Big Fat Hotel Wrap
Airlines screwing up usually gets Travel Weekly better traffic, but that’s not stopping us bringing you this informative yarn.
COMO Hotels and Resorts Celebrates World Food Day
In celebration of World Food Day on October 16th 2017, COMO’s hotels across Australia, Asia, Europe, America and the Caribbean are supporting a number of cuisine-related initiatives, directly responding to the needs of local communities.
COMO Uma Ubud, for example, will assist neighbouring villages to develop kitchen gardens and provide cooking lessons to help utilise these home-grown ingredients, in the UK COMO Metropolitan London and COMO The Halkin will raise funds for a local food bank.
COMO The Treasury in Perth will provide support to Parkerville Children and Youth Care, who specialise in protecting and caring for children and youth who have suffered chronic histories of abuse.
COMO Hotels and Resorts has also partnered with Mastercard to celebrate World Food Day by highlighting the importance of childhood nutrition. From October 1st to December 31st 2017, the partnership will provide 10 nutritious meals through the Purchase with Purpose programme* for underprivileged children every time a guest settles their bill with a Mastercard.
Hans Jörg Meier, Chief Operating Officer for COMO Hotels and Resorts says, “World Food Day is an important day for us. At COMO, we believe that serving our guests well includes providing an assurance of responsible dining. This partnership with Mastercard will allow us to serve at least 35,000 meals to underprivileged children living in the vicinity of our hotels.”
20 years of the Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin – a legendary hotel celebrates its anniversary
Twenty years after its reopening, the grand hotel is offering some very special experiences and a range of exciting packages from across the hotel. First opened in 1907 by the great visionary entrepreneur, Lorenz Adlon, the luxury hotel celebrated its reopening at the historic Pariser Platz in 1997 in the presence of the former German President Roman Herzog. This shows the significance of the building for Germany as the reborn legend is an institution known around the globe. To mark its 20th anniversary, guests will be able to take advantage of a variety of special offers in the hotel until the end of the year and gain an exclusive insight into life at the Adlon.
The anniversary offers at a glance:
Stage for Young Artists: Adlon lobby becomes a stage for young musical talent
Four stars in Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer **
“Kuidaore” at the Sra Bua by Tim Raue
Adlon Hall of Fame & “Feuerzangenbowle” in the Lobby Bar
Adlon Spa by Resense presents gifts to guests booking selected treatments
“Experience Adlon Spa Deluxe”: a package for luxury lovers
Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa has installed the first water park in the Coral Coast
Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa has installed the first water park in the Coral Coast region adding to its vast array of water activities for guests. Geared towards children from aged seven years and older the water park is now open for guests use.
The water park which measures 25 metres by 25 metres comprises 19 interconnecting pieces that include a rodeo slide, monkey bars, wiggle bridge and an action tower. It is three metres tall at its highest point. Access to the water park is complimentary and for registered hotel guests only.
Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo partners with Kaema Sutra for new Sri Lankan restaurant
Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo today announced their partnership with the city’s most popular Sri Lankan cuisine restaurant, Kaema Sutra. The restaurant, founded by celebrity chef, Dharshan Munidasa and internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan actress Jacqueline Fernandez, is Colombo’s most popular native cuisine restaurant, and will be moving to Shangri-La Hotel, as part of the six innovative restaurants and bars set to make the hotel a dining and social hotspot.
With this new partnership, Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo aims to fulfil its vision to serve the finest Sri Lankan cuisine in Colombo.
Located at One Galle Face along the Galle Face Green promenade, the most exclusive address in Colombo, Shangri-La Hotel will offer uninterrupted Indian Ocean views in most of its 500 guestrooms, suites and 41 serviced apartment.
Raise a glass to Sofitel Wine Days across Australia and New Zealand
Taking place from September 21 until October 31 2017, the magnifique events of Sofitel Wine Days offer guests, visitors and locals the opportunity to deepen their enological knowledge through a round-the-world tour of wines in celebration of wine and French art de vivre.
The traditional wine harvest period in France occurs in September and October. It was therefore only natural for Sofitel to choose this time of year to introduce guests to its annual “Wine Days” program, which takes place between September 21 and October 31. Wines Days represents a complete enological experience, providing an ideal framework for guests to benefit from Sofitel’s “savoir-faire”.
An array of international wines have been selected by Sofitel’s sommeliers, allowing guests to discover each of their specific features and taste profiles. Australia, Argentina, Portugal and New Zealand – all of these wine regions will be showcased in a voyage of the senses. A number of tastings, “Wines of the World” events, discussions and meetings with local wine experts will be held at Sofitel hotels.
Fusion Opens All-Inclusive Spa Resort on Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Embracing originality, individuality, and total well-being, Fusion Resort Phu Quoc, the newest member of the Fusion family, brings the brand’s innovative health and wellness lifestyle to one of Vietnam’s most up-and-coming destinations.
Echoing the island’s traditional coastal architecture and fishing culture, this secluded beachfront resort is the perfect way to escape the stresses, strains, and excesses of the modern world.
Opened in June 2017, with 97 rustic yet contemporary thatched villas hugging the ocean and the lush green banks of the neighboring river, the focus here is on relaxation, rejuvenation, and understated luxury, all delivered in natural surroundings and with each guest’s health and well-being at the core of the entire experience.
Take Fusion’s famous “All-Spa Inclusive” concept, for example, where daily spa treatments can be enjoyed at no extra cost. Stroll the bamboo-lined grounds of their exclusive 20-double room facility as you choose from a wide variety of massages, reflexology experiences, facials, hair and beauty treatments, and a selection of all-natural body scrubs and wraps.
Time is not an issue here either. Courtesy of Fusion’s unique “Breakfast Anywhere, Anytime” service, enjoy the most important meal of the day wherever, and whenever you wish, whether it’s midday or midnight, and whether you’re by the pool, on the beach, or still horizontal in bed.
Between spa visits and long leisurely breakfasts, choose between two restaurants or a casual beachfront bar and diner, all boasting healthy, nutritious and expertly designed meals, drinks, and snacks courtesy of Executive Chef and health-oriented food expert Edmond Kwan.
As part of Fusion’s holistic approach, there are also complimentary daily indoor and outdoor yoga sessions, plus a state-of-the-art health and fitness center.
Suite Ride at The Modern Honolulu
Enjoy a suite ride in a Tesla vehicle when booking a minimum of two nights in an Ocean front or Penthouse suite at The Modern Honolulu. Leading hotel, THE MODERN HONOLULU introduces cosmopolitan chic for leisure and business pursuits in Hawaii. Deftly combining style and sophistication, every element is original; authentic or custom-designed to enhance the experience.
WHAT: Suite ride in a Tesla when booking min two nights in an Ocean front or Penthouse suite
WHERE: THE MODERN HONOLULU
WHEN: Valid for travel between 15 September, 2017 and 21 December, 2017
COST: Suites start from $659 per night
Travelodge partners with Velocity
TFE Hotels has launched a national campaign in partnership with Velocity Frequent Flyer, with much of its promotion focused on the new Travelodge Hotel Sydney Airport, which opened last week.
As part of the promotion, guests who book by 1 October and stay before 25 January 2018 will be awarded up to 1,000 Velocity Bonus Points – guests who stay 1 night will be eligible for 500 points and 1,000 points for two or more nights. This is in addition to their usual two points for every one dollar spent at Travelodge Hotels across Australia and New Zealand.
Loyalty is big business for Mantra Group
Mantra Group has taken a personalised approach to its new guest loyalty program resulting in more than $10 million worth of bookings in its first six months.
Mantra+ replaces the Group’s former Club.CuSoon program and, according to Mantra Group’s Chief Operating Officer Tomas Johnsson, the success in Mantra+ lies in personalised value.
Mantra+ member benefits include access to exclusive rates, a Mantra+ price promise (where if members happen to find a better deal, they beat it by five per cent), free Wi-Fi, late check-out, a free drink from the bar or restaurant, dedicated phone line and discounted food and beverage.
Grand Opening of iclub Ma Tau Wai Hotel
iclub is a select-service hotel brand under the management of Regal Hotels International. To further expand its business in Hong Kong, it launched its fourth Hong Kong hotel in To Kwa Wan.
In order to celebrate this momentous event, iclub Ma Tau Wai Hotel held a grand opening ceremony earlier and invited celebrities and KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) to attend.
It not only showcased the world-class services and cutting-edge facilities of iclub Ma Tau Wai Hotel, but also echoed its concept – Interconnected, In Vogue and Innovative.
Ms. Poman Lo, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Regal Hotels International Holdings Limited said, “We are very honoured to have all the valuable guests here today to celebrate the grand opening of iclub Ma Tau Wai Hotel.
Extending the concept of select-service hotel from Wan Chai, Sheung Wan and Fortress Hill to now Ma Tau Wai, we always promise to provide our guests with a comfortable environment and innovative and impeccable services which surprise our guests and go beyond their expectations.”
iclub Ma Tau Wai Hotel is in close proximity to iconic Mong Kok, Jordan, Hung Hom and Tsim Sha Tsui districts where shopping and business activities are facilitated. A number of local cultural attractions such as Cattle Depot Artist Village, Ko Shan Theatre and Tin Hau Temple, To Kwa Wan are all within walking distance to the hotel. There are also many local cafes and traditional Chinese restaurants nearby serving mouth-watering Hong Kong delicacies and Chinese dim sum.
The hotel features 340 chic and trendy guestrooms that guests staying on higher floors can enjoy panoramic sea views of Victoria Harbour, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal or dazzling city views of Kowloon.
The completely smoke-free hotel provides guests with free Wi-Fi Internet access, enabling them to stay interconnected with their business partners, family and friends. The innovative mobile key service allows guests to use their smartphones as mobile keys to gain access to their guestrooms in a simple yet secure way, saving their time from queuing up at the lobby.
Besides, the hotel has the iLounge with an extended outdoor area offering 24-hour complimentary coffee and tea while the Sweat Zone provides fitness equipment for hotel guests’ workout. iEngage with business services, touch screen stations and Internet access is available. The hotel offers a smart inspired choice, as well as stylish and comfortable accommodations for discerning business and leisure travellers alike.
InterContinental Sydney debuts Brunch at The Cortile
Decadent and daring: InterContinental Sydney has today announced the launch of Brunch at The Cortile, the newest culinary experience offering guests a buffet marketplace for the ultimate weekend indulgence.
Brunch at The Cortile will debut on Saturday 23 September from 10:30am to 12:15pm, offering guests the luxury to unwind in comfort for a refined dining experience featuring the season’s freshest ingredients, house-made specialities, contemporary favourites and French Champagne.
Conceptually led by Head Pastry Chef, Simon Veauvy, Brunch at The Cortile draws inspiration from its ancient origins, introducing a menu bursting with sweet and savoury delights, enhanced with options for traditional Mimosas, Bloody Marys and French Champagne. Sweet specialties include homemade ricotta pancakes, Belgium waffles, vanilla millefeuille, rhubarb meringue tarts and homemade jam and honeycomb.
Guests will also indulge in a spread of savoury sensations, with highlights including seasonal vegetable quiche, free-range eggs made to choice, an extensive bread station with Pepe Saya butter, and cheese and charcuterie with smoked ham, jamon serrano and boqueria jabali.
Meriton Hotels reach new heights with Deliveroo
The largest Australian owner-operator of hotel apartments, Meriton, has today announced an exclusive partnership with Australia’s most-loved on-demand food delivery service, Deliveroo, giving guests easy access to a wide selection of great food from top-notch local restaurants while on business or holiday.
The new partnership offers guests next-level room service with an ample amount of mouth-watering restaurant options to choose from. Meriton suites across Australia are now stocked with a Deliveroo menu offering guests a selection of food from nearby restaurants such as Burger Project, Mary’s Burgers and Jamie’s Italian to name a few. Guests can place their order by simply calling the Guest Services team. Meriton will place the order and pay on the guest’s behalf, and the total cost is added to the guest’s final bill. The order is then delivered to the guest’s door in just 30 minutes or less!
A game changer in the room service space, the Deliveroo service has already recently rolled out with 8 Meriton apartments in Sydney and Brisbane, and will be launching across the remaining sites in the coming months.
Surfers Paradise apartments fully booked for school holidays
GOLD Coast accommodation provider Holiday Holiday is gearing up for a bumper season with apartments at 100 per cent occupancy from next week as interstate visitors flock to Surfers Paradise for school holidays.
Last month, Holiday Holiday launched the innovative Unplugged family holiday experience, offering thoughtfully appointed kids’ rooms to help families reconnect by taking time out from technology for quality interaction and traditional play.
The initiative took the stress out of planning holidays and had proved particularly appealing to busy families by providing everything necessary for parents and their children to settle straight into spending time together and exploring one of the world’s most spectacular destinations.
Available at selected apartments in the heart of Australia’s world-famous holiday playground, the Unplugged kids’ room package includes toys, books and games to keep little ones engaged when not out and about.
While all Holiday Holiday apartments were near capacity this week, some flexibility was available to squeeze in last-minute guests.
The Anvaya Beach Resort in Bali sign new partnership with Complete Travel Marketing
Sales & Marketing Representation company Complete Travel Marketing is excited to announce the signing of a new partnership agreement with the five-star Anvaya Beach Resort located in the Tuban/South Kuta area of Bali.
Only a 10-minute drive from the airport, the resort is a tropical hideaway with breath-taking ocean views. It features 495 modern and spacious Guestrooms, Suites and Villa with the highest standards of facilities, amenities, and professional service combined with uniquely Indonesian hospitality.
As the official sales and marketing representative in the Australian and New Zealand market, Complete Travel Marketing will be responsible for raising the profile of the resort through a strategic combination of sales and marketing activities.
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!