Machan Resorts LLP recognized as the most preferred Hospitality Management company

INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit’s guests are trying their hand at a new art latte workshop to “bring out their inner barista and inner artist”. Photo credits: INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit Led by seasoned barista Anuchita Khajeeram, the 45-minute workshop held at the hotel’s Open Living Lounge delves into basic coffee knowledge, how to use an espresso machine and make “the perfect” espresso shot, milk frothing techniques and basic latte art pouring skills. Participants pour microfoam into espresso to create the design of a heart and a flower on the surface of the coffee. They are also welcome to attempt the more difficult pegasus and seahorse designs. A maximum of two participants can join each workshop to ensure personalised attention. Workshops are held from 1-5pm with sessions booked based on demand and availability. Specialising in modern and traditional Thai coffee, Khajeeram has three years of speed bar experience at Thai brands Amazon and TRUE Coffee as well as Korean brand Tom N Toms. Photo credits: INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit “Our guests love their coffee; so much that they add a feather to their cap during their stay with us by bringing out their inner barista and inner artist at our fun, hands-on workshop,” said Khajeeram. “Our lobby bar is a hidden gem for coffee enthusiasts in Sukhumvit and, with the likes of our art latte workshop, is fast becoming a social hub where we foster community interaction.” INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, which debuted in 2023, is part of an eclectic collection of urban and beach INNSiDE hotels across Asia, Europe, and the Americas designed for those with curious minds who have a fluid lifestyle when it comes to work and leisure. For more information or to make a booking, visit melia.com, email reservation.innside.sukhumvit@melia.com or call +66 2 340 5499.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, ELE|NA proudly presents The Art of Graceful Change, a wellness retreat designed to empower women to embrace menopause with confidence and vitality. This transformative retreat will be held from June 5th–9th, 2025, at the serene OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi in the Maldives. The retreat offers a holistic and highly personalized approach to managing menopause—transforming it from a challenge into an opportunity for growth, renewal, and self-discovery. For too long, menopause has been overlooked in the wellness space, leaving many women to navigate its complexities alone. Today, menopause—and its precursor, perimenopause (which can begin as early as a woman’s 30s)—is finally being recognized as a profound transition that deserves care, understanding, and tailored support. This retreat honors that shift, providing a nurturing environment where women can reconnect with themselves, embrace change with confidence, and thrive. Guided by ELE|NA’s Wellness Your Way™ philosophy, this retreat is fully customizable, allowing guests to focus on what matters most to them—whether that’s deep relaxation, mindful movement, or simply taking time to recharge. Each participant will receive a DNA kit from Muhdo Health, offering invaluable insights into their genetic blueprint. These results will inform a hyper-personalized wellness plan, with tailored recommendations for exercise, nutrition, and holistic therapies designed to support their unique journey. Crafted by world-renowned wellness experts, the program addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological shifts of menopause with empathy, expertise, and innovative solutions. Highlights include a customized movement plan, a masterclass in holistic healing, conscious nutrition guidance, and specialized face and body therapies designed specifically for menopause-related changes. Insightful discussion groups, neuro-linguistic programming, and post-retreat monthly Zoom meetups will foster a strong sense of connection and continued support long after the retreat ends. This retreat is designed with accessibility in mind, offering a welcoming space for all women, regardless of their background or experience with wellness. It’s a place where wellness is for everyone, and where each woman’s needs and unique journey are respected and supported. This exclusive retreat will be led by a team of distinguished specialists, each bringing their expertise to guide guests through this transformative journey: Heidi Grimwood – Hotelier Maldives’ 2024 Wellness Personality of the Year and Global Spa Leader of the Year 2022, with over 25 years of experience in luxury spa and wellness, specializing in transformative wellness experiences. Francesca Canzano-Franklin – Chinese Medicine practitioner, holistic facialist, and wellness educator, renowned for integrating Eastern wisdom with modern well-being. Dr. Louise Oliver – NHS GP, Functional Breathing Practitioner, and Therapeutic Life Coach, specializing in breathwork for hormonal balance, stress management, and sleep optimization. Suaad Ghadban – Award-winning fitness expert and movement specialist, with over 20 years of expertise in dance, sports, and women’s empowerment. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi offers the perfect sanctuary for renewal. Just 15 minutes from Malé International Airport, this vibrant 4-star resort blends laid-back tropical luxury with world-class wellness offerings. Guests will enjoy elegant accommodations, stunning beachfront views, and the largest underwater restaurant in the Maldives, creating an atmosphere of both tranquility and adventure. This is more than just a retreat—it’s a reawakening. It’s time to embrace menopause with grace, knowledge, and self-care. Join us for an unforgettable experience where science, holistic wellness, and personal empowerment converge. For more information or to book, visit: https://ele-na.com/menopause-retreat/.

Equality in Tourism, an international organisation committed to advancing gender equality within the tourism industry, is thrilled to announce the winners of the prestigious Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award 2025.  Photo credits: Equality in Tourism Returning for its third year, the award is bestowed upon remarkable organisations committed to promoting gender equality within tourism and hospitality across the globe. With diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives increasingly under threat, its aims to celebrate equitable practices and encourage their adoption are more significant than ever. This year’s shortlist featured nine outstanding candidates who had demonstrated exceptional dedication to policies, practices and initiatives that empower women and create more equitable workplaces. Winners from the two categories – Accommodation and Travel & Destinations – were unveiled during a special ceremony held on 6th March at ITB Berlin's LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion Stage:  Travel & Destinations category: Responsible Travel, Ecuador -  Judges felt the South American travel operator “lives and breathes gender equality”, as evidenced in an outstanding application and a public declaration of their values on their website. Since making the 2024 shortlist, they’ve continued to strengthen their commitment to gender equality, including within their environmental recovery projects.  Accommodation category: Community Homestay Network, Nepal - The judges praised this social enterprise homestay network on the thorough and transparent gender equality efforts that run throughout their business, including areas such as disaster risk reduction, climate risk and gender awareness training.  The panel also highly commended the new women-led Amba Yaalu (Mango Friends) Kandalama hotel in Sri Lanka, spotlighting them as a promising tourism actor with huge potential.  These organisations follow in the footsteps of Eternal Landscapes Mongolia, Accor Brazil Embrace Program and Travel Excellence – the former Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award winners who have all pushed boundaries and made impactful strides towards a more balanced workplace.  This year’s winners were selected from the shortlist by a distinguished panel of global gender and tourism experts, including representatives from the two award sponsors – Michelle Mason from the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and  Dawn Briggs from Sojern. They were joined by Hector De Castro of Regenera Luxury, Rika Jean-François of MissionRespo, and UNWTO consultant Lucy Ferguson.  Michelle Mason, Social Responsibility and Recognition Programme Manager at the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, comments: “At the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, our mission is to create a fairer and more inclusive hospitality industry. As a sponsor of the Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award, we proudly support Equality in Tourism in recognising inspiring organisations that go beyond words to create real impact.  “All of the shortlisted nominees exemplify extraordinary dedication to advancing gender equality. Their work doesn’t just inspire. It ignites meaningful change that extends far beyond their immediate reach. We celebrate and recognise their commitment to the cause, as true changemakers in our industry." Dr. Stroma Cole, Reader in tourism at the University of Westminster and Co-Director of Equality in Tourism, chaired the judging panel and echoes this sentiment: “Our 2025 Gender Equality Champions each submitted exceptional applications that demonstrated real care and commitment to creating change for women. We’re delighted to spotlight the impactful and transformative work they’re doing to pioneer a more equitable industry.  “There can be no true sustainability in tourism without gender equality. We urge fellow organisations to look to our winners for inspiration – they set a shining example for peers to learn from.” The award aligns with the UNWTO’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, aiming to enhance tourism's positive impact on women’s lives.