we have inherited the authentic tradition and make sushi using the “Honte-gaeshi” method to form our nigiri.

Anbai
“Anbai” is a cooking term that refers to the balance of salt and vinegar. A dish with a perfect balance is said to be Anbai – well done. At Nikaku, we prepare the rice with good Anbai to bring out the best flavor of the ingredients.

Kyushyu Tea Experience
We present for you a journey around the island of Kyushu through the most premium teas available, all brewed with mineral water imported from Japan. Enjoy seven unique teas from each prefecture to savor throughout your omakase experience.

Executive Chef Setsuo Funahashi
The third generation of a 60-year-old sushi restaurant, Setsuo Funahashi was born in 1970. In 1990, he was introduced to traditional Edomae sushi in Tokyo, where he trained.
In 2002, he took over his family’s sushi restaurant and renamed it Edomae Sushi Nikaku. In 2014 and 2019, Nikaku was awarded two stars in the Michelin Guide Fukuoka.
In 2021, Nikaku was recognized by Gault & Millau as a pioneer of traditional Edomae sushi in the Kyushu region.

Pastry Chef Kazumi Funahashi
She was born and raised in an environment where she was exposed to Japan’s traditional culture from a young age, guided by her mother, a master of ikebana (Japanese flower arranging). This upbringing naturally nurtured her deep appreciation for the beauty of nature and the elegance of Japanese aesthetics, nurturing her delicate sensibilities.

In 2002, when Nikaku opened its doors, she actively participated in its establishment. While immersing herself in the culture and techniques of a sushi restaurant, her mission became to provide customers with the ultimate dining experience.

Obtaining a license in the art of Japanese confectionery (wagashi), she became intrigued by the unique desserts that could complement the sushi experience. Focusing on traditional wagashi- making methods and using only the finest ingredients without additives, she dedicated herself to crafting desserts that would inspire delight and awe among the clientele.

Her dedication and talent have not gone unnoticed, as she has earned recognition from the prestigious Michelin Guide. Her delightful desserts she conjures have garnered high praise, captivating even the most discerning of food enthusiasts.

Nikaku Bangkok
W Bangkok G Floor
106 North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand Tel: +66 (0)80-732-2338
Email: contact@nikakubangkok.com

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News