Industry News

The Anam Cam Ranh has been recognized as one of the 100 best hotels in the world, landing on prestigious Fodor’s Finest Hotels list for 2025. Photo credits: The Anam Cam Ranh “After compiling the insights and opinions of more than 750 global experts and reviewing thousands of properties, we’ve determined that The Anam Cam Ranh is one of the 100 best hotels in the world. This is a remarkable achievement,” said Fodor’s Travel, a producer of English-language travel guides and online tourism information. The Anam Cam Ranh was the only Vietnamese property to make the cut. “With its Imperial-style aesthetics and idyllic ocean views, the award-winning Anam Cam Ranh was one of the first resorts to put Cam Ranh on the map … The Anam blends Indochine elegance with locally sourced decor and sprawling grounds. Here, coconut palms and frangipani trees lead to a pristine stretch of white-sand beach and azure waters,” Fodor’s Travel said of the 12-hectare resort. “Check into one of its chic yellow and aqua-accented rooms or suites or, if you’re going all out, the expansive Anam Ocean View Pool Villas. Each comes with a private balcony or terrace that opens to stunning gardens or ocean vistas, as well as original paintings by Vietnamese artists and sustainable local hardwood finishes. A top spot for foodies, Lang Viet Restaurant offers delightful Vietnamese cuisine; The Colonial features international fare; and The Beach Club’s casual seafood offerings pair beautifully with a gorgeous ocean breeze.” Photo credits: The Anam Cam Ranh “Eat well and rest well here: the lagoon-style pool and spa promise 24/7 relaxation. Paired with the resort’s personalized service and eco-friendly practices, it’s an unbeatable getaway on Vietnam’s serene coast.” Access the full list of 100 hotels here: https://www.fodors.com/worlds-best/hotels and the best hotels in Asia to make the top 100 are here: https://www.fodors.com/worlds-best/hotels/asia Fodor’s Travel said what made compiling the Fodor’s Finest Hotels list “such a daunting task is the outrageous number of hotels worldwide”. “The United Nations World Travel Organization has estimated that there are roughly 700,000 hotels in the world–from hostels to uber-luxury. Other estimates suggest the number is closer to 1 million properties–and some believe there are even more. And while there seems to be no definitive answer, one thing is certain: that’s a lot of options,” the publication said. “We’ve worked with … globetrotting writers and hotel professionals to narrow things down from 700,000 hotels to only 100. These properties represent the best 0.014% anywhere on the planet. That’s also why we don’t rank them–making it onto this list is achievement enough. Every single property has been vetted by our team, every hotel has been experienced, and every stay has been extraordinary. And while there are other properties that can easily justify a place on this list, we’ve had to be brutal and fastidious, splitting hairs on minor matters. Ultimately, these are the 100 hotels that we’re obsessed with for 2025 and think you will be, too.” For further information or to make a booking, visit www.theanam.com, email info.cr@theanam.com or telephone +(84) 258 398 9499.

Building on the success of their partnership in 2023, The Peninsula London is proud to continue its collaboration with the British Fashion Council as the Official Hotel Partner for the second consecutive year of The Fashion Awards (TFA). TFA will take place on Monday, 2nd December at The Royal Albert Hall London. The Peninsula London will proudly host luminaries across fashion, film, and music in glamour, comfort and luxury, as they prepare for the prestigious BFC Foundation fundraising event. Last year, guests included Erin O'Connor, Grace Carter, Harris Reed, Jean Campbell, Katie Piper, Law Roach, Letitia Wright, Little Simz, Louis Partridge, Maya Jama, Kojey Radical, Michael Ward, Neelam Gill, Olivia Arben, Olivia Dean, Abbey Clancy, Damson Idris, Paapa Essiedu, Rochelle Humes, Sheila Atim, Skepta, Stormzy, and Zara McDermott. Photo credits: Seye Isikalu The Fashion Awards 2024 presented by Pandora brings together a global community in London, the home of fashion creativity, to amplify leaders of change, celebrate excellence in creativity, and support the next generation of creative talent. The event supports the future growth and success of the British fashion industry by focusing on education, grant-giving, and business mentoring.

Meliá Chiang Mai has clinched a coveted spot in the well-respected Australian magazine Holidays with Kids Readers’ Choice Awards, recognised as among “Thailand’s Best Family Resorts”. Photo credits: Meliá Chiang Mai Situated in the heart of Chiang Mai city in Thailand’s mountainous north, Meliá Chiang Mai rounded out the list of 12 Thailand hotels and resorts and was the only property in Chiang Mai to make the cut. Nominations for the Holidays with Kids 2024 Best Family Resorts Awards were open for 12 months and came from the magazine’s vast readership of more than 600,000 parents. “The competition has been fierce, with so many kid-friendly resorts not just meeting expectations but smashing them. From creative kids’ clubs and family focused dining, to kids-centric facilities and activities, the winning resorts and hotels are raising the bar for families,” the publication said. Holidays with Kids described Meliá Chiang Mai as “beautiful”. “YHI Spa pampers guests with massage therapy, scrubs, wraps and facials, while the gym ensures your fitness goals stay on track,” the magazine said. “There are three dining venues serving up culinary masterpieces, and the resort even facilitates the Meliá Farm 360 experience, immersing guests in the eco-farming program that fills their plates. The rooftop bar has fantastic views of the surrounding landscape, the pool is the perfect place to cool off after a day of exploring Chiang Mai, and the kids club will keep the little nippers safe and sound when parents need a romantic evening for two.” Photo credits: Meliá Chiang Mai Meliá Chiang Mai’s general manager Marc Selinger said he and his team were honoured that the hotel had been recognised as among Thailand’s leading family properties in the awards for the second year in a row. “We’ve got so much to offer the young and the young at heart including our Family Rooms with puzzles and board games, children’s tent, toys and more, and our vast kids and teens club with a program packed with activities such as Thai boxing, umbrella painting, and arts and craft with recycled materials,” he said. “Our large outdoor swimming pool with a shallow pool area for kids replete with two water slides, a rain curtain, water fountains and a giant tipping bucket is popular with families, and our hotel is a great base to explore Chiang Mai’s many attractions ranging from famed temple Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep to the Chiang Mai Night Safari and novel Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park.” View the full list of winners here: https://holidayswithkids.com.au/best-family-resorts-awards/ and the full list of the ‘Best Family Resorts in Thailand’ here: https://holidayswithkids.com.au/best-family-resorts-thailand/ To contact Meliá Chiang Mai or to make a booking, email reservation.chiangmai@melia.com, call +66 52 090 699 or visit https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/chiang-mai/melia-chiang-mai/index.htm

Oceanfront Alma Resort on southern Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula has been named the No. 1 family resort in Vietnam by the influential Australian-based Holidays with Kids magazine for the second year in a row. Photo credits: Alma Resort Nominations for the Holidays with Kids 2024 Readers’ Choice Best Family Resorts Awards were open for 12 months and came from the magazine’s vast readership of more than 600,000 parents. “The competition has been fierce, with so many kid-friendly resorts not just meeting expectations but smashing them. From creative kids’ clubs and family focused dining, to kids-centric facilities and activities, the winning resorts and hotels are raising the bar for families,” the publication said. Holidays with Kids deemed Alma a “thrilling family escape”. “The resort features 12 pools that flow towards Bai Dai Beach, where a bevy of water sports await,” the review continues. “Or dive into the splash waterpark, with its slides, wave pool, and lazy river. There’s a fantastic kids’ club and a youth club for teens, brimming with activities. For active fun, the resort features sports courts, beach sports, an 18-hole mini golf course, and a Bravo Pro Golf Simulator. The one to three-bedroom suites and pavilions are generously sized and stylishly designed, offering balconies with breathtaking ocean views.” Alma’s managing director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler said he and the team were thrilled Alma had been recognised by the prestigious awards as Vietnam’s leading family resort for a second consecutive year. Photo credits: Alma Resort “Alma is truly one-of-a-kind with its unprecedented array of family facilities ranging from our science museum and cinema to our onsite sustainable farm and more. It’s wonderful for Alma to be recognised as the ultimate family holiday by so many readers of Holidays with Kids. Before these awards had a specific category for Vietnamese resorts, Alma was recognised as the third best resort in the awards’ worldwide category.” View the full list of winners here: https://holidayswithkids.com.au/best-family-resorts-awards/ and the full list of the ‘Best Family Resorts in Vietnam’ here: https://holidayswithkids.com.au/best-family-resorts-vietnam/ To contact Alma or to make a booking, please visit alma-resort.com, call +84 258 399 1666 or email info@alma-resort.com

Buxton Crescent, the historic hotel and spa on the edge of the Peak District National Park, is celebrating success in the Condé Nast Traveller 2024 Readers' Choice Awards. Buxton’s only five-star wellness hotel, with an innovative thermal spa and fine dining restaurant, has been ranked the 15th Best Destination Spa in UK in the awards, which are voted for by readers to recognise the world's dreamiest destination spas. Photo credits: Buxton Crescent Buxton Crescent is one of just two hotels in northern England ranked on the list, which can be viewed in full HERE The hotel received a score 81.47 % in levels of satisfaction. Buxton Crescent’s General Manager Deirdre Billing said: “We are of course delighted to win this prestigious award, especially as it has been voted for by readers of Condé Nast Traveller. We really feel that our state-of-the-art thermal spa offers something truly unique, providing a heritage feel with historic elements and Buxton mineral rich water flowing through our very modern facilities, in the setting of the beautiful Peak District. We will continue to strive to delight our guests and offer the best service, experience and treatments.” To celebrate, Buxton Crescent has launched a brand new spa package, the Morning Brunch Spa Experience, designed to help guests unwind and enjoy a bit of me-time this October.The Morning Brunch Spa Experience includes: • A refreshing smoothie on arrival• A choice of a 25-minute Indian Head Treatment or a Revitalising Leg and Foot Treatment • A sumptuous brunch to satisfy your palateAvailable Monday to Thursday for just £95 per person, or Friday to Sunday for £115 per person, from 9am until 1pm.This exclusive offer is available only until 31st October.

There was a celebratory mood recently at Banyan Tree Samui, a luxury beachfront resort in southern Thailand, after the hotel was recognised with three independent international awards in the space of one week. Photo credits: Banyan Tree Samui 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 Samui, and its sister resort Banyan Tree Krabi on Thailand’s western Andaman Sea coast, were both recognised by the new MICHELIN Guide with two “keys”. “These [all MICHELIN’s recommended hotels and resorts] are places that significantly add to your experience as a traveller” read the MICHELIN Guide announcement on September 24, “each vetted and judged excellent in five 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.” No sooner had the champagne settled when, on October 1, the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 were announced. New York-based Condé Nast Traveler is arguably the leading luxury travel magazine in the world and the announcement of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards is an eagerly anticipated event in the calendar of the global hospitality community. Photo credits: Banyan Tree Samui Online voting for the world’s favourite hotels, resorts and spas ran from April through June this year, with more than 575,000 votes cast. In the category of Top Resorts in Thailand, Banyan Tree Samui polled third with a 95.16 score. The placement marked a jump up the rankings for Banyan Tree Samui, which finished 5th in 2023, while Banyan Tree Krabi had come in 4th in the Top Resorts in Thailand awards. In between those announcements, Area General Area General Manager Remko Kroesen was on hand in Bangkok to receive an accolade on 26 September 2024 when he was presented with the “Best Luxury Hotel - Koh Samui” prize at the 33rd Annual TTG Travel Awards 2024 Ceremony & Gala Dinner The prestigious TTG Travel Awards honours the best in the Southeast Asian hospitality industry, with readers’ votes including many of the region’s travel agents and tour operators. Opened in 2010, the 88-key Banyan Tree Samui is a luxury all-pool villa resort. The 38-acre property is rich in flora and plant life, and its private beach is flanked by coral reefs. The resort hosts three restaurants, a spa with Banyan Tree’s signature Rainforest hydrotherapy facility, a fitness centre, a kids’ club, a meetings and events centre, and a library. Last year, Banyan Tree Samui was awarded the highest level of certification by EarthCheck, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking organisation for sustainable tourism, making it the first hotel in Thailand to achieve this status. Villas at Banyan Tree Samui, each with a private infinity pool, start from US$585 per night.

INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit has clinched a coveted spot in the prestigious National Geographic Traveller (UK)’s 2024 Hotel Awards, taking out the title of the world’s best “Budget Break” hotel. Photo credits: INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit The UK edition of National Geographic Traveller announced on October 3 the winners and runners-up of its annual Hotel Awards, designed to spotlight the world’s best new and improved hotels. “We’ve searched the planet for the world’s best hotels. Here are our picks,” National Geographic Traveller (UK) said. “It’s been an epic year for hotel openings, revamps and extensions, and we've scoured the globe for the best of them. Whether you want to tune into the jungle from a treehouse, sleep in a piece of history or watch the sun set over mountain peaks from your bed, you're guaranteed a memorable stay from our winners and runners-up.” INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit was deemed the winner of “Budget Break” award category. The House of Gods in Scotland and Interno Marche in Italy were the category’s runners-up. “Wallet-friendly prices don’t have to come at the cost of style or substance, as these three hotels illustrate,” National Geographic Traveller (UK) said. Photo credits: INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit The publication applauded the 208-room INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit for its “clutch of bars, restaurants and communal workspaces” and “crowning glory: a glass-bottomed infinity pool overlooking the metropolis”. “In a city increasingly dominated by ultra-luxe hotels, INNSiDE is something of a palate cleanser,” the publication said. “In Bangkok’s On Nut neighbourhood — a short train ride away from the Thai capital’s main action — this light and bright place offers an upscale stay without the matching price tag. Inside, the hotel has embraced a white palette with subtle nods to the city’s landmarks, with wavy ceilings that evoke the flow and majesty of the Chao Phraya River, and gold accents resembling the spires of the Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaew temples. The restrained interiors are a wise choice that allows the spectacular sky-rise views to shine. The views provide a glittering urban backdrop for a swim, or for sunset tapas at the bar on the floor just below.”  INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit general manager Aarron Nelson said he and his team were “over the moon our hotel’s name is in lights with Nat Geo Traveller”. “Since our hotel’s debut in July 2023, its Asian translation of the INNSiDE brand has truly resonated with all sorts of terrific travellers, connecting us with a wider, global audience, and this award win is testament to that,” he said. “Towering over On Nut, our hotel has many standout attributes ranging from a compelling design that references some of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks, integrated co-working spaces and a 33rd floor rooftop tapas bar where diners peer into the bottom of our 34th floor infinity pool.” The winners and runners-up appear in the publication’s November issue out now in the UK and online: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/national-geographic-traveller-uk-hotel-awards-worlds-best-hotels-2024 Other award categories include “Revamped Hotel”, “Romantic Bolthole”, “City Star”, “Food Hero”, “Beach Sanctuary”, “Wellness Haven”, “Remote Sleep”, “Clever Conversion”, “Eco-stay”, “Mountain Refuge”, and “One-of-a-kind”. INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit is the newest member of an eclectic collection of urban and beach INNSiDE hotels — in 14 different countries 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 further information and to make a reservation, visit melia.com, call +66 2 340 5499 or email reservation.innside.sukhumvit@melia.com

TIA is one of just two hotels in Southeast Asia to make the top ten list of the world’s best spa resorts

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

Austria’s leading five-star family and wellness resort, Naturhotel Forsthofgut in Leogang near Salzburg, has been named Eco-Hotel of the Year in the Destination Deluxe Awards 2024. Photo credit: Naturhotel Forsthofgut Announced on 19 September at a glittering awards ceremony in Bangkok, it was the first time Forsthofgut had entered. Christoph Schmuck, owner of the wellness retreat said: ‘we are overjoyed to have been singled out for this prestigious accolade. It is a welcome endorsement of our continued team effort to look after our beautiful environment and planet. Every member of staff has had a hand in our success, and I am proud to accept this award on their behalf.’ A panel of 20 respected judges - each an expert in their field - identified Forsthofgut as the Eco-Hotel of the Year in recognition of its meticulous execution of sustainable practice across all departments and an exceptional contribution to the wellness, spa, beauty and travel sector. Photo credit: Naturhotel Forsthofgut Examples of Forsthofgut’s eco-practice include: plastic-free and recycled paper, boxes and packaging policy throughout; 100% biodegradable cleaning products; clean energy created by a bio-mass heating plant (fuelled by fallen wood from their own forest) and an R50 menu (all ingredients sourced within a 50km radius). Guests are also offered a linen towel – handmade by a local artisan - as a departing gift. The Destination Deluxe Awards, now in their sixth year, honour leaders and pioneers in wellness and travel, celebrating their excellence and rigorous standards. Quality, transparency, and originality are key criteria and recognition is for today’s change-makers who push boundaries and innovate in their fields. There are 25 categories of which three are ‘People’s Choice’ inviting the public to vote on the shortlists drawn up by the judges.

Global hospitality group The Lux Collective (TLC) announces the successful graduation of its first cohort of TLC Apprenticeship Programme across its resorts in Mauritius, who have completed their National Certificate Level 3 in Restaurant & Bar Service after a one-year intensive training. In partnership and accredited by the Mauritius Institute of Training and Development, this industry programme was fully designed and facilitated by The Lux Collective Training Academy (LIRTA Ltd), a certified training institution. The National Certificate Level 3 in Restaurant & Bar Service programme, which commenced from April 2023 to April 2024, was developed upon an apprenticeship curriculum with a total of 2000 hours of theory, practical and placement combined, to optimise in-depth learning. In addition, it allowed the team members to enhance their Food and Beverage skills and knowledge as well as to receive high levels of professional training based on the company’s shining standards. The graduation ceremony, held on 28 August at LUX* Grand Gaube, recognised the dedication and hard work of the 20 team members who had completed this rigorous training. The in-house talents were presented with their certificates in the presence of their invited family members, The Lux Collective’s senior management team and esteemed representatives from the Human Resources Development Council and Ministry of Education in Mauritius, who commended them for their strive towards excellence and continuous professional development. Three outstanding team members achieved distinctions. Chief Executive Officer of The Lux Collective Mr Olivier Chavy says, “We are extremely proud of our very first cohort of the accredited TLC Apprenticeship Programme. This industry-led initiative is a part of the Group’s ongoing commitment and strong emphasis to invest in talent development and build personal career progression for our people – the pillar of our success, while ensuring continual highest standards of service and experiences for our guests.” On the same occasion, the Group announced that another new cohort will enrol in the accredited Food & Beverage course starting in mid-September 2024 and will be awarded the National Certificate Level 2 upon completion.