MARCH 2021
APAC Newsletter
Make an Ordinary Trip, Extraordinary
Asian Hotel Brands Shine on a Global Stage
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Hit the Open Road: Scenic Journeys in Australia & Malaysia ~ Page 30
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 CHERYL CHEANG Vice President, Marketing Cheryl.Cheang@webbeds.com
FOREWORD Welcome to the March edition of Travel Aggregator – WebBeds’ newsletter dedicated to the travel trade in Asia Pacific! This month, we’re showcasing world-class Asian hospitality with a look at some of the region’s finest homegrown hotel brands. Discover how local companies from Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand have grown to become global icons, with extensive hotel collections and innovative guest experiences. We’ll also take a first look at a brand new Asian brand, as S Hotels & Resorts opens its first SAii Resort on Phi Phi Island. Do you dream of getting in your car and hitting the open road? In this edition of Travel Aggregator, we’ll showcase two of Asia Pacific’s most breath-taking road trips: an epic journey up the east coast of Australia and a scenic ride through the lush highlands of Peninsular Malaysia. Finally, experience seekers can check out a selection of offbeat adventures, paired with unique boutique hotels. And of course, we’ll provide all the latest news, photos and exclusive offers from WebBeds in Asia. I hope you enjoy the read! Daryl Lee CEO of WebBeds Asia Pacific
EILEEN TOK Vice President, Commercial Technology Eileen.Tok@webbeds.com 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.
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Banyan Tree Lang Co, Vietnam
Travelodge Kowloon
KOWLOON
Just steps away from the pulsating energy of Nathan Road in Jordan, Travelodge Kowloon is the perfect location to experience the colourful excitement of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. We’ve taken inspiration from our homes and designed our hotels with all the comforts you expect and more. Stay in one of our 126 contemporary rooms, each designed for your comfort with a practical layout, ample space and natural light.
Premier Room: Located on the 2nd to 15th floors, our Premier Rooms offer an abundance of natural light with mountain-top, sky and trees or city views. The Premier Rooms, being corner rooms, are also popular with guests who enjoy a spacious layout and a quieter space for a comfortable stay.
Deluxe Room: Located on the 2nd to 15th floors, our Deluxe Rooms offer an abundance of natural light with mountain-top, sky and trees or city views. The clean, practical layout as well as an en-suite bathroom designed for high efficiency makes it an ideal choice.
Room Features: • Beds designed to offer the best sleep with premium comfort • Large desk facing the window with plenty of natural light • Free high speed WiFi to help you stay connected • Power sockets in all the right places for easy charging • Open plan wardrobe for easy access • Power shower that gives you hot water in seconds
SAII PHI PHI ISLAND VILLAGE
SAii Phi Phi Island Village SAii Phi Phi Island Village officially opened its doors on 1st February, introducing a new era of eco-friendly upscale hospitality to this tropical Thai destination. Nestled in 70 acres of coconut groves on Phi Phi Island, with an 800-metre-long stretch of sandy beach, this is pure paradise for couples and families alike. Previously known as Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort, the resort underwent an extensive refurbishment before relaunching under the SAii Resorts brand, the casual and contemporary upper-upscale brand from S Hotels and Resorts PCL. The four-month renovation included upgrades to the open-plan lobby, freeform pool, spa, restaurants and lounges. Fresh brand concepts have been introduced, including Mr Tomyam, a poolside Thai restaurant with live kitchens and alfresco seating; Lèn Be Well, which promises a personalised approach to wellbeing; and M.I.Y Aroma Lab, where guests can create their own bathroom products using natural ingredients. The Thai-style bungalows, suites and villas have also been updated and a new premium room category has been added; the 150sqm Two-Bedroom Hillside Pool Villas, which are nestled in the trees above the resort, overlooking the Andaman Sea. The resort’s Marine Discovery Centre is a popular attraction for guests. Led by a dedicated marine biologist, this conservation hub provides interactive exhibitions and leads environmental projects such as coral propagation and fish breeding programmes. Guests have plenty of opportunities to take eco-sensitive excursions into this pristine environment. With its fresh look and feel, relaxed vibe and sustainable ethos, SAii Phi Phi Island Village is perfectly suited to the new generation of ecoconscious, experience seeking travellers.
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SAII PHI PHI ISLAND VILLAGE
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Make An Ordinary Trip, Extraordinary Do you crave an adventure or desire to simply take a step back and relax? For an escape that truly satisfies the soul, visitors must write their own agenda. In this article, we invite experience-seeking travellers to get under the skin of their destination, from discovering a shopping paradise that embraces the old and new, to a private and quiet space with mesmerizing views, all these with unique boutique accommodation to take it all in.
MONG KOK, HONG KONG
MONG KOK, HONG KONG FOR THE ULTIMATE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE Mong Kok means “crowded corner” in Cantonese and stays true to being one of the busiest districts in the world. While this area is not exactly off the beaten track, explorers can still craft their own adventures. Soak in the atmospheric blend of old and new and wander through the characteristically array of endless shopping streets, malls and markets.
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HOTEL 1936
Hotel 1936 After a day of exploration, guests can unwind amid the glitz and glamour of Hotel 1936. This chic 20-storey boutique hotel sweeps guests back in time to the glittering ‘30s (the decade the building was originally built), with distinctive Art-Deco interiors and 50 designer rooms (Classic or Grand Classic) that offer panoramic views over Lion Rock and the Kowloon peninsula. This stunning hotel sets the scene for captivating cultural escapes.
HOT DEAL! Book with WebBeds before 31st March 2021 and get 10% off!
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MALANG, IND ONESIA
MALANG, INDONESIA FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL WIND-DOWN Could anywhere feel further away from the whirl of 21st Century Asia than Malang? This Indonesian city is strewn with historical and cultural wonders, from ancient Hindu temples to Dutch colonial architecture, all surrounded by mysterious volcanic hills. Visitors can enjoy a quaint and relaxing break while uncovering the local Arema culture, including traditional music and theatre, at a leisurely pace.
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HOTEL TUGU MALANG
Hotel Tugu Malang This breath-taking hotel completely immerses visitors in the vibrant colour and culture of Malang. Nestled in the heart of the city, this 49-key boutique hotel is a masterpiece, adorned with a priceless collection of Javanese Babah Peranakan antiques, original artworks, and hand-carved stone and wooden furnishings. A choice of lavish dining experiences transports guests on a journey through East Javan history, while the Apsara Spa offers guests an indulgent and romantic oasis of peace.
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T O K Y O , J A PA N
TOKYO, JAPAN FOR THE TRENDIEST EXPEDITION If Tokyo is the heart of Asian pop culture, Shibuya is its creative spark. This dynamic district is packed with entertainment, dining, and shopping. Famed for the iconic Shibuya Crossing, it is also best known for the mass of delectable dessert cafés and stylish coffee joints ranging from large global chains to traditional and indie coffee shops – everything a café hopper could ask for!
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H O T E L E M I T S H I B U YA
Hotel Emit Shibuya Guests can immerse themselves in the energy of the city at Hotel Emit Shibuya. Casual and contemporary, this sleek boutique hotel emphasises space and style. Rooms are comfortable and fully connected with complimentary Wi-Fi, so guests can instantly upload their latest Insta posts. Every day starts with a breakfast of coffee and freshly-baked croissants, in a café-style atmosphere that perfectly reflects the cosmopolitan vibe of this chic district.
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JEJU ISLAND, SOUTH KOREA
JEJU ISLAND, SOUTH KOREA FOR AN EXTRAORDINARY ESCAPE Jeju is like nowhere else on Earth. A natural and cultural treasure trove, this volcanic island evolved in isolation over millennia, creating a mural of iconic landmarks and astounding attractions. Discover the wonders of Mount Halla, the Geomunoreum Lava Tubes and Seongsan Sunrise Peak, all of which are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
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LIBENTIA HOTEL AND PO OL VILLA
Libentia Hotel and Pool Villa To fully appreciate the beauty of Jeju, what could be better than a hilltop retreat with panoramic 360-degree vistas of the mountains and sea? This elegant Mediterranean-style hotel promises a collection of luxurious pool villas, all blessed with spectacular views. There is also a spa room and the largest outdoor rooftop swimming pool on the island, giving guests endless opportunities to soothe their bodies and soak up the scenery.
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Asian Hotel Brands Shine on a Global Stage Is Asia the spiritual home of hospitality? Throughout history, international travellers have been welcomed to this enchanting region with genuine warmth and hosted with care and kindness. Any country or company can provide five-star facilities, but Asia seems to create emotional connections that attract visitors back to its shores time and again. It is little surprise therefore, that Asian hotel groups have become some of the most trusted and treasured brands in the industry. By blending the grace and elegance of Asian culture with international amenities, homegrown hoteliers are now creating truly world-class guest experiences that reflect the essence of this exotic region.
B A N YA N T R E E H O T E L S & R E S O R T S
BANYAN TREE HOTELS & RESORTS Banyan Tree has become the benchmark for ecosensitive luxury hospitality in Asia. This pioneering Singaporean company combines the romance and beauty of its destinations with an environmental ethos that is focused on sustainability. All of its idyllic all-villa resorts in iconic locations are blessed with authentic local design, private pools and dramatic dining, and the famous Banyan Tree Spa brand blends the ancient wisdom of oriental wellness with cutting-edge spa science.
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B A N YA N T R E E H O T E L S & R E S O R T S
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B A N Y A N T R E E VA B B I N F A R U
MALDIVES
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru When it opened in 1995, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru was the first international resort in the Maldives. Twenty-five years later, this romantic private island retreat is still enchanting guests. Guests can stay in thatched villas, snorkel on the house reef, unwind in the spa, dine in beachfront restaurants or learn about conservation at the Marine Biology Lab.
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B A N YA N T R E E L A N G C O
VIETNAM
Banyan Tree Lang Co Nestled between the mountains and the sea on Vietnam’s spectacular central coast, this multi-award winning all-pool villa resort is the ultimate luxury hideaway. Guests can unwind and enjoy beachfront bliss with plenty of activities and water sports, play golf on a course designed by Sir Nick Faldo, savour exceptional Asian cuisine or enjoy soothing spa therapies.
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A N A N TA R A H O T E L S , R E S O R T S & S PA S
ANANTARA HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS Thai hospitality is famous all over the world for its natural warmth. Anantara, Minor Hotels’ awardwinning luxury brand, has become synonymous with the “Land of Smiles”. Since it debuted in 2001, Anantara has developed a global collection of high-end, eco-sensitive hotels and resorts on three continents, all of which house an Anantara Spa. The brand strives to connect guests with their destination through signature experiences, such as its responsible Elephant Camp in northern Thailand, surfing in Bali, cultural explorations in Cambodia, and many more.
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A N A N TA R A H O T E L S , R E S O R T S & S PA S
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A N A N TA R A A N G K O R R E S O R T & S PA
CAMBODIA
Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa This beautiful boutique retreat immerses guests in Cambodia’s ancient culture. Just moments from the famous temples of Angkor, this all-suite resort is adorned with authentic artworks and artefacts. The 39 spacious suites are set around a courtyard pool and a Khmer restaurant. Cooking classes let guests discover local cuisine, and the Anantara Spa showcases classical wellness techniques.
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A N A N TA R A H UA H I N R E S O R T
THAILAND
Anantara Hua Hin Resort The brand’s first location, Anantara Hua Hin Resort opened in 2001 and remains a benchmark of exquisite Asian hospitality. Designed in the image of a local village, traditional Thai-style buildings appear to float above lotus ponds, restaurants overlook tropical gardens, and shady pathways wind through lush tropical foliage, emerging at the sandy beach and the sparkling sea.
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THE PENINSULA HOTELS
THE PENINSULA HOTELS The Peninsula has been an Asian icon for almost a century. The brand’s original hotel, The Peninsula Hong Kong, was reputed to be the “finest hotel east of Suez” when it opened in 1928, on the waterfront where well-heeled travellers arrived on ocean liners. Since then, The Peninsula has docked in many of the most famous cities on Earth, including New York, Paris and Shanghai. It remains the only hotel brand to achieve a Forbes Five-Star rating for all its hotels.
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THE PENINSULA HOTELS
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THE PENINSULA SHANGHAI
CHINA
The Peninsula Shanghai The brand’s flagship hotel in Mainland China, The Peninsula Shanghai reflects the style and sophistication of this cosmopolitan city. Located on The Bund, this grand waterfront hotel features Art-Deco interiors, luxurious rooms and suites, Michelinstarred restaurants and world-class facilities, including a rooftop bar and terrace overlooking the Huangpu River and Shanghai’s glittering high-rise skyline.
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THE PENINSULA MANILA
PHILIPPINES
The Peninsula Manila One of the Philippines’ most prestigious hotels, The Peninsula Manila has been greeting guests – including many VIPs – for over 40 years. Perfectly positioned on the corners of Ayala and Makati avenues, this 351-room hotel exudes grace and grandeur. Standout services include a glass-walled Asian restaurant, which overlooks the gardens and pool, and The Peninsula Spa, a serene wellness sanctuary.
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Hit the Open Road: Scenic journeys in Australia & Malaysia As international air travel remains subdued, 2021 is the year of the road trip! All across Asia Pacific, drivers have an unprecedented opportunity to hit the road and explore the wonders of their home country. This breath-taking region is home to some of the world’s most sensational roads; ribbons of smooth, black tarmac that wind through spectacular landscapes – over mountains, past lush jungles and along dramatic coastlines. And all this is available without the need for passport checks or airport queues! The only thing you need is car and the open road – the rest is up to you.
T H E S TA R G R A N D G O L D C OA S T
RECOMMENDED HOTEL IN GOLD COAST
The Star Grand Gold Coast Guests who want to treat themselves to a luxurious break on the Gold Coast should look no further than The Star Grand. Check in to a choice of stylish and spacious accommodation, including ocean-facing suites, plunge into sparkling swimming pools, soothe your body at Azure Spa, dine at award-winning restaurants, and play in the 24-hour casino. The five-star fun never ends! Discover more accommodation options across Australia >
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R I L E Y, A C R Y S T A L B R O O K C O L L E C T I O N R E S O R T
RECOMMENDED HOTEL IN CAIRNS
Riley, A Crystalbrook Collection Resort Nestled on the tropical shoreline in Cairns, overlooking the cerulean Coral Sea, Riley is a fantastic five-star resort that exudes a sense of laid-back luxury. Discover rooms and suites with city or sea views, take a dip in the glistening pool, dine at Asian and Mediterranean restaurants, or rest your weary body at the Eléme Day Spa. Pure bliss! Discover more accommodation options across Australia >
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THE LAKEHOUSE CAMERON HIGHLANDS
RECOMMENDED HOTEL IN CAMERON HIGHLANDS
The Lakehouse Cameron Highlands Transport yourself back to a beautiful bygone era at this exquisite country house hotel, which is nestled in the verdant hills. Stay in a choice of rooms and spacious suites with wooden beamed ceilings and four-poster beds, enjoy a spot of afternoon tea on the terrace, or soothe your body at spa. Every aspect of this hotel exudes old-world charm. Discover more accommodation options across Malaysia >
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T H E H AV E N A L L S U I T E R E S O R T, I P O H
RECOMMENDED HOTEL IN IPOH
The Haven All Suite Resort, Ipoh The Haven All Suite Hotel seamlessly blends contemporary architecture with the glorious landscape of lush rainforest and soaring peaks. The hotel immerses guests in the nature, with dramatic outdoor pools, tropical gardens and a jogging track set against the backdrop of dramatic limestone karsts. Guests can stay in a choice of one-to-three bedroom suites. Discover more accommodation options across Malaysia >
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