Teardrop Hotels has launched a seven-night Highlights of The Pekoe Trail journey that grants guests access to highlights of the 300 kilometre-long trail (made up of 22 stages) in manageable stretches.
Guests will get to enjoy parts of The Pekoe Trail before returning to the comfort of Teardrop Hotels’s tea country bungalows, Camellia Hills, Goatfell and Nine Skies.
The trail experience is backed by the European Union as part of its 5.3 million euro (US$5.7 million) investment to support the revival of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, with an additional support of US$787,000 from the US Agency for International Development. The trail will begin operations in 2024.
Treks can be self-guided or guided for an additional fee, and at each bungalow walkers are provided with hiking boots, trekking poles, leech socks, insect repellent, sun hats and recommendations on where, when, and how long to walk depending on experience.
Highlights of The Pekoe Trail is priced by US$4,350 based on two adults sharing a double room for one night at Wallawwa on B&B, two nights at Camellia Hills, two nights at Goatfell, and two nights at Nine Skies on all-inclusive basis including breakfast, afternoon tea, lunch, dinner, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The package come with picnic breakfast at Camellia Hills, tea factory visit at Goatfell, and Sri Lankan cookery demonstration at Nine Skies, train tickets from Hatton to Nuwara Eliya and from Nuwara Eliya to Demodara-Ella, and all transportation in an air-conditioned car with an English-speaking chauffeur.
The former Parkroyal on Kitchener Road will adopt the Novotel brand from November 1, 2023, as Accor and Worldwide Hotels Group sign on a new partnership. This follows Worldwide Hotels Group’s acquisition of the property in July 2023.
The 543-key Novotel Singapore on Kitchener, located in the Little India cultural enclave, will begin its rebranding exercise on October 31, 2023.
Accor has an existing strong partnership with Worldwide Hotels Group, as evidenced by the latter’s successful management of ibis Styles Brisbane in Australia and ibis Budget Osaka Umeda in Japan. Carolyn Choo, CEO of Worldwide Hotels Group, said: “This acquisition aligns with our growth strategy and allows us to expand our commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and thoughtful customer service in strategic locations.”
The hotel had previously undergone a full-scale refurbishment in 2020, presenting now updated décor and interior design. It is ideal for both leisure and business travellers, with facilities ranging from all-day dining restaurant, hospitality lounges, and retail shops.
“We are delighted to introduce Novotel Singapore on Kitchener as a milestone achievement in our ongoing partnership with Worldwide Hotels Group, a property that emphasises our shared commitment to exceptional guest experiences,” said Garth Simmons, CEO for Accor’s Premium, Midscale & Economy Division in Asia.
“This signing is a significant step for Accor as we continue to elevate hospitality standards to provide our guests with genuine hospitality and premium comfort.”