Category: Latest Travel News

Hua Hin, Thailand, January 3, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Villa Suasana integrates a multitude of sustainable solutions into the project in the Banyan Residences community. The world is changing. Urbanisation is giving way to escapism as a rising number of city dwellers seek a healthy, active lifestyle, away from the traffic and tension of their metropolitan lives. In line with this rising trend, Banyan Hua Hin is fast-becoming one of the country’s most desirable places to live, work and relax.

Nestled between the mountains and the sea in Hua Hin, on Thailand’s gulf coast, the exclusive community of luxury residences, pool villas, world-class golf and medical facilities has a proven track record of helping Bangkok’s residents to realise their dreams of a new life. Now, the company is building on its successful formula.

The launch of Villa Suasana, an all-new residential concept dedicated to natural and sustainable living, will further enhance Banyan Hua Hin’s status as an appealing destination for a generation of “conscious” urbanites, executives and entrepreneurs.

Villa Suasana is specifically designed for individuals, couples and families who want to experience a sense of freedom and have a more sustainable impact on the planet. Named after the Balinese word for “atmosphere,” these luxurious two- and three-bedroom pool residences offer 180 to 303 square metres of naturally-lit space, with bright and spacious interiors, contemporary furnishings, shady terraces and a refreshing private pool.

The new concept also puts sustainability at its core, with integrated eco solutions including solar panels, salt-water pools and pure water filters. And under a limited-time offer, every new owner will receive two complimentary Segway Ninebot KickScooter F25s – the ultimate clean, green way to get around the Banyan Hua Hin community.

As a further endorsement of its quality, Banyan Residences has been named as the “Best Housing Development – Hua Hin” at the PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards 2022. Judged by a group of industry specialists, the award was based upon the contemporary design of the villas, their liveability and surrounding facilities, which include the highly-acclaimed 18-hole Banyan Golf Club and onsite Be Well Medical Center. Banyan Hua Hin’s senior management team collected the accolade at a black-tie gala ceremony at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok.

“In the post-pandemic era, society has evolved and people are prioritising their personal health, wellness and sustainability above all else. As flexible, remote working becomes the norm, an increasing number of executives are choosing to avoid the hecticness and time-loss caused by a daily commute in heavy traffic. Bangkok families are spending more of their free time closer to nature and enjoying the beach life. With Banyan Hua Hin and Villa Suasana, business and leisure come together amid uplifting scenery and pure air. It’s a healthy, active and truly inspirational environment,” said Tjeert Kwant, Group CEO of Banyan Thailand.

The award marks the latest vote of confidence for Banyan Hua Hin, from buyers and the industry alike. The community experienced a surge in sales throughout the pandemic as urban residents sought a healthy active lifestyle outside of Bangkok and international long-stay visitors returned in healthy numbers.

Villa Suasana prices start from THB 9.5 million.

About Banyan Thailand, Hua Hin
Stylish, spacious and sophisticated, Banyan Thailand, Hua Hin is a spectacular residential community development nestled between the mountains and the sea near Thailand’s glittering gulf coast. Just 2.5 hours’ drive from Bangkok and 10 minutes from Hua Hin, our private villas come fully equipped with the latest fixtures and facilities. Investors can own their unique private residence in this exclusive estate, guests can rent one of our spacious two-bedroom pool villas for an extended vacation, dine at exceptional restaurants and enjoy activities courtesy of our Banyan Privilege card or play at one of our world-renowned Banyan Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course created by Thailand’s number one golf course architect, Pirapon Namatra.

Bangkok, Thailand, January 2, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Start 2023 in fabulous flair with the astonishing new ‘Winter Guestronomic Dining Journey’ carefully crafted by Chef Gerard Villaret Horcajo at Elements, inspired by Ciel Bleu at The Okura Prestige Bangkok. This latest dining experience at the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant showcases magnificent premium seasonal ingredients and flavours from some of the finest artisanal producers in Europe and Japan. Available from 4 January 2023 onward.

Chef Gerard’s ‘Winter Guestronomic Dining Journey’ menu is characterised by rich, warm flavours designed to take away seasonal blues. Centering on French cuisine laced with delicate Japanese influences, his dishes are sophisticated in composition and further enhanced using his duo sauce technique. Making menus playful and bold, Chef Gerard continues to celebrate Elements, inspired by Ciel Bleu’s commitment to exquisite fine dining with a twist.

Highlights of the new seasonal set journey include flavourful ‘Ikejime Hamachi’ with kombu, oyster regal and sorrel; a dish of ‘langoustine tail’ with ikura, spinach and veloute that uses whole langoustines to create a deeply rich sauce; and the mouthwatering ‘Brittany lemon sole’ with Japanese hakurei turnip and mussel in which the delicate winter fish is cooked with a classic vadouvan spice marinated in miso and mirin and then rolled in shiso leaves and served with a homemade dashi demi-glaze.

The gastronomic odyssey concludes with a choice of delicate desserts – either way the signature ‘binchotan’ with Japanese whiskey, citrus and caramelize white chocolate; or ‘Provence almonds’ with premium 70% French L’Opera dark chocolate, cranberry and praline rounds off a superb dining adventure on an exquisite sweet note.

The ‘Winter Guestronomic Set Journey’ at Element, inspired by Ciel Bleu, is available from 4 January 2023, from 18:00 hrs. to 22:30 hrs. The ‘Mizu’ 8-course experience is priced at Baht 5,900++ per person; the ‘Chikyu’ 6-course experience is priced at Baht 4,800++ per person; and the ‘Ku-Ki’ 4-course experience is priced at Baht 4,100++ per person.

For more information and reservations please call +66 (0) 2 687 9000

Bangkok, Thailand, January 1, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / ICONSIAM in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand along with government agencies, private sectors, hotel operators and communities along the Chao Phraya joined forces to ring in the New Year with a world-class countdown celebration, the “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023.” The Chao Phraya River has been recognized as a ‘global countdown destination’ and the one and only New Year’s Eve celebration landmark of Thailand.

The event was packed with entertainment from world-famous and leading Thai artists led by famous K-Pop artist Mark Tuan from GOT7, offering happiness and hope to the hearts of Thais and the world. Set against the majestic view of Chao Phraya River, the heart and soul and the most beautiful river of the nation, Thailand rang in the year of 2023 together at River Park, ICONSIAM. This is also the first full-scale celebration after the Covid-19 recovery.

The Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023 was a collaboration between ICONSIAM, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Charoen Pokphand Group, CP Food, 7-Eleven, True 5G, The ICONSIAM Superlux Residence Corporation Co., Ltd., Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Co., Ltd., and Cardx, alongside government agencies, hotel operators and the community along the Chao Phraya River. Joining forces were also partners from public and private sectors namely the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Marine Department, the Royal Thai Navy, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, Chao Phraya River Business Trade Association, Kadi Chin- Klong San Community Foundation, and the Photographic Society of Thailand under the royal patronage.

The highlight featured a magnificent display over 30,000 eco-friendly fireworks made from Thai sticky rice.

That lit up over 1,400 meters along the majestic Chao Phraya River, marked as the most spectacular and longest firework show in Thailand above the Chao Phraya River. The fireworks were visible to millions in a five-kilometre radius. There were the first ‘Hybrid World Countdown,’ through ONESIAM SuperApp, featuring augmented reality (AR) technology enhancing viewers’ experiences that portrays the stories of the seven acts of the firework display. The new augmented reality was co-created by world-forefront firework master from Japan Okushi Yoshimasa and a Thai company recognized internationally Brother Pictures Co., Ltd. Themed ‘Win the World for Thailand,’ the firework extravaganza aimed to bring joy and hope to the hearts of Thai people the world.

The 7-act fireworks display at the “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023” event consisted of:

Act 1: The Joy of Siam reflected the merry and vibrant way of live of Thais with traditions and performances that evoke smiles and happiness, even in the challenging times.

Act 2: Enchanting Land portrayed Thailand as the kingdom of fine craftsmanship, whether architecture, painting, handicrafts, fashion, or food, that are simple yet so exquisite.

Act 3: Eternal Prosperity was visualized through golden fireworks symbolizing golden rice field along with colorful fireworks representing the varieties Thai flavors and the abundance – In the water there are fish, in the fields there is rice.

Act 4: Heroic Spirit a grand firework showdown that reflects never-give-up spirit of Thai people, wading the obstacles, moving forward and ring in the New Year together full of hope.

Act 5: Sharing Possibilities passed on endless opportunities with green, gold, and colorful ring-shaped fireworks are the symbol of future, keeping up with the world, sharing and creating endless possibilities which will bring opportunities, equality, unity, and sustainability for a better tomorrow.

Act 6: Beautiful Harmon was a large set of white fireworks that gradually sprinkled like a large umbrella spread across the sky, symbolizing peace and unity and accepting difference among people of the nation.

Act 7: Win the world for Thailand Together portrayed the spirit Thai hearts. The fireworks featured colors of Thai national flag representing Thailand and decorated with various forms of fireworks, a collaboration of Thai hearts to ‘Win the World for Thailand.

ICONSIAM took pride in the collaboration with various sectors to host the world-class “ Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023,” to share the mesmerizing night with all Thais and the world to witness the beauty of the Chao Phraya River. The event were live broadcasted via Thai Rath TV Channel 32HD, online channels via Facebook ICONSIAM, Thai Rath Online, Khaosod and Matichon and TrueID application. In previous years the beauty of ‘Global Countdown Destination’ ICONSIAM was brought to the world through social media and global news agencies such as CNN, BBC, AP, Reuters, and ABC, etc., and all over the world. The world witnessed the beauty of the New Year Eve night on the Chao Phraya River, the heart and soul of Thai , that created a memorable memories. It also stimulates tourism and the Thai economy, given that it’s the first year of post-COVID-19 recovery.

Sydney, Australia, December 31, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / During the holiday season there’s nothing more important than spending time with family and friends around a table.
For those special people in your lives, you can elevate the occasion by preparing your menu early and including some premium products and wine from Australia.

For a stress-free way to celebrate Christmas or New Year’s Eve, plan and prepare your main course early so you can spend more time with your guests and not have to worry about what’s cooking. To help you out, we have provided a great recipe below which is sure to please your guests! They might even think you have some culinary training.

But before we get to recipe, why Australian products? Simply because cooking with Australian products is delightful and brings wonderous flavour to any dish. It’s easy to see why Aussie produce the go-to option for chefs around the world is the beef, dairy cows and lambs graze on green pastures, the seafood is caught off golden shores, the fresh fruit is picked from lush orchards, the vegetables are grown in rich soils and the wines from pristine vineyards.

Besides the places that Australian food comes from, it’s the people which make them great. Australian farmers take great pride in their land and livestock and pay attention to every small detail so people can trust the high-quality of their products.

Australian beef and lamb are packed with flavours and nutrition because Australian farmers raise their stock in pristine environments and feed only the best grass and grain. The result is a high-quality product that is always tender and juicy.

Australia is also home to some of the best dairy products in the world – milk, cheese, butter, cream, yoghurt and more! Australia takes its dairy very seriously and has been producing quality products since early 1800s – it’s part of their heritage! This dairy comes from pristine landscapes where the air is clean, and the water is fresh. Add to this Australia’s strict food safety systems, innovative dairy processes, and the Australian Dairy Industry’s Sustainability Framework!

Australian seafood is easy to cook, harvested from pristine waters, packed with nutrients and bursting with flavour. From packaging to harvesting methods, every stage of the process impacts quality and taste Australia’s world-class seafood products.

Australia has one of the largest collections of fruit, nuts, and vegetables on the planet. Their delectable varieties are grown under golden rays and are world-renowned and perfect to add to any dish.

Australia has one of the most thrilling wine scenes in the world with 65 distinct regions and a wide variety of wine styles to choose from. Australian winemakers pay close attention to capture what’s in the grape and bring it to the glass.

You can add Australian products to any Thai meal. We’ve chosen one for you – Beef Fat Fried Rice with mussels, mozzarella, and butter – which brings together the best of Australian and is a true crowd pleaser. It elevates the Khao Phad to a gourmet level. The best part? It’s easy to make, almost effortless.

You can find Australian products and wines in leading supermarkets around the Thailand.

Phuket, Thailand, December 30, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Indulge in the delightful tastes and textures of authentic Thai Cuisine nestled in an elegant Thai-style teak house amongst a tropical garden and overlooking a lagoon at Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket. Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, a luxurious beach resort on Phuket’s northwest coast, is pleased to announce the soft opening of Benjarong, the Signature Thai restaurant of all Dusit Thani hotels under the Dusit International’s umbrella. Benjarong serves authentic Thai Cuisine crafted from unique recipes passed from generation to generation.

Formerly known as Ruen Thai, Benjarong is an ode to Thailand’s culinary heritage and blends the delicacy of flavours with visual appearance in the form of sophisticated ingredients and artistic presentation. The restaurant’s location is as immaculate as the cuisine served. Benjarong is set in an elegant teak house designed in the Thai tradition, surrounded by gardens, and overlooking the lagoon. The atmosphere is enchanting and refined.

Benjarong aspires to source locally from Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi and the northeastern region of Thailand in order to deliver the highest quality seasonal ingredients. The restaurant is pleased to collaborate with farmers and producers in different parts of Thailand who have introduced us to ingredients from the rich biodiversity of the region.

Chef Boonram is at the helm of Benjarong. With over 20 years experience as the chef of Ruen Thai, he uses fresh local ingredients, cooked with authentic methods, to honour the traditional flavours of authentic Thai Cuisine.

Discover the enticing flavours of signature dishes at Benjarong including Mung Korn Lui Fai, Phuket lobster in red curry sauce served with flambé’ or Yum Nue Yang, a Thai-style tenderloin beef salad.

About Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket
Located next to the white sands of Bang Tao beach overlooking the Andaman Sea and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket comprises 253 elegant rooms, suites and villas. Amongst other facilities, it offers five dining outlets, a fully equipped gym, tennis and sports courts, a luxurious spa, an outdoor swimming pool, a watersports centre, a children’s play area, and easy access to the neighbouring 18-hole Laguna Phuket Golf Course.

Guests can also enjoy a range of complimentary activities reflecting responsible tourism practices. Among some of the options offered are sustainable crafts workshops such as upcycled tie-dye and bag painting; cooking classes featuring locally sourced ingredients; and Thai cultural workshops where guests can learn more about the history of Phuket and the island’s unique traditions and customs.

Dusit’s new group-wide wellness concept, Devarana Wellness, also offers complimentary activities that enhance emotional and physical resilience, such as yoga, meditation, and breathwork. A Family Retreat Programme, meanwhile, features a mini-farm workshop, educational kids camp, stand up paddleboarding, and other entertaining and enriching experiences for adults and children alike.

About Dusit International
Established in 1948, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: hotels and resorts, hospitality education, food, property development, and hospitality-related services.

The group’s portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under a total of six brands (Dusit Thani, Dusit Devarana, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 16 countries worldwide. The group also operates culinary schools and hospitality colleges in Thailand, plus catering companies for the education sector in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Dusit International’s diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification.

Bangkok, Thailand, December 30, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Accor Hotels has signed a management agreement for a Grand Mercure hotel in the heart of Thailand’s vibrant capital city. This popular hotel, which has been welcoming the world’s travellers for over 26 years, will be refurbished and rebranded as Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium, creating localised guest experiences aligned with the vision of Accor’s premium brand.

Perfectly located on New Phetchaburi Road in downtown Bangkok, just a short distance from Sukhumvit Road, the city’s most dynamic commercial and retail district, and easily accessible via Phetchaburi MRT subway station, the hotel is ideal for business and leisure visitors alike.

The 568 rooms and suites offer panoramic city views and premium amenities, including business desks, locally inspired artworks and bathrooms with rain showers and bathtubs. Eight room categories, ranging in size from 30 to 129 square metres, ensure plenty of choice for corporate guests, couples and families.

The hotel will offer an array of leisure facilities including an outdoor swimming pool and sundeck, a fully-equipped fitness centre and serene spa, and diverse dining options including a Japanese teppanyaki restaurant, an all-day dining destination, pool bar and deli. For meeting planners, the hotel has a ballroom and a selection of meeting rooms that can host up to 350 people for corporate and social events.

Grand Mercure’s vision for a new style of international hospitality began in 1997. A group of hoteliers wanted to provide sophisticated locals with premium hotel standards while being respectful of their values. The first Grand Mercure hotel opened in São Paulo and since then the brand has blossomed around the globe, satisfying the growing desire to honour cultural identities.

“Just as no two countries are completely alike, no two Grand Mercure hotels are completely alike,” says Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer for Accor, Southeast Asia, Japan & South Korea. “Each property is tailored to offer a uniquely local spirit, where the community can feel at home and visitors can discover the unexpected. I am proud to welcome Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium to our network, becoming our fourth Grand Mercure in Thailand. This signing demonstrates the confidence that owners continue to place in Accor’s renowned brands, local knowhow and experts spanning every function of the hotel business.”

To honour each region’s way of life, Grand Mercure properties bring each country’s culture and customs to life for today’s travellers. By showcasing the destination’s authentic rituals, each hotel inspires local guests to rediscover their culture and travellers from afar to gain a deeper understanding of their destination – all while enjoying outstanding international premium services.

“Our hotel has been one of Bangkok’s most popular places to stay ever since it first opened in 1996. Now, by harnessing the global strength and premium, local style of the Grand Mercure brand, we are embarking on an exciting new era of hospitality. I am confident that this new partnership with Accor will delight our returning clientele and help us attract many new guests in future,” said Khushroo Wadia, Executive Director of Maxwin Builders Ltd., the owning Company of the Hotel.

Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium is easily accessible via road and rail, including Bangkok’s elevated expressways and MRT subway network. Makkasan Station, the downtown terminal of the Airport Rail Link to Suvarnabhumi International Airport, is just a short distance away.

The Grand Mercure network consists of more than 55 hotels in 12 countries worldwide. Its efficient size allows the brand to focus on each individual property. The brand boasts a pipeline of 30 new hotels and 7,200 rooms due to open in the coming years.

About Accor
Accor is a world leading hospitality group consisting of 5,300 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The group has one of the industry’s most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing more than 40 luxury, premium, midscale and economy hotel brands, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more. Accor’s unmatched position in lifestyle hospitality – one of the fastest growing categories in the industry – is led by Ennismore, a joint venture, which Accor holds a majority shareholding. Ennismore is a creative hospitality company with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. Accor boasts an unrivalled portfolio of distinctive brands and more than 230,000 team members worldwide. Members benefit from the company’s comprehensive loyalty program – ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a daily lifestyle companion that provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. Through its global sustainability commitments (such as achieving Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2050, global elimination of single use plastics in its hotels’ guest experience, etc.), Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the Group is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States.

About Maxwin Builders
Maxwin Builders is part of the GP Group, a Thailand based Strategic Investment Group which owns a number of public and private companies across diverse sectors such as resources, shipping, construction, pharmaceuticals, aviation and technology.

Kigali, Rwanda, December 29, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / During the closing session of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Global Summit in Riyadh, the Rwandan capital of Kigali, was announced as the host city for 2023, marking the first time the event will visit Africa.

Rwanda, the home of the International Gorilla Conservation Programme, will showcase the power of sustainable tourism to protect biodiversity and create thriving communities.

WTTC closed its largest ever Global Summit today with more than 3,000 delegates attending the event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The global tourism body’s Global Summit saw speakers such as former UK Prime Minister Theresa May, former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, and actor, filmmaker, and Golden Globe winner, Edward Norton.

The most influential Travel & Tourism event in the calendar, WTTC’s record breaking Global Summit, was attended by more than 85 countries and over 50 ministers.

More than 250 media delegates from around the world attended the event, with many thousands of people around the world watching remotely.

During the event, WTTC and the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom Saudi Arabia launched the Environmental & Social Research (ESR).

This groundbreaking new data details the climate footprint of the global Travel & Tourism sector, and in a world-first, this the research covers 185 countries across all regions, and will be updated each year with the latest figures.

WTTC also launched its Cities Economic Impact Report (EIR).

Sponsored by Visa, the report shows cities remain the powerhouses of global tourism and will drive the recovery of the sector and economies around the word.

Addressing delegates during her closing speech, Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “Saudi Arabia will be the next major destination for visitors as it invests $800 billion in showcasing the Kingdom to the world.

“From the Red Sea to snow-capped mountains, Saudi is full of surprises.

“We are incredibly excited that Rwanda will host our next Global Summit in 2023. An amazing country famous for its conservation work, Rwanda is building its reputation as a must-see destination.”

Under the theme “Travel for a Better Future” the event in Riyadh focused on the value of the sector, not only to the global economy, but to the planet and communities around the world.

Bangkok, Thailand, December 28, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort announces the opening of the BDMS Wellness Clinic Retreat in a forward-looking initiative that is set to strengthen Thailand’s position as a wellness tourism leader.

Located on the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya river amidst 11 acres of lush tropical gardens, Anantara Riverside offers urban serenity twinned with authentic discoveries, and a preventative healthcare centre that offers a wide range of wellness, aesthetic, and health screenings. Here guests feel connected to nature when receiving counselling and medical services from a team of BDMS Wellness Clinic professionals.

The BDMS Wellness Clinic Retreat at Anantara Riverside is part of the award-winning Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) network – Thailand’s largest operator of private hospitals with over 50 facilities in Thailand and Cambodia – and the first outpost of the BDMS Wellness Clinic.

The Retreat’s tenet is a strong believe that prevention is better than cure and a commitment to helping guests reach their health goals; adopt a healthier lifestyle; and achieve their optimal wellbeing. It offers comprehensive wellness screenings utilising advanced science and technology that allow physicians to accurately predict future health issues and help disease while enhancing mental and physical performance and quality of life.

The BDMS Wellness Clinic Retreat offers signature wellness check-up packages that are comprehensive wellness assessment programs aimed at the early detection and prevention of diseases. The programs also analyse signs of biological and bio-chemical ageing processes to improve health and help maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle; slow the ageing process; and increase longevity. Rates for the signature wellness check-up packages start from Thai Baht 10,800++.

Other specialty check-up treatments include weight management; immunity; food intolerance; comprehensive genetic analysis; telomere length measurement; NK cell activity diagnostics and treatment; cancer screening; and intravenous fluids treatments.

Guests can also choose from a range of aesthetic services in facial and body treatments that use the latest technologies under the close supervision of specialised dermatologists.

Multiday check-ups and treatments at BDMS Wellness Clinic Retreat offer luxurious accommodation at Anantara Riverside and incorporate treatments at the renowned Anantara Spa that draw from healing practices of East and West. The Retreat’s nutritionists and the resort’s award-winning culinary team have designed wellness cuisine menus that can be personalised according to guests’ dietary requirements and tastes to assist the body in restoring health; strength; balance; and enhancing longevity.

The three-night Detox Package promotes the immune system; prevents cardiovascular disease, neurological diseases, and age-related degenerative diseases; and increases the production of collagen for the body and skin with antioxidants. Supplementary healing treatments and supervised activities include a detox intravenous drip; a green tea detox body wrap; a Himalayan thermal therapy treatment; a nutrition consultation; and daily yoga sessions and Thai herbal steam treatments. Rates start from Thai Baht 46,260++ for two people sharing a room and include accommodation for three nights and daily wellness breakfast and lunch.

Other wellness accommodation packages focus on anti-aging and wellness check-ups.

Commenting on the opening of the BDMS Wellness Clinic Retreat at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, Mr William Heinecke, Chairman of Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas’ parent company Minor Hotels, said that the Covid-19 pandemic brought the topic of health to the top of mind for individuals, companies, and whole countries – a trend that has yet to show signs of slowing.

“When international travel resumed, it was at our resorts that we saw the biggest bounce-back, as travellers sought nature-integrated environments to heal and rebalance. With more consumers becoming interested in preventive wellness, Minor Hotels, being the country’s largest hotel operator, is in a perfect position to offer full-circle wellness services thanks to our partnership with BDMS Wellness Clinic – a recognised leader in preventive and personalised medicine”, Heinecke said.

About Anantara
Anantara is a luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, connecting them to genuine places, people and stories through personal experiences, and providing heartfelt hospitality in the world’s most exciting destinations. The collection of distinct, thoughtfully designed luxury hotels and resorts provides a window through which to journey into invigorating new territory, curating personal travel experiences.

From cosmopolitan cities to desert sands to lush islands, Anantara connects travellers to the indigenous, grounds them in authentic luxury, and hosts them with passionate expertise. The portfolio currently boasts over 40 stunning hotel and properties located in Thailand, the Maldives, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Zambia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Portugal, with a pipeline of future properties across Asia, the Indian Ocean, Middle East, Africa and South America. The brand’s premier vacation ownership programme, Anantara Vacation Club, extends the opportunity to own a share in the Anantara experience with a portfolio of 8 luxurious Club Resorts as well as travel privileges at partner resorts and hotels worldwide.

Chiang Mai, Thailand, December 27, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / ibis has expanded its portfolio in Thailand with the opening of a brand-new property in Chiang Mai, the famous northern city which is a heaven for culture vultures and adventure seekers.

ibis Chiangmai Nimman Journeyhub is perfectly located in the trendy Nimmanhaemin neighbourhood, surrounded by coffee shops, independent boutiques, vibrant restaurants and live music bars. The hotel is within walking distance of the ancient walled city and Chiang Mai University is just a short distance away, giving the entire area a hip, youthful vibe.

With a contemporary design concept that reflects the modern spirit of Chiang Mai, this stylish and affordable hotel features 142 comfortable guestrooms, all equipped with the signature Sweet Bed by ibis, a business desk and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. Charlie’s Corner is a connected social hub where guests can grab breakfast, chill out with light bites through the day or come together with friends over a meal or cold drink after dark. The fitness centre is a great place for a workout and the outdoor infinity pool offers views of the jungle-clad mountains and Doi Suthep, the iconic hilltop temple that overlooks the city. With 24-hour services, online check-in and fast check-out, every traveller can come and go with ease.

Chiangmai Nimman Journeyhub is an excellent base for curious explorers who want to discover the historic temples and legendary night markets, as well as those who want to uncover the area’s traditional villages, lush jungles and spectacular wildlife.

“The capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is Thailand’s cultural heart with ancient temples, natural wonders and a vibrant arts scene. We are delighted to collaborate with Boutique Corporation once again to introduce our upbeat ibis brand to this aspirational destination. Complementing our existing Novotel, as well as Mercure, Mövenpick and MGallery hotels in and around the city, we can now cater for every type of visitor to Chiang Mai,” said Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer, Accor Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea.

“Welcome to Chiang Mai. My team and I are excited to welcome you to the ibis Chiang Mai Nimman Journeyhub. Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, we will be delighted to serve you and make your stay a happy and memorable one. Our hotel opens to all. Both international travellers and locals can look at the hotel as a vibrant and modern space to relax,” added Maverik Mukherjee, General Manager of ibis Chiang Mai Nimman Journeyhub.

ibis is the world leading lifestyle economy brand, beloved for its contemporary design, comfortable interiors, social connectivity and passion for music. ibis Chiang Mai Nimman Journeyhub joins a regional network of more than 1,250 ibis properties worldwide.

About ibis
Since 1974, ibis has been a trailblazing brand, open and welcoming to all. ibis hotels are beloved by travelers and locals for their contemporary style, vibrant social hubs, rooms that feel like home, lively bars, satisfying dining options, and easy mobile check-in experience. The brand is known for its passion for live music, offering guests playlists curated for every mood and access to exclusive gigs with up-and-coming musicians. No matter where in the world a guest may travel, ibis always feels like the right place to be. With over 1,200 hotels in 65+ countries, ibis is recognized across the globe as the leading brand in economy hospitality. ibis is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,300 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.

Madrid, Spain, December 26, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / One hundred experts from around the world gathered at UNWTO Headquarters to develop the next standard for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST).

The global MST effort responds to the urgent need for guidance to produce more credible and comparable data on the role of tourism for people, planet and prosperity. The data framework will empower policy makers and the private sector to shape innovative policies and transform business models.

Governments, businesses and consumers require transparent and reliable metrics. These need to be produced in a harmonized way to benchmark performance, communicate progress, streamline policy, and ensure that action on the ground is aligned with broader policy ambitions. Launched in 2016 by UNWTO in partnership with leading countries, the International Labour Organization and the United Nations Statistics Division, Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism embodies tourism’s response to move Beyond GDP.

At its 3rd meeting the Expert Group – composed of Ministries, Statistical Institutes, subnational authorities, academia and private sector – adopted an ambitious roadmap to step up efforts towards the finalization of the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism, and its endorsement as the new measurement standard for the sector. Record participation, with representatives from 28 countries (including 6 non UNWTO Member States), shows that MST is more crucial than ever.

MST Pilots

A Symposium on Country Experiences, held back-to-back with the Expert Group meeting, showcased pioneering work by countries and subnational destinations. On this occasion, UNWTO also launched the publication Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism: Lessons from pilots. MST pilots demonstrate that it is possible to measure in a comparable way the different of elements that comprise tourism’s sustainability – from environmental, to social to economic aspects – with a single integrated framework.

ESG Reporting

In collaboration with the Oxford University SDG Impact Lab, and under the umbrella of MST, UNWTO launched the development of a framework for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting for tourism businesses.