We’re estimating a high count of grammatical errors in today’s wrap, such is our hangover from last night. And no, we don’t respond to complaints.

Six Senses Reaches New Heights

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas plans to open its first resort in Switzerland in 2020. Upon completion, the 47–room Six Senses Crans-Montana will be located in the canton of Valais. Resort accommodations include 47 guest rooms and suites, with 17 Six Senses residential units already available for purchase.

Two restaurants are planned as well as a sun terrace and bar and retail space. Wellness offerings at the resort include a 22,000 square foot (2,000 square metre) spa specialising in alpine treatments, gym and fitness studio, pool and suspended relaxation area. The spa will also include a dedicated area for children and teen treatments.

Consistent with Six Senses sustainability focus, recycled, local materials will be selected by the architect and design teams and repurposed materials will be used in the manufacture of finishes including flooring, millwork and fabrics. A black water and grey water system are to be included into the infrastructure of the project ensuring that wastewater is not wasted, but reused within the building operations.

New York’s Mark Hotel Launch Sailboat 

The Mark Hotel, known to offer its guests the ultimate in terms of amenities – such as round-the-clock check in, 24/7 shopping at Bergdorf Goodman, etc… is now offering a unique and “first of its kind” experience—The Mark Sailboat.

During the months of July, August and September, hotel guests will be able to charter The Mark Sailboat, a 70-foot Herreshoff-designed vessel that will set sail from Tribeca’s North Cove Marina for a three-hour journey southward into the iconic New York Harbor. With a menu on board provided by The Mark’s resident chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, guests can enjoy exquisite small bites and refreshments while taking in the sunsets and breathtaking views of the New York skyline and Statue of Liberty.

Located in New York’s Upper East Side, The Mark Hotel is housed at the corner of Madison Avenue and 77th Street. In 2009 The Mark was completely reimagined and given new life and identity for the 21st century. The Mark combines old-world comfort, avant-garde design, up-to-the-minute technologies and an unprecedented level of personal service

 Two newly revealed andBeyond lodges

&Beyond Phinda Rock Lodge has officially reopened with a brand new and updated look. The lodge has been comprehensively refurbished in line with &Beyond’s commitment to providing world-class luxury safari experiences.

The unique African adobe style at Phinda Rock Lodge has been enhanced with an earthy soft grey palette and the lodge now boasts interiors that are raw and natural but still convey a sense of luxury and elegance.
The lodge’s guest areas have been redecorated using a combination of beautiful woven linen, hand-embroidered cotton and exquisite Persian carpets. The colour scheme is an elegant combination of oatmeal, grey and stone. The windows in the guest lounge have been replaced with immense French doors, opening up the room onto an extended outdoor veranda. All outdoor decks have been reconfigured to allow plenty of space for al fresco dining, with stretched canvas shades for protection from the sun. A new rooftop terrace provides the ideal venue for dining beneath the stars.

Guest suites have received a similar treatment, with all rooms provided with easier access to their own verandas and views onto the valley below significantly opened up. Bedrooms have been redone in the same colour scheme and soft finishes as the guest areas. Bathrooms have been completely refurbished to feature raw timber slabs and handsome granite surfaces.

AccorHotels celebrates cultural tourism during NAIDOC Week across the Country in July

During NAIDOC Week (2nd – 9th July 2017) AccorHotels across Australia will be celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples through special activities designed to provide cultural tourism experiences for guests. Cultural activities happening at AccorHotels across NAIDOC Week include:

Pullman Bunker Bay Resort Margaret River

• Jingii ‘Learn About’ Sessions
  These sessions are a fun way for kids to learn the local Noongar language and about local native animals including the Australian Kangaroo and humpback whales.
• Six Seasons Garden Exploration: Guests can discover and learn about the plants that are native to the region.
• Karla Wongi ‘Fire Talking’: A sundown ceremony will take place at the hotel for guests called Karla Wongi, which translates to “Fire Talking” in local Wardandi language. This event will be an ethereal evening of Indigenous language and Dreamtime stories with local Wardandi elder Bill and Nina Webb.

Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel: Each day of NAIDOC Week, Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel will be hosting a different event for guests including traditional art and craft classes with local artists, language lessons, movie screenings and an art gallery tour including complimentary tea.
Ibis Adelaide: Guests at ibis Adelaide will have the chance to experience a special three course meal inspired by the local traditions of the Karuna people. Priced at just $55 per person, the menu included items such as Wallaby Shanks and Salt Bush Pavlova and can be matched with a delicious Green Ant Gin & Desert Lime Martini.

Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley and Kirkton Park Hunter Valley join InterContinental Hotels Group

InterContinental Hotels Group has welcomed Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley, a destination of calm sophistication, to the IHG family from 1 July 2017. The 105-room Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley, formerly The Sebel Resort & Spa Hawkesbury Valley, is set amongst 8 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens, making it perfect for either a romantic getaway or as a venue for events of all kind, including conferences, weddings or corporate events.

Only 45 minutes’ drive from Sydney, the hotel has 8 formal and 5 informal meeting rooms, as well as a heated indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, sauna, two tennis courts, croquet lawn, two adjacent golf courses and the only Villa Thalgo Day Spa in Australia.

Also joining IHG is Kirkton Park Hunter Valley, previously The Sebel Kirkton Park Hunter Valley.
One of the Hunter Valley’s most prestigious estates, Kirkton Park Hunter Valley is the ultimate place to escape, unwind and indulge. This boutique hotel is situated on 28 hectares of rolling countryside with spectacular mountain views, blending classic elegance and charm with contemporary style and sophistication.

In addition to these new properties, IHG currently has 32 hotels operating under four brands across Australia and New Zealand: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express with a further 14 in the pipeline including Hotel Indigo.

Stay 4, Pay 3 Free Night Promotion at The Library

Set against the stunning backdrop of Koh Samui’s Chaweng Beach, The Library has announced a Stay 4, Pay 3 Free Night Promotion for guests visiting this beautiful Thai island resort from 1 July until 20 December 2017.

The Stay 4, Pay 3 rates commence at THB10,500 (approx. AUD407) per night for a minimum 3 nights for two people in a Smart Studio including The Library’s daily Signature ‘Breakfast Culture’ at The Page, access to the book and movie collection, use of kayak and windsurfing equipment and high-speed Wi-Fi Internet access. An additional cost applies for 10% service charge, 7% VAT and 1% Provincial Tax.

A member of Design Hotels, The Library presents stunning accommodation in 46 studios, suites and Secret Pool Villas (scheduled opening in November 2017) spread over 12,800 square metres, allowing ample space to read, roam and reflect. The hotel’s library houses more than 1400 books to borrow while The Page restaurant holds fort on the beachfront and guests can also enjoy a meal or cocktail at Drink Gallery by the roadside or work-out in the glass-enclosed gym offering 270-degree sea views.For bookings please contact The Library via rsvn@thelibrarysamui.com and quote FREENIGHT to receive this offer.

Brisbane’s Tryp Hotel Recognised with State Art and Architecture Award

Brisbane’s only street art hotel has been recognised for its unique and contemporary design at the 2017 Queensland State Architecture Awards. Shane Denman Architects received the Australian Institute of Architects Art and Architecture Prize (Qld) for TRYP Fortitude Valley Hotel, Brisbane at the awards event on June 23.

Featuring striking original murals and artworks by acclaimed artists Beastman, Rone, Numskull, Fintan Magee and Seven, the 65-room boutique hotel on Constance Street opened in 2014 and has become an urban design landmark in the cultural hub of Fortitude Valley. In its citation, the panel praised TRYP Fortitude Valley’s salvaged original artworks and newly commissioned pieces which permeate the entire hotel, including the lift shafts, stairways, wallpaper, basins and courtyard walls.

“The resultant architecture is deeply imbued by not only the art and the gritty texture of the surrounding context, but as much by the careful curatorial role of the architects in forming such meaningful assemblage,” it stated.

The architect behind the design and theming for the boutique hotel, Shane Denman from Shane Denman Architects, also received Regional and State commendations for TRYP Fortitude Valley’s interior architecture at the institute’s awards in 2015.

Maldives newest all-villa luxury resort Grand Park Kodhipparu opens

Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, the latest all-villa luxury resort has opened. A one-island-one-resort concept with luxury villas, world-class experiences, incredible dining choices and wide-ranging facilities, the new destination resort is truly paradise on earth. And it’s only a 20-minute transfer from Velana International Airport

With 120 luxurious villas, of which 65 feature private pools, Grand Park Kodhipparu offers guests a variety of choices. Beach Pool, Ocean Water, Lagoon Water, Ocean Pool and Lagoon Pool Water villas offer direct access to white powdery sands or crystal-clear waters. All villas come with spectacular sunrise or sunset views, a sun terrace, indoor and outdoor shower facilities and more. Those looking for ultimate privacy can select one of the five Grand Residences featuring two bedrooms and bathrooms, an exclusive living space and large private pool.

The restaurants and bars at Grand Park Kodhipparu are designed to maximise the natural beauty of Maldives with the menus at each of the three dining outlets carefully curated to deliver a memorable experience. Adjacent to the infinity pool, Breeze Poolside Dining and Bar is perfect for light bites throughout the day. At sunset, it transforms into a laid back resort bar offering an elevated experience with inventive cocktails and classic cigars.

For adventure enthusiasts looking to explore the dazzling underwater world, the resort’s dive and water sports centre, manned by a PADI certified team, offers a host of activities including wreck diving, catamaran sailing, parasailing, banana boat riding, kayaking and wave surfing.

Ulu Cliffhouse Launching in Uluwatu Bali 

Ulu Cliffhouse, a new beach club concept curated by a community of creative talent, has announced it is launching in Bali in August 2017.  Commanding jaw dropping panoramic views, the 50,000ft² clifftop oasis will offer an unparalleled new beach club experience in Uluwatu –  35 metres above sea level.

 With direct access to the beach, Ulu’s ‘clifftop playground’ will feature a 25-metre infinity pool, an onsite spa, a boutique store and tantalising food and drink options – from its terraced restaurant to a stunning cliffside bar, perched over the ocean.

 Created by Shed London, the cutting edge, design-led beach club will enhance its natural environment with modern edges, effortless style and a youthful playfulness. Ulu Cliffhouse’s unique space will appeal to those who want to relax or play, as well as being a home for the island’s creative communities. Redefining the traditional beach club offering, Ulu Cliffhouse will feature its very own recording studio, a curated gallery space and paying homage to its location, an in-house surfboard shaper. Ulu’s recording studios will appeal to the world’s most exciting music artists, with a live music programme that is set to establish Ulu as one of Bali’s leading music venues.

Bawah Island Is Calling for Its First Guests 

Bawah Island, one of the most anticipated openings of 2017, is now calling for guests to be the first to step onto the untouched archipelago.  From 31^st July 2017, Bawah is inviting its first explorers to discover the rare ecosystem at this ‘naturally lux’ retreat in the heart of the Indonesian Anambas.  The ultimate hideaway, Bawah Island is just three hours from Singapore and accessible only via a short ferry ride from Batam and a 75-minute private seaplane. 

Previously uninhabited, Bawah is a marine conservation area where ‘nature provides its true luxury’ across 5 pristine islands, 3 crystal clear lagoons and 13 beaches. Bawah allows a maximum of 70 guests at any one time, with 35 eco-designed suites and overwater bungalows providing guests with a private oasis amongst spectacular scenery – enriched with Bawah’s holistic and personalised approach to service.

The Bawah Island experience, which can be booked now from USD1,960 for two people per night, includes: 

• Eco-designed accommodation for two to share
• Round trip transfers from Singapore via Batam (car, ferry and 75-minute private seaplane)
• Daily meals (breakfast, lunch and ala carte dinner) and non-alcoholic beverages
• Daily laundry service (no dry cleaning on island)
• Minibar (unlimited Bawah mineral water)
• Non-motorised water sports – kayaking, sailing, paddle-boarding, snorkeling, and boat trips around the lagoon
• Beach towels and snorkeling equipment
• Other island activities including spa, yoga, pilates, meditation, and reiki sessions at Aura wellness centre, hiking in the forests of Bawah, and open-air cinema sessions

AccorHotels & LP Holding partnership brings three new hotels to Myanmar

AccorHotels and LP Holding have signed a joint agreement to develop three new hotels in Myanmar. The partnership will see the opening of Mercure Mandalay Hill Resort in the second quarter of this year and the development of Pullman Yangon Centrepoint and Mandalay Hill Resort MGallery by Sofitel slated to open in 2017 and 2020 respectively.

“After the sanctions were lifted, Myanmar became one of the most sought-after destinations in Southeast Asia. These three hotels will give travelers additional hotel choices with the growing tourism in the country particularly in Mandalay, as the city continues to develop,” Lertsak Nopburanand, Director of LP Holding Co. Ltd. said. 

In 2015, tourism was the driving force in the Myanmar economy where revenue grew by 19% as inbound traffic increased totally $2.1bn or more than 4% of the country’s GDP. In the next 10 years, the World Travel and Tourism Council projects that Myanmar’s tourism industry will rank second out of 184 countries for long-term growth. It was ranked 15th globally in 2016.

 New Kubu Beach Club  At AYANA

Launched 15^th June 2017, AYANA invites guests to step back to a more rustic time in Bali’s legendary holiday lifestyle, with the opening of their NEW 1960’s Kuta styled beach club. Located on one of Bali’s last remaining hidden white sand beach coves, and accessible via AYANA’s 90-hectare estate, Kubu Beach Club’s supreme setting showcases aquamarine waters, dramatic limestone cliffs and intrinsic Balinese architecture inspired by island elements such as shell, wood, bamboo, stone and traditional rooftops made with “lontar” leafs, similar to the island’s classic palm leaf. 

No good beach club is complete without obligatory sun loungers, and Kubu Beach Club goes one giant step further by offering guests Ocean facing cabanas and day beds! These must-stop paradise-spots are the ultimate place to soak up the sun, relax with a cocktail or enjoy a truly authentic Kuta style massage using natural coconut oil. 

Designed to be a main attraction for beachfront relaxing & dining, Kubu Beach Club is available exclusively to in-house guests of AYANA Resort and Spa BALI, RIMBA Jimbaran BALI by AYANA and The Villas at AYANA. The club is designed to intertwine lazy days in the sun with fun filled memorable moments for all the family. Come dusk, guests will be thrilled by the jaw dropping sunset views on the horizon. To accompany the traditional design, the kitchen serves up an eclectic range of simple international dishes and local comfort food.

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay’s New Family Experience

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay have launched a Multi-Generational Holiday Experience, for those looking for an enjoyable and memorable holiday experience with the whole family. The resort’s multi-bedroom villas (Family Beach Pool Villa, Two-bedroom Hill Top Pool Villa, The Rock Retreat and Hill Top Reserve) with en-suite facilities afford privacy for all age groups of the family – allowing family members to have their quiet space when needed. All villas have generous communal space for family entertainment, dining or relaxation. 

They also feature private pools, separate sleeping and living areas, hand-crafted wooden bathtubs, stunning views of the calm waters of Ninh Van Bay, and some have direct access to Six Senses’ private beach. The Multi-Generational Holiday Experience caters with culinary experiences, active and cultural excursions, and wellness activities, to the individual expectations of each guest.

When you stay for a minimum of three consecutive nights in one of Six Senses Ninh Van Bay’s multi bedroom villas anytime from now until December 21, 2017, you’ll receive one complementary experience per villa for every night booked from the following choice of eight experiences: Cooking class, Drinks adrift, Afternoon tea, Family yoga, Beach picnic, Lobster farm visit, Family tree planting, Pack and go laundry service. 

In addition, children between the age of 4 and 12 years old can join complementary daily activities at the Sub Club (resort’s kids club) such as treasure hunts, cookie decorating classes, bracelet making, frisbee and dragon fly painting. 

Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort adds Luxury Family Appeal

Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort, an idyllic beachfront escape off Thailand’s Andaman Sea coast, has upgraded its facilities and introduced a series of programs designed to suit not only those seeking a luxurious getaway, but also families looking for relaxing fun in the sun while also helping to support the resort’s ongoing environmental conservation efforts. 

Following an impressive AU$46.1 million renovation, Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort is setting the bar high for Koh Phi Phi’s luxury accommodation scene with 14 new spacious Beachfront Junior Suites and 12 Hillside Pool Villas, enveloped in tropical rainforest and featuring sweeping views of Loh Ba Gao Bay. 

The 79sqm suites are situated on an 800-metre-long private white sand beach and boast spacious balconies looking over the Andaman ocean. Meanwhile, the 110sqm villas offer complete privacy, each coming with its own plunge pools. 

Guests staying in the suites and villas also have access to a range of exclusive benefits including a dedicated host for the duration of their stay who serves breakfast on the balcony and provides priority check-in at the resort’s Ocean Lounge. A one-time complimentary mini-bar, complimentary High Tea from 3.00 – 5.00pm each day, and specially prepared whirlpool baths every evening add to the luxury appeal.

Mantra Group Acquires New-Build Hotel in North Melbourne 

One of Greater Melbourne’s fastest growing areas will benefit from a $70 million hotel development that will service the rapid increase of activity in Melbourne’s booming northern suburbs. Epping will be the site of the 214-room hotel that is being designed to capitalise on both the history of the northern suburbs and the unique attributes of Epping today. 

Located right near Melbourne’s new wholesale fruit, vegetable and cut flower market and The Northern Hospital, construction is due to start in the latter part of 2017 with opening scheduled for mid-2019. The hotel is being developed by Too Build and will be operated by Mantra Group. Operating as Mantra Epping Hotel, it will feature both hotel rooms and apartments, a café/restaurant, brewhouse, conference and meeting facilities, gymnasium, and an open car park containing 143 marked bays and secure bicycle storage.

Occupying a prime corner position at 250 Cooper Street within the prestigious Northpoint Enterprise Park at Epping, Melbourne’s fastest growing expansion corridor just 18km north of the CBD, the four-star, two-wing hotel has been designed by leading architect Peddle Thorp and Bruce Henderson Interiors. One of Australia’s largest construction companies, Hacer Group, has been engaged to complete the project build, creating an expected 300 construction jobs. Epping is located within the City of Whittlesea, one of the largest municipalities in metropolitan Melbourne covering an area of approximately 489 square kilometres.  

LUX* Resorts and Hotels Open LUX* Bodrum in Turkey

LUX* Resorts & Hotels has officially opened LUX* Bodrum, a sparkling new addition to Turkey’s Aegean Riviera and the country’s most glamourous holiday destination. Perched on a picturesque pine-clad site surrounded by rocky coves, this new resort lies on the south-western coastline, on a private peninsula with its own exclusive bay.

LUX* Bodrum features a private beach with spectacular sea views and breathtaking sunsets that can be enjoyed from every angle. 91 guest rooms, 19 private residences and a one-of-a-kind exclusive beach house with its own private yacht anchorage, offers the perfect base to explore the extraordinary beauty, culture and history of Turkey. The sea is the star along this coastline and LUX* Bodrum has been designed so that guests enjoy it fully. All rooms and suites provide a discrete sophisticated setting and panoramic 180-degree ocean views, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows.

The three-room villas with private terrace and balcony provide ideal accommodation for large families. LUX* Bodrum Resort & Residences has already been awarded the silver A’Design Award for Architecture, Building and Structure Design. Think pure clean lines that blend harmoniously with nature, bespoke furnishings and a 20m x 8m swimming pool. Beyond the resort, Bodrum Peninsula’s countryside and its coastal and inland villages beg to be explored.

In Turkey, the word ‘keyif’ is used to express conviviality, contentment and the fun of getting together. The LUX* owned brand of beach club Beach Rouge, is where you’ll find it. It’s an easy going, feet-in-the-sand chill-out zone by day and a spirited head-in-the-clouds party hangout by night. Soak up the sunshine in armchairs and day beds, or graze all day in the bar and restaurant. By night, Beach Rouge music-loving personality kicks in as DJs amp up the beat, mixologists get shaking and bon viveurs hit the dancefloor. Sound tracking the good times, are big names and emerging talent who know how to make evenings memorable.

New Crowne Plaza Christchurch Opens

Re-opening in the revitalised city centre, feedback from all who visited or stayed was unwaveringly positive, with many telling staff they had been waiting patiently for the day to come.
As the largest upscale hotel in the Christchurch CBD with 204 modern rooms, a café, bar and restaurant and four modern event spaces, the hotel has positioned itself as a contemporary space for its local community where guests can ‘connect’ to the city.

Just how popular it proved over its opening weekend took even seasoned staff by surprise. After making a last-minute decision to open Café 1851 on Saturday, the decision was more than justified by the sale of more than 300 cups of fresh Mojo coffee. Market Place bar and restaurant was humming over the weekend with more than 200 customers enjoying the food, wine and service.

Ninety lucky guests were the first to stay in stunning designer rooms with views over the cityscape and out to the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps, and Front Office Manager Krysten Butler was happily surprised by the number of ‘walk-in’ bookings received over the weekend, adding to the 11,000-plus bookings the hotel already has in its system.
The hotel is supporting the local economy in more ways than one, employing approximately 80 staff in a wide range of roles.

The new Crowne Plaza Christchurch is situated on the corner of Colombo and Armagh streets opposite Victoria Square.

Rydges Sydney World Square re-launches The Cidery with new look, new drinks list and new beer/cider friendly menu

Rydges Sydney World Square has relaunched The Cidery Bar & Kitchen in the heart of Sydney’s popular World Square dining and entertainment precinct after a complete re-imagining of the venue. The new design offers blends ‘urban distressed’ style with warm, colourful tones, deep chesterfields, herringbone parquetry flooring and a bar constructed from recycled bridge timbers.

With an airy outdoor terrace overlooking World Square, The Cidery is a cosy nightspot, funky eatery and perfect event venue with DJ’s every Friday night and solo artists on Saturday evenings matching the vibe.

The bar and eatery offers an expanded range of craft beers and ciders, particularly from Australian small producers, with the flagship cider, Sydney Cider produced in-house by Sydney Brewery. The Cidery bar team and chefs have developed a selection of food dishes to complement the craft ciders and beers. Share plates include pan seared calamari on rustiguette with truffle butter, cauliflower crisps with Fourme D’ambert sauce, and high-quality charcuterie and cheeses. More substantial dishes include ‘Lovedale Lager’ battered fish and chips, whiting fillets meuniere and duck cassoulet.

The Cidery also showcases an extensive range of craft beers, including beers produced by Sydney Brewery that celebrate the great city of Sydney with labels such as ‘Paddo Pale’, ‘Glamarama’ & ‘Surry Hills Pils’.

Premium wines and cocktails (many using cider) are also available. The Cidery Bar & Kitchen adds to World Square’s extensive dining options, which include an extensive range of high-profile eateries from designer burger outlets to upmarket Asian restaurants.