TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Monday, 22nd December 2025
Page 359

Diamond Princess begins Singapore season

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After arriving from Japan, Diamond Princess has kicked off her Singapore season featuring 10- to 14-day cruises in the region from now to March 2024.

For December this year, Diamond Princess will sail two 10-day cruises that visit Koh Samui and Laem Chabang (Bangkok) in Thailand as well as Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City) and Danang in Vietnam. For the next cruise departing on December 26, guests can celebrate New Year’s Eve in Ho Chi Minh City.

Diamond Princess has commenced her Singapore season for sailings till March next year

The highlight in January and February 2024 will be the 14-day Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam cruises. These cruises will take guests along Straits of Melaka, visiting Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia, as well as Phuket in Thailand. After which, the ship will sail the South China Sea, visiting Koh Samui, as well as Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang in Vietnam.

The cruise on February 6 will bring guests to Penang and Port Klang, and even Nha Trang in southern Vietnam.

Diamond Princess will then end her Singapore season with a 13-day repositioning cruise from Singapore to Yokohama on March 5, 2024. The ship will arrive on March 18, in time for Japan’s cherry blossom season, and the start of her Japan 2024 season.

Onboard the ship are several Japanese-themed facilities, like a Japanese specialty restaurant with an authentic sushi bar, as well as the largest open-air Japanese bath at sea which offers indoor and outdoor Japanese bathing experiences comprising steam rooms, saunas and hot tubs.

Another ship, Coral Princess, will sail a 33-day South-east Asia, Hawaii and Pacific Crossing cruise from Singapore to Los Angeles in October 2024, visiting destinations in Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Hawaii before arriving in Los Angeles. This segment also offers a 12-night sailing from Singapore to Fremantle in Perth, Australia.

Island Princess’ 11-day World Cruise will visit Singapore on February 29, 2024 from Australia, after which the ship will sail on to Dubai. The ship will return to Singapore again for its 2025 World Cruise.

In addition, one of the newest Princess ships, Discovery Princess, will be making her maiden call to Singapore in October 2025 while on her way to Australia.

Mandarin Oriental to open three new resorts in Japan’s Setouchi area

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Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced the development of three boutique properties in Japan, branded as Mandarin Oriental, Setouchi, located around the Seto Inland Sea.

The three resorts are set to launch between 2027 and 2030.

The three properties in Setouchi will launch between 2027 and 2030

Located between the main Japanese islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, the gateway resort is adjacent to Takamatsu station and just a 30-minute drive from Takamatsu airport, making it easily accessible.

The Setouchi region is renowned for its breath-taking landscapes, mild climate, unique cuisine, welcoming atmosphere and cultural and artistic treasures. The Seto Inland Sea, with its multitude of islands, offers a unique wealth of attractions and experiences, both on and off the water.

The 92-room Mandarin Oriental, Setouchi at Takamatsu, will open first in 2027, and will feature restaurants and bars as well as spa and wellness facilities..

Mandarin Oriental, Setouchi at Naoshima, will also open in 2027, offering 22 ryokan-style guest suites and villas set in a picturesque fishing village.

The third property, which aims to open in 2030 on a separate island, will feature 50 guestrooms with fully immersive wellness experiences.

To link the three new properties, and to add to the overall experience, Mandarin Oriental, Setouchi will curate a cruise for guests to travel between the sites on board a private yacht, immersing guests in the attractions and landscapes of each island.

Laurent Kleitman, group chief executive, shared: “Setouchi is a unique part of a special country, beloved by discerning and curious global travellers. This relatively undiscovered region of Japan will excite our fans as they explore its different and remarkable facets, particularly as each of our three resorts channels its own distinct character, environment and purposeful, carefully curated experiences.”

Jumeirah Group to double portfolio by 2030

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Jumeirah Group has plans to double the size of its portfolio by 2030, building on its strength in the UAE and further expanding its portfolio into key global markets like Europe, the US and Asia-Pacific.

The growth plans include up-weighting its presence in Europe, leveraging its strong base in London, Capri, Mallorca and Geneva to acquire luxury properties in other major cities, as well as exploring opportunities in the US.

Jumeirah Group plans to expand its portfolio into key global markets like Europe, the US and Asia-Pacific; Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, pictured

The group will also look to capitalise on the strong growth potential of the Asia-Pacific market to extend its current reach beyond its properties in China, Bali and the Maldives.

The plans are part of Jumeirah’s Mission 2030 strategy which will also see an evolution of the brand with a renewed focus on delivering distinct guest experiences and new ancillary businesses to complement its ultra luxury positioning.

Launching in 2024, this will include the integration of wellness into the entire guest journey based on the principles of lifelong learning, longevity and inclusivity, as well as a re-imagined family experience with a focus on education, self-discovery, environmental stewardship, cultural immersion and the arts.

In addition, sustainability is integral to every aspect of Mission 2030 under the group’s three pillars: Planet, People and Governance. With a focus on decarbonisation of operations, eco-conscious building design, strong governance on supply chain, diversity and inclusion, Jumeirah is committed to preserving biodiversity given the location of its hotels in fragile ecosystems.

Jumeirah Group’s CEO Katerina Giannouka commented: “Mission 2030 is a strategic plan that is designed to evolve the Jumeirah brand from a regional success story to a global leader in ultra luxury hospitality. It focuses on four key areas – international expansion, brand and product development, operational excellence and ancillary business – with an overall aim to sustainably double the size of our portfolio by 2030 and enhance our brand experience to meet the diverse and evolving needs of our guests.”

Centara Hotels welcomes furry friends to stay and dine

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‌Centara Hotels & Resorts has teamed up with Central Pattana are rolling out the red carpet for pets and their owners at its properties in Thailand.

Centara will remove weight restrictions on pets in their Korat, Ubon, Udon, and soon-to-open Ayutthaya hotels, while also launching pet-friendly cafés and restaurants at these same properties.

Centara welcomes pets to stay at their Thailand properties

Centara will introduce a minimal surcharge of 500 baht (US$14) per pet or 600 baht for two pets per night, with a maximum of two pets per room across all four properties.

Each property will also introduce indoor and outdoor pet-friendly cafés, as well as restaurants, with exciting menus specially crafted for pets.

For more information, visit Centara.

Accor, Worldwide Hotels Group to launch world’s largest Mercure Hotel in Singapore

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Accor has teamed up with Worldwide Hotels Group to bring the world’s largest Mercure hotel to Singapore, strengthening the already solid partnership between both companies.

Set to open in 1Q2024, the 989-key Mercure Icon Singapore City Centre is positioned between the historic charm of Chinatown and the vibrant energy of the CBD, allowing guests to experience the gastronomic and entertainment scene of one of Singapore’s hippest enclaves.

Accor and Worldwide Hotels Group strengthen their partnership with the signing of Mercure Icon Singapore City Centre, the largest Mercure property in the world

Directly connected to two MRT stations, Chinatown and Telok Ayer, the hotel provides easy access to the CBD and popular attractions in Singapore.

Mercure Icon Singapore City Centre will feature a range of dining options, a combined social and working space, a pool deck and gym. The hotel will also feature EV charging car lots.

Carolyn Choo, CEO of Worldwide Hotels Group, said, “With Mercure Icon Singapore City Centre, we will continue to create exceptional guest experiences for the informed, cosmopolitan traveller.”

“Being locally inspired is at the heart of the Mercure experience, where each of our hotels boasts a charming character reflective of its neighbourhood. Located in one of the most happening neighbourhoods in Singapore, and with a wealth of world-class exceptional experiences, the hotel demonstrates our shared commitment to providing genuine hospitality experiences,” commented Garth Simmons, chief operating officer for Accor’s premium, midscale & economy division in Asia.

Onyx Hospitality Group unveils expansion for Shama Brand across Asia

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Onyx Hospitality Group is expanding its renowned serviced apartment brand, Shama, with five new properties across Asia.

Set to open in 2024, the upcoming Shama properties comprise Shama Hub Metro South Hong Kong and Shama Hub Qiantang in China; Shama Luxe Sathorn in Thailand; and Shama Medini Malaysia as well as Shama Suasana Johor Bahru in Malaysia.

Shama Central Hong Kong, pictured, offers generously-sized accommodation with all the essential amenities

The expansion will cater to business travellers, Bleisure tourists, and leisure visitors seeking convenient, flexible accommodation, with all the essential amenities.

Yuthachai Charanachitta, CEO of Onyx Hospitality Group, remarked: “Shama is a brand under Onyx Hospitality Group’s management, guided by the concept of ‘Freedom to Explore.’ Our aim is to encourage residents to venture out, embrace the city’s vibrancy, and enjoy an exciting and fulfilling life, even when staying in an unfamiliar place, without the sense of loneliness.”

The group currently operates a total of 16 Shama locations, including six in Thailand, six in Hong Kong, and four in China.

Singapore Airlines to launch direct services to London Gatwick

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Singapore Airlines (SIA) will launch its inaugural non-stop flights between Singapore and London’s Gatwick Airport in June 2024, operating the five-times weekly services with the longhaul variant of its Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

Together with its current four-times daily services to London’s Heathrow Airport, this will bring the total number of flights to the UK capital to 33 weekly services from the current 28 weekly services. SIA also operates five-times weekly services to Manchester Airport.

Singapore Airlines will fly direct to London Gatwick from June next year

Subject to regulatory approval, the new service will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The inaugural flight will depart Singapore for Gatwick Airport at 23.55 (local time) on June 21, 2024 and arrive in London at 06.25 (local time) on June 22, 2024.

The return flight will operate from Gatwick Airport to Singapore on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, departing Gatwick at 10.15 (local time) on June 22, 2024 and arriving in Singapore at 06.20 on June 23, 2024.

Tickets for SIA’s flights to London’s Gatwick Airport will be progressively made available for sale through the various distribution channels from today.

Sneaker Con Southeast Asia returns for second edition

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Sneaker Con Southeast Asia will run its second edition scheduled for March 2 and 3, 2024 following the success of the inaugural event in April 2023.

The event will be presented and hosted by Resorts World Sentosa Singapore (RWS).

The second edition of Sneaker Con Southeast Asia is scheduled for March 2 and 3 next year

This time around, Sneaker Con Southeast Asia 2024 (Sneaker Con 2024) will showcase an unparalleled experience that will resonate with sneaker enthusiasts, streetwear aficionados, music lovers, and urban culture enthusiasts.

Attendees can anticipate the presence of some of Asia’s most prominent names in the street culture and entertainment sphere, with a detailed lineup set to be unveiled in the coming months.

Sneaker Con 2024 is slated to feature the much-anticipated premiere of international talents Anwar Carrots, the founder and creative force behind Carrots by Anwar Carrots, and Ben and Bobby Hundreds, the dynamic duo behind The Hundreds.

Tickets are now available, including Sneaker Con 2024 hotel packages at RWS for stays from January 2 till March 5, 2024 – these packages include overnight stay at the Equarius Hotel Deluxe Room and complimentary Sneaker Con 2024 tickets for two pax.

For more information, visit Sneaker Con Southeast Asia 2024.

CapitaLand Ascott Trust divests three hotels in Japan for 10.7 billion yen

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CapitaLand Ascott Trust (CLAS) will divest three hotels in Osaka, Japan – Hotel WBF Honmachi, Hotel WBF Kitasemba East and Hotel WBF Kitasemba West – to an unrelated third party for 10.7 billion yen (US$75.2 million).

The three properties will be divested at about 15 per cent above book value, and CLAS will recognise a net gain of 1.1 billion yen.

The divestment of the three Osaka properties is expected to be completed in 1Q2024

The divestment is expected to be completed in 1Q2024.

Serena Teo, CEO of CapitaLand Ascott Trust Management and CapitaLand Ascott Business Trust Management (the managers of CLAS), said: “The divestment of the three properties is part of our active portfolio reconstitution strategy. The properties are situated outside the prime districts in Osaka and the divestment enables CLAS to unlock the value of the properties, redeploying capital to assets and/or asset enhancement initiatives that can generate stronger yields, uplifting the overall value of our portfolio.

“Japan remains an attractive market for CLAS. Its strong tourism sector receives robust demand from both international and domestic sources.  Population growth in the gateway cities also continues to rise with more locals moving into the urban cities. The overall positive demand-supply dynamics bode well for our portfolio of hospitality and longer-stay assets in Japan.”

CLAS continues to develop its portfolio in Japan, and is set to complete a turnkey acquisition of a 258-unit rental housing property in Fukuoka, Japan in 1Q2024.

Sleep better at Hyatt

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Hyatt hotels in Australia and New Zealand have rolled out a holistic sleep experience and exclusive offers designed to help guests wind down, stress less, and enjoy a refreshing night’s sleep.

Guests will receive a custom-designed Sleep at Hyatt Ritual Pack which contains a sleep mask, herbal tea, linen mist, bath salts, and Sleepyhead Aromatherapy Pulse Points Roll-on.

Hyatt elevates the sleep experience at its Australia and New Zealand properties

There will even be an exclusive Dreamers Sleep Glasses available for purchase at participating hotels, while supplies last – this is a patented and fashionable eyewear that aims to help the wearer achieve a good night’s sleep.

Not only can guests and World of Hyatt members enjoy 24/7 access to exclusive resources specifically designed to foster better sleep on the dedicated website, World of Hyatt members also get access to a one month’s free trial of Headspace when they download the World of Hyatt App, which offers mindfulness exercises, guided meditations and coloured noise content.

The Sleep at Hyatt package is offered at all 11 Hyatt hotels in Australia and New Zealand and includes a one-night stay, breakfast for two and the Sleep at Hyatt Ritual Pack.

For more information, visit Sleep at Hyatt.