PLEASE TAKE NOTE of Travel Restrictions & Advisory News due to COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. #WearaMask #SocialDistancing
Marriott International Signs Franchise Agreement With Horan Group
Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) announced that the Courtyard by Marriott Brisbane, South Bank will open under a franchise agreement with the hotel's owner Horan Group.
Marriott International secured this new foothold south of the Brisbane River after winning a highly competitive operator selection process, conducted by Colliers International. This latest signing reflects Marriott's strategic goal to grow its Australian portfolio with new franchise agreements.
The announcement follows last year's opening of Marriott's first franchised hotel in Australia, Midnight Hotel Canberra, which is part of the Autograph Collection.
Richard Crawford, Senior Director of Hotel Development is pleased to see Marriott International's largest global brand gain momentum in Australia, with just one Courtyard by Marriott hotel operating at North Ryde in recent years.
A classic moderately-priced option for business and leisure travellers, Courtyard by Marriott Brisbane, South Bank will comprise 134 guest rooms, an all-day dining restaurant Café63 and gymnasium. The indoor heated pool and flexible meeting space overlook the Brisbane River and South Bank parklands.
The hotel will be operated by Brisbane-based Horan Group, one of Australia's fastest growing property developers. Over the past decade, Horan Group has developed half a million square metres of residential, office, and hotel projects.
Lifestyle Retreats, a hotel and resort boutique management company, is delighted to announce it has diversified its business to add a new division within the company - Pax Animi, complementing the existing offering of the company. A Latin term meaning “peace of mind”, Pax Animi was founded to provide private villas and estates owners tailor-made management and marketing services to ensure their valuable assets are effectively maintained and marketed.
Pax Animi provides owners with complete peace of mind through full transparent management ensuring each asset is always in great shape for owners, their family, friends or paying guests and ultimately, maximize the long-term value of each villa or private estate.
Owners will benefit from being part of the widely respected Lifestyle Retreats brand; a brand that has more than 15 years of experience in focusing on attention to detail in managing hospitality assets. With a much higher level of service standard at the private villa or estate, the managed assets will be positioned at a premium level ahead of the competition. Ongoing training programs based on Lifestyle Retreats' Brand Service Standards will be tailored to suit each villa or private estate.
Owners will also feel at ease with the expertise provided in marketing their assets through optimized websites, dynamic press, social media and digital marketing campaigns, among other marketing strategies
Spend The Holiday Season at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
Reconnect with family and friends at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai – the perfect tropical experience to create an unforgettable experience this holiday season. Nestled among emerald rice fields and mountains, the Resort provides the perfect gateway to journey on a path of wellbeing in the cultural capital of Thailand.
“We have had an unprecedented year,” shares Anthony Gill, General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and Tented Camp Golden Triangle. “It's unlike any December of the past, yet, a time for reflection, to come together as a family and hope for better days in the New Year.”
Fulfil Your Dreams
With a nip in the air and stunning skies at sunrise and sunset, Northern Thailand transforms into a magical setting this season. Guests are invited to reserve their getaway with a special stay experience. “Even though the year has offered so little, we can still dream,” reflects Anthony.
Festive Dining
From themed nights to barbecues and brunches, there's so much to "pick you up" this season. “The Private Reserve Dinner at the Rice Barn is a great choice to celebrate with your loved ones,” says Young Rha, Director of Food and Beverage. Guests can savour an exclusive four-course meal under shimmering moonlight near the Resort's rice paddies and lake. Candles light the artfully set table decorated with intricate flower arrangements while soft background music enhances the atmosphere, creating a night to remember. “The extensive dinner menu offers a choice of Thai, Western, or vegetarian dishes specially curated by our chefs."
The Resort has organised themed Festive dinners including the upcoming New Year's Eve – all to bring some much-needed cheer.
Aurora Expeditions Reveals the Cutting-Edge Design of Its Second Purpose-Built Expedition Ship, the Sylvia Earle
Aurora Expeditions is on schedule with the build of its second state-of-the-art expedition ship, the Sylvia Earle, and has revealed its striking new exterior design.
Due for delivery in October 2021, the Sylvia Earle features the cutting-edge Ulstein X-BOW®, a core design element that’s essential to the speed, agility and impressive fuel efficiency of the ships in the Aurora Expeditions fleet.
CEO Monique Ponfoort says: “It is really exciting to see a second X-BOW ship coming into market for Aurora Expeditions. Its innovative, eco-sensitive design captures the essence of small-ship expedition travel pioneered by Aurora Expeditions.”
The ship will visit many new destinations within the Aurora Expeditions program, including Alaska, Baja California, the Russian Far East, Raja Ampat and West Papua.
Aurora Expeditions ships boast one of the lowest polluting marine engines in the world, due to a combination of low energy consumption, high fuel-efficiency and a streamlined design. The state-of-the-art Tier 3 engine delivers an 80% reduction in emissions* and can utilise virtual anchoring to hold its position instead of dropping anchor on the delicate sea floor. On-board desalination plants convert seawater to fresh water that is safe to drink. Our ships therefore carry less fresh water on sea crossings, further reducing fuel consumption.
The Sylvia Earle will be the second in the fleet to sail with the patented ULSTEIN X-BOW®, whose inverted bow design, in combination with Rolls-Royce dynamic stabilisers, offers unrivalled stability and comfort1 on ocean crossings. The Ulstein X-BOW® cuts through sea swells, minimising vibrations and disturbances, and makes quicker transits through waves. This also helps reduce fuel consumption by up to 60%.
IHG Expands Footprint in Thailand With Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Phuket Kata Beach
IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world's leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with K.W. Group to bring both the Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express brands to Phuket's Kata Beach.
Scheduled to open in 2022, the two hotels will be eye-catching additions to The Beach Plaza Phuket, the largest mixed-use development in Kata Beach, located just five minutes from the sea.
Holiday Inn Phuket Kata Beach will have 134 rooms and offer guests a range of dining options and meeting facilities as well as a swimming pool and gym. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Phuket Kata Beach extends the offering to 135 rooms and also features the brand's signature Great Room.
The Beach Plaza Phuket mixed-use development where the hotels will be situated, will exemplify the government's newly announced vision to position Phuket as a leading tourism, wellness and long stay destination in Asia.
Tranquil and picturesque, Kata Beach is a popular location with families, couples and independent travellers, located just a one-hour drive from Phuket International Airport.
Bordered by crystal clear waters, the area hosts a range of activities showcasing the natural beauty of the island, from water sports to nature walks and island tours. The bustling Patong area is a short 15-minute drive away and boasts an array of entertainment, shopping, and dining options. Cultural and historical attractions are also within easy access of the hotels, as well as amusement parks, aquariums and animal sanctuaries.