South Asian Travel Awards Nominations Extended

Wymara Resort + Villas – a privately-owned, ultra-luxurious Caribbean sanctuary in Turks and Caicos Islands - has introduced a new look for team members across all departments ahead of the main 24/25 season.  Photo credits: Wymara Resort + Villas Taking inspiration from the natural beauty that surrounds the resort and villas, and working closely with Miami-based JA Uniforms, a full range of clothing has been designed and manufactured to reflect and enhance the look and feel of the resort and serve as a visual illustration of its core commitment to sustainability. Shelley Rincon, CEO at Wymara Resort + Villas outlined the original design brief as “creating new team uniforms that are as distinctive and elegant as the resort, while also showcasing the islands’ heritage and vibrancy through colours, patterns and prints. More importantly, they also needed to be fit for purpose and to support our ethical and sustainable mission.” Alex Arencibia, owner and founder of JA Uniforms, said that his team worked hard to ensure that aesthetic, practical, ethical and commercial concerns were all addressed before finalising the range. The design team selected key motifs and colour palettes including coral prints, palm fronds and shades of blue that recall the sky and sea, along with Wymara’s own logo. Garments are made from performance fabrics suited to each role, notably sun protection for beach attendants and landscaping teams, and lightweight yet hardwearing materials to offer comfort and durability for front-of-house, kitchen, housekeeping and maintenance teams. Photo credits: Wymara Resort + Villas “The objective is to enhance the guest experience while ensuring staff comfort and addressing client needs,” says Mr Arencibia. “We looked closely at ways to create the most sustainable range, and while natural fibres are often biodegradable, they require more water for washing, thorough rinsing, more detergent, and longer wash cycles. In contrast, the fabrics that we have selected include synthetic fibres that offer great comfort, breathability, and performance, generally having a much longer lifespan which lower replacement rate, making them more cost-effective.” Team members in all departments will be sporting the new uniforms from autumn 2024 which were launched internally via a series of runway shows using models from each team at one of the resort’s stunning Penthouse Suites overlooking Grace Bay Beach. Shelley Rincon said “We are really pleased with the results – the new uniforms truly support the guest experience at Wymara with a clear visual expression of the Turks & Caicos experience, celebrating sun and sea, in style.”

Thailand's luxurious boutique resort, The Sarojin, has been awarded Two Key status in MICHELIN Guide's recently launched initiative to honour Thailand's most outstanding hotels. The Two Key accolade honours hotels for offering guests “an exceptional stay.” Photo credits:The Sarojin MICHELIN launched the new Key distinction scheme on 25 September and their announcement comes four years into a comprehensive refresh of their hotel selection. To make the prestigious list, hotels must be able to demonstrate a significant impact on a guest's experience and each property is rated in five separate categories: architecture and interior design; quality and consistency of service; overall personality and character; value for the price; and a significant contribution to the guest experience in a particular setting. Commenting on the inclusion, Owner Kate Kemp explains: “We are thrilled to be recognised by MICHELIN as providing an exceptional stay for our guests. This is a wonderful testimony to the hard work of our dedicated team and their spririt of exceptional service and attention to detail. “We are always delighted to hear how special our guests rate their stay at The Sarojin, but to have this recognised by the industry and from such a highly-regarded organisation such as MICHELIN is a real honour.” MICHELIN was particularly impressed that whilst the hotel is “luxurious and well-designed” that it does not feel “decadent or gluttonous” and that the mostly local materials “blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.” The Sarojin was also highly commended for its spectacular setting on a long, secluded white sand beach; its restaurants (The Ficus and The Edge) and private dining options; its full service spa and its range of outdoor excursions. For more information about The Sarojin, please visit: www.sarojin.com

The Asia-Pacific’s leading travel trade magazine votes for the best in the region’s hospitality sector