Category: Latest Travel News

Geneva, Switzerland, January 11, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Artist Maya Lin, acclaimed soprano and arts/health advocate Renée Fleming and actors and humanitarians Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre Elba are the recipients of the 29th Annual Crystal Award, the World Economic Forum announced today. The winners will be honoured at the opening session of the Forum’s Annual Meeting 2023 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, on the evening of Monday, 16 January. The award celebrates the achievements of leading artists who are bridge-builders and role models for all leaders of society.

The Crystal Award is presented at Davos each year by Hilde Schwab, Chairwoman and Co-Founder of the World Economic Forum’s World Arts Forum. The cultural leaders receiving the 2023 Crystal Award are bridge-builders. They connect us to each other; they help us reflect on the human condition and they provide visions of the world that can cut through the limitations of short-term or linear thinking.

Awardees
Maya Lin receives the 2023 Crystal Award for her extraordinary creative talent in combining science, art and architecture and her exemplary leadership in the promotion of nature and environment. Lin has fashioned a remarkable interdisciplinary career through her highly acclaimed art and architectural works, showcasing sustainable design and emphasizing a stronger connection to the land and nature.

>From her first public work, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., Lin has been committed to focusing attention on the key issues of our time: women’s rights, civil rights, Native American history and the climate crisis. In 2016, on awarding Lin the Presidential Medal of Freedom, President Barack Obama said her Vietnam Veterans Memorial “changed the way we think about sacrifice and patriotism and ourselves”.

Lin’s latest memorial, What is Missing?, is experimental and multidisciplinary in nature. In this work, Lin uses science-based artworks to raise awareness of the current mass extinctions of species, while emphasizing that by protecting and restoring habitats and reforming our land-use practices we could significantly reduce emissions and restore and protect biodiversity

Renée Fleming receives the 2023 Crystal Award for her leadership in championing the power of music and its relation to health, community and culture.

Renée Fleming is one of the most acclaimed sopranos of our time and a leading advocate for research at the intersection of arts, health and neuroscience. She launched the first ongoing collaboration between the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) with the participation of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The Sound Health initiative explores and brings attention to research and practice at the intersection of music, health and neuroscience. This collaboration has led to workshops at the NIH and events and performances at the Kennedy Center. It also led the NIH to recently award $20 million in funding for music and neuroscience research over five years. The Renée Fleming Foundation is now partnering with the Foundation for the NIH to develop a toolkit for standardizing music and health clinical research for brain disorders of ageing. Fleming has presented her programme, Music and the Mind, around the world.

Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre Elba receive the 2023 Crystal Award for their leadership in addressing food security, climate change and environmental conservation.

Actor, filmmaker and humanitarian, Idris Elba, and his wife, the model, actress and humanitarian, Sabrina Dhowre Elba, were appointed UN Goodwill Ambassadors for IFAD in April 2020. As IFAD Goodwill Ambassadors, they focus on issues related to food security, climate change and environmental conservation. The couple recently visited an IFAD-supported project in Sierra Leone, where they met farmers who received support for rice production and assistance with rural finance after the Ebola crisis.

The late Queen Elizabeth II awarded Idris Elba with the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2016 and the Prince’s Trust, founded by King Charles in 1976 – which Elba credits with helping to start his career – appointed him as its anti-crime ambassador in 2009

Elba supports causes related to poverty, HIV/AIDS, at-risk and disadvantaged youth, health and education. He worked with the UN and the Department for International Development in the UK during the Ebola health crisis and filmed campaigns in support of UNICEF, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals. He has recently created a number of youth-focused campaigns to promote education and learning and discourage violence.

Sabrina Dhowre Elba works with a variety of civil society organizations, including Farm Africa, raising funds to help farmers across eastern Africa, and Conservation International on environmental issues. She promotes gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls worldwide. She chairs the European board for Global Citizen and has been a keynote speaker at leading global events.

Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre Elba are board members of Conservation International.

Crystal awardees are part of a large community of cultural leaders in Davos.

The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting brings together governments, international organizations, business, civil society, cultural leaders, media, experts and young leaders from all over the world.

Nelson, New Zealand, January 10, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Falcon Brae is an exclusive use luxury villa located at the confluence of the Stanley Brook and Motueka River, near Nelson at the top of New Zealand’s South Island. The “falcon” in the name resonates in the elliptical curved wing-like roofs and refers to the resident falcons on the property, and “brae” is Scottish for “a hill above a river. The Villa perches high above the Motueka river with 360-degree views of the mountainous million-acre Kahurangi National Park and the picturesque Motueka Valley. Nearby are two additional national parks, Abel Tasman along the coast, and Nelson Lakes at the foot of the Southern Alps. Though private and secluded, Falcon Brae Villa can be reached by road (50-minutes) or by helicopter (15 minutes) from Nelson Airport.

The award-winning architecturally designed contemporary Villa features a sumptuous and expansive Great Room with a soaring 5 meter ceiling (16.4 ft), magnificent stone fireplace, and sunken bar. As the owners of this Villa are musicians and recording artists, the Great Room is designed for excellent acoustics, with a grand piano and guitars available for guest use. In addition, the Villa boasts a media theatre, show kitchen, 4 dining areas, and a stunning collection of New Zealand art. Directly in front of the Helipad Terrace, guests can relax in the “Games Den” housing modern gym equipment, pool table, table tennis, darts and a classic video game arcade table.

The large entertainment deck overlooking the mountains and river has multiple features including a sparkling pool, outdoor heated spa, seating area around a fire pit and a barbeque for outdoor dining and relaxing under a shaded pergola. On the other side of the Villa, a secluded outdoor hot tub surrounded by native bush is the perfect place to catch the stunning sunsets and the magical star studded night skies.

With an extensive 720 square meters (7,750 square feet) of living space, including 3 spacious suites and a family bunk room, Falcon Brae Villa offers complete privacy, making it perfect for families, friends, celebrities and small corporate retreats. The Villa sits on a stunning 142-hectare (350-acre) property with a private forest, spectacular native bush walks and breath-taking 360-degree views over the surrounding mountains, valleys and the Motueka river below; famous for large brown trout with some of the best fly fishing (catch and release) in the country. The Villa has security gate access and is completely off the grid, with its own solar powered energy supply. There is also a charging point for electric cars.

Jeremy Hancock, the Operations Manager and charming host, has extensive local knowledge and has been involved with the property since its inception. He and his team ensure that every aspect of the guests’ stay is seamless. A concierge service is also available.

For larger bookings, a sister property, Stonefly Lodge nestled in the landscape 2 km (1.25 miles) away, can be utilized for an additional 8 guests making a total of 17 between the two properties. Stonefly Lodge offers four deluxe rooms with super king or twin bed configurations and is also an off-grid property. All guests can be catered for at Falcon Brae Villa for dining.

Activities

This private luxury retreat is a destination in itself and makes a perfect base to explore all the region has to offer the luxury traveller including 22 wineries, over 30 craft studios and galleries, the Great Taste Cycle Trail, scenic helicopter flights, guided wilderness hikes, kayaking, white water rafting, heli-hiking, heli-fishing, Lord of the Rings heli-tour, horse riding, catch and release fly fishing, sporting clays and shooting sports, fishing in the Marlborough Sounds and more. Alternatively, guests can just enjoy the Villa and its peaceful setting and soak up the local ambiance in a world of their own, taking a total break from their busy schedules (and devices if they wish) and immerse themselves in nature.

On site activities include exploration of 18 km (11.25 miles) of hiking trails, leisurely river walks, archery, golf chipping range, e-bikes, outdoor hot tub, pool and heated spa pool, animal hobby farm tour and sheep shearing, bird watching, games den and gym, private cooking classes, in-house massage and yoga, spectacular night sky gazing, and learning about the property’s restoration of native bush and the creation of its Manuka plantation (with honey samples available to taste and take home).

Luxurious Suites

All suites have a large private deck, super king beds, luxurious bathroom, deep soak bath tub, spectacular fireplace, full cocktail bar, tea and coffee making facilities, underfloor heating and heated towel rails, high-quality TV and audio system, air conditioning and floor to ceiling windows and private balconies from which to enjoy the spectacular views.

The exquisite pool-front Tasman Suite (135 sqm or 1,453 square feet) opens onto an expansive manicured lawn and enjoys easy access to the pool, fire pit and spa deck with shaded pergola. The river view and hilltop spa Kahurangi Suite (124 sqm or 1,335 square feet) has a large central lounge area and bedroom, a sunken bath and a private deck that leads to an outdoor hot tub nestled into the edge of the hillside and surrounded by native bush. The floor plans of both suites are virtually identical, providing equally spectacular accommodations for couples travelling together.

The romantic Motueka Suite (57 sqm or 614 square feet) has a private terrace and outdoor fireplace directly overlooking the river. Located adjacent to the Kahurangi Suite, it is ideal for multi-generational families. The Family Bunkroom (25 sqm or 270 square feet) is directly across from the Motueka Suite. It includes a double bed, two bunk beds and en suite. It can sleep up to 3 children or accommodate a driver, pilot, security guard or nanny.

Garden to Table Cuisine and Private Executive Chef

The dining experience at Falcon Brae Villa is an integral part of the guest experience, featuring garden to table cuisine prepared by their Private Executive Chef Michael McMeeken. Seasonal menus change daily and cater to any special dietary requirements. All pasta, pastries, bread, ice-cream, sorbets, chocolate and sauces are hand made on site.

Chef Michael uses the best quality local ingredients including freshly harvested produce from the on-site organic gardens and bee-hives, watercress from the bubbling creeks and items foraged from the native bush undergrowth on the property. Daily continental or a hearty cooked country breakfast are included as well as pre-dinner drinks with canapes and a four-course gourmet dinner. Gourmet picnics can be arranged to accompany guests on their excursions and cooking classes are a popular activity. An impressive private wine selection is available on the beverage menu. The owners of Falcon Brae Villa and Stonefly Lodge have published a coffee table cookbook titled “Flavours to Savour” which showcases an impressive selection of sumptuous recipes for their cuisine, and makes an ideal souvenir or gift.

Design and Awards

The elaborately designed entrance door panels honour the traditions of New Zealand’s Māori culture, welcoming people from all corners of the Earth. The magnificent outdoor falcon sculpture alludes to the name of the Villa and the majestic falcons that reside on the property. In 2021 shortly after completion, the NZ Institute of Architects named Falcon Brae Villa the Nelson/Marlborough regional award winner for hospitality and the Registered Master Landscapers bestowed a Landscapes of Distinction Gold Medal. The intricate masonry work features local stone. Furniture fabrics and materials showcase New Zealand artisans with most of the joinery, cabinetry, furniture, carpets and other furnishings sourced and made in NZ. Most of the exquisite art and sculpture throughout the Villa was purchased from local artists and galleries.

Bangkok, Thailand, January 10, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to clarify that Thailand continues to welcome all international tourists under the fully-reopen-to-tourism policy that was introduced on 1 October, 2022. Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, said “International travellers arriving in Thailand are not required to show proof of vaccination.”

Only visitors coming from or going to countries which require a RT-PCR test need to have health insurance covering treatment of COVID-19 in Thailand.

In addition, foreign tourists are not required to show ATK or RT-PCR test results.

As part of the full reopening to tourism, Thailand is also offering a longer period of stay for visitors. Effective through to 31 March, 2023, the period of stay is extended to 45 days (from 30 days) for tourists from countries/territories entitled for visa exemption, and to 30 days (from 15 days) for those eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VOA).

However, while Thailand is welcoming all visitors, a visitor source market may require incoming visitors including their own nationals returning home to have a negative PCR result.

Thus, Thailand is aiming to correspond with rules of these countries – among them are China and India. Therefore, passengers from a country that has requirements for RT-PCR test must have health insurance covering treatment of COVID-19 in Thailand.

With the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters‘ campaign, tourists the world over are invited to experience the kingdom’s myriad of wonderful existing and new tourism experiences, products and services.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, January 9, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Etihad Airways is boosting its flights to Bangkok, Thailand by doubling its frequency. From 26 March 2023, the airline will fly twice a day on the Abu Dhabi – Bangkok route, providing a total of 14 weekly nonstop services to Bangkok Airport (BKK).

The flights will offer Etihad’s award-winning service and comfort across both Business and Economy Class cabins.

Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “With our convenient morning departure from Abu Dhabi, our second Bangkok flight has optimised timings for those UAE residents wishing to have a break in Thailand. Moreover, the return departure from Bangkok allows for those Thai residents to arrive in Abu Dhabi in the morning to have a head-start in exploring what the city has to offer in terms of business and pleasure. It further reaffirms our commitment to bringing more guests to enjoy Abu Dhabi.”

Bangkok is a world-renowned destination in its own right as well as the gateway to travel throughout Thailand and further across South East Asia for millions of visitors every year. The new frequency will make it even more convenient for people connecting to flights to and from Thailand through Etihad’s growing global route network.

Etihad Airways has just been rated third in the list of Top 20 Safest Airlines 2023, the highest-placed carrier in the Middle East.

Dubai, UAE, January 9, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The United Arab Emirates upscale real estate developer Seven Tides has confirmed that the emirates’ first NH Collection hotel will open its doors to the public in February. “NH Collection Dubai The Palm will feature an extensive range of premium facilities, including our 45-metre rooftop infinity pool, a fully-equipped fitness centre, a kids’ club, an NH Collection Spa and much more”, added Bin Sulayem.

For those looking to introduce a little luxury to their events, the hotel also includes five airy spaces replete with the latest technology and equipped to cater to gatherings of up to 45 people, making it the perfect venue for business meetings, conferences, celebrations and more.

Ghanim Bin Sulayem, Operations Director, Seven Tides, said: “This project will deliver exceptional guest experiences, including spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline, as well as access to landmarks and attractions across our emirate and beyond.

All rooms will feature NH Collection ‘Sleep Better’ mattresses, complete tea and coffee sets, rain-effect showers and LED TVs.

UAE-headquartered upscale real estate developer, Seven Tides, has confirmed that the Emirates’ first NH Collection hotel will open its doors to the public in February 2023. With our dedicated team ready and waiting to exceed the expectations of our guests and visitors, we cannot wait to start welcoming people through our doors from February onwards.”

The Palm will offer a diverse range of high-end accommodations, amenities and food and beverage venues to guests, residents and visitors. The Palm is a 533-key property located on Seven Tides’ Seven Palm development – a two-tower complex that overlooks the lagoon of Dubai’s world-famous Palm Jumeirah.

Guests can choose from 11 room categories, and those who opt for the destination’s top-end accommodation will also gain exclusive access to the NH Collection Premium Lounge. The hotel includes 227 guest rooms, suites, and 306 studios and apartments. The Palm includes five dining venues, serving everything from haute cuisine to healthy, post-gym bites.

Bin Sulayem commented: “The best way for people to learn about NH Collection Dubai The Palm is to experience it first-hand. We are confident this complex will add significant value to Dubai’s thriving real estate landscape.” Revo Café will serve creative and healthy dishes, and SEEN will be a modern rooftop venue.

Operated by Minor Hotels and adjacent to Seven Palm Residences, the tower housing NH Collection Dubai Maiora will offer an extensive range of dishes served all day. The property’s location offers direct access to the beach, downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina.

Dubai International Airport is also located 30 minutes away, with private transfers available to attendees. Te-Lounge will provide light refreshments and healthy snacks.

Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles, January 7, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Alain St Ange, the former Seychelles Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, has announced the upcoming launch of his new autobiography, “Alain St. Ange, My Journey”. Travelindex caught up with Alain to understand a little more about his new venture.

What inspired you to write an autobiography now?
My autobiography chronicles my life from the La Digue Island boy, who was brought up to become a loving father and grandfather, and who rose through the ranks with hard work, tenacity, and an un-wavering passion for Seychelles.

This is a personal story, not only about a life that I’ve been proud to live, but about my family that helped shaped me into the man I became.

My love for history is why I’ve attempted to place on record not only my life, but also the family tree from which I descended as well as that of my wife Ginette St.Ange née Michel. This work is inspired by the desire to continue to document and preserve the rich history of our families for future generations. It’s said that most of us will be forgotten within 4 generations; hopefully this book can help our descendants understand where we came from and to not forget those that came before us.

I am writing my autobiography now as time waits for no one, and I’m at the best stage of my life to reflect and dedicate the time required. I’m proud of my story and felt it may well inspire others. This knowledge kept me working and kept me digging through family historical records. Today, I realise more than ever before, the pains and tribulations of past generations. From as far back as those who were slaves, where even the family name was adapted to the one who freed them, to today only six generations later, to participate in the Nation’s Presidential Elections.

Can you share more detail about your autobiography?
My autobiography documents my life from birth, to education, through to my employment years including my time at the Ministry of Tourism. It includes details on my self-exile following termination of employment by Albert Rene in the early 1980’s, and subsequent re-employment into the Seychelles Tourism Board following a call by the Islands’ Tourism Private Sector Trade, through to my appointment as Minister of Tourism by James Michel.

The book covers my bid for the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) position and the subsequent saga that ended with a court case against the Seychelles Government. The book ends with a section dedicated to Politics in Seychelles, from the family’s participation in the colonial era, right up to my own bid at the last Presidential elections.

Alain St. Ange, My Journey documents the construction of the ‘Cabanes Des Anges’ Hotel at La Digue in 1972, including never-seen-before photos forwarded by previous guests from the 1970’s, until it was acquired under duress by the Government of Albert Rene. This section includes extracts documenting what transpired in the recent sessions of the TRNUC (Truth & Reconciliation Committee).

A lot of the book has been dedicated to documenting and preserving the family historical lines from the different branches of my extended St Ange (Saint Ange) Family of Seychelles, including the Mellon, De Charmoy Lablache, and Savy families. I’ve also taken the opportunity to document and preserve the rich heritage of the Michel and Hunt families (through my wife, Ginette St.Ange née Michel).

This section includes as many birth and death certificates that we could find, their final resting places where available, as well as photos and some of their individual life stories. It was important that they weren’t forgotten, and my book gave us the repository to properly preserve their legacies.

Interspersed throughout the book are all the major events that I lived through and documented as seen through my eyes. These events include the construction of the US Tracking Station, the reclamation of Victoria, the first and only visit by Her Majesty QE Elizabeth II, the construction and opening of the Seychelles International Airport, the subsequent first aircraft landing in Seychelles, the first Seychelles festival in 1972, the launching of tourism in Seychelles, independence of the Islands from Great Britain in 1976, the Military Coup in 1977, and the return of multi-party democracy in 1993.

The book is written in an easy-to-read format where each photo speaks a thousand words and supported by little anecdotes providing a real sense of the time.

Have you enjoyed the process of writing your autobiography?
The research undertaken for my autobiography enabled me to discover myself, as well as my family’s achievements, ensuring that the St.Ange family generations to come will better understand their proud legacy.

“YOU MAY SAY I’M A DREAMER, BUT I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE. I HOPE SOME DAY YOU’LL JOIN US, AND THE WORLD WILL LIVE AS ONE.

I re-echoed these famous words of John Lennon at the opening of the first edition of the ‘Carnival International de Victoria’ in 2011, and even today, these words continue to guide me. I’ve lived a full life with no what-ifs and have remained true to myself throughout. What more can one ask from life?

Where can we get a copy of your new book?
We are in final discussions with publishing houses, and I am still finalizing details at this stage.

More information will be shared as soon as we go to print.

Koh Lanta, Thailand, January 7, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Eco-sensitive five-star sanctuary in Koh Lanta named as “World’s Top Best Hotels” and “World’s Best Hotel With a View”, while also achieving prestigious UNESCO and Green Globe certificates for sustainability. Pimalai Resort and Spa, the five-star sanctuary on the southern Thai island of Koh Lanta, is celebrating one of the most successful years in its stellar 21-year history, including six highly prestigious awards and accolades. Not content to rest on its past successes however, the resort has also now revealed plans to embark on series of exciting new developments for the year ahead!

In 2022, Pimalai was named as the World’s Top 1% Best Hotels by Tripadvisor’s “Traveller’s Choice 2022 – Best of the Best Awards” – an impressive honour that was based on the genuine reviews and ratings of its guests. Another of the world’s biggest online travel sites, Agoda.com, gave Pimalai a superb “2022 Customer Review Award” score of 9.4 out of 10.

Condé Nast Traveller, one of the world’s leading luxury lifestyle publications, revealed its “Readers’ Choice Awards” for 2022, placing Pimalai in its “Top 15 Resorts in Thailand” list. These awards are voted for by this glossy magazine’s readers, who are among the world’s most discerning travellers. In addition, the Boutique Hotel Awards 2022 honoured Pimalai with two illustrious titles: “Best Hotel with a View Asia 2022” and “World’s Best Hotel with a View 2022,” which reflect the breath-taking vistas Pimalai’s guests can enjoy from its stunning hillside setting, across Kantiang Bay and the Andaman Sea beyond.

A haven of sustainability, Pimalai is dedicated to operating in complete harmony with the environment and community. This focus on conservation was also recognised in 2022 as the resort achieved its “Green Globe Certificate,” which followed the latest independent audit of its business practices. Finally, Pimalai was presented with the “UNESCO Sustainable Travel Badge,” which underscores the property’s enduring pledge to the pillars and principles of responsible travel.

“We are delighted and deeply humbled to receive such a large number of honours and accolades this year. The fact that so many of these awards were based on the opinions of our guests makes them extra special. We are also gratified that our commitment to sustainability has been recognised by two of the world’s most respected organisations: Green Globe and UNESCO. I would like to thank everybody involved in making 2022 such a successful year for Pimalai, including our customers, partners, team members and our friends in the community. We look forward to enhancing our experiences with fantastic new facilities and activities in 2023,” said Brice Borin, General Manager of Pimalai Resort & Spa.

With just 121 stylish rooms, spacious suites and spectacular pool villas spread across 100 acres of unspoiled jungle, cascading gently down to a 900-metre-long stretch of sand at Kantiang Bay, Pimalai is a sanctuary of luxury and tranquility. Guests can soak up ocean and mountain views from their private balconies or elevated infinity pools, or unwind with kayaking, cycling, Thai cooking classes, muay Thai boxing, yoga and more. Small-scale excursions allow explorers to uncover idyllic offshore islands and world-class diving and snorkelling sites, including Koh Haa and Koh Rok, or take a jungle trek to Klong Chak Waterfall, with the chance to visit a giant wild banyan tree. The award-winning Pimalai Spa offers deeply soothing therapies in the midst of the lush jungle, and two outstanding seafront restaurants – Rak Talay and Seven Seas – embrace local and seasonal produce, including organic herbs and southern Thai seafood.

Sustainability is a core element of the Pimalai concept and travellers are invited to take part in many eco-sensitive activities, such as beach cleaning, turtle release programmes, mangrove tours and more. Pimalai’s tours and excursions also directly support communities, including the chance to visit Lanta Old Town, purchase authentic handicrafts, dine at local restaurants and more. And of course, Pimalai has abolished single-use plastic throughout the resort. This multi-award-winning resort forms part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s (SLH) Considerate Collection, an exclusive community of socially responsible and eco-conscious five-star hotels.

Looking ahead to 2023, Pimalai is preparing to enhance its guest experiences with beach villa renovations, additional spa therapies, fresh culinary concepts;
– Thai Night Buffet: every Wednesday night at Spice N’ Rice restaurant
– Surf and Turf: every Sunday night at Rak Talay Beach Restaurant
and more sustainable initiatives – including a fresh drinking water programme.

About Pimalai Resort and Spa
Koh Lanta’s first five-star resort, Pimalai Resort & Spa has been redefining luxury hospitality on this idyllic Andaman island since it launched almost two decades ago. Voted Southeast Asia’s second best resort in Travel + Leisure’s annual “World’s Best Awards”, this award-winning property cascades through 100 acres of tropical jungles easing its way towards one of Thailand’s best beaches: Kantiang Bay. It’s here that guests while the days away lounging on what often feels like a private beach or spend action-packed afternoons out in the cerulean sea scuba diving, snorkelling or simply relaxing on a sunset cruise. A smattering of local bars and restaurants line the beach, but its Pimalai’s onsite eateries that tend to steal the show. The legendary Rak Talay beachfront bar and restaurant is as loved for the sumptuous Thai-style seafood as it is its sunset setting, while nestled in the resort’s jungle interior, Seven Seas serves up Michelin-chef-conceived menus throughout the evening. Guests can also indulge in an array of onsite wellness experiences, ranging from traditional Muay Thai classes to early evening tennis matches and pampered afternoons at the signature Pimalai Spa. With no immediate neighbours, the 121-room resort is a serene sanctuary where guests can feel completely at peace in their private surroundings. From Hillside Ocean Pool Villas that command vistas of the stunning scenery through to the Beachside Villas, situated only a few short steps away from the shoreline, rooms at Pimalai cater to all tastes with spacious layouts and designs that seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings.

Singapore, Singapore, January 6, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Asia’s biggest and longest-running boat show returns to Singapore from 27-30 April 2023. When the long-awaited 10th edition of the Singapore Yacht Show was cruelly forced to shut down just a few weeks before opening back in March 2020, nobody thought it would have to be postponed more than a few months… Finally, a full three years after the beginning of that awful period, the show can finally go on – as indeed it must! Better late than never!

Much has changed on the boating industry landscape in all that time, but it has unquestionably ended up being a highly positive change. SYS organisers had worked flat out over the whole year following SYS 2019 to promote the 10th edition, and somehow, coupled with the lifestyle changes that were enforced on everyone, all the yacht brands, retailers and brokers alike have had three of their best business years in history – without the region’s main boat show even taking place!

We have all had to adapt, and to ensure that going forwards the Singapore Yacht Show as well as its sister events in Thailand and Hong Kong will be sustainable and secure for the future, Verventia is joining with all the experienced, respected and professional boat show organisers and marketers in the region. We will be a team in which the global industry can have total faith as genuine partners with all the necessary local knowledge, and we will be operating one combined event platform called “Asia Yacht Shows”. Watch this space for more details shortly…

With a huge amount of interest from many new players as well as from all the long-standing exhibitors, sponsors and supporters of SYS since its inception 10 years ago, the show needs to grow. And with Verventia’s push to get foreign superyachts coming to Asia to cruise and charter, which they can now do legally in Thailand, we are already seeing a big influx of large yachts here, and interest from Asian buyers and charterers is growing fast. The show needs to grow with it. The choice of the best venue for all three shows is still under discussion, therefore, and will be announced shortly.

Macao, Macao SAR, January 5, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / As Macao SAR government optimises epidemic prevention measures and further relaxes restrictions on entry from Hong Kong to Macao, Cotai Water Jet announces the resumption of ferry services for the City Routes between Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal (Sheung Wan) and Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal starting from Jan. 8, 2023.

Cotai Water Jet will provide six sailings daily between Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal (Sheung Wan) and Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal at the beginning of services resumption.

Cotai Water Jet, which is wholly-owned by Sands China Ltd., offers a direct high-speed ferry service between Macao and Hong Kong with the sailing time of around an hour. After disembarking from the ferry, visitors can get on the free shuttle buses from Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal to The Venetian Macao, The Parisian Macao and The Londoner Macao , and experience the dazzling city of Macao.

For more details about Cotai Water Jet or to check sailing schedule, please call the hotline on (852) 2859 1640 (Hong Kong) / (853) 2885 0595 (Macao).

About Cotai Water Jet
Launched in November 2007, Cotai Water Jet is a premium high-speed ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. Its 11 custom-built catamarans have the capacity to carry more than 400 passengers each and operate at top speeds of approximately 42 knots. Passengers on Cotai Water Jet have a choice of three classes of service as well as direct sailings between ports in Macao, Taipa, Hong Kong, Kowloon and Hong Kong International Airport, providing an important transportation option for both locals and visitors to Macao. The Cotai Water Jet service is managed and operated on behalf of owner Sands China Ltd. by Chu Kong High Speed Ferry Co. Ltd. of Hong Kong.

Singapore, Singapore, January 4, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / It’s hospitality, but not as you know it at Mondrian Duxton Singapore, where General Manager, maverick and all-round mischief-maker Robert C. Hauck is assembling a team unlike any other to launch something special from Q1, 2023.

Hauck has taken a unique approach to hiring under Mondrian’s ‘unexpected talents’ mantra, scouring the streets and hunting in all the right places for the cream of creative types and inspired individuals from both within and outside the industry to deliver a guest experience with a difference.

Call him a conductor, a disruptor, or one who marches to a different drummer; just don’t call him conventional. Hauck has built a career on breaking new ground and thinking outside the box. Now, this philosophy is given free rein at Singapore’s most eagerly awaited hotel.

“Any hotel is only as good as the people who bring it to life,” says Hauck. “Mondrian has given me the freedom to do something truly innovative and really cast the net wide in taking a new approach to assembling a team. It’s all about creating a place for individuals and personalities with a lot to offer but who may not fit in to a conventional hotel. They might be misfits in a sense, but they’ll fit in here.”

“Here” is Duxton Hill, Singapore’s happening precinct non-pareil, home to the latest addition to the Mondrian family of hotels, joining the brand’s properties in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, London, Cannes, Doha and Seoul. Since its launch in LA in 1996 by Ian Schrager, Mondrian Hotels have been brought to life by the quality of their people and a commitment to creativity, art and the unexpected.

Hauck has begun the hiring process by staring at a blank canvas and painting in bold and unexpected strokes. He has already assembled a core team of over 70 people, ensuring there’s a solid backbone of experienced industry operators to which he has added rebels, dreamers and outsiders, creating a fresh perspective for the hotel, a new energy and a collective entrepreneurial spirit.

Avatar of Hauck’s approach is full body-tattooed Ah Seng, who has turned his life around since leaving prison and has always dreamt of having his own restaurant. He has now been hired to be the manager of Bistro 126, Mondrian’s staff restaurant at their hip Shophouse office space. Or take Raymond Leong, 64, senior sales manager of an events and cruise company, laid off during the pandemic, who reinvented himself as a Grab driver, now hired as a quality and training manager, a job he always aspired to doing.

Unexpected talents with diverse backgrounds can be found everywhere. An elderly cleaner who has three diplomas in marketing repurposed as public area supervisor and director of inspiration. An executive assistant who had been enjoying a retirement baking sourdough bread but got bored, after a career in strategic brand planning for brands that are household names. Social media and visual marketing tyros, fresh graduates, a former Olympian athlete, a luxury fashion expert and award-winning bartenders. These are among the passionate and talented characters given another chance to find their calling.

But how to find them? Hauck’s team can be seen handing out ‘We like your style’ cards to begin a conversation. “My motto is chase talent, don’t wait,” he says. “From tattoo conventions to alternative gigs, from art happenings to theatre and sport, it’s about casting the net wide and knowing true talent when you see it. This will be the essence of what we are bringing to the market at Mondrian Singapore Duxton.”

About Mondrian
The debut of Mondrian Singapore Duxton in Southeast Asia follows that of Mondrian Seoul Itaewon in 2020, which signaled the brand’s entry to Asia Pacific. The brand’s portfolio of seven hotels will more than double its footprint by 2023, with upcoming openings in Bordeaux, Cannes and Australia’s Gold Coast to name a few. Mondrian is more than a hotel: it’s a way of travel. Known for its groundbreaking design and progressive programming it is a “must” destination for locals or travelers. Mondrian is always at the heart of the most exciting cultural scenes in the world, serving up innovation and creativity for everyone. Mondrian provides a playful framework so that guests and locals alike can immerse themselves in the culture of each city it inhabits. Design is at the center of the Mondrian experience with hotels designed by some of the world’s most famous architects and designers, including Philippe Starck and Marcel Wanders. Mondrian is part of Ennismore, a creative hospitality company rooted in culture and community, with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. Formed in 2021, Ennismore is a joint venture with Accor, which holds a majority shareholding.