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FOUR SEASONS EYES EGYPT EXPANSION

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Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has announced plans for an extensive portfolio expansion in Egypt with the addition of new hotels, residential offerings, and significant property enhancements.

Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Cairo Capital at Madinaty and Four Seasons Hotel Luxor will be introduced in Egypt through the company’s upcoming phase of strategic growth, further building upon the latest multi-million-dollar property enhancements at Four Seasons Resort and Private Residences Sharm El Sheikh, which has doubled the offerings of the existing property with new accommodations, dining outlets, leisure activities, and more.

“Egypt is an important destination in Four Seasons history, as it marked our brand’s entry into the Middle East 22 years ago. Our continued expansion illustrates our ongoing commitment to the region, and all that it has to offer for luxury travellers and homeowners,” says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development and Portfolio Management.

Luxor

Hotel Luxor

Perched on the Nile River in the south of Egypt, in one of the country’s most storied destinations Four Seasons Hotel Luxor is set to open in 2025 and will include 200 guest rooms and suites, each with views of the Nile River, the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. The Hotel will be located just south of the highly acclaimed Luxor Temple, which dates back to 1400 BC.

Amenities will include several restaurant and bar outlets, a tranquil spa, fitness facility, multiple pools, luxury retail, a Kids For All Seasons program and a young adults centre. For those visiting for business or to host a special event, the property will feature expansive meeting and event spaces totalling 1,300 sq. m.

New Cairo Capital at Madinaty

Located in the heart of the capital’s new evolution, New Cairo Capital is a global destination that stands entirely on its own. Anticipated to open in 2025 and set within the extraordinary Madinaty development on 185 hectares of verdant parkland, Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Cairo Capital at Madinaty will be a ideal destination for those who wish to visit the ancient metropolis of Cairo and effortlessly explore the modern extension of the iconic capital city.

Each with world-class amenities and surrounded by lush gardens, the hotel will feature 346 rooms and suites, while the Private Residences will be comprised of 107 villas and 80 luxury residences.

The villas will range from 721 to 1,847 sq. m. with six configurations featuring a contemporary design, floor-to-ceiling windows, rooftop gardens, limestone finishings and private pools, all reminiscent of majestic Egyptian palaces, while luxury residences will range from 221 to 670 sq. m. with five configurations.

Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Cairo Capital at Madinaty will also offer an enhanced culinary experience for guests and residents alike. Gourmet restaurant and bar options will include a waterfront restaurant at the centre of the property with several private dining, al fresco, international and Egyptian-inspired outlets sprinkled throughout the expansive property.

The Hotel and Private Residences will also feature a standalone spa and fitness facility. Across several private treatment rooms, an extensive array of tennis and multi-sport courts, guided group classes, and state-of-the-art fitness equipment, visitors will be treated to an intentional space that has been designed for the art of wellbeing.

Off property, the destination will offer guests, residents and their families easy access to additional gourmet restaurants, world-class golf courses, top retail outlets, and a full suite of attractions.

The property is being designed by the Pierre Yves-Rochon, who has also worked on Four Seasons properties in Paris, Megève, Bahrain Bay, Doha, Florence, and more.

Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh

Four Seasons Resort and Private Residences Sharm El Sheikh has now doubled in size following an extensive enhancement project, with new accommodations, restaurants, recreational facilities and meeting spaces for travellers who seek a unique blend of mountains, desert and sea.

The expansion project includes the addition of 69 Private Residences to the existing collection of 77 plus expanded amenities that now includes 12 culinary concepts, tennis courts, golf course, fitness facilities, access to one of the world’s most renowned dive sites, and more.

Egypt

Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Cairo Capital at Madinaty and Four Seasons Hotel Luxor will join the brand’s portfolio in Egypt, which includes Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano, and Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Meliá Finishes Rebranding of Twelve Vinpearl Hotels in Vietnam

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Meliá Finishes Rebranding of Twelve Vinpearl Hotels in Vietnam - TRAVELINDEXHo Chi Minh City, Vietnam, September 9, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Less than six months since the Spanish hotel group, Meliá Hotels International, announced its partnership with Vietnam’s largest domestic hotel owner, Vinpearl, the migration of properties is set to be completed this month.

Twelve former Vinpearl hotels and resorts spread across the country have now come into Meliá’s portfolio, rebranding as Meliá Vinpearl. The last property, Meliá Vinpearl Hai Phong Rivera, will make the transition by the end of September.

The Meliá Vinpearl properties are already undergoing changes when it comes to gastronomy, wellness and sustainability. Meliá is also bringing the Spanish warmth and hospitality, along with a deep passion for service that the brand is famous for, to each property.

“We want to create contemporary dining destinations where hotel chefs, mixologists and F&B associates are plugged into global and local consumer trends and are constantly innovating when it comes to taste, design and food culture,” said Steve Nunan, Senior Director of Business Development South East Asia for Meliá Hotels International. “Some of the best sky bars in the country will be at our urban Meliá Vinpearl hotels. We’ll draw on our successful concepts to create must-visit places with the best views and delicious tapas.”

In resort destinations like Meliá Vinpearl Cam Ranh Beach Resort, Meliá Vinpearl Cua Hoi Beach Resort, and Meliá Vinpearl Cua Hoi Beach Resort, concepts from existing Meliá properties will be introduced. An example of this is Merkado, a buffet restaurant, which combines authentic Mediterranean cuisine with a show cooking station.

Melia’s spa concept, YHI Spa, that is found in Meliá properties globally will be brought to all the Vinpearl hotels that already have an existing spa. More than just being a calming and relaxing oasis for spa guests, the spa will use natural, ecological products, as part of Meliá’s sustainability vision.

“Sustainable, traceable products, and a focus on local produce, as well as switching all the bed linen to organic bed linen are just some of the examples of what we’re doing when it comes to the environment,” added Nunan.

Meliá Vinpearl properties will also benefit from the hotel group’s strong distribution channels and international recognition. All properties can now be booked through Meliá’s corporate website. This month the company began the largest sales blitz they’ve undertaken in the country.

“Vietnam is an extremely important market for us and now that the transition is complete it’s time for us to reach a wider audience,” explained Nunan. “Not only do we have our whole expanded sales team throughout Vietnam working on a sales blitz in the first week of September, we have all our GSO’s around the world from America to Europe, taking action.”

Although the project of migrating the properties into Meliá followed a short timeline the transition went smoothly.

“Both parties have remained focused during this time with a shared goal and vision for the collaboration,” said Nunan. “We are already moving ahead with new and promising ideas that have come out of this alliance.”

The first hotel to come into the fold was Vinpearl Quang Binh, which took the new name Meliá Vinpearl Quang Binh in March 2022. Since then, ten other Vinpearl properties have made the transition. These include: Meliá Vinpearl Cam Ranh Beach Resort, Meliá Vinpearl Hue, Meliá Vinpearl Danang Riverfront, Meliá Vinpearl Nha Trang Empire, Meliá Vinpearl Ha Tinh, Meliá Vinpearl Cua Hoi Beach Resort, Meliá Vinpearl Tay Ninh, Meliá Vinpearl Phu Ly, Meliá Vinpearl Thanh Hoa, and Meliá Vinpearl Cua Sot Beach Resort.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Palace Hotel Tokyo Launches Celebratory 10th Anniversary Stay Package

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TOKYO (September 8, 2022) – As the land of the rising sun looks forward to a new dawn in travel, one of the country’s leading luxury hotels is preparing to welcome back international travelers. To mark its 10th anniversary year, Palace Hotel Tokyo is launching a new, celebration-worthy stay experience and inviting guests to celebrate, too.

Available through May 31, 2023, Commemorating Tokyo presents ten elements specially curated to mark the Forbes Five-Star property’s milestone:

Complimentary night. A three-night stay for the price of two. Guests who book a Club room or suite – including one of the recently debuted Premier Suites – will enjoy Club Lounge privileges, including breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails and canapés daily.

Moat-side breakfast. Dine on Grand Kitchen’s open-air terrace amidst the picturesque Imperial Palace gardens, a tranquil setting rich in history and situated in the heart of one of the world’s most bustling metropolises.

Toast-worthy welcome. A bottle of Palace Hotel Tokyo’s private-label Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Bordeaux to take home or indulge during the stay.

Artful edibles. A box of the hotel’s signature chiyo choco – thin, melt-in-your-mouth tiles of premium white, milk and dark chocolate imprinted with distinctive Japanese motifs.

Inspired mixology. ‘Blooming’ cocktails for two at Royal Bar, the hotel’s Old-World bar, or at Lounge Bar Privé, a chic lounge featuring views of the Imperial Palace gardens and Marunouchi skyline. Made with a refreshing blend of yuzu liqueur, sakura liqueur, Lillet Blanc and the hotel’s signature 1-1-1 sake exclusively produced at the esteemed Hakkaisan brewery in Niigata prefecture, the cocktail’s clear, crisp taste and flowery aroma conjures scenes of the hotel’s natural surroundings.

Refined dining. Choice of a prix-fixe dinner for two at Esterre, the hotel’s Michelin-minted, contemporary French restaurant operated in partnership with DUCASSE Paris; GO, where the freshest bounty from land and sea is seared and served teppanyaki-style; or Wadakura, known for its exquisite Japanese kaiseki.

Spa retreat. Two 120-minute ‘Blissful Moments’ treatments at evian SPA TOKYO, where French sensibilities guide the treatment experience and a minimalist aesthetic presents an oasis that is at once remarkably serene and very Japanese. Designed to ease tension, re-energize and rejuvenate, the combination body and facial treatment can be enjoyed in separate rooms or in the dual-bedded spa suite.

Afternoon tea for two. Presented on a brand-new lacquerware set exclusively made for the hotel, The Palace Lounge’s popular afternoon tea service features seasonal ingredients and takes inspiration from the colors of each season.

In keeping with Palace Hotel Tokyo’s ‘harmony with nature’ ethos and the brand’s regard for tradition and innovation, artist Akito Akagi – internationally recognized as one of Japan’s leading contemporary lacquerware artisans – designed the set to reflect a blend of traditional aesthetics and contemporary style.

Handmade in the artist’s atelier, each piece of varying shape and size is reminiscent of river stones sculpted naturally over time, and each is finished in black or white lacquer, presenting an elegant canvas atop which the equally artful sweets and savories are served up (accompanied by a selection of premium teas).

Commemorative luggage tags. A pair of 10th-anniversary room-key-and-luggage-tag in-one.

Aromatic keepsake. An essential oil and reed diffuser set featuring Palace Hotel Tokyo’s ‘Pure Tranquility’ signature fragrance, a bespoke blend of 11 essential oils that has become a highly desired memento among hotel guests over the past decade.

The three-night Commemorating Tokyo package is available for stays between September 7, 2022 – May 31, 2023 (subject to availability, based on double occupancy). Rates start at JPY 410,000*.

*Inclusive of consumption tax, excluding 15% service charge and accommodation tax of JPY200 per person, per night.

About Palace Hotel Tokyo

As the anchor to a billion dollar, mixed-use development built entirely from the ground-up, Palace Hotel Tokyo commands some of the city’s most exclusive real estate and incomparable views of the much-loved Imperial Palace gardens and the surrounding skyline.

Located in the capital’s prestigious Marunouchi district, the property features 284 rooms & suites, an evian SPA, and 10 distinctive restaurants and bars presenting an impressive array of dining experiences – including exquisite Japanese and Michelin-starred contemporary French haute cuisine.

As heir to a legacy going back more than half a century as one of the city’s most iconic properties, the hotel remains firmly rooted in its commitment to offering Japanese hospitality at its finest. Drawing deeply from the country’s history, culture and art, the award-winning hotel continues to redefine luxury in Japan with sophistication and authenticity as it celebrates its 10th anniversary year.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott International Signs Agreement for Inaugural Property in Papua New Guinea

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Marriott Executive Apartments Port Moresby
Marriott Executive Apartments Port Moresby

Marriott International, Inc. today announced it has signed an agreement with Steamships Trading Company Ltd., to debut its first property in Papua New Guinea, the Marriott Executive Apartments Port Moresby. Slated to open in mid-2023, the property is set to be located in the heart of Port Moresby within the mixed-use development of Harbourside South.

Mr. Geoff Cundle, Chairman of Steamships, said, “I’m delighted that Steamships will work with Marriott International at Harbourside South. Located in the CBD district of downtown Port Moresby, and overlooking the Coral Sea and Fairfax Harbour, this is set to be a flagship development for Steamships, and this property is an excellent fit within the overall Harbourside precinct. The Harbourside precinct connects Harbourside South’s retail, commercial, leisure and residential facilities with the existing commercial floors and F&B outlets of Harbourside East and West. Residents and guests of Marriott Executive Apartments Port Morseby will be able to live, shop, relax, work, and dine within the luxury and safety of the precinct – the first of its kind in Papua New Guinea.”

Marriott Executive Apartments Port Moresby is anticipated to feature 88 modern residential apartments – offering space, ambiance, and the privacy of residential living, enabling a comfortable stay away from home. The new property is slated to feature spacious one and two-bedroom apartments with separate living, sleeping, and working areas. Guests will also be able to enjoy additional amenities, including laundry services, kitchens equipped with a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, microwave and oven, and spacious dining areas.

“We are excited to work with Steamships Trading Company Ltd. to debut Marriott International’s first property in Papau New Guinea,” highlighted Sean Hunt, Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International. “Following our signing of Marriott Executive Apartments in Melbourne earlier this year, this is an exciting signing and testament to the confidence our owners have in this brand.”

Upon opening, Marriott Executive Apartments Port Moresby is expected to feature a lounge for residents and guests that offers a relaxed environment for light meals, self-service options and evening cocktails. Additional plans call for a spacious leisure floor which includes a lap pool, leisure pool, a well-equipped fitness center, three spa treatment rooms, and a recreational zone for children.

Marriott Executive Apartments Port Moresby will serve as an integral part of the new Harbourside South development, which also features a retail floor and three floors of A-grade commercial space. It will connect to the Harbourside East and West buildings on Port Moresby’s waterfront, which opened in 2015. The development offers quality commercial tenancies, the city’s finest restaurants and bars, a boardwalk, and marina.

Steamships Trading Company Ltd is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and Papua New Guinea’s National Stock Exchange (PNGX) and is part of the wider Swire Group, which includes the Hong Kong- listed Swire Pacific Ltd, owners of Swire Hotels, Cathay Pacific Airways and numerous other subsidiaries.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,100 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. Connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

About Marriott Executive Apartments®
Marriott Executive Apartments® offer an elevated serviced apartment experience in more than 15 locations worldwide, designed to meet the corporate traveler’s long-stay lodging needs. These elegant studio, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments are located in the heart of business, shopping and entertainment districts. They offer all the comfort guests would expect from Marriott, with separate sleeping, living and working areas, gourmet kitchens and features, such as fitness and business centers, housekeeping and dedicated staff and security 24 hours a day. Most Marriott Executive Apartments can be found in gateway cities of emerging economies, primarily in the Middle East and Africa, Europe, South America, and Asia. Members of the Marriott Bonvoy® global travel program can earn points on their stay at Marriott Executive Apartments, redeemable across Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of extraordinary hotel brands.

Media Contact
Elynsey Price
Marriott International
Elynsey.Price@marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott Bonvoy Gives Travelers Another Reason to Make a Brand New Bucket List This Fall, With Launch of Unlimited Bonus Points Global Promotion

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Marriott Bonvoy

If you’re looking for a sign that it’s time to book your next trip, this is it. Marriott Bonvoy, the award-winning travel program from Marriott International, is inviting members to make a brand-new bucket list this fall with the launch of its latest Global Promotion. With travel back on the agenda, and explorers eager to finally take those dream trips, Marriott Bonvoy’s new offer promises to make these eagerly anticipated moments even better. Members are able to rack up unlimited bonus points throughout the 86-day earning period to put towards future travel and experiences at properties across the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio.

Registration starts September 7, 2022, for the promotion and runs until December 1, 2022, enabling registered members to earn 2,000 bonus points on each eligible stay starting with the second stay, between September 21, 2022, and December 15, 2022. There is no limit to the number of bonus points members can earn, creating a virtuous circle that means the more they travel, the more points they bank for their next trip of a lifetime.

The offer is even more enticing for Marriott Bonvoy® Credit Card holders, who can earn an additional 2,000 bonus points per stay at different hotel brands, starting with their second brand during the promotion earning period. This means Card holders could earn up to 4,000 bonus points on an individual stay, with no maximum limits, while exploring the unrivaled depth and breadth of the Marriott Bonvoy brand portfolio. From a stay at a Courtyard by Marriott while on a cross-country road trip, to a stay at EDITION for an immersive experience in a bustling metropolis, or to a relaxing stay at The Ritz-Carlton in a tropical oasis.

More bonus points mean more opportunities to take advantage of all the elements of the Marriott Bonvoy program. Members can redeem their points not only for stays at 8,100+ hotels, 30 All-Inclusive resorts and 76,000+ premium and luxury home rentals around the world on Homes and Villas by Marriott International, but also money-can’t-buy experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, trip add-ons like flights or car rentals, and much more.

Here are some additional details:

  • The promotion earning period runs from September 21, 2022, to December 15, 2022.
  • A “stay” is defined as consecutive nights spent in the same hotel, regardless of check-in/check-out activity, at any points-eligible rate.
  • Stays completed prior to registration are not eligible to earn bonus points with this promotion. Members must register at www.marriott.com before December 1, 2022.
  • With this promotion, members can earn unlimited bonus points during the earning period. Registered members can begin earning bonus points from the first eligible stay that falls within the earning period, and on each eligible stay thereafter.
  • You must be the primary Credit Card account holder and have an active Marriott Bonvoy® Credit Card, legacy Starwood Preferred Guest-branded or legacy Marriott Rewards-branded credit card issued in the United States, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, Canada, China and the United Kingdom, or The Ritz-Carlton-branded credit card issued in the United States (collectively “Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards”), which must be issued at the time of your stay to be eligible for the additional 2,000 bonus points per brand, starting with the second brand.
  • Stays at Homes & Villas by Marriott International, Marriott Executive Apartments®, and owner-occupied weeks at Marriott Vacation Club®, Marriott Grand Residence Club®, Sheraton Vacation Club®, Westin Vacation Club®, The Ritz-Carlton Club®, St. Regis Residence Club® and Luxury Collection Residence Club, are not eligible for bonus points for this promotion.

To see the Terms & Conditions, visit www.marriott.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit www.marriottbonvoy.com. Download the Marriott app. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

Media Contact
John Wolf
Marriott International
John.Wolf@marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The Tongsai Bay Enters Brand-New Era of Modern Luxury

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The Tongsai Bay Enters Brand-New Era of Modern Luxury - TRAVELINDEXKoh Samui, Thailand, September 7, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The Tongsai Bay, the very first five-star luxury hotel to be built on Koh Samui, has embarked on an innovative refurbishment and development programme to celebrate its 35th anniversary as a luxury eco-haven for global travellers. The first exciting phase is now complete, offering guests improved connectivity, enhanced décor, and more convenient control of in-room facilities, whilst maintaining its ‘Natural To The Core’ philosophy.

Over the past three decades, The Tongsai Bay’s ongoing success has grown from its commitment to the natural world in harmony with the best of Thai hospitality and service. It has developed its own Green Projects which have gained national and international recognition and has become a model for new hotels, dedicated to preserving the environment for future generations in Thailand and around the world. Phase One of its new transformation extends this top-to-bottom ethos into the interior décor of rooms and suites, using recycled materials that take traditional Thai methods and designs and give them a contemporary style and twist.

One of the exceptional upgrades to The Tongsai Bay’s suites and cottages has been through a creative collaboration with the chic Litin rattan furniture brand to design and produce new coffee tables and outdoor chairs made from recycled wood and the headboard, a key focal point of the room, itself made from artificial rattan.

Litin uses black and white graphic woven patterns to make the chairs contemporary in style and to move forward from a perceived outdated image of traditional rattan. Learning new skills with artificial rattan, which can be left outside in the sun or rain, day, and night also offers workplace variety to the local furniture makers. Litin’s adaptability and growth path have developed over the recent past with a focus on eco products that dovetails perfectly with The Tongsai Bay’s environmental ethos and green policies.

Interior design at The Tongsai Bay prioritises space – with only 81 suites & villas, there are generous open areas and balconies for all guests to take in the beautiful views. All the rooms offer terraces with seascapes to gaze on, and the majority have outdoor bathtubs to relax in. Many rooms have individual features, as they have all been built around things rather than over them – whether trees, rocks, or topographical quirks, preserving and protecting the environment.

The wealth of nature surrounding the resort provides the inspiration for artworks and rugs designed by internationally renowned Thai textile designer MookV (Mook Vinyaratn) using yarn spun from recycled fast fashion clothing.

The textile waste is separated by colour and fully recycled, bypassing the dyeing process. All her artworks adhere to the philosophy of sustainable living and with titles such as ‘Home Sweet Banyan’ look to the welcome shade and home to birds offered by trees, vines, roots, and leaves for their subject matter. Recycled paper is also used in works such as ‘Blessed Tranquillity’ and celebrates the woods and greenery that protect many species of animals.

All of The Tongsai Bay’s 24 Beach Suites, 2 Cottage Suites, 4 Seafront Cottages, and 5 Pool Cottages have benefited from Phase One, which includes the following:

– Improved Wi-Fi connectivity in-room at 500 MB per room via new internet infrastructure which uses a fibre-optic line inside the hotel and a brand-new access point and control switches
– Headboard lighting control with an RCU (room control unit) system for better ambience and convenience
– Magnetic sliding door control where air conditioning will be turned off if the sliding door to the balcony is left open for more than three minutes, reducing energy consumption. This will prevent condensation inside the room, energy loss and insects entering
– Lighter colour tone to rooms, making them brighter and more inviting
– More luxurious switches and power sockets

The Tongsai Bay believes nature, the protection and preservation of the environment, technology, and friendly service can go hand in hand with its ecological credentials to create a truly magical getaway for guests. Phase One builds on the entire mandate in operation since it opened in 1987, which was to provide luxury green hospitality on the idyllic island of Koh Samui. With this first phase of its innovations now complete, the stage is set for the next advance in The Tongsai Bay’s change philosophy and its committed leadership role in defining new travel trends.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts Set to Debut in Malaysia

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Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts Set to Debut in Malaysia - TOP25HOTELS.com - TRAVELINDEXKuala Lumpur, Malaysia, September 6, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Scheduled to open in 2024, Hilton brings its premier luxury brand to the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s famed Bukit Bintang hub. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, one of Hilton’s (NYSE: HLT) luxury hotel brands, today announced its expansion into Malaysia with Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur. Scheduled to open in 2024, Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur will be developed and owned by Tradewinds Corporation Berhad and managed by Hilton. It continues the brand’s entry into sought-after destinations such as Sydney, Tokyo, Osaka and Jakarta, and joins an award-winning portfolio of Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts in Asia Pacific in destinations like the Maldives, Bangkok, Beijing and Shanghai.

“After many years of shared success, we are thrilled to be expanding our partnership with Tradewinds Corporation Berhad to launch Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts’ first hotel in Malaysia. As one of Asia’s key gateway cities, Kuala Lumpur, and to a larger extent, Malaysia, has always been a priority market for Hilton,” said Guy Phillips, senior vice president, development, Asia and Australasia, Hilton. “Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur is a fantastic addition to our suite of brands in this cosmopolitan city, and we look forward to further expanding our footprint as we welcome more guests with Hilton’s award-winning signature hospitality.”

World-class Luxury Offerings
With renovation and construction scheduled to start in the third quarter of this year, guests can look forward to custom-designed interiors and furnishings at each of Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur’s 279 suites. Room sizes will start from 76 square meters, offering guests the luxury of space to unwind and retreat.

Consistent with all Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, guests can expect True Waldorf Service from the moment they book their stay to the moment they check out, with everlasting memories created through graceful and personalised service that is unmatched. The luxury hotel will also feature culinary excellence through five distinctive restaurants including Peacock Alley, the iconic lounge and bar synonymous with the Waldorf Astoria brand, and a state-of-the-art wellness centre. With a generous 3,390 square meters of meeting spaces, including a 1,845 square meter-ballroom, Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur will also be the perfect place for incomparable celebrations and world-class events.

“We are honoured and excited to extend our partnership with Hilton to bring the iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand to Malaysia. We believe this will be a high value addition that will elevate the country’s hospitality offerings to both business and leisure travelers, further cementing the country’s position as one of the world’s top travel destinations,” said Muhammad Zainal Ashikin, managing director/group chief executive officer, Tradewinds Corporation Berhad.

Landmark Location
Perfectly located within Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle, Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur is within walking distance of the city’s top malls and attractions, including Pavilion Mall and Suria KLCC, in the famed Bukit Bintang shopping and entertainment district. It is also well connected to the city’s main transportation hubs, with KL Sentral station and Kuala Lumpur International Airport being 10 minutes and an hour’s drive respectively.

“Malaysia provides a diverse market to expand and elevate our Asia-Pacific footprint and showcase the distinct, world-class luxury offerings synonymous with the Waldorf Astoria brand,” said Dino Michael, senior vice president & global head, luxury brands, Hilton. “Bringing Waldorf Astoria’s notable hospitality to Kuala Lumpur opens up a world of possibilities for those looking to immerse themselves in an unforgettable stay and this extraordinary destination in a whole new way.”

Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur joins an existing portfolio of 12 operating and nine pipeline hotels and resorts across Malaysia, and 14 Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts currently open or under development in Asia Pacific. It will be part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, and free standard Wi-Fi.

About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 world-class brands comprising 7,000 properties and 1.1 million rooms, in 122 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, earned a top spot on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list and been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for five consecutive years. Hilton has introduced several industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the 139 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone.

About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is a portfolio of more than 30 iconic properties that creates a unique sense of place with a relentless commitment to elegant service, one-of-a-kind experiences and culinary expertise in landmark locations around the world. Inspired by their timeless environments and sincerely elegant service, Waldorf Astoria hotels deliver an effortless experience from the moment a guest books through checkout. In addition to the brand’s renowned hotel offerings, Waldorf Astoria boasts a best-in-class residential portfolio that provides the comfort of a private home combined with the unsurpassed amenities and high-touch service of Waldorf Astoria. Waldorf Astoria is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company. Experience an unforgettable stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts by booking at waldorfastoria.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Kamalaya Koh Samui Wellness Sanctuary Celebrates World Wellness Weekend

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Kamalaya Koh Samui Wellness Sanctuary Celebrates World Wellness Weekend - TOP25SPAS.com - TRAVELINDEXKoh Samui, Thailand, September 5, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Inspiring thoughtful choices for a better life, Kamalaya Koh Samui Holistic Sanctuary & Wellness Spa invites guests and communities to join an international celebration of wellness with a host of activities and holistic experiences to commemorate World Wellness Weekend on 16, 17, and 18 September 2022.

World Wellness Weekend 2022 commences at Kamalaya Koh Samui with a nature walk on the morning of Friday 16 September. Taking in the southern tip of Koh Samui, the hike will be led by a team of fitness experts and cover more than a 6 km stretch of coastline from Kamalaya to the iconic landmark, Laem Sor Temple Pagoda.

On Saturday 17 September, led by Kamalaya’s Head of Yoga, Jyoti Gautam, a pranayama session will be streamed live via Kamalaya’s Instagram account @kamalayakohsamui. Yogi Jyoti aims to bring a unique sense of empowerment during her online session and will guide participants through intention setting and breathing exercises.

This is the sixth annual edition of World Wellness Weekend and will be celebrated in more than 130 countries by over 3,000 venues on 16, 17 & 18th September 2022.

This pro-bono event, aligned with the UNITED NATIONS’ 3rd SDG (Good Health & Well-being for All) unites wellness professionals, encouraging them to open their doors to locals and visitors, and raise awareness about lifestyle choices to live longer, healthier and happier.

From the serenity of yoga, mindfulness of Tai Chi, slow movements of Qi Gong, and therapeutic sound healing, all within the verdant setting of nature, Kamalaya Koh Samui is a haven of tranquility that offers guests a variety of holistic wellness experiences on a daily basis.

Named Worldwide Health & Wellness Destination of the Year 2022 at the World Spa & Wellness Awards, Kamalaya looks forward to celebrating the weekend with activities surrounded by nature organised by our experienced team members at hand.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Accor Hotels Signs First Mövenpick in Bintan Island

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Accor Hotels Signs First Mövenpick in Bintan Island - TRAVELINDEXBintan Island, Indonesia, September 2, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The beachfront Mövenpick Bintan Lagoon Resort will welcome guests in 2023. Accor, the largest international hotel operator in Southeast Asia, has signed a management agreement with PT Bintan Lagoon Resort, a subsidiary of PT Edika Agung Mandiri, to launch Mövenpick Bintan Lagoon Resort. Set to open in 2023, the resort will become the first Mövenpick property in Bintan while adding 413 rooms to the brand’s growing portfolio in the region.

Known by many as a well-loved holiday destination, Bintan boasts scenic tropical landscapes, cultural trails, culinary wonders, and thrilling activities from land to sea. Mövenpick Bintan Lagoon Resort will occupy a long stretch of private white sandy beach in the northern region of the island. The beach front resort will be easily reached via a one-hour ferry ride from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal Singapore or a one-hour drive from Bintan’s Raja Haji Fisabilillah International Airport.

“We are proud to continue our growth momentum in Indonesia with the signing of Mövenpick Bintan Lagoon Resort. With golden beaches, idyllic nature, and exciting recreational activities, Bintan Island has long been a convenient heavenly retreat from the bustling cities. It is a perfect location for our Mövenpick brand, whose heartfelt service, attention to detail and indulgent gastronomy will resonate well within this leisure hotspot. Mövenpick Bintan Lagoon Resort will become a destination within a destination and will elevate the holiday experience with its extensive facilities,” said Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer, Accor Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea.

Overlooking the scenic South China Sea, the resort will introduce Swiss-inspired hospitality to Bintan in celebration of Mövenpick’s rich culinary legacy. The resort is set to be the new beach getaway destination for all generations with standout facilities, including three lagoon swimming pools, unique restaurant concepts, a two-storey beach club, spacious event spaces, and a ferry terminal. Wellness will also be an integral part of the resort experience, with a vast wellness and recreation centre that will feature a gym, a spa, and Kids Club.

Capturing the Mövenpick brand’s warm approach to hospitality, a commitment to heartfelt service, and with culinary excellence at its core, Mövenpick Bintan Lagoon Resort will offer holiday goers a collection of heartwarming moments on the lush tropical island of Bintan.

Accor is the leading international hotel operator in Indonesia. The Group currently operates 128 hotels under 15 brands and has a robust development pipeline of 51 committed projects in the country. Mövenpick Bintan Lagoon Resort will join a family of over 100 Mövenpick hotels and resorts globally.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Thailand Grants Tourists Visa Extension to Stimulate Upcoming High Season

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Thailand Grants Tourists Visa Extension to Stimulate Upcoming High Season - VISITTHAILAND.net - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, September 1, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Effective from 1 October, 2022, until 31 March, 2023, for tourists from countries/territories entitled for a visa exemption and visa on arrival to Thailand. Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) approved the proposal by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to extend the period of stay to 45 days for tourists from countries/territories entitled for visa exemption, and to 30 days for those eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VOA). This will be in effect from 1 October, 2022, until 31 March, 2023.

TAT has proposed the extension to stimulate the upcoming high season, which normally runs from October until March.

During the specially granted 6-month period, the length of stay per time will be extended from 30 days to 45 days for passport holders of the following countries/territories who may enter Thailand under a tourist visa exemption scheme: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, The Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovak, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the UAE, UK, Ukraine, and USA.

Also, during the same 6-month period, the length of stay per time will be extended from 15 days to 30 days for passport holders of the following countries/territories who may apply for a VOA: Bhutan, Bulgaria, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, and Vanuatu.

In addition, passport holders of the following countries/ territories may enter Thailand without a visa under a bilateral agreement: Cambodia (14 days), Myanmar (14 days), Hong Kong (30 days), Lao PDR. (30 days, Macau (30 days), Mongolia (30 days), Russia (30 days and VOA), Vietnam (30 days), Argentina (90 days), Brazil (90 days), Chile (90 days), Korea (ROK) (90 days), and Peru (90 days).

Kindly note that nationals of certain countries/territories are required to apply for a visa only at the Royal Thai Embassy or the Royal Consulate-General in their country of residence or at the designated Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate-General. Therefore, travellers are advised to contact the nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General to find out if they are eligible to lodge the application.

Information on the location and contact number of Royal Thai Embassies and Consulate-Generals is available at www.thaiembassy.org.

To apply online, visitors may check their eligibility to do so at the official website of the Thailand Electronic Visa at www.thaievisa.go.th.

Thailand warmly welcomes travellers from all countries/territories with proof of either a certificate of vaccination or, for unvaccinated individuals a negative RT-PCR or professional ATK test result within 72 hours of travel. These can be in a print or digital format. Random checks will be made on arrivals at Thailand’s international airports or land border checkpoints (in 22 provinces).

While in Thailand, both vaccinated and unvaccinated/not fully vaccinated travellers are advised to strictly follow the health and safety standards. Travellers who are experiencing COVID-like symptoms should get tested. If testing positive, they must get the appropriate medical treatment.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News