TTG Asia's weekly roundup of new hotel openings and announcements
andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, Bhutan
The first fully andBeyond-owned and managed property has opened in Bhutan. Situated on the banks of the Mo Chu River in the Punakha Valley, andBeyond Punakha River Lodge features six tented suites, as well as a two-bedroom villa with a private pool, and a one-bedroom villa, which boasts a plunge pool/hot tub that changes with the season.
Like all andBeyond’s properties, the lodge draws inspiration from its natural surroundings and combines traditional Bhutanese style with a unique twist.
Boasting uninterrupted views of the Himalayas, the lodge site offers easy and unrivalled access to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a site that is a major drawcard for visitors to Punakha. A suspension bridge leads over the river and a selection of walking trails is situated nearby. The riverside setting is ideal for al fresco lunches and beach activities, such as yoga, massages and swimming.
The site also allows andBeyond to offer a variety of activities and experiences that is unmatched in the area, including cycling, river rafting and kayaking, as well as exceptional nature hikes and birding opportunities.
An extensive organic vegetable garden speaks to the company’s dedication to sourcing local, sustainably grown ingredients. Guests will also have the opportunity to visit a community farming project nearby.
Andaz Macau
The new Andaz Macau is the brand’s largest hotel globally, as well as its first and only hotel in Macau. It features more than 700 rooms and suites, a signature lounge, a bar and restaurant, a 24-hour fitness centre, and a heated 19-meter indoor pool.
Located between the neighbourhoods of Old Taipa and Coloane, the hotel immerses guests in the “real Macau”, allowing them to experience the city’s traditional heritage and diverse culture firsthand, as well as providing easy access to the resort’s many cutting-edge attractions. This includes Galaxy Macau’s world-class tourism and events facilities, with Andaz Macau being directly connected to both Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) and the 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena.
Guests keen to experience the authentic flavours of Macau, as well as classic dishes from around the world, will be well catered for at Andaz Macau’s dynamic culinary venues. Andaz Kitchen is an all-day dining neighbourhood destination featuring live-action cooking where guests can enjoy Chinese, Portuguese and Western cuisines in a space inspired by Macau’s iconic shophouses. Connected to the main restaurant by a discreet entrance and accommodating up to 80 guests, the multi-function Andaz Studio is perfect for private events as well as interactive experiences such as master chef cooking classes.
The adjacent Andaz Lounge is an open and instantly welcoming space that is evocative of a residential living room. This serves as a community social space. Meanwhile, Andaz Bar is an open and inviting setting where guests can savour creative cocktails.
DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo, South Korea
Said to be the first upscale full-service hotel and residences in South Korea’s south Gyeonggi area, the DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo is a dual complex comprising 432 hotel rooms and 170 residences.
Hotel rooms boast modern interiors and natural lighting with stylish executive rooms that grant access to the Executive Lounge, while residences feature spacious and comfortable studio rooms, as well as premium suites of up to two bedrooms that offer separate bedroom and living room spaces.
Guests will dine well at Nyx, which serves up the Pangyo skyline through panoramic windows, and all-day dining restaurant Demeter.
Other facilities include an indoor swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness centre with a fully equipped Pilates studio, a driving range, a tennis court and a sauna.
DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo also operates an urban rooftop bee farm with the aim of sustainable beekeeping that helps protect and maintain viable populations of thriving colonies. With its own harvest, the hotel offers a wide spectrum of honey-infused culinary creations, ranging from cocktails with a natural honeycomb to honey cakes and Bee My Honey afternoon tea sets. As part of DoubleTree by Hilton’s Do Good, Feel Good programme and as an extension of its CARE culture, the hotel organises weekly workshops that educate children on the importance of bees to the ecosystem.
Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong, Australia
Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong is steps away from the city’s prime attractions, including the new Geelong Arts Centre, Geelong Gallery, and GMHBA Stadium, and makes a good base from which to explore the Bellarine Peninsula and Great Ocean Road in Victoria.
It offers 180 stylish rooms, including 23 suites, as well as flexible guest areas.
The hotel embraces Holiday Inn’s Open Lobby concept, designed to reflect the needs of how travellers stay and work today. This integrates all public spaces – from the reception area to a café stocked with snacks for guests on-the-go, a bar and lounge – into one warm and inviting living space. It offers guests a vibrant hub where casual meetings, collaborative work sessions, and relaxing breaks can take place. With a variety of seating options and an additional media lounge, the Open Lobby creates an ideal environment for informal meetings or breakout sessions. Meanwhile, the E-bar conveniently provides a space to plug in and stay connected with the day’s news or work.
Other facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool and a well-equipped Fitness Centre.
