Travel Aggregator (April 2021)

APRIL 2021

APAC Newsletter

Spectacular Breakfast Views To Start Your Day ~ Page 6

Liven Up Your Feed ~ Page 14

Best Weekend Breaks In Your Backyard ~ Page 34

FOREWORD

WEBBEDS ASIA PACIFIC DARYL LEE CEO Daryl.Lee@webbeds.com SUN KOK SHENG CCO Koksheng.Sun@webbeds.com CYNDI NG COO Cyndi.Ng@webbeds.com BERNARD CHIONH CFO Bernard.Chionh@webbeds.com

FOREWORD

CHERYL CHEANG Vice President, Marketing Cheryl.Cheang@webbeds.com

Welcome to April’s edition of Travel Aggregator, WebBeds’ monthly newsletter dedicated exclusively to the travel trade in Asia Pacific.

EILEEN TOK Vice President, Commercial Technology Eileen.Tok@webbeds.com

This month marks the 3rd anniversary of Travel Aggregator, and we’re celebrating this milestone with a makeover! Cleaner, clearer and with more white space, our new look is designed to be more attractive and easier to read. We hope you like it!

In this edition, we’re livening up your social media! If your Insta is looking a little lacklustre, check out our one-of-a-kind hotels to inspire you and your online followers. Simply check in to these picture-perfect properties and breathe new life into your social feed!

Also in April, we’re hitting the road again with the latest in our Road Trip series!

Discover two epic self-drive adventures as we head south in Korea and Thailand.

If you only have a few days to get away, don’t worry – we’ve also curated a collection of weekend breaks from Asia’s busiest cities. Finally, we’ll serve up the best hotel breakfasts with breath-taking views.

As always, we’ll present Asia Pacific’s most exciting new hotel openings, plus all the latest news and exclusive offers from WebBeds.

I hope you enjoy the read!

Daryl Lee CEO of WebBeds Asia Pacific

KRISTY LEE Lead Research Analyst Kristy.Lee@webbeds.com JINTANA PORNTANAPAT General Manager, Thailand and Indo-China Jintana.Porntanapat@webbeds.com VINCENT LEUNG Managing Director, Hong Kong, Philippines & Japan Vincent.Leung@webbeds.com JOY HUANG Managing Director, China Joy.Huang@webbeds.com LINDA KIM General Manager, South Korea Linda.Kim@webbeds.com ASHUTOSH DOGRA General Manager, India Ashutosh.Dogra@webbeds.com JOHN STUCCI President, Pacific John.Stucci@webbeds.com JOY ZHOU General Manager, Singapore and Malaysia Joy.Zhou@webbeds.com

To catch up on any past editions of Travel Aggregator, simply head to attractions.fitruums.com/landing/aggregator

@WebBedsAPAC

ABOUT TRAVEL AGGREGATOR Travel Aggregator is the monthly newsletter published in-house by WebBeds Asia Pacific. Created especially for our travel trade partners and clients, this informative newsletter will include the latest updates from WebBeds Asia Pacific, including our news and developments, plus exciting offers from our partners, a selection of the hottest hotel deals, and much more!

If you’d like to be featured in the next issue of Travel Aggregator, please email Travel.Aggregator@fitruums.com. Alternatively, for marketing partnerships with WebBeds Asia Pacific, please email marketing@fitruums.com.

2

Floating breakfast overlooking a lush tropical landscape

Where Style Meets Luxe GARDENEast Serviced Apartments in Wan Chai is strategically located in the center of Hong Kong Island, an extension of Central connecting commercial hubs with a highly accessible and convenient transportation infrastructure.

Our Serviced Apartments offer cosy Studio Rooms to One-Bedroom Suites with flexible and customizable lease terms from 1 month to 2 years.

Reserve now and save more!

www.gardeneast.com.hk | 222 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Tel: +852 3973 3388 | Email: sales@fitruums.com

SCAPES HOTEL

SCAPES Hotel

4

NEWLY OPENED

SCAPES HOTEL

Nestled in the rolling green hills of Malaysia’s Genting Highlands, one new resort is giving guests the chance to immerse themselves in nature. Surrounded by lush tropical landscapes, yet just moments from the area’s popular tourist activities, SCAPES Hotel blends contemporary design with organic opulence to create exceptional experiences.

With 176 rooms and suites, including twin, triple, quad and two-bedroom suite options, SCAPES Hotel is ideal for all types of travellers. The sleek and stylish interiors (with six unique room design concepts) are accompanied by modern amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, Smart TVs and mini-fridges.

During the day, there are many different ways to unwind, including an “Aqua Deck” with outdoor pools for adults and kids, surrounded by lawns, sundecks and cosy cabanas. The “Kids Zone” will keep youngsters entertained, while adults can work out in a glass-fronted fitness centre, and the Poolside Café is a great place for light bites and daytime drinks. Alternatively, attractions such as the Awana Golf Course, Awana Skyway cable car, Premium Outlets retail park and the famous Genting Highlands Theme Park are all within easy reach.

5

Spectacular

BReakfast viewS TO START YOUR DAY

When you’re on holiday, is there any more magical time of day than breakfast? This morning meal is the time when you come together with your loved ones, plan your activities, and when anything seems possible. And then there is the breakfast itself; a spectacular spread of delicacies – hot or cold, healthy or hearty, and always accompanied with aromatic coffee or tea.

Occasionally however, breakfast can become truly breath-taking. Find out which hotels and resorts are elevating this experience to new heights, combining delicious dishes with dazzling views.

C L U B P A R A D I S E P A L A WA N , P H I L I P P I N E S

CLUB PARADISE PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES Club Paradise Palawan is aptly named; nestled on a 19-hectare tropical island, lined with powder-soft sands and surrounded by turquoise seas, this resort is truly idyllic. Stay in a choice of stunning suites and villas, many of which offer sea views.

Mornings at this pristine paradise start at the Firefish Restaurant, an elegant alfresco destination where you can enjoy an enticing oceanfront breakfast, kissed by the gentle sea breeze.

8

C L U B P A R A D I S E P A L A WA N , P H I L I P P I N E S

9

OAKS QUEENSTOWN CLUB SUITES, NEW ZEALAND

OAKS QUEENSTOWN CLUB SUITES, NEW ZEALAND Unwind on the serene shores of Lake Wakatipu, breathe in the pure air and soak up spectacular views of snow-capped peaks. Oaks Queenstown Club Suites showcases the natural beauty of New Zealand’s South Island with spacious accommodation and panoramic vistas.

The One- and Two-Bedroom Lake View Apartments come fully equipped with kitchenettes, so you can make your own leisurely breakfast while gazing out over the rippling water.

10

OAKS QUEENSTOWN CLUB SUITES, NEW ZEALAND

11

T A P R O B A N A WA D D U WA , S R I L A N K A

TAPROBANA WADDUWA, SRI LANKA This blissful beachfront resort is located less than an hour’s drive from Colombo, but its tranquil ambience feels a million miles away from the outside world. Enhance your stay with an allinclusive concept that comprises a full range of five-star services, overlooking the Indian Ocean.

For a truly indulgent experience, a floating breakfast is available upon request and features a selection of sumptuous dishes, served in the hotel’s outdoor infinity pool.

12

T A P R O B A N A WA D D U WA , S R I L A N K A

13

LIVEN UP

Your Feed

We are all feeling the urge to post throwback photos of our past vacations to relive some of those moments. If your social media feed is looking lacklustre these days, why not take a domestic trip with your loved ones for an opportunity to spruce up your feed by staying at one of these hotels that offer picture-perfect décor, inspiring settings and more?

Here are Asia Pacific’s one-of-a-kind properties to stimulate your creativity and liven up your feed once again!

NA R R O WS E S C A P E R A I N F O R E S T R E T R E AT

NARROWS ESCAPE RAINFOREST RETREAT @narrowsescape Just 90 minutes’ drive from the buzzing streets of Brisbane, on the edge of Kondalilla National Park, Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat is a private and romantic retreat that reflects the beauty of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and the artistic spirit of Montville, an enchanting artisan village.

Every element of this boutique retreat is balanced with nature; the luxury villas are crafted from local woods, all products used onsite are ethical and organic, and the resort’s operating practices are eco-friendly.

16

NA R R O WS E S C A P E R A I N F O R E S T R E T R E AT

17

NA R R O WS E S C A P E R A I N F O R E S T R E T R E AT

Perched in the hills, overlooking the stunning Sunshine Coast, Narrows Escape is on the doorstep of Queensland’s f

a slice of paradise in one of six spacious wooden villas, each with a shady veranda overlooking the rainforest. Laze in log fireplace in the evening. #NarrowsEscape #Indulgent #EcoEscapes

18

NA R R O WS E S C A P E R A I N F O R E S T R E T R E AT

famed Great Walk. Within this pristine setting, guests can uncover

n your hammock, luxuriate in the spa bath, or warm up by your

19

TA J B E K A L R E S O R T & S PA , K E R A L A

TAJ BEKAL RESORT & SPA, KERALA @tajbekalresort Kerala is famous for its blissful backwaters – a labyrinth of languid lagoons and swaying palms that exude a sense of tropical tranquillity. The unique design at Taj Bekal Resort & Spa is inspired by the traditional houseboats that ply these idyllic waterways and built using local materials, the rooms and villas fuse Balinese design with traditional motifs including hand-carved doors and hand-painted murals. Fill your feed with a backdrop of white-washed stone walls, woven canopy roofs, manicured lawns and verdant foliage.

20

TA J B E K A L R E S O R T & S PA , K E R A L A

21

TA J B E K A L R E S O R T & S PA , K E R A L A

This luxurious resort features 75 stylish rooms and pristine pool villas with a choice of views of the sea, swinging palm

guests can immerse their senses at the Jiva Spa, which embraces Ayurvedic therapies or unwind in the sparkling ho

and shady palms. Dining options include outstanding restaurants that specialise in fresh local seafood and authent

22

TA J B E K A L R E S O R T & S PA , K E R A L A

ms, lush greens, and the backwaters. Throughout their stay,

otel pool, which is nestled amid a lush landscape of green lawns

tic Keralan cuisine. #ExperienceTaj #Tajness #Luxurious

23

THE PENINSULA HONG KONG

THE PENINSULA HONG KONG @peninsulahongkong What could be more rewarding than capturing a global icon? The “Grande Dame of the Far East” debuted in 1928, and while Hong Kong has changed beyond recognition through the years, The Peninsula Hong Kong has remained true to its roots. Guests can absorb the grace and elegance of a bygone era in the original six-storey building, with its colonial-style architecture and classic interiors. Don’t miss Felix, the Philippe Starckdesigned top floor restaurant with spectacular views of the city’s skyline.

24

THE PENINSULA HONG KONG

25

THE PENINSULA HONG KONG

The Peninsula Hong Kong is the city’s most famous hotel and also houses some of its most outstanding five-star fac brands, a sublime spa, and an inspiring indoor pool with panoramic city views. Eight restaurants and lounges offer the refined Cantonese venue that has earned a prestigious Michelin star. #PenMoments #Iconic #Beautiful

26

THE PENINSULA HONG KONG

cilities, including a shopping arcade with many high-end exceptional epicurean experiences, including Spring Moon,

27

THE RUMA HOTEL & RESIDENCES

THE RUMA HOTEL & RESIDENCES @therumahotel The RuMa Hotel and Residences embraces the vibrant energy of 21st Century Kuala Lumpur, while also harking back to the area’s industrial past.

British architect Andy Hall was influenced by the rubber plantations and tin mines that dominated the landscape around KL in the colonial era, and photographers can take their own inspiration from The RuMa’s breath-taking aesthetics, including a theatrical terracotta birdcage and bronze water fountain in the lobby, and a grand staircase that appears to “drill” through the copper-tiled ceiling.

28

THE RUMA HOTEL & RESIDENCES

29

THE RUMA HOTEL & RESIDENCES

Nestled in KL’s dynamic Golden Triangle, The RuMa houses 253 luxurious rooms and suites, along with enticing gue

the Petronas Towers, while UR SPA is a minimalist sanctuary for the senses. Daytime refreshments can be discovere

Malaysian cuisine can be savoured at ATAS, which extends to the alfresco VERANDAH. #TheRuMa #UrbanResort #R

30

THE RUMA HOTEL & RESIDENCES

est experiences. A stylish sixth-floor infinity pool overlooks

ed at SEVEN, a daylight-filled conservatory, and modern

Retreat

31

Rediscover South Korea WITH

KENSINGTON RESORTS

Enjoy up to 15% off selected Kensington Resorts in South Korea Book: Now - 30 Apr 2021 | Stay: Now - 30 Jun 2021 Find out more >

Best

Weekend Breaks In YOur Backyard While we all love international adventures, it can be easy to gaze out to the wide world and overlook the beauty that lies on our own doorstep. The pandemic may have caused unprecedented disruption to global travel, but it has also given us a unique opportunity to rediscover and reconnect with our local neighbourhoods. In this edition of Travel Aggregator, we continue to search closer to home for travel inspiration, with a collection of rewarding weekend breaks within easy reach of Asia’s major cities.

HASHIMA ISLAND, NAGASAKI

TRAVEL FROM: NAGASAKI, JAPAN

UNCOVER THE AMAZING HISTORY OF HASHIMA ISLAND

36

Hashima Island is a fascinating place; an

Also known as Gunkanjima (or “Battleship Island”)

abandoned island lying 15km off the west coast

due to its distinctive shape, the island was

of Kyushu, this tiny island once housed more than

abandoned in the 1970s and has since been inscribed

5,000 people to work in its coal mines. In the 1960s,

on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Take a short ferry

it was more densely populated than Tokyo!

ride from Nagasaki to explore this industrial icon.

I+LAND NAGASAKI

I+LAND NAGASAKI To enhance your offshore adventure, i+land Nagasaki is an enchanting resort on Iojima Island, linked by a bridge to the mainland. Connect with nature in ocean-facing rooms, taste fresh local cuisine at a choice of indoor and alfresco restaurants, and revitalise your body in the hot springs and spa.

37

D I N H C A U N I G H T M A R K E T, P H U Q U O C

TRAVEL FROM: HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM

EXCITE YOUR SENSES AT PHU QUOC’S NIGHT MARKET Phu Quoc is famous for its sun, sea and sand,

Nestled on the west coast, where fishermen haul

but local travellers may be more tempted by

their catch ashore, this vibrant market promises

the sights, sounds and smells of Dinh Cau Night

an amazing array of dining and shopping

Market – a bustling hive of activity that showcases

opportunities in a pedestrian-friendly setting.

the authentic heart and soul of the “Pearl Island”.

Pick up souvenirs then sit down to savour grilled scallops, squid, crab, shrimps and more!

38

T H E S H E L L S R E S O R T & S PA P H U Q U O C

THE SHELLS RESORT & SPA PHU QUOC Just a short drive up the palm fringed coast from Dinh Cau, The Shells Resort & Spa Phu Quoc is a five-star resort with spectacular sea and sunset views. Stay in a choice of accommodation, including beachfront villas, cool off in the pool or spa, and enjoy delectable dining at the poolside restaurant.

39

G U N U N G BAT U J O N G G O L , P U N C A K

TRAVEL FROM: JAKARTA, INDONESIA

HIKE THROUGH THE HILLS OF PUNCAK

40

Escape the heat of the Indonesian capital and

Jonggol. The hike only takes approximately two

soothe your soul with a hike through the cool hills

hours, but the views from the summit are simply

of Puncak. Just two and a half hours’ drive from

sensational – especially at sunset. For city-dwellers

the heart of the capital, urbanites can embark on

seeking a change from the shopping malls and

an invigorating trek up the slopes of Gunung Batu

busy streets, Puncak feels like another world!

JSI RESORT

JSI RESORT JSI Resort is the perfect base for any exploration of Puncak. The eclectic accommodation embraces the natural beauty of the local area, including spacious tents, wooden villas, container homes and even private pool villas for indulgent escapes.

Unwind in the outdoor pool and gardens, or dine in the impressive restaurant.

41

HIT OPEN ROAD THE

AN EPIC

DRIVE DOWN TO THE BEAUTIFULL SOUTH 2021 is the year of the road trip! All across Asia Pacific, drivers have unprecedented opportunities to hit the road and explore the wonders of their home country. This breath-taking region is home to some outstanding highways that wind through dazzling landscapes. The only thing you need is a car and the open road – the rest is up to you!

This month, we take the scenic road south in Korea and Thailand, with a pair of unforgettable self-drive itineraries.

PA R K R O C H E

RECOMMENDED HOTEL IN GANGWON

PARK ROCHE Park Roche is a stylish mountain retreat where guests can soothe their senses, surrounded by the stunning hills and valleys of Gangwon-do.

This five-star resort specialises in wellness, with an indoor-outdoor spa, yoga and meditation space, sauna and more. Panoramic views from each room ensure that every guest feels at one with the environment.

Discover more accommodation options across South Korea >

46

PA R A D I S E H O T E L B U S A N

RECOMMENDED HOTEL IN BUSAN

PARADISE HOTEL BUSAN Paradise Hotel Busan is perfectly positioned at Haeundae Beach, with uninterrupted views of the Korea Strait and city skyline. Guests can stay in a choice of spacious rooms and stunning suites, dine at a selection of seven restaurants and bars, including chic sea-facing options, or unwind in soothing spa, sparkling pools and even a worldclass casino.

Discover more accommodation options across South Korea >

47

T H E P E R I H O T E L H UA H I N

RECOMMENDED STAY IN HUA HIN

THE PERI HOTEL HUA HIN Part of the Sansiri Hotel Collection, The Peri Hotel Hua Hin exudes the authentic spirit and soul of Thai hospitality. Stay in a choice of bright, tropical rooms, including poolside options, enjoy water sports or yoga sessions, sip cool drinks at the Surf Lodge and savour the fishermen’s “Catch of the Day” at Chow Mong, the rustic-chic restaurant.

Discover more accommodation options across Thailand >

50

CAPE SIENNA PHUKET GOURMET HOTEL & VILLAS

RECOMMENDED HOTEL IN PHUKET

CAPE SIENNA PHUKET GOURMET HOTEL & VILLAS Cape Sienna Phuket Gourmet Hotel & Villas blends the sophistication of an urban retreat with the tropical beauty of Phuket. Guests can stay in stylish studios and suites that overlook the ocean, chill out at the seafront café and pool, relax at the spa, play tennis on the sea-facing court, then dine at the steakhouse restaurant.

Discover more accommodation options across Thailand >

52

The Prince Park Tower Tokyo Tokyo, Japan Surrounded by the verdant Shiba Park, The Prince Park Tower Tokyo soars 33 stories high into the sky of downtown Tokyo.

The luxurious hotel offers spectacular views of Tokyo Tower, the symbol of Tokyo and the vast cityscape.

A dramatic lobby with an atrium all the way to the top floor will grasp your heart at the beginning of your stay.

All kinds of upscale features such as spa, indoor pool, natural hot springs, bowling, billiards, and restaurants are on site to design your stay.

It' s like an oasis preserved in the heart of the city.

This refined flagship hotel of Prince Hotels will truly make your stay a memorable one. www.princehotels.com/parktower/

sales@fitruums.com

4-8-1 Shibakoen Minato,Tokyo 105-8563 Japan

Prince Safety Commitment We, the Prince Hotels, have developed the Prince Safety Commitment as a new protocol for hygiene and disinfection to be applied to all our hotels under our brands. This new protocol will enable us to provide our guests with a safe and clean environment to enjoy their stay with us. We are very much looking forward to welcoming you. www.princehotels.com/en/safety

It's time to plan for SOUTH KOREA The all-new Domestic Travel Guide to South Korea is here - packed with all the travel insider tips and recommendations you need to know.

Read Now

Check out our other Domestic Guides to: Australia | Malaysia | Thailand

AN TO PL TIME

BUSAN

n e Korea tip of th in Sou rn te s a outh-e est city on the s ond larg city, includ Located t port and sec g in tl s es is bu scen the larg ons in th beaches, and ti c ra tt t a f n tion o e p ic h o if lt g n a we all, mag e brilliant hikin m g in p vid s hop that pro

FOR

SOUTH KOREA

BUSA

N

GANG

me better ti r been a yard. With e v e n s a ck There h own ba ns, re your ttractio to explo ge of natural a omic n n ro ra st e a a wid , or g p, you richness doorste cultural far to at your

WON

INCHE

ON