TTG Asia's weekly roundup of new hotels openings.
The Roseate Ganges, India
Nestled on the banks of the river Ganges in Rishikesh, this luxury retreat offers just 16 villas, each opening to a private balcony overlooking the Himalayan outdoors. Facilities include a temperature-controlled infinity swimming pool overlooking the surrounding valley; a private stretch of white sand beach next to the Ganges; the Aheli Spa; and two F&B options, the Chidya Ghar restaurant and Roasted by Roseate cafe. The retreat also offers an array of experiences ranging from nature walks to meditation, and river rafting to the Rajaji National Park.
Element Melbourne Richmond, Australia
The opening of Element Melbourne Richmond marks the debut of the brand in the country. Facilities in the 168-key hotel include an all-day dining space, 24/7 Restore grab-and-go pantry and a fitness centre. The property also offers guests a complimentary Bikes-to-Borrow programme, as well as a Relax reception four days a week, which offers complimentary small bites, local beers and wines.
In addition, the hotel boasts four modern meeting spaces, spanning a total of 256m2. Located on level five, rooms can be configured to welcome between 12 and 250 guests. An outdoor deck space is also available, with views of Melbourne’s skyline and CBD
ibis Styles Bangkok Ratchada, Thailand
Located steps away from Bangkok’s Huai Khwang subway station is the 266-room ibis Styles Bangkok Ratchada. Rooms range from the 25m2 Standard Room to the 34m2 Family Room good for up to four guests, and feature designs inspired by basket-weaving patterns. Amenities on-site includes the Streats Café and adjacent bar, a fitness centre and a spa. For meetings and events, the hotel offers three boardrooms, and one grand ballroom that can hold 150 guests theatre-style.
Kishi-ke, Japan
Billed as the first chisoku-themed modern ryokan, this luxury lodging in Kamakura – a seaside city just south of Tokyo – has just space for five people at a given time time. The ocean-view retreat is based on the concept of chisoku, which means ‘to know the feeling of being fulfilled with the now’, where the goal is to help guests achieve inner harmony by mindfulness. Experiences here include cultural workshops such as tea ceremonies (chado, senchado), katana practice and zazen meditation. In addition, guests can also partake in Buddhist cuisine, all of which are practices leading to chisoku.
