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Accor and Ennismore Accelerate Expansion Across Southeast Asia

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Accor and Ennismore Accelerate Expansion Across Southeast Asia - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25HOTELS.comBangkok, Thailand, January 23, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Accor and Ennismore will expand their portfolio with a series of key hotel and resort openings all across Southeast Asia in the year ahead. With close to 30 confirmed new properties under ten distinct brands in nine countries, 2023 marks an important milestone in the two group’s regional development strategies.

Thailand is a key market and 2023 will see the arrival of a series of important new hotels and resorts in the kingdom. Ennismore’s TRIBE Bangkok Sukhumvit 39 (scheduled to open in Q2 2023) will mark the debut of the design-driven, guest-centric TRIBE brand in Thailand, while the 207-key Novotel Living Bangkok Sukhumvit Legacy (Q2) by Accor will introduce Novotel’s extended-stay concept to the Thai capital’s Sukhumvit district. Also in Bangkok, guests can look forward to the 178-key Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 60 (Q4) and the 666-key ibis Styles Bangkok Twin Towers (Q3), which is set to become the world’s largest ibis Styles hotel.

Outside Bangkok, the 234-key Novotel Rayong Star Convention Centre (Q1) will become an important new MICE and leisure destination on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard, while the Mercure Rayong Lomtalay Villas & Resort will debut its garden wing, which will include an additional 133 rooms, suites and villas, four restaurants and bars, along with expansive meeting, conferencing and events facilities. Grand Mercure Resort Ao Nang Krabi (Q4) is also set to makes its debut in Southern Thailand with 200 keys at the end of the year.

Accor’s industry-leading brands will launch in Southeast Asia’s most exciting up-and-coming destinations in 2023. In Cambodia, the 232-key Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort (Q2) will bring international midscale comfort to the country’s popular seaside town, while the 253-key Novotel Phnom Penh Boeng Keng Kong (Q2) will rise in the centre of the Cambodian capital. In Vietnam the 373-key Pullman Hai Phong (Q4) will introduce world-class five-star standards to this thriving port city.

In Singapore, three new landmark hotels are set to elevate the five-star hospitality sector in this vibrant metropolis. The 326-key Pullman Orchard Singapore – Singapore’s first Pullman hotel – will officially launch in February in the famous retail district of Orchard Road as the ultimate playground for today’s new entrepreneurs. Later in Q2, the 342-room Pullman Singapore Hill Street will open, offering sweeping views over Fort Canning, Saint Andrew’s Cathedral and the Singapore River, while the 302-key Mondrian Singapore Duxton (Q1) by Ennismore will rise above the colourful streets and shop-houses of Chinatown, overlooking the Lion City’s skyline. This design-led, culture-infused hotel will join a collection of only eight Mondrian hotels worldwide.

Accor’s rapid growth in Indonesia will gather pace in 2023 with the launch of multiple new hotels, including the 224-key ibis New Yogyakarta International Airport (Q1) and 189-key Novotel New Yogyakarta Airport Kulon Progo (Q3) in Yogyakarta, the 150-key Mercure Pangkalan Bun (Q3) in Central Kalimantan, the 158-key ibis Palembang Sanggar (Q4) in South Sumatra, the 335-key Grand Mercure Lampung (Q4), and two Swiss-inspired Mövenpick properties: the 413-key Mövenpick Bintan Lagoon Resort and 253-key Mövenpick Jakarta Pecenongan, both of which are on track to start welcoming visitors in Q4 2023.

In Malaysia, the 161-key ibis PJCC Petaling Jaya and the 172-key Mercure Miri City Centre are both due to open their doors by the middle of 2023. Finally, Japan will welcome the 363-key Mercure Hotel Tokyo Haneda Airport (Q4) at one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.

“2023 represents a watershed year for travel, tourism and hospitality. As the world emerges from the challenges of recent years, we are set to enter a bright new era, free from travel restrictions and filled with optimism. Accor’s new hotels and resorts, which span every sector of the market from economy to luxury, will enable all travellers to spread their wings and explore some of Asia’s most desirable destinations. We look forward to delighting guests with exciting new experiences in 2023 and for many years to come,” said Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer for Accor, Southeast Asia, Japan & South Korea.

In 2022, Accor and Ennismore signed a combined 30 hotels representing 8,700 keys across eight countries in Southeast Asia. These hotels will be operated under 15 brands within all segments, from economy to luxury.

About Accor
Accor is a world leading hospitality group consisting of 5,300 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The group has one of the industry’s most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing more than 40 luxury, premium, midscale and economy hotel brands, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more. Accor’s unmatched position in lifestyle hospitality – one of the fastest growing categories in the industry – is led by Ennismore, a joint venture, which Accor holds a majority shareholding. Ennismore is a creative hospitality company with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. Accor boasts an unrivalled portfolio of distinctive brands and more than 230,000 team members worldwide. Members benefit from the company’s comprehensive loyalty program – ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a daily lifestyle companion that provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. Through its global sustainability commitments (such as achieving Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2050, global elimination of single use plastics in its hotels’ guest experience, etc.), Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the Group is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States.

About Ennismore
Ennismore is a creative hospitality company with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. It curates and manages unique properties and experiences in some of the most exciting destinations around the world. Founded in 2011 by entrepreneur Sharan Pasricha, Ennismore and Accor entered a joint venture in 2021 to create a new autonomous entity, with Accor holding a majority shareholding. Creating the world’s fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company, it brings together Ennismore’s know-how in building brands with creative storytelling, design, and authentic experiences, with Accor’s wealth of knowledge in delivering scale, network growth and distribution. Under the leadership of Sharan Pasricha, Founder & Co-CEO, and Gaurav Bhushan, Co-CEO, Ennismore comprises 14 brands – with 103 operating properties and further 144 in the pipeline – and a collection of over 150 culturally relevant and diverse restaurants and nightlife destinations. Ennismore puts innovation at the centre of everything it does, with four dedicated in-house specialist studios, which obsess every guest touchpoint including Carte Blanched – a fully integrated F&B concept platform; a creative studio of interior and graphic designers; a digital product and tech innovation lab, and a partnerships and collaborations unit. Ennismore has been included in Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies lists in 2020 and 2021; ranked#29 in FT1000: Europe’s Fastest-Growing Companies; and is part of FT Future 100 – the UK’s fastest-growing businesses that are shaping the future of their sector. The Ennismore brands: 21c Museum Hotel, 25hours Hotels, Delano, Gleneagles, Hyde, JO&JOE, Mama Shelter, Mondrian, Morgans Originals, SLS, SO/, The Hoxton, TRIBE and Working.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Best Western Hotels Brings Surestay Studio to the Philippines

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Best Western Hotels Brings Surestay Studio to the Philippines - VISITPHILIPPINES - TRAVELINDEXAngeles City, Philippines, January 20, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts has expanded its presence in the Philippines with the launch of SureStay Studio by Best Western Clarkview – the first SureStay Studio property in the country.

A modern midscale hotel, SureStay Studio by Best Western Clarkview introduces a new era of affordable comfort and convenience to this dynamic destination. Guests can stay in a choice of 74 contemporary studio-style rooms and suites, all of which are fully equipped with twin or double beds and modern amenities for extended stays, including complimentary Wi-Fi, working space, a kitchenette, and a bathroom with a walk-in power shower.

The bright and inviting restaurant offers a creative take on Filipino classics and international favorites, a well-equipped fitness center is great for invigorating workouts, and the hotel’s indoor swimming pool and jacuzzi are covered by a glass roof, allowing natural light to flood in. For corporate travelers, a business center with workstations and a meeting room are available.

With its central location in the heart of Angeles City and just 6km from Clark International Airport, family facilities, and warm, heartfelt Filipino hospitality, SureStay Studio by Best Western Clarkview is the ideal option for all travelers. Leisure guests can explore the area’s many local attractions, such as Dinosaur Island, Puning Hot Spring and the Zoocobia Fun Zoo, and corporate visitors will have easy access to Metro Clark.

This new opening marks the debut of SureStay Studio® by Best Western in the Philippines. This brand extension is tailored to guests taking longer stays away from home, with extra amenities to help travelers rest in comfort and the consistent high service standards that are expected from Best Western Hotels & Resorts worldwide.

“We are delighted to unveil SureStay Studio by Best Western Clarkview, which marks the latest phase of our expansion in the Philippines and the continued growth of SureStay Hotel Group® in Asia. SureStay Studio is an innovative new concept that intuitively caters for a new generation of guest: those seeking additional space and exceptional amenities at an affordable price point. With its prime downtown location, yet only moments from one of the Philippines’ main international gateway airports, this hotel is ready to welcome local and international visitors alike,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President of Operations – APAC, BWH Hotel Group.

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.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Bintan Resorts Launch New Weekday Deals

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Bintan Resorts Launch New Weekday Deals - TRAVELINDEXBintan Island, Riau Islands, Indonesia, January 18, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Bintan Resorts, along with Bintan Resort Ferries and participating resorts in Bintan, have launched a new promotion for travellers to Bintan called Let’s Go Bintan – Great Weekday Deals.

Participating resorts and partners include ANMON, Cassia Bintan, Doulos Phos The Ship Hotel, Grand Lagoi Hotel by Willson, Natra Bintan, Nirwana Resort Hotel, Pantai Indah Lagoi Bintan, Bintan Resort Ferries and Bintan Resorts Tour.

This promotion is valid for weekday travel only (Sunday through Thursday) and is now open for booking and valid for travel between 1 February 2023 till 31 May 2023. Promotion deals include room accommodation at participating resorts, 2-way sea (Singapore/Bintan by ferry) and land transfers, and choice of Bintan Mangrove Discovery Tour or Sand Dune and Blue Lake Tour. Prices start from as low as SGD 149.00 per person. Children below the age of 11 years old get to enjoy the said tours free of charge and adults also enjoy free activities in Lagoi Bay.

“This promotion is designed for travellers wanting a quick tropical getaway, but also avoiding the weekend and holiday crowds” said Mr Abdul Wahab, Group General Manager, Bintan Resort Cakrawala. “Great deals have been offered by our resort and attraction partners, and one can come over and truly enjoy the idyllic and tranquil getaway that Bintan is for quality time with family, friends and loved ones” he continued.

To enjoy these weekday deals and to find out more details and make a booking, travellers should contact the following appointed travel agents:

Bintan Holiday
+65 9783 2528

LittleWalk Asia
+65 8857 1747

WeekendGoWhere
+65 9852 3592

About Bintan Resorts
Bintan Resorts is a multi-award winning, integrated beach resort destination that is host to 19 independent beach resorts, four designer golf courses, as well as an ever- expanding range of recreational facilities and attractions. It covers the entire northern coast of Bintan Island and is located just 60 minutes away via a catamaran ferry ride from Singapore, easily accessible for those looking for the perfect tropical beach getaway.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Andaz Debuts in Thailand With Opening of Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach

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Andaz Brand Debuts in Thailand With Opening of Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach - TOP25HOTELS-THAILAND - TRAVELINDEXJomtien, Pattaya, Thailand, January 16, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The lush and tropical beachfront retreat offers well-traveled explorers and families a welcoming, invigorating destination to reconnect with nature and discover authentic Thai culture. Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the opening of Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach, marking the debut of the Andaz brand in Thailand. Nestled across over 15 acres (6.4 hectares) of stunning beachfront land, amid mature trees and gardens overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, this luxury lifestyle resort provides a myriad of ways for guests to express their personal style and connect with the local culture and nature, from destination excursions to authentic dining, wellness and family activities.

“With the growing demand for immersive, authentic experiences among luxury travelers, we are delighted by the launch of the vibrant Andaz brand in Thailand, one of the world’s most appealing destinations,” said David Udell, group president, Asia-Pacific, Hyatt. “Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach is our first Andaz resort in Thailand, adding to the brand’s growing portfolio in the region, which now includes properties located in Bali, Delhi, Seoul, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Singapore, Tokyo and Xiamen.”

Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach is a tranquil oceanfront sanctuary on Tawanron Beach – known as “Sunset Beach” for its magnificent sunset views – located between the popular holiday hub of Jomtien and the charming fishing village of Bang Saray and is within a 10-minute drive from most of Pattaya’s scenic and tourism hotspots such as the beautiful rolling green countryside, lakes, wineries, world-class golf courses and cafes. Less than two hours by car from Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi Airport, the resort is in the Na Jomtien area which is poised to become a luxury lifestyle leisure destination as part of the country’s Eastern Economic Corridor development.

Beachfront Infinity Pool
“While celebrating the spirit of exploration and the individuality of each guest and immersed in an unspoiled beachside setting, Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach offers low-rise clusters of rooms, suites and villas, shady courtyards, sparkling pools and creative event spaces, all of which reflect the dynamic charm of this up-and-coming destination,” said Ranjeet Y. Rajebhosale, general manager, Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach. “Through collaborations with local brands like the wellness provider, PAÑPURI, and artisans, we hope to create riveting experiences that will help guests reconnect with nature and discover Thai culture.”

Concept and Design
Surrounded by mature, landscaped gardens with conserved, century-old trees, the distinctively local yet modern design of the resort is inspired by the site’s history as a private estate. Conceived by award-winning Thai architecture firm A49 and PIA interiors, Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach warmly greets guests with an awe-inspiring raintree and reflective pond upon arrival within the Raintree Court, which is the heart and soul of the resort where travelers can meet, unwind and socialize. This barrier-free space features restaurants with interactive show kitchens and an herb garden, where guests can receive a personalized tour, along with additional distinctive experiences and programming for travelers looking to fulfil their curiosities and stimulate their senses. Exquisite Thai teakwood houses – all of which have been given a new lease on life using reclaimed wood materials from storied traditional Thai wooden houses – are nestled under the tropical foliage, while natural, locally sourced and handmade materials and artwork have been incorporated throughout the resort.

Guestrooms and Suites
Set in low-rise clustered buildings, the 204 rooms, suites, and villas, which start from 538 square feet (50 square meters), are adorned with locally influenced interiors, walk-in rain showers and a balcony or terrace with a relaxing daybed. Spread throughout the gardens, guests can experience a sense of discovery as they explore the lush landscape. A variety of accommodation options cater to a wide range of occasions and guests, from multi-generational families to couples and individuals. The Lagoon Access Rooms invite guests to step straight into the rippling waters of the resort pool, while the Pool Suites allow guests to cool down with a private dip at any time of day, and the Beachfront Suites are set directly on the soft sand.

Set to open in the coming months, two heritage-inspired houses form the resort’s most highly prized accommodation that are ideal for multi-generational families and intimate celebrations – a duplex four-bedroom Manor House and a breath-taking six-bedroom Presidential Heritage House, each of which offers luxurious living with private pools, courtyards, butler service and ocean views.

Dining and Entertainment
The resort’s six distinct restaurants and bars feature local, seasonal, and sustainable produce, including tropical fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices from the onsite organic garden. A vibrant beachfront restaurant serving fresh local seafood, Fish Club offers light poolside bites at lunch, refreshing cocktails at sunset, immersive contemporary dinners and late-night drinks with live DJ sets. Wok Wok serves traditional Thai comfort food and authentic regional flavors in a casual environment, La Cucina is a trattoria-style Italian restaurant where guests can savor delicious pastas and freshly baked pizzas with Italian wines, while Village Butcher is a classic steakhouse where diners can enjoy charcoal-grilled steaks alongside a wide selection of wines. The Teak Lounge invites guests to sit back and enjoy refreshments under the magnificent raintree, and the soon-to-open Ruen Thai is a traditional, charming teahouse adorned with Thai silks and classical floor seating, allowing guests to sit back and recharge in a tranquil space surrounded by nature.

Wellness
Three outdoor swimming pools provide endless opportunities for relaxation, including a peaceful lap pool, a freeform family pool next to the bright Sanuk Sanuk kids’ club, and a beachfront pool overlooking the beautiful beach that sets the stage for sunset cocktails and sparkling DJ parties. Nestled amid the verdant gardens, PAÑPURI Spa is a collaboration with the exclusive Thai wellness brand – which also created the resort’s uniquely scented bathroom amenities – offering a luxurious haven of wellness where guests can experience soothing therapies with organic skincare products. The 24-hour fitness center features the latest Technogym equipment and a rejuvenating yoga room.

Social Spaces
The naturally lit 3,229-square foot (300-square meter) Garden Pavilion will bring every social or corporate event to life with its floor-to-ceiling windows, versatile pre-function foyer, outdoor terrace and show kitchen. Ruen Thai, the restored two-level heritage building, can be transformed into an exquisite setting for more intimate occasions.

For more information and full terms or to book a stay, please call +66 38 221 234.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of September 30, 2022, the Company’s portfolio included more than 1,200 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 72 countries across six continents. The Company’s offering includes brands in the Timeless Collection, including Park Hyatt®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Residence Club®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, and UrCove; the Boundless Collection, including Miraval®, Alila®, Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, Hyatt Centric®, and Caption by Hyatt; the Independent Collection, including The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination by Hyatt™, and JdV by Hyatt™; and the Inclusive Collection, including Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Vivid Hotels & Resorts®, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Sunscape® Resorts & Spas. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services.

About Andaz
Global in scale while local in perspective, the Andaz brand of luxury lifestyle hotels weaves the sights, sounds, and tastes of each property’s surroundings for a distinctively local experience. Through thoughtful, unscripted service tailored for travelers, Andaz hotels enable guests to go beyond the familiar and satiate their curiosity while immersing them in the spirit of the eclectic culture around them. There are currently 25 Andaz hotels: Andaz 5th Avenue in New York, Andaz San Diego, Andaz West Hollywood, Andaz Napa, Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows, Andaz Savannah, Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market, Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya, Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, Andaz London Liverpool Street, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor, Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere, Andaz Singapore, Andaz Delhi, Andaz Xintiandi in Shanghai, Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills, Andaz Seoul Gangnam, Andaz Xiamen, Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, Andaz Dubai The Palm, Andaz Shenzhen Bay, Andaz Bali and Andaz Prague.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Banyan Tree Extends Branch of Hope to Koh Samui Students

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Koh Samui, Thailand,  January 17, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Philanthropy lies close to the roots at Banyan Tree. Over the years, the luxury hotel group has sponsored hundreds of causes and projects worldwide through its Banyan Tree Global Foundation.

So when the the general manager of Banyan Tree Samui, Remko Kroesen, heard that a tropical storm had devastated a local community centre on the island, he immediately got in touch with the local administrators and offered assistance.

In addition to funding the cost of reconstruction, the Australian general manager and several volunteers from the hotel rolled up their sleeves and helped out with landscaping and other labour-intensive tasks.

Over a year later, construction work on the canteen at the Wat Santi Wanaram Child Development Centre has been completed, and the 103 children and their teachers can now look forward to a fresh and safe environment for lunch, activities and play.

“We are so grateful to Banyan Tree Samui for recognizing the importance of children’s education here in Koh Samui,” wrote Ms Suthima Chanrak, the acting head of the centre. “We rejoice that we will have a new canteen, not only for the children’s meals, but also a building that will act as a focal point for community activities and town hall meetings.”

Other initiatives implemented successfully by Banyan Tree Samui in recent years include a blood drive campaign, and the ongoing “Seedlings Mentorship” project aimed at nurturing young Samui students between the ages of 12 and 18, providing them with vocational and life skills and education, as well as offering scholarships and financial support to enable select students to continue into higher education.

“As a 5-star resort with beautiful villas and sea views, a spa, and exquisite dining, it would be easy to forget that many of the families on Koh Samui work nearby in coconut plantations or on fishing boats, and are often unable to meet the rising costs of medical care and housing,” said Kroesen. “That’s why we maintain an annual fund to assist those in need, and never forget how lucky we are to share their wonderful island with them.”

For more information about the rebuilding of Wat Santi Wanaram Child Development Centre, please go to: https://www.banyantree.com/thailand/samui/wat-santi-wanaram

ABOUT BANYAN TREE
Banyan Tree Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group”) is one of the world’s leading independent, multi-brand hospitality groups centred on stewardship and wellbeing while offering exceptional, design-led experiences for the global travellers of today and tomorrow. The Group’s diversified portfolio of hotels, resorts, spas, galleries, golf and residences is centred around an ecosystem of 10 global brands, including the award-winning Banyan Tree, Angsana, Cassia, Dhawa and Laguna, as well as the highly anticipated new brands of Homm, Garrya, Folio and two new Banyan Tree brand extensions, Banyan Tree Escape and Banyan Tree Veya.

Founded in 1994 on the core concept of sustainability, Banyan Tree Group seeks to create long-term value for all stakeholders and destinations across its network of properties, products and brands, through a purpose-driven mission. With 8,000 associates across 23 countries, Banyan Tree Management Academy (BTMA) was established in 2008 to support the Group’s goals through advancing people development, management excellence, and learning with integrity and meaning.

Banyan Tree Group has received 2,921 industry awards and accolades since inception over 25 years ago, most recently being named among the Top 25 Hotel Brands in the World by Travel + Leisure. It has also received recognition for its commitment to environmental protection and community development through its Banyan Tree Global Foundation (BTGF), which aligns the Group’s efforts to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Executing on its regionalised growth strategy, the Group’s global footprint continues to grow with 47 new hotels and resorts under design and construction in the pipeline, in addition to 58 operating hotels in 17 countries as of December 2021. As a global industry hospitality leader, Banyan Tree Group firmly embeds its mission to be a business that benefits all stakeholders, for the greater good.

Banyan Tree Group entered a strategic long-term partnership with Accor in 2016 to develop and manage Banyan Tree branded hotels around the world along with the access to Accor’s global reservations and sales network, as well as the loyalty programme ALL – Accor Live Limitless. It also formed a joint venture with China Vanke Co. Ltd. in 2017 – focusing on active ageing and wellness hospitality projects.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Metropole Hanoi Celebrates Tet with Exclusive Dining Offers

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Metropole Hanoi Celebrates Tet with Exclusive Dining OffersHanoi, Vietnam, January 17, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi’s popular annual Tet Market is back, along with a host of exclusive dining opportunities and a special staycation offer, as the hotel celebrates one of Vietnam’s most beloved holidays.

The traditional Tet market will run Jan. 15-16, featuring antique Hoi An-style houses and bamboo stalls offering Vietnamese delicacies and other fresh products, unique handicrafts and colorful traditional paintings in the Dong Ho style, as well as a special To He toy-making activity. Visitors can also meet a calligraphy master to bring home some good luck or participate in a Chung cake workshop in the hotel garden to learn how to make traditional Chung cake.

Ten vendors will participate in this year’s bazaar including Disa Tea, Three Tree Jewelry, Huong Jewelry, Warehouse and C-Brewmaster, and there will be a fashion show from Italian designer Maria Elena. The Metropole food corner, meanwhile, will serve up flavorful Tet dishes prepared from quality local ingredients.

Several extraordinary dining opportunities are also on offer throughout January, including an “End of the Year Sunday Brunch” on Jan. 15 and “Lunar New Year Extravagant Sunday Brunch” on Jan. 22, both served at the award-winning modern French fine dining restaurant Le Beaulieu. Both meals run from noon to 4pm and start from VND 2.5 million ++ per person.

Other special meals and drinks will be served at Le Club Bar, including a Grand Tet Buffet Dinner on Jan. 26, and angelina, the bar-lounge-restaurant renowned for its rustic New World cuisine, which will be serving a menu of distinctive Tet cocktails from Jan. 16-29.

To mark the Tet holiday, Metropole Hanoi is also offering an exclusive special room package, with rates starting from VND 8 million ++. The “Tet Holiday Indulgence” package includes daily breakfast at Le Club Bar, a credit of VND 1 million net per room per night for use at hotel restaurants and bars and L’Epicerie du Metropole, and other benefits. ALL members receive 5% off and Accor Plus members receive 10% off.

For more information or to make a restaurant booking, please call 0243 826 6919 (ext. 8200).

ABOUT SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE HANOI
A prominent fixture in the heart of Hanoi since 1901, the Hotel Metropole Hanoi has a long tradition as a luxury venue for prestigious events and a popular rendezvous for business and leisure travelers such as playwrights, ambassadors and heads of state. The recipient of numerous international awards for its fine service, this legendary landmark has contributed to the richness of local heritage.

The hotel includes 364 rooms. The historic Metropole wing has 106 guestrooms and three Legendary Suites. The suites are named after famous residents and visitors to the hotel (Graham Greene, Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham) and have access to the Club Lounge.

The Metropole restaurants and bars are all famous dining venues, each offering a different exotic experience: Le Beaulieu has the best French fare in this corner of the world; Spices Garden offers the ultimate in Vietnamese gastronomy; angelina is Hanoi’s bespoke bar-lounge-restaurant; La Terrasse brings Parisian-style to the sidewalks of Hanoi; Le Club Bar treats guests to its famous chocolate buffet and cool jazz performances; and, finally, Bamboo Bar brings poolside lounging to the next level.

ABOUT SOFITEL LEGEND
Sofitel Legend is an illustrious selection of heritage luxury hotels where the best of past and present converge. Set within beautiful and culturally rich destinations, each legendary retreat is both timeless and elegant, delivering lavish settings, renowned restaurants and modern comforts matched with impeccable service for the ultimate luxury experience. Noble, rare and soulful, Sofitel Legend hotels entice worldly travelers who are all drawn to these beloved places of grandeur for their storied past, architectural beauty, sweeping vistas and enchanting ambience. Sofitel Legend is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,200 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

HYATT LOOKS TO MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION: The height of luxury in Mexico resort

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Hyatt Hotels says it is expanding its commitment to luxury travel with the launch of Secrets Impression Resorts & Spas – a “first-of-its-kind product” designed to deliver the highest level of luxury all-inclusive service and amenities in its portfolio.

The first resort to feature in the new line, Secrets Impression Moxché Playa del Carmen, opened Dec. 1; the second property, Secrets Impression Isla Mujeres, is set to open in March 15. The properties operate under Hyatt’s AMR Collection.

In addition to signature inclusions offered under the Secrets Impression brand’s ‘Endless Privileges concept’ the adults-only resorts are curated for romantic ambiance.

Secrets Impression Moxché

The first property within the brand extension, the beachfront Secrets Impression Moxché, is situated within Corasol, a gated community in the heart of Mexico’s Playa del Carmen, offering privacy and access to a championship golf course.

The resort features three distinctive suite categories including two-storey oceanfront penthouse residences, master suite residences, and signature suites that are outfitted in a rustic modern style. In-room terraces, a continuously replenished in-room feature bar, and access to a dedicated beach area are some of the unique amenities available.

Master Suite Ocean Front

Every guest is assigned a personal butler prior to their arrival. Visitors are welcomed by their butler for check-in in the property’s private lounge and are available to tend to every need throughout the stay.

Three dedicated restaurants include an open terrace bar and restaurant offering 360-degree views of the Caribbean Sea, a seaside beach club restaurant serving South American organic cuisine, and Teodoro, a signature chef-driven concept that features a seven-course dinner accompanied by wine pairings and concluded with an after-dinner aperitif on the restaurant terrace under the stars.

There are 14 gourmet dining options total available at Secrets Impression Moxché and the adjoining Secrets Moxché, as well as private in-suite dining available 24 hours.

The resort’s Secrets Spa by Pevonia features 16 treatment rooms, five VIP double treatment rooms with private plunge pools, a sauna and a steam room. The spa also offers an outdoor hydrotherapy circuit with pressure jets, a bubble area, reflexology, and waterfalls along with a variety of spa offerings and packages.

El Cielo, a palm-lined rooftop deck with 360 views, restaurant, bar, and two extravagant pools, plus a private Beach Club, two additional pools and three whirlpools, is also available to guests.

Day and nightly entertainment and activities are also offered – from deep sea fishing to live music and enriching cultural activities.

Guests staying at Secrets Impression Moxché are also able to enjoy unlimited access to the adjacent Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen.

“The launch of Secrets Impression reflects Hyatt’s commitment to offering best-in-class, all-inclusive resort experiences. This new concept focuses on the two most important aspects guests look for when booking their stay: service level and experiences, to ensure every moment is set to leave a lasting impression,” says Gonzalo del Peón, Group President of AMResorts Americas.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

MOTTO MAKES ITS MARK: Hilton brand debuts in Mexico, Europe

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Motto by Hilton has marked a major milestone with its international debut in the Caribbean and Europe with the openings of Motto by Hilton Tulum and Motto by Hilton Rotterdam Blaak. The US urban, lifestyle hotel brand is designed to offer guests the flexibility to create their own experiences and live like a local in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

“This is an exciting chapter for Motto by Hilton as it expands globally, underscoring the strength of the brand and its appeal to today’s travellers,” says Matt Schuyler, chief brand officer, Hilton. “We look forward to offering even more reliable and friendly travel experiences in these prime locales, and delivering truly local stays through flexible and modern design, the best of the neighboruhood food and beverage offerings, and a local vibe that reflects the destination of each hotel.”

Tulum, Mexico

Motto by Hilton opens to guests inside the Hunab mixed-used lifestyle centre, the first mall in the Mexican resort town anticipated to soon become a focal point for locals and travellers in Quintana Roo. With a premier location, guests at the 115-room lifestyle hotel are surrounded by a jungle with ancient ruins and pristine beaches and are placed within steps of restaurants, retail shops and nightlife.

The property features two rooftop infinity pools with private cabanas and jungle views that capture the essence of the Riviera Maya. It also boasts a fitness centre with indoor and outdoor workout areas.

Diners will find curated food and drink selections at Motto by Hilton Tulum. Guests can start the day at Bistro Coba with a regionally inspired menu and fresh-pressed beverage offerings, sample mixology and snacks at the rooftop pool bar, enjoy a modern twist on comfort food at the rooftop restaurant bar, and relax downstairs at the casual Coba Bar.

Rotterdam, Holland

Motto by Hilton Rotterdam Blaak

Meanwhile, Motto by Hilton Rotterdam Blaak is located in an iconic preserved bank building that has undergone extensive refurbishment to create a welcoming and modern environment inspired by Rotterdam’s stunning architecture. The 108-room property is within walking distance of the Maritime Museum Rotterdam, Cube Houses and the striking Markthal, where visitors can shop, eat, and drink at nearly 100 food stalls and restaurants.

The hotel’s design has retained features of its bank origins, including the original staircases and wooden panelling, ensuring guests feel the legacy of the building throughout their stay. Red, yellow, and blue themes highlight the influence of iconic modernist art, which has long been synonymous with the city.

With a continuously evolving menu, minimal waste, and the best selection of fresh fish available daily, Pesca at Motto by Hilton Rotterdam Blaak constantly invents dishes to give guests a unique experience each time they dine at the restaurant.

Motto by Hilton

Across the brand, Motto by Hilton offers travel-sized guest rooms with sleek, modern design that reflects the local destination. Each room is equipped with everything guests need for an enjoyable and restful night’s sleep, including top-notch mattresses, with sound-absorbing surroundings and smart technology for the ultimate in convenience.

Guests can fully customize each stay with flexible sleeping setups, including standard, Flex beds that stow into the wall, The Bunkie (bunk bed) and more. Motto by Hilton also simplifies coordinating travel for larger friend and family groups by offering a number of varying connecting room configurations to accommodate groups of all sizes. For instance, Motto by Hilton Rotterdam Blaak offers guests the ability to connect up to nine rooms, while Motto by Hilton Tulum offers up to five rooms connecting.

Local design is also reflected across these international properties in distinct ways.

A distinguishing feature of Motto by Hilton hotels is their versatile, open common space, Motto Commons. Serving as a neighbourhood gathering space, Motto Commons provides a central place for guests and locals alike to grab a coffee, catch up on work or have a cocktail before heading out to explore.

At Motto by Hilton Tulum, hotel team members known as Motto Hosts are available to specifically curate experiences for guests, such as a sunset rooftop dinner with a Mayan ceremony, a premium mezcal tasting at Ancestral, or a sustainable mobility E-scooter or E-bike for getting around town. Motto by Hilton Tulum also has partnered with the area’s two biggest beach clubs, Bagatelle and Vagalume, to provide guaranteed access and sunbed service for hotel guests.

At Motto by Hilton Rotterdam Blaak, the glass ceiling of Motto Commons is a centre point where work and play converge. Located in the heart of the hotel, light bites, drinks and freshly brewed teas and coffees are available at the bar or in the Commons. Grab & Go options are available for the explorer on the move.

Global growth

Motto by Hilton Tulum and Motto by Hilton Rotterdam Blaak join the brand’s open properties in the US, including Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea, Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square and Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center.

More than 20 properties are in the pipeline, including Cusco, Peru, as well as São Paulo Ibirapuera and Recife in Brazil.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The Anam Mui Ne Debuts on Vietnam’s South Coast

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Mui Ne, Vietnam, January 11, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Crafted by age-old artisans from across Vietnam, The Anam Mui Ne celebrates its grand opening on January 11 with a design redolent of the Indochine period.

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 poised to redefine 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 new 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.

Vietnamese artists were commissioned to create 250 original oil paintings for each room and suite, as well as the lobby, restaurants and hallways. The artists include painters Bui Van Quang, who is renowned for his paintings portraying daily Vietnamese life, and Vu Trong Anh, who’s won acclaim for his modern, abstract interpretations of Vietnamese scenery.

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.

Situated on Mui Ne’s beach strip Nguyen Dinh Chieu, the resort overlooks one of southern Vietnam’s most inspiring white sand beaches and affords sweeping East Sea vistas. 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 due to open shortly will cut the drive from Ho Chi Minh City to two hours. An international airport is set to open in Mui Ne in 2025.

For Vietnam-born founder and owner Pham Van Hien, the resort makes for a significant expansion of the brand that references another name “An Nam”, which was the name of Central Vietnam during the French Indochina era. He has played a hands-on role in the design of the resort, applying valuable lessons he learnt from bringing The Anam Cam Ranh to fruition.

“My ambition for The Anam has always been to create, through and through, an intimate, classic and distinctly Vietnamese hotel brand that is a welcome counterpoint to the industrialised hotel chains that are increasingly targeting Vietnam with properties that, quite frankly, you could find anywhere,” Mr Hien said.

The resort’s 127 rooms and suites across six accommodation categories form a loose rectangular U-shaped configuration that opens up views of the ocean, lush gardens, the resort’s swimming pools and Mui Ne town. The Private Pool Suites and Presidential Suite are the resort’s leading accommodation categories. The 142sqm Private Pool Suites have their own 22sqm private pools complemented with terraces decked with sun loungers. The 122sqm Presidential Suite features an indoor dining area, lounge and kitchenette, as well as a separate room for security personnel.

Comprising an all-day dining restaurant and grill called The Indochine, beachside restaurant and bar Lang Viet Restaurant and Bar, elegant Saigon Bar in the lobby and 24-7 in-room dining, the resort’s dining landscape’s offerings range from gourmet delicacies to traditional home style cooking and street food-inspired classics.

The Anam Spa has five treatment rooms, including three VIP rooms designed for couples – each equipped with two massage beds and a deep-soaking bathtub – as well as two single rooms, two steam rooms, saunas, indoor Jacuzzis and a beauty salon.

The resort leverages its natural surrounds as opportunities for kitesurfing, jet skiing, sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, bodyboarding, Kymera body boarding and surfing at Mui Ne beach.

The resort will open with 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.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

NEW KEMPINSKI OFFERS HAVANA IN STYLE

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The doors are once again open at the Gran Hotel Bristol in Havana after a longer hibernation period than expected caused by the pandemic. Having re-opened in February 2020, the all-new Kempinski property lasted only four weeks before having to shut down again due to the health-related shutdown of Havana.

Located in the heart of the city, a short distance from the National Capitol Building (El Capitolio), the unique boutique hotel is nestled between Old Havana (La Habana Vieja) and Centro Habana and is billed as “the ideal urban escape for a modern traveller” with its “nonchalant” style and superb location.

The property is the luxury hotel chain’s second in Havana.

Inspired by the Art Deco style of the 1930s, 162 comfortable guestrooms’ interiors are stylishly appointed with bright accents, clean lines, and contemporary furnishings. Each room features a flat-screen TV, an individual control panel and complimentary WiFi.

Four unique dining experiences feature a rich kaleidoscope of cuisines and entertainment. Crowning Gran Hotel Bristol are two unique restaurants, El Capitolio and El Diamante – the latter, also a bar, boasting panoramic views of Old Havana.

A destination of its own, the rooftop pool also provides panoramic views over the city and the hotel gym is fully equipped with the latest fitness equipment.

“Havana’s rich and vibrant cultural landscape was the biggest inspiration for Gran Hotel Bristol,” says Xavier Destribats, COO The Americas of Kempinski Hotels. “Transformation of this stylish new hotel was truly a labour of love and dedication. Our guests and residents will be immersed in an exclusive lifestyle experience, where relaxed urban vibes and culinary mastery breathe new life into this historical building.”

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News