Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has debuted its COSI brand in southwest Thailand with the opening of COSI Krabi Ao Nang Beach. Styled as “The Lifestyle Hotel for the Freedom Loving Traveller”, COSI Krabi Ao Nang follows in the trendsetting footsteps of its sister hotels in Koh Samui and Pattaya.
Capturing the youthful energy of the hotel is a series of red hawk murals – a motif chosen to symbolise freedom – specially created for COSI Krabi by award-winning street artist Rukkit Kuanhaweth.
COSI’s signature social vibe is cultivated with The Hub, the heart of the hotel designed as a chill-out space to watch a film or a game, get some work done at the coworking space, and mingle with like-minded travellers any time day or night.
Also central to the COSI lifestyle is 24-hour convenience, which, in addition to the 24-hr Hub, extends to a café, COSI Fit fitness centre, and a self-service laundromat, all open around the clock.
The smart hotel provides all the necessary comforts for today’s connected generation. Each of COSI Krabi’s 142 rooms comes fully equipped with power shower, free Wi-Fi, Smart TV, bedside USB ports, in-room safe, and a small retro fridge. Guests have a choice of three room types, including king or twin bed configurations, and a COSI Plus room which features a king bed and bunk bed, ideal for a small group of friends or young family seeking the social and connected COSI experience.
When COSI guests are not out and about exploring all that Krabi has to offer, they can unwind at the hotel’s rooftop pool, complete with underwater speakers, and enjoy the stunning views of Ao Nang’s iconic limestone rocks.
Rock climbing holds adorn feature walls around the hotel, referencing Krabi’s reputation as a world-class rock climbing and bouldering destination. In the guest rooms, headboard designs draw inspiration from iconic long-tail boats that ply the waters in southern Thailand.
Guests who wish to explore more of the destination need not go far, as the hotel is located within walking distance from Ao Nang Beach and the town’s nightlife and restaurants. Further afield, adventure-loving travellers can visit and explore the region’s caves, go rock climbing on its soaring limestone cliffs, and go in search of offshore island gems.
“Krabi is a beautiful destination, and with the opening of COSI Krabi, we look forward to providing a trendy base for freedom-loving travellers exploring the region. After months of preparation, my team and I are very excited to start welcoming guests,” said Rutjiret Ananphong, General Manager, COSI Krabi Ao Nang Beach.
To celebrate its opening, COSI Krabi Ao Nang is offering an “Even Stronger Together” package with rates starting at THB 720, which includes THB 100 food & drink credit per person per night. Guests can also enjoy free early check-in from 9 a.m., and late check-out up to 9 p.m. for stays on Sundays to Thursdays, subject to availability.
A haven of space and seclusion among lush coastal surroundings, Amanyara, Turks & Caicos, has unveiled a complete refurbishment of its 38 pavilions, and introduced a host of new activities. In anticipation of the resort’s 15th anniversary next year, the rejuvenation welcomes a new chapter for this pristine Caribbean oasis, which is set on the shores of a 7,200-hectare nature reserve on the island of Providenciales.
Contemporary in layout and design, Amanyara’s timber-shingled, stand-alone pavilions are sensitively integrated into their verdant natural surroundings with views of the ocean, tranquil ponds or coastal vegetation.
REFURBISHMENT
Ranging from 65 to 260sqm, the spacious pavilions, several of which have their own private pools, have received a complete upgrade with new, custom-made beds that are draped in soft linens for utmost comfort.
In addition, new furniture for both indoors and outdoors has been added to each pavilion and the bathrooms have been refurbished to include deep soaking stand-alone bathtubs – a welcome anecdote to island life.
The upgraded bathroom fixtures also include custom-designed mirrors and contemporary light fittings. In collaboration with global design practice Olson Kundig, the resort’s original and iconic Jean Michel Gathy minimalistic design has been preserved throughout and the pavilions have retained their focus on the integration of the indoors and outdoors.
The expansive terraces can be accessed via floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto an airy bedroom and living area.
Dovetailing with the dramatic Providenciales scenery, Amanyara’s pavilions are nestled in coastal vegetation, overlooking serene ponds that reveal the healing powers of water.
Coveted ocean views welcome guests into the Ocean front Pavilions, all of which are perched six metres above the coastline with pathways leading to the rocky shore while the Pool Pavilions, surrounded by teak decking and mahogany trees, offer infinity-edged swimming pools.
The most magnificent views of the ocean can be found from within the Amanyara Pavilion, elevated above the waterline with a private T-shaped pool and an alfresco Yoga Salathat offers spectacular sunsets every evening.
The Amanyara Pavilion comes with its own dedicated host service, enabling optimal relaxation. Ideal for families and long-term stays, the 263sqm square-foot two-bedroom Pool Pavilion Villas feature a private lap pool, an expansive outdoor terrace, a private walled garden, a children’s room, a fully-equipped personal gym, and a spacious living and dining area, featuring a pantry and bar.
Pool Pavilion Villas come complete with a personal golf cart for exclusive guest use.
NEW ACTIVITIES
Guests can enjoy the privacy of these remodeled pavilions as well as access to several new activities this coming season on land and in the ocean including horseback riding, free-diving and kite boarding.
Home to the third largest barrier reef in the world, Turks & Caicos offers several popular dive sites including Northwest Point, which is located just minutes from Amanyara and is famous for its steep walls.
Alternatively, guests can choose to enjoy the views on horse-back, riding through nature trails and along the coastline, leading to Amanyara’s beach.
For a more adrenaline-fueled adventure, Long Bay, a 30-minute drive from Amanyara offers the ideal conditions for kite boarding with miles of shallow, sandy, clear water and consistent wind.
Soar along the island’s dramatic bays with equipment provided for all lessons and available to rent for certified or experienced riders.
AT HOME WITH AMANYARA
Amanyara’s 30-day At Home with Amanyara programme offers guests the opportunity to create a second home sanctuary with a stay in a pavilion or a larger villa.
Tailored for extended visits, guests have the space and privacy for work and remote learning by day, as well as access to a number of activities and experiences that focus on relaxation and outdoor exploration.
Overlooking a pristine white sand beach and the turquoise waters of North West Point Marine National Park, Amanyara meaning “place of peace” is a haven for personalized wellbeing where guests can experience planned Wellness Immersions or craft their own customised journey.
In addition to the Aman Spa, fitness and wellness facilities include an aqua therapeutic pool, Pilates studio, an open-air Yoga Sala as well as the Club House, which features tennis courts, a boxing studio, a soccer pitch, a multi-field basketball and volleyball court, and a lacrosse pitch.
A marine lovers’ paradise, the resort provides access to a multitude of adventures from deep-sea fishing to some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling in the Turks & Caicos, led by trained instructors.
Airline offers unlimited changes for travel completed during 2021 and fee-free refunds
Customers booking travel via qatarairways.com can exchange their ticket for a travel voucher with 10% additional value
Qatar Airways has announced that it will offer passengers unlimited date changes and fee-free refunds for all tickets issued before 30 April 2021 for travel completed by 31 December 2021.*
The airline’s latest enhancement to its industry-leading flexible booking policy has been designed to continue providing customers with peace of mind that they can change their plans with ease.
The airline is also making the option to exchange tickets for a travel voucher with 10% additional value a permanent feature for all customers booking travel via qatarairways.com. The process for redeeming a travel voucher is quick and easy – passengers apply online and receive the voucher within 48 hours.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said, “Throughout 2020, we have provided customers the ability to modify travel without penalties as a result of the disruption to global travel caused by COVID-19. As we look forward to the possibilities of travelling again next year, Qatar Airways will continue to be by our passengers’ side, offering continued flexibility throughout 2021 as the airline they can rely on.”
The national carrier of the State of Qatar continues to rebuild its network, which currently stands at over 100 destinations increasing to 126 by March 2021.
With more frequencies being added to key hubs, Qatar Airways offers unrivalled connectivity to passengers, making it easy for them to change their travel dates or destination if they need to. Qatar Airways also remains committed to honouring passenger refunds, paying out over USD $1.65 billion since March 2020.
When travelling with Qatar Airways in 2021, passengers can expect the highest levels of safety throughout their journey. The airline’s onboard safety measures include the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for cabin crew and a complimentary protective kit and disposable face shields for passengers.
Business Class passengers on aircraft equipped with Qsuite can enjoy the enhanced privacy this award-winning business seat provides, including sliding privacy partitions and the option to use a ‘Do Not Disturb (DND)’ indicator. Qsuite is available on flights to more than 30 destinations including Frankfurt, Kuala Lumpur, London and New York. For full details of all the measures that have been implemented onboard and at HIA, please visit qatarairways.com/safety.
*Date and destination changes are offered within the same booking class. Fare rules apply. For full terms and conditions visit qatarairways.com/Flexibility.
The possibilities for every bespoke Aman journey are endless. Aman Indonesia’s Private Jet Journeys offer guests the opportunity to experience a personalised Aman Experience in the sky, visiting Aman’s fascinating destinations across the country, on one’s own personal time schedule.
A new Aman journey in Indonesia, A Private Jet Journey to Bali, launches on the 24 December 2020, in partnership with premium provider of private jet charter, CEOJetSet and provides guests with a stress-free trip from bustling Jakarta to the beaches of Bali.
Designed in harmony with Aman’s aesthetic, guests will board an Embraer Legacy 600 private jet, which seats up to 13 travellers- where timeless elegance meets utmost comfort.
The once-in-a-lifetime experience begins in Jakarta, where the bustle of the vibrant city soon becomes a distant memory. Sip on a crisp glass of champagne, a cup of coffee or tea before reaching Bali in under two hours feeling refreshed. On arrival, a private transfer to the chosen Aman resort on the island awaits.
Allowing a seamless experience from take-off to arrival, the Private Jet Journey to Bali package will be available from 24-27 December 2020 and 11-15 February 2021, continuing on selected dates throughout 2021.
The package includes a luxury return transfer aboard a private jet from Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport to Ngurah Rai International Airport, access to the VIP airport lounge, private return airport transfers and three-night stay at the chosen Aman property in Bali with a special price starting from IDR157,300,600++/ 2 persons.
Throughout their time at Amandari, Amankila or Aman Villas at Nusa Dua, guests will receive daily breakfast, dining and spa credit as well as a complimentary room upgrade, which is subject to availability upon check-in.
For an alternative adventure, Aman Private Jet Journeys can be fully customised with a number of route options from Surabaya to Bali and Jakarta to Sumbawa Besar with direct access to Amanwana.
AMANDARI
Designed after a traditional Balinese village, with sweeping views of the Ayung Valley’s jungled slopes, Amandari has integrated so sensitively into its hillside setting that it feels as though it has always been there.
Pebbled walkways link the 31 suites and villas with the restaurant, swimming pool and Aman Spa. Discover ancient temples, take part in a personalised healing session and enjoy a market tour or trek across the renowned landscape of Bali.
AMANKILA
Mount Agung provides a dramatic backdrop for Amankila, a secluded seaside resort overlooking the Lombok Strait in East Bali. Its 33 free-standing suites offer exceptional sea views and are connected by raised walkways to the resort’s restaurants and signature three-tier infinity pool. The Beach Club is set back from the private black-sand beach.
AMAN VILLAS AT NUSA DUA
On Bali’s southernmost peninsula, famed for its white-sand beaches, ocean-side temples and frangipani-scented hillsides, Aman Villas at Nusa Dua rests poolside in lush tropical gardens. Each is an Eden-like retreat providing easy access to a private Beach Club, the Bali National Golf Club and the island’s many attractions.
AMANWANA
Amanwana (‘peaceful forest’) is the only resort located on the island of Moyo, a nature reserve east of Bali. Set on a beach overlooking the Flores Sea, the wilderness hideaway offers luxury accommodation under a canopy of tropical forest.
Whether on land or at sea, Amanwana provides a mesmerising escape for guests looking to disconnect and reconnect with their natural surroundings. By night, the camp becomes a mesmerising space: Congregate around the campfire, have a celebration on the beach, share tales of the day’s adventures, or stargaze into the uninterrupted sky.
The resort invites you to experience The Camp of Your Own, a private escape for three-nights or five-nights focused on reconnection and island enjoyment with an exclusive camp buy-out on Moyo Island.
Alila Villas Uluwatu invites you to spend this magical time of the year in Bali, enjoying heartwarming festivities in simple yet sophisticated Alila style. This is the perfect occasion to spend time with your loved ones around you, relaxing and indulging in wonderful dining experiences specially crafted for this festive season.
Alila Villas Uluwatu will be in full festive mood from 24 December 2020 to 5 January 2021. From culinary feasts to a memorable curated Alila Journey, you’ll discover everything you need for sparkling Christmas and New Year celebrations, and a refreshing start to 2021.
“We are extremely delighted to bring all our guests an exclusive Festive Rendezvous celebrating life and togetherness, creating special moments and caring for the community. It’s a wonderful opportunity to relax, refresh and return home enriched with endless memories,” said Hemal Jain, General Manager of Alila Villas Uluwatu.
The festivities will kick-start on Christmas Eve with a sunset session at Sunset Cabana Bar followed by a four-course Western set menu.
On Christmas Day comes an All-day Christmas Brunch where you can gather with your beloved family and friends to feast on a sumptuous Western and Indonesian all-you-can-order menu accompanied by the beats of DJ Klfin. Arriving late? No worries. You are welcome to join the feast any time from 12 noon onwards.
Save your Saturdays for Sounds of the Cliff. Come and relax on the last Saturday of 2020 to the rhythms of DJ Anggela Vani, and welcome the first Saturday sunset of 2021 overlooking stunning clifftop views of the Indian Ocean below.
Culinary enthusiasts won’t want to miss one of the highlight events of Festive Rendezvous 2020, the gastronomic pairing of two local icons of the luxury dining scene, Nusantara by Locavore and The Warung, Alila Villas Uluwatu.
From the best of Nusantara’s set menu to a la carte delights, indulge over the last weekend of the year, accompanied by a live band performance by Dimas and Latinasia on Sunday, 27 December.
On the last night of the year, let Alila Villas Uluwatu transport you to an era of glitz and glamour with a Gatsby-style New Year’s Eve celebration #GATSBYATALILA.
Enjoy a magical night of sumptuous food and music performances by DJ Sammy Sax and gypsy songstress Lydia Rose as the clock counts down, ready to toast the arrival of 2021 under the stars.
And what better way to celebrate the first day of the New Year than with a fabulous All-day New Year’s Brunch.Savour a flavourful selection of Western and Indonesian brunch-style dishes, enjoy performances by DJ Fran Tinez, and catch the first sunset of the year by the cliff.
Beyond the feasting, indulgence can also be found at Spa Alila, where you can treat yourself to two specially created holiday season offers –La Dolce Vita and Recharge and Recover – that promise to pamper you from head to toe.
For something more active, try your hand at Archery on the Cliff against the breathtaking backdrop of ocean views. No experience is needed as professional instructors will guide you. Or hop aboard a boat for the resort’s must-try curated Journey to the Southern Beaches, an adventurous beach-hopping journey encompassing eight of the most famous beaches in Bali.
At Alila Villas Uluwatu, a joyous season of celebration awaits you.
Welcome the festivities by sharing love in Christmas atmosphere, related to our Corporate Social Responsibilities we collaborates with Spectrum Sinergi to present ”Leaves of Lights”. It’s when the synergy of Christmas happiness happened by giving one small action then will be the best Christmas celebration.
Spectrum Sinergi provides a forum for the Artists with Special Needs through Sinergi Mahakarya. Spectrum Sinergi is a place where the Artits with Special Needs could have their creative activities for doing some art, such as painting, photography, firming hangers for christmas tree and others.
In this Christmas celebration, Sinergi Mahakarya will invites them to collect the donations for their hard work. Every donation will be collected to Spectrum Sinergi to develop a creative platform for the Artist with Special Needs that have a positive impact on the surrounding environment.
Leaves of Light – The Synergy of Christmas Happiness
For each donation result will be given a leaf with your name on it and can be hung at the ”Leaves of Lights” at the Giant Aviary Ground Floor of Aviary Bintaro, South Tangerang from 1 – 31 December 2020. Come and visit our ”Leaves of Lights” by giving donation and hang lots of leaves, so that the Christmas Tree becomes the perfect one.
Part of the iconic Jeju Dream Tower Integrated Resort, the 1,600-room hotel is set to become one of Asia’s leading integrated lifestyle destinations
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced the opening of the 1,600-room Grand Hyatt Jeju in South Korea, the largest Hyatt hotel in Asia Pacific. This highly anticipated opening also marks the return of a Hyatt hotel into Jeju Special Autonomous Province, an island on the southern end of the Korean Peninsula renowned for its rich history and cultural traditions.
Part of the new Jeju Dream Tower, the island’s iconic twin-tower landmark, Grand Hyatt Jeju embodies the modern Korean lifestyle, offering leisure guests, business travelers and locals an impressive selection of world-class culinary, leisure and entertainment experiences under one roof. These include 14 distinct restaurants and bars, HAN Collection, a dedicated retail space showcasing over 200 Korean fashion designers and brands, the island’s largest outdoor deck with an infinity pool, two premium spas; and eight residential-style event spaces.
“Grand Hyatt Jeju represents the best of modern Korean culture and welcoming hospitality, which together with the spectacular surrounding views, bold gastronomy scene and exciting recreational venues, provides exhilarating and memorable experiences,” said Paul Kwok, general manager and managing director of Grand Hyatt Jeju.
“Grand Hyatt Jeju reinforces the prestigious Jeju Dream Tower development’s position as the city’s new hotspot and we are grateful to work with the hotel’s ownership company, Lotte Tour Development, and for its trust in Hyatt as we continue our strategic brand growth in Korea with this debut in this fast-emerging leisure destination.”
Prime location in the heart of Jeju City
Grand Hyatt Jeju is a 10-minute drive from Jeju International Airport, 15-minute drive from the port and cruise terminals, and within walking distance from shopping and culinary hotspots such as Jeju Dongmun Market and Nuwemaru Street. The rest of the island is accessible via taxi and bus, and the main highway near to the hotel leads to the Seogwipo beachside district and UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Mount Hallasan Natural Reserve, Geomunoreum Lava Tube System and Seongsan IIchulbong Tuff Cone.
Guestrooms
Starting at 700 square feet (65 square meters), the spacious 1,600 rooms and suites feature floor-to- ceiling windows with breathtaking views of Halla Mountain – the highest mountain in South Korea, the turquoise sea and the city. Each luxuriously appointed guestroom is accented with modern Korean art, equipped with a 75-inch flat-screen television, three-seater sofa, marble bathroom with a double vanity and island bathtub.
Furnished with hand-picked European designer furniture, the lavish 2,798 square- foot (260-square-meter) Presidential Suite is ideal for intimate celebrations and private events and features two bedrooms, separate living and dining areas, a massage room, and sauna steam room, as well as dedicated butler service.
Able to host up to 200 people, the Grand Club is the largest Grand Hyatt club lounge in Asia Pacific and features three social spaces – the Library, Dining Hall and Living Room. Suite guests and World of Hyatt members with Globalist status will have complimentary access to the lounge where they can enjoy panoramic city views alongside all-day refreshments, breakfast, evening cocktails and personal check-in service.
Dining
Grand Hyatt Jeju offers the widest selection of cuisines under one roof in Jeju Island, curated in collaboration with local suppliers and food artisans to bring diners on a gastronomic journey featuring local and global flavors from Korean, Chinese, and Southeast Asian to Italian. The hotel’s 14 unique restaurants and bars include:
China House: Specializes in Northern Chinese, Shanghainese and Sichuan cuisines
Jeju Hot Pot: Farm-to-table Chinese hot pot restaurant serving locally farmed seasonal produce
Noknamu: Korean BBQ dining with traditional Korean premium beef
Pocha: Featuring authentic Korean street food culture alongside lofty views from the 38th floor
Steak House: Steak, seafood and grill restaurant with a million-dollar view
Grand Kitchen: Buffet restaurant with dynamic show kitchens serving international flavors
Yumeyama: A theatrical showcase of Japanese izakaya, sushi and teppanyaki
Café 8: Authentic Italian cuisine
Wellbeing & Guest Amenities
Surrounded by beautiful beaches, scenic countryside, natural landscapes and home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the volcanic Hallasan Mountain, Jeju Island is a popular South Korean getaway and wellness destination. An indulgent bathhouse experience awaits guests at Korean Jjimjil Spa – from a traditional Korean body scrub to complete rejuvenation in the red clay, cypress, ice and salt specialty therapy rooms. Bespoke treatments using cosmeceutical technologies are available at the European-style Rosebay Spa.
Rendering
Set against a picture-perfect backdrop of the sea and Halla Mountain, the 46,177-square-foot (4,290- square-meter) infinity pool deck – the largest outdoor deck on Jeju Island, is ideal for lounging and alfresco dining in summer. The deck features a heated infinity pool, private cabanas, a hot tub, a kids’ pool and a poolside bar. Guests can also enjoy a dip in the indoor pool or work out in the 24-hour fitness center.
HAN Collection is a dedicated retail space showcasing more than 200 Korean fashion designers and brands across two floors. Grand Hyatt Jeju also offers a kids’ arcade with stimulating entertainment and games.
Meetings and Events
With eight meetings and event spaces designed to reflect a warm, residential setting, Grand Hyatt Jeju is suited for grand celebrations, memorable weddings and intimate get-togethers with a dedicated team of culinary experts, event service and meeting planners to deliver a personalized experience for all occasions.
Guided by its purpose of care, Hyatt’s multi-layered Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment further enhances its operational guidance and resources around colleague and guest safety and peace of mind. More information on Hyatt’s commitment can be found here: hyatt.com/care-and-cleanliness.
Thai company’s lifestyle concepts, SAii, and dynamic new brand, nābor, set to drive expansion as rebrandings, and new openings introduce locally-inspired, bold and stylish experiences to a new generation of travelers.
S Hotels & Resorts Public Company Limited, the flagship hospitality arm of Singha Estate PCL, is gearing up for a defining year in 2021, as it completes a series of milestone rebrands, smart refurbishments and expansion projects that keeps the company firmly on track to reach its targets.
These objectives are aligned with six goals S Hotels & Resorts is committed to from the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals initiative through actions concerning sustainable consumption, marine debris pollution, low carbon, children knowledge and conservation programme, green procurement and local sourcing, local gastronomy and human rights.
At the heart of S Hotels & Resorts’ growth strategy are its new lifestyle brands: SAii, a fun and free-spirited upper-upscale concept for experience-seeking travellers, and nābor, an all-new “luxury-midscale” brand designed for smart explorers with digitally-driven lives.
With at least six new and repositioned properties scheduled to be added in the next 12 months, 2021 will play a pivotal role in the company’s five-year development strategy, through which it plans to double its global portfolio from 39 hotels totalling 4,647 rooms today, to 82 properties with 9,000 keys by 2025.
SAii, which derives from the Thai word for “sand”, was first unveiled in 2019 with the opening of SAii Lagoon Maldives, the idyllic island resort at CROSSROADS Maldives, Singha Estate’s ground-breaking integrated destination in the Indian Ocean. S Hotels & Resorts is excited to announce the next two SAii resorts in Thailand in the first quarter of SAii 2021.
SAii Laguna Phuket is nestled in the heart of Thailand’s premier resort community, Laguna Phuket, located directly on the beach. Under the SAii brand, guests can look forward to enhanced facilities, including a new event hall, a reimagined seafront restaurant, an improved beach bar and more.
With its bright and spacious rooms and suites, many of which overlook Bangtao Beach and the Andaman Sea, plus plenty of cultural, culinary and family activities, including one of Phuket’s longest water slides, this resort is perfect for light-hearted couples, families and groups of friends, as well as one-of-a-kind events and weddings.
SAii Phi Phi Island Village is an enchanting, eco-friendly retreat nestled in 70 acres of beautiful beachfront land on Thailand’s Koh Phi Phi Don. Currently known as Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort, it will undergo an extensive refurbishment and repositioning before reopening under the SAii brand.
The resort’s inviting lobby, freeform pool, soothing spa and sea-facing restaurants are among the elements being upgraded, along with its premium room category, the Hillside Pool Villas, which overlook the sea. Like its sister property in the Maldives, SAii Phi Phi Island Village encourages eco-conscious travellers to preserve the environment with offshore excursions and regular activities at its onsite Marine Discovery Centre.
Both new SAii resorts will showcase innovative wellness and F&B concepts, including Mr Tomyam, Miss Olive Oyl and Lèn Be Well. Mr Tomyam, which made its debut at SAii Lagoon Maldives, focuses on Thai-inspired dishes with live kitchens and alfresco seating; while Miss Olive Oyl, is a vibrant Mediterranean-style seafood grill and bar. Lèn Be Well meanwhile, promises a personalised approach to wellbeing through five core pillars: Romance, Relax, Culture, Adventure and Family.
Blending bespoke leisure activities, body treatments, gastronomic offerings and more, this customised concept is already delighting guests at Santiburi Koh Samui, which will focus on health and wellness. Guests can expect an enhanced selection of spa journeys, immersive excursions and culinary specials such as floating breakfast in the pool villas.
New for 2021, S Hotels & Resorts is excited to unveil nābor (pronounced “neighbour”), an alternative collection of locally-inspired “luxury-midscale” resorts and hotels. nābor encourages millennial-minded travellers to get “out there” and discover their destination whether it is for nature lovers, beach seekers and urbanites.
The aim is to reveal the authentic vibe of each locale. nābor will make its debut in April 2021 with its first property in Bophut, Koh Samui, a beautiful and hot instagrammable beachfront retreat in the northeast corner of Thailand’s “Coconut Island”.
Like all future nābor hotels, this repositioned resort will put the guest in control of their stay, with an integrated digital platform to enhance guests’ experience, booking and journey during their stay. Curious explorers will be able to get under the skin of their destination with insightful online “nāborhood” guides and activities that can be pre-booked by mobile.
Guests will be invited to mix their own bathroom amenities in the M.I.Y Aroma Lab workshop, or purchase pre-mixed scents from the M.I.Y vending machine to take home as a fragrant reminder of their vacation. In total, S Hotels & Resorts plans to open six nābor hotels and resorts in 2021, with other potential destinations likely to include major Thai tourism centres and key leisure markets in Asia.
“2021 will be a pivotal year for S Hotels & Resorts, as we accelerate the expansion of our lifestyle brands,” said Dirk De Cuyper, Chief Executive Officer, S Hotels & Resorts.
“Extensive upgrades to our resorts in Thailand have laid the foundations for our rebrandings, and we are very excited to be introducing our original concepts to stunning locations across Asia. Luxury is no longer defined by unnecessary bells and whistles; today’s savvy travellers demand seamless stays, immersive experiences and the ability to uncover the essence of their locale. With SAii and nābor, we will create deeply personal journeys in a choice of highly-desirable destinations. We look forward to bringing our intuitive and inviting brands to all guests next year and beyond.”
At present, S Hotels & Resorts’ global collection comprises 39 hotels and resorts in Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean and the UK – totalling 4,647 keys. The company is aiming to double its portfolio over the next five years, driven by a mix of mergers and acquisitions, resort purchases and hotel management agreements, and focusing on the roll-out of SAii and nābor hotels across in Asia Pacific and the Indian Ocean.
S Hotels & Resorts’ flagship resort, SAii Lagoon Maldives, continues to set a new benchmark for sustainable lifestyle experiences in one of the world’s most aspirational destinations.
Despite the global downturn, 2020 has been a successful year for S Hotels & Resorts as it won a series of major awards for the quality of its hotels and its environmental efforts.
These include a corporate award for Green Leadership in the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards, Santiburi Koh Samui signing UNESCO’s Sustainable Tourism Pledge and Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort who won the Marine and Nature category for its Marine Discovery Centre out of over 600 Thai tourism businesses nominated in the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s 12 annual Responsible Thailand Awards in the UK, recognising Thailand’s champions of sustainable tourism.
Santiburi Koh Samui, Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives also achieved TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards, while Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives were honoured in the Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards. Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives both featured in the World Luxury Hotel Awards, and SAii Lagoon Maldives was a winner in the World MICE Awards.
S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited, the hospitality arm of Singha Estate Public Company Limited, is a fast-growing, Thai-inspired company with an extensive international portfolio and world-class standards. Specialising in the management and investment of high-quality hotels and resorts in desirable destinations across the globe, S Hotels & Resorts has created a collection of its own distinctive lifestyle brands, whilst also partnering with the hospitality industry’s leading names.
The company aims to set new standards for leisure and lifestyle through diversified business platforms and to enhance value for all its stakeholders based upon a philosophy of sustainable development and delivering benefits to local communities.
To learn more, please visit shotelsresorts.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, or LinkedIn.
Victor Vazquez as Managing Director, Hospitality and Austin Pu as General Manager, Clinic & Wellness Program
Sangha Retreat by Octave Institute is pleased to announce the appointment of Victor Vazquez as Managing Director, Hospitality and Austin Pu as General Manager, Clinic & Wellness Program, to support the further expansion of its brand presence in China and internationally.
Victor began his career in real estate and hospitality as a consultant, before joining a renowned hotel group and holding roles in financial analysis, asset management, feasibility, business development, brand, project management and operations.
He has worked across Europe, North America, South America, Asia and most recently in China as EVP of Operations at the Shangri-La Group. Victor is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a BA of Accountancy from Universidad Panamericana, an MBA from University of Edinburgh and completed the General Manager Program at Cornell University.
“I am very excited and pleased to have the opportunity to join Octave and to be part of a project of this magnitude. I am very passionate about practical simplicity and I believe that Octave will be a perfect space to learn and to continue developing my career, this time through a wellness lens,” Victor says.
Victor joined Octave as Managing Director, Hospitality effective 9th October 2020 and reports to John Reed, Chief Operating Officer.
Austin brings rich experience in domestic and foreign medical investment, operation and management. His senior management experience includes roles as CFO/COO of Medica Medical Group in Australia and as co-founder of Medica Asia. He successively served as a senior executive at New Century Medical Network and Fosun Healthcare Holdings. Prior to joining Octave, Austin held the position of CEO of Shanghai Artemed Hospital and as the Managing Director of Pantheon Medical.
Speaking of the appointment, Austin say,s “Truly exciting is the time we all have ahead, and it will be my pleasure to get to know and work with the Octave community. I look forward to contributing to the team to inspire success and taking Octave to the next level.”
Austin was appointed as General Manager, Clinic & Wellness Program effective 12th October 2020 and reports to Jamie Waring, Managing Director, Wellness.
SANGHA Retreat by Octave Institute
A sanctuary for the mind, body and soul, Sangha Retreat is redefining the intersection of modern science and ancient healing wisdoms, to provide a holistic, impactful wellness experience. The brainchild of visionary Fred Tsao, the retreat encourages guests to become fully immersed in their personal wellbeing evolution, through individually curated programs addressing the six key habits of life: eating, breathing, sleeping, movement, thinking and awareness.
Located on a serene peninsula overlooking the Yangcheng Lake in Suzhou, China, every element of the 47-acre retreat has been considered as a component of a holistic journey, from the At One Clinic and At One Healing Spa, to the Thought for Food restaurant and daily schedule of Living Habits, designed around the body’s circadian rhythm.
A platform for research, mindful learning and holistic wellness, the Octave Institute strives to provide a foundation for growth towards a purposeful life, mindfully lived. Comprised of Sangha Retreat, The Village and Aitia in Suzhou; and The Living Room, an urban support center in Shanghai, the aim of the institute is to helps others find clarity, harmony and a new level of consciousness.
An annual series of courses, conferences and summits, culminating in the At One International Festival, brings together thought leaders and holistic practitioners with this common goal in mind.
“MMXX: Time to be Audacious” wins at the Best Event Awards World
An event unprecedented for the automotive sector and worthy of the highest international recognition: Maserati wins the Grand Prix Best Event Awards World 2020 di Modena, 16 December 2020.
The “MMXX: Time to be Audacious” show, which marked the start of the Brand’s new Era last September with the world première of the new MC20 supercar, received the top prize at the Bea World Festival – The International Festival of Events and Live Communication, the global competition that selects the year’s best events and locations worldwide.
“MMXX: Time to be Audacious” was conceived and produced for Maserati by FeelRouge Worldwide Shows, which picked up the prize for best events agency of the year.
“The Brand has stepped up a gear and inaugurated a new Era,” Maserati CEO Davide Grasso commented. “And we’ve done it in true Maserati style: with audacity, constantly pushing forward and focusing on our goal. We created an event unprecedented for our industry, a real brand experience that embodied the courage of the Maserati Family, and the Brand’s values.”
“Maserati is engaged in a period of construction that reaches very deep, as we construct our own future,” Mr Grasso continued. “Although these are difficult times for us all, we’re guided by passion, unique in our design and innovative by nature. Our rule-breaking DNA was expressed to the full in this unprecedented event.”
“Maserati has given us the wonderful opportunity to best express our creativity and production skills.” says Valentina Saluzzi, CEO of FeelRouge Worldwide Shows “These important awards celebrate the closure of the first life cycle of FeelRouge, which today celebrates five years, and launching us into a future full of energy to undertake new challenges that we will face with enthusiasm together with our partners and Balich Worldwide Shows”.
As well as achieving the highest recognition, the Maserati event, with its dual nature (simultaneously real and virtual) was in the first three for various special prizes, coming first in “Digital/Hybrid Brand Experience”, second in the “Digital/Hybrid B2C” and “Use of Technology” categories, and third in “Digital Transformation”.
“MMXX: Time to be Audacious” The event was threefold: a live show, a virtual experience and a real journey into Maserati’s identity involving key Modena locations. The Concept was a unique brand experience, a real first for the automotive sector, which marked the start of the new Maserati Era.
On Wednesday 19 September the show was both real, with about 500 guests at the Modena Circuit, and virtual, accompanied remotely by two simultaneous mirror events in New York and Tokyo.
The show, which told its engaging and exciting story in thrilling terms, was designed to inspire, and to avoid conventional celebration and product launch formats. It was a real immersion in the Brand’s soul, both celebrating it and revealing its completely renewed identity.
The fast-paced show immersed the spectator in a flow of different segments including live performances, anamorphic images and augmented reality, projected on a monumental screen totalling 630 m2 in area.
The almost cinematic sequence guided the guests, both present at the circuit and attending via live streaming, towards a new, contemporary vision of Maserati, preparing the way for the culminating moment: the World Première of the new MC20.
The following day, the whole city of Modena was transformed into the stage for this distinctive Brand communication concept. The historic Viale Ciro Menotti plant and the Maserati Innovation Lab, the city’s Anatomical Theatre and its principal piazzas, became the stages in a visionary storytelling embracing Maserati’s past, present and future.
Maserati S.p.A. Maserati produces a complete range of unique cars with an amazing personality, immediately recognisable anywhere. With their style, technology and innately exclusive character, they delight the most discerning, demanding tastes and have always been a global automotive industry benchmark.
A tradition of successful cars, each of them redefining what makes an Italian sports car in terms of design, performance, comfort, elegance and safety, currently available on more than seventy markets internationally.
Ambassadors of this heritage are the Quattroporte flagship, the Ghibli sports sedan, now also available in hybrid version, the Trident Brand’s first electrified car, and the Levante, the first made by Maserati SUV, all models denoted by use of the choicest materials and technical solutions of superlative excellence. A complete range, including V6 and V8 petrol, 4 cylinder hybrid and V6 diesel powerplants, with rear-wheel and four-wheel drive.
The range’s prestige was recently even further enhanced by the introduction of the new Trofeo Collection, comprising Ghibli, Quattroporte and Levante, equipped with the powerful 580 hp V8 engine.
The top-of-the-range is the new MC20 supercar, powered by the ground-breaking Nettuno V6 engine, incorporating F1-derived technologies now made available in the power unit of a standard production car for the first time.
Today, the Maserati range is produced at three plants: Ghibli and Quattroporte are built at Grugliasco (Turin) at the Avvocato Giovanni Agnelli Plant (AGAP), and Levante at the Mirafiori Plant in Turin. The new MC20 supercar is produced in Modena, at the historic Viale Ciro Menotti plant.
FeelRouge WorldWide Shows srl FeelRouge Worldwide Shows is a strategic partner that combines creativity and technology to create live and digital formats, for large events and show exhibits. FeelRouge operates around the world with an international team of talents, able to transform the essence and communication needs of brands into projects with attention to the smallest detail and memorable performances.
FeelRouge, born in 2016 and led by Carolina Dotti and Valentina Saluzzi, is part of Balich Worldwide Shows, specialized in the production of Olympic Ceremonies, Events and Exhibit, Immersive Shows and Destination Experiences, founded by managing partners Marco Balich, Gianmaria Serra, and Simone Merico and guided by the CEO, Stefano Core.
