Cafe d’Angkor at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Launches New Menu

The MICHELIN Guide’s inaugural hotel recognition programme, MICHELIN Keys, has awarded Two Keys to Banyan Tree Krabi, a luxury resort on tranquil Tubkaek Beach on the Andaman coast of Southern Thailand. Photo credits: Banyan Tree Krabi The French-based MICHELIN Guide, famed for its accreditation of “stars” to the most exquisite restaurants, has for the first time introduced a ranking system of “keys” to acclaim the most outstanding hotels in the world. The 2024 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection in Thailand included a total of eight Three-Key hotels (its highest decoration), 19 Two-Key hotels, and 31 One Key hotels. Each hotel had been anonymously visited and assessed by MICHELIN inspectors. Banyan Tree Krabi was among only four resorts or hotels in the Krabi region decorated with a key award. According to the MICHELIN Guide, distinction is based on five criteria: excellence in architecture and design; quality of service; overall personality and character; value for money; and meaningful contributions to the local community. In addition, the prestigious French-based guide also recommended the resort’s spa, Banyan Tree Spa Krabi, as one of the seven “most luxurious” spas in Thailand. Banyan Tree Spa Krabi’s signature experience is The Rainforest, the region’s first luxury hydrotherapy facility, described by the MICHELIN Guide as a place “where tropical serenity meets holistic wellness”. “Dive into a luxurious hydrothermal circuit featuring a Rain Walk, Steam Room, Sauna, Ice Fountain, Vitality Pool, Outdoor Cold and Hot Plunge Pools, Jet Pool, and Heated Bed,” the MICHELIN Guide said. “Let the Tropical Rainmist take you away as the soothing Rain Shower helps you relax before an invigorating body scrub boosts your skin’s moisture. Experience true tranquillity as a skilled therapist works their magic, kneading away all your tension.” The spa has eight private treatment rooms, each with a selection of “Colour-Calm” choices. The theory behind colour-calm therapy is that the spectrum of light carries electromagnetic energy, and therefore affects energy or chakras. This month, Banyan Tree Spa Krabi introduced a new treatment idea for guests — complimentary weightless therapy classes. Weightless therapy is a holistic technique that involves floating in water, whereby the buoyancy helps alleviate pain and stress. Also known as flotation therapy, this sensory deprivation treatment is renowned for inducing a state of deep relaxation. At Banyan Tree Spa Krabi, trained therapists guide and glide their clients gently upon the water in one-on-one sessions usually lasting half an hour. Photo credits: Banyan Tree Krabi “Weightless therapy is an alternative way to heal your body and mind,” said Banyan Tree Spa Krabi Manager Ms Montira Vichiankoo. “The meditative state obtained by floating in the water helps us relax as well as exercising muscles, joints and bones.” The new weightless therapy experience is just one of several innovations at the award-winning spa, a self-styled “Sanctuary for the Senses” that offers massage and wellbeing treatments, including traditional Thai and oil massages such as the Restorative Detox massage, a deep tissue technique designed to stimulate the body’s circulatory system. Alternatively, the Sleep Essentials massage is a unique ritual that brings the mind and body to a deep state of rest. Each therapist at the resort has undergone intensive training at the Banyan Spa & Wellbeing Academy, which introduces students to its very own “8-Pillar Philosophy.” The 8-Pillar Philosophy — involving the concepts of Connection, Growth, Groundedness, Nourishment, Rest, Movement, Practice, and Mindfulness — is also evident in Banyan Tree’s “Wellbeing Sanctuary” programme which was launched in 2021. Setting aside a selection of suites dedicated to holistic and wellness pursuits, the “Wellbeing Sanctuary” provides guests with an opportunity to combine a leisure vacation with a daily itinerary designed to enrich mind, body and soul — from meditation to Thai boxing, from massage and hydrotherapy to nature trails and sailing lessons — complemented with a nutritious diet and personal consultations. Located on a tranquil beachfront, and tiered into a lush hillside facing westward towards the Andaman Sea and the sunset, Banyan Tree Krabi has 72 pool suites and villas, among them seven two-bedroom options, one three-bedroom villa, and a majestic seven-bedroom Presidential Beachfront Pool Villa. Facilities include two restaurants and a beach bar, a beach club, a kids’ club, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and the aforementioned rainforest-themed spa. For more information or reservations, contact +66 075 811 888 or email krabi@banyantree.com

Sun Siyam Resorts is enhancing the all-inclusive experience in the Maldives with the launch of its 24-hour, resort-wide all-inclusive plan, available across all properties as of November 1st 2024. Photo credits: Sun Siyam Resorts The new 24-hour all-inclusive plan has been launched following the success and demand for Siyam World's premium 24 hour all-inclusive which has laid the foundation for its expansion across all resorts. Additionally, in resorts with multiple meal plans, booking data indicates that in 2024, 85% of British guests choose all-inclusive over BB, HB and FB options. Aside from dining options in multiple restaurants and premium drinks, the popularity of Sun Siyam Resorts all-inclusive product is due to the extensive selection of activities – all included. From snorkeling safaris and dolphin cruises to sunset fishing and spa or watersports credit, each curated experience caters to every traveller, whether they seek relaxation, adventure, or both. With this new 24-hour all-inclusive approach, Sun Siyam Resorts sets a new benchmark for flexible but attainable, worry-free travel, delivering incredible value and endless ways to enjoy the beauty and culture of the Maldives without add-ons and hidden costs. Photo credits: Sun Siyam Resorts Each resort brings its own unique touch to the all-inclusive experience: Iru Veli's premium all-inclusive Signature Plan covers activities like paddleboarding, windsurfing, and even offers jet ski or spa credits along with three excursions. At Siyam World, the WOW! premium all-inclusive plan offers unlimited access to Siyam Water World—the Maldives' largest floating water park, various excursions to choose from, and 24/7 dining and entertainment within 18 bars and restaurants. Iru Fushi's all-inclusive package and dine-around meal plan in more than 15 restaurants and bars, offers serene, day-to-night luxury, delivering drinks and bites on demand, while Vilu Reef and Olhuveli both feature all-inclusive dine-around packages with waterfront bars that welcome guests at all hours. For more information visit www.sunsiyam.com

Marking the brand's Australian debut, the 2025 opening of Mondrian Gold Coast is set to ignite the region's lifestyle hospitality scene, leading a new direction in antipodean style across architecture, design, cuisine, wellness and cultural connection. Photo credits: Mondrian Gold Coast Since the opening of its first property, Mondrian LA, in 1996, Mondrian has continued to break the mould of lifestyle hospitality. Built by some of the world's most iconic dreamers and visionary designers, each Mondrian emerges as a creative hive where the fantastical meets the future and dream-like spaces immerse guests in the culture of the place it inhabits, both in aesthetics and spirit. These distinctive hallmarks of the brand have been the driving force behind its successful expansion, currently encompassing 11 properties based in some of the world's most exciting cultural destinations. Mondrian's expansion in Australia marks an exciting milestone for the evolution of the brand, which is part of Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company. Located on one of Queensland's most iconic beaches and surrounded by outstanding natural beauty, Mondrian Gold Coast will capture Burleigh's eclectic rhythm, creative community and sun-bleached surf scene. Photo credits: Mondrian Gold Coast Set within a sculptural masterpiece designed by leading Australian architects Fraser & Partners, the hotel unfolds across 24 floors allowing for breathtaking views across the pine tree-framed beach and Pacific Ocean beyond as well as the verdant Hinterlands. The sleek design of the 208 studios, suites and homes, including spectacular two- and three-bedroom Beach Houses and the hotel-crowning Sky House, has been conceived by award-winning Studio Carter and is informed by the textural and tonal interplay of the sugar-white sands and pandanus-studded coastline.       Designed by acclaimed multi-disciplinary architecture practice Alexander &Co, the ground-floor restaurant spills out onto a sun-dappled terrace, blurring the lines between inside and out and capturing Burleigh's infectious energy and humming street scene. On the third floor, the oceanfront restaurant and pool club are a tangible celebration of the region's exquisite local produce and culinary creativity. A wellness space and spa specialising in future-forward treatments, as well as an extensive hybrid events space, completes the scene for the Gold Coast's most exciting new arrival. “Australia has long been a strategic focus for Mondrian's growth, and the Gold Coast was a focal point thanks to its phenomenal natural setting, rich cultural landscape, and vibrant social scene. Over the last couple of years, we have seen a rising demand for lifestyle brands, where locals and international guests are looking for authentic, creative and immersive experiences – all the hallmarks of the Mondrian brand. It felt a natural choice to bring Mondrian to the Gold Coast and we believe it will resonate strongly with the local market and lend something entirely new to the hospitality space”, says Chadi Farhat, Brand COO Mondrian Hotels & Residences.