Big Fat Hotel Wrap
Outrigger Resorts extends a big Bula “Welcome Back!”
June 1st will be a day of celebration on Castaway Island, Fiji as this private island resort reopens and welcomes guests back following a three-month island clean-up and property renovation following February’s Tropical Cyclone Winston.
Resort General Manager Steven Andrews proudly boasts, “Winston may have been classified as the strongest tropical cyclone to make landfall in Fiji in recorded history, but the reopening of our beautiful island resort just three short months after such a severe storm is proof that our Castaway Island vuvale, our family, is so much stronger and more resilient than any storm can be.”
In addition to repairing the significant damage caused by the cyclone, Outrigger Resorts, which owns and manages the property, took advantage of the down time and invested further in the resort with an upgrade and refurbishment of a number of bures and public areas.
Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa opens
Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa has opened on a 145-acre former coconut plantation on the southern coastline of Sri Lanka. It is a stunning resort and a very important new property for Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts in an exciting destination that is such a rapidly growing tourism market.
The President of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena, officiated at the launch, joined by guests from Colombo and the local community to mark the arrival of a new standard of luxury in the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”.
Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa is the first of two Shangri-La Hotels in Sri-Lanka and a third Indian Ocean resort for the Group.The beachfront resort features 300 rooms, the country’s most extensive kid’s club and abundant wedding and event facilities.
The resort is also the first in Sri Lanka to have its own golf course and golfers can expect to be challenged on the 18 hole, par-70 course, incorporating three individually landscaped zones, at Shangri-La’s Golf and Country Club when it opens in mid June. Designed by renowned golf course designer Rodney Wright, the majestic course integrates the culture and environment of the region with an exacting and memorable layout.
Oaks Hotels & Resorts rolls up its sleeves to help save Aussie lives
Leading accommodation provider Oaks Hotels & Resorts, a division of Minor Hotel Group, has encouraged its staff from all across Australia to roll up their sleeves for a good cause this month, partnering with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service to help save lives.
Dozens of Oaks Hotels & Resorts’ staff stepped up to the challenge between 23 May and 3 June as part of the Red Cross ‘Red25’ Group Donation Program, which in turn, will help to save over 90 lives and treat people with various types of cancer and blood diseases, plus other serious medical conditions affecting everyday Australians.
Employees from all divisions of the company, including sales, marketing, reservations, hotel management, revenue and front desk, were among those who donated to the cause.
Edgewater awarded Tripadvisor certificate of excellence
Wanaka’s only accommodation situated directly on the shores of Lake Wanaka, Edgewater, has recently been awarded the Trip Advisor® 2016 Certificate of Excellence.
The accolade is awarded to hospitality businesses that have earned great traveller reviews on Trip Advisor over the past year.
“During the last year all of our guest rooms have been refurbished. These rooms have been well received by our guests and contributed to positive guest feedback”, General Manager, Mike Barton said.
New Zealand’s official quality assurance organisation, Qualmark New Zealand increased Edgewater’s grade from four star to four star plus during their recent assessment, due largely to the investment in the guest room refurbishment programme.
Angry Birds have landed at Novotel
Novotel Australia is turning up the fun factor for families this winter, partnering with Sony Pictures and The Angry Birds Movie (in cinemas now) to offer exciting instant win prizes for guests who stay between 24 June and 16 July*.
Simply stay at any of the 24 participating Novotel hotels across Australia for your chance to instantly win one of over 500 prizes including $500 Accor gift cards, hotel food & beverage vouchers, Angry Birds movie merchandise and Angry Birds Series DVDs. Winners also get to take home their Angry Birds character toy at the end of their Novotel stay.
Inspired by the world famous mobile app game of the same name (which to date has a mind-blowing 2.5 billion downloads), the 3D, CGI-animated The Angry Birds Movie is an action-adventure comedy for all ages.
Holiday Inn Express Launches in Malaysia
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) celebrates the opening of Holiday Inn Express Kuala Lumpur City Centre, marking the entry of the Holiday Inn Express brand into Malaysia.
The new 383-room hotel is conveniently located along Jalan Raja Chulan, just a street away from the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s ‘Golden Triangle’. One of Kuala Lumpur’s must-visit destinations comprising the city’s main commercial, retail and entertainment districts, the ‘Golden Triangle’ features major shopping malls, commercial towers and popular landmarks, putting Holiday Inn Express Kuala Lumpur City Centre in a prime location for business and leisure travellers visiting the city.
Introducing the All-New Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta
Four Seasons returns to Jakarta with an all-new, all suites hotel in Capital Place on Jalan Gatot Subroto. The 125 suite hotel has four dining outlets, exclusive event space, luxurious spa and beautifully landscaped pool terrace.
This summer, a sophisticated haven of relaxed glamour will open in the heart of one of Asia’s most important cities: introducing the all-new Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta. Located on Jalan Gatot Subroto, the Hotel is 40 minutes by car from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, with easy access to all major business destinations in south Jakarta, including the Sudirman Central Business District and Mega-Kuningan.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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