Discover serenity and rejuvenation at Korea’s premier wellness destinations

August 12, 2024

Korea wellness destination for travel — Korea's stunning natural beauty offers the perfect environment for rejuvenating and therapeutic wellness activities, such as at Hwadam Botanical Garden

Brought to you by Korea Tourism Organization

Known for its trendy shopping streets, hearty and flavourful cuisine, and vibrant K-pop culture, Korea is also a premier wellness destination.

Amidst some stunning natural landscapes, there is an array of serene and therapeutic wellness experiences designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.

Here are some top spots:

Hwadam Botanical Garden, Gyeonggi-do: A forest for the five senses

Hwadam Botanical Garden’s meticulously landscaped gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the bustle of city life. Wander through themed gardens, each showcasing a unique collection of plants, and experience the calming effects of nature.

Located just 40 minutes outside of Seoul, Hwadam Botanical Garden spans 165,265m² and offers a rich sensory experience. Opened by the LG Evergreen Foundation to preserve the natural ecosystem, the garden features the largest pine tree sanctuary in Korea, along with a diverse array of trees, insects, and birds. Visitors can explore 17 themed gardens showcasing approximately 4,000 plant species and walk on the easy accessible 5.3km trail. Advance reservations are required online.

Yeongnam Alps, Ulsan: A natural and cultural treasure

The Ganwoljae Pass in the Yeongnam Alps, known for its scenic hiking trails

Adventure awaits in the Yeongnam Alps, a breathtaking mountain range known for its scenic hiking trails and panoramic views. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, the Yeongnam Alps provide a perfect escape for those seeking physical activity amidst stunning natural beauty.

The stunning mountain range in the southeastern region of the Korean Peninsula comprises nine peaks that soar over 1,000m high. It is home to significant cultural heritage sites, including Tongdosa Temple, Unmunsa Temple, Seoknamsa Temple, and Pyochungsa Temple. The Ganwoljae trail offers an accessible six-hour trek with breathtaking views of the mountains and Ulju-gun. Rich in natural beauty and steeped in legend, the Yeongnam Alps is a must-visit destination for both nature enthusiasts and cultural explorers.

Damyang Juknokwon, Jeollanam-do: A sanctuary of bamboo and Pungryu culture

Experience the healing benefits of nature at Damyang Juknokwon

Experience the serene atmosphere of Damyang Juknokwon and stroll through the towering bamboo groves, breathe in the fresh air.

Damyang Juknokwon, nestled in the city of Damyang, is a celebrated haven for bamboo and traditional Korean culture, known as Pungryu, which encompasses art appreciation, song, and dance. The forest, appearing fortified from the outside, reveals a pristine interior with dense groves of tall, straight bamboo. Unique for its high levels of negative ions, which are said to purify the air, the 2.4km path offers a rejuvenating walk.

Seogwipo Healing Forest: A resting place in Jeju’s nature

Seogwipo Healing Forest is an ideal sanctuary for self-reflection and healing, set within the diverse and serene environment of Jeju Island. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, the forest spans altitudes of 320m to 760m and features both warm-temperate and temperate vegetation. Visitors can explore an array of flora, including 60-year-old cypress and Japanese cedar trees, and partake in forest healing programmes. For those with hectic schedules, the forest offers a true retreat with its phytoncide-rich air, abundant sunlight, gentle winds, and breathtaking scenery, providing a profound sense of healing and tranquillity.

Healience Seonmaeul: Lowering stress levels through meditation

Nestled in the serene mountains of Hongcheon, Gangwon Province, Healience Seonmaeul is a “well-ageing” resort designed to proactively enhance guests’ health and prevent illness. Combining healing and science, the resort emphasises four healthy habits: exercise, a balanced daily schedule, nutritious diet, and mental conditioning.

Free from TVs, air conditioners, and smartphones, guests follow a flexible schedule with options for yoga, meditation, exercise, and walks, complemented by healthy meals. Activities include trekking, meditation, and yoga, all aimed at significantly reducing stress. Additional features include a detoxifying carbureted spring, bedrock therapy, and a red clay jjimjilbang Korean sauna.

SPA 1899: Revitalise with six-year-old red ginseng

SPA 1899 incorporates six-year-old red ginseng in its revitalising treatments

Historically, Korean women drank ginseng tea and bathed in ginseng-infused water to enhance their skin’s health and beauty. SPA 1899, operated by the renowned CheongKwanJang and owned by the Korea Ginseng Corporation, continues this tradition by utilising six-year-old red ginseng in all its spa treatments.

The spa integrates the therapeutic benefits of aged red ginseng with traditional Asian healing practices to offer unique skincare programmes. Embracing the wisdom and aesthetics of Korean beauty rituals, SPA 1899 ensures ultimate relaxation with its luxurious services, available at its Daechi-dong and Haeundae (Busan) locations.

Tea Therapy: An elegant experience with traditional herbal tea

Soothe the soul with traditional tea therapy

Engage in the ancient Korean tradition of tea therapy, which promotes wellness through the soothing properties of herbal teas. Located in Seoul, Tea Therapy offers an easy and elegant way to enjoy traditional herbal tea, renowned for its benefits like preventing colds, aiding fatigue recovery, improving blood circulation, and enhancing skin care.

Set in a renovated hanok house designated as a cultural heritage, this rustic teahouse provides a serene environment where visitors receive personalised tea recommendations based on their physical condition and taste preferences. Tea Therapy also offers a class to explore the taste and aroma of 10 different tea ingredients and a relaxing foot bath in herbal-infused hot water.

The We Hotel Wellness Center: A world of water like no other

Located in Jeju-do, the We Hotel is a wellness retreat nestled in a woodland forest renowned for its abundant production of phytoncides. The hotel’s natural volcanic rocks, sourced from 2,000m underground, provide pure drinking water and are utilised in water therapy.

The Wellness Center offers comprehensive health checkups, water therapy, and various healing and healthcare programmes aimed at providing a holistic alternative to modern healthcare. Guests can participate in the Healing Forest programme to learn about the surrounding trees and forests, engage in Aqua Exercise as well as other educational wellness activities.

With a wide variety of wellness attractions that offer the perfect blend of natural beauty and traditional practices, Korea is an ideal destination for wellness travel. Plan your next rejuvenating holiday to Korea and check out Visit Korea for more travel inspiration.

Singapore’s first accessible beach track opens on Sentosa island

By TTG Asia

August 10, 2024

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Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) has launched Singapore’s first accessible beach track and a series of inclusive tours led by persons with disabilities (PwDs), marking a significant milestone in its commitment to becoming a more inclusive tourist destination.

The accessible beach track and inclusive tours are part of SDC’s broader vision to be an inclusive tourism destination and workplace that caters to the diverse needs of all visitors and colleagues. It also aligns with SDC’s accessibility approach to holistically consider island infrastructure, offerings and programming to the specialised training of employees to assimilate guests and colleagues who are differently abled.

(From left) SG Enable’s Lee May Gee, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Social and Family Development’s Eric Chua, and Sentosa Development Corporation’s Thien Kwee Eng

The new accessible beach track is designed to welcome visitors with mobility challenges. It features a 23-metre-long slip-resistant and sturdy surface that extends from Emerald Pavilion across the picturesque Siloso Beach, ensuring that guests of all abilities, including strollers, can have a means to access the beach and the sand. Accessible restrooms and amenities are placed along the route.

The track will be trialled from now until October 31, 2024. Visitor feedback will be collected via a QR code located near the track, which will help SDC to further assess its feasibility of scaling up on other beaches on the island.

Complementing the island’s first accessible beach track, SDC also recently introduced the Sentosa Wheel Venture Accessibility Tour, a five-hour adventure designed for and led by persons with disabilities. This first-of-its-kind tour, conducted in collaboration with local tour operator Tribe Tours, includes an accessible route to various attractions, such as Sentosa Nature Discovery and SkyHelix Sentosa.

Developments on Sentosa currently include accessible entrances, pathways and lifts across more than 30 locations on the island. Its latest attraction, Sentosa Sensoryscape, which made its public debut on March 14, incorporates low-gradient walks and lifts that benefit wheelchair users and parents with baby prams. These features are aligned with Universal Design guidelines.

The island destination also offers other inclusive activities, such as stand-up paddling at Ola Beach Club for persons with autism.

Allure Of The Seas set to show off revitalised facilities next April

By TTG Asia

August 10, 2024

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Royal Caribbean International’s Allure of the Seas will set sail in April 2025 with more than 35 ways to wine, dine and play through Europe, following its US$100 million transformation.

Jay Schneider, chief product innovation officer at Royal Caribbean International, said in a press statement that the ship has been “reimagined with the best of Royal Caribbean and what travellers love”.

*Allure of the Seas will return to ocean cruising with new and improved facilities and guest experiences*

“Between new favourites, like the Pesky Parrot tiki bar, and experiences that unlock core memories time and time again, from an incredible pool deck to an unmatched combination of thrills and ways to chill, Allure will have even more of everything that makes it a standout favourite,” he remarked.

Highlights onboard include The Perfect Storm, a multi-storey trio of racing waterslides and champagne bowl that offers thrilling twists and turns; Pesky Parrot, a tiki bar that serves up fruit-based cocktails made with rum, tequila and gin, alongside frozen drinks and surprises; and Ultimate Abyss, an adventure of 10 stories of twists, turns, lights and sounds.

Allure of the Seas will also welcome the new Ultimate Panoramic Suites, which offer 200-degree ocean views.

Allure of the Seas’ renovation is part of Royal Caribbean’s Royal Amplified programme, which was first introduced in 2018 to upgrade its Oasis Class ships.

Allure of the Seas will sail from five destinations in Europe for summer 2025 before heading to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in November 2025.

SmartRyde, Garuda Indonesia partner up on airport transfer services

By TTG Asia

August 10, 2024

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Garuda Indonesia and private airport transfer specialist have joined hands to offer a seamless pre- and post-flight land transport support at selected airports and destinations served by the airline.

Ifran Setiaputra, president & CEO of Garuda Indonesia, said the collaboration is a part of the airline’s effort to deliver added value for its customers, especially in providing premium services through a range of alternatives for airport transportation.

Garuda Indonesia passengers can now easily book private airport transfers provided by SmartRyde

“In addition to offering safe and convenient air connectivity services, providing exclusive pick-up and drop-off services is an essential step that we are focusing on to further enhance our pasenger’s travel comfort. This initiative represents our commitment to provide a seamless travel experience from pre-flight, in-flight, to post-flight,” Ifran elaborated.

Sota Kimura, CEO and founder of SmartRyde said: “This partnership represents a major milestone for SmartRyde as we incorporate air and ground transportation together and provide a seamless travel experience to our mutual customers. SmartRyde aims to elevate the ancillary products for the aviation industry by offering pre-booked private airport transfers to travelers globally.”

The new airport transfer service is available to book on the FlyGaruda app, at up to 48 hours prior to arrival time. It is currently available to travellers in Australia’s Sydney and Melbourne, Thailand’s Bangkok, Japan’s Haneda and Narita, South Korea’s Incheon, the Netherlands’ Amsterdam, Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.

Happy 59th Birthday Singapore!

By TTG Asia

August 9, 2024

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TTG Asia, with its editorial headquarters in Singapore, will take a break for the public holiday on Friday, August 9, in recognition of the country’s 59th National Day.

TTG Asia’s online news bulletin will resume on Monday, August 12.

Happy National Day to all Singaporean readers!

Citadines Canal Amsterdam

By Karen Yue

August 8, 2024

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Location
Tucked among rows of tall and narrow houses typical of Amsterdam, Citadines Canal Amsterdam occupies a building that was once a weaver’s house. The entrance is private and serene, with its own spacious driveway.

The hotel enjoys the serenity of being part of a quiet residential neighbourhood and excellent access to Vijzelgracht metro station and the iconic canals of Amsterdam. Top tourist landmarks like Rijksmuseum is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel while Van Gogh Museum is 16 minutes away.

Facilities
First impressions matter, and I happened to arrive at Citadines Canal Amsterdam on a summer night, when the retiring sun had turned the sky blue, providing a beautiful contrast to the red brick exterior of the building. There was something utterly welcoming about white-framed windows with warm lights glowing from within.

Stepping through the front door, I came upon a lobby that looked like an enormous living room in someone’s home. The generous use of wood fittings, eclectic mix of furniture, and delicious palette of sage, cream and chocolate, with flashes of vibrant blue, conveyed a homely vibe.

To appreciate Citadines Canal Amsterdam’s design of guests facilities, one needs to understand the Citadines brand, which promises the comfort of a serviced residence and the flexibility of a hotel. This promise is carried through the layout of public spaces. At this hotel, the lobby is more than just a space for guests to check in and out; there are several welcoming areas to sit, read, and chat. In the same space is a lounge, where guests can purchase snacks, drinks and even bottles of wine to enjoy in their room or one of the cosy nooks around the hotel.

The brand’s signature experience, For the Love of Coffee, which offers guests a complimentary cup of local brew no matter the time of day, is executed at the lobby too. A self-help coffee machine is available throughout the day for guests desiring a quick perk-up.

The concept of flexible social spaces flows through the breakfast area in the basement. After breakfast service, this stylish space, with a meeting room in a corner, welcomes guests looking for an area to work and meet.

Other facilities at Citadines Canal Amsterdam include a gym with some very stylish water-powered fitness equipment, and a launderette.

Accommodation
The hotel offers 93 keys across seven apartment types. The lead-in standard room stands at 12m² while the largest one-bedroom executive apartment offers 42m² of space.

Studio apartments form the majority of rooms here, and these are furnished with a fully-equipped kitchen, double bed, living/dining area with sofa and TV with Chromecast, a wardrobe and nook for bags, jackets and other daily essentials.

The Studio was my home for two restful nights. While I spent most of my time exploring the city and had lovely meals outside, I could appreciate the convenience of having access to my own kitchen during my travels and especially on longer trips.

F&B
The hotel provides a breakfast buffet, filled with an assortment of breads and pastries, fruits, cereal, cold cuts and cheese – all presented most sumptuously. With the eclectic mix of furniture styles throughout the space, I had a bit of fun selecting my seat every morning – rustic today, chic tomorrow.

Service
Check-in and out was swift, and there was always someone close by to help with breakfast service. However, I wished there was a less strenuous way to move my hefty suitcases in and out of the building – there was a short flight of steps between the front door and the lobby.

Verdict
I love the location: great surroundings to explore on foot; and the interior design: gorgeous pastel colour scheme and interesting furniture. Part of the fun of staying in a hotel is getting to live in environments so different from home.

Contact details
Website: http://www.discoverasr.com/en/citadines/netherlands/citadines-canal-amsterdam

Malaysia tunes up cruise tourism development efforts

By S Puvaneswary

August 8, 2024

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Cruise tourism development is gaining attention within the Malaysian government, with investments pumped into port infrastructure development to enable the country to attract more cruise ships to homeport and, in turn, lift international tourist arrivals and the local economy.

Transport minister Anthony Loke recently shared at a press conference that improvements included expanding the capacity at Selangor’s Port Klang Cruise Terminal and beautifying the surroundings at Penang’s Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal.

Port Klang Cruise Terminal will be upgraded to accommodate more cruise ships

Loke noted that ports in Langkawi, Kuantan, Melaka, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching could also support cruise ships with upgraded infrastructure.

A technical committee has been formed to spearhead various cruise industry initiatives and attract more cruise operators to homeport in Malaysia. This is led by both the Transport and the Tourism, Arts, and Culture ministries.

Local media The New Straits Times reported that one of the initiatives of the new technical committee would involve the simplification of customs, immigration, and quarantine procedures to ensure smoother passenger movements and cruise ship stopovers.

“The Immigration Department has introduced a QR code system to expedite immigration clearance for cruise passengers. This system will greatly reduce processing times, enhancing the shore excursion experiences for our cruise tourists,” Loke told the media.

In 2023, Malaysia received 1,055 cruise ships which brought 1.5 million tourists to the Malaysian shores. It was an 85 per cent increase in cruise ship arrivals compared with 2019.

Loke said: “Establishing Malaysia as a (cruise) homeport would encourage passengers to enter through Malaysian airports, stay in local hotels before and after their cruise, and spend more within the country.”

Currently, most cruise ships dock in Malaysian ports for a few hours while passengers go on shore excursions. Ships do not take on new passengers.

Jane Park named PATA Face of the Future 2024

By TTG Asia

August 8, 2024

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PATA has awarded Jane Park, assistant manager – F&B revenue management & operations at Hotel Icon in Hong Kong, the title of Face of the Future 2024.

The award is bestowed to enterprising individuals whose leadership shines through their involvement with tourism campaigns, or demonstrated commitment to the sustainable development of the Asia-Pacific travel industry in a spirit in line with PATA’s mission.

Park led projects that successfully engaged staff at all levels and improved revenue generation

Park graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. During her tenure in the Elite Management Trainee programme at Hotel Icon, she recognised that service staff are the essence of the hospitality industry, and their ability to deliver exceptional service is critical in fostering guest loyalty and enhancing brand reputation. To emphasise the significance of guest service, Park successfully undertook two projects in collaboration with hotel executives at Hotel Icon, focusing on developing a revenue generation strategy and menu engineering for the F&B outlets.

In alignment with Hotel Icon’s philosophy, We Love to Care, Park launched the Delight Your Guest programme, which enables staff at all levels to participate in the planning process and create memorable experiences for guests. This programme contributed to Hotel Icon being named the most reviewed hotel in Hong Kong for 2022.

For her second project, Park collaborated with the director of revenue and marketing to develop a more sophisticated approach to planning, yield management, and forecasting for F&B operations. Implemented in April 2024, this new method led to an increase in market bookings despite challenging recovery conditions. By prioritising guest experience, fostering a collaborative environment, and promoting innovative revenue management strategies, Park ensures that service staff can take pride in and derive satisfaction from their valuable contributions to the industry.

Commenting on Park’s win, Mayur Patel, head of Asia OAG Aviation and PATA Executive Board member, said: “PATA has consistently led in human capital development and in recognising and nurturing young tourism professionals. We applaud your participation in this special award, which celebrates an exceptional rising star in the industry. As young leaders in this dynamic industry, you play a pivotal role in shaping the future of tourism, which evolves continuously with changing trends. Your passion and innovation are essential for driving the industry forward.”

Patel is the Head Judge for this year’s PATA Face of the Future judging panel. He was also the PATA Face of the Future in 2002.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said: “The tourism industry must make a concerted effort in allowing the younger generation to be the thought leaders and permit them to shape the future of the travel and tourism industry, because, after all, they are the beneficiary.”

He added that the PATA Face of the Future “is undoubtedly crucial in our effort to move towards the future tourism economy”.

As the 2024 PATA Face of the Future, Park has been invited to join the PATA Board, representing the youth community of the association. She has also been granted full sponsorship for participation at PATA Travel Mart 2024, alongside other benefits as a winner.

Booking.com announces leadership updates in Asia-Pacific

By TTG Asia

August 7, 2024

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Booking.com has made two leadership changes within Asia-Pacific.

Anthony Lu has expanded his remit to cover all markets across South-east Asia in his new role as regional director for South-east Asia and China, including Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei, in addition to China, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Now based in Singapore, he leads the commercial growth of Booking.com’s business across South-east Asia and China overall.

From left: Anthony Lu and Nuno Guerreiro

Nuno Guerreiro is now the regional director for South Asia Pacific & Chains, will continue to focus on the growth of Booking.com’s business in India, Indonesia and Oceania, as well as for the Chains segment of the company’s business in Asia-Pacific. He remains based in Singapore.

Anchor Land names new GM

By TTG Asia

August 7, 2024

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Gel Gomez is now general manager of Anchor Land’s newly-launched hospitality division.

The luxury real estate developer, which owns Admiral Hotel Manila managed by M Gallery by Accor, is diversifying into a chain of hotel and serviced residences in several key destinations in the Philippines including Boracay as well as Coron and San Vicente in Palawan.

Gomez is handling their branding and business model, among other tasks.

She has a wide experience in the hotel industry including stints as group general manager and head of group sales and marketing of Hotel 101 Group, assistant director of sales at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

Discover serenity and rejuvenation at Korea’s premier wellness destinations

Singapore’s first accessible beach track opens on Sentosa island

Allure Of The Seas set to show off revitalised facilities next April

SmartRyde, Garuda Indonesia partner up on airport transfer services

Happy 59th Birthday Singapore!

Citadines Canal Amsterdam

Malaysia tunes up cruise tourism development efforts

Jane Park named PATA Face of the Future 2024

Booking.com announces leadership updates in Asia-Pacific

Anchor Land names new GM

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