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New Meliá Pattaya Hotel Announces Javier Gimeno as General Manager

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New Meliá Pattaya Hotel Announces Javier Gimeno as General Manager - TRAVELINDEXPattaya, Thailand, January 8, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / A hospitality veteran with three decades of industry experience in Asia and Europe, Javier Gimeno, will take charge of the new Meliá Pattaya Hotel.

The 234-room and suite hotel with expansive sea views is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2025 in the heart of vibrant Pattaya, a short drive from Bangkok on the Gulf of Thailand’s scenic east coast.

He joins Meliá Pattaya Hotel after working in senior management roles with Marriott International for more than a decade. Most recently, he was the cluster general manager with Marriott & Four Points by Sheraton Tianjin National Convention and Exhibition Centre in Tianjin, China.

He started his career in the mid-90s in his native Spain as a bellman at the Hilton Barcelona, and then held roles in guest services and operations departments at hotels in Barcelona and Andorra. His work in Asia goes back to 2000 where he worked in Shanghai before becoming a general manager with Barceló Hotels & Resorts in Davao, The Philippines, in 2002. His career has also taken him to Hong Kong and Malaysia.

“Javier’s extraordinary leadership skills and rich and diversified experience in opening and managing properties in Asia and key bleisure destinations like Barcelona place him in excellent stead to take charge of Meliá Pattaya Hotel, following the successful launches of Meliá Koh Samui, Meliá Phuket Mai Khao, Meliá Chiang Mai and INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit in Thailand,” said Ignacio Martin, Managing Director Asia Pacific at Meliá Hotels International. “A prime coastal destination situated so close to Bangkok, Pattaya is an excellent choice for holidays as well as meetings and events. As one of the leading companies in resort hotels worldwide, Meliá Hotels International is launching a bleisure hotel that not only fits perfectly with the destination but also redefines it.”

“My team and I are looking forward to unveiling this flagship Meliá Hotels International hotel underscored by Meliá’s warm Spanish hospitality, distinctive passion for service and focus on the customer’s wellbeing,” added Mr Gimeno. “Our hotel makes for the quintessential urban resort thanks to its host of facilities suited to leisure and business travellers alike including a rooftop restaurant that features a sky bar, a beach club, executive lounge, YHI Spa, Kidsdom kids club, swimming pool, ballroom, inspiring collection of meeting spaces and more.”

About Asset World Corp Public Company Limited

Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) is Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group and a member of TCC Group, with the focus on hospitality, lifestyle destinations, and commercial workspaces. Driven by the philosophy of “Building a Better Future,” AWC strives to grow and expand beyond the norms with a diverse array of quality projects, providing responsible and sustainable solutions for all our stakeholders. The company has two main businesses. Hospitality business managed by top hotel executives of world-renowned hotel brands such as Marriott, The Luxury Collection, Okura, Banyan Tree, Hilton, Sheraton, and Melia, and Commercial properties whose projects include 1) Retail and Wholesale such as lifestyle travel destinations, community shopping malls, community markets, and wholesale business real estate. Popular real estate projects consist of Asiatique the Riverfront Destination, Gateway at Bangsue, AEC FOOD WHOLESALE PRATUNAM, and Tawanna Bangkapi, and 2) Commercial buildings including the famous ‘The Empire’ and Athenee Tower located in Bangkok’s central business district. AWC is committed to integrating its sustainability strategy in every part of its operations to create long-term sustainable value for all stakeholders. The sustainability strategy consists of three key pillars: Better Planet, Better People and Better Prosperity, while the framework has created numerous long-term initiatives including the ReConcept, The GALLERY and other projects.

About Meliá Hotels & Resorts

Meliá has 125 hotels in Europe (56), America (18), Cuba (16), Africa (5) and Asia (30). We are present in 32 countries and currently have 21 hotels under development in 11 countries. At Meliá Hotels & Resorts, we stand out for our unique Spanish style in the hospitality industry and for our warmth, closeness and passion for service. This means that we offer our guests a unique wellness experience. Our Spanish warmth and spontaneity are part of our Mediterranean roots and are always present in the Meliá experience. An experience that is enriched by providing thoughtful extra services. Paying attention to the smallest details and providing personalized experiences for each guest. How do we interpret wellness in the MELIÁ brand? We see wellness from an innovative perspective. It is not wellness applied only to nutrition or wellness services, it is 360º wellness. The wellness we want to convey is global. You can find it in all aspects of the brand from different perspectives: physical wellness, spiritual wellness, leisure wellness, social wellness, occupational wellness, environmental wellness, financial wellness and nutritional wellness.

About Meliá Hotels International 

Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International has more than 400 hotels open or in the process of opening, in more than 40 countries, and a portfolio of nine brands: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, The Meliá Collection, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá, and Affiliated by Meliá. The Company is one of the world’s leading hotel chains in the leisure segment and its experience in this area has allowed it to consolidate itself in the growing market of urban hotels inspired by leisure. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led it to be recognised as the most sustainable European hotel company in the world (chosen as “Sustainability Yearbook Member” in 2024 by S&P Global), as well as being a “Top Employer 2024” brand in Spain, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Italy, Germany, France and Vietnam.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Over Four Years of Sustainable Efforts at Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort

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Over Four Years of Sustainable Efforts at Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort - TRAVELINDEXPhuket, Thailand, January 6, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort Shares Updates on Sustainability Efforts. The waters surrounding Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort are witnessing a remarkable ecological renewal. For the first time in over a decade, sea turtles and dugongs have returned to the area, drawn by the thriving seagrass beds that serve as their primary food source. This development highlights the region’s natural abundance and underscores Panwa Beach as one of Phuket’s most pristine green zones.

Aligned with its commitment to environmental sustainability, Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort has implemented several impactful initiatives to preserve and restore the local marine ecosystem. One such initiative is the cultivation and planting of seagrass every three to four months, which plays a vital role in supporting marine life. Additionally, the resort is actively involved in the care and release of stingray sharks back into their natural habitats.

These efforts reflect a broader dedication to sustainable tourism, with a focus on balancing environmental conservation and visitor experience. By fostering these initiatives, Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort aims to ensure that the natural beauty and biodiversity of the area can be enjoyed for generations to come.

As the resort continues to invest in these green initiatives, it invites guests and the local community to participate and learn more about preserving the marine ecosystem. Together, these actions represent a meaningful step toward a more sustainable future for Phuket and its surrounding waters.

Website: tamarindrestaurantphuket.com/ 

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Loved-Up Couples Fall for Romance and Weddings

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Loved-Up Couples Fall for Romance and Weddings - TRAVELINDEXMui Ne, Vietnam, January 3, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Orchestrating private candle-lit dining on the beach, ushering guests down white sand aisles and catering to all sorts of romantic whims, The Anam Mui Ne has rolled out alluring proposal, wedding, honeymoon and renewal of vows packages.

With an idyllic perch on one of southern Vietnam’s most spectacular beaches, the 1.2-hectare resort opened in 2023 with a design that borrows deeply from Vietnam’s Indochine era. Crafted by artisans from across the country whose trades have been handed down the generations, the resort evokes a romantic atmosphere with glowing lanterns, customized encaustic mosaic floor tiles, clay vases and statues on plinths designed by the Cham people, intricate woodwork and solid timber furniture from sustainable forests, authentic thatched roofs and more.

Since its January 2023 debut, The Anam Mui Ne has hosted more than 20 weddings as well as plenty of proposals and honeymoons. “We’ve been amazed at how popular our resort has been as a wedding and honeymoon destination; so much so as we were building our resort people driving past noticed our onsite billboard, called us and booked their wedding here well before we’d even opened,” said The Anam Group’s commercial director Martin Koerner. “It’s indicative of Vietnam’s growing popularity as a wedding and honeymoon destination due to our incredible beaches and landscapes, our hospitality and exceptional value for money.”

The Anam Mui Ne’s proposal experience is underpinned by a private candle-lit dining set-up on either the resort’s beach, beside one of its two vast swimming pools, in the privacy of a private-pool suite or room. Cooked by a private chef and served by a private waiter, the four-course menu includes the likes of ‘Pan-seared foie gras’ with mango, hibiscus sauce and watercress, ‘Lobster bisque soup’ with lobster wonton, squid and mussels, and ‘Black Angus Ribeye’ comprising chargrilled Australian prime ribeye steak flavoured with rosemary and caramelised garlic served with sweet potato mash, petite Greek salad and red wine jus.

Tying the knot invites possibilities ranging from an intimate ceremony for two on the beachfront or lawn to a formal dining arrangement for up to 130 guests for an exquisite buffet or 180 guests for a delectable set menu. A three-tier wedding cake, stunning flower arrangements, live background music by the likes of a guitarist, and bubbles for a toast are among an array of essentials for an occasion of a lifetime.

The 142sqm Private Pool Suites, a leading accommodation category, are popular among honeymooners. As their name suggests, the Private Pool Suites each have their own tranquil 22sqm private pools that are 1.3m deep and are complemented with terraces decked with sun loungers. At the suites, afternoon tea is served on arrival and private BBQs to themes ranging from seafood to premium meat to vegetarian or a mixture are on offer.

In addition to selecting from the broad spectrum of treatments available at The Anam Spa including couple’s massages, honeymooners are also encouraged to indulge in “The Anam Signature Bathtub Experience” that makes the most of the “star attraction” of the resort’s rooms and suites, a picture-perfect free-standing clawfoot bath. A homemade sea salt full body scrub, bathtub soak infused with oranges, flowers and essential oils, natural hair treatment and nutritious facial mask are among the eight pampering steps behind the bathtub experience.

The renewal of vows packages, like the wedding packages, also feature a night’s stay in a Premium Room, with a free upgrade to a Premium Ocean View Room depending on availability.

An array of picturesque settings throughout the resort, including the elegant lobby, hallways, swimming pool terraces, and the beachfront, afford compelling pre-wedding and wedding photo backdrops. Opening doors on the country’s fascinating culture, talented Vietnamese artists were commissioned to create 250 unique oil paintings for each room and suite, as well as the lobby and restaurants.

Mui Ne’s attractions include its beach, sand dunes, fishing village, Cham towers and “Fairy Stream” – a shallow stream that flows through vivid orange and white limestone formations. An expressway has cut the drive from Ho Chi Minh City to two hours.

About The Anam Group 

After the auspicious debut of The Anam Cam Ranh in 2017, the independently owned and operated The Anam Group celebrated the grand opening of its second property, The Anam Mui Ne, in January 2023.

With “Indochine Charm” and “Modern Luxury” as its watchwords, the group blends colonial-era aesthetics and attentive Vietnamese service with modern comforts and convenience. “The Anam” today is a reference to another name, “An Nam”, which was the name of Central Vietnam during the French Indochina era.

The Anam Cam Ranh overlooks 300 metres of beachfront on Vietnam’s scenic Cam Ranh peninsula, which averages more than 300 sunny days per year. The luxurious five-star resort boasts 77 villas and 136 rooms and suites. The Anam Cam Ranh features a French-inspired fine dining restaurant, all-day dining restaurant, a Vietnamese restaurant and bar, a classical bar, a beach club, in-room dining, a 10 treatment-room spa, indoor and outdoor movie theatres, three capacious swimming pools, ballroom, conference rooms, recreation and fitness centre, yoga room and deck, kids club, onsite sustainable farm and gift shop. The resort recently unveiled a wellness and recreation precinct with an 18-hole mini golf course, driving range, clubhouse, soccer field, tennis court, running track and more.

Like its predecessor The Anam Cam Ranh, The Anam Mui Ne’s design is also an echo out of Vietnam’s Indochine era. Situated in southern Vietnam’s popular beach town Mui Ne, the 1.2 hectare beachfront resort affords spectacular ocean vistas and features 127 elegant rooms and suites, including seven 142sqm suites with private pools and a 122sqm presidential suite with an extra room for the bodyguards. Its dining landscape comprises an all-day dining restaurant and grill, beachside restaurant and bar, and lobby bar. A five-treatment room spa, two vast swimming pools, a ballroom, conference rooms, water sports center, fitness center, yoga room, kid’s club and gift shop are among the resort’s host of world-class facilities.

With a design inspired by Vietnam’s iconic basket boat, Axi Plaza is a game changer for Cam Ranh and MICE offerings on Vietnam’s coastline due to its distinctive architecture and design, and spectacular beachfront location. Adjacent to The Anam Cam Ranh, Axi Plaza offers a vast state-of-the-art conference hall, a 360-degree rooftop venue, stunning outdoor beachfront event space, about 10,000sqm dedicated to shopping and dining outlets, and more.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Alma Resort to Usher in Year of The Wood Snake

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Alma Resort to Usher in Year of The Wood Snake - TRAVELINDEXCam Ranh, Vietnam, December 27, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Family resort Alma will ring in the biggest event on the Vietnamese calendar, the Lunar New Year, with a six-day program filled with traditional games and competitions, live entertainment, floating champagne breakfasts and more.

From Lunar New Year’s Eve, Tuesday Jan. 28, until Sunday Feb. 2, 2025, Alma’s Tet program will feature chung cake, egg cake and ginger jam making classes, as well as kite flying, dragon dances, making lucky envelopes, Tet movies at Alma Cinema, and afternoon tea for two.

Overlooking Long Beach, one of Vietnam’s most stunning stretches of sand, the resort starts its Tet program on Jan. 28 with a floating champagne breakfast for guests staying in pavilions with private pools. At Alma Food Court, guests are encouraged to try their hand at crafting the quintessential Tet staple “Banh Chung” (Chung cake), wrapping sticky rice and mung bean inside dong leaves from 8.30-10.30am, as well as egg cake and ginger jam making from 3-5pm. A complimentary kite flying competition will be held on Alma Hill from 4-5pm.

On the first day of Tet, Tuesday Jan. 29, the lush 30-hectare resort’s Tet festivities kick off with dragon dancing in the lobby and Alma Garden from 8am.

Alma will host the following Tet festivities daily from Jan. 29 until Feb 2:

  • Floating Tet breakfast at private pool pavilions with Vietnamese “Banh Mi”, beef or chicken noodle soup, Vietnamese cold cuts and fish sauce, “Banh Beo” steamed rice cake, two farm eggs any style with choice of bacon, pork or chicken sausage, yogurt and fruit, and a selection of freshly squeezed juices.
  • A Tet Corner affording traditional Vietnamese fruit candies at Alma Food Court from 11am-5pm.
  • An exquisite Vietnamese Afternoon Tea for two brimming with savoury and sweet treats, including Banh Chung and traditional candies, served at both Alma Food Court and Alma Lounge from 2-5pm. Live entertainment including Alma’s resident pianist Ben playing a grand piano from 2.30-3.15pm and 3.30-4.15pm at Alma Lounge.
  • Bartenders crafting special Vietnamese cocktails from 6-9.30pm at Alma Lounge. The cocktail list includes ‘Sampan Sour’ comprising Vietnamese Sampan White Rhum, Cointreau, chili, salt, Chinese coriander, lime, and sugar syrup, and ‘Moc Chau Plateau’ made up of Ruddy Face Apricot Liqueur, D.O.M Benedictine, honey, ginger syrup, lime juice and Peychaud’s Bitters.
  • Movies and popcorn at Alma’s 75-seat cinema.

On Wednesday Jan. 30, the Kids Club will help children make lucky envelopes for “li xi”, which translates to “lucky money” traditionally given during the Lunar New Year to bestow blessings of good luck and happiness upon recipients. On Jan. 30 and Friday Jan. 31 the Kids Club will host smash lucky balloons games from 3-4pm before kite flying is held on Alma Hill from 4-5pm. The young and the young at heart will also blow giant rainbow bubbles on Alma Hill on Jan. 31 from 3-5pm.

To a backdrop of sweeping views of Long Beach aquamarine waters and buttermilk sands, with islands strewn offshore, a picnic package will be on offer at Alma Hill from 7-9am and 3-5pm on Sunday Feb. 2.

Beachfront restaurant Atlantis, Italian trattoria La Casa and Asiana, which serves Thai, Korean, Japanese and vegan fare, will offer a la carte dining throughout Tet.

“There’s plenty to see and do at Alma during such an extraordinary time of the year celebrating with family and friends,” said Alma’s managing director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler.

“As we welcome the Year of the Wood Snake, at Alma we will look to apply the snake’s keen insight and the wood’s ability to grow and adapt in 2025 as we embrace all sorts of new possibilities ranging from offering exciting new guest experiences such as welcoming local artists to sketch portraits of our guests to protecting the environment with the rollout of what is believed to be Vietnam’s most ambitious solar power project for a hotel.”

Featuring 13 separate treatment villas sprinkled onto the landscape, Alma’s Le Spa is offering a variety of indulgent treatments including ‘Lunar Renewal Therapy’, ‘New Year Radiance Ritual’, and ‘Double Happiness’. Lunar Renewal Therapy is a 70-minute customised aromatherapy massage with a choice of traditional Vietnamese, Balinese or deep tissue massage techniques to release muscle tension, promote deep relaxation and restore energy. The 110-minute New Year Radiance Ritual starts with an aromatic herbal steam and sauna, followed by a 30-minute body scrub, 50-minute massage and 30-minute facial treatment. The 60-minute Double Happiness treatment for couples offers a choice of Balinese, Vietnamese or deep tissue massage.

About Alma
Situated on Vietnam’s emerging Cam Ranh peninsula fronting Long Beach, Alma resort commands some 30 hectares of inspiring ground. Emblematic of Vietnam’s maturation as a destination, the bold and spacious integrated resort offers 580 oversized suites and pavilions that all afford sweeping vistas of the ocean, including contemporary three bedroom oceanfront pavilions each totalling 224sqm with a living room, four bathrooms and a private pool. Alma features a broad spectrum of restaurants helmed by top chefs, a food court with an array of local and international cuisine, as well as a sports bar, pool bar and beach bar. Other highlights include 12 swimming pools cascading down to the beach and a waterpark with a lazy river, slides, wave pool and kids pool. Other highlights include a 13-treatment room spa, 75-seat cinema, convention centre, amphitheater, science museum, gymnasium and yoga room, 18-hole mini golf course, a youth centre with virtual reality games, a kid’s club, golf simulator, onsite sustainable farm and even an ‘Alma Mart’ mini supermarket. Alma Resort was called out as the top resort in Southeast Asia, the No. 2 resort in Asia and No. 9 resort worldwide in the 2024 Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. Alma scored 99.2 on the US-based publication’s 100-point award survey. The World’s Best Awards are widely considered to be one of the two most important awards in the worldwide hospitality industry.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Raffles Cambodia Hotels Earn Green Globe Certification

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Raffles Cambodia Hotels Earn Green Globe Certification - TRAVELINDEXPhnom Penh, Cambodia, December 26, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Two of Cambodia’s most celebrated heritage hotels have received industry-leading Green Globe Certifications in recognition of their ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap and Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh were awarded the designations based on their dedication to efficient resource management, in addition to their innovative and engaging community programmes, unique environmental initiatives and other best practices.

“Sustainability is one of Raffles’ key areas of focus and we are proud to be helping lead the way toward a more eco-friendly future in tourism – not only in Cambodia but around the world,” said Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor General Manager Joseph Colina.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal General Manager Dagmar Lyons added, “We are delighted to be building on our rich historical legacy with a truly 21st-century approach to environmental stewardship, underscoring our dedication both to sustainable tourism practices and serving our guests.”

The two Raffles hotels secured the Green Globe Certification through efforts to reduce food waste, optimize energy allocation and recycle waste. They are also active in local community activities, annual tree-planting, sustainability management training and more.

Earlier this year, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the 92-year-old luxury icon on the doorstep of ancient Khmer archeological sites, introduced a new fleet of electric tuk-tuks, providing an innovative and eco-friendly transportation option for guests. The new tuk-tuks are used in the hotel’s Curated Journeys, including “Reflections of Angkor,” in which guests hone their photography skills with a veteran photographer.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal offers bicycles for guests to explore the city of Phnom Penh, along with a self-guided walking tour map that highlights local attractions.

The Green Globe programme traces its roots back to the United Nations Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992, where 182 heads of state from around the world endorsed the Agenda 21 principles of sustainable development. Today, Green Globe has grown to become the world’s leading certification for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism worldwide.

The Green Globe Certification Standard includes 44 criteria in four groups and supported by over 380 compliance indicators. The standard has been developed over three decades and guarantees the highest level of sustainable operations and management.

For reservations or inquiries about Raffles Hotel Le Royal, please contact +855 23 981 888 or email bookus.phnompenh@raffles.com.

For Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, please contact +855 23 982 598 or email bookus.siemreap@raffles.com.

ABOUT RAFFLES

Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

raffles.com | all.accor.com | group.accor.com

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Plan Your Next Meeting at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit

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Plan Your Next Meeting at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit - TRAVELINDEXPlan your next meeting or event at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit and take advantage of our MICE package benefits to enhance your group’s meeting experience and effectiveness.

Our special package is available from 1 December 2024 to 31 October 2025

Book now to enjoy exclusive offers:
• Accommodation starts from THB 5,200 net per room per night, inclusive of buffet breakfast
• Full Day Meeting package starting from THB 2,000 net per person per day.
• 10% off food and beverages at our restaurants and bars, excluding promotions, happy hour, and premium wines and spirits by the bottle.
• Complimentary high-speed internet access.

For every 30 paid rooms, receive the following additional benefits:
• Complimentary Deluxe room with breakfast for 2 persons (maximum 3 rooms)
• Complimentary room upgrade to next category (maximum 3 rooms)

For further information or reservations, please contact +66 2 090 7888 and quote #CARLTONBKKMICE

Terms & Conditions: Rates are non-commissionable • Rates are based on single occupancy, inclusive of 17.7% service charges and tax • A minimum accommodation booking of 15 rooms is required • Group confirmation must be made before 31 January 2025 • Rates are not applicable in conjunction with other promotions • Rates are subject to change without prior notice • Blackout dates apply, and space is subject to availability at the time of confirmation.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The Hari Hong Kong Beats at the Heart of Wan Chai

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The Hari Hong Kong Beats at the Heart of Wan Chai - TRAVELINDEXHong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, December 21, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The Hari Hong Kong has launched an audio walking guide that scratches well beneath the surface of one of Hong Kong’s oldest yet most diverse districts, Wan Chai, as part of its “Live Like a Local” experience.

User-friendly app “The Hari Neighbourhood Guide Audio Tour” features an interactive map and narrations of seven of the district’s hidden gems, all located a short walk from the urban hotel that stands tall on Wan Chai’s Lockhart Road.

Highlights include a 1960s tenement block turned creative hub, an appointment-only gallery in a renovated space that used to be a private rooftop clubhouse in the 1970s, an unassuming family-run eatery on the Michelin food guide since 2016, and a lively market and food centre which packs a punch on all the senses.

“Villain Hitting”, a.k.a Da Siu Yan, a type of Chinese folk sorcery performed, a typhoon shelter built in 1883, an iconic cannon fired daily, a unique dining experience on a sampan, and dynamic harbourfront public space are also among the app’s recommendations.

Originally a small fishing village, Wan Chai transformed into a bustling urban area following British colonisation in 1841. Now a hub of cultural and commercial activity, Wan Chai is renowned for its historical landmarks, street markets, skyscrapers and blend of Eastern and Western influences.

With The Hari Hong Kong built on the Harilela family’s long legacy in Hong Kong, the guide includes a personal touch from the hotel’s founder Dr Aron Harilela, the chairman and CEO of Harilela Hotels. His narration discusses his memories of Wan Chai as he grew up, the district’s eccentricities and how his love affair with art leaves its mark at The Hari Hong Kong with rotating artwork adorning its spaces.

“By diving beneath Wan Chai’s surface, our audio walking guide provides a layered, cultured and singular viewpoint of our neighbourhood and its peculiarities,” Dr Harilela said. “We warmly welcome our guests to join our table and live like a local by engaging with Wan Chai’s diverse characters, and fascinating traditions and ways of life.”

In addition to access to The Hari Neighbourhood Guide Audio Tour, the hotel’s Live Like a Local stay package includes a one-night stay priced from HKD 1800++ per night, daily breakfast for two, The Hari branded tote bag and set of Wan Chai postcards, bespoke gallery tour with PHD Group, early check-in and late check-out subject to availability. The package is available until September 30, 2025.

The sister property of The Hari London, The Hari Hong Kong has a deep connection with art, culture, and its community, spearheading the likes of The Hari Art Prize in support of emerging artists and The Hari Chronicles to foster ongoing conversations about art, design and culture. EarthCheck, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for sustainable travel and tourism, last month awarded the hotel ‘EarthCheck Benchmarked Bronze status’ for its raft of sustainability measures.

About The Hari Hong Kong

Opened in December 2020, The Hari Hong Kong is the vision of Dr. Aron Harilela, Chairman and CEO of Harilela Hotels Ltd, and the second hotel to open under the ‘The Hari’ brand. The first hotel, The Hari London opened in August 2016. The Harilela Group was established in 1959 and is still wholly owned by the Harilela family. The Harilela Group is the parent company of Harilela Hotels which owns 15 properties across Hong Kong, China, Asia, Europe, and the US.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Azerai La Residence Introduces New Spa and Dining Menus

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Azerai La Residence Introduces New Spa and Dining Menus - TRAVELINDEXHue, Vietnam, December 21, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Azerai La Residence, Hue, the elegant 122-room heritage hotel overlooking the fabled Perfume River in central Vietnam, has introduced new spa and dining menus, along with specially tailored culinary experiences.

Le Spa

The hotel’s award-winning Le Spa has unveiled a range of distinctive new treatments, including Tibetan singing bowls, Reiki healing and moxibustion therapy. The Tibetan bowls, which combine the seven metal elements (gold, silver, iron, mercury, zinc, copper and lead), produce sound waves that promote harmony between the universe, objects and humans, helping to lighten body and mind, and return one’s soul to a more pristine state.

Moxibustion is a traditional therapy that involves burning a dried herb called “moxa” on or near the skin to stimulate acupuncture points. This is believed to stimulate blood flow, boost the immune system and help treat various conditions, including arthritis, digestive issues and more. Reiki healing originated in Japan and seeks to channel energy to recipients by means of touch, in order to activate natural healing processes and restore physical and emotional well-being.

“Tibetan Singing Bowl, Reiki Healing and Moxibustion” is a 60-minute treatment package that combines all three aspects to shift energy, clear blockages and restore one to a more balanced state, with healing frequencies that can have a long-lasting relaxing and restorative effect.

Other rejuvenating treatments at Le Spa combine gentle movements and distinctive wellness techniques with massage, seeking to soothe the mind, body and soul.

Le Spa features six elegant and comfortable treatment rooms and also introduced an updated set of traditional Vietnamese therapies, along with natural and herbal remedies. Unique local treatments include cupping, bamboo leg therapy and a traditional hair wash that includes a natural solution for hair made from locust, lemongrass and pandan leaf that’s believed to cure dandruff, prevent hair loss, stimulate hair growth, and make hair silky, black and shiny.

Le Parfum

At Le Parfum, Azerai La Residence, Hue’s award-winning restaurant, the menu has been thoroughly updated with 30 new dishes. The menu showcases a fine-dining fusion menu of Western, Asian, Vietnamese and Hue cuisines. Authentic local dishes include Hue Pancake, Banh Beo, Bun Bo Hue, while Asian favorites include Pad Thai, Soba Noodles and Thyme Semi-Smoked Japanese Wagyu Striploin A5.

Le Parfum has also elevated the “Healthy and Vegetarian Corner” of its menu, with carefully selected dishes created by Chef Hai featuring an optimal balance of around 450-500 calories for a three-course meal. Banana Flower Salad, Creamy Pumpkin Soup and Da Lat Artichoke & Tubers Curry with sautéed bok choy are among the standout dishes on the new menu.

Azerai La Residence, Hue’s tailored dining experiences, part of “The Colonial Life” program, spotlight Hue as one of the world’s most culturally significant travel destinations and as a hub of culinary art and gastronomy. During the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945), 13 Emperors summoned the finest chefs to the Citadel in Hue, creating a legacy of culinary excellence. As a result, Hue is home to roughly 2,000 of Vietnam’s approximately 3,000 national dishes.

The Imperial Feast, part of “The Colonial Life,” invites diners to a night of wonder as they are transported back in time to the Nguyen dynasty to behold firsthand an Imperial Dinner Feast featuring royal cuisine, including newly added and enhanced dishes. The head table is set for the king and queen, with Hue royal music playing in the background.

“The Colonial Life” also includes the hotel’s perennially popular Majestic Menu, which honors the Imperial Emperor and Empress of Japan’s visit to Hue and Azerai La Residence, Hue. Lastly, The “Taste of Hue Cooking Class” includes new dishes along with Vietnamese favorites.

ABOUT AZERAI

Azerai is a distinctive story and brand of resorts offering guests elegance, refined design, and discreet and attentive service in places of unique beauty and cultural interest. The brand was formed by hotelier Adrian Zecha, and the name is derived from Zecha’s initials and the latter part of a Persian word, caravanserai, which references the storied old inns of the Middle East.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

BWH Hotels to Relaunch Best Western Plus Subic, Philippines

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BWH Hotels to Relaunch Best Western Plus Subic, Philippines - TRAVELINDEXSubic Bay, Philippines, December 20, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / BWH Hotels, the leading global hospitality network comprised of WorldHotels, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels, continues to expand its footprint in the Philippines with the relaunch of Best Western Plus Hotel Subic.

Part of the BWH Hotels’ portfolio since its opening in 2018, Best Western Plus Hotel Subic will return to the group on March 31st, 2025, following an extensive renovation that will re-establish it as one of the leading places to stay in Subic. Nestled on the west coast of Luzon, this freeport zone is a popular destination for business and leisure travelers alike, with sandy beaches and a variety of attractions. Clark International Airport is just 50 km away and Manila can be reached in 2.5 hours.

Upon reopening, Best Western Plus Hotel Subic will feature a collection of contemporary rooms and suites, a sea-facing rooftop pool and deck, a well-equipped fitness center, and a choice of two restaurants. The hotel’s dedicated events hall sets the stage for business and social gatherings, including weddings.

Best Western Plus Hotel Subic will join BWH Hotels’ existing portfolio of eight hotels and resorts in the Philippines, across a wide range of vibrant cities and resort destinations. The Best Western Plus® brand is already well known and loved among the country’s travelers, with four properties currently operating in the Philippines.

For a complete travel guide on the Philippines, click here…

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Lands on Prestigious Gold List

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Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Lands on Prestigious Gold List - TRAVELINDEXHanoi, Vietnam, December 17, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, the 123-year-old luxury icon in the Vietnamese capital, was recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the 72 best hotels and resorts in the world in the U.S. magazine’s prestigious Gold List 2025.

Metropole Hanoi, the only hotel in Vietnam to win placement on this year’s list, was hailed by the magazine’s editors as “a dazzling destination that flashes back beautifully to a bygone age.” Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Gold List has been compiled for 31 years and serves as a benchmark for excellence in global hospitality.

A total of 16 hotels and resorts in Asia were spotlighted in this year’s Gold List. The editors heaped high praise on Metropole Hanoi in their review of the hotel.

“Behind its classical white façade, two buildings – the original and recently renovated Heritage Wing and the neoclassical Opera Wing, named for its proximity to the Hanoi Opera House – envelop a serene courtyard garden and sparkling pool flanked by a bar,” the editors wrote.

“The historic suites, named after famous former guests, including Charlie Chaplin and novelist Graham Greene, exude a sense of old-world grandeur, while its peaceful French Quarter locale makes it a no-brainer when planning a trip to Hanoi,” they added.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi General Manager George Koumendakos said, “This is a tremendous honor from Condé Nast Traveler and a recognition of what makes the Grand Dame of Vietnam so special: our rich history, our elegant and sophisticated accommodations, and our uncompromising commitment to warm and personalized service.”

The Condé Nast Traveler award follows other major accolades for Metropole Hanoi this year. The hotel earned a Five-Star rating – the highest level of recognition – from Forbes Travel Guide in February (now held for five consecutive years). And in May, the hotel was named one of the “World’s 500 Best Hotels” by the influential U.S.-based travel magazine Travel + Leisure.

Metropole Hanoi’s historic Heritage Wing, with 103 guest rooms and suites, reopened to guests late last year after being meticulously restored and renovated under a 21-month construction project. The comprehensive reconstruction work was centered on the original wing of the hotel, which was established in 1901 and has played host over the decades to numerous heads of state and royalty, along with world-famous actors, writers, musicians and others.

ABOUT SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE HANOI

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

The hotel includes 358 rooms that are divided into two wings – the historical Heritage Wing and the neo-classical Opera Wing. There are three legendary suites that are named after famous residents and visitors to the hotel (Graham Greene, Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham).

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

ABOUT SOFITEL LEGEND

A pioneer of French luxury hospitality since 1964, Sofitel today embodies heartfelt and committed luxury, with a French zest. Alongside its 120 elegant and unique properties, the brand inaugurated in 2009 a collection of emblematic hotels under the Sofitel Legend banner: unrivalled luxury addresses with a legendary heritage and highly personalised service. Each stay is timeless, offering sumptuous surroundings, renowned restaurants and modern comforts for an inspiring luxury experience. Noble, rare and soulful, Sofitel Legend hotels captivate with their architectural beauty, breathtaking views and mesmerizing ambience.

Sofitel Legend now comprises 6 hotels, each more magnificent than the last, set within beautiful and culturally-rich destinations around the world: Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel Xi’an.

Sofitel Legend is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,500 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News