BWH Hotels’ latest Asian launches: Journey through the vibrant landscapes of the region in style and comfort
Brought to you by BWH Hotels
BWH Hotels unveiled 12 exciting new additions to its portfolio in 2023 across Asia’s popular tourist destinations, with each hospitality offering presenting a unique experience and allure, blending comfort with local charm.
Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Hua Hin (Thailand)
Nestled around a series of shimmering lagoon pools in the enchanting coastal enclave of Khao Tao, a mere 10 minutes south of Hua Hin and approximately two and a half hours’ drive from Bangkok, the 380-key Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Hua Hin embraces a free-flowing organic design for its structure. Guests can take in the serene beauty of nature while enjoying a wide range of accommodation options and thoughtful facilities tailored for both leisure and business travellers.
Best Western Plus Metro Clark (The Philippines)
Both business and leisure travellers will discover a haven where modern comfort meets the lively cityscape of Angeles City at Best Western Plus Metro Clark. Located in the heart of Angeles City, the 186-room hotel offers an outdoor pool, gym, and flexible event spaces. It also features three diverse international restaurants and a pool bar with spectacular city views.
Best Western Chatuchak (Thailand)
Conveniently located in the buzzy Chatuchak district, next to the iconic Chatuchak Market, one of Asia’s largest markets and a well-known tourist attraction for avid shoppers, Best Western Chatuchak promises an unforgettable stay in the city centre. A unique blend of comfort and sophistication throughout its 192-key property, all guestrooms come complete with signature king or twin beds, stylish interiors, a working desk and views of the city.
Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport, a member of WorldHotels Distinctive (Japan)
Hotel guests will experience unparalleled convenience and comfort at Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport, which is directly connected to Japan’s busiest airport in Tokyo. The 1557-key sanctuary and one of the largest convention hotel boasts a convenient fuss-free stay with its thoughtfully-designed accommodations, modern amenities and even an open-air onsen (hot springs).
KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle, BW Signature Collection (Japan)
Surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Nijo Castle, which dates back from the 1600s, and the Imperial Palace, KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle, BW Signature Collection, at Kyoto puts guests at the doorstep of some of the city’s most significant landmarks and attractions. Designed in a contemporary Japanese style and equipped with organic amenities, the 57-guestroom boutique accommodation spotlights a harmonious mix of tradition and comfort.
Tawa Ravadee Resort Prachinburi, a member of WorldHotels Distinctive (Thailand)
Nature lovers and culture seekers will be delighted by the distinct charm of Tawa Ravadee Resort Prachinburi, an exceptional upscale property that showcases the grace and charm of Thai heritage. Home to 199 rooms and suites, the exquisite resort overlooks a lake, is surrounded by lush forests and rice fields in the Prachinburi province, close to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Khao Yai National Park, and about two and a half hours’ drive east of Bangkok.
Best Western Ratchada Hotel (Thailand)
For a fresh take on Bangkok, travellers can choose to stay at Best Western Ratchada Hotel, located in the up-and-coming downtown Ratchada district, surrounded by commercial towers, restaurants and retail malls. The contemporary 120-key midscale hotel provides excellent connectivity via the Phra Ram 9 and Thailand Cultural Centre MRT subway stations, with the bustling Sukhumvit district a few stops away.
SureStay Plus by Best Western Cebu City (The Philippines)
Guests can uncover the cultural heart of Cebu City at SureStay Plus by Best Western Cebu City, which provides easy access to landmarks like Magellan’s Cross and Basilica del Sto. Niño. With 63 modern rooms equipped with kitchen facilities, it’s an excellent choice for extended breaks. Connecting rooms and various family-friendly options make it an ideal boutique accommodation for leisure travellers and business travellers with families in tow.
The Sanctuary Resort Pattaya, BW Signature Collection (Thailand)
Pattaya’s first BW Signature Collection at The Sanctuary Resort Pattaya boasts an awe-inspiring vantage point over Jomtien’s shores, with world-class water parks, tourist attractions, and golf courses also within convenient access. Featuring a total of 164 rooms and suites, including family-friendly options with a spacious living area and bunk beds for the kids, the resort houses a rooftop bar, pool and gym. Hotel guests even get to dine at the Oceana restaurant which serves Thai and international cuisine against an extraordinary aquarium.
Best Western Premier Marvella Nha Trang (Vietnam)
Travellers can enjoy refined comfort at Best Western Premier Marvella Nha Trang, a new upscale beachfront hotel, complete with 335 stylish rooms and suites. Guests can also unwind at the hotel’s diverse facilities, including a spa, gym, sky-high infinity pool, 3D golf simulator and a kids’ club — making it the perfect retreat in one of Vietnam’s popular tourist destinations.
Alhambra Hotel & Convention, BW Signature Collection (Indonesia)
Located in West Java’s Mount Galunggung tourist area, between the city of Tasikmalaya and the authentic village of Kampung Naga where it is surrounded by green landscapes and dramatic volcanic peaks, Alhambra Hotel & Convention offers 116 guestrooms with panoramic views. Suitable for large-scale events like conferences and social functions, it also features a 1,000-delegate convention hall.
Best Western Click Sathorn 11 Bangkok (Thailand)
Situated in a quiet residential street on Sathorn Road, Best Western Click Sathorn 11 Bangkok offers 119 rooms fully equipped with amenities for a comfortable stay. Being within close proximity to the bustling Silom Sathorn district, which is also a hip drinking and dining neighbourhood, as well as the Chao Phraya riverside, the contemporary hotel is ideal for business and leisure travellers looking to enjoy a variety of dining options, world-class medical care, and inspiring experiences.
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Rosewood Hong Kong welcomes new MD
Hugo Montanari has been appointed as the new managing director of Rosewood Hong Kong. He will be responsible for managing all aspects of the property.
A seasoned hotelier, Montanari has more than 17 years of global luxury hotel experience, with diverse experience in mainland China, Asia-Pacific, the Americas and Europe.
He was previously with health and wellness resort, Jayasom Ibiza, as general manager.
Philippines’ Bohol gets a new mixed-use tourism development
A 25 billion pesos (US$545 million), 50-hectare mixed-use development that marks sustainability, community and local culture as its guiding principles is taking shape in Panglao, Bohol.
Named Panglao Shores, Bohol’s first and biggest township will feature at least three hotels with 1,000 keys on a kilometre strip of white beach; 1,000 condominium and residential units; 37,000m² of indoor and outdoor retail and commercial areas; as well as medical facilities and vast greenbelt areas, said CEO Hope Marie Uy at the recent media launch.
Developed by the Alturas Group of Companies, owned by the Uy family, the first phase of the 10-year project includes the commercial strip and the ongoing construction of 188-key South Palms Resort to be managed by a foreign hotel management company when it opens early next year. The latter is an expansion of the existing 78-key South Palms Resort.
Uy also added that the addition of a mid-range hotel with around 300 keys and function venues for up to 1,000 people would fill the need for a larger business events facility in Bohol. There will also be a luxury resort with villas and exclusive areas.
Panglao Shores will not be a cookie-cutter project, Uy shared, as the company has engaged environmental specialists from London, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines from the onset. The company will also ensure that the development will be a fully-integrated community that will flourish with sustainability, as inspired by the company’s existing South Farms which is focused on sustainability and the circular economy.
Project consultant Bill Barnett, managing director of C9 Hotelworks, said Panglao Shores is a “generational business” meant to be sustainable in all aspects, including water supply and electricity, coupled with a sense of place and connection to the land.
Buildings will be low density – maximum heights will be kept to four or five storeys – for ocean views, designed according to international eco-building standards and materials, and building materials and plants will be sourced locally. The architecture will also be guided by the principles of Filipino vernacular design, natural ventilation, and the use of locally-available materials such as limestone and repurposed wood, which is readily available in Bohol.
Hilton introduces new brand Spark by Hilton
Spark by Hilton is the newest addition to Hilton’s portfolio of brands, billing itself as a brand which will provide a simple, reliable and comfortable stay for every guest at an accessible price.
Signature elements of Spark by Hilton will include Thoughtful Simplicity, Reliable Service, Unexpected Touches, and Consistent Quality.
“In looking at the economy category, we saw a segment that has grown dramatically but lacks consistency, providing us an opportunity to deliver on the needs of this underserved segment of travellers,” said Matt Schuyler, chief brand officer, Hilton.
“True to its name, Spark by Hilton signifies the start of something great – a moment of ignition as we add energy and momentum into the category and deliver the most reliable and friendly stays. This breakthrough premium economy brand will deliver the essentials done exceptionally well for every guest, every time along with friendly service – ensuring all travellers can enjoy a great hotel experience where they feel truly cared for.”
For developers, this cost-effective conversion brand provides an opportunity for existing properties by reimagining the economy segment and focusing on areas that drive the guest experience while also providing a consistent look and feel across each hotel.
Owners will also benefit from Hilton’s network effect, business model, and commercial engines, including supply chain management, a cost-effective pricing model and automated customer offerings such as digital check-in and Digital Key.
“Spark by Hilton was developed in close collaboration with our developer community, and we are thrilled by the positive feedback and excitement we have received to date,” said Alissa Klees, brand leader, Spark by Hilton.
In addition, Spark by Hilton guests will enjoy the benefits of the Hilton Honors guest loyalty programme for the company’s portfolio of more than 7,000 hotels worldwide.
Hong Kong Airlines works to rebuild talent team
Hong Kong Airlines is looking to engage 1,000 new employees to join its workforce by the end of 2023 to meet operation needs and future growth.
New staff positions include 120 pilots, 500 cabin crew, and 380 ground staff that will be filled by both local and overseas applicants.
This will supplement its recent move to re-activate staff previously on Long Pay Leave back to their positions.
Altogether, the exercise will bring the airlines’ total workforce back to 60-70 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.
The Hong Kong-based carrier also announced salary increments for both crew and ground staff. Remuneration increments include an eight per cent basic salary pay rise and up to a 10 per cent increase to the flying hourly rate for crew members, while all ground staff will receive a five per cent basic salary pay rise plus a discretionary five per cent quarterly variable incentive effective January 1 this year.
Hong Kong Airlines expects to increase flight operations to 30 sectors per day by January 2023 and to 75 per cent of its operating capacity by the end of 2023. Full operations are expected to be achieved by mid-2024.
Breathing life into the real Sri Lanka
Once upon a time, two best friends and avid travellers got married and began building their life’s adventures together by exploring deep into their homeland Sri Lanka. On their trips, they saw that tourist hotspots were overcrowded while stunning but remote places could do with additional income from tourism.
Those observations sparked off the birth of Ayu in the Wild in 2012, a destination specialist that is bent on showcasing the beauty of life in biodiverse Sri Lanka while ensuring that tourism dollars are filtered down to where they matter most – the local people.
“Ayu means life in Sanskrit,” explained co-founder Chamintha Jayasinghe. “There are so many layers to life in Sri Lanka. When a traveller understands what life is really like in a country, he will appreciate it a lot more.”
With Ayu in the Wild carrying its commitment in its name, its travel designers curate trips across the country that deliver authentic experiences led by community-based guides and local topical experts.
“We use a lot of community-based experience hosts in our programmes. These are people who know the destination like the back of their hand. They are village heads, teachers, farmers, housewives, poets, architects and wildlife photographers – everyone we knew through our travels or are our friends for many years. They convey their experience growing up and living in Sri Lanka,” she said.
While travellers benefit from local tales and insights, these community-based experience hosts earn supplementary income without being solely dependent on tourism.
Ayu in the Wild also takes pride in offering naturalists as destination guides. “Because Sri Lanka is a biodiversity hotspot, we found it necessary to also have a naturalist lead our trips. Naturalists have a wider knowledge of culture, heritage, ecology, wildlife and way of life of our people,” remarked Jayasinghe.
The desire to spread tourism earnings deeper into the country influences itineraries crafted by Ayu in the Wild. While Jayasinghe and her tour designers sought to introduce the road less travelled to their customers, some come with specific requests to see the usual hotspots.
“For such clients, we do our best to slip in something unusual. And we realise that it is often those unusual experiences that stick positively with our travellers,” she reflected.
Ayu in the Wild is able to deliver on niche requests, such as an architecture tour of Sri Lanka to see Geoffrey Bawa’s legacies, or to learn about Sri Lanka’s archaeology, nature and conservation, or culture and heritage.
She continued: “Not many people know this, but Sri Lanka’s narrow continental shelf allows nature lovers to sight whales without having to sail far out into the ocean. Many marine mammals are attracted to Sri Lanka because our 103 rivers carry nutrients from the central highlands and across the island to create wholesome feeding grounds.
“There is truly a lot to discover here, and we like to say that Sri Lanka is many countries rolled into one.”
Behind the scenes, Ayu in the Wild’s tourism work supports a much bigger cause – a variety of projects to improve the life of certain segments of the population and protect the environment.
Classroom in the Wild is the agency’s first community initiative, created in 2014 to support a farming village in a remote part of Sigiriya. Trip earnings fund English classes for the children – efforts include sourcing for and paying for an English teacher and language consultant to build the course and conduct lessons. When the pandemic hit, Classroom in the Wild moved lessons online, and provided the children access to learning on their smartphones.
Every year, some 20 to 25 kids from that village benefit from Classroom in the Wild.
Currently, five most promising students from the village receive extra guidance from a consultant teacher. “When we started with these five students, none of them had any ambition. They did not know that a different world existed outside and used to think that they would study up to eighth grade and then work on their parents’ farm. Now, one of them wants to be a nurse, another wants to be an engineer,” Jayasinghe said proudly.
In 2020, Ayu in the Wild started a dance therapy initiative for special needs children in Galle, to provide a safe place for differently-abled children to express their creativity. According to Jayasinghe, medical doctors and physical therapists supporting these children have found that the dance therapy helps with building self-confidence and social skills as well as strengthening their lungs and limbs.
The same initiative is now offered to wards being cared for at a nearby orphanage too.
There are other funding projects with conservationists to protect animal corridors and to remove invasive plants from national parks. New on Jayasinghe’s wish list is a seagrass restoration project that she intends to launch this year. Titled the Ayu Blue Carbon Initiative, the Ayu in the Wild team has identified a one-hectare area in a low-traffic part of Kalpitiya for the pilot programme while a partner marine biologist has drawn up the proposal.
“Seagrass sequesters 10 times more carbon than a rainforest,” she explained, adding that this will be a long-term commitment, with plans to bring the restoration project to a high-tourism zone once it is established.
The Ayu Blue Carbon Initiative will be funded by Ceylon Concierge by Ayu Villa Collection, which caters to VIP clients and high-net-worth (HNW) travellers.
Ceylon Concierge by Ayu Villa Collection will also back yet another new initiative – the Ayu Scholarship Fund which finances further studies for needy children.
Despite more than four years of tourism challenges in Sri Lanka, the founders of Ayu in the Wild have kept these initiatives running – by dipping into their own savings and refraining from drawing a salary.
“Tourism has to return to Sri Lanka quickly. There is only so much our donations can do,” she said, emphasising that it is not just people on the service frontline that are hurting from the country’s battered travel and tourism industry.
When business picks up, Jayasinghe hopes to restart her Sustainable Travel Sri Lanka Initiative, created just before the pandemic, to move hotel partners towards more sustainable operations.
“Given the substantial proportion of trip expenses going to hotels, I feel that the hotel industry needs to plough back more profits for a good purpose. It is not enough for them to just replace plastic water bottles with glass,” she said.
To ensure a more structured approach, she developed a framework to assess hotels’ sustainability achievements and found that some “were doing wonderful things, while some were greenwashing a lot”.
She went on to promote good efforts on Sustainable Travel Sri Lanka Initiative’s Facebook and Instagram platforms, and engaged those properties on other joint projects, such as adopting a school for long-term assistance and getting all staff to be involved. She also wants to engage with hotels to provide better access and greater dignity for mobility-impaired travellers and make Sri Lanka more inclusive for everyone.
“But it is impossible to push these initiatives through with hotels right now because many are in survival mode. Still, Sustainable Travel Sri Lanka Initiative remains a project that I will scale up once I can recruit more staff and specialists.”
For that to happen, Jayasinghe said destination promotions for Sri Lanka must get back on track.
“In better years, during the peak summer season, our guides were booked from July 1 to August 31 on non-stop and overlapping trips. They could not even go home. Right now, (there are) no overlapping trips except during the recent Christmas season. Trips are few and far between. Sri Lanka has not maximised its destination potential because of the lack of promotions,” she lamented.
Her wish is for destination promotions to be led by “professionals who have the best interest of the country at heart, and who will promote Sri Lanka at the level that it should be”.
She felt that the country is focusing too heavily on budget travellers when it is ideal for HNW travellers.
“We have three airports that can handle private jets, and absolutely stunning villas with their own butler teams. There are so many exclusive experiences we can offer at very high prices, and all that tourism money flows into the country. This is also a destination where people can stay in secret if they so wish. Farmers will not recognise any British actresses, I can tell you that much!” she said.
A romantic Valentine’s stay at Intercontinental Maldives
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has created a Valentine’s Day stay package for couples to have a memorable time.
Located at the Southern tip of Raa Atoll, Valentine’s Day celebrants can enjoy the one-of-a-kind setting and let romance take over. From small gifts and surprises to a private dining experience or sailing on the luxury yacht, couples can customise their stay as they wish.
Choices include the Floating Valentine’s Dinner under the stars, champagne at the Sunset Bar, a sunset cruise with champagne and canapés along the Maamunagau shores, a private Teppanyaki dining experience, beachside dinner, and even a couple spa treatment at AVI Spa.
Book the Valentine’s Experience priced from US$1,300 per night for stays in February. The package includes accommodation in a Water Pool Villa, and breakfast for two.
For more information, visit InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort or email reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com.
Silversea unveils all new offerings onboard Silver Nova
Silversea Cruises introduces the 728-guest Silver Nova with her large array of bars, lounges, and restaurants.
Launching in August, the ship offers 364 suites across 13 categories and will feature 10 bars and lounges, like the pre- and post-dinner drinks venue Dolce Vita lounge, Venetian Lounge for enrichment and entertainment, Shelter bar, Connoisseur’s Corner for cigars and liquors, Panorama Lounge, S.A.L.T. Bar, S.A.L.T. Lab, and the Observation Lounge, which houses Silver Nova’s library.
There is also the The Otium Spa with wellness programmes and facilities like an indoor swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, sauna, steam room, and beauty salon.
For dining, Silver Nova offers eight distinct restaurants from spacious, open-seated venues to intimate dining options. Indoor places include La Terrazza, Atlantide, S.A.L.T. Kitchen, La Dame, Silver Note, and Kaiseki; while the Marquee on deck 10 will house two outdoor dining options, Spaccanapoli and the Grill – there is also the vibrant Arts Café.
In addition, Silver Nova is set to become the world’s first low-emissions cruise ship with advanced hybrid technology that utilises fuel cells, emitting zero local emissions while in port.
For more information, visit Silversea Cruises.
End of China’s zero-Covid policy fuels flight bookings: ForwardKeys
With China ditching its zero-Covid policy, it has triggered a surge in flight bookings, according to the latest data from ForwardKeys.
On December 7, 2022, Chinese authorities announced that a negative PCR test would no longer be required for air travel between provinces. Domestic flight bookings immediately surged 56% on the previous week and continued to increase 69% the following week. On December 26, 2022, China removed all Covid-related restrictions on domestic air travel; and bookings surged again, reaching 50% of 2019’s level in the final week of the year.
As of January 3, domestic flight bookings during the upcoming Chinese New Year period, January 7 – February 15, were 71% behind 2019 levels and 8% behind 2021, with the most popular destinations being Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Kunming, Sanya, Shenzhen, Haikou, Guangzhou and Chongqing.
China’s aviation regulator plans to restore flight capacity to 70% of pre-pandemic levels by January 6, and to 88% by January 31. However, a full recovery is not possible immediately, as the industry needs some time to re-hire staff and meet all flight safety and service requirements.
The cap on the number of international flights to China and quarantine measures was lifted on January 8. In addition, Chinese citizens can now renew expired passports and apply for new ones.
Outbound flight bookings between December 23, 2022 and January 3 this year jumped 192% compared to same period last year, but are still 85% behind pre-pandemic levels.
The most popular return trips currently are to Macau, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Frankfurt. Bookings to Abu Dhabi, which has traditionally been a major gateway between China and the West, are 51% behind 2019. Onward bookings from there include 11% to Paris, 9% to Barcelona, 5% to London, 3% to Munich and 3% to Manchester.
67% of bookings made between December 26, 2022 and January 3, 2023 were for travel during the Chinese New Year period.
With current scheduled international flight capacity only at 10% of 2019’s level, high ticket prices, and some destinations requiring a pre-flight Covid-19 test or on arrival testing and quarantine for Chinese visitors, it may take a while before seeing a resurgence in Chinese tourists exploring the globe, shared Olivier Ponti, VP insights, ForwardKeys.
He added: “A bottleneck processing passport renewals and visa applications is likely; and some countries, such as South Korea and Japan, are restricting short-term visas for Chinese travellers until the end of this month. Right now, we expect the Chinese outbound market will pick up strongly in 2Q2023, when airlines schedule capacity for the spring and summer, which include the May holiday, Dragon Boat festival in June and summer holidays.”
Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa, located on Okinawa’s Seragaki Island has created an ecotourism activity, Learn About the Sea of Seragaki Island and Clownfish, to get guests involved in its Seragaki Island Clownfish Restoration Project.
Through this programme, the hotel aims to help guests deepen their understanding of environmental conservation and establish a sustainable tourism system by giving part of the programme proceeds back to the future nurturing of clownfish.
The 75-minute Learn About the Sea of Seragaki Island and Clownfish is bookable on FIND, Hyatt’s experiences platform.
It is suitable for guests aged six years and above.
Visit the hotel site for more information.