Get informed on all the latest hospo news with this week’s Hotel Wrap, which comes with a sprinkling of delightful property developments.

Club Med launches online agent tool

Club Med has today launched ‘Club Med Connect’, an online appointment creator that aims to provide travel agents with additional support from the Club Med team.

The platform allows users to choose the time and date that best suits them, select their meeting length (from 30 minutes to one hour) and the preferred way to connect (video conference/in person/phone call).

Agents can also specify the topic of their meeting, whether it be for training, an update or planning, and select the best Club Med representative for their query, whether that be the regional business development manager, meetings and events team, or a marketing specialist.

Accor to expand Saudi Arabian luxury camp

The Royal Commission for Al-Ula (RCU), the governing body responsible for the preservation and development of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ula site, has announced a partnership agreement with Accor as part of its strategy to develop Al-Ula as a tourism destination for nature, culture and heritage.

The agreement will see Accor operate an expanded Ashar Resort under the Banyan Tree brand, with 47 new units to be added, which will bring the resort’s total number up to 82 high-end villas, along with a luxury spa and several gourmet restaurants.

Accor said the development would be guided by a “sensitive design” that allows each villa to blend discreetly into the natural scenery of the Ashar valley, found 15 kilometres from Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra.

The partnership with the leading global hospitality group has been signed ahead of Al-Ula’s official opening to the world as a year-round destination in October 2020.

It comes as Saudi Arabia continues its goal of expanding international visitation.

In other news from Accor, the hospitality company has announced a partnership with insurance company AXA to offer “expert” medical teleconsultations to guests staying at its hotels.

As of this Tuesday, all Accor guests in Australia, New Zealand and French Polynesia have access to a network of thousands of accredited medical professionals 24/7 via a tele-medical consultation to assist with any medical situations that arise during their stay.

Crown profits down 80pc

Crown Resorts has released its financial results for the year to 30 June 2020, revealing its net profit after tax was $79.5 million, down 80.2 per cent.

The company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation were also down 40.6 per cent to $504.6 million.

For further detail on Crown Resorts’ financial resorts for the year to 30 June 2020, click here.

Marriott International announces opening of first Fairfield by Marriott in Peru

Fairfield by Marriott, one of Marriott International’s 30 global brands, will now also be represented in Peru with the opening of the new Fairfield by Marriott Lima Miraflores, located in Lima’s main tourist district.

According to Marriott, the hotel offers 147 spacious, modern and well-equipped rooms with separate work and rest areas.

The property’s public spaces feature the “modern calm” aesthetic of the Fairfield by Marriott brand, which encompasses open layouts, multifunctional spaces and natural light.

A charming rooftop with a beautiful view of El Reducto Park will allow guests to enjoy free breakfast, which includes various healthy and nutritious options.

For Marriott Bonvoy members planning a staycation or a getaway trip, the travel program and its participating hotel brands are welcoming travellers back with the launch of an exciting promotion.

From now until 18 October 2020, members who register for the special offer will receive 2,500 bonus points for their first and second upcoming paid stays, plus a one-time bonus of 5,000 additional points after their third paid stay.

For a list of current participating hotels, click here.

Pier One Sydney Harbour launches ‘The Creator Series’

Pier One Sydney Harbour has partnered with Australian creatives to offer Sydney locals something fun and unexpected, all while taking in the stunning harbour views, through ‘The Creator Series’.

Whether it is to reconnect with yourself, friends and family or work colleagues for some fun and rejuvenation, one can take part in an interactive workshop complete with food and drinks, with Pier One’s curated selection of experts from diverse creative backgrounds.

The series will launch early September with art and beauty as the initial focus.

A creative art experience hosted by GAS: Goldberg Aberline Studios will take guests through a guided art session, with the aim to create playful art pieces that bring them joy.

The session will encourage guests to think outside the box and create new ways of thinking, with some unexpected twists, and no experience necessary. Breakfast is also included, and all materials, with the package costing $99 per person, commencing Saturday 5 September.

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve packages in place for 2021

https://www.facebook.com/SabiSabiReserve/posts/3173778292669800

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve has reopened after being closed for 130 days.

As the reserve prepares to welcome guests again, Sabi Sabi has announced Sabi Sabi it will be taking the responsibility of providing an environment where guests and staff feel comfortable very seriously.

COVID-19 hygiene protocols have been implemented to encourage social distancing and sanitising without placing restrictions on guests.

Reduced guest capacity, staff health screening, early detection of symptoms, telemedical consultation and prompt on-site medical assistance are in place to ensure full compliance while preserving the authenticity of a safari experience.

Flexible booking conditions have also been implemented for bookings for 2021, alongside several group packages to entice travellers back to the reserve, when government restrictions allow.

For more information, click here.

COMO Conversations to launch at COMO The Treasury

COMO Hotels and Resorts has t announced a new collection of experiences for 2020, designed to build communities that are local to the brand’s luxury portfolio of hotels and resorts around the world.

This September, COMO Conversations will launch in Perth at COMO The Treasury with a conversation between three of the city’s arbiters of multi arts programming: Shelagh Magadza, Wendy Martin and Iain Grandage – all of who have held tenure as artistic director of Perth Festival.

‘The Three Tenures’ will share their stories of navigating the path for the oldest festival in the Southern Hemisphere, offering a chance to hear about the thrill of a momentous commission, tough decisions and the evolving responsibility of the role in a social context.

The discussion will be led by award-winning journalist and interviewer Meri Fatin, who has interviewed the likes of author Margaret Atwood, broadcaster Dr Michael Mosley and Dutch artist and innovator Daan Roosegaarde.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk unveils multi-million-dollar refresh

Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk has announced the completion of its US$8 million ($11.1 million) modernisation that includes all 369 suites in both the Hula Tower and Aloha Tower.

Under management by Outrigger Hospitality Group, the resort’s expansive refresh boasts all-new furnishings and local art installations to provide guests with a unique sense of place amidst an expansive, family friendly environment.

It also included upgrades to its Pool Bar and Pakini Bar, complete with a new menu and cocktail offerings.

Oakwood to launch Beluxs in China

Oakwood, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mapletree Investments, together with Country Garden Commercial and Culture Tourism Group, announced a strategic alliance to co-develop the Oakwood Beluxs at the 2020 Asia Hotel and Travel Forum held in Shanghai, China on 13 August.

The partnership is expected to set a strong foundation for the targeted opening of 100 Oakwood Beluxs properties in China’s 50 cities with the highest gross domestic product by 2030.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants set to debut in two new markets in October 2020

Kimpton Shinjuku (source: supplied)

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) will debut its luxury boutique brand, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, in two new markets this October, with Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo opening on 2 October in Japan and Kimpton Bangkok Maa-Lai opening on 1 October 2020 in Thailand.

The much-anticipated openings mark Kimpton’s expansion in Asia and rounds out the brand’s global presence in some of the world’s most exciting cities including London, Amsterdam, Barcelona and Taipei.

Kimpton Bangkok Maa-Lai will also welcome Bar.Yard, a modern day-to-night urban rooftop garden and bar set on the 40^th floor of the soon-to-be-opened property.

W Brisbane amps up FUEL programming

Jake Harrison is W Brisbane’s FIT Programmer. Photo by Sarah Keayes/The Photo Pitch

W Brisbane is amping up FUEL programming for the back end of 2020, teaming up with InspireCycle to offer in-room workouts for guests of the luxury lifestyle hotel.

Brought to guests by FIT instructor Jake Harrison (pictured), from 14 September guests will be able to work out on demand from the comfort of their ultra-luxe rooms.

For a one-off event on 12 September, Nuckle boxing will also be taking over the hotel’s WET Deck to transform it into a fitness playground for a turbo-charged session of poolside boxing and cardio.

Flash Camp reopens

Flash Camp, one of Australia’s leading provider of temporary luxury camping accommodation, is reopening to customers after battling both the devastating bushfires in early 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NSW site has now reopened, with two COVID-compliant camps on the Upper Shoalhaven River.

Whether you’re looking for an adventure-packed weekend away or just looking to escape the city, Flash Camp’s prices start at $180 per night for a double or twin share tent, with additional adults over two guests for $70 per night, and additional children over two guests for $35 per night.

Flash Camp tents sleep up to four people.

Former Sunshine Coast motel reborn as boutique hotel

Loea Boutique Hotel – located opposite the Maroochy River on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast – has undergone a renovation of epic proportions, taking what was a conventional motel-style accommodation offering and transforming it into a chic, boutique hotel.

On site guests are greeted with a vintage food truck van-come-reception serving up locally sourced food supplied by Gather by Bonnie and a range of hot, cold and alcoholic drinks as well as a friendly welcome.

There’s also classic white cruiser bikes available for guests to use at their leisure, perfect for exploring the Maroochy River as you take the pathway to nearby Cotton Tree.

Features of the property include an outdoor magnesium pool surrounded by a communal alfresco lounge area and garden, local organic skincare products in-room, a private outdoor deck for each suite and a vintage food van on site offering coffee, alcoholic beverages and delicious brunch, grazing and dessert platters available for pre-order.

Prices start from $170 per night for a double room.