Big Fat Hotel Wrap
Travel Weekly brings you the Thursday Hotel Wrap, best served with a cup of English Breakfast and stale scones.
SALA Hospitality Group unveils plans for new luxury beachfront resort on Koh Samui
Leading Thai luxury boutique resort company, SALA Hospitality Group, has announced its third SALA resort in Thailand with the unveiling of SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort on Koh Samui.
SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort is scheduled to launch in two phases, starting in November 2017 with the opening of the Beach Wing comprising of 52 pool villas and pool suites sized between 74 sqm and 304 sqm, featuring private pools between 18 sqm and 46 sqm in size.
Other highlights include an open-air beachfront restaurant, The Beach House, serving fresh seafood in private dining spaces and romantic gazebos; a fun beach bar, a stunning moon-shaped pool on the beachfront, exclusive in-villa dining options and SALA’s signature pillow type selection, organic soaps, scents and lotions.
SAGE Hotel is set to open as new Yarra Valley gateway this October
Sage Hotel Ringwood, located in Melbourne’s east, is a new food, conference and accommodation gateway just 30 mins from the Yarra Valley – and is set to open its doors this October.
The brand new 120-room hotel spans over five floors atop the Eastland Shopping Centre in Ringwood, combining the convenience of Eastland’s retail and lifestyle destination and featuring major retailers, international fashion and over 350 specialty stores with brand new state-of-the-art hospitality, comfort, conferencing and gastronomic experiences.
Sage Hotel Ringwood will showcase the best food of the Yarra Valley and surrounds to guests and will feature the best of Australia’s most prestigious wine region by highlighting the region’s wineries and local breweries and distilleries such as Punt Road Wines, Napoleone Beer & Cider, Hargrave Hills, 4 Pillars Gin and more.
AccorHotels expands its reach in regional NSW
AccorHotels is pleased to announce HW Boutique Hotel has rebranded to ibis Styles Port Macquarie and will operate under a franchise agreement.
Located in the heart of Port Macquarie and directly opposite Town Beach, the 44-room hotel will undergo a soft refurbishment bringing it in line with ibis Styles’ design-led brand standards.
Simon McGrath, Chief Operating Officer of AccorHotels Pacific, said that AccorHotels is delighted to be working with hotel owners, Elanor Investors Group and expanding the portfolio in the Greater Port Macquarie region which has seen strong growth in domestic tourism.
“Port Macquarie continues to be one of the most popular holiday destinations on the north coast and with investment in tourism projects and the upgrade of the airport soon to begin, we are excited to be expanding our footprint in the region.
“The ibis Styles brand is a segment leader known for its design-led, functional and affordable accommodation offering and together with the strength of our distribution and loyalty platform we are excited to be giving our guests even more reason to travel to Port Macquarie.
Located just over four hours’ drive from Sydney and over six hours’ drive from Brisbane, Port Macquarie boasts eight pristine beaches, beautiful coastal walks, a cosmopolitan dining scene, stunning hinterland, a thriving arts community, rolling green hinterland areas and spectacular national parks.
Ibis Styles Port Macquarie joins more than 30 ibis Styles hotels in Australia and over 70 ibis Styles hotels in Asia Pacific.
Contemporary Style Meets Intriguing History at the Newly Refurbished Rydges Hobart
Rydges Hobart has received a breath of fresh Tasmanian air with an extensive refurbishment to all guests rooms, public areas, conference spaces and new restaurant and bar; 1898 Bar & Dining.
The refurbishment combines modern comforts and stylish interiors with rich history and friendly service. Located only minutes from Hobart’s CBD and the picturesque Mount Wellington, Rydges Hobart offers business and leisure travellers the opportunity to experience the best of Hobart.
Rydges Hobart’s 64 spacious guest rooms and suites have been transformed with contemporary styling and modern amenities. All rooms are well-appointed with renovated bathrooms, thoughtful styling with wooden accents and pops of orange and green, Rydges Dream Beds, plus free WI-FI and onsite parking.
Take Off on a Magical Island Adventure with Six Senses Yao Noi
Six Senses Yao Noi launches its new resort video with a sweet deal for guests looking to experience the best of the resort has to offer.
To capture the excitement and pure beauty of the resort and its location, Belgian videographers Xavier Fiems and Sophie Vaneeckhoudt of Skydrone Vision used high-tech production techniques including the use of drones and high-end 4K cinema cameras.
The captured footage was then woven into a magical edit that will spike any appetite for an out-of-the-ordinary Six Senses tropical escape. They have been retained to shoot all Six Senses resorts around the world. The next video to premier will come from Six Senses Zighy Bay.
A Muay Thai lesson, tuk tuk tour around the island for a sneak peek into local living and flying yoga are all showcased. The video captures the best the resort has to offer and weaves it into a story about a couple and their child exploring and experiencing Six Senses Yao Noi.
PCOs first look at Novotel Melbourne South Wharf Opening March 2018
Ten lucky Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs) from Melbourne were personally invited by AccorHotels to the first Hard Hat tour of Novotel Melbourne South Wharf which is on track to open March 2018.
Braving Melbourne’s winter weather, the PCOs donned steal capped boots, hard hats and high-vis vests to be provided the first look at Novotel Melbourne South Wharf. The group was hoisted up 26-floors to be given a special look at the unobstructed views, before enjoying an exclusive sneak peek of a prototype room, the hotel’s 200 seat bar and restaurant, 24-hour fitness centre and lobby.
The development of Novotel Melbourne South Wharf complements the expansion of the Melbourne Exhibition and Conference Centre (MCEC), providing guests with more high-quality accommodation options on the Yarra River’s Southbank.
Once complete MCEC will span 70,000 square meters of meeting space, the largest in the southern hemisphere. The development of the Novotel will contribute significantly to the continued evolution of Melbourne as one of Asia Pacific’s most important tourism, meeting and events cities.
Evason Ana Mandara Celebrates 20th Anniversary
It’’s been 20 years since the first international luxury resort to premiere in Vietnam, Evason Ana Mandara, opened its doors on September 17, 1997. Since then, the highly successful Evason property has been a leader in Nha Trang as the only in-town and absolute beachfront resort, providing an idyllic urban soul to the city’s bustling scene.
The resort continues to attract a global leisure traveller plus a large number of repeat and loyal guests. It has continued to thrive and push boundaries by offering innovative experiences such as the latest aerial yoga, the first resort in Nha Trang to offer this elevated yoga practice. It also presents the most unique romantic dinner experience for two on a private beachfront jetty; a Nha Trang exclusive.
Throughout its illustrious history, it has won over 50 awards and accolades, both international and local. There have been 730,000 beds made up for guests in the two decades since opening, 29,040 hours of training and developing hosts to deliver unequalled guest services and experiences and more than seven billion Vietnam Dong (approximately USD$308,000) contributed to the community.
Capital Alliance moves ahead with Australia’s first Marriott in 20 years
Marriott International will open its first Australian new-build hotel in 20 years in Docklands following the Victorian Government’s approval of Capital Alliance’s mixed-use scheme this week.
Designed by DKO Architecture, the Melbourne developer’s project will deliver 200 premium hotel rooms as well as 110 contemporary residences across 17-level dual towers above the newly rebranded District Docklands, formerly AsheMorgan’s Harbour Town Shopping Centre.
At its heart will also be another first for Melbourne – a public infinity pool on the Marriott rooftop complemented by world-class bar and dining facilities, all overlooking the CBD.
The contemporary apartments aimed at owner occupiers will launch later this year, with the entire project to deliver 100 hotel jobs to Melbourne as well as 500 direct and indirect construction and development jobs when works start in mid-2018.
Bebe Spa Sanctuary secures Pevonia International Spa Design or the Year award for the fourth consecutive year
Bebe Spa Sanctuary at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort has won the Pevonia International Spa Design of the Year award for the fourth year in succession.
Spa Manager Praveena Dewan said the spa’s ongoing success was a testament to the energy and dedication of the Bebe team.
The spa’s design concept is based on a traditional Fijian village and features thatched bure-style rooftops typical of a village setting. Situated on a hilltop, it commands panoramic coastal and ocean views.
The Bebe Spa Sanctuary layout includes a pre and post treatment relaxation room positioned to take maximum advantage of the views, couples’ rooms, private open-air balconies and sunken balcony baths.
Tamanu Beach Aitutaki offers stay three pay two summer special
The Cook Islands continues to attract more Australian visitors and the beautiful island of Aitutaki remains a star attraction!
Cook Islands’ Tamanu Beach Resort, Aitutaki has announced a new stay three pay two summer season offer to encourage Australians to discover Aitutaki.
The 3-night deal includes:
One FREE night | Return Airport Transfers in Aitutaki with flower Ei’s on Arrival & Departure | Tropical Breakfast daily for 2 adults | FREE Giant clam snorkelling tour off Honeymoon Island for 2 adults. | 100 MB Free Wifi | 10 minute foot massage ( to ease your clients into island time!)
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa says no to single-use plastic straws
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is saying no to single-use plastic straws in an effort to enhance environmentally sustainable practices and to protect Hawaii’s tropical marine ecosystem, including the endangered honu (green sea turtle). The resort is the first in the Hawaiian Islands to completely eliminate single-use plastic straws in favor of a marine-friendly alternative.
According to Surfrider Foundation, approximately 500 million plastic drinking straws are used and discarded every day in the United States alone, and 175 billion straws are used in a year.
Surfrider Foundation also notes that marine life, including honu, can be harmed by ingesting plastic straws and other broken-down plastics that pollute the ocean and waterways.
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is implementing paper straws as an environmentally-conscious solution at its multiple dining establishments, luau, banquets and events. Paper straws will be provided in keiki (kids) beverages and blended tropical drinks, with other beverages being served without straws unless a paper straw is requested.
AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort wins big at the 2017 Asian Lifestyle Tourism Awards
AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort was named Outstanding Beach Resort Destination in Asia at the 2017 Asian Lifestyle Tourism Awards (ALTA) at the recent awards ceremony held in Singapore. AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort also won Best Honeymoon Destination in Southeast Asia and Best Spa Resort Destination in Malaysia.
The Asian Lifestyle Tourism Awards are chosen annually according to an open voting system in which the public votes for its favourite destinations. Recognised by tourism ministries across Asia, ALTA awards were officially handed out at a gala dinner at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. This year over 500 destinations competed for rankings across the continent, country and regional levels.
Opened in 2014, AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort offers a secluded tropical hideaway blending easy accessibility with a feeling of getting away from it all. The beachfront property features 315 contemporary Polynesian-inspired guest rooms and villas, five restaurants providing endless opportunities to explore exciting flavours and AVANISPA, where gourmet spa treatments are personalised for total wellbeing.
Best luxury experience at Spa Intercontinental – South Pacific’s Best Luxury Resort Spa
InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is excited to announce that Spa InterContinental has been awarded Oceania/South Pacific’s Best Luxury Resort Spa at the annual 2017 World Luxury Spa AwardsTM. The World Luxury Spa Awards sets the benchmark in quality, innovation and service for spas around the globe.
Renowned as the world’s leading awards initiative for luxury spas, the World Luxury Spa Awards are the pinnacle of achievement for luxury spas worldwide. These Awards were established as a celebration of ultimate achievement in service excellence and recognition by global spa-goers and industry experts.
The awards were presented to luxury spas in 32 different categories on a global, continent, regional and country basis. Spa InterContinental was awarded as South Pacific’s Best Luxury Resort Spa and is one of a handful spa resorts that was recognized for the consistency in offering excellent services in immaculate spa surroundings.
Australia’s largest 5-star hotel brand comes to Adelaide
AccorHotels is pleased to announce it will take over the management of Crowne Plaza Adelaide and rebrand the hotel to Pullman Adelaide as of 1 October 2017.
With the opening of Pullman Adelaide, Pullman will become the largest five-star hotel brand in Australia in just under 10 years since its launch into the market.
Situated in the heart of the Adelaide CBD at 16 Hindmarsh Square and featuring 308 guest rooms, a thriving restaurant and bar space, and top floor meeting room facilities, the hotel will become AccorHotels’ 15th Pullman hotel in Australia.
Located in major capital cities as well as in resort destinations, Pullman’s trajectory in the Australian market is due to the rise of the hyper-connected, sophisticated traveller and Pullman’s commitment to providing premium guest experiences, the latest technology, executive facilities and lively restaurant and bar venues.
Senses Hotels Resorts Spas will Open First Resort in India
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is delighted to announce plans to open Six Senses Fort Barwara featuring 48 suites in Rajasthan, India. Situated 68 miles (110 kilometers) southeast of Jaipur, the property is located in the village of Chauth ka Barwara on the site of a 700-year-old fort.
The Barwara Fort was constructed in the 14th century by the Chauhans (Indian Rajput caste) and was conquered by the Rajawat Dynasty from the Hadas in 1734. During World War II, Raja Man Singh from the noble family of Barwara along with Jaipur State Armed Forces fought alongside the British.
Design efforts are being led by a team of conservation experts to preserve and protect the original fort structure. The 5.5 acre (2.2 hectare) site is encircled by an imposing 5-foot (1.5 metre) thick rock wall that rises up to 20 feet (6 metres) in some sections.
Inside the historic fort, three buildings which traditionally accommodated the common, men’s and women’s palaces and two temples are being preserved and restored. Outside the fort, the property faces the local village to the west, and protected land which will be reforested to the east.
Mantra Group Resorts ‘sign on’ for reef preservation
Mantra Group’s North Queensland properties have signed on for the launch of Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef this week (31 August), actively joining in the quest to take reef preservation to the international stage.
All (16) Mantra Group properties from Port Douglas to Hervey Bay have pledged their support for the launch of Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef – the initiative’s largest number of properties to sign on from any one Group (to date).
The Group’s North Queensland Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree resorts will be utilising the initiative’s tourism toolkit to feature Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef collateral and videos in hotel lobbies, guest rooms and staff rooms to generate awareness and encourage participation in the initiative.
Team members in the region are also being encouraged to share their own ideas on ways to protect and enhance the Great Barrier Reef.
$19 million retrofit to meet Canberra’s hotel demand
A former office tower transformed into a 176-room hotel as part of the city’s vibrant urban renewal program will meet Canberra’s growing demand for hotel capacity.
Mantra MacArthur Hotel is the only new hotel to open in Canberra in 2017. The hotel will be operated by Mantra Group, the leading Australian-based hotel and resort operator with 128 properties across Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Hawaii, and is owned by Canberra developer HTI Group.
The opening of the 10-storey Mantra MacArthur Hotel in late September will see Mantra Group operating just under 500 rooms across four hotels in Canberra.
A $19 million retrofit has transformed the office building into a full-service hotel featuring 136 hotel rooms and 40 suites as well as the brand new Podilato restaurant and bar serving Greek Mediterranean-style cuisine, a fully equipped gym, 24-hour reception, secure parking, internet lounge and express check-out.
Hilton Named One of Australia’s Best Companies to Work For in 2017 by Great Place to Work®Institute
Hilton has been recognised as one of Australia’s best companies to work for, an accolade dedicated to companies with exceptional workplace cultures. Placed third on the top 50 list, Hilton has been distinguished for creating a high trust and high performance organisational culture by offering Team Members great work environments, careers and rewards.
This recognition follows a number of other recent accolades across Asia Pacific for being a great place to work. Hilton was ranked third in Asia’s Best Multinational Workplaces 2017, third in Best Companies to Work For in Greater China, and 25th in the top 100 Great Place To Work® for India.
The recognition bears testament to Hilton’s leading practices and programmes that build a strong team culture.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
AccorHotels Bebe Spa Sanctuary Eason Ana Mandara hilton InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa mantra group marriott international Novotel Melbourne South Wharf Rydges Hobart Sage Hotel Sala Hospitality Group Senses hotels resorts spas Sheradon Maui Resort & SpaLatest News
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