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Metropole Hanoi Awarded Five-Star Rating by Forbes Travel Guide

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Metropole Hanoi Awarded Five-Star Rating by Forbes Travel Guide - TOP25HOTELS.com - TRAVELINDEXHanoi, Vietnam, April 28, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / For the third consecutive year, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has been awarded Forbes Travel Guide’s prestigious Five-Star rating—the top level of recognition—in the independent rating agency’s assessment of luxury hotels, restaurants and spas.

• Discover Vietnam’s and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

Forbes Travel Guide describes the Metropole as “Hanoi’s grande dame” and praises it as “a supremely beautiful hotel, inside and out. Every corner is a compelling photo opportunity, especially in the gleaming historic wing and all-white inner courtyard.”

“Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi draws deeply from a century of stories to weave a rich, nostalgic guest experience in the heart of the Vietnamese capital,” the review says. “For those seeking a taste of Old Hanoi, the Metropole’s creaky central stairs, polished wood furnishings and elegant rooms are an authentic throwback to another era.”

In Vietnam, two hotels earned Five-Star ratings and three received Four-Star ratings for 2022.

Forbes Travel Guide, established in 1958 (then called Mobil Travel Guide), is the oldest travel guide in the United States, and is the creator of the original Five-Star rating system for hotels. The guide’s ratings are among the most highly respected in the hotel industry.

The Five-Star rating is meant to designate “outstanding, often iconic properties with virtually flawless service and amazing facilities.”

While Metropole’s luxurious accommodation and historic facilities came in for much praise in the 2022 guide, service reigns supreme at Forbes Travel Guide. However beautiful the hotel’s ‘hardware,’ it was its ‘software’ – its warm, personalized and attentive service both in the hotel and in its award-winning restaurants and spa – that secured the Forbes rating.

Metropole Hanoi’s rich history, including its Path of History (and wartime bunker) tour, are also spotlighted in Forbes Travel Guide’s review, while afternoon tea at Le Club Bar, coffee at La Terrasse and cocktails at Bamboo Bar are described as experiences that have evolved into “must-do Hanoi traditions.”

Moreover, Le Spa du Metropole “is a sublime urban retreat… ensconced in what feels more like an elegant residence than a wellness center,” the review adds.

In order to complete their evaluations, inspectors pay their own way and stay anonymously as typical guests for at least two nights. Forbes Travel Guide bills itself as the only independent, global rating agency for luxury hospitality, and says that only 20 percent of all hotels it rates earn a Five-Star rating.

Once again this year, Forbes Travel Guide also recognized Metropole Hanoi with its “Sharecare VERIFIED” badge for completing and maintaining verification on more than 360 global health security standards. Metropole Hanoi was one of three Vietnam hotels to receive this distinction.

The comprehensive assessment covers health and hygiene protocols, cleaning products and procedures, masks and personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilation, management accountability, and health safety communication with guests and employees.

• Discover the World’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

“Health security verification gives you the peace of mind that each hotel is committed to expert-validated best practices for your safety and comfort,” Forbes Travel Guide says of the Sharecare VERIFIED badge on its website.

For booking or other information, please  call +84 24 3826 6919.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Michelin Guide Thailand Expands to Isan Region

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Michelin Guide Thailand Expands to Isan Region - TOP25RESTAURANTS.com - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, April 27, 2022 / The Michelin Guide Thailand 2023 will feature Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, and Khon Kaen as representative cities of the Isan Region. This expansion marks the sixth year of the Guide’s presence in Thailand. The Michelin Guide and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have announced the Michelin Guide Thailand’s expansion of its coverage to Thailand’s Northeastern region – widely known as “Isan” – in its sixth edition, to be released at the end of 2022. With 20 provinces in this largest region of Thailand, four provincial cities – namely Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, and Khon Kaen – are selected to represent the region’s distinctive and flavorful cuisine, as well as its remarkable natural and cultural heritage.

Northeastern Thai or “Isan” cuisine has an interesting background with cultural influences from ancient eras – including the Sukhothai Kingdom and Khmer empire – as well as from neighboring countries i.e. Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China. The region has fields and forests on plateaus and mountains suitable for livestock farming. In addition, it is a significant area for quality rice cultivation – including the world-famous Jasmine rice and glutinous rice. Although Isan food does not contain any seafood ingredients due to its landlocked geographical location, the region has many rivers – notably, the Mekong River, where freshwater fish are in abundance.

According to Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides, Michelin inspectors have been impressed with the flavorful and distinctive Isan cuisine, as it employs simple cooking methods yet delivers subtle and complex flavour profiles – such as boiling, grilling, steaming, slow-cooking, and – above all – the food preservation technique, which is considered a highlight of the cuisine, as it showcases local wisdom in keeping fish and seasonal vegetables for longer shelf life as food ingredients. Fermented fish [Pla Ra], made of local fish fermented in salt and rice, is the most famous and major preserved ingredient that has been used in many dishes and sauces, and has been registered as a heritage of national cultural wisdom since 2012.

“Apart from unique food and interesting culinary background, there are many Isan-born chefs with food knowledge and cooking experience from working in world-famous restaurants abroad, and have now opened their own restaurants in their homeland. They play a significant role in elevating Isan food to the next level – using local ingredients combined with their superior cooking skills, setting a new standard for more high-quality local food. This is a great sign that the Northeastern region of Thailand will soon be an interesting tourist destination for local gastronomy, contributing to a good economy among local communities and markets,” said Mr.Poullennec.

Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, has regarded the existence of The Michelin Guide Thailand during the past 5 years as a valuable contribution to TAT’s mission to promote Thailand as an international gastronomic destination. The increasing number of Michelin-starred, Bib Gourmand-awarded, and selected dining establishments featured in each edition of the Michelin Guide Thailand – partially as a result of the Michelin Guide’s further exploration of new territories across the country’s different regions, and partially as a result of local restaurants striving to improve quality and service to live up to prestigious Michelin Guide standards – help drive awareness and set new trends for gastro-tourism among local and international travelers on a broader spectrum.

Comparing the Michelin Guide Thailand 2018 edition to the latest 2022 edition, the number of overall selected eateries is up from 126 to 361. Out of this, the number of Michelin-starred eateries has increased from 17 to 32, and Bib Gourmand-awarded from 35 to 133. The coverage has expanded from “Bangkok” in the 2018 edition, to now include “Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket & Phang-Nga” in the 2022 edition.

“Thailand’s Northeastern region has a vast potential – in terms of culinary culture and history, diverse tourist attractions, as well as charming local lifestyle. Apart from delicious and authentic Northeastern Thai or ‘Isan’ cuisine, people of all ages can enjoy visiting attractions like Khao Yai National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – that situated mainly in Nakhon Ratchasima, Pha Taem National Park in Ubon Ratchathani, Ban Chiang Archaeological Site in Udon Thani, Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum in Khon Kaen. Moreover, the Northeastern region has a lot of outstanding local food and handicraft products, with more than 34 registered Geographical Indication (GI) items, to look out for when shopping for souvenirs. With the launch of the upcoming 2023 Michelin Guide Thailand edition, we hope that not only will the entire world be aware of the vibrant culinary scene of the Northeastern region of Thailand, but also boost tourism and the local economy at the same time,” said Mr.Supasorn.

About Michelin
Michelin, the leading mobility company, is dedicated to enhancing its clients’ mobility, sustainably; designing and distributing the most suitable tires, services and solutions for its clients’ needs; providing digital services, maps and guides to help enrich trips and travels and make them unique experiences; and developing high-technology materials that serve a variety of industries. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 177 countries, has 124,760 employees and operates 68 tire production facilities which together produced around 173 million tires in 2021.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Expect the Unexpected: W Hotels Unveils W Dubai – Mina Seyahi

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W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the opening of W Dubai – Mina Seyahi. Situated on the highly sought-after Jumeirah Beach coastline, the 31-story hotel boasts striking glass architecture with unobstructed views of the sun-soaked Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s iconic landmarks.

“Local and international tastemakers with a passion for music and design will experience Dubai’s bold spirit through the W lens at W Dubai – Mina Seyahi,” said Tolga S Lacin, Area General Manager. “Through the hotel’s immersive art, social happenings, thoughtfully curated music, visionary dining concepts and its legendary Whatever/Whenever® service philosophy, guests can expect modern luxury delivered in a completely unique, surprising way.”

A Storied Design Journey

Dubai’s historical, cultural and social fabric is woven throughout the design of the hotel with surprises waiting to be discovered around every corner. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the artfully designed porte-cochère that leads to a stylish Welcome Desk featuring bold colors and textures inspired by the romanticism of a snake charmer – a nod to the Middle East’s history of mystique and its mix of poets, storytellers, and performers who brought the energy of the region to life. Inside, the W Lounge – the brand’s take on the hotel lobby – pays homage to famed, Middle Eastern gold souks, with rich, warm hues and gold accents to create a lively, modern-day bazaar. Guests can connect over imaginative cocktails and savory bites infused with local flavors, complemented by live music and nightly DJ sets.

W Dubai – Mina Seyahi features 318 rooms including 27 suites – all sea-facing with a private balcony – where guests can take in Dubai’s vibrant sunsets over the Arabian Gulf, Palm Jumeirah Island and iconic landmarks such as the Ain Dubai. The chic design blends accents of traditional Middle Eastern elements in a bright, inviting space with thoughtful touches. Vibrantly hued interiors and custom furnishings featuring layers of highly textured fabrics with modern lustre honor the destination and its trade route heritage. Separate living, vanity and sleeping spaces, as well as the brand’s signature Mix Bar, are welcomed luxuries.

For the most elevated experience, the Extreme WOW Suite – W’s twist on a Presidential Suite – perched on the 30th floor is a 3,000 square-foot contemporary space featuring two bedrooms, a lounge, dining area and a balcony with sweeping views of the city below.

Something for Every Appetite

W Dubai – Mina Seyahi’s dining and nightlife options will captivate travellers and locals who gather in search of local and globally inspired flavors, or a tucked-away cocktail lounge. Located on the second floor, Ginger Moon is W Dubai – Mina Seyahi’s urban all-day club experience offering innovative lunch, sunset and dinner menus. Airy and light, this seamless indoor-outdoor space opens to an expansive terrace leading to an infinity pool that highlights panoramic views from the Mina Seyahi Bay. The W brand’s signature take on the poolside scene – WET Deck – offers guests a fresh space to soak up the sun poolside or under the refreshing shade of a cabana while enjoying cocktails, bites and eclectic music.

Opening June 2022, ATTIKO is a sleek, high-energy rooftop lounge set to become the latest hotspot in the city. An upscale venue boasting enviable views, ATTIKO will be the place to be from sundowners to late-night gatherings with a mix of live music or DJs playing the latest high-octane tracks. ATTIKO will serve imaginative cuisine featuring a curated selection of modern and classic Pan-Asian dishes and an extensive menu of international beer, wine and signature handcrafted cocktails.

Set to open in 2023, Malakite beach club and pool will be ideally situated on the private beach, accessible only to residents and hotels guests, offering a two-in-one concept in over 86,000 square feet of space, set around a 50-meter-long pool and private beach. Sun-seekers can expect surprise performances throughout the day and, as the sun sets, the action will move into the nearly 13,000 square-foot indoor arena for a spectacle of talented artists that will redefine the entertainment experience for Dubai residents and travelers alike.

BAR-B Spa Balances Mind and Body

Cocktails, socializing and being pampered are at the heart of the BAR-B spa. Featuring four treatment rooms, a beauty bar and relaxation areas, BAR-B offers stand out facials and full-body therapies. The fitness center – 1REBEL/FIT – will mark the UAE debut of UK-born 1Rebel – the ultimate sports-luxe fitness experience – in 2023 with a 27,000 square-foot, dual-story studio in the hotel.

Connect at W

For intimate gatherings, meetings or larger occasions for up to 120 people, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi will set the scene for reconnecting at energizing events. Three distinct Studio spaces are fully outfitted and have an abundance of natural light. The Studios also feature a pre-function space with an outdoor terrace.

Guests can enjoy the advantages of Marriott Bonvoy’s award-winning loyalty program where members enjoy exclusive benefits including complimentary Wi-Fi, member-only rates and contactless experience with the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile app. Members can achieve Elite status recognition and earn points toward complimentary nights at the more than 7,800 properties around the world and the more than 30,000 premium home rentals with every qualifying stay.

For more information and to book, please visit www.w-dubai-mina-seyahi.com.

For high-resolution images, please click here.
Credit: Marriott International, Inc.

Media Contacts
Georgie Noble, Director, Consumer PR, EMEA
Marriott Internationa
lGeorgie.Noble@marriott.com

Lauren Singleton, PR Manager, Consumer PR, EMEA
Marriott International
Lauren.J.Singleton@marriott.com

About W Hotels Worldwide
Born from the bold, 24/7 culture of New York City, W Hotels has redefined hospitality for over two decades, breaking the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands. With nearly 60 hotels around the globe, the detail-driven design, iconic Whatever/Whenever service and buzzing, signature Living Rooms create an experience that is often imitated but never matched. Dynamic and invigorating, the brand celebrates each traveler’s desire to uncover the destination through a lens that is distinctly W. For more information on W Hotels, visit whotels.com/theangle or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. W Hotels Worldwide is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and 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. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott International Celebrates Its 1,000th Hotel in Europe, Middle East and Africa

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The Westin London City

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) today celebrated the launch of The Westin London City, its 1,000th hotel in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). A flagship Westin Hotel that seamlessly balances London’s always-on energy with the wellness promise for which the brand is known, the property also marks the debut of the Westin Hotels & Resorts brand in the UK market.

As the company celebrated this milestone, it also announced that across 2022 and 2023, it expects to add more than 200 properties, which equates to 38,000 rooms, in Europe, Middle East and Africa

“I’m very proud of reaching 1,000 Marriott International hotels across EMEA. This growth milestone is symbolic of our rich history and bright future, and it feels fitting that our 1,000th property is a fantastic Westin in London,” said Satya Anand, President, Marriott International, EMEA. “Last year alone, we opened nearly 90 properties across EMEA, including brand debuts in destinations such as Ibiza, Reykjavík and Cairo, as well as additional openings in established markets such as London and Dubai. I am excited to further enhance our portfolio, bringing even more unique travel experiences to our guests, and look forward to continuing to drive value for our owners and franchisees through our world-class brands, comprehensive business support systems and our industry-leading loyalty platform, Marriott Bonvoy.”

Select-Service Spearheads Growth in Europe

Marriott International’s select-service brands, such as AC by Marriott, Moxy Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott, Aloft Hotels, Element Hotels and Four Points by Sheraton, continue to spearhead growth across Europe, accounting for more than 50 percent of the company’s current signed pipeline of hotels in the Europe region. Moxy Hotels, Marriott’s bold and experiential hotel brand created for the young at heart, is slated to add more than 26 additional hotels to its portfolio in the region across 2022 and 2023, with planned openings including the Moxy Liverpool City Centre (UK), Moxy Paris East (France) and Moxy Pompeii (Italy).

Set to make its European debut in 2023, Fairfield by Marriott is expected to see two hotels open next year – the Fairfield by Marriott Badhoevedorp Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (The Netherlands) and Fairfield by Marriott Copenhagen Nordhavn (Denmark). With its effortlessly relaxed and efficient hotel design paired with a contemporary Northern European aesthetic, the brand continues to attract interest from owners across the region.

The extended-stay segment remains extremely resilient in Europe, especially with the rise of multi-purpose travel. Last year, the company opened four Residence Inn by Marriott hotels across Europe and plans to extend its reach with 15 more Residence Inn by Marriott hotels expected to open in city hotspots like Naples (Italy), Vienna (Austria) and Paris (France) across 2022 and 2023.

Conversions continue to be an important driver of rooms growth across Europe, particularly from independent hotels, given the appeal of Marriott’s powerful distribution systems. Conversions represent approximately 30 percent of the expected hotel openings in Europe across 2022 and 2023, and owner interest remains high for the company’s robust portfolio of collection brands – Autograph Collection Hotels, The Luxury Collection, and Tribute Portfolio.

Luxury Booms in the Middle East

Luxury hotels and residential properties continue to be in high demand with consumers, especially across the Middle East, representing over 20 percent of the company’s signed pipeline units in the region. This year’s highly anticipated openings include W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, slated to open in April 2022, and in May this year, the company expects to introduce The Ritz-Carlton brand in Jordan with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Amman.

The company also continues to support the growth of the tourism sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with four luxury hotels expected to open across 2022 and 2023. Planned additions include two luxury hotels at the highly anticipated Red Sea Project including The St. Regis Red Sea Resort. Qatar is also expected to see the addition of four luxury hotels across 2022 and 2023, including the stunning Palais Vendôme, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Doha and The Doha EDITION.

Marriott also continues to see growth in the branded residential sector in the Middle East, heralding a new era of residential luxury. Branded residences are poised to meet evolving lifestyle changes and growing interest from homeowners in on-demand amenities and services from trusted brands. Marriott recently opened W Residences Dubai – The Palm, which features 104 homes spread over eight mansions, and expects to add four more branded residential projects in the Middle East across 2022 and 2023, including The Residences at The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl Qatar.

Continued Expansion Across the African Continent

The recent signing of the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in Kenya is expected to mark the brand’s debut in the country and in the luxury safari space, reinforcing Marriott International’s commitment to the African continent.

The company expects to open more than 20 hotels in Africa across 2022 and 2023. Among these are six Protea Hotels by Marriott properties, including the 200-room Protea Hotel by Marriott Accra Kotoka Airport in Ghana and Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Polokwane in South Africa. These hotels will give guests a taste of the local flavour in a truly authentic way. The expected openings across the region also include five Four Points by Sheraton hotels, marking the brand’s debut in Rwanda with the Four Points by Sheraton Kigali and the brand’s expansion in Nigeria with the addition of Four Points by Sheraton Ikot Ekpene.

“As we emerge from the global pandemic, we continue to see strong owner demand for Marriott’s portfolio of 30 trusted hotel brands,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Marriott International, EMEA. “With a growing base of global Marriott Bonvoy members who are adapting to changing travel requirements in order to enjoy those all-important breaks away, we believe the future of travel is bright. We look forward to continuing to work with our owners and franchisees to develop more exciting projects in gateway cities, resort areas, and locations where our customers aspire to travel.”

Note on Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of United States federal securities laws, including statements related to our growth pipeline; expected hotel openings and unit and rooms growth; expected residential openings and growth; expected brand debuts in certain markets; consumer demand trends and expectations; development trends and expectations; interest in certain brands and lodging categories among consumers and hotel owners; expectations regarding conversion activity; and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the risk factors that we identify in our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release. We make these forward-looking statements as of the date of this press release and undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of approximately 8,000 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. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and 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. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

Media Contact:
Simon Yates, Senior Director Corporate Communications, EMEA
Marriott International
Simon.Yates@marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh Poised as City Picks Up the Pace

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Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh Poised as City Picks Up the Pace - TRAVELINDEXPhnom Penh, Cambodia, April 25, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Phnom Penh’s newest international branded luxury hotel, the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, is ready to play its part in a post-pandemic renaissance as the city regains momentum as a hub for tourism.

In common with destinations around the world, Cambodia’s capital has suffered as the global health crisis slowed international arrivals to a virtual standstill for the past two years. But with the country now fully open to travelers, it is ready to showcase its credentials as one of the most dynamic draws in Southeast Asia.

Key to the city’s future success is the presence of world-class hotel options such as Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh. Opened into a world battened down by the pandemic in January 2021, it is among the most exciting additions to the hospitality scene in recent times.

With 247 guestrooms including 43 residential-style suites, the property is the largest internationally branded hotel in the city.

Located in the heart of Phnom Penh’s cultural and business district of Doun Penh, the hotel is a 30-minute drive from the airport and is within a short walking distance to the Royal Palace, National Museum, and the riverside.

“Before the pandemic, Phnom Penh was making great strides as one of Southeast Asia’s rising capitals,” said Herman Kemp, general manager of the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh. “It’s a dynamic metropolis that balances modernity with tradition. There’s alluring café society, bustling bars, and a thriving and eclectic restaurant scene. On the other hand, there’s historic architecture, bustling markets, a stunning location on the banks of the Mekong River and classic Khmer culture and hospitality.”

Portals to these attributes don’t come more alluring than the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh. Conceived by award-winning Singapore-based SCDA Architects and leading Thailand-based PIA Interior, the contemporary-meets-colonial interiors of the hotel reflect Cambodia’s unique history, seamlessly blending Khmer architectural accents, French colonial influences, and specially-commissioned artworks by contemporary Cambodian artist, FONKi.

As guests pull into the hotel’s driveway, they are greeted with a welcoming centerpiece: a beautiful French heritage building flanked by sweet-smelling frangipani trees. Originally built as a colonial villa in the early 20th century, the carefully restored lemon-colored Colonial House with its wooden shutters, arched doorways and terracotta-tiled roof now serves as the hotel’s entrance, providing guests with a nostalgic arrival experience.

The Colonial House is home to The Attic, an old-world speakeasy-style bar tucked into the eaves of the building. Additional F&B standouts include Metropole Underground, an art-deco themed space that is Phnom Penh’s first subterranean venue, and FiveFive Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, where guests can feast on creative cuisine and soak up breathtaking views of the Royal Palace, the Mekong River, and the city skyline.

Other hotel highlights include a 22-meter outdoor infinity pool surrounded by lush greenery and the hotel’s Jivapita spa, which offers a range of pampering treatments often inspired by Khmer wellness traditions. The hotel’s 1400 square meters of meeting and event space, meanwhile, make the property as suitable for business as it is for pleasure — no small thing in one of the region’s emerging trade hubs.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Meliá Hotels International Powers Up For Earth Day

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Meliá Hotels International Powers Up For Earth Day - TRAVELINDEXHanoi, Vietnam, April 25, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / While tradition mandates powering down for Earth Day on April 22nd, one hotel group is powering up – when it comes to going green.

At the same time Meliá Hotels International expands its development footprint across Asia, Spain’s largest hotel group is rolling out a number of sustainability initiatives to minimize its environmental footprint – and being awarded for its efforts.

Meliá was recently named the second most sustainable hotel company in the world in S&P Global’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), the world’ most comprehensive sustainability assessment that ranks more than 10,000 companies across all industries. In 2019 and 2020, Meliá ranked first in the global hotel industry, and in 2021 maintained its leadership in Europe and Spain.

“As we continue to expand our presence globally we are committed to working towards a new sustainable and responsible hospitality model, increasing the contribution of the industry to society and helping protect the planet,” said Gabriel Escarrer, CEO of Meliá. “Our company is now seen as a benchmark for sustainability around the world.”

Meliá properties throughout Asia have embraced core sustainability principles from reducing or entirely eliminating single-use plastics and implementing energy and water conservation measures.

Individual Meliá properties are also rolling out their own environmental programs from creating a more circular hotel economy to helping the environment through collaborative projects.

The 260-key urban hotel Meliá Chiang Mai, which celebrated a grand opening this month, launched with a ‘360° Cuisine’ concept. Dishes served in the dining outlets include produce from the hotel’s organic farm and every possible part of each ingredient is used before leftovers are returned to the farm as compost. Under the program, the hotel’s kitchen works closely with local farmers to help them improve sustainability and encourage ethical production. Meliá Chiang Mai has partnered with ORI9IN The Gourmet Farm, a nearby organic farm, to grow an array of fruits, vegetables and herbs on a two-acre plot on the broader ORI9IN property for its restaurants, bars and spa.

In Vietnam, Meliá Ba Vi Mountain Retreat follows a similar philosophy. A range of produce is grown in the property’s Balansa organic garden and used in the restaurant, spa, and the staff canteen. Leftovers are returned to the earth and each day the property composts approximately 100 pounds (45 kilograms) of organic and biodegradable waste.

Meliá Koh Samui, a beachfront property in Thailand, is also focusing on sustainable agriculture. They have added a four-acre organic garden that will do more than just supply the kitchen with an abundance of fresh produce. The garden will be a site for learning and connection. One of the long term goals is to help educate people of the importance of cultivating the land sustainably, through hands-on farming experiences and cooking classes.

Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort, along Vietnam’s Southern Coast, started their Spice Garden in response to a shortage of vegetables during the ongoing lockdown but the project has grown to encompass a wide variety of different herbs and vegetables. Like Meliá Koh Samui they have plans in the works to roll out a range of fun, free gardening activities for guests, such as painting pots, flower puzzling, leaf crafts, and making herb-infused essential oils.

Eight Meliá properties throughout Southeast Asia from Meliá Kuala Lumpur to Meliá Bali, as well as Meliá Danang, Meliá Hanoi, Meliá Ho Tram, and Sol by Meliá Phu Quoc (all in Vietnam), have worked with hygiene and cleaning solutions company Diversey on the “Soap for Hope” project.

The hotel soap recycling initiative helps save lives in disadvantaged communities through improving hygiene practices, while also creating livelihoods and minimizing the soap waste created by hotels. Through the program local people are taught to use a cold-press method, that requires no electricity or water and takes under 10 minutes, to recycle used soap from hotels into reconstituted bars. The fresh soap is then distributed to communities lacking soap or sanitation.

Meliá is also doing its best to ensure their reach ripples further afield. In February, Meliá was named a “Supplier Engagement Leader” by CDP, an international organization specializing in reporting environmental impact. The hotel group achieved the highest rating in the Supplier Engagement Rate (SER) category in CDP’s annual Climate Change survey. In addition to reducing the emissions Meliá hotels generate directly, Meliá Hotels International works with its suppliers towards a reduction of emissions within the supply chain. The hotel company also has a mandatory Supplier Code of Ethics that ensures the alignment of suppliers with the sustainability commitments made by the sustainably-minded hotel group.

“It may be Earth Day this month but we believe every day should be Earth Day,” said Ignacio Martin, Managing Director Southeast Asia at Meliá Hotels International. “Prioritizing sustainability is something that we have been weaving deeper into the fabric of our company, regardless of what day it is.”

About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International operates more than 380 hotels (portfolio and pipeline) throughout more than 40 countries, under the brands Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Paradisus by Meliá, ME by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, INNSiDE by Meliá, plus a wide portfolio of affiliated hotels under the “Affiliated by Meliá” seal. The Group is one of the leading companies in resort hotels worldwide, while also leveraging its experience to consolidate the growing segment of the leisure-inspired urban market. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led the Group to become the most sustainable hotel company in Spain and Europe in 2020, according to the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). It also has ranked seventh in the Wall Street Journal’s list of the 100 most sustainably managed companies in the world (and the leading travel company) and is the only Spanish travel company included in the list of “Europe’s Climate Leaders 2021” by Financial Times. Meliá Hotels International is also included in the IBEX 35 Spanish stock market index and it is the Spanish hotel leader in Corporate Reputation (Merco Ranking).

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

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Thailand Eases Entry Rules for International Travellers from May 1

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Thailand Eases Entry Rules for International Travellers from May 1 - TRAVELINDEX - VISITTHAILAND.netBangkok, Thailand, April 25, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) today approved the lifting of the RT-PCR testing requirement for international arrivals beginning 1 May, 2022, and introduced two new entry schemes specifically customised for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers.

TAT Newsroom will be providing updates in detail via tatnews .org once the official directives have been announced in the Royal Thai Government Gazette.

• Discover the Thailand’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

New entry rules for vaccinated travellers:
International travellers who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to show proof of a pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test nor undergo an arrival test.

They are still required to register for a Thailand Pass with a Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination and an insurance policy with coverage no less than US$10,000 (reduced from US$20,000).

Once arriving in Thailand, they will be allowed entry and are free to go anywhere in the kingdom.

New entry rules for unvaccinated travellers:
International travellers who are unvaccinated or are not fully vaccinated will also no longer be required to show proof of a pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test nor undergo an arrival test.

They are required to register for a Thailand Pass with a 5-day hotel booking and an insurance policy with coverage no less than US$10,000 (reduced from US$20,000).

Once arriving in Thailand, they must proceed to undergo the quarantine for 5 days and undergo an RT-PCR test on Day 5.

Exception is made for unvaccinated travellers who are able to upload proof of a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of travel via the Thailand Pass system, they – like those fully vaccinated – will be allowed entry and are free to go anywhere in the kingdom.

While in Thailand, both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers are advised to strictly follow health and safety standards. Travellers who are experiencing COVID-like symptoms should get tested. If testing positive, they must get the appropriate medical treatment.

• Discover the Thailand’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

Kindly note the information is to serve as reference only. It is especially important to check in regularly on tatnews .org to stay current on what remains a very fluid and fast changing situation.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The Slate Brings the Spirit of South America to Phuket

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The Slate Brings the Spirit of South America to Phuket - TRAVELINDEXPhuket, Thailand, April 25, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The spirit of Latin America came to life in southern Thailand last weekend, when The Slate boutique hotel, hosted Amazônia, a vibrant two-day cultural festival!

This wonderful event was a colourful celebration of all things stylishly Central and South American, including upbeat music, great gastronomy, amazing art and, of course, plenty of dancing! Almost 100 guests of all ages and nationalities attended this intimate event, which brought together curious explorers from all around the world. This marked the inaugural edition of Vibrations, a new series of community-orientated gatherings that will showcase creativity in all its forms.

• Discover Thailand and Phuket’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

The Amazônia weekend kicked off just before sunset on Saturday with a live music concert, followed by a painting session by Trey Hurst, the Bangkok-based visual artist and designer. Attendees chilled out and sipped cocktails, such as caipirinhas, on the Coliseum Lawn, The Slate’s enchanting outdoor amphitheatre surrounded by swaying palms and sparkling pools.

Guests were then treated to a bountiful buffet dinner amid the fragrant tropical gardens, including many authentic delicacies that transported diners’ taste buds to the lively streets of Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Mexico City. This was followed by a live performance by the Amazônia band and a capoeira dance which left spectators spellbound! Revellers then danced under the stars to live music from Amazônia and DJ Marcos. Then on Sunday, a blissful Sunday brunch was accompanied by surprise performances.

“Our inaugural Vibrations weekend was a great success and I would like to thank everyone – our guests, performers and partners – for embracing the Latin spirit and making it such an inspiring occasion. Our lifestyle-seeking clientele are keen to discover other cultures and we always strive to weave art, fashion, music and heritage into every aspect of our guest experiences. I look forward to welcoming visitors back for our next VIBRATIONS weekend later this year,” said the hotel’s co-founder and owner, Krystal Prakaikaew Na-Ranong (or “Khun Moo” as she is known to her friends).

The next Vibrations event will take place in the fourth quarter of 2022, and the details will be announced in the third quarter of the year. Stay tuned for further updates!

• Discover gastronomy destination Phuket and the Asia’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants at Top25Restaurants.com

About The Slate, A Member of the Design Hotels Collection
Inspired by Phuket’s tin mining past, The Slate blends Bill Bensley’s whimsical design with industrial elements to create highly unique guest journeys. A collection of stunning suites and villas, including pool villas and the spectacular Bensley Suite, surround glistening pools and gardens, and the serene Coqoon Spa blends seamlessly into the natural landscape. Discover delectable dining experiences including Rivet’s famous Sunday brunch and authentic Thai cuisine at Black Ginger, the Michelin-recommended restaurant, enjoy locally-inspired activities from yoga to Muay Thai, or simply stroll along the pure shores of Nai Yang Beach.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Courtyard by Marriott Drafts Passionate Fans for Ultimate VIP Experience at the 2022 NFL Draft

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Courtyard by Marriott, the Official Hotel of the NFL, will host an exclusive “Bistro & Banter” live event open to NFL fans the night before the 2022 NFL Draft kicks off in Las Vegas. Super Bowl-winning quarterback Matthew Stafford, the number one Draft pick from 2009, and NFL Draft prospect Aidan Hutchinson will swap football and travel stories one-on-one, moderated by Dave Farra, while discussing their personal career journeys and passion for the game.

To attend, NFL fans in town for the League’s pinnacle event should head to The Library at Marquee inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Autograph Collection, located at 3708 Las Vegas Boulevard South on Wednesday, April 27 at 6 p.m. PDT. At the conclusion of Bistro & Banter, Courtyard will surprise and delight passionate fans in attendance with 15 pairs of VIP Access tickets to the 2022 NFL Draft to celebrate the official kickoff to the exciting weekend. Inspired by Courtyard’s signature dining concept, Bistro Bar, the event will offer guests sample menu items featuring fresh ingredients and handcrafted cocktails.“We’re excited to be back at the NFL Draft this year, not only in-person in Las Vegas but also as the presenting sponsor on ESPN,” said Sarah Lipton, Vice President, Premium & Select Brand Marketing at Marriott International. “Our Bistro & Banter programming and VIP Access ticket giveaways are just some of the ways we are able to bring travelers closer to the game they love as the Official Hotel of the NFL.”

Courtyard, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 brands, has been the Official Hotel of the NFL for over 10 years, offering fans unprecedented access to NFL experiences that have created lasting memories. Empowering guests to keep moving forward no matter the purpose of their trip, Courtyard is the hotel brand of choice that inspires trailblazing travelers to pursue their passions while on the road.

In addition to Courtyard’s Bistro & Banter event, Marriott Bonvoy is offering members of its award-winning travel program and Marriott Bonvoy Visa Card members the chance to enjoy NFL Draft through exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments.

About Courtyard by Marriott®
Courtyard by Marriott is the hotel brand of choice for trailblazing guests who are inspired by a passion to do great things. With more than 1,200 locations in 60 countries and territories, Courtyard is passionate about empowering its guests and serving the needs of travelers everywhere, no matter the purpose of their trip. Its thoughtfully designed guestrooms provide an elevated experience to relax and recharge, complete with plush bedding and flexible workspaces. Guests are able to work, eat well, connect, and be at their best to keep moving forward to succeed. Courtyard is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.com. For more information or reservations, visit courtyard.marriott.com, become a fan on Facebook or follow @CourtyardHotels on Twitter.

Media Contact
Christine Lin
Marriott International
Christine.Lin@marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Clinique La Prairie Bangkok Welcomes Resident Nutritionist

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Clinique La Prairie Bangkok Welcomes Resident Nutritionist - TOP25SPAS.com - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, April 22, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Channelling Clinique La Prairie’s world-renowned approach to nutrition, Rachel brings a fresh perspective for guests of Clinique La Prairie Aesthetics & Medical Spa, incorporating elements of her specific background in the time honoured modalities of nutrition and herbalism. Offering holistic guidance for health and wellbeing nutrition at Clinique La Prairie Bangkok incorporates evidence-based and traditional approaches, including nutritional medicine, herbal medicine, emotional stress release techniques and guidance for toxin-free living.

Placing a key emphasis on empowering her patients with compassionate space, whilst offering support and practical strategies; Rachel’s mission is to inspire people to live healthier, happier and longer lives, by encouraging a deeper connection to nature and by aligning with the body’s natural rhythms.

Sessions with Rachel combine informative diagnostics tools using technology such as Oligoscan. Delivering painless and instantaneous results, OligoScan screens for physiological imbalances, including oxidative stresses responsible for ageing, presence of toxic metals and mineral imbalance. Following the OligoScan results and additional lab tests to determine nutritional needs body composition analysis, Rachel provides personalised guidance in diet and lifestyle to support guests’ wellness goals.

Nutrition Services

Learn to regulate food intake and break free from a dieting mindset with the help of a certified nutritionist. By taking a more holistic approach to nutrition and focusing on mindfulness, guests will be empowered to maintain a healthy body and reach lasting goals without restrictive dieting and unnecessary sacrifices. Clinique La Prairie Bangkok’s three-stage process will guide guests to make incremental lifestyle changes resulting in a healthy and balanced relationship with food.

– Initial Nutritional Consultation 60 minutes THB 4,000
– Nutritional Follow-Up Consultation 45 minutes THB 3,000
– Nutritional Analysis with Oligoscan 120 minutes THB 8,500
– Comprehensive Treatment Plan THB 2,500

Introducing Longevity Focused Protocols

Clinique La Prairie Bangkok has developed advanced holistic protocols to help realise guests’ personal journey to look, feel and live well programs centered around key protocols of: Boost, Detox & Age-Defy.

Based on cutting edge anti-aging, medical and nutrition sciences, each package is designed with carefully selected treatments, technologies and coaching, that amplify each other to activate your body and mind, and achieve unique results of energy, beauty, detox or rejuvenation. Alongside aesthetics and wellness treatments, our health specialists will help identify nutritional and lifestyle changes to reach defined objectives, and leave guests looking radiant, sculpted, balanced and more youthful – with long-lasting effects.

The four programs are named Energy to activate cellular energy and regain vitality, Body, a comprehensive combination of treatments to sculpt and shape, Detox to eliminate toxins, purify and restore balance and finally Beauty, a unique result-focused experience to gain a more youthful appearance. Journeys range from 3 to 5 hours and combine a host of treatments including high tech skin analysis, nutrition consultations and tailored refreshments as well as Swiss Perfection spa treatments and aesthetic medical therapies

About Clinique La Prairie Aesthetics & Medical Spa Bangkok
The first Clinique La Prairie flagship outside of Europe, Clinique La Prairie Aesthetics & Medical Spa Bangkok is a haven of rejuvenation and wellbeing that addresses beauty, longevity, nutrition and wellness concerns with scientifically proven treatments, lifestyle-enhancing products, and signature wellness traditions. Located on level 15 of The St. Regis Bangkok and extending over 1,500 sqm, Clinique La Prairie Aesthetics & Medical Spa Bangkok boasts 16 treatment rooms including a Thai massage room, couples’ suites and massage therapy rooms. The relaxation facilities are spread across two levels with wet area facilities including rain showers, Thai herbal steam rooms, twilight rasul, vitality pools, foot reflexology water walk, and relaxation pods.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News