Hotel wrap: Sydney to get new Mercure, Hayman Island update, Pullman makes Fiji debut + more!
You know what they say: scrolling through Travel Weekly‘s hotel wrap is as good as a holiday. Just kidding, it’s nowhere near as good.
New-build Mercure hotel announced for Sydney’s Rouse Hill
Accor is pleased to announce a new partnership with Lewis Land Group to bring a new-build Mercure hotel to Sydney’s Hills district.
Currently under construction, Mercure Sydney Rouse Hill is being developed alongside The Fiddler Hotel, a major dining and entertainment venue. The Fiddler Hotel underwent a major redevelopment in 2010 and has become a popular venue for casual dining events.
Designed by Architect Mostaghim & Associates, Mercure Sydney Rouse Hill will house 78 modern guest rooms, including 67 standard, seven family and four disability rooms spread across the four-story hotel.
Expected to open in July 2019, Mercure Sydney Rouse Hill will also house a fitness centre and swimming pool, new conferencing and events spaces, while dining venues will be provided to hotel guests through The Fiddler’s existing entertainment complex.
YOO sets its sights on Vietnam as key new market for designer residences
YOO Worldwide, the global designer residence and hotel brand, has set its sights firmly on Vietnam following the recent launch of its new regional headquarters in Southeast Asia.
The UK-based company was created by leading property developer John Hitchcox and international designer Philippe Starck with a mission to enrich lives through extraordinary living spaces. It is now the largest pure residential design brand in the world, with 81 projects in 36 countries, and a number of hotel management and design projects in the pipeline.
Building on these foundations, YOO is now planning to introduce its “out-of-the-box” place-making concepts into Vietnam, one of the world’s most exciting emerging destinations and a hot ticket for tourism and real estate developers.
W Bali – Seminyak mixes it up with Mixmag
W Bali – Seminyak is proud to partner with the world’s biggest dance music and club culture magazine; Mixmag to host a series of three Sundown Sessions live from Woobar; W’s energising beachside bar home to sunset sessions, curated cocktails and amped up music events. The partnership will be a year long collaboration with Mixmag to further enhance the premium music offerings of W Bali – Seminyak; home to the founding W Sound Suite.
With over 2.5 million followers and subscribers across YouTube and Facebook, each of the three sessions will be streamed on Mixmag’s channels, with the full audio stream to be available on Mixmag soundcloud (1.4 million fans) following the event.
The inaugural Mixmag / W Bali – Seminyak Sundown Session will kick off on the 27th of April, as the sun fades and the vibrant night life on the island starts to unravel. Providing beats all through the sunset is one of the islands favourite acts, French house DJ and producer, Sébastien Léger.
The Rees Hotel Queenstown’s Silent Auction for Christchurch
In the wake of the shocking and tragic events in Christchurch, one hospitality ‘family’ is raising funds for the families who have sadly lost loved ones.
Twenty items have been generously given to a silent auction organised by The Rees Hotel in Queenstown that is expecting to raise tens of thousands of dollars with all the proceeds being donated to the Givealittle page for the ‘Christchurch Shooting Victims Fund’ set up by Victim Support https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/christchurch-shooting-victims-fund.
Hayman Island by Intercontinental announces exciting new culinary lineup
Reserve your room, and your table, for the 1 July opening of Hayman Island by InterContinental. With a seven-decade heritage in restaurant and bar excellence, InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts welcome three new culinary heavyweights to lead five distinct dining experiences on island.
Joshua Dows joins the team as Director of Restaurants and Bars, leading the charge on culinary direction and conceptualisation.
Dows earned his stripes on board luxury cruise ships, catering to the many and varied desires of 3,000 passengers.
At the helm of the restaurant is Erwin Joven, appointed as Director of Kitchens. Joven has extensive experience working as an Executive Chef in luxury remote locations such as Fiji, Philippines and the British Virgin Islands.
Anthony Kramer joins the team as Executive Sous Chef, having returned to Australia after a decade working in a high-end resort in Vietnam.
These three culinary pedigrees are the guiding force behind the five distinct dining destinations and bar offerings on island:
• Pacific – Pacific is the resort’s signature, brasserie-style bar and restaurant.
• AQUA – Perched on the side of the iconic Hayman® Pool, AQUA offers guests a refreshing menu of easy-to-share seafood dishes, tropical fruit juices, fresh salad bowls and classic cocktails.
• Amici Trattoria – A blazing wood-fired pizza oven sits at the heart of this casual Italian eatery. The menu features pizza, pasta and an Australian wine list starring Italian grape varietals.
• Bam Bam – Full of character and your go-to for bold zesty dishes, Bam Bam serves up Pan- Asian cuisine infused with a fresh Australian twist. Specialities will include wok-tossed noodles and sugarcane juices, packed with punchy flavours.
• Bar Fifty – Set in the heart of the resort’s lobby, Bar Fifty is an international iconic, having served sophisticated cocktails to the globetrotters since the 1950s. Bar Fifty pays careful dedication to its distinguished past, reopening with twists on familiar favourites, classic cocktails, canapés and light bites within a lively hub.
New glamping village and full upgrade of Cooinda Lodge completed to mark 40th anniversary of Kakadu National Park
Kakadu’s longest-established tourism accommodation operator, Cooinda Lodge & Camping, is marking the 40th anniversary of Kakadu National Park by unveiling a complete refurbishment of its Lodge rooms as well as the launch in June of the new glamping village Dreaming@Home Billabong.
Cooinda is in the heart of Kakadu National Park, and incorporates prime tourism attractions such as Yellow Water Cruises and Warradjan Cultural Centre as well as Spirit of Kakadu 4WD Adventure Tours. It is also very conveniently located to the Nourlangie rock art site, and well positioned for tours to Jim Jim, Twin Falls and the Maguk and Gunlom waterfalls and rock pools.
The major upgrade to accommodation at Cooinda comes at a time when Kakadu celebrates the 40th anniversary of the declaration of Kakadu National Park, establishing Kakadu as one of Australia’s most important natural and cultural destinations.
Fiji set to welcome new Pullman Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
The Pullman brand is set to make its debut in Fiji on the 19th of April 2019 with the launch of the Pullman Nadi Bay Resort & Spa – a vibrant new destination where local culture connects with all things contemporary.
The multi-million dollar Pullman Nadi Bay Resort & Spa sits directly on its own secluded corner of local-favourite, Wailoaloa Beach, a largely unexplored stretch of shore on Nadi Bay. For guests, that means 180 degree, uninterrupted ocean views, bookended by vistas of Fiji’s most recognised mountain, The Sleeping Giant.
Time-conscious travellers don’t know it yet, but this resort will soon become their favourite location based on its central address alone. Pullman epitomises the benefits of a ‘fly in/fly out’ destination, with less travel time ensuring more ‘unravel’ time spent at the spa, bar and pool. A 10 minute-drive from Nadi International Airport and its commercial centre in one direction and an equally speedy 10 minutes to Port Denarau’s entertainment precinct makes it one of the most convenient resort addresses in the Fiji Islands.
A towering cathedral-style bure and striking art installations ensure an elegant arrival, but the sun-drenched piazza-style playground at the heart of the resort is where guests will really want to be. Full of energy and activity, without sacrificing serenity, Pullman’s palm-lined hub is designed around four pools – an adults-only pool, a separate children’s pool and two family pools.
Sustainability driving the agenda at voco Gold Coast
Since the rebrand of the Watermark hotel to voco Gold Coast in November 2018, the hotel has undergone significant enhancements, not only to guestrooms and public spaces but to the way the hotel is thinking about sustainability and energy reduction.
In a bid to eliminate as much plastic from the hotel as possible, from April 2019, voco Gold Coast will replace miniature shampoo, conditioner and soap bottles with large bottle, refillable Aveda bathroom amenities in all its 389 guestrooms. By doing so, it will reduce its plastic waste by 80 per cent.
In addition, the hotel has introduced smart-down bedding made from 100 per cent recycled materials and have replaced plastic water bottles with glass bottles in key areas of the hotel while also replacing all plastic straws with biodegradable straws.
Mercure Sydney International Airport rebrands to Novotel
Mercure Sydney International Airport will rebrand to Novotel Sydney International Airport, following the completion of a multi-million dollar refresh.
Situated just 1km from Sydney’s Airport precinct, the popular hotel amongst frequent business flyers and leisure guests will continue to operate under the Accor banner of internationally recognised midscale brand Novotel.
Novotel branded hotels around the globe are known for providing a multi-service offering for both business and leisure guests, with spacious, modular rooms, 24/7 catering, balanced meals, meeting rooms, attentive and proactive staff, child-friendly spaces, a multi-purpose lobby and fitness centres.
Shougang and Shangri-la sign cooperation on Shougang park hotel in Beijing
Shougang Group and Shangri-La Group today announced the cooperation on a new hotel project at Shougang Park in Beijing.
This is a strategic venture between two established and highly regarded companies to develop an international luxury hotel at the Shougang industrial site. Attending the signing ceremony were Zhang Gongyan, Chairman and General Manager of Shougang Group, Hui Kuok, Chairman of Shangri-La Group, Guo Huaigang, Director of General Administration, The Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games, Wang Yue, Deputy Chief of Beijing Culture & Tourism Bureau, and Ke Yongguo Deputy Head of Shijingshan District Government. The hotel management agreement was signed between Liang Jie, Deputy General Manager of Shougang Group and Lim Beng Chee, Chief Executive Officer of Shangri-La Group.
The hotel project is located in the central area of Shougang Park and boasts spectacular views of Shijingshan Hill and Qunming Lake. Shougang Park is a familiar local landmark with over 100 years of history. The hotel is closely connected to the grand ski ramp of the Winter Olympics and the training center of the National Teams, known as the “Four Ices”, for ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating and curling.
The new project development will incorporate modern designs and green concepts into the heritage industrial estate. It is scheduled for completion and operations at the end of 2021. The hotel will be designated as the Official Hotels of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and it will host the Olympic event reception.
Garden & Villas Resort launches ‘Places of Elena Ferrante’ package
The volcanic island of Ischia, off the coast of southern Italy, is garnering much attention of late and not just for its spectacular scenery. The ‘Green Island’, as nicknamed by locals, forms part of the backdrop for HBO’s recent critically-acclaimed series “My Brilliant Friend” based on the much-loved Elena Ferrante novel.
Fans of the novel turned TV show will delight in the new ‘Places of Elena Ferrante’ package offered by Garden & Villas Resort when the resort reopens for summer in April 2019.
Using Garden & Villas Resort as a base, this package will transport fans to the real-life locations of Ischia Porto, Ischia Ponte, the Maronti beach and Citara where the lives of characters Lila, Lenù, Dino and Donato Sarratore are forever changed. Guests will also receive a full day pass to the Poseidon Gardens where they can dip their toe in the many thermal pools that give Ischia its moniker of ‘The thermal capital of Europe’.
Casa Angelina, Amalfi Coast announces 2019 Spring Offer
Casa Angelina has announced a Spring Offer to celebrate the seasonal 2019 re-opening of this beautiful property in Praiano on the Amalfi Coast.
The Spring Offer is valid for a minimum 2-night stay from 7 April to 15 May 2019 and includes:
• 20 per cent discount off the Best Available Rate
• EUR80,00 Credit Voucher to offset against any hotel Food & Beverage or SPA incidental charges (excluding mini-bar)
• Early Check-in or Late Check-out upon availability
• Upgrade subject to availability
• Farewell Gift
Lead-in rate for Casa Angelina’s Spring Offer is EUR552,00 + 10 per cent VAT per room per night in a Romantic Sea View Room inclusive of full buffet breakfast.
Latest News
“Dragged to hell and back”: Qantas’ illegal sackings severely impacted workers’ mental health, court told
A court has heard of the extent the illegal sackings had on former employees, including cases of anxiety and depression.
Qantas to increase domestic lounge fees by 17% next month
QF says the hike will recover lost member fees during COVID. TW thinks its absolutely time to leave the big C behind.
17 per cent rise in business volume drives Club Med success in 2023-24 and beyond
What's next for Club Med? We'd guess another all inclusive resort, but what do we know?
South West Sydney Tourism launches Western Sydney Tourism Awards
Penrith's 3 consecutive NRL premierships wasn't enough? The people of Western Sydney could fill the trophy cabinet more!
Scoot’s mega March sale has flights to Athens from $355
With Scoot, travellers can lap up the Parthenon on the cheap! Delving into Ancient Greece has never been so affordable.
Luxury Travel Collection welcomes Ramsgate Travel Services to the group
Ramsgate hopefully to be welcomed to the group with more than just an Eagle Boys party. This is worthy of Domino's!
Hotels vs. Airbnb: Industry leaders at odds over who should pay accommodation levy
There's not as much gore in the Hotels vs. Airbnb saga as there is in Alien vs. Predator, but it's just as thrilling!
Unveiling Austria: The Ultimate Destination for Aussie Adventurers!
Looking for a different country to explore but don't want the name to be all that different? Austria is your saviour!
Kyoto’s cherry blossom guide: The one-stop-shop for exploring the city
It can't top Aussie favourites like the Gum or Banksia tree, but we'll give the Cherry Blossom tree the bronze medal.
Entire Travel Group is giving agents $100 for each Rocky Mountaineer booking
Clients mulling a rail holiday and are set on Europe? Convince them Canada is where it's at with Entire's new incentive.
Mickey Mann relocates to Sydney for expansive sales role at TTC Tour Brands
Mickey's gotten the big promotion while TW has finally fixed its coffee machine! It's all happening in the travel world.
Singapore Airlines revamps premium economy with new menu, amenity kit
Felt Singapore Airlines was lacking "the sauce" (as the kids say). Bolster belief in the carrier's je na sais quoi here.
WEBINAR: Don’t miss the chance to scrub up on England, Scotland and Wales this week
Looking for an excuse to put the feet up for half an hour this working week? Look no further!
Luxury Escapes officially launches its agent hub
Appease your luxury-craving client and score some sweet commission. It's all happening with this new agent portal.
CATO heads to Canberra to discuss the state of travel with Government
Telling someone you're going to Canberra "for work" is a real power move. We've only been for trips to Questacon.
Business Events Adelaide set for 20th Destination SA event
Destination SA turns 20! Hopefully it's not celebrated with vodka cruisers and vapes like most 20th birthdays.
Boeing’s woes delay massive Virgin Australia order
This delay means Virgin staffers will be without that new plane smell, inspiring the TW team to sell it in a can.
Golden Eagle Luxury Trains’ 2024/25 program for Aussies has arrived!
Has this got news got you giddy with glee or feeling a bit 'meh'? Well, it's here for you anyway.
All the winners from the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
Somehow missed this news over the weekend? Good thing you're subscribed to our fabulous newsletter!
Qatar Airways CEO unveils ‘Qatar Airways 2.0’
Qatar ushers in '2.0', while TW nurses the Guinness-induced haziness of a Monday after Paddy's Day.
“Airport of the future”: Gold Coast Airport outlines mega plans
What does the airport of the future look like in your mind? If the robots from Wall-E came up then we think alike.
Journey Beyond celebrates 95 years of The Ghan with birthday sale
Do note that today's b'day sale isn't actually The Ghan's b'day. We'd hate for you to get a train's b'day wrong.
Tourism Ireland gets the gang together for Paddy’s Day
'Fill your heart with Ireland' is the campaign name. We prefer fill your stomach with Guiness.
Heritage Expeditions’ new sales manager Australia celebrates appointment with agent famil
He took 11 agents on a trip for his new gig while TW celebrates newbies with a parmi and a pint. Both equal in our eyes.
Uniworld announces S.S. Emilie to sail Europe in 2026
The TW team was once desperate for a river cruise but we ended up at a Uniqlo, not Uniworld. Got a fun shirt though.
INCENTIVE: Double your commission with Inspiring Vacations
Does this news inspire you to flog some Inspiring Vacations trips? Let this article be your inspiration.
Corporate international travel from Brisbane up 30% YOY: Flight Centre
Queenslanders seem keen to go somewhere that actually serves good beer! Sorry, we actually like Great Northern.
44,000 tonnes of sustainable fuel needed to meet decarbonisation targets in EU: CLIA
Much less beans in our diet is what the TW team needs to decarbonise. Though Heinz may shut down if that happens.
Scathing revelations send Boeing’s share price plummeting – Market Check
Poor Boeing. It's just not going. Perhaps soon its brand value will be growing. Until then, it's only faults showing.
The $8 million Government initiative to boost sustainable tourism
Putting $8m into sustainable tourism is a much wiser move than our suggestion of putting it all on black at the casino.
Virtuoso ANZ Forum: Award winners, trends, outlook and more revealed!
The forum was full of Virtuosos! By that we mean travel agents and partners, not Beethoven and Rachmaninov.
“Stressful and humiliating”: Blind disability charity executive abandoned by Jetstar at airport
The poorly treated traveller said this was a failure by the airline to meet its obligation to uphold her human rights.
AmaWaterways opens reservations office for ANZ agents
AmaWaterways has someone for you to yak to! It's meant for reservations but we're sure chit chat is also welcome.
IHG hits 1,000 APAC properties, signals bright future ahead
1000 properties is great for IHG but Travel Weekly just got today's Wordle in two guesses! Who's the real winner, huh?
Melbourne bookings up 52% as Formula 1-fever drives racing fans wild
Does Formula 1 drive you wild, to insanity or round the bend? Regardless, it's driving travellers to Melbourne.
Three-quarters of Aussies plan up to 3 trips this year: AMEX
75% of Aussies are keen on a hat-trick this year! Should make up for never getting one in cricket as a kid.