global travel news

Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit proudly celebrates its 5th anniversary with a night to remember. Join us under the stars for skyline views, smooth cocktails, and live entertainment as we mark this special milestone.

Raise a glass and toast to five incredible years with an evening filled with exciting highlights:

• Welcome Drink: Start the night with a refreshing complimentary drink.
• Live Music: Enjoy captivating performances from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm.
• Themed Lighting: Immerse yourself in an enchanting rooftop ambiance.
• Free-Flow Local Draft Beer: Indulge in two hours of unlimited pours at THB 555++ per person.
• Specially curated Patrón cocktails: Savour expertly crafted cocktails for THB 555++.
• Lucky Draw: Guests with bills over THB 2,000++ will have the chance to win exciting prizes.

Date: 21 August 2025
Time: 5:00 pm – midnight

Be part of this milestone celebration and enjoy a night of music, lights, and unforgettable memories.

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

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The Hague, Netherlands, August 19, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Recently, Dusit Thani College, Thailand’s leading institution in hospitality business education under the Dusit International, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hotelschool The Hague, one of the most prestigious hospitality schools in the Netherlands and globally. The agreement aims to establish joint academic and curriculum collaboration between the two institutions, with the signing ceremony held at Dusit Thani College.

As part of its mission to promote internationalization, Dusit Thani College continuously seeks partnerships with institutions, organizations, and agencies worldwide. This latest MoU with Hotelschool The Hague marks another milestone in its global engagement efforts. Mr. Rogier Busser, Dean of Hotelschool The Hague, honored the occasion by attending the signing ceremony alongside Dr. Atthawet Prougestaporn, Rector of Dusit Thani College. Witnesses included Dr. Phitchayaporn Sriboonruang, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs; Mr. Simon David Lloyd, Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality Management; and Ms. Pichaya Noranitiphadungkarn, Director of International Relations and Accreditations.

Founded in 1929, Hotelschool The Hague is internationally recognized for its excellence in hospitality education. It offers a range of degree programs in Hospitality Management. This MoU will pave the way for cross-continental knowledge exchange in hospitality business, enhancing and modernizing hotel management curricula at both institutions.

Book your hotel in The Hague or Bangkok at HotelWorlds.com

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Bangkok, Thailand, August 19, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce that PATA Travel Mart 2026 (PTM 2026) will take place in Sarawak, Malaysia at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) from August 18 – 20, 2026. The event, generously endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts of Sarawak, hosted by the Sarawak Tourism Board, and supported by the Business Events Sarawak, marks the first time the Association’s signature travel trade exhibition is set to take place in the destination.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid stated, “We extend our sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), and Business Events Sarawak for recognising the strategic importance of the tourism economy and for their commitment to hosting PATA Travel Mart 2026. As a long-standing and valued member, STB has consistently supported a wide range of collaborative initiatives over the years. PTM 2026 will not only align with the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign and PATA’s 75th Anniversary, but also mark STB’s 45th year of membership with the Association, making it a truly special occasion for Sarawak, PATA, and all participants.”

“We look forward to welcoming our community and stakeholders to Sarawak and showcasing the destination’s remarkable strengths in both business and leisure — and highlight how there is always ‘More to Discover’ in Sarawak.”

STB CEO Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor said, “Hosting PATA Travel Mart 2026 is a milestone for Sarawak and a testament to our growing presence on the global tourism stage. It is our opportunity to present Sarawak’s cultural heritage, biodiversity, and business-ready infrastructure to the world, while underscoring our commitment to sustainable and regenerative tourism. This event complements Visit Malaysia 2026 and will strengthen our ties with international industry leaders, creating lasting partnerships that benefit our communities and tourism stakeholders. We look forward to welcoming the world to Sarawak, where there is always ‘More to Discover’.”

A PATA member since 1981, STB has been a dedicated partner in advancing PATA’s initiatives in promoting destination resilience and sustainability. Sarawak was one of the Asia Pacific destinations to implement the Tourism Destination Resilience (TDR) capacity building programme, launched in collaboration with PATA in 2024. The two organisations also continue to collaborate on strategic initiatives, including carbon offset projects, joint advocacy and policy development, sustainable urban tourism, biodiversity conservation, and capacity building for green hospitality.

With a strong foundation of collaboration already in place, Sarawak is the ideal host for PTM 2026. The destination is a strategic location to convene global tourism professionals committed to shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future for the industry.

Further details about PATA Travel Mart 2026 will be shared in due course.

Registration for PTM 2026 is now open. Interested parties are invited to register by contacting the PATA Events Department.

About PATA Travel Mart

PATA Travel Mart is among the longest-running B2B travel trade exhibitions in the Asia Pacific region. The event provides a dynamic platform for connecting global buyers and sellers across a wide spectrum of the tourism sector—from luxury travel and hospitality to adventure, aviation, wellness, cultural tourism and more. PTM 2026 is expected to welcome participants from over 60 destinations worldwide, facilitating more than 10,000 targeted business appointments during its two-day programme.

About Sarawak, Malaysia

A kaleidoscope of culture, adventure, nature, food and festivals: is the best description for Sarawak. Sarawak comprises 34 ethnic tribes with their own unique traditions, lifestyles, music and food, while sharing their warm hospitality. Malaysia’s largest state, Sarawak, endowed with some of the oldest rainforests on Earth. Its vast landscape spans over 120,000 sq kms, with towering mountains and cool highlands, jagged limestone formations and mysterious cave systems, winding rivers and quiet beaches; where adventures are waiting to happen. Festivals are hosted throughout the year celebrate the eclectic blend of modern and traditional culture, food, music and religious practices that can be found nowhere else. In Sarawak, there is always ‘More to Discover’.

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Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique, August 15, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Pambele, a private beachfront house on the coastline of the San Sebastian Peninsula – has unveiled a refreshed brand identity – positioning itself as an exclusive barefoot-luxury destination for discerning travellers.

With its prime location in the Bazaruto Archipelago, within the Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary, and a renewed commitment to bespoke travel – Pambele is emerging as Mozambique’s best-kept barefoot luxury secret.  

Owned by the same conservation-minded family behind Botswana’s renowned Mashatu Game Reserve, Pambele combines the privacy of a fully staffed coastal home with the authentic charm of Mozambique’s pristine and unspoiled coastline.

The newly relaunched Pambele offers exclusive-use stays, welcoming up to ten guests across five sea-facing en-suite villas. The open-plan living spaces, private sunbathing decks, and spacious outdoor area blends with the natural surroundings to create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience, all with uninterrupted ocean views and direct beach access. Nested between untouched coastal forest and turquoise waters facing the famed Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, Pambele’s setting is both secluded and spectacular.

“Guests wake to the sound of waves with the ocean and soft sand just steps away – to enjoy 200 metres of beachfront where they can walk for kilometres during low tide, spot flamingos feeding in the shallows, appreciate the authentic Mozambican Dhows sailing by or simply savour the tranquil rhythm of coastal living.” – Zoe Dednam, Operations Manager.  

Daily land and sea-based activities are included in every stay – from snorkelling, seasonal whale watching, kayaking, island picnics, birding, beach walks, and fishing trips aboard Pambele’s dedicated motorized catamaran. Freshly caught seafood is often prepared that same day by the house chef — sea to plate at its finest.  

Watch their video here.  Mozambique’s best-kept barefoot luxury secret!

With décor and design inspired and sourced by local artisans, and a solar-powered and natural water filtration system, guests’ off-the-grid stays are both authentic to Mozambique and environmentally conscious. The dedicated local team is always on hand, offering intuitive, personalised service, ensuring every moment is tailored to guests’ pace and preferences.  

Conrad Dednam, General Manager shared: “Pambele reflects its owners’ shared values of responsible travel, community upliftment, and conservation-first tourism. Pambele isn’t just a house on the beach. It’s a place to reconnect with nature, with each other, and with a quieter, more grounding pace of life.” 

 

Guests can fly into Vilanculos International Airport (VNX) via daily flights from Johannesburg with Airlink. From there, guests take a 45-minute boat ride or a 7-minute scenic helicopter charter straight to Pambele Beach House. Pambele’s General Manager personally welcomes guests upon arrival, ensuring a warm and seamless transition.  

Whether packaged with Mashatu as a safari-and-sea experience, or as a stand-alone destination for groups seeking seaside privacy and tranquillity, Pambele offers something rare: the luxury to create your perfect day – every day. 

Pambele is now open for group bookings year-round (excluding February).

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Bangkok, Thailand, August 16, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok is delighted to announce the appointment of Kristian Petersen as General Manager, effective 4 August 2025.

A veteran hospitality leader with over 20 years of experience with Marriott International, Kristian brings a wealth of expertise in hotel operations, pre-opening strategy, and brand transformation across Asia Pacific and Europe.

Kristian most recently served as General Manager of Nha Trang Marriott Resort & Spa, where he led Marriott’s largest resort conversion project in APEC, successfully repositioning the 1,690-key property as a flagship destination on Vietnam’s coastline. Prior to this, he was at the helm of the award-winning JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, where his Ridgeback Team was named Best JW Marriott Hotel Worldwide in 2022.

His career has also included leadership roles in Greater China, including General Manager of JW Marriott Changfeng Park and Courtyard by Marriott Changfeng Park, Shanghai, as well as Area Director of Operations for East China, overseeing 23 Marriott properties across multiple premium brands.

Kristian is recognized for his visionary leadership, operational excellence, and deep focus on guest satisfaction and associate engagement. His appointment marks a new chapter of growth and innovation for Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok — a landmark riverfront property known for its timeless hospitality, prime location, and expansive meeting facilities.

“I am honored to join the team at Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Bangkok,” said Petersen. “This hotel is not only iconic in Bangkok’s hospitality landscape, but also holds immense potential for the future. I look forward to working closely with our talented team and esteemed partners to deliver exceptional guest experiences and drive continued success.”

Outside of work, Kristian enjoys traveling and is an avid collector of vintage treasures from the 1920s to 1970s.

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Bangkok, Thailand, August 16, 2025 /TRAVELINDEX / Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, the bold lifestyle hotel located in the heart of Bangkok’s dynamic Ratchaprasong district, is inviting travelers from around the globe to embark on a one-of-a-kind cultural journey through the city’s most iconic spiritual landmarks. Known as the “10 Spiritual Gems in Ratchaprasong,” this walking route offers visitors a chance to explore ten revered shrines — each believed to grant unique blessings — while immersing themselves in the dynamic energy of one of Bangkok’s most exciting neighborhoods.

From the Ganesha Shrine and Trimurti Shrine at CentralWorld, said to inspire creativity and love, to the Lakshmi Shrine for wealth at Gaysorn Village rooftop and the world-famous Erawan Shrine for prosperity and health, every stop offers a window into Thailand’s rich spiritual traditions. Other highlights include the Brahma Shrine at The Market Bangkok, the Umathevi and Shiva Shrines at BIG C Ratchadamri, the Jatulokbal Shrine for protection, the Narayana on Garuda Shrine at InterContinental Bangkok, and the Indra Shrine at Gaysorn Amarin. All are just steps from the hotel — no transport needed.

To make the experience even more rewarding, the hotel’s Stay Longer, Save More promotion invites guests to stay 5 nights or more and enjoy 10% off room rates plus an additional 20% off food and beverages at Moxy Bar & Restaurant. The offer includes flexible cancellation and is available for stays from now to December 23, 2025, using promotional code LTS. Book now.

Beyond its location, Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong is a hub for socializing and dining. Moxy Bar & Restaurant, located on the 9th floor, offers comfort food, creative small plates, and signature drinks in a lively café-style setting — perfect after a day of exploring. Guests can savor the Moxy Backyard BBQ, a weekend grill experience on the terrace with city views (or indoors if the weather turns), or enjoy Moxy: We’ve Got Brunch!, a vibrant Saturday brunch featuring live DJ beats, fresh café-style fare, and sparkling beverages.

Perfectly placed opposite CentralWorld and minutes from both Chit Lom and Siam BTS Skytrain stations, the hotel offers easy access to Bangkok’s best shopping, dining, and nightlife. Featuring 504 smartly designed rooms, vibrant communal spaces, a playful social atmosphere, and a soon-to-open rooftop bar with panoramic city views, Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong blends international style with local character — making it an ideal base for travelers seeking both adventure and comfort.

International guests can maximize their stay by joining Marriott Bonvoy for free, unlocking exclusive member rates, perks, and points redeemable at thousands of Marriott hotels worldwide.

For reservations or inquiries, call +66 2 209

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London, United Kingdom, August 17, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Hotelplanner, a leading travel technology platform and hotel booking engine, today announced that the Progress Tour, the UK’s leading independent transitional tour for new Tennis stars, will be renamed the HotelPlanner Tour.

The five-year agreement will see a £250,000 annual increase to the tours prize fund with Great Britain Davis Cup Winner and ATP World Top 20 professional player Dan Evans, acting as The Hotelplanner Tour’s brand ambassador.

This extends Hotel Planner’s existing investment in tennis and will enable the Tour to provide an improved service to its members, fans and athletes across the network. Hotelplanner will provide participants with great hotel rates for national and international travel, player hospitality and voucher prizes: “Hotelplanner’s tech opens hotel doors for millions of travellers each year. It’s great to be opening the doors for the best up and coming Tennis players”, said Tim Hentschel, CEO, Hotelplanner.

“I’m excited to welcome HotelPlanner on board as title sponsor of the tour as we embark on this new chapter”, said Barry  Fulcher, Founder and Director of the Tour.

“As with the Progress Tour, the newly named HotelPlanner tour will continue to provide first class playing experiences and earning opportunities for those players looking to progress their tennis careers and transition to the professional game”, he added.

The Progress Tour was set up in 2017 to give aspiring British players more earning opportunity on home soil. Since its inception, the tour has seen over 6,000 players take part in over 18,000 level-based and progressive matches, and paid out over £1.3m in prize money, all of which has been independently sourced, and privately funded. This years Wimbledon Championships saw over 30 former Progress Tour players and champions compete across Men’s and Women’s events. The motivation for the tour stems from a belief that we need to provide more and better opportunities for transitioning players to earn prize money and player support whilst competing domestically.

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Pattaya, Thailand, August 15, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Meliá Pattaya Hotel has unveiled a ‘hotel within a hotel’ called The Level that sets apart 38 rooms and suites as well as a private lounge and a host of bespoke privileges.

Housed on the upper floors of the new 12-story hotel in vibrant Pattaya, ‘The Level Premium Sea View’, ‘The Level One Bedroom Suite’, ‘The Level Two Bedroom Suite’, ‘The Level Connecting Suite’ and ‘The Level Presidential Suite’ are 31sqm, 61sqm, 90sqm, 88sqm, and 125sqm respectively and all afford spectacular sea views.

Guests staying in The Level experience an upgraded level of service and benefits, such as exclusive access to second floor executive lounge The Level Lounge, open 6.30am until 8pm, which offers all-day snacks and beverages.

A private breakfast service from 6.30-11am, cocktails and aperitifs canapes from 5.30pm until 7.30pm, and a selection of beverages from 11am and 7.30pm are among a raft of The Level privileges.

In addition to the executive lounge reserved exclusively for The Level guests, a superior level of personalized service encompasses flexible check-in and check-out in a private reception area, use of a reserved meeting room, priority reservations and more. In-room services include welcome amenities such as a capsule coffee maker, Espresso coffee maker and kettle, and mini bar.

The Level guests have access to all of Meliá Pattaya’s facilities, including a picture-perfect swimming pool adjacent to Lula Pool Bar and function lawn, Meliá’s signature YHI Spa, kids club Kidsdom, a fully-equipped gym, coworking space, collection of versatile meeting spaces and more.

The hotel’s diverse dining landscape includes Yitong Chinese Restaurant and Sky Bar that specializes in Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine promoting health and sustainability, and all-day dining restaurant Sanehh Sarae that serves fresh, locally sourced seafood and tells the story of Pattaya’s Bang Saray fishing village. Adjacent to Sanehh Sarae is Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei restaurant Den, which pays tribute to nearby “Little Japanese Town” Si Racha.

A short drive from Bangkok on the Gulf of Thailand’s east coast, Meliá Pattaya Hotel is situated on Second Road, known as Pattaya Sai Song, in the heart of the action in ‘Central Pattaya’. Meliá Pattaya Hotel affords easy access to an array of attractions such as Pattaya Beach, Walking Street, Central Festival Pattaya, Terminal21 Shopping Mall, wooden temple Sanctuary of Truth, and Bali Hai Pier. Islands such as Koh Larn are strewn just offshore, offering idyllic spots for swimming and snorkelling.

About Asset World Corp Public Company Limited
Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group and a member of TCC Group, is redefining the country’s landscape of hospitality, commercial workspaces, and iconic lifestyle destinations with its diversified portfolio, strategically located in prime areas across the nation. Committed to creating new landmark projects that not only set new benchmarks for the industry but also strengthen Thailand’s position as a global sustainable tourism destination, AWC collaborates with world-renowned partners, including Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Nobu Hospitality, Okura Hotels, Banyan Tree, Melia International, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Accor, and Hyatt, to deliver unforgettable experiences. Its portfolio features flagship commercial properties such as The Empire, Athenee Tower, Asiatique The Riverfront Destination, and Phenix, along with premier F&B destinations like ‘EA’ Rooftop at The Empire, offering world-class top cuisine. AWC is committed to delivering exceptional experiences while championing sustainability in every part of its operations to create long-term sustainable value for all stakeholders through initiatives under three key pillars of Better Planet, Better People, and Better Prosperity (3BETTERs), driving innovation and responsibility to inspire millions and elevate Thailand’s tourism and real estate industry to new heights.

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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Phu Quoc, Vietnam, August 15, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / WorldHotels, part of BWH Hotels, is bringing its signature style and sophistication to the pristine shores of Vietnam’s beloved “Pearl Island”, with the signing of the stunning WorldHotels Long Beach Resort Phu Quoc, WorldHotels Distinctive.

Scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2025, WorldHotels Long Beach Resort Phu Quoc is gracefully nestled along Tran Hung Dao Boulevard, just moments from the golden shores of Long Beach on the island’s radiant sunset coast. This stunning beachfront sanctuary promises an unforgettable blend of elegance and genuine hospitality, perfect for romantic escapes, cherished family holidays, and inspiring corporate retreats, set against the mesmerizing backdrop of the Gulf of Thailand.

Throughout their stay, guests can immerse themselves in nature-inspired recreation and relax in one of four inviting swimming pools—including a beachfront pool perfect for fun-filled family days, and a rooftop infinity pool offering tranquil ocean views. Younger guests can splash away in the children’s pool or enjoy hours of entertainment at the indoor kids’ club, while adults rejuvenate at the spa or stay energized at the fully equipped fitness center.

Culinary journeys await all ages at two exceptional restaurants serving local and international cuisine, while two stylish bars provide the perfect setting for refreshing drinks or sunset cocktails. For event organizers, the resort’s state-of-the-art conference center offers versatile spaces for everything from intimate team-building retreats to large-scale corporate gatherings.

“Phu Quoc has established itself as one of Southeast Asia’s premier destinations, celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse experiences. With the debut of WorldHotels Long Beach Resort Phu Quoc, WorldHotels Distinctive, we are proud to elevate the island’s hospitality scene by introducing world-class facilities tailored to both leisure and business travelers, all in line with the distinguished global standards of WorldHotels,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels.

WorldHotels Long Beach Resort Phu Quoc will become the second WorldHotels member in Vietnam, complementing Caravelle Saigon, WorldHotels Elite.

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Bangkok, Thailand, August 15, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Quan Spa, the oasis of tranquility at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, is inviting hotel guests, local residents and international travelers to escape the city and experience a morning or afternoon of complete serenity with a choice of two pampering treatments.

Guests can choose from an immersive Aromatherapy Massage or a heavenly Hot Stone Massage, both of which are now available at discounted rates for lunchtime and afternoon treatments (11:00 – 15:00 hrs).

Aromatherapy Oil Massage with Herbal Compress (90 mins) – THB 3,500 net (down from THB 4,120 net)

Travelers can ease their tension with a deeply evocative therapy that harnesses the ancient art of aromatherapy. The healing power of essential oils and a fragrant compress filled with aromatic Thai herbs will transport visitors on a journey towards total relaxation.

Hot Stone Massage (90 mins) – THB 3,500 net (down from THB 5,061 net)

This deeply soothing treatment sees therapists place heated stones on certain points of the body to relax the muscles and repair damaged tissue. Combined with a massage, this therapy will leave sightseers, shoppers, or executives feeling completely revitalized.

Nestled on the ninth floor of Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, in the heart of Thailand’s vibrant capital city, Quan Spa is a sanctuary for the senses. Within this urban retreat, high above the city streets, every guest can unwind in an atmosphere of pure tranquility.

The “Perfect Pampering” promotion is available daily from 11.00 to 15.00 hrs, between September 1 and December 31, 2025. Advanced reservations are required.

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