InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort situated on Vietnam’s Son Tra Peninsula has crafted a holistic wellness package, including sound therapies, guided by its fitness and wellbeing experts to help guests strengthen and stimulate their mind, body and soul in the year ahead.
The Good Vibrations 3-Day Reset includes a stay in the Spa Lagoon Villa, two 90-minute sound therapy massages per person in the villa’s own treatment room, roundtrip airport limousine transfers, complimentary access to the new InterContinental Club Lounge, and dedicated service from a Villa Host.
InterContinental Danang has introduced a new wellness package for guests
A 60-minute private coaching session will help guests to develop a full-year health and fitness plan, on top of complimentary 60-minute private yoga and personal training classes, and scheduled activities such as yoga, fitness, Pilates and meditation, plus steam room and sauna sessions – all included free-of-charge.
Guests can savour a healthy daily breakfast and a five-course vegan or vegetarian menu for two at the resort’s restaurant La Maison 1888.
Available throughout 2024, the Good Vibrations 3-Day Reset is priced from US$4,200++ for two guests.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Thai Digital Platform Social Enterprise Co. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further raise awareness of TAGTHAi, the all-in-one Thailand app, for local and foreign tourists exploring Thailand.
The travel app is set as a platform for local businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to promote their products and services.
TAT and TAGTHAi team up to bolster tourism in Thailand
Under the MoU, TAT will promote TAGTHAi via its marketing activities and publicity channels as well as share insightful information on popular and upcoming tourist attractions and tour routes.
In exchange, TAGTHAi will provide data intelligence on tourist’s travel preferences in Thailand, through analysation of user’s activity, enabling effective data-driven connections between TAT’s online platforms and the app.
The MoU places emphasis on Thailand’s national development plan, Thailand 4.0, which seeks to enhance the access of technology and the public-private data to drive the country’s competitiveness and tourism industry.
TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool shared: “TAT recognises the potential of TAGTHAi as a Super Aggregator Platform that caters to various types of travellers and makes travel in Thailand simple and convenient. TAGTHAi reflects our promotions of the Thai soft-power elements and a multitude of meaningful travel experiences in Thailand.”
“Digital technology plays a pivotal role in the tourism industry, and as the must-have Thailand travel application, TAGTHAi wants to be a part in helping to maintain Thailand’s position as a world-class tourism destination,” said Kalin Sarasin, chairman of the management committee of Thai Digital Platform Social Enterprise Co.
“Through the partnership with TAT, the TAGTHAi app will be further developed to become the most comprehensive Super Aggregator Platform for tourists to use for traveling in Thailand.”
Following its strategic acquisition of Oakwood Worldwide in 2H2022, The Ascott Limited (Ascott) has grown the Oakwood portfolio by more than 20 per cent with over 20 new signings to date.
With almost 18,000 units, Ascott has expanded Oakwood’s presence to 48 cities, entering new destinations including Busan in South Korea, Batam and Bali in Indonesia, Penang and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, Visakhapatnam, Chennai and Navi Mumbai in India, as well as Halong in Vietnam.
Oakwood will tap on the rising trend of blended travel and be refreshed to prepare for its next stage of growth; Oakwood Suites Yokohama, pictured
Oakwood properties have since been onboarded to Ascott’s loyalty programme, Ascott Star Rewards; global sales and marketing platforms; revenue and distribution network; digital and technology systems, as well as integrated with functions including operations, finance, human resource, and procurement.
By enhancing its conversion-friendly value proposition, Ascott won over new contracts of properties and transitioned them to operate under its Oakwood brand. For example, in 2023, Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Taman Mini Jakarta and Oakwood Makati Avenue were swiftly converted and went into operations within months of signing.
Kevin Goh, CEO of Ascott, said: “Ascott will continue to pursue transformative deals which can accelerate our expansion and provide us with immediate access to new markets, diverse customer bases, and valuable synergies.
“Ascott is on the cusp of a transformative journey as we mark our 40th anniversary this year. We look forward to gaining strong growth momentum, to owning the upswing with the rebound of global travel and tourism in the year ahead.”
Since pioneering the serviced apartment concept in 1962, the Oakwood brand will tap on the rising trend of blended travel as guest preferences evolve, and will be refreshed to prepare for its next stage of growth. Beyond serviced apartments, Ascott is extending the coverage of the refreshed Oakwood brand to more city hotels and full-service resorts.
For example, Oakwood Ha Long opened recently in Vietnam, while Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Benoa Bali in Indonesia, as well as Oakwood Suites Chongli in China, are expected to follow suit in popular resort locations in 1H2024.
The Oakwood brand refresh comes on the back of the refreshed Citadines, Somerset, and Ascott brands, which were unveiled over the last two years.
Tan Bee Leng, Ascott’s managing director for brand & marketing, said: “Against the backdrop of the surge in bleisure travel… the refreshed Oakwood brand seeks to balance our guests’ work commitments with their desire for personal wellness and enrichment when travelling, prioritising comfort above all else.”
She added: “As more business travellers become more inclined to explore unique locations and cultural offerings, turning business trips into multifaceted experiences, our pipeline of Oakwood properties will be opening not just as serviced apartments catering to longer stay residents, but also as city hotels and in resort locations, targeting guests going on brief sojourns and weekend getaways.”
Phu Quoc, Vietnam invites the world’s travellers to discover a series of new tourism experiences, including an iconic bridge, multimedia shows, cultural attractions and a brand-new internationally-branded five-star resort.
Previously a sleepy fishing island with idyllic beaches, Phu Quoc has been transformed into a vibrant destination with lots to offer, such as new tourism experiences, five-star resorts managed by the world’s leading hotel brands, as well as major events and music festivals hosted at the destination.
Nestled on Phu Quoc’s south-west coast, Sunset Town will stage the VUI-Fest Bazaar in 2024
One new attraction is the Kiss Bridge, nestled on the coast in Sunset Town, close to Phu Quoc’s southern tip. The bridge is an architectural creation featuring two 400-metre-long pathways that stretch out over the water and meet in the middle, just 30cm apart – so two lovers can lean over for a kiss.
With the newly-created VUI-Fest Bazaar, the first night market by the sea concept in Vietnam, visitors can explore the rich heritage of Phu Quoc as the sun sets over Sunset Town. The bazaar comes alive with more than 40 stalls, theatrical performances, interactive art shows, street food and more, featuring a wide range of locally produced goods such as clothing, artworks, handcrafted gifts, and other original souvenirs. VUI-Fest Bazaar is also an eco-friendly event with no single-use plastic bags or drinking straws.
In addition, a new multimedia show, Kiss of the Sea, is held every evening at Sunset Town – a 25-minute performance comprising darkness and light, fire and water, culminating with a fireworks display.
Those who wish to view the island from above can take a ride on the Hon Thom Cable Car, which travels almost 7.9km through the sky from the south of the island over the sea to Hon Thom Island, where visitors can find more beaches as well as a nature park and water park with fun rides for people of all ages.
Phu Quoc also has new luxury accommodations available, including the 197-key La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort, New World Phu Quoc Resort, Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, and Premier Village Phu Quoc. It has also been reported that Marriott International will be the next hotelier to follow with plans underway to develop Vietnam’s first ever Ritz-Carlton Reserve and Luxury Collection branded resort on the island.
P&O Cruises Australia has introduced its new brand platform, Brings Us All Together, appealing to those seeking genuine connections on their next holiday experience.
Having pioneered cruising in Australia more than 90 years ago, this is a significant milestone for P&O as it embarks on an ambitious 2024 season of sailings taking a record half a million guests on over 179 sailings visiting 46 destinations around Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.
The new campaign appeals to travellers seeking genuine connections on their next holiday experience
Taking influence from the cruise line’s original motto ‘quis nos separabit’ which means ‘who shall separate us’, the new brand platform celebrates P&O’s distinctive ability to help foster deeper connections among families, friends and loved ones, as well as their fellow sailors when onboard a P&O cruise.
To unveil the new platform, P&O Cruises Australia engaged Cameron Bruce, musical supervisor on Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, to create a new choral arrangement of Fleetwood Mac’s Everywhere, which was sung by a 300-strong choir comprised of local singing groups, past guests, and brand fans while onboard the Pacific Encounter in November off the Queensland coast. This track will be available on streaming platforms and integrated into all future Sail Away parties, which brings all guests together to celebrate the start of their voyage.
The cruise line’s chief commercial officer, Kathryn Robertson, said: “Brings Us All Together‘ presents an exciting opportunity to further differentiate P&O across the cruise and travel landscape by welcoming new guests onboard our cruise ships who are searching for an authentic and connected holiday experience.
“Our 2024 programme, which features more sailings, diverse itineraries, and expanded locations, underscores our dedication to the principles of our new brand platform – to bring more people together than ever before.”
Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific has collaborated with renowned local and international culinary experts to create a curated menu that elevates in-flight dining offerings for passengers travelling in the South Asia, Middle East, and Africa region.
Partners include Rosewood Hong Kong, Mak’s Noodles, Veda, and many others, offering a variety of choices and options that cater to vegetarian and vegan diets as well.
Cathay will serve up new menu options, such as Hong Kong noodle chain Mak’s Noodle’s signature wonton soup noodles, pictured
As for beverages, passengers can enjoy specialty-crafted cocktails when they fly with Cathay Pacific. Partnerships with DarkSide (ranked ninth in Asia’s top 50 bars of 2023), JING Tea and The Coffee Academics has allowed the airline’s passengers to indulge in a variety of thirst-quenching options.
Passengers flying with Cathay Pacific can look forward to experiencing the new flavours and culinary excellence, be it a regional speciality, an international favourite, or a carefully-curated beverage selection.
Soar into fun this Chinese New Year (CNY) as Universal Studios Singapore (USS) at Resorts World Sentosa gears up the festivities to welcome the Year of the Dragon.
From January 27 to February 25, guests of all ages can look forward to a series of experiences, including all-new live shows featuring DreamWorks Animation’s Po and Master Tigress from Kung Fu Panda, lantern display, as well as meet and greets with beloved characters.
Celebrate the Chinese New Year with favourite DreamWorks Animation’s characters at Universal Studios Singapore (Photo: Resorts World Sentosa)
Guests can journey into the world of Kung Fu Panda with a brand-new show featuring their favourite characters, followed by a meet and greet with Po and Master Tigress.
DreamWorks characters come alive in Visitors can also take snapshots with a display of lanterns at Soundstage 28, inspired by films such as the new Kung Fu Panda 4, How to Train Your Dragon and Madagascar.
Other highlights include the evening dragon dance show at the New York Public Library, more meet and greets with other favourite characters in CNY costumes, festive food at select restaurants and carts, and exclusive merchandise.
Included with regular admission to USS, tickets are priced at S$98 (US$73) per adult and S$78 per child and come with a S$5 shopping voucher as well as a CNY Combo Meal or Kid’s Combo Meal with a souvenir.
Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands (MBS) has invested an additional US$750 million for the next phase of its reinvestment programme in its efforts to ensure the integrated resort (IR) continues to elevate unique experiences for local and international visitors.
The second phase of transformation will focus on Tower 3, the Hotel Lobby and Sands SkyPark, and will include a reimagined VIP arrival experience, new premium dining and retail offerings, a lobby transformation as well as a renewed focus on wellness experiences for guests. More than 550 redesigned rooms, including around 380 suites, will be introduced in this phase.
The next phase of Marina Bay Sands’ transformation will focus on Tower 3, the Hotel Lobby and Sands SkyPark
Works are expected to be completed in phases through 2025.
This announcement comes as MBS enters the final stage of its US$1 billion first-phase reinvestment, announced in February 2022, and focused on the complete refurbishment of Hotel Towers 1 and 2, in addition to new dining offerings and luxury lifestyle amenities for high-value travellers.
“Marina Bay Sands has made significant progress in delivering new world-leading luxury travel experiences over the past two years. This second phase of reinvestment will be critical as it propels the property to new heights and places us in a strong position to capture future growth opportunities,” said Paul Town, chief operating officer, MBS.
The first phase of transformation saw the extensive upgrading of a total of around 1,280 rooms across Towers 1 and 2, of which about 390 are new suites. These rooms are housed under two main categories – The Paiza Collection and The Sands Collection.
In February, the Paiza Sky Club will also open its doors on the 55th floor of Tower 2. The new multi-concept executive club lounge will feature a tea vault, bespoke whisky bar, private liquor locker, garden conservatory and buffet spreads served from open kitchens helmed by top chefs.
Once the transformation of all three hotel towers is completed, there will be 1,850 refurbished rooms, including nearly 770 suites.
MBS will also launch several wellness activities at SkyPark Observation Deck and Infinity Pool next month, offering both hotel and non-hotel guests Muay Thai boxing, spin classes, sound bath meditation and more.
Beyond the redevelopment of the three hotel towers, MBS is also investing in staff training to elevate the property’s strong culture of service excellence, as well as issuing new staff uniforms to complement the luxury positioning of the property.
Resorts World Cruises (RWC) has launched the new season for Genting Dream with cruise itineraries from Singapore, starting May 5, 2024 to April 13, 2025.
The latest season will introduce a new schedule with convenient timing for embarkation from Singapore three times a week.
Genting Dream’s new season will include itineraries sailing from Singapore; Genting Dream at Port Klang Cruise Terminal, pictured
During this period, vacationers can choose different cruise itineraries from Singapore, including the two-night Weekend Getaway Cruises departing every Friday; two-night Kuala Lumpur Cruises every Sunday, and the three-night Phuket Cruises or Penang-Kuala Lumpur Cruises every alternate Tuesday. The arrival and departure at each port of destination are also better timed to provide guests with ample opportunity to enjoy local attractions and activities.
Cruises from Kuala Lumpur are also available every fortnight, which include the three-night Singapore-Penang Cruises departing Mondays and the four-night Singapore Cruises departing Thursdays.
“With strong demand for the Genting Dream in the region and from the Fly-Cruise segment, we are pleased to announce our latest season of itineraries that will have convenient boarding timing and destination port time, which will elevate our guests’ experience in Phuket, Kuala Lumpur and Penang,” said RWC’s president Michael Goh.
Qantas will launch a second international route from Darwin, with direct flights from the Northern Territory to Singapore, this December.
The airline last operated direct flights between Darwin and Singapore in 2006.
Qantas will fly direct from Darwin to Singapore from December this year
From December 9, flights will initially operate five days per week, increasing to daily from March 2025.
The new service will add more than 60,000 seats on the route each year. It will provide those from the Northern Territory with a direct Qantas option to Singapore as well as a seamless connection to London and other destinations across Europe or Asia with partner airlines.
