Big Fat Hotel Wrap

Big Fat Hotel Wrap

It’s not Thursday without a Big Fat Hotel Wrap from your old pal Travel Weekly. Well, it would be, but it wouldn’t be as good.

Terrace of Modern art (TOMA) Features Matthew Allen, Nick Kuchar, Christine Shinn, and Camille Izumi

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The Terrace of Modern Art (TOMA) summer series continues Friday evening, July 20 at Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger. This month, TOMA welcomes artists Matthew Allen, Nick Kuchar, Christine Shinn, and Camille Izumi.

The Beachcomber Waikiki’s pool deck adjacent to Hawaiian Aroma Caffe will be transformed into an extraordinary outdoor art gallery – featuring the work of these amazing Hawaii-based artists. This exhibit will celebrate the artists with an evening of good vibes, delectable and vivacious cocktails, and soothing upbeat tunes.

Additionally, TOMA and Hawaiian Aroma Caffe will be donating 15 percent of the proceeds from the evening to AccesSurf Hawaii, a water-based nonprofit charity organization that offers a variety of programs, services, and events for people with a disability.

The event is free and open to the public from 6 – 9 p.m. TOMA could not be possible without these sponsors: Hawaiian Aroma Caffe, Sun Bum, RedBull, Aloha T-Shirt Factory, Hawaiian Paradise Coffee, Pualani and Desigual.

“We are honored to be a part of such a unique art program and celebrate Hawaii’s artists and art scene while bringing people together – said Jonathan Rotmensch, owner of Hawaiian Aroma Caffe.”

Enjoy the big city life with Oaks Hotels & Resorts’ City Sale

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Glittering skylines, epic shopping experiences, culinary adventures and architectural spectacles – if you’re planning a city escape to a new or favourite destination, Oaks Hotels & Resorts’ City Sale is your ticket to the big smoke.

Offering up to 25% off at participating city properties on stays of two nights or more, consider adding Auckland, Abu Dhabi, Adelaide, Dubai, Brisbane or Melbourne to your city bucket list, and choose from Oaks Hotels & Resorts’ contemporary hotel rooms and spacious, self-contained apartments in these vibrant destinations.

ABU DHABI
If an exotic escape to the UAE’s capital of Abu Dhabi sounds tempting, take advantage of Oaks Liwa Executive Suites’ City Sale rates, starting from just $99* per night for a Premier Suite (minimum two night stay). Located within close proximity of the famed Abu Dhabi Mall, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and Corniche Road – home to over 8km of manicured waterfront parkland, beaches and play areas to explore – the Resort also features a well-equipped gymnasium, swimming pool and onsite restaurant.

ADELAIDE
Combining urban cityscapes and the great outdoors, Adelaide is renowned as a ‘best of both’ destination. Cycle your way through the streets to discover lively neighbourhoods and parklands, a burgeoning arts and culture scene, and an award-winning culinary landscape – or take a short trip to the Adelaide Hills where you’ll be met with sprawling ranges, vineyards and cellar doors. Book a self-contained One Bedroom Apartment at Oaks iStay Precinct from just $91* per night (minimum two night stay).

AUCKLAND
Putting travellers right in the heart of Auckland on New Zealand’s North Island, Oaks Auckland Harbour offers guests unparalleled access to the city’s eclectic cultural hub, outstanding restaurants and bars, popular attractions such as SkyTower and spectacular natural scenery – and all from just $118* per night (minimum two night stay). Hotel visitors will also enjoy panoramic views across the city skyline, Waitemata Harbour and beyond.

BRISBANE
Whether your version of a perfect city getaway involves cycling through the Southbank Parklands, pub hopping through Caxton Street before attending a footy match, grazing at a local foodie festival, or an unforgettable visit to the Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane is a city that has it all. Oaks Hotels & Resorts has every corner covered, with four properties participating in its City Sale. Take your pick from Oaks iStay River City and Oaks Festival Towers from $114* per night, Oaks 212 Margaret from $118* per night, or Oaks Aurora Tower from $117* per night (all minimum two night stay).

DUBAI
Soaring skyscrapers, dreamy beach clubs, awe-inspiring museums, and colossal shopping complexes – Dubai is a destination with endless bucket-list attractions. Experience this spectacular city of ‘world firsts and bests’ from your base at Oaks Liwa Heights from just $137* per night (minimum two night stay), featuring multiple swimming pools, a gymnasium, squash courts and central city location.

MELBOURNE
A city that needs no introduction, Melbourne is a vivacious and diverse destination that comes alive year round. With seven hotels located in and around the city, Oaks puts guests in easy reach of Melbourne’s foodie, cultural, sporting, shopping and nightlife hubs, and as part of the City Sale, travellers can stay from just $106* per night (minimum two night stay). Choose Oaks South Yarra – ideally positioned just steps from the retail mecca that is Chapel Street, or for those who prefer the entertainment hub of Southbank, Oaks Southbank is offering rates from $110* per night.

Oaks Hotels & Resorts’ City Sale is available to book until 25th July 2018 and valid for travel from now until December 2018 (see property for specific dates).

Small Luxury Hotels Introduces Four New Hotels

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Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) welcomes four new exciting additions, including three newly opened properties, to its hand-picked portfolio of luxury boutique hotels this July.

Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean in the French Riviera, play one of China’s most beautiful golf courses or experience the serenity of a Balinese-inspired sanctuary in Southern California.

The diverse collection of new boutique hotels is sure to excite any traveller.

Honor Resort Yun Shun Dali, Dali, China – 23 rooms from $439 AUD per night including breakfast

Nestled on the edges of Erhai Lake and featuring the Cangshan Mountain as a majestic backdrop, this sumptuous retreat located on the outskirts of Dali Ancient Town, provides easy access to one of China´s most beautiful golf courses at nearby Canghai Golf International Community.

Offering one-of-a-kind experiences to guests, the hotel boasts a striking cantilevered pool with a glass panel at the base, a virtual golf simulator, a wine and cigar bar and even a tea house where visitors can drop by for a game of chess and a pot of freshly-brewed, loose-leaf tea.

All rooms and suites at Honor Dali include private terraces and spacious living areas as well as luxurious amenities such as a complimentary mini-bar, a BOSE sound system, a mini iPad and Salvatore Ferragamo bathroom toiletries.

When not playing golf, guests can visit Dali Ancient Town with its historic sites, ancient buildings and temples which all date back to the Ming dynasty.

SLH Insider Tip: After dinner, cigar connoisseurs should pay a visit to the hotel’s exclusive cigar bar housing the finest cigar brands from around the world

Le Mas Candille, Mougins, France – 38 rooms and seven suites from $348 AUD per night

Secluded within eight acres of terraced Provençal grounds and surrounded by fragrant cypress trees and fields of olive groves, Le Mas Candille is an elegant five-star boutique hotel with a Michelin-star restaurant and three insta-worthy swimming pools located in Mougins – the medieval Riviera village which was once home to Pablo Picasso.

From the moment of arrival, guests are invited to soak up the panoramic views of the Mougins Valley from the hotel’s dazzling infinity pool, explore the beautifully landscaped gardens or enjoy a pampering session in the Spa Candille with its relaxing Jacuzzi, hydrotherapy pool, sauna and luxury ESPA treatments. Originally an 18th century farmhouse, each of the 38 bedrooms and seven suites have been designed in a modern Provençal style combining shabby-chic French antiques with contemporary furnishings.

This peaceful sanctuary also boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a chef´s table experience, delectable Mediterranean dishes made with fresh seasonal ingredients and its own reserve Champagne. Beyond the hotel, there´s plenty to discover from Mougins’ cobbled streets, Grasse’s perfume factories to St Tropez´s glamorous beaches.

SLH Insider Tip: The hotel features an outdoor gym where you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery and mountain breezes while working out

Monkey Island Estate, Bray On Thames, England – 41 rooms from $444 AUD per night including breakfast

Opening in August following a complete renovation by YTL Hotels, Monkey Island Estate is a centuries old retreat that lies on a picturesque island in the River Thames in the historic village of Bray, Berkshire, and in accessible only by a footbridge or by boat.

The island, with an intriguing history dating back 800 years, has been the haunt of monarchs, aristocrats and artists, along with writers, famous performers and Berkshire locals.

Following YTL’s superb renovation, visitors from London and beyond will yet again have their very own private countryside escape to enjoy.

The striking white bricked Pavilion and Temple buildings will now make up the main hotel areas of YTL’s Monkey Island Estate, surrounded by picturesque views of the River Thames and beautifully manicured gardens.

Executive Chef of Monkey Island Estate, William Hemming, will be serving up a sophisticated yet casual dining experience on the river at the Monkey Island Brasserie, while in the Monkey Bar and lounge, guests can sip champagne, fine wines and spirits while gazing at the playful frescoes that date from the 1730s – depicting monkeys enjoying country pursuits.

SLH Insider Tip: From September, guests will be able to Indulge in a floating spa experience in one of the hotel’s spa treatment room located on a bespoke barge on the River Thames

The Pantai Inn, California, La Jolla, USA – 30 suites and cottages from $528 AUD per night

Set along the shores of La Jolla coastline, with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, this Balinese-inspired hideaway brings a touch of Indonesian hospitality to South California.

Upon entering the Pantai grounds, guests are swept away by the serenity of the lush, polished gardens adorned with Balinese statues and the hotel´s coral stoned courtyard with soothing water features and an outdoor fire pit to stimulate the senses.

Each of the Inn’s 30 suites and cottages feature typically Balinese furnishings, with hand carved wood and patterned fabrics, as well as rain showers and optional in-room spa services.

Most of the accommodations boast fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes not to mention incredible overview balconies, and all include complimentary breakfast, high definition flat screen televisions and media hubs. Pantai Inn is also located within easy reach of San Diego’s best sights such as San Diego Zoo, as well as the downtown galleries and restaurants.

SLH Insider Tip: All one-bedroom cottages feature oversized bathrooms with their own Jacuzzi tubs perfect to soak in and unwind

Sunset Bungalows Resort launches incredible Specials

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Nestled quietly on the water’s edge, just minutes away from bustling Port Vila, this outstanding resort has been architecturally inspired by Melanesian styles and offers modern facilities and fantastic views of the lagoon.

Sunset Bungalows Resort offers 10 Superior Waterfront Bungalows with exotic native timber interiors, cathedral ceilings and verandas that hover over the lagoon’s edge. There are also a further 8 Lagoon View rooms and 1 Honeymoon Spa Bungalow, all designed and appointed to the same standard. Sunset Bungalows Resort caters exclusively for adults 18 years and above in the Honeymoon Spa Bungalow and the Superior Waterfront Bungalows and 1 child can be accommodated in the Lagoon View Studios when travelling with 2 adults.

Book your escape before Sept 30 and travel before March 31, 2019 and you’ll receive 40% off the normal room rate with no minimum stay. Guests will receive Sunset’s normal inclusions; a Welcome Drink on arrival, Daily Cooked Breakfast – with selected hot & cold items, Complimentary use of kayaks and Complimentary WiFi.

Those who choose to stay a little longer will also receive:

Stay 5 pay for only 4 nights and receive for FREE…

  • FREE return airport transfers for two persons
  • FREE in-room WiFi
  • FREE welcome drink
  • FREE Fruit Platter in room upon arrival
  • FREE Romantic 3-course dinner for two

Stay 7 pay for only 5 nights and receive for FREE…

  • FREE return airport transfers for two persons
  • FREE in-room WiFi
  • FREE welcome drink
  • FREE Fruit Platter in room upon arrival
  • FREE Romantic 3-course dinner for two (one per stay)
  • FREE Mele Cascade Entrance tickets for two adults for one day during your stay

Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver presents the West Coast Wilderness Adventure Package

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Nestled between the Coast Mountain Range and Pacific Ocean is the Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver, a luxurious sanctuary in the bustling British Columbia seaport. Surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Canada’s West Coast, the hotel is a natural base from which to launch unforgettable adventures.

Staycationers and globetrotters staying at Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver in Summer 2018 can tackle city and mountain in one fell swoop.

The West Coast Wilderness Adventure package will transport guests from Vancouver’s downtown harbour to Whistler, via floatplane, for an enchanting journey along the River of Golden Dreams; a paddler’s paradise and classic West Coast activity.

Flowing with the gentle current, guests will navigate the winding serpentine river and steer through narrow passages, all while marvelling the old-growth forest, and snow-capped mountain vistas. After a healthy dose of crispy alpine air, guests will return to the city, where the comforts of Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver await.

‘Team Oaks’ conquers 96km endurance challenge to support the Kokoda Youth Foundation

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Team members from leading accommodation provider Oaks Hotels & Resorts have rallied together to push their bodies and minds to the limit in support of the Kokoda Youth Foundation at the weekend, participating in one of the most gruelling endurance events in Australia, The Kokoda Challenge Gold Coast.

Team One – consisting of Lachlan Rentell, Director of Wholesale and Trade; Josh Basir, Sales Coordinator; Brett Hohn, General Manager AVANI Broadbeach; and Alison Briffa, Assistant Operations Manager – completed the mammoth event in 32 hours and 21 minutes.

While Team Two – consisting of Anthoney Jayasekera, Head of Digital; Peta Phillips, National Sales Manager Coach and Wholesale; Emma Wyatt, Data Driven Marketing Manager; and Marcia Carey, National Groups Specialist – successfully crossed the finish line in 32 hours and 50 minutes.

Trekking through dense Gold Coast Hinterland and facing the added element of a cold snap – with temperatures falling to single digits, the challenge is commonly referred to as the toughest team endurance event in Australia, with winding tracks, 14 check-points to pass and over 5000 metres of vertical elevation to climb and descend.

In addition to the two participating teams who gave a stellar effort, eight dedicated Oaks Hotels & Resorts support crew also donated their time to meet the participants at the nominated check-points, providing food, changes of clothes, medical attention and much-needed encouragement throughout the event.

As a result of participating in the epic endurance challenge, the team raised over $3500 in funds for the Kokoda Youth Foundation, a not-for-profit charity organisation that was founded by Vietnam veteran Doug Henderson OAM to assist young Australians from all social backgrounds in providing opportunities to learn key life skills and qualities. The youth program is underpinned by the core philosophies of the Spirit of Kokoda: courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice.

Wyndham Destinations welcomes Ramada Suites By Wyndham Solo to its management portfolio 

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Wyndham Destinations has today announced the expansion of its managed hotel and resort portfolio in Indonesia with the introduction of Ramada Suites by Wyndham Solo, an easily accessible, upscale property in the Central Java city of Solo.

Ramada Suites Solo is a unique heritage-inspired building featuring a fusion of traditional royal Javanese and modern architectural elements. The 136-room property is cleverly designed as a three-storey main building, and two-storey residences, featuring courtyards and walkways, landscaped gardens, a barbecue area and an onsite picturesque replica temple.

Warhol, Basquiat, Haring and more: The Peninsula New York debuts curated 1980s art exhibition in honour of 30th anniversary 

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After opening our doors in 1988, The Peninsula New York is proud to celebrate our 30th Anniversary with a curated art exhibition celebrating artists who were prominent in the 1980s. The exhibition, installed throughout the public spaces of the hotel, features a collection of original works of Andy Warhol, Francesco Clemente, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Barbara Kreuger.

In addition to the works, the exhibition features three iconic portraits of Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat by famed photographer Michael Halsband, from when the two visited his studio on July 10, 1985. The images were taken to create a boxing-style poster to announce the collaboration of the two artists for a future exhibition. The three portraits, “Andy Warhol & Jean-Michel Basquiat #133,” “Andy Warhol & Jean-Michel Basquiat #1 (first roll, first frame of the sitting),” and “Andy Warhol & Jean-Michel Basquiat #143” are on display in the hotel’s Palm Court.

Andy Warhol is viewed as the father of a movement that shaped the New York art world during the 1980s. The story of his famed Campbell’s Soup works not only established the beginning of the Pop Art movement in 1962, it became one of the most iconic, signature pieces of Andy Warhol’s career. With this, the hotel has installed 10 original screen prints of Andy Warhol’s “Campbell’s Soup” in the upper lobby seating area, for visitors to view until the end of October.

Warhol’s interpretation of Chairman Mao resulted in the creation of a portfolio that contains ten brightly colored, monumental portraits that now cover the walls of the hotel’s Gotham Lounge and are available to view until the end of August. These portraits illustrate Warhol’s fascination with the clash of imagery between Communist propaganda and Western fashion, in keeping with his portraits of other famed celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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