Global Travel News

Celebrate HRH L’Essence Féminine de la Musique

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Celebrate HRH L’Essence Féminine de la Musique - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, January 4, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and B. Grimm Group Ltd., will present a concert titled “Emmanuel Ceysson plays Glière’s Harp Concerto” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, August 9th, at the Thailand Cultural Centre.

This concert celebrates the auspicious birthday anniversary of RBSO’s Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya on the 8th of January. In keeping with the Concert name, the RBSO wishes to showcase the talented women in music by inviting female conductor and soloist. Katharina Wincor will lead the RBSO; A rising star in the conducting world, she studied conducting at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna and Zurich University.

Wincor received the Neeme Järvi Prize in 2017 and the third prize winner of the Mahler competition in 2020. Wincor is an assistant conductor in the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, where she has worked with Fabio Luisi since 2019. She has previously worked with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Deutsches Symphony Orchestra Berlin, the Bruckner Orchester Linz, Seattle Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, Naples Philharmonic, Tiroler Symphonieorchester Innsbruck, and the Utah Symphony.

The first piece is Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1, which is among the best-known pieces of music. This work was written in 1874 and will be performed by Ukrainian extraordinary pianist Anna Fedorova, who graduated from the Lysenko School of Music in Kyiv with Borys Fedorov and the Accademia Pianistica in Imola, Italy, with Leonid Margarius. She received her Master’s degree and Artist Diploma at the Royal College of Music, London, under the guidance of Norma Fisher.

She has performed with many orchestras, including the Philharmonia Orchestra, Verbier Festival Orchestra, Tokyo Symphony, Yomiuri Orchestra, Dallas Symphony, Hong Kong Philharmonic, and the Netherlands Philharmonic. Nicknamed the ‘house pianist’ of the Concertgebouw, Anna Fedorova has given over 45 concerts in this prestigious concert hall in Amsterdam. She is a regular guest at leading music festivals such as Verbier and Menuhin Festivals in Switzerland, Stift Music Festival in the Netherlands, Festival de Sintra in Portugal, and Ravinia Festival in the US. The second half will consist of

Tickets are available at Thaiticketmajor:
www.thaiticketmajor.com/concert/rbso-2025-lessence-feminie-de-la-musique.html

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Loved-Up Couples Fall for Romance and Weddings

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Loved-Up Couples Fall for Romance and Weddings - TRAVELINDEXMui Ne, Vietnam, January 3, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Orchestrating private candle-lit dining on the beach, ushering guests down white sand aisles and catering to all sorts of romantic whims, The Anam Mui Ne has rolled out alluring proposal, wedding, honeymoon and renewal of vows packages.

With an idyllic perch on one of southern Vietnam’s most spectacular beaches, the 1.2-hectare resort opened in 2023 with a design that borrows deeply from Vietnam’s Indochine era. Crafted by artisans from across the country whose trades have been handed down the generations, the resort evokes a romantic atmosphere with glowing lanterns, customized encaustic mosaic floor tiles, clay vases and statues on plinths designed by the Cham people, intricate woodwork and solid timber furniture from sustainable forests, authentic thatched roofs and more.

Since its January 2023 debut, The Anam Mui Ne has hosted more than 20 weddings as well as plenty of proposals and honeymoons. “We’ve been amazed at how popular our resort has been as a wedding and honeymoon destination; so much so as we were building our resort people driving past noticed our onsite billboard, called us and booked their wedding here well before we’d even opened,” said The Anam Group’s commercial director Martin Koerner. “It’s indicative of Vietnam’s growing popularity as a wedding and honeymoon destination due to our incredible beaches and landscapes, our hospitality and exceptional value for money.”

The Anam Mui Ne’s proposal experience is underpinned by a private candle-lit dining set-up on either the resort’s beach, beside one of its two vast swimming pools, in the privacy of a private-pool suite or room. Cooked by a private chef and served by a private waiter, the four-course menu includes the likes of ‘Pan-seared foie gras’ with mango, hibiscus sauce and watercress, ‘Lobster bisque soup’ with lobster wonton, squid and mussels, and ‘Black Angus Ribeye’ comprising chargrilled Australian prime ribeye steak flavoured with rosemary and caramelised garlic served with sweet potato mash, petite Greek salad and red wine jus.

Tying the knot invites possibilities ranging from an intimate ceremony for two on the beachfront or lawn to a formal dining arrangement for up to 130 guests for an exquisite buffet or 180 guests for a delectable set menu. A three-tier wedding cake, stunning flower arrangements, live background music by the likes of a guitarist, and bubbles for a toast are among an array of essentials for an occasion of a lifetime.

The 142sqm Private Pool Suites, a leading accommodation category, are popular among honeymooners. As their name suggests, the Private Pool Suites each have their own tranquil 22sqm private pools that are 1.3m deep and are complemented with terraces decked with sun loungers. At the suites, afternoon tea is served on arrival and private BBQs to themes ranging from seafood to premium meat to vegetarian or a mixture are on offer.

In addition to selecting from the broad spectrum of treatments available at The Anam Spa including couple’s massages, honeymooners are also encouraged to indulge in “The Anam Signature Bathtub Experience” that makes the most of the “star attraction” of the resort’s rooms and suites, a picture-perfect free-standing clawfoot bath. A homemade sea salt full body scrub, bathtub soak infused with oranges, flowers and essential oils, natural hair treatment and nutritious facial mask are among the eight pampering steps behind the bathtub experience.

The renewal of vows packages, like the wedding packages, also feature a night’s stay in a Premium Room, with a free upgrade to a Premium Ocean View Room depending on availability.

An array of picturesque settings throughout the resort, including the elegant lobby, hallways, swimming pool terraces, and the beachfront, afford compelling pre-wedding and wedding photo backdrops. Opening doors on the country’s fascinating culture, talented Vietnamese artists were commissioned to create 250 unique oil paintings for each room and suite, as well as the lobby and restaurants.

Mui Ne’s attractions include its beach, sand dunes, fishing village, Cham towers and “Fairy Stream” – a shallow stream that flows through vivid orange and white limestone formations. An expressway has cut the drive from Ho Chi Minh City to two hours.

About The Anam Group 

After the auspicious debut of The Anam Cam Ranh in 2017, the independently owned and operated The Anam Group celebrated the grand opening of its second property, The Anam Mui Ne, in January 2023.

With “Indochine Charm” and “Modern Luxury” as its watchwords, the group blends colonial-era aesthetics and attentive Vietnamese service with modern comforts and convenience. “The Anam” today is a reference to another name, “An Nam”, which was the name of Central Vietnam during the French Indochina era.

The Anam Cam Ranh overlooks 300 metres of beachfront on Vietnam’s scenic Cam Ranh peninsula, which averages more than 300 sunny days per year. The luxurious five-star resort boasts 77 villas and 136 rooms and suites. The Anam Cam Ranh features a French-inspired fine dining restaurant, all-day dining restaurant, a Vietnamese restaurant and bar, a classical bar, a beach club, in-room dining, a 10 treatment-room spa, indoor and outdoor movie theatres, three capacious swimming pools, ballroom, conference rooms, recreation and fitness centre, yoga room and deck, kids club, onsite sustainable farm and gift shop. The resort recently unveiled a wellness and recreation precinct with an 18-hole mini golf course, driving range, clubhouse, soccer field, tennis court, running track and more.

Like its predecessor The Anam Cam Ranh, The Anam Mui Ne’s design is also an echo out of Vietnam’s Indochine era. Situated in southern Vietnam’s popular beach town Mui Ne, the 1.2 hectare beachfront resort affords spectacular ocean vistas and features 127 elegant rooms and suites, including seven 142sqm suites with private pools and a 122sqm presidential suite with an extra room for the bodyguards. Its dining landscape comprises an all-day dining restaurant and grill, beachside restaurant and bar, and lobby bar. A five-treatment room spa, two vast swimming pools, a ballroom, conference rooms, water sports center, fitness center, yoga room, kid’s club and gift shop are among the resort’s host of world-class facilities.

With a design inspired by Vietnam’s iconic basket boat, Axi Plaza is a game changer for Cam Ranh and MICE offerings on Vietnam’s coastline due to its distinctive architecture and design, and spectacular beachfront location. Adjacent to The Anam Cam Ranh, Axi Plaza offers a vast state-of-the-art conference hall, a 360-degree rooftop venue, stunning outdoor beachfront event space, about 10,000sqm dedicated to shopping and dining outlets, and more.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

2025 Dream Destinations of The World’s Most Traveled People

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2025 Dream Destinations of The World’s Most Traveled People - TRAVELINDEXChicago, United States, January 3, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Two hundred and fifty of the world’s most traveled people gathered for the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok.  This is a gathering of the world’s most avid, accomplished, and adventurous travelers.  In fact, a world record was set with 31 people who have been to every country in the world meeting at the ETF.  Travelers were surveyed regarding their “dream location”.  Some of these locations might surprise you and others you might never have heard of.

Here are the top 15 locations chosen by these accomplished travelers:

Antarctica 7.64%
Yemen 7.01%
Japan 5.1%
Pitcairn Island (UK) 3.82%
Papua New Guinea 3.82%
South Pole 3.18%
South Africa 3.18%
Madagascar 3.18%
Kamchatka (Russia) 2.55%
North Korea (DPRK) 2.55%
Greenland (Denmark) 2.55%
Italy 1.91%
Bouvet Island (Norway) 1.91%
Bhutan 1.91%
Argentina 1.91%

Matt McCaughey, an American who has traveled to every country in the world, chose Bouvet Island as his dream destination.  Bouvet Island is a Norwegian island located in the South Atlantic Ocean just north of the Antarctic Circle is considered the world’s most remote island.  Matt commented, “It’s about as remote as it gets, and I know very few people who have been there.  It is a total bucket list destination.”

Andy Hicks, who has traveled to over 120 countries, speaking of Pitcairn Island, “I’ve dreamed of visiting Pitcairn for years – the fact a small group of people are living in one of the most remote places on earth, nearly all of them the result of a ship muntiny (18th century HMS Bounty), is just mind-boggling to me.  Spending a few days on the island and getting to know some of the inhabitants, will surely be one of my coolest travel experiences.”

The following all garnered 1.27% of votes: Australia, British Indian Overseas Territory (UK), Brazil, Lake Louise (Canada), Costa Rica, Cuba, France, Timbuktu (Mali), Mongolia, Namibia, New Zealand, Siberia (Russia), Principality of Sealand, Syria, Thailand, Tokelau (New Zealand), Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, and Venezuela.

In this final group, each destination earned .64% of votes: Afghanistan, the Arctic, Patagonia (Argentina/Chile), Lord Howe Island (Australia), Botswana, Central Asia, Easter Island (Chile), Estonia, Faroe Islands (Denmark), Fiji, French Polynesia (France), Gaza, Greece, Hans Island (Canada/Denmark), Ladakh (India), Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Maldives, the Moon, Nepal, Nigeria, Lofoten Islands (Norway), Cook islands (New Zealand), outer space, Palau, Philippines, Portugal, the Republic of Slowjamastan, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sudan, Tonga, Palmyra Atoll (USA), USA, and Zanzibar (Tanzania).

Many would consider this to be an eclectic mix of dream destinations from the well-known to the esoteric.  The top three include Antarctica (remote and expensive to visit), Yemen (country racked by civil war since 2014), and Japan (a highly developed and touristed country).  Highly ranked and touristed destinations like France and Italy were listed.  Unstable and considered dangerous locations such as Afghanistan and Timbuktu are coveted.  Remote islands like Pitcairn Island and Bouvet Island cracked the top 15.  And some aspirational travelers have their sites on the great beyond, including outer space and the moon.  Even two micronations and self-declared countries, Principality of Sealand and Republic of Slowjamastan, earned their way on to the list.  The Sultan of Slowjamastan also appeared at the Extraordinary Travel Festival as a keynote speaker.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener Opens at One Bangkok

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Wolfgang's Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener Opens at One Bangkok - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, January 3, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener, a renowned high-end steakhouse from New York, officially launched its first branch in Thailand at One Bangkok recently.  This marks the 40th location worldwide. The grand soft opening was hosted by Mr. Peter Zwiener, President and Co-Founder of Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, Mr. Prasert Laorphanpon and Mr. Sohei Urakami, Co-partners of Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Thailand.

“The name Wolfgang’s Steakhouse comes from my father, Wolfgang, who used to work at another steakhouse in New York City for 40 years,” shared Mr. Peter Zwiener.  “We decided that when he was going to retire, which he did 20 years ago, I would use my business experience (as a banker) and he would use his knowledge in culinary and steak, to open up the best steakhouse in the world, and we opened up our first Wolfgang’s Steakhouse in New York in 2004.”

“Our focus is on using premium ingredients, particularly USDA Prime beef.  We are responsible for our own beef. We deal directly with the best ranches and abattoirs in the US; and we also import Maine lobsters from the U.S. Other seafood and fish are sourced locally,” said Mr. Zwiener.

“Beyond the cuisine, we place great emphasis on the restaurant’s ambiance and outstanding service. The interior is inspired by the classic New York steakhouses of 1912, featuring historical photographs that tell stories of enduring value and tradition. This design blends timeless charm with a modern fine-dining experience.”

At the soft opening dinner, Chef Kenny Nattawat Ariyawisutsri, the Head Chef at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Thailand, introduced a variety of signature dishes that authentically reflect the essence of New York.

Highlights included:

  • Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail: Large shrimp served with Wolfgang’s signature cocktail sauce.
  • Wolfgang’s Crab Cake: A special recipe made with premium, succulent crab meat paired with tartar sauce.
  • Beverly Hills Chopped Salad: A classic California-style salad featuring finely chopped fresh vegetables and Wolfgang’s special dressing.
  • Sizzling Bacon: Thick-cut bacon grilled to perfection for a smoky, crispy finish.
  • Lobster Bisque: A rich and creamy soup made from fresh Maine lobster, infused with exquisite spices.

The main course was the Porterhouse Steak, featuring USDA Prime beef, the highest grade awarded by the USDA, served with sides such as German potatoes and creamed spinach.

“Our steaks are flown directly from the U.S. in a chilled (never frozen) state, dry-aged for 28 days in meticulously controlled conditions.  During the process the beef develops tenderness and a great sense of flavour, an earthy flavour,” explained Chef Kenny.

A unique feature of the restaurant is the “Sizzling” announcement made in chorus by the staff when the steaks are served in a sizzling state, alerting diners to handle the hot plate with care.

For dessert, guests enjoyed the New York Style Cheesecake, a classic recipe with a smooth and creamy texture, served with rich whipped cream for the perfect balance of sweetness.

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse also emphasizes the use of locally sourced ingredients, such as fresh fish and vegetables from Thailand, to add variety to the menu. Other recommendations include the classic Seafood Platter, Apple Strudel a la mode, Pecan Pie, and the Classic Hot Fudge Sundae.

The restaurant seamlessly combines classic and contemporary elements, offering a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. Guests can also enjoy the outdoor area featuring a whiskey bar and a curated wine collection of over 2,000 bottles from renowned regions such as Napa Valley, South America, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand. With open-air seating, diners can savour their meals while taking in the breathtaking night views of Bangkok.

“Apart from great service with attention to detail, great quality, great food, great wine, great ambiance, great training, we focus on making every dinner at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse feel they are VIPs and very special to us, this is how we created the Wolfgang Brand,” said Mr. Zwiener in conclusion.

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Bangkok is currently open daily from 5:00 pm to 11:30 pm, with plans to extend full-day service daily from 11:30 am to 11:30 pm starting mid-January 2025.

For reservations or inquiries, contact, tel +66(0)64 567 2929 Email: reservation@wolfgangssteakhouse.th

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UN Tourism Strengthens Collaboration with Austria for Sustainable Tourism

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UN Tourism Strengthens Collaboration with Austria for Sustainable Tourism - TRAVELINDEXVienna, Austria, December 30, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Tourism and Austria have discussed opportunities for further collaboration and for strengthening partnerships in the areas of sustainability, statistics and development.

In Vienna, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili held high-level meetings, reaffirming Austria’s important role in advancing sustainable tourism, including through having six of its villages as members of UN Tourism´s Best Tourism Village Programme and the region of Tyrol as one of the latest members of the International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO).

In a meeting with Susanne Kraus-Winkler, State Secretary for Tourism (Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy), discussions highlighted Austria’s critical leadership as Co-Chair of the Committee on Statistics. The focus was on implementing the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST), endorsed by the United Nations Statistical Commission earlier this year. Austria’s leadership has been instrumental in developing this internationally agreed framework, which provides essential concepts, definitions, and structures to measure tourism’s economic, social, and environmental impacts and dependencies.

Secretary-General Pololikashvili said: “A leading tourism destination like Austria can play an important role in advancing global tourism issues, such as the SF-MST, while at the same time to ensure that through such measurement instruments tourism remains a key driver of sustainable and inclusive development. UN Tourism commends Austria’s clear commitment to shaping a sustainable and resilient tourism future, and its leadership at both the regional and global level in this regard that also is highlighted through a comparatively big number of Best Tourism Villages and one of the leading destinations as a member in the INSTO Network.”

During talks with Ambassador Harald Stranzl, Director for Foreign Economic Relations (Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs), discussions centered on leveraging Austrian expertise to advance development cooperation in tourism. Both sides emphasized Austria’s potential to share its wealth of knowledge and technical capacity to drive sustainable tourism initiatives worldwide.

According to UN Tourism’s latest data, Austria ranks 10th globally in international tourist arrivals, welcoming 30.9 million international arrivals in 2023. It also ranks at 19th in international tourism receipts, with the sector generating 22.8 billion EUR, last year, around 11% higher than in 2019.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Tourism as Driver of Rural Empowerment Global Conference in Viet Nam

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Tourism as Driver of Rural Empowerment Global Conference in Viet Nam - TRAVELINDEXHoi An, Vietnam, December 30, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Tourism joined with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam to host the First Conference on Tourism for Rural Development in the historic town of Hoi An. The event brought together government officials, international and regional financial institutions, development agencies, tourism professionals, rural community leaders, researchers and NGOs to explore policies and strategies to maximize the role of tourism in progressing development in rural areas.

Empowering Communities

Sessions spotlighted the power of tourism to create jobs, safeguard nature and cultural heritage, and promote social inclusion, with a focus on empowering local communities, women and youth. Key discussions included topics such as policy frameworks for rural tourism development, growing agriculture and tourism synergies to drive sustainability, market access and integration, innovative digital tools and funding mechanisms to support rural destinations, entrepreneurs and community-led initiatives.

Opening the conference Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director, UN Tourism said: “This landmark event has demonstrated the immense potential of tourism to transform rural communities. By placing people and planet at the center of our discussions, we have fostered meaningful connections and actionable strategies that will ripple across rural areas worldwide. Together, we have sown the seeds for a more inclusive and sustainable future.”

Le Thanh Long, Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, said: “The Tourism for Rural Development Programme by UN Tourism is consistent with Viet Nam’s development strategy and distinct potentials, competitive advantages, and outstanding opportunities with the orientation of rapid, sustainable development, green growth, digital transformation, and circular economy.”

Placing tourism  on the rural development agenda

The conference emphasized the importance of placing tourism firmly on the rural development agenda ensuring that it is fully integrated into funding for rural development and infrastructure planning.

The event stressed the importance of partnerships across sectors to ensure tourism not only drives economic growth but also preserves cultural heritage and natural resources. The panels collectively aimed to explore transformative strategies for leveraging rural tourism as a driver of sustainable development. Discussions included crafting effective government policies, addressing infrastructure challenges, and fostering public-private partnerships to amplify local initiatives.

Panelists from key organizations including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Mekong Tourism, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), and companies such as Fliggy, Intrepid Travel, Japan Travel Bureau (JTB), Meta, Planeterra, and Traveloka shared valuable insights on advancing rural tourism. They highlighted the critical role of sustainable tourism in fostering economic resilience, protecting cultural heritage, and creating equitable opportunities for rural communities. Media experts Carmen Roberts, TV Presenter and Travel Journalist, BBC Travel Show and Kanchan Nath, Senior Editor at Travel Daily Media shared their communication insights. Discussions provided key takeaways on integrating tourism with agriculture, ensuring inclusivity, and leveraging partnerships to drive long-term impact in rural destinations.

Fliggy Partnership to Drive Rural Development

During the event, UN Tourism and Fliggy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their collaboration on development of rural tourism. The partnership is designed to promote responsible tourism practices, foster technological innovation, and encourage knowledge exchange and capacity building. Key initiatives will include showcasing Best Tourism Villages, creating training programmes, and conducting joint research to support rural tourism.

Best Tourism Villages Network Annual Meeting

The conference also hosted the Second Annual Meeting of the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism Network, with 50 representatives from over 30 villages coming together in Viet Nam. Attendees reflected on the Network’s achievements, assessed its current state, and discussed ways to improve planning, coordination, and ownership among the villages. A strategic framework was also adopted, outlining a clear path forward to strengthen and build on the Network’s foundation.

The Best Tourism Villages Network brings together the villages recognized as Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism as well as those in the Upgrade Programme.

 

Tourism as a driver of rural empowerment

Tourism as a driver of rural empowerment

UN Tourism Global Conference

 

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Alma Resort to Usher in Year of The Wood Snake

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Alma Resort to Usher in Year of The Wood Snake - TRAVELINDEXCam Ranh, Vietnam, December 27, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Family resort Alma will ring in the biggest event on the Vietnamese calendar, the Lunar New Year, with a six-day program filled with traditional games and competitions, live entertainment, floating champagne breakfasts and more.

From Lunar New Year’s Eve, Tuesday Jan. 28, until Sunday Feb. 2, 2025, Alma’s Tet program will feature chung cake, egg cake and ginger jam making classes, as well as kite flying, dragon dances, making lucky envelopes, Tet movies at Alma Cinema, and afternoon tea for two.

Overlooking Long Beach, one of Vietnam’s most stunning stretches of sand, the resort starts its Tet program on Jan. 28 with a floating champagne breakfast for guests staying in pavilions with private pools. At Alma Food Court, guests are encouraged to try their hand at crafting the quintessential Tet staple “Banh Chung” (Chung cake), wrapping sticky rice and mung bean inside dong leaves from 8.30-10.30am, as well as egg cake and ginger jam making from 3-5pm. A complimentary kite flying competition will be held on Alma Hill from 4-5pm.

On the first day of Tet, Tuesday Jan. 29, the lush 30-hectare resort’s Tet festivities kick off with dragon dancing in the lobby and Alma Garden from 8am.

Alma will host the following Tet festivities daily from Jan. 29 until Feb 2:

  • Floating Tet breakfast at private pool pavilions with Vietnamese “Banh Mi”, beef or chicken noodle soup, Vietnamese cold cuts and fish sauce, “Banh Beo” steamed rice cake, two farm eggs any style with choice of bacon, pork or chicken sausage, yogurt and fruit, and a selection of freshly squeezed juices.
  • A Tet Corner affording traditional Vietnamese fruit candies at Alma Food Court from 11am-5pm.
  • An exquisite Vietnamese Afternoon Tea for two brimming with savoury and sweet treats, including Banh Chung and traditional candies, served at both Alma Food Court and Alma Lounge from 2-5pm. Live entertainment including Alma’s resident pianist Ben playing a grand piano from 2.30-3.15pm and 3.30-4.15pm at Alma Lounge.
  • Bartenders crafting special Vietnamese cocktails from 6-9.30pm at Alma Lounge. The cocktail list includes ‘Sampan Sour’ comprising Vietnamese Sampan White Rhum, Cointreau, chili, salt, Chinese coriander, lime, and sugar syrup, and ‘Moc Chau Plateau’ made up of Ruddy Face Apricot Liqueur, D.O.M Benedictine, honey, ginger syrup, lime juice and Peychaud’s Bitters.
  • Movies and popcorn at Alma’s 75-seat cinema.

On Wednesday Jan. 30, the Kids Club will help children make lucky envelopes for “li xi”, which translates to “lucky money” traditionally given during the Lunar New Year to bestow blessings of good luck and happiness upon recipients. On Jan. 30 and Friday Jan. 31 the Kids Club will host smash lucky balloons games from 3-4pm before kite flying is held on Alma Hill from 4-5pm. The young and the young at heart will also blow giant rainbow bubbles on Alma Hill on Jan. 31 from 3-5pm.

To a backdrop of sweeping views of Long Beach aquamarine waters and buttermilk sands, with islands strewn offshore, a picnic package will be on offer at Alma Hill from 7-9am and 3-5pm on Sunday Feb. 2.

Beachfront restaurant Atlantis, Italian trattoria La Casa and Asiana, which serves Thai, Korean, Japanese and vegan fare, will offer a la carte dining throughout Tet.

“There’s plenty to see and do at Alma during such an extraordinary time of the year celebrating with family and friends,” said Alma’s managing director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler.

“As we welcome the Year of the Wood Snake, at Alma we will look to apply the snake’s keen insight and the wood’s ability to grow and adapt in 2025 as we embrace all sorts of new possibilities ranging from offering exciting new guest experiences such as welcoming local artists to sketch portraits of our guests to protecting the environment with the rollout of what is believed to be Vietnam’s most ambitious solar power project for a hotel.”

Featuring 13 separate treatment villas sprinkled onto the landscape, Alma’s Le Spa is offering a variety of indulgent treatments including ‘Lunar Renewal Therapy’, ‘New Year Radiance Ritual’, and ‘Double Happiness’. Lunar Renewal Therapy is a 70-minute customised aromatherapy massage with a choice of traditional Vietnamese, Balinese or deep tissue massage techniques to release muscle tension, promote deep relaxation and restore energy. The 110-minute New Year Radiance Ritual starts with an aromatic herbal steam and sauna, followed by a 30-minute body scrub, 50-minute massage and 30-minute facial treatment. The 60-minute Double Happiness treatment for couples offers a choice of Balinese, Vietnamese or deep tissue massage.

About Alma
Situated on Vietnam’s emerging Cam Ranh peninsula fronting Long Beach, Alma resort commands some 30 hectares of inspiring ground. Emblematic of Vietnam’s maturation as a destination, the bold and spacious integrated resort offers 580 oversized suites and pavilions that all afford sweeping vistas of the ocean, including contemporary three bedroom oceanfront pavilions each totalling 224sqm with a living room, four bathrooms and a private pool. Alma features a broad spectrum of restaurants helmed by top chefs, a food court with an array of local and international cuisine, as well as a sports bar, pool bar and beach bar. Other highlights include 12 swimming pools cascading down to the beach and a waterpark with a lazy river, slides, wave pool and kids pool. Other highlights include a 13-treatment room spa, 75-seat cinema, convention centre, amphitheater, science museum, gymnasium and yoga room, 18-hole mini golf course, a youth centre with virtual reality games, a kid’s club, golf simulator, onsite sustainable farm and even an ‘Alma Mart’ mini supermarket. Alma Resort was called out as the top resort in Southeast Asia, the No. 2 resort in Asia and No. 9 resort worldwide in the 2024 Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. Alma scored 99.2 on the US-based publication’s 100-point award survey. The World’s Best Awards are widely considered to be one of the two most important awards in the worldwide hospitality industry.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Celebrate the Magic of the Season with Festive Delights

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Celebrate the Magic of the Season with Festive Delights - TRAVELINDEXThis festive season, Tuxedo Espresso Bar at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit invites you to indulge in a delightful array of seasonal treats and festive experiences. Whether you’re looking for a cozy afternoon tea or the perfect holiday gift, our exclusive offers will add sparkle to your celebrations.

Magical Festive Afternoon Tea
Delight in a festive selection of desserts and savory bites, thoughtfully crafted to bring the magic of Christmas to your table.

THB 880++ for one person
THB 1,380++ for two persons
Enhance your afternoon tea experience with a glass of bubbly for an additional THB 200++ per glass
Menu:

Available daily from now until 6 January 2025, between 12:00 pm and 4:30 pm.

Festive Bakes & Christmas Goodies
Celebrate the season with our delightful assortment of holiday treats! Indulge in festive flavors, including classic holiday favorites, rich chocolates, and seasonal fruits:
• Classic Stollen (THB 280++)
• Chocolate Stollen (THB 280++)
• Christmas Tree Cake (THB 260++)
• Santa Hat Pudding (THB 250++)
• Christmas Fruit Cake (THB 320++)
• Sugar-Sweet Snowman Tart (THB 260++)
• Chocolate Caramel Log Cake (THB 280++)
• Red Berries Mushroom Cake (THB 250++)

Available daily from now until 6 January 2025

Carlton Festive Hamper
Share the joy of the season with our Festive Carlton Hamper, a carefully curated selection of premium holiday goodies, perfect for gifting. This delightful collection includes Penfolds Koonunga Hill Wine, Christmas Mixed Fruit Cake, TWG Tea varieties, Wildflower Honey, an adorable Carlton Teddy Bear and more.

THB 3,888 net per set

Order now and pick up until 15 January 2025.

Get into the festive spirit and treat yourself, your family, or your friends to the ultimate indulgence at Tuxedo Espresso Bar. Book your festive experience today and make this holiday season truly special.

For more information or to make reservations, please contact 02 090 7888

 

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Raffles Cambodia Hotels Earn Green Globe Certification

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Raffles Cambodia Hotels Earn Green Globe Certification - TRAVELINDEXPhnom Penh, Cambodia, December 26, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Two of Cambodia’s most celebrated heritage hotels have received industry-leading Green Globe Certifications in recognition of their ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap and Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh were awarded the designations based on their dedication to efficient resource management, in addition to their innovative and engaging community programmes, unique environmental initiatives and other best practices.

“Sustainability is one of Raffles’ key areas of focus and we are proud to be helping lead the way toward a more eco-friendly future in tourism – not only in Cambodia but around the world,” said Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor General Manager Joseph Colina.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal General Manager Dagmar Lyons added, “We are delighted to be building on our rich historical legacy with a truly 21st-century approach to environmental stewardship, underscoring our dedication both to sustainable tourism practices and serving our guests.”

The two Raffles hotels secured the Green Globe Certification through efforts to reduce food waste, optimize energy allocation and recycle waste. They are also active in local community activities, annual tree-planting, sustainability management training and more.

Earlier this year, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the 92-year-old luxury icon on the doorstep of ancient Khmer archeological sites, introduced a new fleet of electric tuk-tuks, providing an innovative and eco-friendly transportation option for guests. The new tuk-tuks are used in the hotel’s Curated Journeys, including “Reflections of Angkor,” in which guests hone their photography skills with a veteran photographer.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal offers bicycles for guests to explore the city of Phnom Penh, along with a self-guided walking tour map that highlights local attractions.

The Green Globe programme traces its roots back to the United Nations Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992, where 182 heads of state from around the world endorsed the Agenda 21 principles of sustainable development. Today, Green Globe has grown to become the world’s leading certification for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism worldwide.

The Green Globe Certification Standard includes 44 criteria in four groups and supported by over 380 compliance indicators. The standard has been developed over three decades and guarantees the highest level of sustainable operations and management.

For reservations or inquiries about Raffles Hotel Le Royal, please contact +855 23 981 888 or email bookus.phnompenh@raffles.com.

For Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, please contact +855 23 982 598 or email bookus.siemreap@raffles.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.

raffles.com | all.accor.com | group.accor.com

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The Pinnacle of Luxury and Heritage, House of Tin Baron, Opens in the Heart of Phuket

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The Pinnacle of Luxury and Heritage, House of Tin Baron, Opens in the Heart of Phuket - TRAVELINDEXPhuket, Thailand, December 25, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / House of Tin Baron, the historic landmark in Phuket Old Town transformed into a luxurious lifestyle destination, opened its doors on 1st December 2024, heralding a new era of refined luxury in Phuket. Presenting two exceptional dining experiences for discerning diners, the world’s first and only Louis Roederer Cristal Room at House of Tin Baron and Terra, an exquisite Italian restaurant, House of Tin Baron is destined to become Phuket’s most coveted address.

Situated within Phuket’s vibrant historic Sino-Portuguese district, House of Tin Baron has been masterfully reimagined by global architecture and design firm dwp, building upon the original design concept by Ong-ard Satrabhandhu, the renowned Thai National Artist and architect. The design seamlessly blends traditional architecture with contemporary aesthetics, honoring the site’s rich heritage. A welcoming oasis of lush landscaping and a reflective pond complement the building’s historical splendor, while meticulously preserved elements, including keystone arches, semi-circular windows, and limestone columns, speak to the enduring significance of this Sino-Portuguese gem.

Louis Roederer Cristal Room at House of Tin Baron

Louis Roederer Cristal Room at House of Tin Baron offers an unparalleled champagne experience, a tribute to the rich heritage of Louis Roederer Cristal, originally created for Tsar Alexander II of Russia in 1876. The opulent interior, shimmering with luminous white, gold, and champagne hues, elevates every sip to pure indulgence. Intimate nooks, artfully crafted from repurposed window alcoves, bask in the warm glow of a magnificent chandelier, while a freshly whitewashed balustrade adds a final touch of timeless elegance. Within this exquisitely appointed sanctuary, guests can indulge in the world’s most prestigious selections, including Cristal Brut and Rosé, alongside rare vintages such as the celebrated 2008 and 2012 with expertly guided sommelier- led tastings.

Terra

Terra, the exquisite Italian fine dining destination, embodies its namesake, “earth”, by offering a transcendent culinary experience rooted in the finest seasonal ingredients sourced from across the globe. Executive Chef Okan Ozturk’s curated tasting menus and à la carte options masterfully blend Italian culinary heritage with sophisticated global influences, allowing the pure essence of each ingredient to shine. This reverence for nature’s bounty is echoed in the restaurant’s warm and inviting ambiance, adorned with rich earthy tones of brown and green, accented by gleaming brass and bronze. Elevating the experience further, the centerpiece show kitchen, Dolce Terra, presents innovative interpretations of classic Italian desserts, while the enchanting outdoor Piazza provides an idyllic alfresco setting beneath the stars.

“As Phuket emerges as a premier destination for culinary artistry and luxury lifestyle, House of Tin Baron stands at the forefront of this exciting evolution,” shared Deepak Ohri, CEO of Luxury Atelier Maison Happiness (LAMH) and visionary behind House of Tin Baron. “We invite guests to experience an unparalleled journey into Phuket’s history and culture at House of Tin Baron, where the rich threads of its heritage are woven together with the dynamism of modern luxury. Here, the past informs the future of hospitality, creating a truly unique and luxurious escape.”

For more information and reservations, visit House of Tin Baron’s Official Website.

Louis Roederer Cristal Room at House of Tin Baron Opening Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 5 PM – 1 AM

Terra
Opening Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 5 PM – 12 AM (Last seating 10:30 PM)

House of Tin Baron: Phuket’s Premier Lifestyle Destination
House of Tin Baron, a historic landmark in Phuket’s Old Town, has been transformed into a luxury lifestyle destination by Luxury Atelier Maison Happiness (LAMH) under the visionary leadership of Deepak Ohri. This reimagined venue offers an unparalleled experience amidst the rich heritage and stunning Sino-Portuguese architecture.

Guided by the vision of creating a space where every guest feels welcomed, valued, and alive through exceptional dining experiences and a unique blend of fun and celebration, the world’s first Louis Roederer Cristal Room at House of Tin Baron showcases an exclusive selection of Cristal Champagnes. Guests can also indulge in exquisite Italian cuisine at Terra, led by a chef formerly of Michelin-starred establishments, and enjoy a remarkable range of premium drinks at the Azul Bar.

At the heart of Phuket’s vibrant cultural and economic tapestry, the House of Tin Baron aims to play a pivotal role, contributing to the community’s growth and emerging as a premier destination for locals and tourists alike.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News