Travel Aggregator (September 2021) by WebBeds Asia Pacific

SEPTEMBER 2021

APAC Newsletter

WFH: Hotels to inspire Executives ~ Page 4

The Art of Hospitality ~ Page 20

Family Spring Breaks in South Pacific ~ Page 40

FOREWORD

WEBBEDS ASIA PACIFIC KS SUN President, Asia Pacific Koksheng.Sun@webbeds.com CYNDI NG COO Cyndi.Ng@webbeds.com BERNARD CHIONH CFO Bernard.Chionh@webbeds.com CHERYL CHEANG Vice President, Marketing Cheryl.Cheang@webbeds.com CHUA CHUN KIAT Vice President, Commercial Strategy Chunkiat.Chua@webbeds.com

FOREWORD Welcome to the September edition of Travel Aggregator, WebBeds’ newsletter dedicated to the travel trade in Asia Pacific! This month, we shine a light on Asia Pacific’s art-inspired and influenced hotels. Some special properties around the region have become living galleries, featuring distinctive designs or displaying works by talented local artists. We’ll celebrate these hotels and reveal how they showcase the authentic art and architecture of their destination. Also in this edition, we take a closer look at the “WFH” (work from hotel) trend, which has seen many hotels and resorts offer their rooms, suites and meeting rooms as alternative offices. If you need a break from the four walls of your house or apartment, we’ll inspire you to change your routine by revealing some of Asia Pacific’s best hotel working spaces. We’re also looking ahead to the Mid-Autumn Festival by revealing the finest mooncake and tea pairings that you can share with your loved ones. And while autumn is on its way in the Northern Hemisphere, spring is blossoming south of the Equator, so we’ll highlight the best spring break opportunities in the South Pacific. Finally, we’ll provide all the latest news, photos and exclusive offers from WebBeds in Asia.

EILEEN TOK Vice President, Commercial Technology Eileen.Tok@webbeds.com JINTANA PORNTANAPAT General Manager, Thailand and Indo-China Jintana.Porntanapat@webbeds.com JOHN STUCCI Managing Director, Pacific, India & Indonesia John.Stucci@webbeds.com JOY HUANG Managing Director, China Joy.Huang@webbeds.com JOY ZHOU General Manager, Singapore and Malaysia Joy.Zhou@webbeds.com LINDA KIM General Manager, South Korea Linda.Kim@webbeds.com VINCENT LEUNG Managing Director, Hong Kong, Philippines & Japan Vincent.Leung@webbeds.com

I hope you enjoy the read! KS Sun President, Asia Pacific WebBeds

@WebBedsAPAC

To catch up on any past editions of Travel Aggregator, simply head to apac-marketing.webbeds.com/aggregator Sails in the Desert – Voyages Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara, Australia

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.

WFH : HOT EL S TO INSPIRE EXECUTIVE S In the pandemic era, working from home has become part of life. For many people however, being confined to your house or apartment can become boring, while others may lack the facilities or connectivity to create an effective office. To overcome this, hotels have stepped up to provide professional working areas and “WFH” packages. This month, we showcase the most inspiring places to take a workcation...

ORCHARD RENDEZVOUS HOTEL

SINGAPORE

ORCHARD RENDEZVOUS HOTEL Elevated Extras Elevate your WFH experience with an executive stay at the Club Level of the Orchard Rendezvous Hotel. The club rooms and suites are not only spacious, with working desks, complimentary Wi-Fi and tea & coffee making facilities; they also promise exclusive access to the Club Lounge, including daily breakfast, business services, evening snacks and extra benefits.

ORCHARD RENDEZVOUS HOTEL

VILLAGE HOTEL BUGIS

SINGAPORE

VILLAGE HOTEL BUGIS Embrace Your Creativity Add some artistic inspiration into your working week at this hotel, conveniently located in the cultural Kampong Glam district. Having enjoyed a productive day at your room’s working desk, take a dip in the outdoor pool, unwind with a drink or meal at the onsite halal restaurant, then head out to explore this intriguing area.

VILLAGE HOTEL BUGIS

HOTEL MIDCITY MYEONGDONG

SOUTH KOREA

HOTEL MIDCITY MYEONGDONG Get in the Zone Transport your office to the commercial centre of Seoul! Bright and inviting, this impressive midscale hotel is also well equipped; every room features a working area, complimentary Wi-Fi and an electric kettle, making it ideal for executives. The Business Zone offers professional services 24 hours a day, and the rooftop is a great place to relax at the end of the day.

HOTEL MIDCITY MYEONGDONG

W I T H S TAY H O T E L J E J U

SOUTH KOREA

WITH STAY HOTEL JEJU Complete Convenience WFH experiences should be as seamless and stress-free as possible, and this is what guests can expect at the With Stay Hotel Jeju. An automated front desk system makes checking in and out a breeze, and the café (open until 2am) and onsite convenience store let you stay refuelled at all times. If you need anything else, a large shopping centre is just moments away.

W I T H S TAY H O T E L J E J U

H O WA R D P L A Z A H O T E L K A O H S I U N G

TAIWAN

HOWARD PLAZA HOTEL KAOHSIUNG A Room with a View Hotel offices should always be inspiring. At the fivestar Howard Plaza Hotel Kaohsiung, professionals will be rewarded with panoramic city views from the rooms and suites of this 30-storey skyscraper. With invigorating onsite facilities, including a fitness centre, sauna and outdoor pool, several dining options and easy access to the city centre, this hotel provides the perfect change of scenery.

H O WA R D P L A Z A H O T E L K A O H S I U N G

S H A N G R I - L A’ S F A R E A S T E R N P L A Z A H O T E L T A I P E I

TAIWAN

SHANGRI-LA’S FAR EASTERN PLAZA HOTEL TAIPEI Switch On, Chill Out In the “always on” culture of modern life, it’s vital that you find some time to unwind. This fantastic fivestar hotel not only promises outstanding working facilities for executives; it also offers a wide range of opportunities to relax. After a busy day, chill out at the onsite Health Club or enjoy personal pampering at the Qi Shiseido Salon and Spa.

S H A N G R I - L A’ S F A R E A S T E R N P L A Z A H O T E L T A I P E I

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te) carry out on such information.

Art Hospitali

THE

Hotels are no longer simply places to sleep while you travel; some have become attractio

their art, architecture and interior design, properties provide a window into the local cul

hotels have even become living galleries, displaying private collections or hosting regula

In this edition of Travel Aggregator, we shine a light on the hotels and resorts around Asi authentic art and culture of their destination.

ity

ons in their own right. Through

lture, and some truly special

ar exhibitions by talented artists.

ia Pacific that showcase the

ABSTRACT ART

Abstract Art Feng Xiao-Min, the acclaimed French-Chinese artist, is famous for his abstract artworks that fuse Eastern and Western styles and use vibrant colours to create deeply tranquil scenes. Dawn of Happiness I (pictured left) depicts the first light of day slowly spreading across the river in a fishing village, while Dawn of Happiness II (right) shows a city waking up. Both wonderful works can be viewed at The Sukhothai Shanghai.

Dawn of Happiness I

ABSTRACT ART

Dawn of Happiness II

THE SUKHOTHAI SHANGHAI

SHANGHAI

The Sukhothai Shanghai Art is a key component of The Sukhothai Shanghai, creating a deeply tranquil atmosphere that accompanies guests throughout their entire journey. Central to this is The Meeting Point, an elegant event and exhibition space where visitors can lose themselves in Feng Xiao-Min’s abstract artworks. Each piece is based on five elements – water, silk, mirror, wood and granite – which evoke the notions of balance, harmony, movement and rhythm that are important parts of Chinese culture.

ART DECO

Fireplace

ART DECO

Art Deco Art Deco is a decorative style and art movement that originated in France in the early 20th Century and became popular around the world. Synonymous with the grace, glitz and glamour of the 1920s and ‘30s, its geometric motifs and recurring patterns are often characterised by sharp angles and polished materials. These can be visualised at Hotel 1936’s Heritage Gallery, where items include the metal hood of an original fireplace and timber window pelmets that date back 85 years.

Pelmet

HOTEL 1936

HONG KONG

Hotel 1936 Hotel 1936 is a dramatic Grade 3-listed heritage hotel that sweeps guests back in time to the thrilling ‘30s – the decade the building was built. Its distinctive design has been restored to its former glory and this beautiful boutique hotel now stands as an exceptional example of architectural conservation in Kowloon. From the iconic, angular exteriors to the exquisite interiors, which fuse Art Deco with classical Chinese elements, this is an impressive treasure trove for art lovers.

INDIGENOUS ART

Indigenous Art Australia’s indigenous culture dates back tens of thousands of years, and rock art has been discovered to be at least 20,000 years old. This ancient art is still alive today and aboriginal communities use paintings and patterns to tell the stories of their ancestors. One wonderful example of this is the Uluru Story, a captivating canvas created by eight senior women of Mutitjulu, which depicts three timeless tales: the story Kuniya and Liru, the story of the Mala people, and the journey of the Seven Sisters.

Uluru Story

INDIGENOUS ART

S A I L S I N T H E D E S E R T – V O YA G E S AY E R S R O C K R E S O R T

YULARA

Sails in the Desert – Voyages Ayers Rock Resort Uluru has been central to life in this remote part of Australia for millennia, and the area’s rich indigenous culture is celebrated at Sails in the Desert – Voyagers Ayers Rock Resort, which offers training, employment and other opportunities to local people. It recently opened the Gallery of Central Australia, where guests can now see the spectacular Uluru Story, among many other authentic artworks that showcase the deep-rooted customs and beliefs of Uluru’s indigenous community.

KO L A E B OAT A RT

Kolae Boat Art The contemporary paintings found along the walkways of Bo Phut Resort & Spa, Koh Samui depict the unique designs of kolae boat art. For generations, fishing communities in southern Thailand and the Malay Archipelago painted their boats with brightly coloured patterns and motifs, often featuring auspicious icons such as lotus flowers, serpents, monkeys, birds and mythological creatures. These beautiful boats have been called “masterpieces of the waves”.

B O P H U T R E S O R T & S PA

KOH SAMUI

Bo Phut Resort & Spa Nestled on Koh Samui’s north shore, within the popular Fisherman’s Village, Bo Phut Resort & Spa strives to preserve the arts, crafts and traditions of southern Thailand. During their stay, guests can discover a collection of artworks that reveal aspects of the region’s culture, including traditional paintings, local antiques and native fabrics. The aim is to create a sustainable environment that gives visitors a sense of the authentic heart and soul of Koh Samui.

HONG KONG MEGA SUMMER SALE Savour the final bits of summer by indulging in all that Hong Kong has to offer and enjoy up to 60% OFF selected hotel stays. Book and Stay: Now – 30 Sep 2021 View all hotel deals

Family life and travel are more important now than ever before. Following 18 months of unprecedented upheaval, the upcoming spring break in the Southern Hemisphere provides an outstanding opportunity for loved ones to reconnect with each other and rediscover their country’s most enticing attractions. As the weather warms up and days grow longer, families in Australasia can start planning exciting adventures. For parents who still need inspiration for their spring break, WebBeds has created a collection of travel options in this pristine region.

COOK ISLANDS With its powder-soft sands and vibrant Polynesian culture, the Cook Islands are a dream destination for family vacations. Unwind on the beach, engage with friendly locals and take immersive excursions; these idyllic islands have an endless array of activities and attractions to keep all ages entertained.

COOK ISLANDS

FAMILY ACTIVITIES: The Cook Islands offer a wide variety of family

nature walks, or take a 4WD vehicle into the heart

experiences, on land and at sea. Head out to the

of the island to uncover the authentic culture.

open ocean for fishing, diving and island-hopping

This sensational destination never fails to inspire

trips, then return to dry land for cycling tours and

the senses.

LOCAL DELICACIES: The cuisine of the Cook Islands is defined by vibrant

or pork made by wrapping it in banana leaf and

tropical flavours. Visit the night market for some

placed in an underground oven. Don’t miss the

popular traditional dishes such as Ika, raw fish with

opportunity to savour fresh seafood on the beach,

tangy marinate, typically served with onion and

accompanied by a local dance performance.

coconut cream, as well as Umu, a roasted chicken

KIA ORANA VILLAS

WHERE TO STAY

KIA ORANA VILLAS Kia Orana Villas is an enchanting resort located just

with kitchens and washer-dryers, chill out in the

a short distance from the airport, beach and many

spa, and dine at the onsite café, then hire bikes to

local attractions, including the lively Punanga Nui

explore the spectacular surroundings.

Market. Guests can make themselves at home in the bright villas, which come fully equipped

THE RAROTONGAN BEACH RESORT & LAGO ONARIUM

WHERE TO STAY

THE RAROTONGAN BEACH RESORT & LAGOONARIUM The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

snorkel in the sparkling blue lagoon. Youngsters

is a stunning upscale retreat that offers an array

can run free in the kid’s club, teen zone and mini

of activities for adults and children alike. Stay in

waterpark while their parents unwind and enjoy

spacious suites and thatched villas, and swim or

soothing spa therapies.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND Nestled on the southern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, surrounded by golden beaches, snow-capped peaks and endless oceans, Wellington is a breath-taking seafront city. The Kiwi capital is also a rewarding destination for families, with plenty of things to do for visitors young and old.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND

FAMILY ACTIVITIES: Spring in the Southern Hemisphere is a wonderful

Botanic Garden or see New Zealand’s rarest native

time to visit Wellington, as the city bursts into

wildlife at Zealandia. Then take a scenic trip on the

life with blooming flowers and blossoming trees.

Wellington Cable Car and soak up panoramic views

Discover these natural wonders at Wellington

of the entire city from the Kelburn Lookout.

LOCAL DELICACIES: Parents will be able to find plenty of family-friendly

New Zealand’s shellfish are highlights on many

restaurants in Wellington, and the city’s coastal

menus. New Zealand is famous for its fresh

location means local seafood delicacies like the

produce and adults can taste the fine, award-

rich crayfish, succulent salmon and juicy paua –

winning local wines.

Q T W E L L I N G T O N A PA R T M E N T S

WHERE TO STAY

QT WELLINGTON APARTMENTS QT Wellington Apartments blends the creative

interiors that will inspire young imaginations and

style of an upmarket boutique hotel with the

excellent amenities to ensure stress-free stays.

comfort and convenience of a family residence.

The onsite restaurant, Hot Sauce, showcases

The spacious apartments promise plenty of room

contemporary Asian flavours.

for up to two adults and two children, with artistic

R A M A DA B Y W Y N D HA M W E L L I N G T O N TA R A NA K I S T R E E T

WHERE TO STAY

RAMADA BY WYNDHAM WELLINGTON TARANAKI STREET Ramada by Wyndham Wellington Taranaki Street

national museum and the lively restaurants

is one of the city’s newest international hotels.

and bars of Cuba Street. The brand-new rooms

Perfectly positioned in the heart of the CBD, guests

and suites offer comfortable beds and modern

can enjoy easy access to the Wellington waterfront

amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi.

and local attractions such as New Zealand’s

Moonca

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a magical time

prosperity. This auspicious annual event ha

pastries that symbolise the full moon. Thes Here are some of Asia’s finest mooncake &

FIVE KERNEL MOONCAKE + AGED PU’ER TEA -----------------------------------

LOTUS PASTE MOONCAKE + OOLONG TEA

The five-kernel mooncake features five types of

One of the most traditional of all mooncake

nuts and seeds, such as peanuts, walnuts, almonds,

varieties, the white lotus seed version originates

sesame seeds and watermelon seeds, each of

from southern China’s Guangzhou province and

which symbolises a human quality: benevolence,

uses a high-quality paste, which is light, luxurious

righteousness, courtesy, wisdom and trust. This

and silky smooth. The lively floral notes of oolong

savoury treat is best accompanied with aged pu’er

tea help to cut through the slightly richer taste

tea, which has a robust flavour that complements the

of the mooncake filling without overpowering its

nutty filling and sweet maltose syrup.

aroma and essence.

-----------------------------------

outhwatering

ake & Tea Pairings

e of year when loved ones come together to give thanks for their good health and

as becoming synonymous with the sharing of mooncakes, the traditional round

se tasty treats are perfectly paired with a pot of tea, bathed in the lunar glow. tea combinations…

SHANGHAI MOONCAKE + ROOIBOS TEA

---------------------------------------

SNOW SKIN MOONCAKE + DARJEELING TEA

The Shanghai mooncake is characterised by

With their icy-white coatings, snow skin

its buttery, flaky pastry crust and a lotus paste

mooncakes really do resemble the full moon.

filling with a salted egg yolk centre. This makes

Crafted using a chewy, rice flour crust, these

it wonderfully decadent, and each mouthful

unbaked varieties have a fresh flavour that is very

feels like a treat to eat. Rooibos, which is actually

different to traditional mooncakes. Darjeeling

a caffeine-free herbal infusion, is the ideal

tea, with its distinctive light colour and fragrance

accompaniment to this style of mooncake due to

helps to enhance the subtle sensation of the snow

its light, vibrant bouquet.

skin mooncakes, creating to the perfect pairing.

-----------------------------------

S ep tem b er 20 21

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