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Dine in the Dark, Bangkok’s Most Surprising Culinary Experience

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dine-in-the-dark-bangkoks-most-surprising-culinary-experience.jpgBangkok, Thailand, March 4, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / DID – Dine in the Dark, the multi-sensory, thought-provoking and socially responsible dining experience, has been surprising and delighting guests in the heart of Bangkok since 2014. Now, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this pitch-black culinary evening at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok, three delectable new menus have been launched that will transport diners on an adventure through taste, smell, touch and sound.

At DID, diners embark on a journey into the world of the blind and partially sighted. Having been warmly greeted at BARSU, the legendary lounge on Sukhumvit Road, guests are plunged into darkness and guided to their table by a team of visually-impaired guides. Without the power of sight, they are presented with a four-course menu and have to use their remaining senses to work out what’s on their plate – a fun, interactive gastronomic guessing game that also raises awareness about blindness.

New Western, Asian and Vegetarian menus have now been added to the DID experience, alongside the existing Surprise (East meets West fusion) options. Each of these four-course set dinners has been expertly crafted by a team of talented chefs, who carefully blend different textures, flavors and aromas to stimulate the senses and tantalize the taste buds. Every meal can be accompanied by a choice of beverages, including fine premium beverages and cool cocktails.

While the evening is designed to be lively and entertaining, it also serves a more important purpose. As a socially responsible venture, DID is presented by a team of sightless servers who guide their guests through the entire meal. The aim is to raise awareness about the lives of blind and partially sighted people in Thailand and to provide a valuable source of employment and income for talented individuals who may otherwise find it difficult to find work.

By reversing the usual roles of society and letting the visually-impaired service team help their full-sighted guests, this revealing evening offers a valuable insight into how the world is perceived by people without the power of sight. For every customer hosted at DID, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel will donate THB 50 to the Foundation for the Blind in Thailand, a non-profit organization based in Bangkok.

DID is available six days a week (Tuesday to Sunday), from 18.00 – 22.00 hrs. Staged at BARSU, the stylish social venue at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit and with a direct connection from Asok BTS skytrain station, this is an unmissable culinary experience that will bring families, friends and groups closer together.

For reservation, please visit https://sheratongrandesukhumvit.info/dineinthedark.

Alternatively, to contact Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit please call +66 (0)2 649 8888

About The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott International, Inc., is comprised of world-renowned hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination’s indigenous charms and treasures. Originated in 1906 under the CIGA® brand as a collection of Europe’s most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of nearly 120 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 35 countries and territories. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world’s finest. For more information and new openings, visit theluxurycollection.com or follow Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The Luxury Collection 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.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

World Culinary Awards Ceremony 2023 to be Held at Mezzaluna Bangkok

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World Culinary Awards Ceremony 2023 - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25RESTAURANTS.comBangkok, Thailand, July 14, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The 4th annual World Culinary Awards Ceremony will be hosted at Mezzaluna at Lebua State Tower in Bangkok, Thailand, where winners will celebrate their victory on 31 July 2023.

World Culinary Awards serves to celebrate and reward excellence in the culinary industry through our annual awards programme. World Culinary Awards™ is the sister event of World Travel Awards, itself inaugurated in 1994.

Receiving a World Culinary Award is a world-class achievement that provides you, the Winner, with the ideal marketing tool to promote your award-winning products and services ahead of your competitors.

This years awards will be held at the highly acclaimed and celebrated Mezzaluna at Lebua State Tower in Bangkok, Thailand.

About Mezzaluna
Because the finest ingredients are the freshest ingredients, Chef Ryuki’s seven-course tasting menus change with the seasons—with one exception. The menu’s only staple: his specialty wagyu beef, called “Exceptional Murakami” because it comes from a small breed of top-quality calves from his hometown in Niigata Prefecture. The calves are raised only on rice, straw and hay, plus a mixture of carefully selected compound feed. The result is exquisitely marbled, melt-in-your-mouth beef that you can only find in Japan—or here at Mezzaluna.

Chef Ryuki applies the same exacting care to sourcing each ingredient in every plate at Mezzaluna—from oysters to truffles to tea—many of them exclusive to Mezzaluna.

It’s the same care that goes into preparing each dish, to stocking our world-class wine cellar and to providing stellar service—ensuring that you have the meal of a lifetime.

Mezzaluna means ‘half moon,’ and here you feel like you could just about reach out and touch it. On the 65th floor of State Tower, Mezzaluna is the crown jewel of our vertical destination. With double-height windows surrounding the crescent-shaped dining room, each table offers the best views in Bangkok—not to mention its fine food. It’s all enough to leave you moonstruck.

Look out for details on the winners as they are published after the event, see who will be celebrating their success this year?

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

TOP25 Restaurants Announces the 2023 Best Restaurants in Bangkok

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TOP25 Restaurants Announces the 2023 Best Restaurants in Bangkok - TOP25RESTAURANTS.com - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, June 14, 2023 / TOP25RESTAURANTS / The highly anticipated 2023 selection of the top 25 restaurants in Bangkok, was announced today, highlighting the best restaurants in the Thai capital, illustrating why the city is a favourite gastronomy destination for gourmets and gourmands.

This year’s awards recognise the achievements of Bangkok’s best 25 restaurants, chosen and ranked by the Restaurant Rating Index, an objective curation and measuring standard based on artificial intelligence and enhanced by professional discernment.

Sorn restaurant took the city’s top position for fine dining. Sorn is helmed by chef Supaksorn ‘Ice’ Jongsiri, preparing fine Southern Thai cuisine focusing on local seafood enhanced with local ingredients and spices.  The celebrated Thai eatery was closely followed by Chef’s Table and Mezzaluna, the two restaurants share the second position and both are located at lebua, the world’s first luxury vertical destination. In third and fourth position two internationally recognized restaurants for French fine dining, Savelberg and Côte by Mauro Colagreco.

Ten restaurants were newly awarded and included in the top 25, among them Juksunchae, the first Korean fine dining in Bangkok, Maison Dunand by 2-star Michelin chef Arnaud Dunand and Wang Hinghoi serving deconstructed Thai food while watching a firefly show (full list below).

Chefs from the top restaurants, assembled at the Italian restaurant La Scala, The Sukhothai Bangkok, waited anxiously the announcement all hoping their hard work and dedication will be recognized and rewarded. Cheers erupted and smiles illuminate faces, as a collective sense of accomplishment filled the room.

Each of TOP25 Restaurants Bangkok Award Winners received a prestigious trophy engraved with the restaurant name and it’s 2023 rank. The trophies were presented by Mr. Boonserm Khunkaew, Deputy Director-General, Department of Tourism in the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand.

“We are eager to share the 2023 Award Winners in Bangkok, said Bernard Metzger, Founder of the TOP25 Restaurants Guide series. Bangkok’s finest restaurants continue to impress patrons with the outstanding and delectable food being served in the Thai capital. We are excited to celebrate their accomplishments and to reveal some new, unique discoveries.”

He further added “I encourage all patrons, industry stakeholders and visitors to join us not only in celebrating the achievements of the winners and be inspired by their accomplishments, but also to support and celebrate culinary arts and efforts from all restaurants in Bangkok, in particular from all our nominees.”

THE 2023 TOP25 RESTAURANTS IN BANGKOK
Ranked by the Restaurant Rating Index

1. Sorn, Southern Thai Cuisine
2. Chef’s Table, French Fine Dining
2. Mezzaluna, Experiential European
3. Savelberg, French Fine Dining
4. Côte by Mauro Colagreco, Innovative French
5. Potong, Progressive Thai-Chinese
6. Le Du, Modern Thai
7. Gaa, Progressive Indian
8. R-Haan, Royal Thai
9. Baan Tepa, Modern Thai
10. Sühring, Modern German
11. IGNIV, Progressive European
12. Blue by A. Ducasse, Classic French
13. Aksorn by David Thompson, Traditional Thai
14. Le Normandie by Alain Roux, French Fine Dining
15. Sushi Masato, Omakase
16. Signature, Floral Cuisine
17. Yu Ting Yuan, Cantonese
18. Maison Dunand, French Contemporary
19. Elements, Modern French
20. Vilas, Classic Thai
21. La Scala, Italian Fine Dining
22. Juksunchae, Modern Korean
23. Resonance, Boundless Cuisine
24. Wang Hinghoi, Deconstructed Thai
25. Keller, Contemporary European

Since 2018, the annual list and awards are based on Travelindex owned and patented “Restaurant Rating Index”. Some of the key indicators used by the multi-assets index include, but not limited to, quality of the food, ambience and comfort, value for money, as well as social indicators as online presence, social markers, online footprint, media engagement and review content analysis by AI.

The Restaurant Rating Index is a recognised benchmark for rating quality restaurants and chefs strive to be listed in the TOP25 Restaurants because it increases the restaurant’s reputation and draws in more customers. All restaurants listed, winners and nominees, always provide an unforgettable dining experience.

The list of the awards winners and all nominated restaurants is available online at: https://bangkok.top25restaurants.com/

About TOP25 Restaurants by Travelindex
Travelindex is a content-driven ecosystem for the travel and tourism sectors. The media group operates an open and free digital platform, connecting directly millions of travelers worldwide, providing inspiration and advice for discerning tourists. The TOP25 Restaurants guides leverage the world’s first independent rating system based on artificial intelligence combined with human expertise, to curate a premium selection of restaurants and dining choices, wherever you are. We bring together the best of all cuisines with every establishment chosen first and foremost for the quality of food and service. The annual TOP25 Awards showcase the most outstanding restaurants and the ultimate collection of dining venues.

In addition to Bangkok, Travelindex also publishes TOP25 Restaurants Guides in following destinations: Phuket, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Delhi. www.top25restaurants.com

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Restaurant Le Royal Reopens at Raffles Hotel Le Royal

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Restaurant Le Royal Reopens at Raffles Hotel Le Royal - TOP25RESTAURANTS.comPhnom Penh, Cambodia, December 5, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Restaurant Le Royal, the acclaimed Khmer fine dining venue at the 90-year-old Raffles Hotel Le Royal in the Cambodian capital, has relaunched following an inspired refurbishment.

The restaurant’s new menu continues to spotlight authentic Royal Khmer cuisine alongside modern Khmer gastronomy whose offerings will be updated monthly. Restaurant Le Royal’s elegant and sophisticated interior features beautiful original artwork amid gleaming white walls and a bank of arched windows overlooking a lush courtyard.

• Discover Vietnam’s and the World’s Best Restaurants at TOP25Restaurants.com</a

For its reopening, the Royal Khmer menu at Restaurant Le Royal includes the following dishes, among others: Nhoam Svay (green mango salad with grilled prawns, Nuoc Mam sauce and peanuts); Phlea Trey Tonle (marinated bar fish cured with lime, lemongrass and a homemade spice mixture); Kd’arm Trung Kroeung Stuffed Crab (crab shell, coriander root, dried chili and fresh herbs); Takeo River Lobster Amok (served in young coconut with steamed rice); and for dessert Chek Chhoeng Skar (pan-fried caramelized banana with orange sauce) and Num Khmer Bai Mouk (a trio of Khmer sweets: sticky rice, taro cake and sweet potato).

The modern Khmer menu features Marinated Beef Carpaccio (cured with lime, chili and garlic, mixed fresh herbs, spiced foam); Kandal Province Pumpkin Soup (open foie gras ravioli, coconut cream); US Scallops, Amok Reduction (baby bok choy, river fish and curry cake); Seared Duck Breast (kale, garlic oyster sauce, organic rice); and Flambeed Banana (caramel banana mousse, crumble banana chips, sponge cake).

“Restaurant Le Royal offers an extraordinary dining experience with Royal Khmer recipes that have been handed down to Raffles Hotel Le Royal by decree from the royal palace. It’s an authentic, distinctive and truly memorable place,” said Executive Chef Martin Becquart.

Regarded as one of Cambodia’s finest restaurants, Restaurant Le Royal operates from Monday to Saturday (closed on Sundays) for dinner only from 6pm onward. A piano soloist serenades diners with traditional Cambodian classics from the golden era, and a regular sabrage ceremony is also featured.

• Discover Vietnam’s and the World’s Best Restaurants at TOP25Restaurants.com

Voted the No. 1 hotel in Cambodia by readers of the US-based travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler in its annual Readers’ Choice Awards in October, Raffles Hotel Le Royal originally opened in 1929. The hotel features 175 rooms and suites that underwent a full refurbishment as part of a meticulous one-year restoration project in 2019.

For reservations or inquiries about dining at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, please contact 023 981 888

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.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Innovation and Sustainability at UNWTO Global Wine Tourism Conference

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Innovation and Sustainability at UNWTO Global Wine Tourism Conference - TOP25VINEYARDS.com - TRAVELINDEXAlba, Italy, September 15, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO and the Government of Italy will celebrate the 6th Global Conference on Wine Tourism. Under the theme ‘What’s next? Wine tourism pairs with Innovation…’ and building up on the success of the past five editions, this 6th edition will take place on 19-21 September 2022, in Alba in the Piemonte region, at the heart of the ‘Vineyard Landscape of Piemonte: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato’, a UNESCO recognized Heritage Site.

• Discover the World’s Best Vineyards only at TOP25Vineyards.com.

Featuring over 30 international speakers, the Conference will focus on the role of innovation in the future of wine tourism, how can wine tourism be more sustainable and what are the opportunities of digital and social to enhance the wine tourism value chain and create local benefits.

UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili says: “As the sector’s recovery get underway, I am confident that the conference will represent a unique opportunity to learn from experiences that face up these challenging times to ensure a successful and resilient wine tourism sector in the future”.

Massimo Garavaglia Italian Minister of Tourism: “Wine tourism is much more than just selling wine, which clearly is important.  When you sell a bottle of wine, you are selling the territory behind that bottle, the culture of that territory, the history of the men who designed these landscapes with the rows of vines.”

As the sector’s recovery get underway, I am confident that the conference will represent a unique opportunity to learn from experiences that face up these challenging times to ensure a successful and resilient wine tourism sector in the future

“Wine-related tourism has a component in environmental sustainability. It is a component of slow tourism, partly different from traditional tourism. And it is no coincidence that 90 percent of tourists have a food and wine experience during their visit.”

“For these reasons, the UNWTO Alba Conference is certainly a great event for the Piemonte Region. But it is also for all Italian regions, because it provides an international showcase for the entire Italian territory”.

“Wine is a driver of Italy’s image worldwide, and an increasingly popular tourist attraction for visitors, thanks to how it blends with our country’s characteristic culture, art and history. In today’s uncertain circumstances, it is of central importance to strengthen the sector’s ability to remain competitive, so the Alba event will offer a key opportunity for the world of wine to reflect on the prospects and challenges wine tourism is set to face”, said ENIT CEO Roberta Garibaldi.

Piemonte Region, Councillor for Tourism, Vittoria Poggio says: “We are honored to welcome this important event, whose work will be preceded and accompanied by a rich program of events related to wine on the entire Piedmont. It will be a prestigious moment to introduce the world to the excellence of wine and tourism of our region, to discuss new issues and opportunities for the sector”.

Mariano Rabino, President of Ente Turismo Langhe Monferrato Roero, says: «We are proud that Langhe Monferrato Roero region has been chosen to welcome the 6th UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism. For the first time, this Conference will be hosted in Italy and hundreds of delegates and institutional representatives will reach our region to attend the event. They will not only have the opportunity to discuss the main themes of wine tourism, but they will also have the chance to discover the beauties and the uniqueness of our hills. Our region is a pioneer in the world of wine tourism and among the first in Italy and in the world to interpret the demands of a constantly growing tourism market. The challenge today is to continue on this path, keeping the compass oriented towards a development looking to innovation, diversification and environmental, economic and social sustainability».

Over the two days of this edition, 300 professionals from the sector, leading experts and institutional representatives will benefit from the live debates, keynote speeches and workshops that experienced speakers will bring to Alba.

• Discover the World’s Best Vineyards only at TOP25Vineyards.com.

Among these, David Furer, Wine Business Communications and harpers, Writer; Wine Future and Green Wine Future, Program Director; Carlo Petrini, Founder of Slow Food; Tanisha Townsend, Chief Wine Officer, Girl Meets Glass; Chef Pilar Rodriguez from Food & Wine Studio and UNWTO Gastronomy Tourism Ambassador, Mauro Agnoletti, UNESCO Chair, Agricultural Heritage Landscapes Institute of Higher Education University of Florence, Marta Domènech Tomas, General Director of Tourism of Catalunya, Spain, Martin Hawke, Head of Global Product of WINERIST, Pamela Lanier, Founder of the Sonoma Sustainable Tourism Observatory, Roberta Garibaldi, CEO of Italy’s National Tourism Board (ENIT), Niklas Ridoff, CEO of WineTourism.com, David Mora, Founder of Wine Tourism School, Filippo Polidori, Food GURU and CEO of Polidori and Partners, Jana Kreilein, Founder of the.wine.girl, Julia Zuccardi from Bodegas Zuccardi, Sofía Ruiz Cavanagh, CEO of Wineobs, Martin Lhuillier, Head of Wine Tourism in Atout France, the French National Tourism Board, Luca Balbiano, President of the Urban Vineyard Association in Italy, António Pé-Curto, CEO & Founder of Alle Wine and Santiago Vivanco, Vice President and Director General of Fundación Vivanco.

The Conference also includes a High Level Panel on The Future of Wine Tourism, where the necessary policies to advance wine tourism will be discussed by the Minister of Tourism of Bulgaria, the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, the Deputy Minister of Tourism of Greece, the Minister of Tourism of Italy, the Minister of Culture of Moldova, the Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce and Services of Portugal, the Minister of Tourism, Posts, Cooperation and Expo of San Marino and the Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications of Serbia.

Since 2016, the Conference has highlighted the importance of wine tourism to the socio-economic development of destinations and has served as a platform to exchange experiences, identify good practices and promote wine tourism as a tool for sustainable development.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Rediscover the Beauty of Oman at Al Jabal Al Akhdar

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Rediscover the Beauty of Oman at Al Jabal Al Akhdar

Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman, September 15, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas look forward to welcoming international travellers back to the luxurious comfort of Oman. Following the recent announcements of the Sultanate of Oman’s Supreme Committee for dealing with Covid-19 and Civil Aviation Authority, passengers who arrive in the country no longer need to quarantine if they have proof of full vaccination and can provide a negative test result for Covid-19 taken before they travel. All travellers must register on the Tarassud + platform before travelling and upload the relevant documents, including a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival, for flights lasting less than eight hours; or a negative PCR test taken no more than 96 hours before arrival, for flights of eight hours or more.

• Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar is a Nominee at the World’s Best Luxury Hotels and Prestigious Hotel Awards, go to Top25Hotels.com

Dramatic Vistas from North to South

Anantara Resorts in Oman extend an invitation to new and returning guests to immerse themselves in the many treasures that the country offers. From the awe-inspiring canyons of Al Jabal Al Akhdar to rich cultural experiences across the country, travellers will find many diversions to rouse their curiosity. Delve into this intriguing destination while experiencing the heartfelt hospitality that Anantara is famous for. Coupled with the fantastic news that border restrictions have eased, both Anantara properties in Oman are pleased to offer guests great savings on longer stays to enjoy more of the many spoils of this country.

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara – A Blend of Beach and Lagoon Luxury

Retreat to the lush Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara for a stay that promises refreshment and relaxation. Every room offers a soothing view, whether it’s the tranquil gardens, the turquoise of the ocean or the languid lagoon. Save between 25% – 40% on our luxurious accommodation with breakfast when you stay four nights or more. Enjoy sunset walks on the white sands of our private beach, or explore the coastal fortresses steeped in history. Lazy days can be spent by the infinity pool, while pure pampering awaits with exotic rituals at Anantara Spa. Every meal is infused with local flair and our kind staff will make your stay in Salalah one that you will never forget.

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort – A Majestic Mountain Paradise

Escape to Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort to experience supreme hospitality at one of the highest resorts on earth. Book for three nights or longer and save between 20% – 30% on canyon rooms with breathtaking views or villas with verdant gardens and pools. Get your adrenalin pumping with cliff edge sports or wander down into ancient villages to learn more about the culture. Whether you fancy a cookery class mastering the intricacies of Omani cuisine, or practicing your asanas on the mountaintop, there’s an activity to engage you on your holiday. Spa journeys using local rosewater and pomegranate will sooth you gently, while dining at our restaurants is an indulgent pleasure.

Every member of the team at both resorts is dedicated to delivering elevated service and luxury for every guest and a warm welcome awaits. Simply ensure you have all the correct documentation to upload to the Tarrasud+ platform and embark on your long-awaited holiday. Treat yourself to an unforgettable journey in an enchanting destination.

• Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar is a Nominee at the World’s Best Luxury Hotels and Prestigious Hotel Awards, go to Top25Hotels.com

About Anantara Hotels & Resorts
Anantara is a luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, connecting them to genuine places, people and stories through personal experiences, and providing heartfelt hospitality in the world’s most exciting destinations. The collection of distinct, thoughtfully designed luxury hotels and resorts provides a window through which to journey into invigorating new territory, curating personal travel experiences.

From cosmopolitan cities to desert sands to lush islands, Anantara connects travellers to the indigenous, grounds them in authentic luxury, and hosts them with passionate expertise. The portfolio currently boasts over 40 stunning properties located in Thailand, the Maldives, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Mozambique, Zambia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Tunisia, Portugal and Spain, with a pipeline of future properties across Asia, the Indian Ocean, Middle East and Africa.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News