Posts Tagged :

Hotels

The Anam Mui Ne Recognised Among World’s Top Boutique Resorts

 900 600 wttc2
By:

The Anam Mui Ne Recognised Among World's Top Boutique Resorts - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25HOTELS.comMui Ne, Vietnam, April 21, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Anam Mui Ne, a remarkable new resort with a design inspired by the Indochine era, has joined an exclusive selection of the globe’s leading boutique independent luxury properties – the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) portfolio.

The resort, which opened on January 11 this year on Mui Ne beach, is the only Vietnamese property to join SLH, deemed “the most desirable community of independently minded travellers and independently spirited hotels in the world”.

Hotels must undergo a stringent vetting process and conform to the highest standards of luxury and guest wellbeing before being accepted into the SLH’s “characterful collection of intimate spaces in unusual places”.

Headquartered in London with offices worldwide, SLH represents 520 hotels in more than 90 countries that are “anti-chain and anti-same” and “offer secluded, discrete options”. Benefits for SLH’s travelling members include discounts on bookings, early check in and late check out, complimentary breakfast and room upgrades, and more.

The Anam Mui Ne’s founder and owner Pham Van Hien said he and the resort’s team were thrilled to be recognized by such a prestigious group that shared his passion for “an intimate, classic and distinctly Vietnamese hotel brand that is a welcome counterpoint to the industrialized hotel chains.”

“It is an absolute honour to join SLH and for The Anam Mui Ne, crafted by age-old artisans from across Vietnam, to be recognized as the collection’s first Vietnamese property,” said Mr Hien.

The recent appointment of The Anam Group’s group general manager Laurent Myter as a member of the International Advisory Board of Hoteliers for SLH’s APAC region marks the first time that a representative from Vietnam has had a seat on the advisory board. He was previously an executive director and the president of SLH’s International Advisory Board of Hoteliers for three years and two years respectively.

Perched on 1.2 hectares of spectacular oceanfront, the independently owned and operated resort is blazing new ground in Mui Ne, a popular beach town within an easy commute from Ho Chi Minh City. With 127 elegant rooms and suites, two restaurants and a bar, a five-treatment-room spa, two spacious swimming pools – one freshwater and the other saltwater – a ballroom, conference rooms, water sports center, fitness center, yoga room, kid’s club, gift shop and more, The Anam Mui Ne is redefining the benchmarks of an upscale experience at Mui Ne.

Borrowing deeply from the templates of architecture inspired by the grand old French villas in Hanoi and the garden homes of Central Vietnam, the resort pays homage to both colonial-era and classic Vietnamese aesthetics. To wit, the customized encaustic mosaic tiles, Cham decorative vases and statues on plinths, teak furniture crafted from sustainable forests, stone from Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, and authentic thatched roofs from Binh Thuan.

The Anam Mui Ne is preceded by the 2017 launch of The Anam Cam Ranh, that’s been lauded by some of the industry’s highest accolades including placement among Asia’s top resorts in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards in 2021 and 2020.

The Anam Mui Ne has a ban on single-use plastics and has implemented an array of measures to reduce its carbon footprint ranging from solar power and locally sourced ingredients. Laundry water is recycled to water the gardens. Straws, bags and bathroom amenities are biodegradable. The resort’s eco-friendly key cards are also made from wood that’s been sourced from sustainably managed forests.

About The Anam Group
After the auspicious debut of The Anam Cam Ranh in 2017, the independently owned and operated The Anam Group will celebrate 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 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, a tennis court, yoga room and deck, kids club, putting green, gift shop 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.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

New World-Class Magic Theatre Show Unveiled in Koh Samui

 400 272 wttc2
By:

Koh Samui, Thailand, April 21, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Illusions Koh Samui takes place six nights a week in a purpose-built 71-seat theatre at Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort. A new world-class magic show has been unveiled in the holiday island of Koh Samui, Thailand. The Illusions Theatre magic show will take place six nights a week in a purpose-built 71-seat air conditioned show theatre within the newly opened Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort on Lamai Beach.

From Monday to Saturday, starting 17 April, there will be two shows nightly: a 7pm show for the whole family, and a 9pm show for adults only. Each show lasts an hour with a 15 minute interval.

Resident magician of Illusions Theatre, Ed Clarke, says the 7pm family experience combines a perfect balance of visual magic, mind reading and illusions that the entire family will enjoy.

Clarke says the 9pm show, for ages 15+, will feature amazing illusions and captivating feats of mind reading. “It’s guaranteed to spark your imagination and leave you in a sense of awe,” says Clarke.

“We strive to make sure all attendees have a great time, which is why we choose not to make anyone feel foolish or embarrassed,” he adds.

In a first for Koh Samui, close-up magic is performed live on stage inches in front of spectators. The theatre is equipped with two 75-inch (190-cm) high-definition screens so that the audience can enjoy the same experience as spectators who have been invited to participate in the magic on stage.

“Illusions is an unforgettable and one-of-a-kind experience, unlike anything seen before here in Koh Samui,” says Leah Matters, General Manager of Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort.

“There are many different types of entertainment in the world, but one that cuts through any language barrier and is suitable for all age groups is truly magic. We are delighted that the new Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort is the host venue for this experience,” she added.

Ms Matters says magic show guests can enjoy pre-theatre dining and drinks at Outrigger’s Edgewater Beach Club restaurant and bar, a beautiful beachside setting under the coconut palms. Pre-dinner and interval drinks are available at the Illusions theatre venue.

Tickets retail to the public at THB1,200 (US$35/€32/£28) per person – the same price for all ages.

The addition of a permanent magic show at the resort reflects Outrigger’s commitment to providing live music and entertainment at all of its resorts.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Avana Retreat Takes Going Green Literally By Planting 10,000 Trees

 900 600 wttc2
By:

Avana Retreat Takes Going Green Literally By Planting 10,000 Trees - TRAVELINDEXAs eco-initiatives evolve, going plastic-free is the minimum a resort can do to lighten its environmental impact. Avana Retreat, situated amid the mountains of Vietnam’s Mai Chau province, has been making sure its footprint is featherweight since debuting in the pandemic. Through extreme tree planting projects, cultural initiatives to maintain ethnic minority traditions, organic farming, neighborhood trash collecting partnerships with youth groups, and turning one of its star attractions – terraced rice fields – into a source of income for the community, Avana is working in unison with the environment. As for plastic, you won’t find a bottle or single-use bag in sight. The property even has its own purifying and bottling facility on-site, which uses fresh mountain water and cuts CO2 emissions.

Reforestation and building biodiversity

“There is a Vietnamese saying ‘Where there is good land, the birds will come and settle’,” said Mr. Vu Huy, founder of Avana Retreat. “We have planted over 10,000 trees in the area since we started developing this land and the bird life, well, we’re seeing more and more return. In fact, the wildlife has flourished.”

Avana Retreat has prioritized re-foresting and working with the existing landscape. Raised pathways weave a way to both the spa and waterfall in an attempt to limit existing tree-cutting. The electric buggy and walking paths are purposefully narrow so that the impact on the vegetation is minimized. The terraced rice paddies, within the resort grounds, are also not just for decoration.

For generations, the Hmong people have been cultivating the land to grow rice. Avana Retreat’s rice terraces are maintained by local ethnic groups who keep all the rice they harvest at Avana to eat or sell as they wish. This method of rice farming is a long-standing tradition, a cultural practice that has endured over time, and is one of the many aspects of the ethnic groups of the region that Avana Retreat shares with guests.

Helping local culture and economic livelihoods flourish

The property’s museum, housed in a more than 50-year-old Thai style stilt house, is the hub for cultural activities. Inside guests can learn about the various ethnic groups that live in the area, their traditions, clothes, and customs. Underneath the raised house, there are hands-on opportunities to experience the culture from rattan weaving workshops to Batik art classes, where textiles are created with symbols of significance for the Hmong people.

“The traditions and culture of the ethnic minority groups of this area are shared orally,” explained Huy. “We want to play our part in keeping those traditions and stories alive through our museum, experiences, and through classes with local artisans who are just as passionate about what they do as we are.”

Avana does more than work with just local artists though. More than 90% of staff are from Thai, Hmong, and Muong villages. Most of the current team lacked education beyond high school and were provided with hospitality training, sustainable development education, and English lessons, as well as given health insurance, professional working conditions, promotion prospects, and additional job training for continual development.

The property’s design was created with direct input from local people. Hmong techniques were used to make the earth walls and the Thai people weaved the roofs of the villas, restaurants, and spa, in their traditional style. The artistic traditions of the region are ever present throughout Avana, from the hundreds of individually crafted lanterns lining pathways and within the rooms and public spaces, to the Batik artwork adorning the walls.

Going organic inside and out

Earlier this year Avana launched their own natural, pesticide-free garden, where they grow a vast selection of herbs and vegetables that appear on guests’ plates. From chayote to coriander many typical Vietnamese flavors can be found in the new vegetable patch. Also on site is a free-range chicken farm where around 300 chickens enjoy a spacious home, while supplying the kitchen with an abundance of eggs.

Organic essential oils and natural ingredients are used for the soap, shampoo, and conditioner found in the refillable bottles in-room. At the spa, nature is also tapped for the products used with organic extracts from herbs, flowers, and fruit used in massages and facials, as well as in the candle-making workshop available for guests.

“At each stage of developing Avana, we’ve asked ourselves, ‘how can we offer the best to our guests and the community while making sure that we’re doing the best we can for the environment?’,” added Huy. “As we continue to grow in the experiences we offer and the property itself, this idea remains our guiding philosophy.”

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Pimalai Rewards Guests with Benefits for Summer Wellness Breaks

 700 445 wttc2
By:

Pimalai Rewards Guests with Benefits for Summer Wellness Breaks - TRAVELINDEX - VISITTHAILAND.netKoh Lanta, Thailand, April 13, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Pimalai Resort & Spa, the natural five-star retreat on Koh Lanta, is inviting its international clientele to spend even longer exploring the wonders of southern Thailand, while also staying in shape with a healthy new package that includes extended stays, additional benefits, fitness activities, generous resort credit and more!

Available for bookings made between now and 20th September 2023, and stays taken up until 30th September 2023, Pimalai’s “Summer Wellness” package offer five, seven or 10 nights of luxurious accommodation in a stylish 48-square metre Deluxe Room or a stunning 204-square metre One-Bedroom Hillside Ocean View Private Pool Villa. Throughout their salubrious stay, visitors will be invited to join daily exercise classes, including yoga, circuit training, TRX and more, plus complimentary spa classes, outdoor activities such as bike rides and nature tours, and non-motorised water sports including paddle-boarding, sailing, kayaking and more! Culture seekers can also take part in immersive activities such as Thai cooking classes, mangrove tours with local villagers, and visits to Koh Lanta’s old town and museum.

The longer the guest stays, the more rewarding their vacation becomes! For example, travellers who book a five-night stay in a Deluxe Room (priced starting at THB 20,375 per package) will be treated to up to THB 2,000 of resort credit, which can be redeemed for memorable meals, sunset drinks, soothing spa therapies and more. Those staying for seven nights (THB 28,525) will enjoy the same credit, plus a delicious dinner for two people, and 10-night bookings (THB 40,750) will include resort credit and two dinners.

Wellness seekers who book a five-night escape in Pimalai’s One-Bedroom Hillside Ocean View Private Pool Villa (THB 49,425) will benefit from up to THB 2,500 of resort credit and one couple’s dinner, while guests who stay for seven nights (THB 69,195) will also be treated to a one-hour Aromatic Massage for two people and a sustainable excursion to the exotic tropical islands in Mu Ko Lanta National Park. Visitors staying for the full 14-day vacation (THB 98,850) will be offered an array of extras, including credit, two dinners, an Aromatic Massage for two guests, an island excursion, and a Thai cooking class led by Pimalai’s talented chef.

Nestled in 100 acres of lush jungle, cascading gently down to a 900-metre stretch of pure white sand lapped by the Andaman Sea, Pimalai is a haven of tranquillity. This iconic, eco-sensitive retreat is a place where guests come to unwind in blissful seclusion and serenity. The fully-equipped Sports Centre features full-size tennis and badminton courts, a fitness centre and a muay Thai boxing ring, while the sparkling turquoise waters of Kantiang Bay sets the stage for water sports.

New and returning guests will also be able to discover exciting culinary concepts, including Spice and Rice, which specialises in authentic southern Thai cuisine with signature dishes, Seven Seas, which crafts world-class Western cuisine, Rak Talay Beach Restaurant, where diners can savour succulent local seafood as the waves lap gently on the shore, and Banyan Tree Café, the resort’s all-new healthy dining concept.

“With its pure ocean air and warm, outdoor climate, Koh Lanta is a destination that encourages health and wellness. We always encourage guests to stay for as long as possible, so they can experience everything this intriguing island has to offer. Our new ‘Summer Wellness’ packages make it even more appealing for travellers to linger longer and stay in shape in Koh Lanta, with generous resort credit and immersive activities. We look forward to welcoming the world to Koh Lanta this year,” said Brice Borin, Pimalai’s General Manager.

About Pimalai Resort & Spa
Koh Lanta’s first five-star resort, Pimalai Resort & Spa has been redefining luxury hospitality on the Andaman Island since it launched almost two decades ago. The award-winning property, located on the laid-back southern tip, cascades through 100 acres of tropical jungles easing its way towards one of Thailand’s best beaches: Kantiang Bay. It’s here that guests while the days away lounging on what often feels like a private beach or spend action-packed afternoons out in the cerulean sea scuba diving, snorkelling or simply relaxing on a sunset cruise. A smattering of local bars and restaurants line the beach, but its Pimalai’s onsite eateries that tend to steal the show. The legendary Rak Talay beachfront bar and restaurant is as loved for the sumptuous Thai-style seafood as it is its sunset setting, while nestled in the resort’s jungle interior, Seven Seas serves up Michelin-chef-conceived menus throughout the evening. Guests can also indulge in an array of onsite wellness experiences, ranging from traditional Muay Thai classes to early evening tennis matches and pampered afternoons at the signature Pimalai Spa. With no immediate neighbours, the 121-room resort is a serene sanctuary where guests can feel completely at peace in their private surroundings. From Hillside Ocean Pool Villas that command vistas of the stunning scenery through to the Beachside Villas, situated only a few short steps away from the shoreline, rooms at Pimalai cater to all tastes with spacious layouts and designs that seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings.

In keeping with Koh Lanta’s low-key, laid-back mindset, Pimalai Resort & Spa offers guests from all corners of the globe the opportunity to savour a truly authentic Thai island experience in their very own private sanctuary. For more information, visit www.pimalai.com

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

JW Marriott Makes its Debut in Luxury Safari Segment

 700 373 wttc2
By:

JW Marriott Makes its Debut in Luxury Safari Segment - TRAVELINDEX - VISITKENYA.comMasai Mara, Kenya, April 7, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Transformative Experiences and Meaningful Connections Await at JW Marriott’s Haven of Luxury in the Heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. JW Marriott announced the opening of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, marking the company’s highly anticipated debut in the luxury safari segment.

Sitting within the Masai Mara National Reserve in Southwestern Kenya, one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife and wilderness conservation regions, the lodge is a sophisticated and thoughtful sanctuary from which to discover nature and breathtaking vistas in harmony. Exhilarating guided game drives offer guests the opportunity to observe the “Big Five” that Masai Mara is home to, including lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinoceros, and elephants. Between June and September, the reserve is host to the annual great wildebeest migration, which sees more than 10 million animals travel a distance of 1,800 miles from the Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania.

“Fostering meaningful connections and nourishing the soul is at the heart of the JW Marriott brand, so entering the luxury safari segment is a natural next step,” said Bruce Rohr, Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott. “Offering our guests once-in-a-lifetime experiences and a deep connection to place, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge balances the thrill of a game drive with thoughtful opportunities to switch off and take it all in. We are excited to welcome travellers to a transformative and wellness-forward stay delivered with JW Marriott’s legacy of extraordinary hospitality.”

Inspired Design

The lodge’s elegant interiors, designed by Kristina Zanic Consultants, seamlessly blend the savannah inwards, drawing inspiration from the elements with soft, warm tones, natural materials and textures, and native colours thread through its design. Each of the lodge’s 20 private tents provide a peaceful sanctuary to recharge and reset, and feature terraces overlooking the River Talek, a water source and habitat for many wildlife. The tented honeymoon suite offers a private plunge pool, while two interconnecting king and twin suites are ideal for families with children over the age of six (the minimum age of guests at the lodge).

Wellbeing and Mindful Practices

In keeping with JW Marriott’s ethos of mindfulness, the lodge is home to a number of thoughtfully designed spaces from the cosy Adventure Lounge full of books to get lost in and a space for young adults to take time for themselves, to the Cultural Deck where guests can gather around the fire pit to share tales of the day’s exploration.

Capturing the essence of rejuvenation, the Spa by JW emulates the serenity of the reserve and offers tailored experiences and signature treatments which blend locally inspired techniques and therapies. These are complemented by natural and organic products by renowned African skincare brand, Healing Earth, also available as in-room amenities. Guests can enjoy spa treatments from the comfort of their tented suite, accompanied by the sounds of the wilderness. Extending beyond body to mind and spirit with guided yoga, treatments include a ‘Masai Celebration’ incorporating local botanicals and therapies.

Nourishing Culinary Journeys

At the heart of the camp is the JW Garden, an outdoor space for guests to spend time discovering home-grown, organic ingredients, including the lodge’s signature rosemary. The garden’s produce is used by the lodge’s chefs to craft personalised dishes, cocktails, and mocktails. The garden will host daily programming, including live cooking, interactive cocktail mixology, and chef-led talks for a true farm-to-table experience. A relaxing gathering place, Fig Tree Lounge offers panoramic views of the surrounding plains from the indoor and outdoor bar and serves refreshing cocktails and mocktails infused with seasonal ingredients from the lodge’s garden. An indoor and alfresco dining experience at Sarabi Restaurant takes guests on a nourishing epicurean experience guided by JW Garden ingredients and local culinary heritage. Guests can venture out into the reserve with the lodge’s guides to enjoy a freshly prepared ‘Bush Breakfast’ or dinner while sipping sundowners and soaking in the breathtaking savannah vistas.

Connection to the Locale

The lodge’s community programming provides an authentic insight into meaningful local projects, including The Maa Trust, an organisation empowering local people by promoting small business start-ups. The lodge donates a percentage of the nightly rate per person to the organisation and provides a space for craftspeople to retail Maa Beadwork and produce. Guests can visit The Maa Trust to meet with local artisans and forge a deeper connection to the people in the area.

Currently, 60 percent of the lodge’s team are locals, with plans to reach 70 percent, ensuring the hotel’s contribution to the socio-economic development of the region. As an ongoing initiative, JW Marriott Masai Mara’s Apprenticeship Programme invites young women from the community to diversify their skills and broaden their experience to kick-start their careers in the hospitality industry. Partnership with the community began during the early development process of the lodge. Developed on land committed to a tourism project so as not to unduly disturb the surrounding environment, much of the construction was undertaken by local experts overseen by technical specialists, with build materials sourced from sustainable suppliers. The lodge has rehabilitated access roads to the property, installed power to the area, and provided access to clean drinking water for locals through a water treatment plant.

Emphasis on waste reduction and recycling is integral to daily operations. The lodge’s water treatment plant provides recycled and sanitised water; food waste is placed at the lodge’s compost site; and water wells are dotted around the lodge for animals to quench their thirst throughout the day.

By supporting local organisations such as The Mara Elephant Project and The Mara Protector Conservation Programme, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge contributes to protecting animals and their habitat across the greater Mara ecosystem. Bringing a passion for the surrounding wildlife and nature to guests, the lodge’s Head Guide is a lifelong conservationist who holds talks about local culture at the lodge as well as guided walking tours. With an abundance of meaningful moments to experience at the lodge, guests can delve into photography and learn new skills at the lodge’s very own studio.

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is a 30-minute drive from Keekorok Airstrip and a 25-minute drive from Sekenani Main Gate.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Dusit Hotels and Resorts Makes its Grand Debut in Europe

 700 392 wttc2
By:

Dusit Hotels and Resorts Makes its Grand Debut in Europe - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25HOTELS.comAthens, Greece, April 5, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The first Dusit-branded property in Europe features 36 elegant rooms in one of the most spacious upscale properties in Glyfada, an affluent Athens suburb renowned for its stunning beaches, upscale shops, and vibrant nightlife. Dusit Hotels and Resorts, under Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has continued its global expansion with the opening of Dusit Suites Athens – the first Dusit-branded property in Europe – in Greece’s stunning capital.

Bringing Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, Dusit Suites Athens puts guests in the heart of Glyfada, a picturesque suburb in the Athens Riviera renowned for its beautiful sandy shores, vibrant shopping and dining scene, trendy bars and cafes, and great location just 30 minutes by car from the city centre and only 20 minutes from Athens International Airport.

Set over four floors and offering stunning views of the sea and distant mountains, the luxury low-rise property is designed to meet the needs of business and leisure travellers seeking a highly comfortable base for short or extended stays.

Decorated with inspiring artworks and featuring high-end fixtures and fittings, each well-appointed suite boasts a private balcony, a king-size bedroom, a living room or seating area with kitchenette, and a marble bathroom with a walk-in rain shower. The larger suites also have a bathtub and plush sofa bed ideal for guests with children.

Alongside Dusit’s highly personalised service, guests will find a wide range of five-star facilities to enhance their stay. This includes, amongst others, a stylish rooftop Mediterranean restaurant and bar with a stunning panoramic sea view called O Live; a distinctive pan-Asian restaurant named DAO; a heated Vitality Pool with adjoining sauna and steam room; and a signature Namm Spa, with six elegant treatment rooms. All guests receive one complimentary massage treatment per stay.

Designed to become must-visit destinations for food lovers, the hotel’s restaurants work with top local suppliers to source the finest and freshest ingredients, and they aim to delight the eyes as well as the palate with exquisite presentation and atmosphere. A carefully curated selection of the finest Greek wines adds to their distinct appeal.

Dusit Suites Athens’ location in the heart of Glyfada, close to the beach and marina, is another major draw. Numerous bistros, bars, cafes, and shops are all within walking distance from the property, and trips to nearby attractions, such as Piraeus Port, Glyfada Golf Course, Lake Vouliagmeni, the world-renowned Acropolis Museum, and other iconic sites, can be easily arranged, with recommendations from Dusit’s expert concierges.

“We are delighted to bring Dusit Hotels and Resorts’ Thai-inspired, gracious hospitality to Athens, Greece, and officially make our debut in Europe,” said Mr Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. “With its gorgeous rooms, atmospheric restaurants, bespoke wellness offerings, excellent location, and exceptional service, we are confident that Dusit Suites Athens will leave guests with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for the community we serve. This is another significant milestone in our journey for global expansion, and we look forward to making this beautiful property a resounding success as we continue to open doors to new destinations in the months ahead.”

Dusit’s property portfolio spans 16 countries and comprises 48 hotels operating under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and more than 300 luxury villas under Elite Havens. More than 60 Dusit Hotels and Resorts are in the pipeline worldwide.

About Dusit International
Established in 1948, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: hotels and resorts, hospitality education, food, property development, and hospitality-related services.

The group’s portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under a total of seven brands (Dusit Thani, Dusit Devarana, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, Dusit Suites, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 16 countries worldwide. The group also operates culinary schools and hospitality colleges in Thailand, plus catering companies for the education sector in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Dusit International’s diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Find Your Sunshine and Save 35% with Best Western’s Summer Days Sale

 700 416 wttc2
By:

Find Your Sunshine and Save 35% with Best Western's Summer Days Sale - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, April 3, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts is helping every guest to discover their ultimate summer vacation in 2023, with a bright and sunny new promotion that offers generous discounts in dream destinations all across Asia.

Under the “Summer Days Sale” guests who book between Monday April 3rd to Sunday April 9th, 2023, will receive up to 25% off the best rates at Best Western’s hotels and resorts in nine captivating countries: Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

And that’s not all; Best Western Rewards® members will receive an extra 10% off, for a full discount of 35%! Not a member yet? Click here to join for free today.

Simply pick your perfect hotel and make your reservation during this seven-day flash sale, for stays taken between April 3rd and June 30th, 2023 (or May 6th to June 30th, 2023 for hotels in Japan).

This enticing offer is valid in an amazing array of destinations all across Asia, including Bangkok, Bali, Tokyo, Phuket, Hua Hin, Palawan, Phu Quoc, Ha Long Bay and many more! So, whether you’re planning a blissful beachfront break with your family and friends, a stylish city escape with your partner, or any other type of vacation, Best Western’s “Summer Days Sale” will help you find your sunshine in 2023.

For more information about Best Western Hotels & Resorts in Asia, please visit www.bestwesternasia.com

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts
Best Western Hotels & Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel company within the BWH Hotel Group® global network. With 18 brands and approximately 4,500 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*, BWH Hotel Group suits the needs of developers and guests in every market. Brands include Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Vīb®, GLō®, Aiden®, Sadie®, BW Premier Collection® and BW Signature Collection®. Through acquisition, WorldHotelsTM Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive and WorldHotels Crafted collections are also offered. Completing the portfolio are SureStay®, SureStay Plus®, SureStay Collection® and SureStay Studio® franchises**.

* Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.
**All Best Western, WorldHotels and SureStay branded hotels are independently owned and operated.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Meliá Ho Tram Beach Celebrates Vietnam National Public Holidays

 900 600 wttc2
By:

Ho Tram, Vietnam, April 6, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX /  Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort will usher in three of the most significant national public holidays on the Vietnamese calendar with an exciting program featuring lavish buffet dinners, a “seafood market” dining experience, steak night, high tea, competitions, arts and crafts, and more.

This year, the annual Hung Kings Festival, Reunification Day and International Labour Day fall on Saturday April 29, Sunday April 30 and Monday May 1 respectively. The resort will host an array of activities including kayak racing, a sandcastle competition, conical hat painting, coloring, fingerprint painting and crafting Hung Kings leaf necklaces, the Vietnamese flag, paper flowers and paper kites.

The resort’s Sasa restaurant will bring family and friends together to pay tribute to the Hung Kings, revered as the traditional founders and first kings of Vietnam, with a Hung Kings Buffet on April 29 brimming with fresh seafood, traditional Vietnamese delicacies, a diverse Asian corner and more. On April 30, Vietnam’s vibrant cuisine will take centre stage at Sasa’s Vietnamese BBQ Buffet. Staged from 6.30-9.30pm, both buffets offer a “Fun Kids Corner” replete with painting either the Hung Kings or the Vietnamese landscape, as well as balloon twisting and other fun kids activities.

Breeza Beach Club, dubbed “the place to be in Ho Tram”, will stage its popular weekly Steak Night on April 28, serving a variety of tender cuts such as striploin, rib-eye, tenderloin and Black Angus tomahawk steaks. As the sun goes down on April 29, Breeza will bring the bustling atmosphere of Vietnam’s seafood markets to life on its vast outdoor terrace as part of its weekly “Ho Tram Seafood Market”. An array of large bamboo baskets filled with seafood caught from local waters that day are assembled, with diners choosing if their seafood and meats are grilled, wok-fried or steamed, and selecting from sauces and popular Vietnamese accompaniments.

Making the most of the resort’s picture-perfect 1500sqm main pool overlooking Ho Tram beach, Pool Bar’s exclusive “Ultimate Cabana Experience” is served in a private cabana. Elyxr Café, situated adjacent to compelling reflecting ponds, also offers high tea. Both high teas are held daily from the beginning of April until June 23 from 3-5pm, affording a delectable selection of mini pastries, savory bites, tea, coffee and optional sparkling wine.

The extensively refurbished YHI Spa, with 20 treatment rooms, hair salon and nail care facilities, a dedicated foot massage area and a Japanese-inspired landscape, is offering a sublime 150-minute “Top-To-Toes” journey. Comprising a body scrub, aromatic body massage and facial treatment, the package is designed to completely relax and nourish the whole body.

Adults are encouraged to “reset” on their holiday by boosting their wellbeing and fitness with daily “Energy for Life Activities” such as sunrise yoga, tai chi, meditation, stretching, tabata, body combat, aqua fitness and tennis. Kite flying, hair styling, chess competitions, sack races, water balloons, and mini basketball are among many activities on offer to entertain kids and teenagers. Outdoor movie nights cater to all ages.

“There isn’t a more desirable place to be on the water in Vietnam with family and friends during the upcoming holiday period than right here on Ho Tram beach, within an easy commute from Ho Chi Minh City and yet a world away from the city’s hustle and bustle,” said the resort’s general manager Alvaro Berton.

Live seafood specials of the day at Vietnamese dining restaurant Muoi, an “Asian Style Burger” at Pool Bar and a “Hummus Monthly Special” at Breeza are also among many offerings from the resort’s diverse dining landscape.

The Hung Kings Buffet and Vietnamese BBQ Buffet are each priced at VND 999,000++ per child aged four to 11, VND 1,599,000++ per adult with free-flow soft drink, juice, and water, and VND 1,899,000++ per adult with free-flow soft drink, juice, water, beer and wine. The Ultimate Cabana Experience at the Pool Bar and High Tea at Elyxr are each priced at VND 450,000++ for two guests including tea and coffee, and VND 750,000++ for two guests with tea, coffee and sparkling wine. YHI Spa’s 150-minute Top-To-Toes journey is priced at VND 2,690,000++ per guest.

About Meliá Hotels & Resorts
Meliá Hotels & Resorts is the most well-known brand within Meliá Hotels International; it has more than 100 city and resort hotels in the main leisure and business destinations of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. Meliá Hotels & Resorts instinctively understands the guests’ needs and lifestyle expectations and caters to every aspect of guests’ wellbeing. It offers exemplary meetings and events facilities in all key business cities and exotic locations, serving the ever-expanding conference and incentive travel market.

About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International has a portfolio of more than 400 hotels (portfolio and pipeline), throughout more than 40 countries, and 10 brands: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, The Meliá Collection, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Falcon’s Resorts by Meliá, Sol by Meliá and Affiliated by Meliá. The Group is one of the leading companies in resort hotels worldwide, while also leveraging its experience to consolidate the growing segment of the leisure-inspired urban market. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led the Group to become the most sustainable hotel company worldwide, according to the last S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, and it is also a “Top Employer 2023” brand in Spain, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Italy and Germany. Meliá Hotels International is also included in the IBEX 35 Spanish stock market.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Easter Celebrations at Hotels across Asia

 900 537 wttc2
By:

Feast this Easter on the Beach at Koh Samui

The idyllic beachfront resort of Banyan Tree Samui is hosting a plethora of Easter dining specials this year, starting with a “Shorts & Barefoot Beach BBQ” at Sands Restaurant from 7pm – 10pm on 5th April. The price of 2,300 THB nett per person includes local draft beers and drinks, plus a fire show. This will be followed on 7th April with a “Good Friday Fish & Seafood Buffet”, also at Sands from 7pm to 10pm, which will be accompanied by live music from the Mango Bongo Band. Price is 3,200 THB nett per person. Finally, an “Easter Sunday BBQ Buffet Dinner” will be the highlight at Sands from 7pm to 10pm on 9th April, featuring live music and a fire show. Price is 2,950 THB nett per person.

A Mountain Immersion with a Full Board Offer in Mai Chau

The mountainside getaway, Avana Retreat, is offering guests 25% of their new full board packages that allow visitors to take in all the highlights of this secluded location. Over Easter and beyond visitors can book a two-night, three-day stay that includes a round-trip limousine transfer, two nights in Bauhinia Mountain Suite, a full breakfast daily, two 3-course lunches, and two 4-course dinners at Green Chili Restaurant; an afternoon snack each day at the Cloud Pool; a trekking and jeep tour; a 60-minute full body massage at Orchid Spa; and a craft & cultural workshop at the Stilt House Museum. Prices start at VND 13,982,000 ++ (approx $600++) per two people, inclusive of the current 25% off promotion. The property is located in Vietnam’s north, an area that has become famous for stunning terraced rice paddies and the rich culture of local ethnic groups.

High Tea in Krabi

Set in a tranquil corner of Tubkaek Beach in Krabi overlooking the limestone cliffs of the Andaman Sea, Banyan Tree Krabi will host a High Tea Buffet this Easter Sunday, April 9, from 1pm – 4pm at The Naga Kitchen restaurant. Costing 750 THB nett per person, the high tea will consist of savory canapés such as sandwiches, tortilla wraps and quiche lorraine, plus a tantalizing selection of sweet pastries including chocolate truffle tarts, cheesecake, macarons, and a special espresso martini affogato.

Easter Brunch, Egg Hunts and More in Cambodia

At Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, diners will enjoy an extraordinary brunch featuring lamb roast, a premium seafood bar, and an exquisite chocolate and pastry station in the hotel’s iconic lobby (priced at $75++ per person or $105++ with free flow Champagne). In Siem Reap, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor will celebrate Easter with an elegant Sunday brunch in addition to a complimentary Easter egg hunt for kids on the lush grounds of the hotel (priced at $55++ per person; $65++ with free flow house wine and mimosas; $75++ with free flow Champagne Brut).

Celebrate Easter Sunday in Style in the Vietnamese Capital

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is marking Easter with a host of exclusive meals and family-friendly activities, including an Easter egg hunt in the hotel garden with special prizes. A family brunch will be served in Spices Garden from 11:30am to 2:30pm, while an extravagant Sunday Brunch will be available in the award-winning and recently renovated Le Beaulieu. A chocolate buffet from 3pm to 5:30pm in the bright and airy Le Club Bar will serve up an assortment of delectable bonbons, scones, petits four, cakes and more – as well as a chocolate fountain.

Easter Buffet, Spa Pampering and Activities on Ho Tram Beach

Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort will bring family and friends together over a buffet featuring fresh seafood, hand-carved roasted meats, traditional favorites, delectable desserts and more to a backdrop of live music. “Easter Special Buffet” on April 8 from 6.30-9.30pm is priced at VND 999,000++ for kids aged four to 11, and from VND 1,599,000++ per adult. During the buffet, a “Fun Kids Corner” will host easter egg decoration, a kids movie, balloon twisting and other exciting kids activities. From April 7-9, bunny jumping, bunny facial painting, egg decoration and egg hunting will be held at the beach garden and kids club Kidsdom. To mark World Health Day and Easter, from April 3-8 YHI Spa offers a 60-minute body wrap, sugar scrub or sea salt scrub for VND 690,000++ per guest.

Getaway Packed with Easter Fun on Cam Ranh Peninsula

Alma Resort is offering an Easter package replete with an Easter pastry class for the kids, bonfire with roasted marshmallows, movie nights at Alma Cinema and under the stars, egg hunting, egg painting, card making, face painting and more. Anchored by a minimum one-night stay on April 8 and/or April 9 in a one bedroom suite or pavilion for two adults and two kids under 12, the package includes a daily international breakfast, F&B credit for VND 500,000, kids mini golf, kite competitions on the lawn, giant bubbles, fun with Alma’s mascot teddy and clown, a garden discovery tour, use of the outdoor sports courts, and access to Splash Waterpark with a lazy river, wave pool, kids pool and water slides, as well as the kids club and youth club. The American Lounge & Bar will craft Easter-themed cocktails and the French Bakery will offer treats including chocolate rabbits and hot cross buns.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Paradisus by Meliá Lands in Europe with Opening of Paradisus Gran Canaria

 900 675 wttc2
By:

Paradisus by Meliá Lands in Europe with Opening of Paradisus Gran Canaria - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25HOTELS.comMadrid, Spain, April 4, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The luxury Paradisus by Meliá brand made its debut in Spain this month with the grand opening of Paradisus Gran Canaria Hotel. Located on the idyllic island of Gran Canaria, it offers 297 rooms and suites, avant-garde wellness facilities with the latest technology, and nine dining areas that offer the best of world cuisine and traditional local flavours.

The hotel is the first for the luxury Paradisus by Meliá hotel brand in Europe and offers an innovative experience that reinvents the traditional “all-inclusive” service through the addition of new experiences in tune with the destination, local culture and natural environment. With the architecture, design and interiors led by the ASAH studio of the architect Álvaro Sans, Paradisus Gran Canaria has a range of accommodation options, ranging from Premium Rooms to the superior Nikté and The Reserve, the latter with private hotel areas and areas for adults only. All the rooms have a serene and relaxing ambience thanks to the surrounding natural environment, privileged sea views and a design in harmony with the beauty of its surroundings. There is also a focus on works by local artists, which are prominent in each of the areas in the room.

All bedding and amenities are 100% sustainable, recyclable and made using environmentally friendly materials. The products in the minibar are all produced by local artisans to reduce their impact on the environment.

DESTINATION INCLUSIVE® EXPERIENCES: A NEW WAY TO TRAVEL

With the brand concept of “Embrace Your Nature”, Meliá Hotels International now offers the chance for guests to immerse themselves in the culture of each of the destinations in which the hotels are located. Guests have all the Destination Inclusive experiences® included in the price of their stay

“Every one of our hotels has a strong bond with the place where they are located. That’s why we are convinced that the combination of the new luxury services provided by Paradisus by Meliá and all the attractions of local culture and nature are the perfect way to provide our guests with truly unique experiences,” said André Gerondeau, Chief Operating Officer of Meliá Hotels International.

At Paradisus by Meliá the destination plays a key role in creating a genuine adventure and allowing guests the opportunity to “discover the infinite pleasures of a holiday like nothing they have ever known before. A chance to discover secret corners, enjoy authentic cuisine, meet local artists, explore their towns and understand their people,” explained Susanna Mander, Global Director of Brand Marketing for Paradisus by Meliá.

The entire experience is imbued with local charm, from cooking workshops to excursions to the most secluded or iconic locations on what are known as the “Fortunate Islands.” The experiences on offer appeal to both adventure lovers, such as hiking in the “Sacred Mountains,” and to travellers who want to find out more about local products and the traditions behind them. Paradisus Gran Canaria opens a door to picturesque coffee plantations, distilleries and wineries such as the Finca La Laja, the Arehucas rum distillery or Los Berrazales.

Apart from the fascinating opportunities to learn more about local cuisine and products included in the Destination Inclusive® concept, guests can also enjoy nine different dining experiences in the hotel with the finest and most authentic international and local cuisine. From spaces for a relaxing, informal meal, to elegant signature restaurants serving the finest contemporary cuisine. There are also cocktail bar experiences, tapas and plenty of fun by the pool or alongside the sea available at all times.

“Our dining options are sustainable and also showcase the rich culinary traditions of these unique Atlantic islands. To achieve that we are lucky to have top chefs who can enhance the dining experience, such as Germán Ortega, who takes Canary Islands fine dining to another level in the Spanish restaurant Peseta and in Kanna Night,” said Mander.

To get a better understanding of the amazing dishes available in the Peseta or Kanna Night restaurants, guests can also visit the famous La Acuarela Restaurant in Mogan, in which Germán Ortega has earned considerable fame over many years. Awarded a Michelin star and two Repsol Guide Sols, his restaurant is one of the most famous and revered on the island. Ortega trained at the Vassa Eggen Restaurant in Stockholm, the 2-Michelin-star The Latonnie in England and the Hacienda Benazuza.

These influences and his vast experience are behind his design of the menus for both restaurants and the creation of a three-course tasting menu for Peseta which will change with the seasons of the year.

The Paradisus Salinas Hotel in Lanzarote, designed by the architect Fernando Higueras, will also work with Germán Ortega and pay tribute to the products from La Graciosa.

Gran Canaria, the third largest island in the Canary Islands, is considered a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The long coastline and endless beaches of white and golden sands, a lunar landscape, and fantastic weather, with an average annual temperature of 24ºC, make the island one of the most popular travel destinations in Spain.

About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International has a portfolio of more than 400 hotels (portfolio and pipeline), throughout more than 40 countries, and 10 brands: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, The Meliá Collection, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Falcon’s Resorts by Meliá, Sol by Meliá and Affiliated by Meliá. The Group is one of the leading companies in resort hotels worldwide, while also leveraging its experience to consolidate the growing segment of the leisure-inspired urban market. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led the Group to become the most sustainable hotel company worldwide, according to the last S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, and it is also a “Top Employer 2023” brand in Spain, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Italy and Germany. Meliá Hotels International is also included in the IBEX 35 Spanish stock market.

About Paradisus by Meliá
Paradisus by Meliá Destination inclusive® Luxury Resorts is a brand operated by Meliá Hotels International, one of the most successful family hotel companies in the world. Paradisus hotels are located in both emerging destinations and some of the most exclusive destinations in the world, offering a superior experience to their guests. The luxury hotel brand currently offers hotels in the Dominican Republic: Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort; in Mexico: Paradisus Cancun, Paradisus Playa del Carmen, Paradisus La Perla (adults only) and Paradisus Los Cabos (BCS, Mexico); and in Spain: Paradisus Gran Canaria and opening soon Paradisus Salinas Lanzarote. Each of the properties is set in beautiful gardens with views of the beach and reflect the natural beauty of their locations. Focused on health, wellness and the natural environment, each resort offers a range of personalised life-enriching experiences, which include yoga, YHI Spa treatments, water sports and cooking classes. Paradisus by Meliá offers a selection of exceptional room types and even more luxurious options such as The Reserve (for adults only) and Nikté (for families), which offer premium-quality accommodation, the highest brand service standards, exclusive amenities and VIP services that are ideal for a wide range of guests: couples, family holidays, weddings and business trips. One of the new experiences included in the stay for VIP guests are Destination Inclusive®, activities that take place outside the hotel and invite our guests to delve deeper into the local culture and experience it in person in every Paradisus destination.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News