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LUX* Resorts Launches Global Feel-Good Advertising Campaign

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LUX* Resorts & Hotels has launched their new 2017 advertising campaign ‘Smile All The Stay’, that rethinks and redefines luxury around the themes of joy, happiness and time devoted to long cherished holidays.

Developed in partnership with creative agency BETC Paris, the campaign reminds guests to savour the ‘joie de vivre’ by keeping in mind the simplest acts of generosity, connection and care. It all starts with reconnecting to the moments that mean the most and helping guests to make the time to fully experience life’s magic.

Six advertisements represent the fun, light-hearted and unexpected atmosphere and lifestyle of LUX* Resorts & Hotels, using messages and images suited to a young-spirited audience. The campaign will feature across international publications including Condé Nast Traveller, Tatler, Harper’s Bazaar, Monocle, FT How to Spend It, GQ and Vanity Fair, as well as select Australian consumer lifestyle titles.

The advertising campaign supports LUX* Resorts aim to grow their Australian business by more than 50% in the coming 2 years. To date, the Australian market has continued to rank in their top 10 source of revenue for the past 2 years in a row.

“This campaign simulates the joy, happiness and smile of a stress-free LUX* holiday. This creative approach flaunts the values that create our brand’s DNA, while helping guests to celebrate life and enjoy the reasons to go LUX*,” said Julian Hagger, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at LUX* Resorts & Hotels.

The LUX* lifestyle advertising campaign conveys ultimately what every guest wants when on holiday – to be happy. Checkout the new “why LUX*” advert video here.

MANTRA SOUTHBANK, MELBOURNE GETS A $2M ARTS-INSPIRED MAKEOVER

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Mantra Southbank, Melbourne has received a multi-million dollar refurbishment which has transformed the hotel’s spacious apartment-style guest rooms into a sophisticated arts-inspired urban oasis.

Award-winning architecture and interior design firm Arkhefield, who was at the helm of the makeover, drew inspiration for the new design from Mantra Southbank’s premier location in Melbourne’s vibrant arts and entertainment district.

118 one and two bedroom apartments have been rejuvenated, combining the ultimate in guest comfort with a contemporary elegant design.

A custom-designed wallpaper featuring some of Melbourne’s iconic city locations juxtaposed with an ethereal prima ballerina acts as a focal point in the refurbished one and two bedroom apartments and a sophisticated monochromatic colour scheme with tasteful bursts of colour adds theatrics.

All apartments now include stylish new soft furnishings throughout, including the supreme plushness of brand new mattresses and bedding packages, new window furnishings and bespoke joinery specific to each apartment to maximise functionality for both families and corporates alike.

Mantra Southbank is ideally located at 31 City Road, Southbank in Melbourne’s vibrant arts and entertainment district and within close proximity to Crown Casino and the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Crowne Plaza makes its return to Christchurch

Crowne Plaza Christchurch features 204 rooms

Crowne Plaza Christchurch is returning to the city – a new, contemporary space for visitors and locals to connect with a revitalised city centre.

Promising to be the largest upscale hotel in the Christchurch CBD with 204 modern rooms, a new café, bar and restaurant and four modern event spaces, the hotel opens its doors this Friday June 30.

The return of the brand to the city is a significant milestone for the current owners of the former office building, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), and Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism.

Building co-owner Shane Le Compte of local investment and development company MC Christchurch Holdings said the former Crowne Plaza Christchurch had a loyal following amongst Cantabrians.

“That was one of the main reasons for us wanting to bring the brand back to the city,” he said.

“We’ve worked closely with IHG and our design team to develop an international hotel with a local feel, and we feel we’ve achieved that.”

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone who comes through the doors this weekend so we can start to make the hotel once again an iconic destination in Christchurch.”

The hotel location radiates history. In fact one of Christchurch’s first hotels, The Golden Fleece, opened on the same site in 1851 after the legendary ‘First Four Ships’ arrived with the city’s early settlers.

This is reflected in Crowne Plaza Christchurch’s dining and meeting spaces: ‘Market Place’ restaurant and bar echoes the original name of nearby Victoria Square, ‘Café 1851’ reflects the notable date for the hotel site, and the ‘Ellis, Gartner and Oram’ meeting rooms are named after the original Golden Fleece owners.

While history is woven into the heart and soul of the property, the emphasis is firmly on the new.

InterContinental & Taylors Wines partner for incredible wine experiences 

The Fireplace - Night

Renowned for delivering exceptional wine and dining experiences, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort is set to pour a trio of unique events in partnership with winemaking family heavyweights, Taylors Wines, to celebrate the annual Sanctuary Cove Winter Wine Festival this 22 & 23 July 2017.

Across two exclusive days, guests, visitors and wine aficionados alike will have access to a unique event line-up at the Resort including:

Executive Sous Chef Jason Turner spearheads a bespoke dining experience inside the Resort’s signature restaurant, The Fireplace, with expert pairing to a line-up of the finest Taylors Wines.

Designed as a culinary expedition guided by fine drops from Clare Valley, the wine dinner features a three-course menu from Jason Turner showcasing the best local produce with citrus cured salmon, beef wellington with Taylor Shiraz jus, and vanilla panna cotta with honeycomb, meringue and edible flowers.

The region’s first High Coffee experience welcomes the Winter Wine Festival with a special twist on tradition, infusing the sparkle of Taylors Wines.

High Coffee enthusiasts will be welcomed with a glass of Taylors Brut Cuvee Sparkling wine on arrival, followed by a three-tiered stand of traditional afternoon sandwiches, warm savouries, a palate cleansing sorbet, warmed afternoon sweets and espresso-inspired delicacies.

The evolution of coffee emerges with a variety of espressos, slow-brewed Chemex and our signature espresso martinis.

The best of the Winter Wine Festival is delivered to the Resort door with the Taylors Wines discovery library. Activated inside the newly-refurbished The Verandah Bar, wine expert, Wendee De Ryke, will host the pop-up library with exclusive tastings of the Taylors Jaraman & Taylor Made ranges available inside the Resort.

Complimentary to guests of the Sanctuary Cove Winter Wine Festival, the pop-up discovery bar will offer an exclusive range of drops selected exclusively for the event.

Expedia launches Rev+ to help hotels manage revenue

The Expedia group, the world’s largest online travel company, is officially launching Rev+ in Australia.

As part of Expedia PartnerCentral (EPC), the company’s partner portal which helps hotels manage their properties and rates, Rev+ is a revenue management tool designed to provide actionable data and insights to empower partners to make smart decisions to optimize their revenue.

Rev+, an essential tool for revenue managers, comes at no additional costs for hotel partners, and doesn’t require additional sign-up.

Current features include:

  • Price Calendar: A comprehensive view of a hotel’s pricing relative to their competitive set for the next 365 days.
  • Market Alerts: An alert system that helps our Hotel Partners find the most recent and relevant changes in their market.
  • Daily Snapshot: Additional insights about what’s happening on a specific day; including forecasted demand and know events.
  • Competitive Price Grid: Surfacing a hotel’s pricing trends relative to their competitive set over

Rev+ will be another important tool provided to hotel partners, at no additional costs.

Veriu Broadway hotel launch

Veriu Broadway first guest

Sydney’s newest hotel brand – Veriu Hotels Suites – has launched this month with the opening of Veriu Broadway.

Veriu Broadway is an $18 million former warehouse conversion located on Mountain Street, Ultimo and is part of a pipeline of six hotels scheduled to open under the Veriu brand by 2019 which, in total, will add a further 500 rooms to the Sydney hotel landscape.

These other projects include Veriu Camperdown and Veriu Randwick – also launching this month following complete refurbishments, with further openings set for Sydney Central and Pyrmont in 2018.  The much anticipated 144-room new build hotel at Green Square in partnership with property fund managers, Folkstone, is also slated for early 2019.  Other projects are also under discussion for opening by 2020.

Veriu Hotel directors, Rhys Williams and Alex Thorpe, are the brains behind the new hotel concept, bringing 20 years of experience in property development and management with them to the brand which promises an ‘all local’ approach.

Pictured above is the Veriu Broadway GM Patrick O’Meley with first guest Jessica Papain from Perth.  Doors opened this week with a special launch offer of 25 per cent off on minimum two night stays booked via www.veriu.com.au.  Rooms are spacious self contained loft style and the hotel offers on site cafe and complimentary commuter bikes to explore the local area.

OUTRIGGER GUESTS DIVE INTO DUKE’S OCEANFEST

This summer, Duke’s OceanFest – Waikiki’s premier ocean sports festival and celebration to honor the iconic waterman Duke Paoa Kahanamoku –  brings nine days of beachside activities to water enthusiasts from Aug. 19 to 27. As the official hotel sponsor of Waikiki’s ultimate spectator sporting event, Outrigger Hotels and Resorts is making a splash by offering guests and participants the opportunity to experience the excitement first-hand with the exclusive Duke’s OceanFest VIP Package at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, available now through August 18.

“Outrigger is pleased to help perpetuate the legacy of aloha and fellowship of Duke Kahanamoku through our long-time sponsorship of Duke’s OceanFest,” said Sean Dee executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Outrigger Enterprises Group.

“The waters fronting Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort were the playground for Duke and his surf team; today, our guests can enjoy this pristine location, catch the same waves, then head to Duke’s Waikiki – one of the most iconic beach bars in the world – to enjoy some great food and pay tribute to the original ambassador of aloha.”

Duke’s OceanFest VIP Package at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort

Starting at just $284 per night for stays between August 15 and August 30, Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort invites guests to soak in all the ocean-themed activities and entertainment with its 2017 Duke’s OceanFest VIP hotel package, which offers:

  • Daily breakfast buffet for two at Duke’s Waikiki restaurant
  • Nightly turn-down service
  • Two Duke’s OceanFest souvenir t-shirts
  • Two tickets to the VIP ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 19
  • Two tickets to the VIP reception at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort on Aug. 23
  • Two tickets to the Great Hawaiian Legends Luau at the Waikiki Aquarium on Saturday, Aug. 26

QT Melbourne Partners with the Creative State Summit 

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QT Melbourne is thrilled to announce its partnership with Victoria’s first Creative State Summit which will bring together leading innovators from across the state to share ideas, forge new collaborations and connections at the inaugural summit delivered by REMIX Summits between 28 – 30 June 2017.

Supporting creativity in all its forms is at the heart of QT Hotels & Resorts and the Creative State Summit, which will see both parties working closely to create bespoke events and opportunities that reflect the city’s intrinsic creative and artistic ethos.

Presented by Creative Victoria, the government agency for the Creative Industries, it will be produced by REMIX Summits; a series that takes place annually in cities across the globe including London, Sydney, New York and Dubai. Having previously partnered with QT Melbourne’s sister flagship hotel, QT Sydney, REMIX explores the intersection of culture, technology and entrepreneurship.

The already sold out event is made up of more than 100 speakers from all over the world and 400 delegates across a multitude of creative disciplines, and will take place across ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image), Arts Centre Melbourne, the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria), and the Melbourne Recital Centre – all a short stroll from designer hotel QT Melbourne.

Announcing Meriton Suites

Meriton Serviced Apartments have announced their evolution to Meriton Suites. An integral component of their rebrand is the launch of the newly developed Meriton Suites website, an innovative reformation that goes hand-in-hand with the company’s effort to expand and adapt to customer’s needs.

Owning and operating almost 4500 premium suites across 17, soon to be 21, thriving locations in Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the hotel chain hopes Meriton Suites will redefine the value-oriented mindset of the past in its provision of extra space, convenience and the comforts that emulate a home away from home experience.

Meriton Suites’ Group General Manager and Dirctor of Meriton Group, Matthew Thomas, said, “By streamlining direct bookings with an enhanced user-experience and easy accessibility, our guests are able to undergo a seamless and unparalleled experience from start to finish.

“The reimagined brand, Meriton Suites, ascertains a modern reflection that is globally synonymous with premium apartment-styled hotel accommodation.”

Oaks Hotels & Resorts waves the rainbow flag

Oaks Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce its partnership with the 2018 LGBTI Awards, signalling the hoteliers inaugural dedicated LGBTI sponsorship.

Celebrating the incredible achievements of members of the LGBTI community, the aim of the Awards is to create awareness and bring together both allies and the LGBTI community to help in the fight against injustice and inequality.

As one of Australia’s leading self-contained accommodation providers, Oaks Hotels & Resorts is honoured to come on board as a ‘Destination’ sponsor for this important campaign.

“We are delighted to be a part of not only this event, but more specifically, what it stands for. We are proud to be a part of the wider fight for change and true equality that the LGBTI community so truly deserves,” Ms Kira Klein.

“We’ll admit we are new to the game, with this being our first LGBTI collaboration, though I’m pleased to announce this partnership has kick-started a change in the tide for us at Oaks Hotels & Resorts and we have pledged our ongoing support to the LGBTI community,” she said.

Nominations are now open; for more information or to nominate for this year’s categories visit: www.australianlgbtiawards.com.au/public-nominations.html

Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa Opens Unique Beachfront Events and Adults Only Complex

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Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa announces the opening of a stunning new venue, designed specifically to attract Fiji’s growing MICE and destination wedding market.

Situated on 2.5 kilometres of private beachfront, commanding stunning South Pacific Ocean views, the new versatile indoor and outdoor venue can cater up to 240 guests in its purpose-built, flexible and modern spaces, to be known as Vision Meeting Room.

The new facilities at the resort also include KORO, a beachfront restaurant, bar and pool complex, which is located adjacent to the event venue and is designed exclusively for adults only to eat, drink and relax.  KORO is open for breakfast, followed by all-day dining options from a shared plates inspired menu. This space can be booked for events in combination with the meeting facilities and is perfect for pre-or-post cocktail functions and dining events.

To complete the new facility offering, a purpose-built spa and gym will open alongside KORO complex. The spa offers a sanctuary for adults and families, with dedicated lounge areas for each, along with luxurious treatment rooms and an outdoor plunge pool, while the gym has all the latest equipment and exercise machines guests need for a thorough workout.

The stunning venues, dedicated service and exclusive beachfront location combine to make the resort the perfect destination for any meeting, event or wedding.

Stay 4, Pay 3 Offer at Matakauri Lodge, New Zealand

Queenstown’s much awarded lakeside retreat Matakauri Lodge invites guests to unwind and relax thanks to a just announced Stay Four, Pay Three offer, valid from 1 May, 2017 to 30 September, 2017.

The special offer for allows more time to take in the beauty of this remarkable part of the New Zealand’s South Island and to enjoy more of the fabulous activities, as guests stay for four nights, yet only pay for three.

Ideal for an escape to experience Arrowtown’s vivid autumn colours, Queenstown’s bustling town centre or perhaps a winter getaway to enjoy the extended ski season, the Stay Four, Pay Three offer provides guests booking three or more nights with an additional bonus night as Matakauri Lodge takes care of the final night’s tariff.

Matakauri Lodge’s great value offer is available in all room/suite categories at the published seasonal rates.

The Stay Four, Pay Three Offer includes:

  • Accommodation (room type) of guest’s choice
  • Pre-dinner drinks, canapes, and gourmet dinner each evening
  • Full Breakfast each morning
  • Complimentary non-alcoholic mini-bar and use of all lodge facilities (excluding spa treatments)

Brisbane’s new mysterious cocktail bar requires a compass and code word to gain access

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Keeping true to the thrill of a speakeasy, Legends Speakeasy Bar serves up a 1900’s prohibition experience in a secret location only disclosed through longitudinal and latitudinal co-ordinates.

Finding the entrance is half the challenge. To gain entry, guests are then required to recite a passcode which is posted to the bar’s social media accounts every Thursday at 3:30pm.

Once inside, the theatrics continue as patrons are greeted by the sound of jazz and blues which match the bar’s old-world-saloon-meets-Victorian-steampunk aesthetic.

It was 26-year-old AccorHotels Restaurant and Bar Manager Bharathraj vallekadavil Rajiv (Bharath), who stumbled across the bar’s hidden location and saw its raw potential.

Instead of spending money on signage and advertising, Baharath invested time in disguising the bar’s entrance even further and developed a social media strategy to create buzz surrounding the secret bars launch. In just 4 weeks, the bar’s Instagram page has gained over 1,450 followers.

Legends stocks over 180 liquors and top shelf spirits as well as a variety of wine and tap beer, however it’s their artesian cocktails that are in high demand. The seasonal cocktail list is comprised of ten classic concoctions that give a nod to the 80’s, as well as ten signature cocktails that have been developed by Bharath himself.

Legends Speakeasy Bar is open 4pm til late Thursday – Sunday.

Celebrate The 4th of July at The Marmara Park Avenue

Experience views of the Empire State Building and famous fireworks displays of the East River with exclusive access to the hotel’s 4th of July Rooftop Party.

Each room reservation includes: One Complimentary Drink from OneOneFour Bar & Lounge, Continental Breakfast, and Exclusive Access to our Rooftop Party for $299.00.

Offer valid when booking a Studio Suite July 2nd-5th 2017. Book here.

Sofitel Melbourne On Collins shines at industry TAA Awards

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Sofitel Melbourne On Collins’ premier dining destination, No35, claimed the coveted title of Best Deluxe Restaurant of the Year at the 2017 Tourism Accommodation Australia (Victoria) (TAA) Accommodation Awards, held in Melbourne.

The event welcomed over 500 hoteliers and hospitality industry leaders, including key Victorian government officials.

The night also saw two members of Sofitel Melbourne On Collins team win awards:  Nasriya Juma, Duty Manager, was awarded Front Office Services Employee of the Year whilst Muhammad Zeeshan, Director of Revenue and Distribution, was awarded Revenue Manager Employee of the Year.

The hotel also received finalist status across five additional categories including Best Deluxe Accommodation Hotel of the Year, Hotel Club Lounge of the Year, Best Marketed Accommodation Provider, Sales Employee of the Year and Administration Employee of the Year.

Mercure Hotels claim coveted titles at 2017 TAA Awards

Mercure Treasury Gardens GM Guy Marinucci

Sofitel wasn’t the only venue claiming awards from TAA.

AccorHotels’ international midscale hotel brand, Mercure, was front and centre at the 2017 Tourism Accommodation Australia (Victoria) (TAA) Accommodation Awards, with both Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens and Mercure Warragul receiving noteworthy accolades.

Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens claimed the title of Mid-Range Accommodation Hotel of the Year, whilst Mercure Warragul was awarded   Regional Accommodation of the Year.

The event welcomed over 500 hoteliers and hospitality industry leaders, including key Victoria’s government officials.

Hilton Brisbane Partners with Brisbane Times Good Food Month

Between 1 and 31 July 2017, Hilton Brisbane will celebrate Brisbane Times Good Food Month at the city’s extremely popular Night Noodle Markets and at the hotel’s restaurant Vintaged Bar + Grill. Hilton Brisbane’s involvement in Brisbane Times Good Food Month is in conjunction with the hotel group’s partnership with Fairfax Events Good Food Month nationally.

Chris Partridge, general manager, Hilton Brisbane, said, “Our partnership with Brisbane Times Good Food Month gives us the opportunity to offer Brisbane a sneak peak of the exciting, quality food experience our hotel is known for.”

Running from 19 to 30 July at the Cultural Forecourt at South Bank, Vintaged Bar + Grill will have a stand at the Night Noodle Markets, selling its take on Asian hawker style food.

The three dishes that will be on offer during the Night Noodle Markets were voted on by six local food influencers who were asked to score a number of potential dishes based on a set of criteria which included their willingness to wait in queue for the dish, their willingness to Instagram the dish, the likeliness of them going back for seconds, etc.

From there, the scores were tallied and the three dishes were chosen.

Visitors to the Night Noodle Markets can look forward to a delicious spread including roast pumpkin noodles, served with makgalbijjim beef, mushrooms, green olives and pepitas ($15), buckwheat noodles, served with fried broccoli, garlic, chilli flakes and katsuobushi furikake ($13) as well as egg noodles, served with hong shao rou pork, egg, kampot pepper and chickpea miso ($15).

Vintaged Bar + Grill will also play host to three of Australia’s most esteemed producers for an intimate ‘Meet the Makers’ dinner on 12 July 2017. Executive Chef Matthew Wood will be utilising products from all three makers to create a seasonal three-course menu that is reflective of their exceptional produce.

2017 Good Food Month dates:

  • Brisbane Times Good Food Month, 1 – 31 July, 2017
  • The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Month, 1 – 31 October, 2017
  • The Age Good Food Month, 1 – 30 November, 2017

ALILA HOTELS & RESORTS INTRODUCES A GIFT TO SHARE 

Hidden away in the Aravalli hills in Rajasthan, a world away from the crowds on the conventional Jaipur-Jodphur-Udaipur trail, an hour’s drive from Jaipur, is Alila Fort Bishangarh – a 230-year-old defence fortress.

After seven years in the remaking, it has undergone a brilliant transformation and will unveil all 59 suites this July 2017.  It is the second ALILA property in India following Alila Diwa Goa which opened in 2010.

To celebrate its Summer launch, Alila Fort Bishangarh has crafted an introductory package that allows guests to give back to the community with their Gift-to-Share Program.

Gift-to-Share Program

Renowned for its unique destination experiences, Alila also proudly positions itself as a hotel brand with a strong ethos in supporting – and giving back to – the local community.

In booking the Gift-to-Share package, guests at Alila Fort Bishangarh will be supporting the local school, Rajkiya Balika Uch Vidyalaya, whereby 50 per cent of the proceeds after the cost of services, are donated directly to the school. This will help fund the purchase of learning equipment such as laptops, desktops, and smartboards to support the village students.

This is a new destination waiting to be explored at leisure. Between the Bishangarh village and the city of Shahpura, Alila Fort Bishangarh is well placed to explore the beauty and charm of rural Rajasthan.

The 2-night Gift-to-Share package starts from USD187 per night, based on two sharing and excluding local taxes. Included in the package are daily breakfasts and Alila Hospitalities with our compliments:

– Wireless Internet access throughout the resort
– Daily morning Yoga classes based on weekly schedule
– Access to 24-hour Gym facilities
– Alila Living toiletries and bath amenities
– Access to PLAY Alila kids’ club with indoor games and activities

The Gift-To-Share Package is valid for stays from 1 July – 30 September 2017. This offer is only available for booking from now up till 31 June 2017.

Long Weekends & Staycations in Southeast Asia with Preferred Hotels & Resorts

As ASEAN celebrates its Golden Jubilee this year, travelers looking for a quick getaway can experience the cultural diversity, local sights, rich flavours, and unique blend of Southeast Asian hospitality in destinations from the cosmopolitan Singapore to the mystical spire-filled skyline of Myanmar during stays at these distinctive hotels from Preferred Hotels & Resorts offering great Bed and Breakfast specials:

City Life in Singapore:

Known as the “stepping stone into Asia,” Singapore offers travellers a kaleidoscope of experiences from incredible street food to award-winning dining venues, exciting attractions and theme parks to the ubiquitous shopping.

Royal Plaza On Scotts is centrally located in the dynamic shopping district of Orchard Road, where a myriad of dining and entertainment options are available from morning through to the late evening.

Before heading out for their day’s activities, guests can enjoy a sumptuous international buffet breakfast that showcases local favorites at the hotel’s award-winning Carousel restaurant. Rates from US$140 per night.

The Road Less Travelled in Yangon, Myanmar:

To explore the road less travelled, Yangon offers the more adventurous visitor a taste of intriguing Burmese culture and history, set against a dominating backdrop of shimmering golden pagodas.

Located on eight acres of landscaped gardens just minutes away from the city centre alongside the majestic Inya Lake, Sedona Hotel Yangon offers guests beautifully appointed guest rooms with captivating views of the lake and the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda, which towers over the city at 98 meters and is plated with more than 30 tons of gold.

Minutes away is the popular Bogyoke Market where rows of stalls offer tasty local fare and local handicrafts. Rates from US$110 per night.

Beach Time in Boracay, Philippines:

Visitors to the holiday paradise of Boracay, surrounded by azure clear waters, can try their hand at cliff diving, embark on island hopping tours, or enjoy down time with ocean fresh seafood paired with bespoke cocktails at Discovery Shores Boracay, a sprawling all-suite beachfront property located moments away from the glistening white sands of the famous Long White Beach.

Guests can also indulge in on-site spa treatments and a diverse range of cuisine options at the hotel’s four restaurants and bars – from Mediterranean tapas to authentic Filipino fare. Rates from US$267 per night.

Eco Holidays in Borneo, Malaysia:

Kota Kinabalu is home to Kinabalu Park, which is Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, one of Asia’s top locations for rich diversity of fauna and flora, and home to the famous Mount Kinabalu. Resting at the edges of a lush coral reef island off the coast of Borneo, Gayana Marine Resort presents 52 overwater villas that are architecturally designed to enhance the sounds of the surf below while capturing the enduring vistas of Mount Kinabalu on the horizon.

At its heart, the resort is focused on protecting Marine Ecology and features an on-site Marine Ecology Research Centre that passionately propagates endangered Giant Clams and actively restores natural coral reefs. Guests of all ages are warmly welcomed to participate in restoring vibrant life back to the once-damaged ocean floors. Rates from US$222 per night.

Other participating ASEAN hotels include The Landmark Bangkok (Thailand) The Tongsai Bay (Koh Samui, Thailand),  Katamama (Bali, Indonesia), Bungaraya Island Resort (Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia), The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, One Farrer Hotel & Spa (Singapore), and Discovery Primea and Discovery Suites (Manila, Philippines).

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