Thanks for reading the March edition of Travel Aggregator, WebBeds’ monthly newsletter dedicated to our travel trade friends, partners and colleagues in Asia Pacific.
In this issue, we invite you to embark on a journey through time. All around the world, ancient monuments now stand next to modern architectural marvels, as symbols of humankind’s spirit of innovation. For travellers with an interest in history, architecture, and culture – or anyone who simply loves making new discoveries – this contrast of old & new creates exciting opportunities for urban exploration. We take you on a trip to four of the planet’s most inspiring cities.
As we move into March, many parts of Asia Pacific are starting to bloom with fruit, herbs and vegetables. This makes it the perfect season for foodies who crave fresh ingredients and local dishes, and we find the best places to stay and savour the bounty of nature in a range of destinations.
Dark sky tourism has become one of the world’s most popular new travel trends, as guests seek to escape their light-polluted urban environments and marvel at the magic of the Milky Way. This month, WebBeds reveals a collection of luxury resorts in Asia Pacific that are blissfully remote, dramatically dark, and offer expert-led stargazing experiences.
Our “Featured Resort” for March is the Southwest Grand Hotel, a five-star property in the heart of Naha, Okinawa, and we take a peek at the “Newly Opened” Dialoog Seminyak, a stylish upscale hotel in Bali. And of course, you can catch up with all the latest news, photos and exclusive offers from WebBeds in Asia Pacific – including our “Embark” campaign, which offers amazing savings on hotel stays and double WebBeds Rewards Points!
Have a great month!
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
General Manager, Malaysia and Maldives Celes.Yap@webbeds.com
JINTANA PORNTANAPAT
General Manager, Thailand and Indochina Jintana.Porntanapat@webbeds.com
JOHN STUCCI
Regional Vice President, Pacific, India & Indonesia 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
Beijing’s Journey Through Time: Summer Palace Views
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Dialoog Seminyak
NEWLY OPENED
Travellers to Seminyak, Bali’s chic fashion and lifestyle enclave, now have a stylish new place to stay following the launch of Dialoog Seminyak, the latest property from Indonesia’s Dialoog Hotels.
Located in the centre of Seminyak, surrounded by boutiques, bars and restaurants and approximately 1.5 km from the beach, this upscale hotel is intuitively designed for the needs of modern travellers. Guests can stay in a choice of 90 studio, duplex, twobedroom deluxe, or family rooms, which range in size from a generous 44 square metres to an expansive 108 square metres, and come equipped with Android TVs, balconies, rain showers – and even private pools in some of the rooms.
Throughout their stay, guests can chill out around the swimming pool, work out at the fitness centre, enjoy soothing therapies at the Dialoog Spa, or even indulge in retail therapy in the hotel’s courtyard area, which is home to a collection of shops and cafés. Cascadia Restaurant & Bar offers Indonesian and international cuisine in an elegant, alfresco poolside setting.
Dialoog Seminyak becomes the second hotel from Dialoog Hotels (after Dialoog Banyuwangi in East Java), which promises to offer “a new generation of simple sophistication appreciated by millennial travellers”. With its cosmopolitan concept, convenient location and commitment to guest service, this is set to become a popular option for visitors to Bali.
Dark Sky Adventures in Asia Pacific
Dark sky tourism is one of the world’s most inspiring new travel trends.
As an increasing number of city dwellers seek to escape their lightpolluted urban environments and experience the beauty of the night sky, a new era of stargazing resorts are inviting guests to take a guided journey to the stars. This is not only educational; it is also a wonderful way to reconnect with loved ones.
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
BAA ATOLL, MALDIVES
Nestled within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, almost entirely free from light pollution, this idyllic island retreat is the perfect place to discover the wonders of the cosmos. Guests can gaze up at the heavens through the Maldives’ most powerful telescope, as the resort’s SKY Guru tells stories of the planets and constellations. Alternatively, couples can simply lie back and soak up the beauty of the starry skies from their villa’s oceanfront terrace.
Park Roche
GANGWON, SOUTH KOREA
The high, forested hills of Gangwon allow visitors to get closer to the heavens. Within this natural environment, far from the city lights, Park Roche immerses guests in an ambience of luxury, serenity and wellbeing, with a wide range of outdoor activities. The resort’s rooftop garden sets the stage for sunrise yoga sessions, daytime wellness, and astronomy after dark, as the jet-black night sky sparkles with stars and constellations.
Image Credit: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia
Sails in the Desert
YULARA, AUSTRALIA
Deep in the Outback, the stars have guided indigenous communities for millennia. At Sails in the Desert, the five-star retreat in Australia’s Red Centre, travellers can embark on Outback Sky Journeys, which are led by local guides and reveal folk stories that have been passed down through generations. These include the “Emu in the Sky”, which tells the tale of creation in this ancient culture. Dedicated dining experiences are also available.
Soneva Kiri Resort
KOH KOOD, THAILAND
Set on a secluded Thai island, far from the bustling streets of Bangkok or the kingdom’s busy tourist resorts, Koh Kood is a natural paradise for stargazers. At Soneva Kiri, a one-of-a-kind eco-retreat and certified DarkSky resort, guests can discover the beauty of the Milky Way at a state-of-the-art observatory, where a resident astronomer offers expert tours of the star-studded skies, or simply unwind and soak up the island’s breath-taking beauty in their luxury villas.
Andaman Embrace Patong
Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Aonang
Pacific Hotel Seoul
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur
Metadee Concept Hotel
GLOW Bangkok Riverside
Exclusive Stays, Preferred Rates
Rawi Warin Resort and Spa
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur
The Royal Paradise Hotel & Resort
The Kee Resort & Spa
A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME IN ICONIC
THROUGH ICONIC CITIES
For more than 5,000 years, people have gathered together to live in cities. Throughout this rich history of urban development, humankind has created some truly spectacular wonders – each of which pushed the boundaries and progressively advanced civilization. Many of these marvels have disappeared, but some have stood the test of time and now stand proudly alongside the gleaming icons of the 21st Century.
In this article, we explore four of the finest cities on Earth where the ancient and modern worlds come together and visitors can immerse themselves in a timeless world of art, architecture and human achievement.
MEXICO CITY
Rising from the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the former capital of the Aztec empire, Mexico City is now a thriving centre of contemporary art and culture.
Discover the city’s pre-colonial heritage at the UNESCO-listed Xochimilco Canals, a maze of waterways that once connected this ancient land, then step forward into Mexico’s dazzling art scene at the Frida Kahlo Museum and Palacio de Bellas Artes, which is famed for its performances and exhibitions. The vibrant Roma and Condesa districts will captivate all curious explorers.
RECOMMENDED
Hotel Geneve Mexico City
Hotel Geneve Mexico City has been welcoming visitors to the Mexican capital since 1907, and its architecture and interior design evoke a classic European style. Many famous figures have passed through its doors, including Sir Winston Churchill, Sophia Loren, Paul Newman, and Mother Teresa. All guests can enjoy comfortable stays in spacious rooms and suites, dine in style at Veranda Bistro, sip cocktails at the quirky Phone Bar, watch movies at a private cinema, or experience moments of serenity in the Quiet Garden.
RECOMMENDED HOTEL
Grand Fiesta Americana Chapultepec
Grand Fiesta Americana Chapultepec is a modern luxury hotel that lets travellers escape the busy urban streets and unwind in style with five-star facilities. Its shimmering glass exterior reflects the contemporary face of Mexico City – in sharp contrast to the grand and imposing Castillo de Chapultepec, which guests can admire with impressive views from many of the rooms and suites. Azur serves exquisite Mediterranean cuisine and an exceptional wine selection, and Spa 19th offers soothing therapies with stunning city views.
BARCELONA
Dating back more than 2,000 years to the Roman era, Barcelona has a rich history that has seen it ruled, conquered and risen numerous times through the ages. This has led to the city feeling wonderfully diverse, while also being distinctly Catalan. The present-day urban architecture is defined by the iconic works of Antoni Gaudí, whose flowing, Gothic style can be seen all across the city – most notably at the Sagrada Família, the remarkable (as-yetunfinished) church, and Casa Batlló, the residential masterpiece.
Barcelona Universal Hotel
Barcelona Universal Hotel is a trend-setting upscale hotel in the heart of the city, close to the famous Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter, putting it at the crossroads of Barcelona’s modern and historical neighbourhoods. The hotel’s colour scheme and sleek, sharp-edged interior design – including bold black forms and light wood – provide a striking contrast to the surrounding architecture. And the rooftop pool and terrace provides the perfect place to relax and soak up panoramic views of the skyline.
RECOMMENDED HOTEL
Hotel 1898
Hotel 1898 transports travellers back into a graceful bygone era. Set in a beautifully restored 19th Century building that once served as the headquarters of the Compañía de Tabacos de Filipina, this upscale hotel exudes colonial charm and elegance. Guests can unwind in rooms and suites with dark woods and leather furnishings, immerse their senses in the subterranean thermal spa and bathing pool, savour traditional Catalan cuisine at El Nido, or take a dip in the rooftop pool, which overlooks Las Ramblas.
BEIJING
China’s capital has evolved from an elegant imperial city to a striking centre of architectural innovation. Take a journey back in time at the Forbidden City, which dates from the 13th Century and is reputed to contain 9,999 rooms, as well as a dazzling collection of treasures at the Palace Museum. Stroll through the traditional hutongs, then leap forward to the 21st Century at Beijing’s iconic Olympic venues, including the “Bird’s Nest” and “Water Cube”, and don’t miss the artfully angular CCTV Headquarters.
The Peninsula Beijing
The Peninsula Beijing seamlessly blends traditional Chinese craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology and modern luxury in the heart of the Wangfujing shopping district. Guests are welcomed through a traditional gate into a palatial lobby adorned with antique furnishings and contemporary art. The Peninsula Spa reflects the imperial grandeur of Beijing, while diverse dining venues blend timeless culinary traditions with the latest gastronomic innovation, including Michelin-starred Jing Restaurant & Bar. The Forbidden City is just a short walk away.
RECOMMENDED HOTEL
The PuXuan Hotel and Spa
The PuXuan Hotel and Spa is not only a place to stay and explore Beijing – it is an architectural marvel in its own right. Set alongside the Guardian Art Centre, the hotel is a gem of modernity which also pays homage to the city’s heritage. Inside, the 92 rooms and suites blend minimalist design with handcrafted furniture, artisanal pieces, and works by acclaimed local artists. Throughout their stay, guests can uncover local, hidden jewels with expert-guided tours in Beijing’s most intriguing neighbourhoods.
CAIRO
No city on Earth highlights the contrast between ancient and modern as starkly as Egypt’s capital city. The sprawling metropolis of Greater Cairo, including neighbouring Giza, is the home of the Pyramids and Sphinx – iconic symbols of human achievement that are almost as old as civilization itself. Visitors can now learn about these wonders at the brandnew Grand Egyptian Museum, a state-of-the-art facility housing approximately 10,000 artefacts, then return to downtown Cairo to experience the upscale attractions of the Zamalek district.
RECOMMENDED
Dusit Thani Lakeview Cairo
Dusit Thani Lakeview Cairo is a five-star oasis in the New Cairo district, close to the main road leading to the Pyramids. Nestled amid lush gardens, this urban resort is the perfect option for visitors who want to explore the bustling streets of the Egyptian capital, and then unwind amid a luxurious and tranquil ambience. After a day of discovery, travellers can cool off in three outdoor pools, feel soothed at the Thaiinspired Devarana Spa, and savour exceptional cuisine at a choice of restaurants.
RECOMMENDED HOTEL
Kempinski Nile Hotel
Kempinski Nile Hotel is nestled on the banks of the River Nile, the mighty waterway that has been at the heart and soul of Egyptian culture since the time of the pharaohs. Located close to downtown Cairo and its main attractions, from grand mosques and medieval markets the modern lifestyle malls, this exclusive fivestar retreat features a selection of luxurious rooms and suites, world-class culinary venues, a chic jazz bar, rooftop lounge, and a glamorous pool deck where guests can gaze out across the river.
Savour the Seasonal Flavours of Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific is a haven of natural and seasonal produce. All across this wonderfully diverse region, lush landscapes provide the perfect growing conditions for an amazing array of fruit, vegetables, herbs and berries, many of which have become the foundation of their countries’ iconic dishes and symbols of their national culinary culture.
In this article, we will transport you on an enticing tour of the finest fresh ingredients that can be found in Asia Pacific this March and April –including the most appetising ways to experience them, and of course, the best places to stay.
Strawberries in Jeju Island
Strawberries thrive in the warm spring weather of Jeju Island. These vibrant red, sweet and succulent delights form the basis of many decadent desserts, and visitors can cool off with strawberry bingsu, a delectable dish of shaved ice with various toppings, or enjoy omegi-tteok, a traditional rice cake which can be filled with fresh strawberries or strawberry jam for a contemporary twist. Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market lets visitors soak up the local culture and pick up these tasty treats.
RECOMMENDED HOTEL:
Hotel Bridge Seogwipo
Hotel Bridge Seogwipo is the perfect setting to stay and savour the springtime seasonal produce of Jeju Island. Nestled on Jeju’s south coast, overlooking the sea, it is just 10 minutes’ walk from Lee Jung-Seop Culture Street and Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market, which is famous for its omegi-tteok. This upscale hotel features a choice of twin, triple and family rooms with modern amenities and balconies, plus a restaurant serving Korean and international cuisine, a fitness centre, and a rooftop terrace with spa baths.
THAILAND
Papayas in Udon Thani
The lush landscapes of Isan, Northeast Thailand, are famed for their natural produce, and no fruit is more celebrated in this exotic region than the papaya. Picked young, green and finely shredded, it is the key ingredient in som tum, the crisp, spicy and sour salad that has become Thailand’s national dish. Alternatively, it can be enjoyed when soft and ripe, as its orange flesh becomes wonderfully sweet. In the heart of Isan, Udon Thani is an exciting city to uncover this rich culinary region.
RECOMMENDED HOTEL:
Centara Udon
Centara Udon is the leading hotel in this dynamic provincial metropolis. Directly connected to Central Plaza Udon Thani, the city’s largest shopping and entertainment complex, and only 650 metres away from the Thai-Isan Local Fresh Market – which offers an abundance of fruit, including papayas – this is the ideal place to experience the city’s authentic flavours. After a day of exploration, guests can unwind in the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and spa, or simply chill out with a cool cocktail.
Mangoes in Goa
India is the undisputed mango champion of the world, producing approximately 25 million tonnes of this fresh, succulent fruit each year – almost half the world’s total. It is little wonder that Indian cuisine has embraced the mango, with many different varieties inspiring an amazing array of gastronomic delights, from fruit smoothies to spicy pickles and delectable desserts. Don’t miss the chance to sip a cool mango lassi – India’s creamy, fragrant yoghurt drink – whilst overlooking the ocean in Goa.
RECOMMENDED HOTEL:
Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage
Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage is a vibrant five-star resort that exudes the tropical colour of ripe mangos! Nestled amid 12 hectares of lush gardens, overlooking the soft sands of Vainguinim Beach and the Indian Ocean beyond, this elegant low-rise resort captures the essence of a traditional Goan beachside village. After a day exploring the coastal scenery or relaxing in the outdoor pool, guests can refresh their senses with a cool mango lassi as they soak up stunning views of the sea and sunset.
Pumpkins in the North Island
Warm, hearty and comforting, pumpkins are the ultimate autumn ingredient. As New Zealand’s warm summer weather gives way to the cooler months of March and April, the sweet yet earthy orange flesh of fresh pumpkins is ideal for autumnal soups and stews. In New Zealand’s North Island, an abundance of seasonal squashes appear on the menus of restaurants all across the region. Local residents and visitors can even “pick your own” pumpkins at some farms – a fun-filled family activity.
RECOMMENDED HOTEL:
Delamore Lodge
Delamore Lodge is a luxury resort and spa nestled on Waiheke Island, just off the coast of Auckland. This secluded setting makes it a stunning spot to unwind in spacious suites with sea views and discover New Zealand’s fresh, local produce. Food and wine are a key aspect of the lodge experience, with a menu that changes daily according to the available ingredients, perfectly paired with the country’s famous wines. Located nearby, Three Seven Two restaurant is a haven of fine gastronomy.
PHILIPPINES
Pineapples in Palawan
Sweet, sharp and succulent, pineapples exude the essence of the tropics – and there is no better time to try them than March and April, when these spiky plants blossom in the Philippines. Fruit lovers can enjoy them straight from the stem, or enlivened in a choice of delicious dishes, such as pininyahang manok (pineapple chicken), a sublime sweet and sour coconut stew, as an addition to adobo, the Filipino national dish, or as the base of a cool, colourful cocktail.
RECOMMENDED HOTEL:
Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa
Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa is a five-star paradise on the pristine Philippine island of Palawan. Nestled in tropical gardens overlooking the Sulu Sea, just a short drive from Puerto Princesa, it features a collection of breath-taking accommodation, including pool access rooms and overwater villas. The resort’s six restaurants and bars feature a range of pineapple-inspired dishes, including Hawaiian pizzas from the wood-fired pizza oven, and fresh pineapple cocktails and shakes at the pool bar.
Featured Hotel of the Month
Southwest Grand Hotel
Okinawa, Japan
Visitors to Okinawa can stay in five-star style and luxury at Southwest Grand Hotel, a contemporary property in the urban centre of Naha, just 5 km from the international airport and 1.6 km from the soft sands of Naminoue Beach.
The hotel has a striking, modern design and fantastic facilities for couples and families alike. Guests can stay in a choice of bright and spacious rooms, ranging from the 45-square metre Grand Twin Rooms to the spectacular 200-square metre, two-bedroom Penthouse Suite, with its private top floor terrace overlooking the city.
When travellers are not exploring the sights and sounds of Naha, they can take a refreshing swim in the indoor pool, bathe in the outdoor rooftop Jacuzzi, warm up in the sauna, or work out at the fitness centre.
Southwest Grand Hotel is also a great place to dine, with four exceptional F&B options. Three restaurants on the ground floor include A Long Vacation, the lively all-day dining destination, Shikaku, the elegant Japanese and shabu-shabu restaurant, and Teppanyaki Matsuo, an intimate yet vibrant venue that specialises in the finest wagyu beef, grilled in front of guests’ eyes. At the end of a long day, the Sunset Lounge is perched on the 11th floor and offers stunning views.
With its prime location in the heart of Naha, just steps from Kokusai Street and surrounded by shops, parks and cultural attractions, Southwest Grand Hotel will elevate every stay in Okinawa.
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