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Tanah Gajah’s new offering moves beyond the plate for a deep understanding of the island’s heritage.

Mercure, one of the world’s largest midscale brands by Accor, announces the expansion of its footprint in India with the opening of Mercure Chandigarh Tribune Chowk. The hotel is located in the Chandigarh capital region, an area that includes the cities of Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali. Located a mere 30 minutes from the international airport in Chandigarh’s burgeoning hub of commerce and tourism, Mercure Chandigarh Tribune Chowk epitomises authentic design, local essence, and charming amenities, and is ideal for travellers seeking unique experiences and comfort. Boasting 60 rooms and suites along with versatile banqueting facilities, the hotel immerses guests in the destination, serving as a springboard to exploration. The Superior Suite provides an idyllic setting for intimate gatherings or business meetings with panoramic views of the picturesque city of Chandigarh. Culinary delights at Mercure Chandigarh Tribune Chowk include an all-day dining restaurant, offering a diverse menu to suit every palate. Emphasising quality and well-being, the hotel champions Indian delicacies prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Commenting on the opening of Mercure Chandigarh Tribune Chowk, Puneet Dhawan, Senior Vice President of Operations, India and South Asia, for Accor, said, “This vibrant addition to the Mercure family marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality. We are thrilled to welcome guests to indulge in memorable experiences, where every detail is meticulously crafted to exceed expectations. As we embark on this exciting journey, we invite travellers to immerse themselves in the warmth and genuine charm that define the Mercure experience.” In collaboration with KLG Group, Accor’s franchise partner in the Chandigarh capital region, the opening of Mercure Chandigarh Tribune Chowk follows the successful launch of Novotel Chandigarh Tribune Chowk in 2021, further enhancing the hospitality offering within the city. Ajay Grover, Chief Managing Director at KLG Group, said, “Mercure's entry into the Chandigarh market is a significant milestone in the hotel industry, not just for the city but also the upper north region. Known for its blend of quality amenities and warm service, Mercure brings a fresh perspective to the region’s hospitality scene.” Since its founding in 1973, Mercure has made it its mission to enlighten guests about the treasures of the location they are in. The network prides itself on offering high quality standards with a true take on locality. Guests are instantly immersed in a locally inspired atmosphere from the moment they arrive. Everything from the decorative design to the brand’s passion for local food and beverage discoveries is rooted in the unique features of each destination. Ashish Battoo, General Manager at Mercure Chandigarh Tribune Chowk, said, “I am delighted to unveil our newest addition to Chandigarh's hospitality landscape. The new hotel offers a perfect blend of contemporary design, local flavours, personalised service, and an immersive experience like no other. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional service and creating memorable moments for every guest. We invite travellers to discover the warmth and sophistication of Mercure Chandigarh Tribune Chowk and embark on an unforgettable journey with us." Accor currently operates 62 hotels in India under renowned brands such as Raffles, Fairmont, Novotel and ibis, with a robust pipeline of 30 hotels under development, further underscoring the group’s commitment to the Indian market. Mercure Chandigarh Tribune Chowk is a part of ALL - Accor Live Limitless, Accor’s lifestyle loyalty programme. Guests can take advantage of ALL when staying or dining at the hotel, as well as gaining access to rewards, services, and limitless experiences. Becoming a member is simple and free of charge. To join, visit the website all.com. Photo credits: Accor

Emaar Hospitality Group invites to discover the new standard of luxury with Palace Dubai Creek Harbour.

French culinary expert will prepare exclusive dinner and lunch sets on May 29, 30 and 31.

Nestled in the heart of the renowned Primitivo wine region, La Maviglia will make its debut in Puglia in 2027, pairing the luxury of the Italian coastline with an unprecedented level of bespoke hospitality. Spanning 202 hectares of charming olive orchard landscape and sitting mere moments from the most picturesque beaches of the Italian peninsula, the highly anticipated opening will also unveil the world-class La Maviglia Golf Course. Designed by the acclaimed Oppenheim Architecture and Enea Landscape Architecture, the resort promises a new level of hospitality in Puglia offering guests a suites-only experience with 70 individual suites, in addition to a 20-room hotel integrated in the La Maviglia Golf complex, complete with a selection of 35 expansive, luxuriously-appointed villas. Alongside unfettered access to the service that will define La Maviglia, guests will enjoy four chef-driven culinary outlets and a signature, state-of-the-art 5,000-square-meter wellness and medical spa. La Maviglia Golf will integrate countless cultural touchstones dating back to the 16th and 18th centuries, including ancient water features, olive vineyards, and several tree varieties, including cherry, almond, citrus, pomegranate, fig and more. Guests will find that sustainability is rooted across La Maviglia’s design, upholding the highest standards for renewable energy, organic vegetable farming, olive oil manufacturing, and wine production. Discerning travelers will have convenient access to the municipality of Maruggio, where they can discover the protected Monaco Mirante coastline, popularly known as the ‘sea of the seven colors,’ as well as an array of cultural exploration opportunities. This includes the famed ‘Masseria Maviglia,’ the 12th-century ‘Castello dei Commendatori’ reflective of Maruggio’s role during the Crusades, and other historic buildings set amongst ancient olive groves and pines. La Maviglia is located near two international airports, Bari International Airport and Brindisi Airport, which offer connectivity year-round. A private airstrip sits a 25-minute drive away from Taranto-Grottaglie for the jetsetters. La Maviglia is owned by Ultimate Collection Ltd, a Swiss-based company led by Nicola Cortese, a Swiss/Italian businessman who is also project managing the development. Photo credits: La Maviglia

The special event, in partnership with the acclaimed Mexican restaurant, runs throughout May.

21 Carpenter, a boutique heritage hotel borne from a former remittance house hailed as the birthplace of banking in Singapore, opens its doors to guests this year. Retaining its heritage, with a contemporary update by architectural firm WOHA, 21 Carpenter is centrally located between Clarke Quay and Boat Quay, easily accessible to both Singapore’s CBD and Chinatown. “At 21 Carpenter, we aspire to be more than just a place to rest; we’re an invitation to step into Singapore’s rich stories. Our thoughtful design preserves links to the past while embracing the future through our five brand pillars: Design, Service, Gastronomy, Community and Sustainability,” shares General Manager Tarun Kalra. 21 Carpenter sits across four historic four-storey shophouses and a contemporary five-storey extension. As one of the oldest shophouses in the area, special attention was given to conserving the original features of the building in line with the government’s conservation guidelines. The facade’s Shanghai plaster dates back to the 1930s, and on the building’s exterior, Chinese characters list cities and regions to which the remittances were sent. Poetic details reference the building’s history, with the Urban Wing’s aluminium art facade featuring excerpts from original remittance letters. Within, all rooms are thoughtfully designed spaces incorporating old and new. Employing a warm and inviting palette with Asian design influences, all furniture was custom designed by WOHA.  The Heritage Wing comprises 26 rooms over the first four floors, including the Heritage 2-Bedroom Suite spanning 55 sqm. The top five levels, known as the Urban Wing, feature 22 contemporary, light-filled rooms, such as the 30 sqm Urban Luxe room, where floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the city and the bay. Unlike many shophouse hotels, WOHA ensured every room has a full-sized window. Above the bustle, 21 Carpenter offers exclusive spaces for guests to unwind and relax. The intimate Garden Terrace on level 3 invites quiet connection and can serve as a small event space for intimate gatherings. The Rooftop Infinity Pool & Lounge, with the first exposed stainless-steel pool in Singapore, gives way to skyline views of Marina Bay. Kee’s, a Neo-Bistro & Bar headed by Michelin-starred Chef Andrew Walsh as Culinary Director, offers a delightful dining option on site. A nod to the building’s 1936 incarnation as Chye Hua Seng Wee Kee, coupled with a playful reference to its location between the two Quays, the street-level venue will offer European-inspired bistro fare with a tight selection of local classics. Kee’s is conceptualised to be the city’s social heart, with guests and locals alike encouraged to linger longer over comforting food, wines, and cocktails. The richness of Singapore’s burgeoning art and creative scene is on show through an extensive collection curated by art and design consultancy The Artling. A dynamic group of emerging and established Singaporean artists are featured in spaces that span the entire hotel. Adorning the Lobby is a stunning tapestry by Heman Chong, his first piece utilising this medium. On the Rooftop Infinity Pool & Lounge is a hand-drawn charcoal mural by Dawn Ang of Aeropalmics, reflecting clouds over Clarke Quay. Other featured artists include Ruben Pang, Jamie Teo, Aarti Bartake, Soph O and more. “Curating art for a heritage property like 21 Carpenter is an exciting challenge. Beyond decorating walls, you want pieces that speak to the building’s unique history and journey. WOHA’s incredible restoration offered the perfect canvas to weave old and new through a diverse mix of mediums, reflecting Singapore’s dynamic spirit,” shares Talenia Gajardo, director and founder of the Artling. Local names and brands enrich the hotel: Floral Kokoro embellishes social spaces with exquisite floral arrangements in custom-made vases by Jenevieve Studio. In Good Company designed custom robes and independent artist Liu Liling furnished the luxurious bed throws. Soda Lemon SG created the sleek toothbrush holders using upcycled glass, while the bespoke Cups and Saucer sets are crafted by Un Studio. Sustainability is a big part of 21 Carpenter, from preserving the building’s historic materials to eco-friendly features. The original 1930s Chengal wood has been carefully reused in lobby floors, Heritage suites and the sculptural handrail along the hotel’s five-foot way. The rooftop gleams with 22 photovoltaic panels to supplement power needs, while a hybrid cooling system, combining ceiling fans with air conditioning, lowers electricity consumption. The aluminium art facade of the Urban extension also functions as a sunscreen, further reducing the need for active cooling. The hotel aims to reduce single-use plastic waste by employing reusable water carafes and amenity dispensers. Photo credits: 21 Carpenter

The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain, is pleased to announce the launch of a new hotel, SKK The Fern-An Ecotel Hotel, Jaisalmer. The company has a total of 16 properties in Rajasthan, operational and shortly opening. The addition of this new property will reinforce the brand's leadership position in this key market and underline its commitment to impeccable guest experiences. The hotel features 104 well-appointed rooms and offers facilities such as an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, multiple lawns, and an on-site restaurant. SKK The Fern, Jaisalmer is just a 10-minute drive from the majestic Jaisalmer Fort, making it an ideal stay option in this thriving tourist destination. With a beautiful central courtyard and multiple lawns, SKK The Fern shall be the ideal place to host dream weddings in this Golden City. All the rooms boast an exemplary balance of elegance, sophistication, royalty, and old-world charm blended with modern features and facilities.   Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, commented, “We are pleased to announce the launch of SKK The Fern-An Ecotel Hotel, Jaisalmer. This new hotel will add to our value as a major hospitality brand in Rajasthan. We aim to exceed our guests' expectations and provide them with a truly unforgettable experience by providing great accommodation, top-notch facilities, and warm hospitality. SKK The Fern promises a delightful and royal stay for anyone visiting this popular tourist city.” Other Fern-branded properties in Rajasthan are located in Ajmer, Alwar-Sariska, Bambora-Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore) and Udaipur. "We are extremely proud to be associated with The Fern Hotels & Resorts, a brand that shares our vision of providing top notch hospitality and travel experiences to guests," says Mr. Shashi Kant Khetan, Managing Director, SKK The Fern-An Ecotel Hotel, Jaisalmer. Echoing his sentiment, Mr. Janak Singh, Partner, SKK The Fern-An Ecotel Hotel, Jaisalmer, added, “This partnership marks the beginning of a fruitful and long relationship with The Fern Hotels & Resorts. We are honoured to partner with them and look forward to providing top notch service and guest experience to our patrons.”

The Anam Mui Ne, an Indochine-era inspired resort in Vietnam’s popular beach town Mui Ne, has opened a quaint new bar that pays homage to the intimate Saigon bars of yesteryear. The 1.2 hectare resort, which is the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) portfolio’s only Vietnamese property, this month unveiled the new watering hole, aptly dubbed Saigon Bar, on some of the resort’s most inspiring ground overlooking Mui Ne beach. Adjacent to the resort’s 266sqm saltwater infinity swimming pool and immaculate lawn, Saigon Bar is situated at the other end of the beach to Lang Viet Restaurant & Bar, bookending the resort’s best view over the waterfront. Softly lit with caged lanterns and candles, the bar is fashioned from hardwood sourced from sustainably cultivated forests in Vietnam’s Nam Dinh province and bedecked with customized encaustic tiles, evoking an atmosphere of old-world elegance. Fronted by a grey cobble-stone terrace with a handful of outdoor wooden bar tables flanked by rattan stools, Saigon Bar’s interior is home to cozy rattan chairs clustered in semi-circles and a bar featuring woodwork that took craftspeople months to complete. Greenery cascades down the bar’s exterior from wooden plant boxes fastened to a balcony above. The bar’s shelves are lined with all sorts of boutique spirits from Vietnam and around the world, such as Ho Chi Minh City-based Lady Trieu’s craft gins including ‘Dalat Flowerbomb’, ‘Mekong Delta Dry’, ‘Hoi An Spice Road’ and ‘Sapa Citrus Tea’. Saigon Bar’s extensive drinks menu includes an array of spirits, beers, wines, signature cocktails, large cocktails shared between four people and “choose your own” mojitos, daiquiris, and margaritas. Surprises including ‘The Anam Penicillin’, comprising Whisky Glenmorangie 10, whisky Famous Grouse, whisky Laphroaig 10, chamomile infused Quinta do Noval 10 Tawny Port, clarified lemon juice, honey and ginger syrup, and ‘Smokey Frangipani Blossom’ made up of Frangipani infused Haku vodka, Ricard, apple juice, celery juice, clarified lemon juice and maple syrup. Vietnamese coffee, milk shakes, loose green and black leaf teas, freshly squeezed juices, home-made iced teas, and kombucha with all sorts of health benefits concocted on the resort’s grounds are also on offer. In addition to ‘smoothie bowls’ packed with different fruits, the bar also serves tapas including the likes of a cheese and charcuterie platter, a grilled prawn salad, beef satay skewers, and salted and spicy crispy pork skin. The selection of desserts ranges from ice-cream and sorbet to chocolate raspberry cheesecake and bubble tea panna cotta. “Our Saigon Bar may be new but when you set foot inside, you feel like you’re stepping back in time, to a charming bar in bygone Saigon’s labyrinthine alleyways, where the atmosphere is almost as palpable and the unique beverages and tapas we’ve concocted,” said the resort’s manager Ye Chang Sheng (Peter). Photo credits: The Anam Mui Ne

Following a robust 2023 where Hilton achieved its largest development pipeline in company history and opened a company record of 24,000 rooms across 132 hotels in the last quarter of the year, Hilton is well-positioned for further growth in 2024.   Hilton now has more new rooms under construction than any other hotel company with approximately one in every five hotel rooms under construction globally slated to join the company’s portfolio. After entering new markets including Monaco, Tunisia and the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2023, this year Hilton is slated to open its first hotels in Bermuda, Paraguay, Nepal, Laos and Timor-Leste.   Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island Hilton will also see its award-winning brands continue to expand this year to new destinations. Guest-favorite brands like Hampton by Hilton – celebrating its 40th anniversary this year – will enter Africa and Hilton’s newest brands, including LivSmart Studios by Hilton, Tempo by Hilton and Spark by Hilton, will accelerate their growth in the US with new locations across the country.   Hero photo: Conrad Bahrain Financial Harbour

Chef Nicolas Isnard, who has honed his distinctive culinary approach at multiple Michelin-starred restaurants around France and elsewhere, will prepare a series of exclusive meals at Raffles Hotel Le Royal later this month. The iconic luxury hotel will offer special set dinners and lunches featuring Chef Nicolas’ culinary creations on April 24, 25 and 26, as it continues to elevate fine dining in the Cambodian capital. Born in the south of France, Chef Nicolas brings Gallic sensibilities to his inventive cuisine while drawing on a gastronomic journey that has taken him around the world. He has served in acclaimed French restaurants Auberge du Vieux Puits (today 3 Michelin stars), La Rotonde (2 Michelin stars) and Le Vieux Logis (1 Michelin star), among others, and he has prepared celebrated meals in Dubai, Beijing, Moscow, Singapore, Macao, Casablanca and elsewhere. At Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s signature fine-dining venue Restaurant Le Royal, Chef Nicolas will serve two exclusive dining options daily, including a sumptuous dinner set (priced at $92++) and a lunch set (priced at $42++), with optional wine pairings in addition to a special Louis XIII tasting. Dinner will be served between 6:30pm and 9:30pm, and lunch between 12pm and 3pm. Highlights of his culinary repertoire include Rose de Champignons & Saint Jacques Sauce Tom Kah featuring fresh mushrooms in a delectable Thai-inspired sauce; Pigeon, Mais, Ail Noir, Passion & Sauce Cacahuetes made with pigeon, black garlic, passionfruit and peanut sauce; Pot Au Pho de Foie Gras, a dish inspired by the beloved Vietnamese noodle dish with foie gras; and Rouget, Safran & Aubergines, spotlighting fresh red mullet fish, saffron and eggplant. Chef Nicolas’ upcoming meals are the latest in Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s exclusive culinary series. They follow an appearance in March by Chef Martin Simolka from the 5-star Le Scribe in Paris Opéra. Last year, French Chef Pascal Favre d’Anne, the recipient of 1 Michelin star, and Chef Patrice Hardy of Le Palme d'Or (2 Michelin stars) in Cannes and La Brettonnière (1 Michelin star) in Boulogne-Billancourt also served meals at the hotel. The 2-Michelin-star Chef Thierry Drapeau and Vietnam Iron Chef winner Chef Sakal Phoeung also prepared a series of “four-hands” dining experiences. Photo credits: Raffles Hotel Le Royal

JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, unveils its second property in Kenya with the opening of JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi. Standing as the tallest hotel in the country with 35 stories in the Westlands commercial district, JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi captures the essence of Kenya’s natural beauty and heritage, offering travelers a peaceful escape for the mind, body, and soul. “The unveiling of JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi marks our exciting debut in the vibrant heart of Kenya’s capital city, solidifying our steadfast expansion in Africa, and reinforcing our global footprint,” says Bruce Rohr, Vice President & Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott. “JW Marriott extends its commitment to mindfulness and wellness with the opening of the new hotel, inviting guests to indulge in the serene experiences amidst the breathtaking landscape of East Africa. We are excited to welcome travelers on a fulfilling stay imbued with the JW Marriott standard of extraordinary hospitality.” The hotel features 315 sophisticated guestrooms, five internationally-inspired dining destinations, a luxury Spa by JW, swimming pool, fitness center, and eight exceptional event spaces for gatherings and celebrations. An additional 51 spacious serviced apartments and a sky bar & lounge are slated to open later in the year. “As JW Marriott expands its presence in Africa, the brand enriches the region with a legacy of luxurious hospitality, seamlessly weaving together its dedication to holistic well-being and fostering meaningful connections throughout the continent,” said Helen Leighton, Vice President, Luxury Brands & Communications, Marriott International, Europe, Middle East & Africa. “JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi perfectly embodies the city's contemporary yet mindful urban lifestyle. The property combines the warmth of African hospitality with serene spaces where guests can disconnect from distraction, focus on the present moment, and reconnect with what matters most to them.” An Urban Sanctuary - Bringing the Outdoors InThe hotel’s interior design is largely inspired by the beauty, heritage, and palette of Kenya’s great outdoors. Designed by George Wong, the property is inspired by the spirit and story of an African adventure, with an earth-toned color palette of savannah browns, Maasai reds, cultural terracotta, and safari green incorporated throughout its spaces. These aesthetic choices introduce a new echelon of luxury to the city, featuring intentional spaces that allow guests to connect with the essence of Africa, while enjoying the comforts of a modern urban hotel. Throughout the property a collection of unique works of art - from sculptures and handmade ceramics to wall murals and regional textiles - tell the story of the breathtaking Kenyan landscape. The guest rooms and suites - including one Presidential Suite - offer guests a contemporary retreat to recharge and reset with breathtaking views of the city. Situated on the nine top-most floors of the high-rise tower, spacious serviced apartments will offer luxurious, exclusive experiences for long-stay guests and family groups in one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. Mindful moments can be found at Spa by JW, which offers bespoke wellness experiences for guests during their stay, including customizable massages and beauty treatments to refresh and invigorate the body. Guests can maintain their daily routines at the state-of-the-art Fitness Center on the fifth floor, featuring a yoga studio, steam room, and an outdoor pool and terrace, offering an ideal space for ultimate relaxation. Worldly Culinary DestinationsJW Marriott Hotel Nairobi is home to a host of rich culinary experiences that elevate the city’s hospitality scene to new standards of sophistication, with the goal of creating special moments and fostering a deeper connection between guests and locals. All-day MIDI Café & Patisserie creates the ideal spot for quick breakfasts, light lunches, or afternoon coffee and cake, while Myna Restaurant showcases international cuisine with an African flair, serving sumptuous buffet-style breakfasts and family Sunday brunches, as well as lunches and dinner from its indoor and outdoor terrace setting. Hudson Tavern Bar & Grill offers the ideal setting to relax while watching live sports, featuring an authentic grill house serving tapas, mezze, and classic American burgers. Fine dining in the capital city is enhanced with the arrival of Mughal, celebrating the esteemed cuisine and culture of the Mughal Empire. Guests can embark on a unique culinary journey immersed in sumptuous décor and stories reminiscent of a gracious, bygone era. The cocktail bar is a highlight, serving signature drinks and mocktails infused with Mughal ingredients and spices. Slated to open later this year, Mr. Pang Sky Bar & Lounge, situated on the 31st floor of the hotel, is set to become the city’s evening hotspot, offering modern Pan-Asian cuisine and upscale mixology offerings across its indoor bar and lounge, outdoor terrace, and two private dining spaces, including a premium whiskey library. Fostering ConnectionsJW Marriott Hotel Nairobi offers over 1,700 square meters of exceptional meeting and event spaces equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, catering to all occasions from corporate events and meetings to family gatherings and celebrations. The pillar-less Grand Ballroom, hosting up to 800 guests, is an inspirational venue for the city and can be adapted for a range of events including luxury weddings. The hotel also has a sustainable meeting program, which includes strategies for reducing waste, ensuring responsible waste management, and maintaining energy efficiency to reduce the carbon footprint of events. “JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi takes pride in ushering in a new chapter of refinement to our capital city,” added Eben Nel, General Manager, JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi. “The property is perfectly situated for restful overnight stays for those visitors adventuring into the country’s magnificent game reserves. For those visiting the city for longer and needing to revitalize their souls by immersing themselves in nature, the tranquility of Nairobi National Park, the world’s only national park within a capital city, is just a short drive out of the Central Business District. We are thrilled to open our doors and offer a warm Kenyan welcome, world-class service, and generous hospitality to our guests.” Westlands is a social and entertainment hotspot within close proximity to Nairobi’s Central Business District and a number of top local attractions, including Nairobi National Museum, Karen Blixen Museum, Maasai Market, Bomas of Kenya, and Karura Forest, an urban upland forest on the outskirts of Nairobi. The Nairobi expressway links the area to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which is just a 20-minute drive away.