Big Fat Hotel Wrap

COAST Beach Bar & Bistro Hua Hin

If there’s one thing we look forward to on Tuesdays, it’s the Big Fat Hotel Wrap. That, and the self-appointed early mark at 3pm.

Shangri-La Hotel, Putian, breaks ground in Fujian China 

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Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts will develop a new urban resort in Fujian Province at a groundbreaking ceremony in the Chengxiang District of Putian. Scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2020, Shangri-La Hotel, Putian will be the group’s third property in Fujian Province, following Shangri-La hotels in Fuzhou and Xiamen.

Dedicated to bringing a new international, luxurious hospitality experience to the city, Shangri-La Hotel, Putian will have 247 well-appointed guest rooms offering panoramic views of the city and Yanshou river. The hotel will include a lobby lounge, restaurants, spa, fitness centre, swimming pool and a 1,200-square-metre ballroom. Next to the hotel will be a lively mix of restaurants, bars and retail shops set in a 3,500-square-metre village-style plaza. The hotel is conveniently located within a 20-minute drive from the train station.

Uniquely positioned at the juncture of history and modernity, Shangri-La Hotel, Putian will pay tribute to the river town’s ancient heritage as well as harmony between man and nature. The hotel overlooks Yanshou River southward and the landmark Shouxi Park, which is one of the largest ecological city parks in Fujian Province. The entire area will be protected and developed into a folk culture village by the local government to create a destination for leisure, recreation, culture and tourism.

Ayana’s Ultimate Girls Getaway: Rock Your Body in Bali with a spa & cocktail combo at Ayana

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Home to the spectacularly positioned Rock Bar Bali perched above the crashing surf of the Indian Ocean – Ayana Resort and Spa Bali is the ultimate luxury location to indulge in sublime spa treatments and sunset cocktails with your girlfriends – and there’s a raft of enticing offers available to make the most of any girls’ getaway.

Winner of many awards including ‘2017 DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Best Hotel Spa Award’, Thermes Marins Spa at Ayana offers the ultimate luxury day spa experiences and escapes – perfect for a girls’ trip. Positioned overlooking lush gardens and Jimbaran’s sunset coast, Thermes Marins Spa at AYANA’s range of exotic spa treatments are thoughtfully designed to promote harmony of the whole person.

At Ayana there’s no crashing back to earth with the post-spa-bliss blues. Maintain that magical feeling by following a deep, blissfully relaxing massage at the Spa, with a cocktail or magical martini at Rock Bar Bali. Known for its fabulous sunsets, ultra-glam crowd, lively late-night dance floor, exotic cocktails, celebrity sightings and international DJs who spin the decks from a custom booth built into the cliff, the Rock bar also boasts a rock-star entrance with access via a cinematic cliffside inclination.

Foodies get a taste of indigenous tucker at the Original Australian Kitchen, Darwin

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Darwin food lovers are in for a treat this month, as renowned Australian indigenous chef Zach Green prepares to take foodies on the ultimate gastronomic adventure with an exclusive dining event at The Original Australian Kitchen (The O.A.K.) – Oaks Elan Darwin’s popular onsite restaurant and bar.

Taking place on Saturday 29th July from 7.00pm, Zach and The O.A.K.’s head chef Brian O’Keefe will join forces to celebrate all things indigenous, with a specially curated menu that fuses modern Australian cuisine with traditional bush tucker.

Diners can expect to indulge in a myriad of contemporary culinary delights from the talented duo, such as kangaroo kofta with beetroot yoghurt and cured crocodile, while also paying homage to the traditional landowners of the Northern Territory through a series of bush food tastings.

Drawing on his indigenous background, Zach will hero the Northern Territory’s native flavours from the land and sea in his innovative dining menu, including wild boar, buffalo, kangaroo, wallaby, mud crab and barramundi. Celebrated as one of Australia’s most talented indigenous chefs, Zach is passionate about showcasing Australia’s fascinating culture through food, with each of his carefully selected ingredients taking diners on a journey of the Dreaming. 

Tickets to The O.A.K.’s Indigenous Dining Event are available to purchase for $75 by calling (08) 8981 1888 or emailing eventsdarwin@theoaksgroup.com.au. Tickets include canapés, main, dessert and drinks.

The Rees Hotel Announces New Luxury Offering: MV Templar

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Queenstown is excited to announce their new Auckland-based 84ft motor yacht MV Templar is now available for chartered and private cruises. Based in Viaduct Harbour in Auckland City, the MV Templar by The Rees is a fully furnished luxurious four cabin yacht, with cabin ensuite bathrooms, accommodating up to 44 people during the day and 9 overnight. The motor yacht is a natural extension of the luxurious accommodation experience that is The Rees Hotel Queenstown.

“We are always looking at innovative ways to offer our valued guests new experiences in line with the high standard and quality of accommodation and service we strive to maintain at The Rees Hotel Queenstown,” Mark Rose, General Manager of The Rees Hotel explained.

“This has included our Culinary Series dinners, our unique heli-wine tours and heli-weddings experiences and now we are extremely excited to announce this new expansion into Auckland, with the acquisition of our motor yacht MV Templar, offering a range of exceptional experiences on Auckland harbour for corporate events and private charters.”

The MV Templar is available to be chartered for any occasion including day charters or extended cruising, sunset cruises, champagne breakfasts, fine dining, golf or island transfers, celebrations, weddings, honeymoons, corporate functions, product launches, unique business meetings, team building and staff incentives.

The world’s first Hotel Indigo in a resort location opens on Bali’s Seminyak Beach in July 2017

Bali’s most lively and storied village is welcoming the world’s most neighbourhood-centric brand in July 2017, with the opening of Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach. In a village that captures the ancient and modern zeitgeist of Bali in all its colour, energy and lively tradition, curious travellers are the new savvy individualists.

The new 289-room hotel gracing Seminyak’s Mesari Beach draws inspiration from the flavours, culture and character of its surrounding local neighbourhood, the vibrant and lively Seminyak district — and Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach promises an authentic fusion of enchanting Balinese culture and contemporary creativity. Extending across 4.7 hectares of lush, landscaped grounds, including exotic plantings and beautiful vertical gardens, the resort fronts the southern stretch of Seminyak.

The 270 spacious rooms and suites are stylishly appointed with a striking mix of locally influenced design touches. Every guestroom is fitted with daybeds, plush bedding, spa-inspired bathrooms and state-of-the-art features. In addition, there are 19 villas with private outdoor swimming pools, whirlpools and marble bathrooms – all inspired by the Tri Hita Karana philosophy (one’s relationship with Gods, living beings and the earth), and showcasing a clever juxtaposition of contemporary design and ancient tradition.

Guests booking ‘Resort’s Opening Experience’ offer on the website will enjoy extra savings up to 20% for stays starting from 16 July 2017 onwards.

Dine Along the Beach in Hua Hin

COAST Beach Bar & Bistro Hua Hin

Five of Hua Hin’s leading international resorts including Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, have come together to create an exciting and innovative new beachfront dining experience. The new “Dine Along the Beach” experience is a creative culinary journey along the Hua Hin coast which was launched last month.

Diners will make their way along the beach, from resort to resort, with each five-star hotel creating one course of a sumptuous five-course meal. The result will be a unique, four-hour dining journey on the soft sands, allowing guests to sample the cuisine of all five leading luxury resorts. Every course will be prepared by expert chefs and perfectly paired with fine wines.

The journey will start at Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, with a starter of fresh Hua Hin scallops and smoked snapper, following which guests will make their way to InterContinental Hua Hin Resort for the second starter of spinach cannelloni with braised cinnamon lamb loin. Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa will present the first main course, a fillet of sea bass with crispy bacon and truffle potato mousseline, before a short stroll to Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin for the second main dish; slow-cooked beef short rib with German spatzle pasta.

The inaugural “Dine Along the Beach” event will take place every first Thursday of the month until September 2017 @ THB 2499 net per person (Including wine and beverages). To reserve your place at this incredible culinary event, please email huahin.regency@hyatt.com.

Travel deal for National Hammock Day at Playa del Carmen’s Mahekal Beach Resort

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National Hammock Day is less than a week away and Playa del Carmen’s Mahekal Beach Resort is celebrating all monthlong! To slow things down a bit and keep with the spirit of “hammocking,” Mahekal is offering a “Swing in the Sun” escape – starting at $200/night and providing travelers with 30% savings along with breakfast and lunch or dinner daily, a round of signature cocktails per person/per day, $150 bonus credit for 6+ nights, early check-in and late checkout.

Unlike other high-rise or corridor accommodations in the area, hand-laid, hidden stone pathways lead guests to 196 private, palapa-style bungalows, ALL complete with crochet hammocks swaying from open-air terraces. Guests kick-back and relax (cold margarita in hand, of course) with unparalleled views of the Riviera Maya jungle or Playa del Carmen’s longest stretch of beach.

  • “Swing in the Sun” • Starting at $200/night* • Bookable July 19 – 31, 2017 • For travel Aug. 8, 2017 – June 28, 2018
  • 30% off palapa-style bungalow accommodations with breakfast and either lunch or dinner daily
  • One round of signature cocktails per person per day
  • $150 resort credit on six nights or more
  • Early check-in & late checkout
  • Crochet hammocks for use on private open-air patio
  • *Minimum 3 night stay

SPG Resorts in Hawaii launch “pack for paradise”

The 12 SPG (Starwood Preferred Guest) Resorts in Hawaii have launched their biggest sale of the season. It’s time to “Pack for Paradise,” with special values at all 12 SPG Resorts on four islands. Rates start from $179 at Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. Travel can be booked now through Sept. 30 at www.packforparadise.com and rates are valid for stays through Dec. 20, 2017 on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii Island.

In addition to helping travellers pack on the savings, SPG Resorts in Hawaii makes it easy to pack on the fun with “How to Pack for Paradise,” a free download exclusively available at: www.packforparadise.com. It’s a helpful guide for those planning a vacation experience in the Islands.

While sunglasses, sunscreen and a swimsuit might be obvious choices for Hawaii’s pristine beaches and fun-filled poolsides, what do you bring for other exciting adventures, such as visiting the volcano, bird-watching, or snorkeling with manta rays at Sheraton Kona?

Each Hawaiian island offers unique experiences – from Oahu’s sizzling nightlife to Maui’s breathtaking scenery to exploring the volcanic landscapes of Hawaii Island. 

Carlson Wagonlit Travel launches new division dedicated to hotels – RoomIt by CWT

Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT), the leading global travel management company, today announced the formal launch of its new business division wholly dedicated to hotel distribution – RoomIt by CWT. The new division is completely focused on creating and delivering a new and innovative experience to expanding access and providing greater variety to customer accommodations around the world.

“RoomIt by CWT simplifies the hotel booking process and puts the most relevant lodging options all in one place,” said Scott Brennan, President, hotels, Carlson Wagonlit Travel.

“CWT is committed to giving our clients a wide range of global options at the most competitive rates and our investment into RoomIt will enable better, more personalised service to our travellers.”

RoomIt is designed to satisfy the ever-changing customer needs with increased functionality and personalisation capabilities while equipping companies with the tools to effectively monitor employees’ travel schedules.

Additional features of RoomIt include: A consistent global booking experience, An intuitive hotel-booking tool, travel management services for companies of any size, better research and booking tools to access great lodging options, travel management tools for tracking, reporting and payment, access to traveler loyalty programs and CWTs loyalty boost program. 

SiteMinder brings GDS representation in-house as hotel customers more than triple in one year

Almost 900 hotels located in the world’s top destinations are poised to receive personalised GDS sales and marketing representation from the global hotel industry’s leading cloud platform. SiteMinder announced its new service at the 49th GBTA Convention Sunday on the back of a year that has seen its GDS connectivity solution, ‘GDS by SiteMinder’, gain its own chain code and more than triple in hotel users.

Through sales and marketing representation, those hotels can now access a network of GDS experts based in Sydney, Hong Kong, London, Paris, Munich, New York and Los Angeles that will work with travel buyers on their behalf to increase hotel brand exposure and revenue.

“Over the past year, GDS by SiteMinder powered nearly 200,000 reservations worth over US$60 million in hotel revenue, showing how effective global distribution systems are in bringing guests hotels wouldn’t otherwise attract, especially from Monday to Friday when properties need business most.” Jason Lewis-Purcell, Vice President, GDS at SiteMinder said.

A former hotel sales and marketing director and 20-year hospitality industry veteran, Mr Lewis-Purcell has spearheaded SiteMinder’s dedicated GDS function over the last 12 months, growing the total number of GDS by SiteMinder hotel users from 250 to almost nine hundred. 

AccorHotels and Golden Horse Group partner on new luxury venture

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AccorHotels has announced a new partnership with renowned Hong Kong based property developers, the Golden Horse Group, unveiling bold plans to open a new-build hotel under the luxury Swissôtel brand in 2019.

The new-build Swissôtel Gold Coast Hope Island Resort will be built at the popular 18-hole Links Hope Island Golf Course precinct, in the affluent Hope Island district. Swissôtel Links Hope Island Golf & Spa Resort will provide avid golfers with the ultimate golfing destination with rooms overlooking the iconic 18th hole.

Links Hope Island Golf Club is ranked by Australian golfing legend, Peter Senior, as “one of the best championship courses you’ll play.”

The hotel will boast 150 guestrooms across three levels. The Swissôtel Gold Coast Hope Island Resort will feature a fitness centre, conferencing facilities for up to 300 people and a restaurant to complement the existing golf course facilities. A spa and wellness centre, a resort pool, yoga facilities, along with a children’s play area will collectively create an exciting new destination for locals and tourists.

Members of AccorHotels’ free loyalty program Le Club AccorHotels will also be able to earn points for stays at the new hotel and access rewards and benefits which include free wifi, room upgrades and welcome drinks. AccorHotels Chinese Optimum Services program which caters specifically to Chinese travellers, will also be implemented throughout the hotel.

Abode Group expanding across regional NSW starting in Murrumbateman

Abode’s latest offering, a four-star hotel in Murrumbateman outside Canberra will be a boon to local wineries and Yass Valley tourism, as well as those doing business in regional NSW.

Affectionately known as ‘the long house’ because of its allusion to the grand pastoral homesteads famous throughout Australia’s rural heritage, the building was designed by local Canberra architect Hugh Gordon. It is north facing with a low scale that features a series of linked single-storey pavilions. The reception is in the main entry pavilion with dining and living areas.

Abode is the Canberra region’s largest hotel brand, with 400 rooms under management across four properties (Woden, Narrabundah, Tuggeranong and Gungahlin), and another 400 rooms in the pipeline with Murrumbateman on the way, properties under development in Kingston and Braddon, and further properties planned for Belconnen and the Kingston Foreshore.

“The new Abode Murrumbateman will enhance the choice of accommodation for visitors to the region and potentially open up the Yass Valley to a whole new group of people who had not previously considered coming here,” Mayor of Yass Valley Council and Chair of the Canberra Region Joint Organisation, Rowena Abbey said.

Aore Island Resort celebrates new four-star status with agent offer

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Aore Island Resort in Vanuatu is inviting travel agents to help it celebrate the completion of a major refurbishment that has elevated the popular resort to four-star status.

The resort, which sits on beachfront overlooking the sparkling waters of Espiritu Santo, has spent more than $300,000 revamping its restaurant, bar, kitchen and reception areas, as well as introducing a new luxury spa. In addition, the property is preparing for the arrival of a new $100,000 purpose-built boat for guest transfers, as well as diving and fishing expeditions to Vanuatu’s world class wrecks and secret coral gardens. 

Aore Island Resort owners Lisa and Brad Gray, who took control of the property just over a year ago, say the upgrade program will continue, with plans for a major renovation of its beachfront bungalows now in development.

To celebrate the upgrade, the property is offering travel agents the opportunity to experience a Studio Beachfront Bungalow at $150 per night, and a One Bedroom Beachfront Bungalow at $200 per night.

New Travelodge Hotel to open at Sydney Airport

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Travelodge Hotels is set to open a new 209-room hotel at Sydney Airport with all-day dining and a late night bar, as well as an 800-bay car park, offering the perfect layover for the no-nonsense traveller seeking comfort and convenience at Australia’s busiest airport.

TFE Hotels will manage the new hotel, which is being developed by Andary Group and located on O’Riordan Street and King Street in Mascot, only 500m from the terminal entrance. The hotel forms part of the ongoing transformation of Mascot, which is host to a series of new developments, including serviced holiday units and trendy inner city apartment blocks.

In keeping with this brand promise, the new hotel will have comfortable beds, a stylish open lobby and contemporary décor, free Wi-Fi, hearty breakfasts and standard 11am check-out, as well as 24-hour room service and all day dining and a late night bar at T’s Bar & Bistro, ideal for those flying in or out on later flights or adjusting to different time zones. Interconnecting rooms make it a great option for family or group stays.

The hotel has an opening offer of 25% off the fully flexible rate including one buffet breakfast daily for fully pre-paid bookings (non-refundable) for stays between 1 September and 31 October, subject to availability.

East Hotel’s Winter ‘Hot Toddy’ Package

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Design meets comfort at EAST, Canberra’s award-winning modern apartment hotel, making it the ideal destination for a weekend winter escape or a stopover on the way to the ski fields. The ‘Hot Toddy’ package is the perfect way to cuddle up and get cozy on a winter’s weekend in Canberra.

Upon arrival, the friendly front desk team offer guests a warming glass of mulled wine to sip whilst checking in, which can be enjoyed in front of the fire in the lobby lounge. Bookings for two receive an upgrade to a Luxe Studio where they will find their own Hot Toddy mixing set. Once settled, guests can snuggle down with a mystery book courtesy of Muse, the hip, stylish bookshop/bar/eatery on the ground floor, or enjoy a complimentary in-house movie as well as free internet and parking.

Guests who are able to drag themselves from their snug reverie can enjoy breakfast or lunch at Muse, a delicious winter cocktail and aperitivo at Joe’s Bar before dinner at Agostinis, Canberra’s hottest new Italian restaurant.

East Hotel has 140 spacious rooms in various studio and apartment-style combinations and is located between the fashionable boutique shopping and restaurant hubs of Manuka and Kingston, minutes from the Parliamentary triangle and many of the capital’s attractions. 

Christmas in July at Space Hotel Melbourne

Space Hotel’s Christmas in July is running this Saturday. 

Space Hotel is getting into the winter spirit, throwing a Christmas in July for all travellers, tourists and locals to enjoy. The event will be held at Space Hotel’s Blue Moon Bar in Melbourne CBD this Saturday 22nd July from 7pm.

To help you get into the Christmas spirit, there will be secret Santa prizes, free Santa hats and $4 Basics, $4 Pints and $3 Shooters during Happy Hour from 8pm-10pm. Free entry for all!

Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa prepare for 4th PGA Fiji International golf event

Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course Club House 

Gold level sponsor InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa together with the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course is gearing up to host the 4th Fiji International tournament; now tri-sanctioned by the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia, Asian Tour and European Tour. The event will be held over 17-20 August at the newly renovated Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course with a minimum purse prize of FJD2.3 million.

The fourth staging of the world-class tournament is looking to be the best yet, with its expansion as a tri-sanctioned event cementing its position as one of the top events in the South Pacific region and placing Fiji on the world stage. This will be the first time the Asian Tour is sanctioning an event in the Pacific in its history, and all organisers are encouraging the people of Fiji to support the nation’s biggest premium sporting event.

Golf advocates will be entertained by one of the strongest fields in the tournaments four year history with 60 players from the PGA Tour of Australasia, 30 players from the Asian Tour, 30 players from the European Tour, 6 invitational players and 6 local players; totalling a grand number of 132 golf professionals. An additional number of participants from Korea are also yet to be finalised.

Professionals confirmed to compete include seasoned players such as Aron Price, Adam Blyth, Anthony Houston and Fiji’s own three time major champion and course designer Vijay Singh, who have announced their intention to compete in the tournament.

Discovery Parks Expand to the Capricorn Coast 

National holiday park company Discovery Parks will extend its foot print into the Southern Great Barrier Reef with acquiring Coolwaters Holiday Village at Yeppoon.

To be known as Discovery Parks – Coolwaters, Yeppoon, the purchase of the park by the Adelaide based company continues Discovery Parks’ national expansion into the country’s most desirable locations. Yeppoon takes the number of parks in the portfolio to sixty three.

Coolwaters Holiday Village is located just 10km south of Yeppoon, forty minutes’ drive from Rockhampton and is an iconic addition to the Discovery Parks’ portfolio. The park is a prime location for regional families looking for affordable coastal holiday accommodation..

Set on 60 Ha, Discovery Parks – Coolwaters, Yeppoon currently offers a range of accommodation including luxury villas, cabins and a lodge that can accommodate up to 25 people. In addition, the park has a Camp and Conference Centre comprising of five dormitories with a total of 135 beds, two dining rooms and a commercial kitchen. A small community of residents also call the park home.

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