Minor Hotels will be rebranding Reethi Beach Resort as NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort in partnership with a private equity fund managed by Ares Management.
Reethi Beach Resort will remain open until April 25, 2025, after which it will close and undergo an extensive renovation before reopening in 4Q2025. The renovation will include upgrades to the villas, dining outlets, and leisure facilities.
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort will open in late 2025 following an extensive renovation
Boasting 129 keys, NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort is set on an island in Hanifaru Bay within the Baa Atoll, just a 35-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport in Male.
The property will offer a mix of on-land and overwater villas, 10 distinctive F&B outlets, spa, swimming pools, fitness centre, tennis, badminton and squash courts, as well as water activities such as diving, snorkelling, fishing, and water sports.
“Renowned for its breath-taking marine life, this iconic destination will offer guests an unparalleled Maldivian experience, with enhanced offerings and sustainability at the forefront. We look forward to unveiling the reimagined NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort in late 2025,” said Puneet Dhawan, head of Asia at Minor Hotels.
“For over 25 years, Reethi Beach Resort has been a sanctuary of tranquillity in the Baa Atoll, offering guests a truly authentic Maldivian retreat. We believe our collaboration with Minor Hotels will redefine this legacy, elevating the resort’s appeal while preserving the essence of its natural beauty and heritage,” added Kieran Bestall, managing director in Ares Asia at Ares Management.
Peach Aviation has launched its Peach Japan Discovery Flight Pass, a coupon ticket that can be used on all 23 domestic routes in Japan, for travellers residing outside of Japan.
Sales will be limited to a total of 500 tickets per month from now to February 19, 2025, for flights taken between October 27, 2024 and March 19, 2025.
The Peach Japan Discovery Flight Pass can be used on all the airline’s 23 domestic routes in Japan
The pass can also be purchased after arrival in Japan.
There are two types of plans: four segments within seven days plan for 49,800 yen (US$335) and six segments within 30 days plan for 90,000 yen.
Checked baggage and seat selection fees are included with both plans, as well as any fees and taxes required for domestic flight reservations. Flights can be booked and cancelled up to one hour prior to scheduled departure.
Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa makes meetings more memorable with its beachfront views in Phang Nga and premier meeting facilities
Enjoying a prime spot along the pristine shores of Khao Lak in Phang Nga, Thailand, the Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spaoffers a perfect blend of sophisticated elegance with southern Thai design.
With versatile meeting spaces and five-star amenities, the 283-room grand beachfront resort provides a stunning backdrop for all types of events for event organisers looking to combine business with leisure.
This beachfront resort provides a stunning backdrop for all types of events, from corporate conferences to intimate workshops and grand celebrations, making it a premier choice for MICE travellers.
Views, heights and more
The Andaman Ballroom accommodates up to 500 and features high ceilings and the largest LED screen in the area
A highlight of Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spais its meeting facilities and event spaces, which are thoughtfully designed to accommodate a range of gatherings, from large-scale conferences to more intimate meetings.
At the heart of its offerings is the Andaman Ballroom, a spacious 531m² venue, that holds up to 500 guests, with a 7.1m high ceiling and a 345-inch (8.78m) LED screen, the largest in Khao Lak.
The high ceiling lets natural light into the space and it is equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology and modern amenities, it is ideal for conferences, seminars, exhibitions, and gala dinners.
Five meeting rooms with the latest audiovisual equipment are available for customisable events
For more flexible meeting requirements, there are five Similan Meeting Rooms, with sizes ranging from 50m² to 115m². These versatile rooms can accommodate up to 120 guests and can be used for workshops, training sessions, and smaller conferences.
For a memorable event experience, consider the resort’s Beachfront Venue, which can accommodate up to 520 guests and offers breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea. Another picturesque venue is the Garden Lawn, a tranquil, green space amidst the resort’s lush surroundings, capable of hosting up to 620 guests.
These outdoor venues provide an escape from the indoors and are great for a cocktail reception, dinner, teambuilding activities, meetings or workshops.
Relax in style
After a full day of meetings and activities, event attendees can rest in the resort’s lavishly appointed rooms, suites or villas. Each room features a private balcony, bathroom with a separate bathtub and shower, and a 65-inch (165.1cm) wall-mounted LCD TV.
Standard rooms start from 50m² while the Family Suite, at 100m², comes with direct pool access. For those seeking the ultimate comfort, the Pool Villa (124m²) offers a private pool near the beachfront, walk-in closet and living room — a perfect sanctuary after a long day of meetings.
Some suites have a splendid view of the ocean. For those who want to take in Khao Lak’s beautiful ocean, choose from two room types – the Deluxe Ocean View or 1-Bedroom Suite Ocean View.
while both suites and deluxe rooms come with pool access and their own private balcony exclusively for guests as they enjoy the view in privacy. On top of that, all rooms come with spacious bathrooms that contain a separate bathtub and shower.
Diverse culinary experiences
Be transported to the Mediterranean in both sights and flavours at Lido Beach Club
A successful event cannot be without exceptional food. The Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa offers a variety of dining options that cater to diverse palates.
Thai food can be found at Thai Curry Sala with locally-inspired cuisine, Goji Kitchen & Bar, an all-day dining restaurant with Thai and international dishes, as well as Panasia Grill. The latter is a grill-it-yourself concept, and located on the top floor of the resort, offering panoramic views of Khao Lak’s stunning coastline. Meanwhile, Thai Baking Company is a specialty cafe that serves authentic Thai pastries.
For western flavours, the Lido Beach Club serves Mediterranean and Italian cuisine in a laid-back beachfront setting.
Event attendees can unwind at Greatroom & Bar in the lobby, which can transform from a sunlit deli to cocktail bar at night, and serves food and beverage infused with the spirit of southern Thailand.
Whether planning a conference, a workshop, or a team-building retreat, this resort provides a luxurious setting with diverse options for all types of memorable events.
Suzhou’s canal network gives a timeless charm the city, earning it the nickname, Venice of the East
Situated in China’s Jiangsu Province, Suzhou, one of the oldest cities along the Yangtze River, is known for its elegant blend of rich history and modern progress.
The city dubbed the Venice of the East, is home to a network of iconic canals that wind through historic streets, with arched stone bridges that cross these waterways. At the same time, it has a modern side with high tech industries in software and biotechnology that reflects its progress.
With its close proximity to Shanghai, Suzhou is a convenient and attractive destination for domestic and international travellers alike. Here is how to experience what the city offers:
Stay in the city’s heart
The 294-key M Social Suzhou located in the Hong Leong City Center building in Suzhou Industrial Park offers stunning views of Jinji Lake and the city
When it comes to accommodation, Suzhou has a range of options that balance comfort, style, and convenience.
Lifestyle hotel, M Social Suzhou, offers a contemporary, elegant comfort stay in the heart of Suzhou Industrial Park. The first of the M Social brand by the Millennium Hotels and Resorts group in China, the hotel is conveniently located adjacent to Times Square, Jiu Guang Department Store, Eslite Spectrum, Ferris Wheel Park and other fashion shopping and commercial centres.
Located within the Hong Leong City Center, M Social Suzhou has 294 modern art rooms, including 43 suites. Room sizes range from 40m² to 409m², and more than half overlook the tranquil Jinji Lake and Suzhou Oriental Gate.
The hotel is also well-equipped to host meetings and events, with the 718m² Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 450 people, and six function rooms of different sizes.
When it comes to dining, Beast & Butterflies on level 25 houses an open style kitchen that serves local Suzhou and international fare, while the stylish bar beside it offers cocktails and music with a view.
Unwind at the Beast and Butterflies Bar on level 25 with a drink and a view
See Suzhou’s ancient wonders
Wander around Suzhou Old Town for a step back in time with its meandering narrow winding streets, traditional wooden folk houses that line the canals, check out shops that sell traditional handicrafts and savour local street food.
Apart from its canals, Suzhou’s nine classical gardens are another standout attraction that hold UNESCO World Heritage status. The largest, the Humble Administrator’s Garden, is reminiscent of an ancient village with traditional buildings, large ponds, intricate pavilions and lush trees and flowers.
The city is also renowned for its silk industry. Learn about this tradition at the Suzhou No 1 Silk Factory. Built in 1926, the factory still produces silk and houses a museum.
Experience local culture
One way to make the most of a new city is to immerse yourself in local culture.
A must-see for culture enthusiasts is the Suzhou Museum, designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, is a display of contemporary architecture while home to historical art and artefacts. For a more culturally immersive experience, attend a tea ceremony to experience Suzhou’s tea culture, an integral part of its heritage.
M Social Suzhou also offers activities for its guests. Join a traditional craft workshop to try some pottery, paper cutting, and woodblock printing, and create a souvenir to take home.
Guests can also enjoy a boat tour of Jinji Lake, where they can relax on tranquil waters and take in panoramic views of the city’s skyline and scenic landscapes. This serene cruise is perfect for those seeking a peaceful yet immersive experience of Suzhou’s natural beauty.
From classical architecture and historical treasures, Suzhou’s unique mix of ancient charm and modern innovation makes it an inviting destination for those seeking to blend culture with comfort.
As part of its 10.10 campaign, M Social Suzhou is offering 20,000 MyPoints per stay for MyMillennium members who stay at least two consecutive nights at the hotel. To enjoy the offer, book by October 18, for stays until December 31, 2024. Visit M Social Suzhou now.
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore has appointed Kristy Lee as director of sales and marketing.
With over three decades of experience, Lee joins The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore from The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, where she led the sales and marketing teams for over 10 years.
Her extensive hospitality background includes her experience in a number of major international hotel groups such as The Langham, Hong Kong, Conrad International, and Shangri-La.
Hyatt has completed its acquisition of Standard International and its hotel brands, The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels.
The 100 per cent asset-light portfolio includes management, franchise and license contracts for 22 open hotels with approximately 2,000 rooms, including The Standard, London, The Standard, High Line in New York City, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon and The Manner in SoHo.
Hyatt’s acquisition of Standard International includes management, franchise and license contracts for 22 open hotels, such as The Manner in SoHo, pictured
New properties slated to open later this year include The Standard, Singapore, Bunkhouse’s Hotel Saint Augustine in Houston, and The StandardX, Bangkok Phra Arthit.
The acquisition also includes a residential business with Standard Residences under development in Miami, Lisbon, Phuket, Hua Hin, Mexico City and Tulum as well as completed Bunkhouse Residences at Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin, Texas.
The acquisition includes more than 30 future projects with a signed agreement or letter of intent, along with new projects sparked by the August announcement of the planned acquisition.
Mark Hoplamazian, president and CEO of Hyatt, said: “The development community knows an industry game-changer when they see it, and the enthusiasm for bringing together the ethos of The Standard and Bunkhouse brands and the power of Hyatt’s network and distribution system is palpable.
“Developers love this combination as much as we do,” he added.
In the coming months, Hyatt will debut its new dedicated lifestyle group that will be headquartered in New York City with additional offices in Austin and Bangkok and led by president and creative director Amar Lalvani, former executive chairman of Standard International.
“The lifestyle segment isn’t for the faint of heart, it takes creativity and commitment,” noted Lalvani. “But if you get it right, you reap the benefits of outsized guest loyalty and outsized developer returns.”
Complementing its growth in lifestyle, Hyatt’s portfolio continues to grow across all segments, and has plans for a new dedicated luxury group with distinct leadership across key functions and services focused on caring for guests and customers at the pinnacle of luxury.
Club Med has teamed up with Trifecta, a premier board sports-lifestyle destination along Orchard Road in Singapore, to launch a series of activations to bring the mountains to the city-state.
With a shared mission to make skiing and snowboarding accessible to Singaporeans, this collaboration includes the launch of a Club Med Snow Academy, powered by Trifecta, as well as a ski competition and party later in the year.
Singaporeans can train up locally at Trifecta before heading over to the ski slopes of Club Med’s snow resorts; Club Med Kiroro Peak, pictured
The Club Med Snow Academy, launched on October 1, offers snow lessons taught by Trifecta instructors. After signing up, attendees will train at Trifecta where instructors will assess their progress and match their skills to Club Med ski and snowboarding levels. Upon completion, attendees will receive a certificate endorsed by both Club Med and Trifecta, validating their new skills unlocked. Riders can then maximise their time on the powder snow slopes, whether at Club Med resorts in Hokkaido, The French Alps, Canada and across the globe or elsewhere.
The enrolment in the Club Med Snow Academy by Trifecta is open to everyone, and Club Med guests who already have an existing booking can enjoy a 10 per cent discount on all class packs if purchased before October 15.
Both brands also announced the upcoming Club Med x Trifecta Snow Competition and Ski in the City party set for November 16. This event will be an opportunity to discover new ski and snowboarding talents of all ages, followed by a prize ceremony, where prizes include a Club Med stay for the winners, ski gears and class packs from Trifecta.
The audience can watch the ski and snowboarding competition while enjoying the mountain-themed activities around the snow arena, and can look forward to mountain-themed food options, hot chocolate booth, DJ sets, kids’ corner with fun activities, lucky draw, and more.
“We are thrilled to partner with Trifecta to offer a unique training experience in advance of their vacation at Club Med’s snow resorts. This collaboration not only enhances our guests’ enjoyment but also positions Club Med as the most desirable snow holiday brand,” said Olivier Monceau, general manager, Club Med Singapore and Malaysia.
“With over 20 snow resorts across the globe, we are confident that Singaporeans will see the value in training from Singapore before experiencing the best that Club Med has to offer without wasting a minute on the slopes.”
Ayana Hospitality Group has updated its loyalty programme, Ayana Rewards, with enhanced benefits and a range of exclusive privileges which can be enjoyed across the group’s properties in Bali, Jakarta, and Komodo, as well as on Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach’s luxury yacht, Ayana Lako di’a.
Some of the latest updates to Ayana Rewards include a welcome gift for all Gold and Platinum members upon arrival; expanded dining discounts across all participating properties; late check-out for members of the Gold and Platinum tiers; massage extensions with any purchase at Ayana Spa at Ayana Resort, Bali; as well as savings on green fees at Riverside Golf Club.
Guests can enjoy even greater flexibility and luxury at Ayana’s properties; Ayana Komodo Waecicu, pictured
Along with the new additions, the programme continues to provide members with benefits such as room, dining and spa discounts, preferential room upgrades, and complimentary wellness activities.
Ayana Rewards is free to join and features three tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Guests can upgrade to Gold with 20 nights or 8,000 points and to Platinum with 50 nights or 20,000 points.
Designed for travellers who are looking to relax, refresh and rest, while on vacation The Art of Slumber package from Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana in Bali contains elements designed to promote rejuvenating sleep.
Highlights include a 90-minute signature Tanah Gajah Jade Massage and a purification ceremony, Melukat, to help people feel more calm and centred.
Tanah Gajah sets the scene for sweet dreams with its The Art of Slumber package
Guests also enjoy a three course sleep-inducing dinner designed by the resort’s chef, then return to their villa to listen to a curated Spotify playlist of ambient music as a serenade to a special sleep turndown service that includes a tea of chamomile, pandan, and ginger. There is also a complimentary incense set-up in the room for those who wish to enjoy some meditation before turning in for the evening.
The resort also offers a daily morning yoga sessions from 7.30 to 9.00.
Additional club benefits comprise a welcome drink, butler service, daily a la carte breakfast, seasonal fresh fruits delivered to the villa or suite, afternoon tea at Panen Padi Lounge, sunset cocktails at Tempayan Restaurant, complimentary minibar including alcohol selections (replenished once daily), laundry service of up to six pieces per villa per day, car service to/from Ubud Centre in a private car, additional yoga classes as per hotel schedule, a guided rice paddy trekking along the rice fields and neighbouring village, and a one-time photo session and one complimentary digital photo.
Prices start at US$2,140 nett for a two-night stay for two people and is available until March 31, 2025.
Travellers to Cambodia will have to fork out a US$3,000 deposit for the costs of any potential Covid-19 testing
AirAsia Cambodia
AirAsia Cambodia adds direct flights to Singapore
AirAsia Cambodia will commence its Siem Reap-Singapore service from November 9.
The services between Siem Riep and Singapore will operate daily.
The airline recently introduced direct services from Siem Riep to Kuala Lumpur and Phuket, and also offers Fly Thru services to China, Japan, Australia, India and beyond, allowing more people to fly to/from Cambodia.
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific introduces new route to Dallas Fort Worth, to expand US network
Cathay Pacific is expanding its North America network with the launch of non-stop flights between Hong Kong and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) for the very first time.
The new service, scheduled to commence on April 24, 2025, marks Cathay Pacific’s sixth passenger destination in the US and eighth in North America. The airline will operate four return flights per week between Hong Kong and DFW using its Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, flying on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Cathay Pacific is also increasing frequencies on its North America passenger services in 2025, and by May next year, the airline will be operating 108 return flights per week. Aside from the new Dallas service, this will include three return flights per day to New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles respectively, and a daily return flight to both Boston and Chicago. Cathay Pacific also continues to increase flights on its services to Canada, with two daily return flights to Vancouver and 13 return flights per week to Toronto.
Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines launches Danang-Kuala Lumpur service
Tourism Malaysia welcomed Malaysia Airlines’ inaugural flight from Danang, Vietnam to Kuala Lumpur at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 on September 24.
Operated on a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, the launch of this new daily route will expand the airline’s presence in Vietnam and adds to its existing routes from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Tourism Malaysia, was present to greet 150 passengers on this maiden flight alongside Malaysia Airlines and Malaysia Airports Holdings representatives.
Korean Air
Korean Air increases South-east Asian frequencies for winter
Korean Air will expand its flight frequencies to South-east Asian destinations, including Bali, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc, to meet the growing demand during the upcoming winter season.
Starting from October 20, the airline will increase flights on the Seoul Incheon-Bali route, offering a twice-daily service, up from the current 11 weekly flights. Operated on a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, this schedule will continue through to March 27, 2025.
The airline will also double its daily service to twice daily on its Seoul Incheon-Nha Trang route from October 27 and Seoul Incheon-Phu Quoc route from December 15.
In addition to South-east Asia, Korean Air will increase frequencies on key North American and European routes. Starting from October 27, the Seoul Incheon-Las Vegas route will expand to a daily service from five weekly flights. The Seoul Incheon-Vancouver route will increase to 11 flights per week, followed by a twice-daily service from December 1. The airline will also increase its Seoul Incheon-Madrid service to four weekly flights, up from three, with departures on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
In Asia, the airline plans to enhance schedules on its Kagoshima and Taichung routes, increasing frequencies to a daily service throughout the winter season. Currently, the Seoul Incheon-Kagoshima route offers three to five weekly flights, while the Seoul Incheon-Taichung route operates four times a week.
Her extensive hospitality background includes her experience in a number of major international hotel groups such as The Langham, Hong Kong, Conrad International, and Shangri-La.
