Hotel wrap: Preferred hotels & resorts new members, Australia gets a second voco + more!

Hotel wrap: Preferred hotels & resorts new members, Australia gets a second voco + more!

We took a 10-minute break from scoffing Easter eggs to bring you up to date with all the latest hotel openings and deals. You’re welcome.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts welcomes 25 new member hotels

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Preferred Hotels & Resorts has announced the addition of 25 new member hotels to its global portfolio between January 1 to March 31, 2019.

From iconic heritage buildings in the cosmopolitan cities of Sydney and London to contemporary beachfront luxury in New Jersey, these exciting new properties deliver authentic, one-of-a-kind experiences that embody the spirit of independent travel and capture the essence of #ThePreferredLife.

Highlights include the Fullerton Hotel Sydney, the Hotel Kitano Tokyo, Fortune Park JP Celestial and Sea Containers London.

Ulu Cliffhouse presents Guy Gerber ‘Rumors’

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The infamous RUMORS Ibiza is coming to our Clifftop oasis for the second edition in Bali!

From humble beginnings on a beach in Ibiza, RUMORS has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, encapsulating the spirit of Ibiza, creating unique party experiences, and bringing the magic of the white isle to a global audience, all under the guidance of its creator, Guy Gerber.

GUY GERBER has always favoured the road less travelled, and he adheres to the same ethos with his RUMORS events series.  The producer has worked with everyone from Puff Daddy to Dixon; his unique vision and worldwide presence have transformed RUMORS into the global brand it is today.

Jo&Joe Unveils its new open house in Paris Gentilly and announces further launches

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After first launching in Hossegor in 2017, JO&JOE opened its doors on April 6, 2019 just a stone’s throw from the Cité Internationale Universitaire, in the south of Paris.

Only 2 minutes from the RER B line, 20 minutes from the Arc de Triomphe and 20 minutes from Orly Airport, JO&JOE PARIS-GENTILLY is a new living space, open to all, locals and travellers alike, where youth hostels meet hotels.

JO&JOE has developed its interiors with global architecture and game-changing design studio PENSON. At the Open House of Paris Gentilly, street art is everywhere thanks to the work of 9 local and international artists who have covered the walls with their creations.

JO&JOE aims to expand at an international level. JO&JOE aims to expand at an international level. Over the next few years, the brand is going to set up home in the biggest cities in the world, in the most vibrant areas, very close to public transport and within easy reach of the main points of interest.

By 2020, JO&JOE will have launched Open Houses in London, Budapest, Glasgow, Paris (Nation district), Rio de Janeiro and Rome.

Angsana Xishuangbanna welcomes guests

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The newest Angsana property by Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts in China, Angsana Xishuangbanna has opened its doors. The resort is located in Menghai County, the “Rainforest Spring City” where the climate is pleasant and balmy all year round with mild winters and cool summers.

Situated at a comfortable altitude of 1200 meters, Menghai enjoys an average annual temperature of 18.7 °C and boasts 12,000 mu of virgin tropical rainforest, making it the ideal destination for a winter getaway.

The resort features 407 elegantly appointed rooms, suites and villas offering modern comfort in the tropical rainforest setting. All rooms provide spacious terraces either overlooking the landscaped rainforest garden or glittering swimming pool. A selection of the suites and villas also offer private hot spring pools.

Introducing the All-New Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger

Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger oceanview king

Last week, Outrigger Hospitality Group celebrated the unveiling of Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger – its first lifestyle hotel located in the center of Waikiki.

Following an extensive $35-million modernization, the “by Outrigger” property now boasts 498 freshly designed guest rooms, renewed public spaces including the pool deck and two meeting areas, plus an all-new lobby, porte-cochere and much more.

As part of the makeover, Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger also unveiled its alliance of extraordinary artisans called, “The Beachcomber Originals,” who created and contributed personal artwork featured throughout the new hotel. From an extreme-surf photographer to a Hawaiian fiber artist and an internationally acclaimed slack-key guitarist, the 12 artists collaborated with Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger to create a one-of-a-kind journey for guests, while sharing their personal inspiration and passion for the Hawaiian culture.

Save up to 30 per cent on your next stay + 10 per cent off local experiences with Oaks hotels, resorts & suites

Oaks Pacific Blue Resort, Port Stephens

If you’re looking to get away for a mid-year break but need a little itinerary inspiration, Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites has launched its brand new ‘Stay More, Save More, Do More’ campaign, inviting travellers to save up to 30 per cent on accommodation when staying for two nights or more between 23 April and 30 September, plus enjoy access to a host of handpicked activities, experiences and tours…

On sale from now until 30 June, Oaks’ ‘Stay More, Save More, Do More’ Sale encompasses over 40 of its Australian and New Zealand hotels and resorts, spanning Queenstown, Auckland, Melbourne, Adelaide, Redcliffe, Townsville, Sydney, Darwin, Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, Hervey Bay, Kingscliff, Gladstone, Port Douglas, and the Gold and Sunshine Coast.

In partnership with Experience Oz, Oaks is also putting guests in the driver’s seat when it comes to choosing how they holiday, with a 10 per cent saving on their choice of hundreds of unique, local and unforgettable experiences on every booking.

Hunter Valley’s most prestigious estate reopens as voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley

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voco™ Kirkton Park Hunter Valley has today opened its doors as Australia’s second voco™ hotel following the completion of a refresh and rebrand to IHG’s newest upscale brand, voco. Renowned as one of the Hunter Valley’s most prestigious estates, the 70-room property now embodies the bold characteristics of voco, with exclusive features from its bright yellow accents to onsite beehives and distinctive hallmarks, setting it apart for a memorable stay.

Already a much-loved destination for locals and visitors alike, Kirkton Park estate reigns on 70 acres of rolling countryside and scenic mountain views, and just minutes away from the region’s most popular wineries.

Every guest will experience voco’s signature ‘come on in’ warm welcome, promising a swift and simple check-in, dedicated voco hosts available throughout the guest’s stay as resident experts and a locally-inspired welcome gift including home-grown lavender nougat.

andBeyond announces plans for ultimate desert escape

andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge - Jack Alexander + Fox Browne Creative...

Conservation-led travel company &Beyond has announced grand plans for its rebuild of &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge in Namibia. Situated in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, one of Southern Africa’s largest private conservation areas and the continent’s only Dark Sky Reserve, the lodge is set to become one of the world’s leading luxury desert escapes.

The updated design ethos pays homage to the surrounding untouched desert landscape and maximises the scenic opportunities for guests while leaving as light a footprint as possible. The new building will comprise a series of glass, rock and steel pavilions built to withstand the extreme elements while providing the ultimate in guest comfort.

Showcasing the splendour and solitude of the desert, ten beautifully-appointed suites will spread out along the curve of the escarpment. Complementing, rather than competing with, the landscape, the glass-fronted suites frame magnificent desert views, while serving as a sophisticated refuge from the harsh desert elements.

Marriott International opens doors to its 7,000th property

Marriott International, Inc. has celebrated the opening of its 7,000th property – The St. Regis Hong Kong.

The stunning, 27-storey luxury hotel, which features butler service, and multiple restaurants, is emblematic of Marriott’s global expansion strategy, which focuses on the highest lodging tiers as well as fast-growing international markets such as Hong Kong.

The company’s first property, the Twin Bridges Marriott, opened in 1957 and was a four-storey motor hotel in Arlington, Virginia.

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth an ambassador of modern French style

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Now in her 53rd year, one of Sydney’s grand old dames, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, is ready to unveil her most stylish yet understated makeover, as she steps into 2019 with a major technology overhaul to rival some of Sydney’s newest hotels.

To celebrate, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth welcomes guests to experience the new facilities over the Easter break with rates starting from $613 per room based on a 3-night stay, saving up to 25 per cent.

The six-month revitalisation project commenced in October 2018 and has just been completed, with all 436 guestrooms and suites receiving the most attention with a stylish makeover. With a chic soft grey palate and muted tones throughout, the sophisticated guestrooms feature new upholstered bedheads, artworks, carpets and high backed fabric armchairs with matching ottomans.

Mood lighting and soft flowing floor to ceiling curtains create an ambiance, working harmoniously to form the perfect zone for sleep, relaxation or working away from the office.

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