Travel Aggregator (June 2024)

FOREWORD

Welcome to the June 2024 edition of Travel Aggregator, WebBeds’ monthly newsletter dedicated to the travel trade in Asia Pacific!

Travel is a wonderful way of broadening your mind and learning about new people and places. This month, we celebrate the power of travel to teach and inspire with an article dedicated to Asia Pacific’s most interesting and educational destinations – plus the best places to stay that reflect the historical, cultural or natural essence of each locale.

Continuing the theme of immersive adventures, we also take a look inside the region’s best boutique hotels. Infused with original and authentic elements, these are the places where experience-seeking explorers choose to stay.

Also in this issue, our popular foodie feature, “Eat Your Way Through…” will transport readers on an gastronomic journey to Bangkok – one of the world’s great culinary cities! With expert insights on where to dine and what to order, this is your ultimate guide to the Thai capital’s food scene.

Our “Featured Hotel of the Month” is Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa in Langkawi, “Newly-Opened” offers a sneak preview of Wink Hotel Can Tho, and of course, you can catch up with all the latest news and offers from WebBeds in Asia Pacific.

Enjoy the read!

KS Sun President, Asia Pacific WebBeds

To catch up on any past editions of Travel Aggregator, simply head to apac-marketing.webbeds.com/aggregator

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@webbeds.com. Alternatively, for marketing partnerships with WebBeds Asia Pacific, please email apac.marketing@webbeds.com

WEBBEDS ASIA PACIFIC

KS SUN President, APAC Koksheng.Sun@webbeds.com

CYNDI NG

Senior Vice President – Sourcing, APAC Cyndi.Ng@webbeds.com

CHERYL CHEANG

Vice President, Marketing, APAC Cheryl.Cheang@webbeds.com

CHUA CHUN KIAT

Vice President, Commercial Strategy, APAC Chunkiat.Chua@webbeds.com

EILEEN TOK

Vice President, Commercial Technology, APAC Eileen.Tok@webbeds.com

JOSEPHINE LIM

Vice President, Commercial Development, APAC Josephine.Lim@webbeds.com

CELES YAP

Country Manager, Malaysia Celes.Yap@webbeds.com

JINTANA PORNTANAPAT

General Manager, Thailand and Indochina Jintana.Porntanapat@webbeds.com

JOHN STUCCI

Regional Vice President, Indonesia, India & Pacific John.Stucci@webbeds.com

JOY HUANG

Regional Vice President, China Joy.Huang@webbeds.com

LINDA KIM

General Manager, South Korea Linda.Kim@webbeds.com

PETER LEE

General Manager, Japan Peter.Lee@webbeds.com

VENUS CHAN

General Manager, Hong Kong and Taiwan Venus.Chan@webbeds.com

@WebBedsAPAC

Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel Xi’an

Wink Hotel Can Tho

NEWLY OPENED

Wink Hotels, Vietnam’s stylish new “affordable luxury” brand that blends contemporary design and cuttingedge tech, is set to reveal its new hotel in Can Tho, the largest city in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta.

Scheduled to open on 5th June, Wink Hotel Can Tho will be the fourth hotel in Wink’s expanding portfolio, following its popular properties in Ho Chi Minh City and Danang. Commanding a prime downtown location close to the river, it will put travellers in the heart of this vibrant destination. Having stepped into the large living room-style lobby and enjoyed a seamless automated check-in, guests will find the entire city at their fingertips with a Wink mobile app, personalised online guides and a helpful team of staff on hand 24-7.

A choice of chic and “space-smart” rooms and suites, including double, twin and family options, are designed in a sleek and modern style, with comfy beddings, floor-to-ceiling windows, black-out blinds, power showers and free high-speed Wi-Fi to keep every guest fully connected. A restaurant and grab & go café serves light bites and meals, and the bar promises craft beers, cocktails, cold brew coffee and more throughout the day and night. Guests can work out in style at the 24-hour gym, cool off at the rooftop pool and stay productive with co-working spaces.

For travellers who want to discover the modern face of Vietnamese hospitality and uncover the cultural treasures of the Mekong Delta, Wink Hotel Can Tho will offer the ultimate blend of comfort, convenience and innovation.

Stay Boutique, Be Unique in Asia Pacific

For many modern travellers, simply visiting a city is not enough – they crave authentic experiences that immerse them in the local culture, history and heritage. In Asia Pacific, a new generation of urban boutique hotels is catering for these curious explorers. By combining unique elements such as original art and local cuisine with creative design and cutting-edge technology, guests can feel fully connected with the essence of their destination.

In this edition of Travel Aggregator, we check in to four of the region’s finest boutique hotels…

TOKYO, JAPAN

Hotel Gajoen

Tokyo

A waterside jewel in the city’s historic Shibaura district, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo blends rich heritage with contemporary style. Dating from 1928, when it first opened as a restaurant, this beautiful boutique hotel now houses a wealth of treasures, including more than 2,500 artworks and Hyakudan Kaidan (“The Hundred Stairs”) which has been designated as one of Tokyo’s cultural wonders. Guests can stroll amid the gardens, ponds and waterfalls, enjoy morning yoga sessions, or savour exquisite cuisine at a choice of restaurants.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Ovolo Woolloomooloo

Soak up the alfresco charm of Sydney’s Woolloomooloo Wharf at this five-star retreat. Tucked away on a chic heritage-listed pier, yet still only moments from the city’s main attractions, this boutique hotel exudes a bright and upbeat ambience, with contemporary artworks and splashes of colour throughout. Every loftinspired room is filled with light, equipped with the latest tech and adorned with an original mural on the bed’s headboard, and the wooden decks set the stage for daytime bites and cool cocktails.

SINGAPORE

The Warehouse Hotel

Infuse your stay in Singapore with the city’s rich trading heritage at this sensitively restored “godown”. Overlooking the Singapore River at Robertson Quay, this historic building has been reimagined for the 21st Century with sleek interiors and state-of-theart solutions such as Smart TVs and Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth speakers. The large rooms frame views of the river, the restaurant showcases modern Singaporean cuisine, and the glass-walled rooftop infinity pool sets the scene for dreamy daytimes and stylish sundowners.

BANDUNG, INDONESIA

Vasaka Maison Bandung

The classical and contemporary faces of Indonesia are fused together at this eye-catching boutique hotel. An elegant heritage house is complemented with a shining glass tower, which is topped with a stunning rooftop pool that commands 360-degree views of the city. With a choice of refined rooms and suites, classical European-style interiors, art-deco elements and creative cuisine, including the romantic Teras Café, beautiful Bistro Java & Heritage, and sophisticated Riri Bar, this is a stylish base from which to explore the wonders of this vibrant city.

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Educational Explorations in Asia Pacific

Travel is the best way to learn about the world’s rich diversity. For curious travellers who crave educational experiences, Asia Pacific is home to a wealth of historical, cultural and natural wonders that are just waiting to be discovered. This month, we reveal four of the region’s finest destinations that are sure to educate the mind and inspire the senses.

XI’AN, CHINA

Uncover Ancient Wonders

China’s ancient capital city, Xi’an dates from the 11th Century BCE which makes it a truly compelling place to visit and uncover historic manmade marvels. The iconic Terracotta Warriors are an unmissable attraction – a vast underground army built over 2,200 years ago to protect the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Travellers should also visit the ancient city wall, which is one of the oldest and best-preserved in China, and head out to the Buddhist Giant Wild Goose Pagoda which is over 1,400 years old.

WHERE TO STAY:

Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel Xi’an

Dating from 1953, this landmark five-star hotel is an icon of 20th Century China. First built as a state guesthouse, it has hosted many famous figures and dignitaries over the years, including Chinese leaders and heads of state. Now under the Sofitel brand, discerning visitors can expect international five-star facilities infused with European flair, including the elegant Dolce Vita restaurant and a Rémy Martin cognac bar, plus a soothing spa. For history lovers, the hotel even houses its own museum.

PENANG, MALAYSIA

Discover Colonial Architecture

Georgetown was once a thriving trading port that served as a gateway to Southeast Asia. Today, it is a vibrant, heritage-rich seafront city where striking street art and sizzling food stalls showcase the spirit of Malay culture, while its former status is still visible through its grand colonial architecture. Penang Town Hall and City Hall date from 1880 and 1903 respectively and stand as symbols of the former British rule, while Suffolk House is a beautiful 215-yearold mansion that exudes colonial elegance.

WHERE TO STAY:

Royale Chulan Penang

Nestled in Georgetown’s UNESCO-listed old city, this upscale hotel is housed in a heritage building that dates from 1892 and reflects the time-honoured charm of Penang’s capital. Just a short walk from Penang Town Hall and City Hall, guests can stay in spacious rooms and suites, some of which command sea views. Travellers can unwind at the Sri Tanjung Café and feel the colonial vibe at the Tea Room and Heritage Lounge, while the courtyard swimming pool is the perfect place to cool off.

© Photo Korea - Korea Tourism Organization, Kim Jiho

GYEONGJU, SOUTH KOREA

Explore Culture & Tradition

Often called a “museum without walls”, Gyeongju is a captivating city that overflows with treasures. With approximately 300 registered cultural sites, more than 50 of which have been recognised by UNESCO, this is a destination that rewards curious explorers. Start in the Gyeongju Special Tourist Zone, with its walled park, temples and tombs, then head to Yangdong Folk Village to uncover the grace of the Joseon dynasty. Gyeongju Expo Park guides visitors on an immersive, interactive journey through Korean culture.

WHERE TO STAY:

Kolon Hotel Gyeongju

Nestled amid lush greenery and opposite the Bulguksa Temple, this imposing upscale hotel puts visitors in the heritage heart of Gyeongju. With a focus on wellness, guests can unwind in natural hot springs, enjoy soothing therapies at the spa, or tee-off at the nine-hole golf course. Spacious rooms and suites are equipped with modern amenities, the elegant restaurant specialises in authentic Korean cuisine, and the lobby lounge is a wonderful place to relax and soak up views of Tohamsan Mountain.

ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND

Appreciate Mother Nature’s Marvels

Rotorua, the charming lakeside town on New Zealand’s North Island, is a geological treasure trove with an amazing array of natural wonders, such as steaming geysers, bubbling hot springs and mineralrich lakes, all steeped in Māori legend. For guests who want to discover New Zealand’s volcanic landscape, the famous Pohutu Geyser erupts up to 20 times a day and Wai-O-Tapu is a geothermal wonderland with an otherworldly collection of multi-hued pools. Don’t miss the Southern Hemisphere’s largest hot waterfall at Hell’s Gate.

WHERE TO STAY:

Novotel Rotorua Lakeside

Perched on the edge of Rotorua’s crater lake, this upscale hotel puts travellers in the heart of this volcanic landscape. Just a short drive from key sites such as Te Puia, Hell’s Gate and Wai-O-Tapu, while also being surrounded by city centre attractions, this is a great base for an educational vacation. Guests can stay in a choice of modern rooms and suites, many with lake views, dine at the Atlas Restaurant and even feel the soothing effect of Rotorua’s hot springs at the geothermal spa.

WHERE TO STAY:

Ascott Thonglor Bangkok

Ascott Thonglor Bangkok is a five-star serviced residence that puts guests in the epicentre of trendy Thong Lor, surrounded by world-class dining spots – including Mae Varee Mango Sticky Rice. When they are not exploring the city, guests can stay in a choice of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, take a dip in the outdoor pool or work out at the gym.

WHERE TO STAY:

Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square

Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square is located in the beating heart of the Thai capital, just steps from Siam Paragon’s food court, which is home to Thong Smith and many other outstanding culinary outlets. A rooftop infinity pool, sky bridge and yoga deck let every guest unwind in complete comfort, and Siam BTS skytrain station puts the entire city within easy reach.

WHERE TO STAY:

Furama Silom

Furama Silom is an upscale hotel surrounded by shops and restaurants in the lively Silom district, just a short walk from Everyday Mookrata. A choice of bright rooms and suites are available, including large family rooms, and self-check-out and chatbots will streamline the guest experience. Travellers can stay fit at the high-tech gym or relax at the rooftop pool and deck.

WHERE TO STAY:

Graph Hotels Bangkok

Graph Hotels Bangkok lets guests explore the vibrant Ratchada district in style, with design-led interiors and upscale amenities. Nestled close to the night market which is home to Maeklong Leng Zabb Jodd Fairs, the hotel features a choice of rooms and suites, including family options, plus a rooftop swimming pool and a restaurant with a vast, panoramic glass window.

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Featured Hotel of the Month

PELANGI BEACH RESORT & SPA

Langkawi, Malaysia

Culture-seeking explorers who want to blend the serenity of a five-star beach resort with the authentic atmosphere of a Malay village can experience inspiring stays at Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, Langkawi.

Nestled amid 35 acres of lush, tropical gardens, shimmering pools and coconut palms, and just steps from the soft sands of Cenang Beach, this is a charming resort where couples, families and friends can come together and unwind in style. The 355 rooms and suites are housed in 51 standalone chalets on stilts, evoking the ambiance of a traditional kampong, while the interiors blend modern amenities with traditional elements, including wooden verandas.

Throughout their stay, guests can dine at a choice of restaurants, including the beachfront Pelangi Grill which offers panoramic ocean views, chill out at the pool, grab refreshments at the pool bar, relax at the Pelangi Spa, or enjoy a wealth of energising activities, including squash, tennis, archery, mini golf, cycling and more. Alternatively, travellers can head out and explore the tropical wonders of Langkawi, Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Geopark.

One of this idyllic island’s finest resorts, Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa is the ultimate place to stay for guests who want to soak up the natural beauty and cultural charm of Langkawi.

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