DEBUT IN SHANGHAI WITH A SOARING TOWER IN THE HEART OF THE CITY

CONRAD HOTELS & RESORTS MAKES DAZZLING DEBUT IN SHANGHAI WITH A SOARING TOWER IN THE HEART OF THE CITY

CONRAD SHANGHAI IS POISED TO HERALD A NEW ERA OF MODERN LUXURY IN SHANGHAI

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) ushers in the new year with the much-anticipated opening of Conrad Shanghai – marking the brand’s first foray into the bustling metropolis, superbly located as a key landmark in the heart of People’s Square, Shanghai’s renowned tourism and business district. With its impressive 66 floors and 728 luxurious rooms, Conrad Shanghai marks another significant milestone in Hilton’s expanding luxury portfolio in the region – and also further underscores its partnership with owning company, Shimao Hotel Management Group.

“We are thrilled to build on our robust luxury growth in Asia Pacific with the launch of the first Conrad in Shanghai, joining our 17 luxury hotels in Greater China with a further 10 under construction,” said Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “Our growth momentum demonstrates the strength and resilience of Hilton’s award- winning luxury brands amidst a dynamic market and sophisticated customer expectations. At the same time, it is a testament to our delivery to our partners, and the 11 trading hotels we have with the prestigious Shimao Hotel Management Group – who share our optimism for China’s luxury travel segment.”

“We are proud to elevate the success of our long-standing partnership with Hilton by bringing the second Conrad Hotels & Resorts property to fruition,” said Tyrone Tang, chairman & CEO, Shanghai Shimao Hotel Management Company, and CEO of Shimao Star Hotels Group. “Today’s milestone opening of Conrad Shanghai is a celebration of our achievement in our journey together. It also signifies a new chapter for Shimao Festival City that reaffirms its status as the city’s most coveted address.” Conrad Shanghai’s soaring tower offers unparalleled views of the East Nanjing Road commercial street, the Bund, and Pudong’s iconic skyline. Situated within walking distance to major transportation networks and metro lines, the hotel’s prime location offers excellent accessibility to premium shopping malls, traditional local neighborhoods, and popular attractions such as the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Grand Theatre, Xintiandi, the Bund, and Yu Garden.

“The latest addition to the Conrad portfolio in the heart of Shanghai is a shining example of how we are looking at every opportunity to bring our meaningful hospitality and intuitive service to iconic destinations,” said Nils-Arne Schroeder, global brand head for Conrad Hotels & Resorts and vice president of Luxury & Lifestyle for Hilton in Asia Pacific. “I am confident the bold design and modern sensibilities of Conrad Shanghai, paired with our personalized service, will create enriching experiences that will truly inspire luxury travelers from around the world.”

EASTERN CHARM MEETS MODERNITY

Inspired by the essence of traditional Chinese philosophy and architecture, Conrad Shanghai weaves traditional elements with the modern glamor of Shanghai to create a sense of place that bridges the past, present and future. A Chinese rooftop cornice with sweeping curvature is suspended as a lobby centerpiece, a motif echoed in other design elements like bedframes and chandeliers. The hotel’s color palate is drawn from the five natural elements, while traditional calligraphy, paintings, and pottery are artfully embedded in luxurious urban guestrooms, hallways and lounges.

SOPHISTICATED ROOMS AND SUITES

Each of the 728 spacious guest rooms features smart connectivity and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame dazzling views of Puxi and the Bund. Guests can also enjoy divinely scented bath and body products by trendy European luxury brand Byredo from eco-friendly full-size dispensers.

The hotel’s 60 expansive luxury suites, including the Presidential Suite, feature residential touches and access to the Executive Lounge on level 44. Offering exclusive concierge services, comfortable workspaces, complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails, and other elite benefits, the Executive Lounge sets a distinctive benchmark of elegance and comfort in the city.

VIBRANT CULINARY EXPERIENCES

Conrad Shanghai’s selection of restaurants take guests on a culinary tour, from the Mediterranean seaside and the artisanal bistros of Paris to the banquet halls of China. With a rich selection of signature dining, as well as a sky-high lounge with expertly prepared cocktails and sprawling city views, Conrad Shanghai offers guests elevated dining experiences perfect for special gathering or everyday indulgences.

BESPOKE MEETINGS AND EVENTS

Primed to host an array of memorable weddings, meetings and events of any scale in the center of the city, Conrad Shanghai offers a 2,500 square-meter pillarless event space with spectacular views of East Nanjing Road.

The versatile space includes an elegant 864 squaremeter ballroom which can accommodate up to 600 guests, 13 meeting rooms, as well as the exclusive Hu's Penthouse and Hu's Atelier spaces on the 64th floor, all of which feature state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and thoughtfully curated food and beverage options.

Served by a passionate and accomplished team that intuitively offer purposeful and personalized service,

Conrad Shanghai delivers seamless experiences and extraordinary moments to guests, whatever the occasion. Conrad Shanghai also offers connecting rooms that can be reserved in advance, allowing groups of any size to seamlessly book a suitable option for their stay.

To celebrate the hotel’s opening, Hilton Honors members who book a stay from January 1 to April 30, 2022, will earn an additional 5,000 points per night. Bookings can be made directly through the Hilton official website and Hilton Honors App.

Conrad Shanghai has also rolled out Hilton CleanStay, Hilton’s industry-leading global cleaning and disinfection program. It provides guests with peace of mind thanks to enhanced levels of cleanliness throughout every aspect of their experience, ensuring the safety and well-being of guests without compromising on the hospitality for which Hilton is known.

Conrad Shanghai is located at 789 East Nanjing Road, Shanghai, 200001, China

For more information, or to make a reservation, travelers may visit www.hilton.com/en/hotels/shawsciconrad- shanghai/ or call +86 21 3318 9999.

About Conrad Hotels & Resorts

Spanning five continents with 40 properties, Conrad Hotels & Resorts has created a seamless connection between contemporary design, leading innovation and curated art to inspire the entrepreneurial spirit of the globally connected traveler. Conrad is a place where guests can experience service and style on their own terms — all while connecting with local and global culture. Experience a positive stay at Conrad Hotels & Resorts by booking at conradhotels.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Conrad Hotels & Resorts at newsroom.hilton. com/conradhotels, and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

RESTAURANTS & BAR

The modern French Copper Bistro offers delicious artisanal bites and refreshments to delight palates from morning until evening. Enclave Eight is an authentic Chinese dining experience where guests can savor a variety of seasonal culinary creations and regional Chinese cuisines, from Shanghainese to Cantonese. A series of private dining rooms lie adjacent to the main dining room to cater to intimate dining occasions.

Lane 11 is a contemporary and chic all-day dining restaurant that offers a buffet of tantalizing flavors from the East and West from open kitchen stations, in addition to à la carte menus.

Specializing in Mediterranean flavors and traditional grill techniques, Asador Mediterranean Dining & Bar features seasonal ingredients and mouth-watering specialties served in a modern yet rustic ambiance.

Located on the 65th floor, HU Bar offers panoramic views of the Bund and People’s Square, making it the destination of choice to enjoy afternoon teas, or savor a good glass of wine or handcrafted cocktails.

RELAXING LEISURE FACILITIES

To unwind and recharge, guests can enjoy a dip in the hotel’s indoor heated swimming pool that overlooks the vibrant East Nanjing Road, or relax in the hot whirlpool, sauna and steam rooms.

Adjacent to the swimming pool is a wellequipped fitness center which enjoys natural daylight.

PRESIDENTIAL SUITE & CONNECTING ROOMS

The epitome of smart luxury, the Presidential Suite spans over 150 square meters on level 63 with unobstructed views of the Shanghai skyline. Beautifully designed in a unique baroque style blended with Eastern-inspired elements, the Presidential Suite features a large living room and dining room, a wellequipped kitchen, a walk-in closet and a grand marble bathroom featuring a jacuzzi and sauna.

Conrad Shanghai also offers connecting rooms that can be reserved in advance, allowing groups of any size to seamlessly book a suitable option for their stay.

MELIÁ PHUKET MAI KHAO CELEBRATES OPENING

Meliá Phuket Mai Khao, a wellness-inspired resort that fronts Phuket’s longest stretch of sand with a chilled-out beach club and private pool villas has opened on Thailand’s largest island.

The resort is the second five-star property to be launched in Thailand under Spanish hotel group Meliá Hotels International as part of a brand roll-out in key destinations across the Kingdom. Situated on secluded Mai Khao beach, commanding eight acres of Phuket’s northwestern coastline on the Andaman Sea, Meliá Phuket Mai Khao opened its doors for business on December 1.

The 30-suite and 70-villa resort, owned by residential real estate developer Phuket Villa Group, is a 15-minute drive to Phuket International Airport and near an array of attractions including Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, Sirinat National Park, and Wat Phra Thong temple. The resort’s design melds traditional and contemporary Thai aesthetics with a smattering of Mediterranean accents and uses a neutral palette of colours to complement Mai Khao’s sandy shoreline. High ceilings and decorative metal screens make the most of the natural surrounds and sunny, tropical weather.

GUEST SUITES AND VILLAS

Meliá Phuket Mai Khao’s contemporary, light-filled and spacious Mediterranean-inspired accommodations - with a focus on simple, clean lines and indoor-outdoor living - comprise 30 one-bedroom suites and 70 one-bedroom villas. The resort has three accommodation categories. Each features a single bedroom and is differentiated by an anchoring amenity -- be it an outdoor bathtub, a private plunge pool or a wellness arrangement.

All of the suites and villas feature outdoor bathtubs, open-air showers and outdoor terraces to take advantage of Phuket’s tropical climate, which averages 28 degrees Celsius year round. Exquisite gardens and fixtures such as white stucco exterior walls also ensure secluded enclaves and the utmost privacy. The 78sqm suites are complemented by cabanas and the 85sqm one-bedroom villas have private plunge pools.

At the top of the accommodation scale, the 15 wellness villas each feature an open-air Vitamin C shower, ultrasonic essential oil diffuser, GermGuardian air purifier, Tempur-Pedic pillows, aromatic salts for the outdoor bathtub, a fit ball and yoga mat. A highlight of staying at a wellness villa is a daily 60-minute massage.

Mod-cons in all of the accommodations include individually controlled airconditioning, 43-inch LCD TV with satellite channels, Bluetooth speaker, Nespresso coffee maker and gourmet capsules and more. The minibar has healthy snacks such as energy bars on request. Trays and tissue boxes made from banana leaves are among sustainable items in the suites and villas.

DINING

The resort’s diverse dining landscape comprises four outlets under the stewardship of culinary director Luca Mancini and adds a dash of Mediterranean flavor to Phuket’s culinary scene.

Adjacent to a beach pool framed with cabanas and sun lounges, the Gaia Beach Club celebrates Spain’s famed gastronomy by serving Mediterranean and fusion cuisine from an open kitchen and a creative cocktail selection from a long bar. A warm and intimate setting adorned with timber finishes, SASA is an elegant all-day dining restaurant that specialises in international and Thai cuisine. SASA offers a healthy, freshly made breakfast and delectable Thai set lunches and dinners.

The Elyxr Café features a spacious lounge area with comfortable sofas and a selection of books and serves coffee and tea. The Pool Bar is a swim-up affair at the centre of the resort that serves a range of refreshments including fresh juices, smoothies and cocktails.

SPA, WELLNESS AND RECREATION

Privately tucked away behind the lobby and Elyxr Café, Meliá’s signature YHI Spa is 300sqm and home to five treatment rooms. In addition to its extensive menu of massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps, spa therapists also provide poolside and in-villa treatments.The resort will offer wellness packages that include healthy menus and freshly squeezed juices as well as activities such as meditation, yoga, and walks and cycling amid stunning natural scenery. The fitness center is equipped with treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, and weights machines. The kids club Kidsdom has workshops to keep youngsters entertained and the resort also provides a babysitting service.

Recreational pursuits on offer range from horse riding on the beach, to scuba diving at Racha Yai, Koh Dok Mai, Phi Phi Island and Shark Point, to golf at the nearby Blue Canyon Country Club.

MICE FACILITIES

The resort’s conference facilities include a grand ballroom and two additional multi-function rooms at 231sqm. The Grand Ballroom totals 131sqm and caters to up to 100 guests for a standing cocktail reception or 88 guests for a sit-down dinner. The two adjacent multipurpose rooms are each 47sqm that seat up to 16 guests for a boardroom meeting.

The resort’s event planners provide customized catering to suit any occasion. Mini mindfulness sessions also enhance the wellbeing of attendees.

“Meliá Phuket Mai Khao’s debut marks such an exciting time for Phuket, signaling our genuine optimism for the future of tourism on Thailand’s largest island,” said Mr Maetapong Upatising, Phuket Villa Group's Managing Director.

“The team and I are thrilled we could bring such a significant hotel debut to fruition during these unprecedented times and we’re delighted with the interest in our resort so far despite the difficulties stemming from the global pandemic,” said Ms Magdalena Martorell, Meliá Phuket Mai Khao’s General Manager.

“With its distinct focus on guest wellbeing, Meliá Phuket Mai Khao brings Meliá’s sunny Spanish hospitality and passion for service to Phuket, as well as stringent health and safety measures to combat COVID-19,” said Mr Ignacio Martin, Area Managing Director South East Asia of Meliá Hotels International.

Elsewhere in Thailand, Meliá Koh Samui debuted in January 2020 with a nautical theme underscored by boat suites made from refurbished merchant vessels. Meliá Chiang Mai is slated to open in April 2022 with a rooftop bar featuring two bars connected by a glass bridge. INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, the first property of its brand in Thailand, with 176 guestrooms, is due to open 2023.

For more information about Meliá Phuket Mai Khao, visit www.melia. com, call +66 76 563 550 or email info@meliaphuketmaikhao.com

Meliá Phuket Mai Khao has launched a seven-night sandbox package priced from THB 38,500 (USD 1155) for direct bookings before March 24, 2022 for stays before March 31, 2022. The offer includes daily breakfast for two, a one-way airport transfer and 20% off food and beverage as well as laundry.

ABOUT PHUKET VILLA GROUP

Founded in 1989 in Phuket (Thailand), Phuket Villa Corporation, together with its affiliates, has constructed over 7,000 houses and condominium units all over Phuket and Bangkok. As one of the first developers in Phuket to include a wide range of lifestyle facilities within its developments, such as tennis courts and swimming pools, the Group offers detached homes, townhouses and commercial buildings, catering to the growing local real estate market. In addition, the Group also has two hotels under its banner, offering more than 300 rooms to tourists and business travellers, mirroring Phuket’s steady growth as a premier tourist destination of Thailand. Over the years, Phuket Villa Corporation continues to re-invent itself to cater to an increasingly diverse customer base in a more competitive landscape. For more information, please visit: https://phuketvilla. com/ or follow us on Facebook @PhuketVillaCompany

Welcoming guests in Q2 2022, Regent Hotels & Resorts’ first resort in South East Asia promises serenity and unexpected harmony with a touch of decadence

Caption: Framed View - Moment Frozen In Time, and the Beach Villa overview at Regent Phu Quoc

Ho Chi Minh City, IHG Hotels & Resorts will launch the first resort from its upper-luxury brand, Regent Hotels & Resorts in Q2 2022 in South East Asia. Situated off the southwest coast of Vietnam, alongside a UNESCOdesignated World Biosphere Reserve and located just 15 minutes from Phu Quoc International Airport, guests will be able to immerse in Regent Phu Quoc's spectacular 176 suites and 126 villas, set against the serene waterfront backdrop of Long Beach.

Juan Losada, General Manager, Regent Phu Quoc, says: “Founded more than 50 years ago, Regent Hotels & Resorts changed the face of modern luxury with bold firsts, such as pioneering the private villa with pool concept which have since become luxury hotel standards. With the opening of Regent Phu Quoc, a truly visionary resort has been conceived which marries the calming, the imaginative and the extravagant. We look forward to setting new luxury benchmarks through exceptional Vietnamese hospitality and guest experiences which feel simultaneously luxurious and effortless”

An All Villa And Suite Resort

Designed by BLINK Design Group who were inspired by the island’s tropical abundance and tranquil surrounding, the villas at Regent Phu Quoc reveal panoramic views of the pearlescent ocean and sky with a private infinity pool. The resort offers multiple accommodation options perfect for both couples and families, from one-bedroom havens to expansive seven-bedroom ultra-villas, including beach pool villas with direct access to the pristine white beach, sky pool villas situated high in the Sky Wing boasting breathtaking ocean views and lagoon pool villas which overlook the striking vista of the resort’s lagoons.

Vietnamese Heritage Meets Minimalist Modernity

The Regent brand’s luxury legacy has been transformed with today’s most seasoned travellers in mind to deliver the serene and sensational at every turn. This is brought to life at Regent Phu Quoc by renowned hospitality design firm BLINK Design Group.

REGENT PHU QUOC, AN ISLAND JEWEL ELEVATING THE LUXURY RESORT EXPERIENCE IN VIETNAM

The resort’s architecture echoes and reflects the traditional Vietnamese vernacular and its design maximises access to the environment: floor-to-ceiling glass windows frame enchanting ocean views while inside spaces feature decadent touches that hint at tropical surroundings.

Guests will be greeted by a modern interpretation of Vietnamese roofs, and a variation of the local traditional wooden truss structural system, known as the Bovi, has been developed into subtle patterns found on screens, carpets and accessories. Another local style, known as Gian Nha, comprising small pockets and courtyards within a traditional Vietnamese house, is the inspiration for the courtyards which feature in villa designs. The boundaries of indoor and outdoor areas blur through intelligent zoning across the resort as an homage to Gian Nha, providing privacy within a luxurious setting in this evolution of a traditional way of living.

A Multi-Sensorial Culinary Experience

From day to night, six curated venues at Regent Phu Quoc offer multi-sensorial experiences, celebrating the world of gastronomy, creating experiences that encourage guests to immerse themselves in the moment. Among the six world-class restaurant and bar creations are Oku, an enchanting Franco-Japanese Salon de Boeuf serving the finest beef cuts and sushi at the Omakase counter; Rice Market, an all-day dining restaurant that takes diners on a culinary journey through Southern Vietnam and north towards the border of China; Ocean Club, a Mediterranean inspired beachfront venue that features rum-inspired cocktails and a live in-house DJ.; Lobby Lounge, a relaxing parlour offering all-day fare and beverage specialties that transform together with the time of the day; Bar Jade, a speakeasy for fine artisanal spirits and custom cocktails mixed with fresh local herbs; and Fu Bar, an exclusive sky pool terrace & bar specialising in gin-focused cocktails and inspired local bites.

Redefines Wellness Experiences

The Spa at Regent Phu Quoc redefines wellness experiences through innovation and design, offering a curated approach of contemporary and traditional treatments that go beyond the ordinary. Guests can experience a highly personalised wellness itinerary guided by the resident Holistic Wellness Coach. The resort’s holistic wellness programmes include Acoustic/Vibrational Therapy complemented by the Welnamis System and Psammo Hot Sand Therapy on an exclusive quartz bed designed by Gharieni, one of the world’s leading spa manufacturers in addition to Biologique Recherche and the Pedi:Mani:Cure concept salon by renowned podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez. The Health Club features a fitness centre, reset meditation studio and rooftop yoga pavilions to recharge and rejuvenate.

Phu Quoc Island and Regent Phu Quoc Experiences

Nearly half of Phu Quoc island is a National Park. The northern part of the island is home to 314 square kilometres of lush tropical forest which has been declared as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, while the southern part of the island is popular for its pristine white sand beaches.

Regent Phu Quoc introduces a range of immersive destination experiences manifesting the rustic charm of an idyllic island life. Regent Hotels & Resorts: Guests have made grand entrances through the doors of Regent Hotels & Resorts for nearly half a century. Born in 1970, our collection of modern hotels and resorts are home to stays both serene and sensational. The type of experiences that spark stories and charm even the most seasoned of travellers. Regent Hotels & Resorts are located in some of the most inspiring destinations, from urban streetscapes rich in culture to ports with breath taking seaside views. An invitation to life’s most scenic moments. Regent hotels are amongst the most wellknown luxury hotels in the world, with seven open hotels including the exclusive Regent Chongqing, Regent Berlin and Regent Porto Montenegro and six further properties due to open in the next 3-5 years in Hong Kong, Jakarta, Bali and Kuala Lumpur. For more information and to book, visit regenthotels.com

CAN THO, Vietnam — As travelers around the world look to turn the page on the pandemic, one thing is becoming increasingly clear – space is now the ultimate luxury.

With this in mind, Azerai Can Tho has launched one- and two-bedroom private pool villas to complement the resort’s existing three-, four- and five-bedroom villas, offering exclusive and private new accommodation options for groups of all sizes, from couples to extended families.

“These one- and two-bedroom private pool villas open the door to a whole new class of traveler seeking an enhanced sense of seclusion and exclusivity,” said General Manager Nicolas Pillet.

The resort’s villas range from 636sqm (Pool Villas) to 784sqm (River Pool Villa) to an expansive 1,583 sqm (Mekong Pool Villa), offering guests abundant privacy along with other unique benefits, such as dedicated villa hosts who can help to personalize the experience. And, of course, villa guests have access to all of the resort’s other world-class amenities and culinary offerings, in addition to private luxury boat cruises in the Mekong Delta, lavish picnics under the resort’s mature banyan trees and other local excursions and activities.Three hours by car from Ho Chi Minh City, Azerai Can Tho is situated on a private islet in the Mekong Delta that’s accessible only by boat. The resort’s lush grounds cover more than eight hectares and support 60 rooms in addition to the five private pool villas that deliver residential-style accommodation.

Designed by French-Canadian architect Pascal Trahan, the villas at Azerai Can Tho embrace the resort’s tropical surroundings, with sliding-glass doors in most rooms able to open up significantly to draw in outdoor breezes. The interiors feature a blend of stone, slate, light-coloured woods and rattan accents, with pitched ceilings that expand an overall sense of spaciousness. The locally sourced woods and stones were sourced in Vietnam by a Scandinavian design firm. The overarching aesthetic is sleek and minimalist.

The design signature in the pool villas is similar to that of Azerai Can Tho’s other guest rooms, featuring an understated elegance that is both practical and comfortable. Furniture and décor embrace neutral colour tones, and the exteriors have been designed to blend harmoniously with the tropical island setting.

Azerai Can Tho was named one of the “Top 25 Resorts in Asia” (No. 13) in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards earlier this year, becoming one of only six properties in Vietnam to make the popular annual “best-of” list. The awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry.

AZERAI CAN THO LAUNCHES 1- AND 2-BEDROOM PRIVATE POOL VILLAS

JOHN SPENCE | INTERVIEW

Image by Heidi Barroll

FIRST OF ALL, CONGRATULATIONS ON THE THREE NEW PROPERTIES ACQUIRED BY KARMA GROUP. COULD YOU PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT KARMA IN SPAIN, VIETNAM AND INDIA?

Yes of course, Well, I just come back from Spain actually. I was there over the last couple of weeks putting our plans together; try to get it open for Easter, next year. It’s in a village called Gaucin and Gaucin is one of the Pueblo Blancos, the white villages, which sit in the south of the state of Andalusia. Andalusia is the state at the bottom of Spain, famous for the Costa del Sol, places like Marbella, Malaga, Fuengirola, and these amazing tourist strips. And behind it is a very authentic Spanish countryside. The Pueblo Blanco sit on the top of sierras, on top of the hills, looking down on the coast and you can see the rock of Gibraltar from there. It’s magnificent location. It’s about an hour from the airport, or to the airport.

You get there from either Malaga or you go in via Gibraltar. The village itself dates back over thousands of years. It was famous as the location of many battles between the Moors and the Catholics in the sort of constant raging wars. Eventually the Moors were kicked out of Spain and it became a catholic nation. But for many years it was a Moorish, an Arab nation, hence al Andalus which became Andalusia, and naval towns in the area Malaga, Marbella were all Moorish towns. So it sticked in history, got a beautiful castle, its got amazing churches, its got fantastic buildings. We came across it some years ago and been negotiating for some time. And we eventually closed the deal recently. It sits just 2 miles outside the town with magnificent views, of the sierras and the rock of Gibraltar in the distance. It sits on a land large plot of land, 9 hectare, 90.000m2. It’s surrounded by state forest. Initially its going to have 25 accommodation units, plus an amazing bar, a restaurant, we got a Bodega there, we are going to have a games room, it has a beautiful pool, with Cabana and terraces around it.

And our plans are in the future to develop extra inventory, glamping inventory in the form of tents and yurts, which will sit in the woods. I also teach UCLA, University College of Los Angeles and we’ve invited the students there to join us in this project, to help us design these temporary eco-structure, which will sit in the woods, which will be separate but integral to the existing property. And it will be very green, very-very carbon neutral, very eco-structure. So I am quite pleased with that. I had them over a couple of weeks ago and everybody got some great ideas. So we think it’s going to be very attractive to all our members and clients. It’s close to the coast. It’s only half an hour from the famous beaches of the Costa del Sol. In itself it’s a great destination. It’s got amazing walks. It’s also very close to the towns of Ronda, Sevilla, and Cadiz, and these famous Andalusian cities, which got a host of culture and attractions to them.

Elsewhere in Vietnam we acquired a new property in Hoi An. Hoi An is the one of the cultural capital of Vietnam. It’s UNESCO heritage listed. We’ve had a resort there for some time. This is a new property in the middle of town. It’s got 50 units. It’s a short walk to the heart of Hoi An, where its all pedestrianized and there are no cars and you can wander around on bicycle or you paddle up the boats, amazing cuisine, amazing culture, it’s a fascinating place. It’s also very close to the beaches which are only about 10 min away by bicycle, or 2 min by taxi, and magnificent South China Sea with great beaches, great restaurants, and of course the cuisine is just outstanding in Vietnam. So, we are looking forward to that getting open. Just as soon as restrictions are lifted. I heard that’s quite positive.

And over in India, yes we acquired several resorts in India, we’re very active in India. It’s where it all began in 27, almost 28 years ago. We have a new resort in the Nandi Hills, which is just outside Bangalore, about 1 hour from Bangalore. We have a new property in Udaipur, which is where of course one of the palace sits in the Rajasthan and also in Rajasthan we acquired a property just outside Jaisalmer another famous city.This is very interesting; it’s actually a tented camp. So there are some hard construction, but mostly accommodation units and common area is in tents. You got on camel safaris, it’s in the desert, it’s the Thorn desert, which is only 20 km from the center of Jaisalmer, but it’s a true desert with sand dunes.

You can get on camels, you can sleep under the stars, and you get very low light pollution, an amazing experience. And one thing we are doing is bracketing all our Rajasthani resorts together by providing transport options. And so people can go and spent a few nights in Udaipur, few nights in Jaipur where we have our resort, few nights in Jaisalmer. And we have a fleet of Ambassador cars that would drive you between the various locations and so people get a true Rajasthan experience. Which again we think is going to be very popular to many of our clients and members over the next few years.

You acquired Karma Salak in Puncak (Bogor – West Java). Would you mind to share a background story behind this?

Karma Salak, this was a bit of an accident, to be candid. I mean what happened with the pandemic is that we were really forced to overlook the Indonesian market and say, I don’t think we got enough resorts in Indonesia. We’ve maybe a bit lazy over the years. We’ve developed many resorts in Bali, and that area where that be in the Gili Islands or Bali itself, and our market was a combination of the western market and the Indonesian market. And things were very well, our resorts were full and business was good. But clearly with the pandemic in meant all of us sudden that the foreign markets, primarily the Australian market stopped.

And so we were forced to look at ourselves and say well, what does a lot more we can do in Indonesia and with the Indonesian market? And so we went out and try to identify and acquire some more resorts. And this actually is being quite a common trend all over the world, because the last two years, tourism was really become domestic. So our Indonesian resorts are visited by Indonesians, our English resorts by English or German, our Australian by Australian, and its been quite a chaotic exercise, because it forced us to look at expanding our portfolio so we can increase the attraction to the domestic audience.

And so we looked around Jakarta and one of the goals with our new acquisitions is to be quite near a major metro, near where we already have owners and members and near where we think we can attract more members in the future so that it is easy for them to go and visit our resorts, and easy to experience the Karma philosophy and lifestyle and jeune se quais, and yet be somewhere that when the world opens up, which thankfully it is at the moment, the international consumer and our international members was also be very keen to go and visit. So it has to be a combination attractive to the local domestic market and but also attractive to the international market. So Karma Salak came up. I went to see it myself and that area blew me away.

I love nasi goreng, but the mountains and the volcanoes, and the local scenery, the people were wonderfully friendly, and we found this property which seem to tick the boxes which is why we actually went ahead and acquired it. And it has been a great success. Since then we are looking at more in Indonesia. We are about to announce, literally this week the acquisition of a new property in Yogyakarta, which again I think is a beautiful area where clearly its a natural, a lot of people live, and a lot of Indonesians like to visit it for the culture, the temples etc. And I also believe just like with Karma Salak that when the Brits, the Australians and the Americans, and the Germans can once again visit Indonesia, these are beautiful locations to go and see, and again with the same logic as we have done in India, what we are trying to do is what we call split center destinations and so that the consumer can come from let’s say London or from Sydney.

They can spent a few days in Bali, few days in Karma Salak, few days in Yogya, and we are looking at other sites all over Indonesia which maybe they wouldn’t have gone to before, but because we can bracket them with Bali they will be able to go there and they’ll discover some amazing places and see that Indonesia has a host of fantastic destination for them to visit.

What is next? Where do you plan to acquire more? Maybe in Indonesia and overseas?

Well absolutely. I mean tomorrow I get on a plane to go to Scotland where we are going to be acquiring a new asset that I think is going to be very exciting. After Scotland we are looking all over Europe, as I said we recently relaunched down in Spain. We are looking at various other places in Italy, and down in Greece. In India we have some new assets that we are looking at. And further a field; we’ve got some very interesting projects in the Philippines.

We have a resort, which we hope to launch relatively soon on the beautiful island of Palawan, we’re looking at a project down in Fiji. We have a lot to build in east coast of Australia and Kiwis love to go, which is Denaral in the Manuka Islands. And most probably most exotic or far away is we are about to close on the acquisition of a piece of land in northern Brazil near the town of Fortaleza. It’s becoming a mecca for windsurfers or kite surfers and all sorts of adventure sports fanatics, and we’ve looked at a piece of land there, which has permit on to build a hotel. And that’ll be our first in Latin America region and so expect to hear more about that soon.

But yes going in on to the pandemics, I said we would come out of it with no fewer resorts then we went in.

We kind modify it halfway through, and said that we’ll actually come out with more resorts. And I’ll modify again to make a very bullish call a number months ago that my goal to emerge from the pandemic with 10 new hotels and we hold the moment into it. And this is very born out, I mean, we are in a situation where we are fortunate, we got no debt, we have no partners, we got cash in the bank, we are nimble, we can buy things swiftly. Opportunities have come up all over the world, and we are able to capitalize on them.

And so while there has been many problems because the pandemic, there is also been a huge upside for us and its been a little bit of cure to take, but lots of resorts are coming on to line.

Karma Group was sponsoring a oncein-a-lifetime live reading of Dante’s The Divine Comedy. Could you please tell us a little story behind this initiative? How did it first happen?

The Dante Divine. Yes again, it was a bit of an accident really. I mean, I have been involved in the entertainment business all my life, I used to be in the music business and I have many friends still in it, I have friends in the acting world and performance world. And so we heard about that there were two things that which coincide really. One; is we heard about the 700th anniversary of Dante Aligherie’s death, and two; I love Florence, we have a resort called Borgo di Colleoli just outside Florence.

I think it is my favorite city on the planet, and this is where obviously the celebration going to be of his passing away, because that’s where Dante lived for much of his life and where’s his house he was born in, and where he has been celebrated. And it was a host of actors and actress in it, such as Hellen Mirren, Rupert Everett, Ralph Fines and various other incredible well-known actor and actresses.

We were fortunate enough to be involved in it, help sponsor it and help put it on. It was an amazing event, it went over 24 hours and it was both live in Florence and also beamed around the world. We put on in various of our properties of an sort live screening type basis. Yes that was one of those accidents of a great pleasure to be involved in. I think one of the things we like in Karma is that we always say we’re much more than being in the lodging business, we are in the entertainment business, and our job is to entertain people.

That entertainment maybe the experience that they have when they are with us. It maybe the great bars, restaurants, it maybe the wine that we make, it maybe the olive oil that we produce. We run all sorts of cultural events all on our own as we have our olive picking weekends where they go and actually pick the olives themselves and put it in the olive press down at Le Preverger, our chateau down in the south of France, that used to belong to Jean Moreau and Laura Ashley. We are running at the moment a number of events where for they get down for 3 days in all sorts of cultural events and wine tasting and what have you.

We put a lot of events like Dante’s comedy. We got involved in a lot of sports event. We sponsor a number of Rugby teams. We’ve been involved in soccer and all sorts of things over the years. So we are much more than just a hotel, and our members and our clients really enjoy that, the fact we do a lot more.

Any advice you would share to young entrepreneurs, to tackle problems and find solution, to survive and even grow more, especially amidst this pandemic?

Yeah, look, I think the answer is always look to the glass being half full. I am fortunate enough to teach entrepreneurs. I teach at Yale University UCLA. Ironic, because I am a University dropout. So I was the guy who left after 2 terms. I got no formal education, but one thing and I try to teach them often, business school and young entrepreneurs taught to be seriously good business managers, seriously good CEO’s, but maybe not great entrepreneurs. They’re taught risk aversion, rather than you should have risk embracement. To be an entrepreneur you got to be embracing risk, you actually got to look sometimes for risk, cause there then lays the opportunity. I also never be frighten of being wrong. So many people are taught business, are taught overanalyzes, like make sure you’ve making the right decision, and run spreadsheets and go through various process to make sure what you’ve doing is the right thing. But we teach them the opposite. It’s not risk aversions, it’s risk embracement.

Yes I was saying risk embracement, I mean look for risk, make decisions quickly. Where an entrepreneur in a smaller new company can beat the more established companies, is making decisions quickly and moving fast. It is a little bit like the difference between a big tanker and a small speedboat.

The tanker is bigger and maybe more reliable and can go further distance, but it can’t turn very quickly. Where a speedboat is small and can turn in an instant. So as an entrepreneur, move quickly, make a decision and brace risk, don’t be worried about making mistakes, because you learn from your mistakes. And that’s how you can get opportunity and how you can beat the big boys. You have to be swift and you have to be prepared to make decisions on the day. Where’s the big companies tend to have committees and boards and all sorts of things that’s new to them and slows them down. I think, finally I’d say, actual fact during times of disruption and uncertainty, they often are the biggest opportunities and often it’s the disruptors that succeed. We have found that during the pandemic is being a cure take, there’s been things that haven’t been so good. Of course I wouldn’t say everything is being positive by any means. But there’s been great opportunity, and that’s often the way.

It’s the line worn by Warren Buffet said, that you’re in the actually see who’s wearing bathers when the tide goes out. And this at the time the companies that got too much debt, or they overleveraged, or they too bloated and they haven’t got enough profit, they have gone out of business. And so opportunity has presented itself, and it will as we come out of the pandemic, there’s going to be a boom we believe very strongly, that there’s going to be a hospitality boom because people have excess savings in their bank accounts, because they haven’t been able to go out, they haven’t had meals or staying in hotels.

They want to reward themselves for being locked down and pat themselves on the back and say, we did it, we survived, they want to get a revenge to be honest on the pandemic, or the government, or whatever, for locking them down. There is also an element of fear because people worry that the pandemic may come back, or the government may tax their money, or something may happen and there is a sense of mortality.

So we think that means that when people can go out, and they can stay and they can go out to lunch and dinner whatever, they will and they’ll spend more and they’ll enjoy themselves more. And we’ve certainly seen that. Because when our resorts have been opened and people can get to us, then they are spending more, they are staying longer, and they are having a better time, and as a certain sense of carpe diem, seize the day. So the boom is coming for young entrepreneurs. You have the opportunity of a lifetime to capitalize on it. Just go and do it! _HEV_

Minor Hotels Announces New NH Collection Property in Qatar

NH COLLECTION DOHA OASIS HOTEL & BEACH CLUB TO OPEN IN MID-2022

Bangkok, 20 January 2022: Minor Hotels, a hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with a portfolio of 528 hotels and resorts in 55 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, South America, Africa and the Indian Ocean, is pleased to announce the signing of an upcoming addition to its portfolio in Qatar. NH Collection Doha Oasis Hotel & Beach Club is slated to open in mid-2022 and will be the first NH Collection property globally with a beach club.

The hotel is currently in the later stages of development and is located in the Ras Abu Abboud area along Doha’s eastern coast, midway between the city centre and Hamad International Airport. The previous Oasis Hotel, from where the new property takes its name, was in the same location and was Doha’s first ever hotel when it opened in the 1950’s. The hotel has a rich history and was a prominent destination for local Qataris, residents and state visitors, with many celebrations and official events having taken place there.

The fully redeveloped hotel will have a total of 300 guest rooms, across a mix of Superior and Deluxe Rooms and over 50 suites, all with a design blending modern and classical elegance. The suites will include six 156 square metre Emiri Suites, a 193 square metre Presidential Suite and an impressive Royal Duplex Suite, offering 332 square metres of luxurious space. The F&B offering will be very strong, with six restaurants and bars, including two specialty restaurants and a rooftop bar.

Additional facilities will include both male and female spas and gyms, a large ballroom totalling 1,200 square metres and divisible by two, and a mezzanine level with additional meeting rooms, a business centre and supporting conference space. The new hotel will also have a beach club with a swimming pool set amidst gardens, padel tennis courts, plus substantial parking.

This will be the first NH Collection to launch outside of the brand’s traditional areas of operation in Europe and America. NH Collection hotels are conceived for discerning travellers, whether for business or pleasure, who are looking for strategic locations in core international destinations. The brand blends thoughtful attention to detail, outstanding services, premium innovative products, state-of-the-art technology and genuine local gastronomy.

The new property is owned by members of the Darwish Family, a notable household in Qatar, who operate in various trading sectors.

Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels commented, “We are pleased to announce this upcoming addition to our portfolio in Qatar. Minor Hotels already has a strong presence in the country across multiple brands and we are excited to be partnering with the Darwish Family to add this NH Collection hotel and beach club into the mix, bringing an alternative offering to our customers. 2022 will be one of the most important years in Qatar’s history, with all eyes on the country for the FIFA World Cup, and we are delighted to be launching another great property in Doha at such an exciting time.”

Mr. Darwish expressed his delight to be cooperating with Minor International to operate the new NH Collection Doha Oasis Hotel & Beach Club, after selecting the group for their vast expertise in managing five star hotels around the world, combined with the hospitality requirements of the Middle East, the Far East and Europe, and the family are looking forward to what the hotel will bring to hospitality and tourism in Qatar.

Minor Hotels currently has five properties in operation in Qatar across its Anantara, Tivoli and Oaks brands, in addition to an Anantara and an NH Collection in the pipeline to launch in 2022.

About Minor Hotels:

Minor Hotels is an international hotel owner, operator and investor currently with more than 520 hotels in operation. Minor Hotels passionately explores new possibilities in hospitality with a diverse portfolio of properties designed intelligently to appeal to different kinds of travellers, serving new passions as well as personal needs. Through our Anantara, AVANI, Oaks, Tivoli, M Collection, NH Collection, NH, nhow, Elewana, Marriott, Four Seasons, St. Regis, Radisson Blu and Minor International properties, Minor Hotels operates in 55 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe, South America and North America.With dynamic plans to expand existing brands and explore strategic acquisitions throughout opportunistic markets, Minor Hotels pursues a vision of a more passionate and interconnected world.

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