Big Fat Hotel Wrap
New Krabi resort and name change for Centara’s Centra brand
Centara Hotel & Resorts has just opened a new resort in beautiful Krabi, southern Thailand. The resort falls under the Centra brand which has been rebranded to Centra by Centara, allowing it to benefit from the company’s strong brand equity.
Tucked away in the serenity of Ao Nang, just 10 minutes away from the buzzing nightlife, the new Centra by Centara Phu Pano Resort Krabi is an affordable hotel offering great facilities at excellent value. This contemporary resort, just 35 minutes away from Krabi International Airport, was is designed as a cluster of low-rise buildings with 158 guest rooms, and gives guests great access to shopping, dining and Krabi’s lively beachside entertainment.
Each room has generous living space of 24 to 49 square metres, and comes available in either a “Family Room” or interconnecting style, with the choice of twin or double beds. The resort is fully equipped for activities and for complete relaxation, with an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, bistro-style restaurant, free Wi-Fi access and meeting facilities.
Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort redefines Hunter Valley hospitality with multi-million dollar transformation
Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort in the heart of New South Wales’ popular wine region, the Hunter Valley, is reaping the rewards of a multi-million dollar investment, which will further transform the property into one of the Hunter’s most sought after accommodation, conference, events and wedding destinations.
Part of leading accommodation provider Oaks Hotels & Resorts’ 54-strong property network, Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort has already seen $6 million invested in upgrades since it was acquired by the hotelier in October, 2013.
Now the 100-hectare Resort is undergoing additional improvements to further enhance the overall guest experience, with significant investments costing approximately $4 million allocated to upgrading its villa accommodation, championship golf course, conference and events facilities, common areas, and onsite food and beverage establishments.
IHG launches lifestyle brand EVEN® Hotels in Australia and New Zealand
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) and international investment company Pro-invest Group today announced an exclusive agreement to develop a portfolio of EVEN® Hotels across key Australian and New Zealand capital cities and economic hubs. This is the first portfolio from the brand to be developed outside the United States and is an industry first; no other hotel brand provides a holistic wellness experience under one roof. IHG has recognised that health and wellness is one of the fastest growing industries in Australia, making it the perfect place to grow the brand.
This agreement, signed at the HICAP conference in Hong Kong this week, is an important milestone for IHG, Pro-invest Group and the Australian travel and tourism industry. Following the success of IHG’s partnership with Pro-invest for the Holiday Inn Express brand in Australia, both parties have been exploring the launch of further IHG brands in the market.
Jan Smits, Chief Executive Officer Asia Middle East & Africa, IHG commented: “The launch of the EVEN Hotels brand in Australia and New Zealand comes at a great time for IHG and is a strong fit to local consumer tastes and trends. We are continuing our expansion in bringing new brands to this market. We have established a strong hotel franchising model to provide owners and investors in Australia, such as Pro-invest, with a reliable and profitable alternative to our equally-successful management model. This is an exciting example of the growth and development of IHG, and a strong signal of our ambition.”
Amilla Fushi Villa Residences joins Elite Havens Luxury Villa Rentals portfolio
Elite Havens Group, Asia’s leading luxury real estate, villa marketing and management distribution company, is delighted to announce the addition of Amilla Fushi Villa Residences in UNESCO protected Baa Atoll, Maldives to its outstanding portfolio of luxury villas. This acquisition in the coveted Maldives represents an exciting expansion into new territories for Elite Havens and furthers their collection of exceptional holiday villas located in the best islands in the world, Bali, Lombok, Phuket and Sri Lanka.
“We are delighted to represent and market Amilla Fushi Villa Residences,” said Jon Stonham, CEO of the Elite Havens Group. “The Maldives are rightfully perceived as the pinnacle of tropical island beauty and luxury and this coupled with the superb experience Amilla Fushi offers their guests we are proud to welcome these eight stunning villas to our portfolio.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Amilla Fushi Villa Residences Centra by Centara Elite Havens Luxury Villa Rentals EVEN Hotels ihg Oaks Cypress Lakes ResortLatest 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!