The Gin Trap Inn in the North Norfolk coastal village of Ringstead, has become the latest acquisition for Chestnut, East Anglia's fastest-growing hospitality business.
Photo credits: The Gin Trap Inn
The acquisition consolidates Chestnut's foothold in the region, through the addition of a further 16 bedrooms. This is the Group's fourth Norfolk acquisition in 2024. In addition, Chestnut has opened The Maltings - a 28 bedroomed hotel in Weybourne (near Blakeney) with The Grain Store, a barn style restaurant and bar overlooking the sea.
Founder and Managing Director, Philip Turner, said of the new additions “2024 has been a busy Norfolk year for the business. We started this journey in March 2020 - one week prior to lockdown, and four years later we have almost 200 bedrooms across the county. We remain an ambitious business trying to make a difference for our guests and team – this week we opened our second “winter garden” at The Globe (Wells-next-the-Sea) serving cheese fondues and tartiflette pizzas!"
"Building community around our properties is a huge priority for us through The Giving Tree – our charitable foundation which is aiming to raise of £15,000 over this period to support local charities. We take our role as a significant regional employer (excess 200 people) seriously and are keen to develop strong relationships with those promoting North Norfolk as the go-to destination. I have known The Gin Trap Inn for many years and feel privileged that Chestnut has the chance to be part of the future.”
Photo credits: The Gin Trap Inn
David Lamyman, vendor of The Gin Trap Inn said, “We have taken The Gin Trap Inn to a new level since we acquired the business in 2019. Our great reputation is thanks to a very dedicated and hard-working team of people that know what our guests want and excel at delivering it. Having watched Chestnut grow by acquiring such quality venues and ensuring they individually thrive, I know that The Gin Trap will be in good hands. Thank you to all those that have supported us.”
Chestnut will welcome the new team members from the pub and looks forward to working with them to take the business to the next stage. All guest room bookings and table reservations will remain in place.
In a groundbreaking effort to help safeguard Khao Lak's stunning natural beaches, lessen the impact of rising sea levels and combat coastal erosion, Thailand's luxurious boutique resort, The Sarojin, is researching the viability of a new and innovative sustainability project. Using locally sourced oyster shells and by-products from the local fishing industry, research test sites were created in late November to assess the viability of a possible new natural offshore reef. If successful, it's hoped the scheme will improve the area's environmental resilience and enhance its marine ecosystem.
Photo credits: The Sarojin
Khao Lak's beaches experience typical seasonal monsoon erosion due to their exposure to the Andaman Sea and, like many coastal regions, Khao Lak is at risk of shoreline retreat. Sea level rises also pose another threat, making coastal protection a key priority for the area. Current measures in place, such as sand-filled bags and concrete walls, reduce the beaches' aesthetic, impact local businesses and affect natural habitats.
The Sarojin's research project is a natural solution to coastal erosion that utilises indigenous oyster shells sourced from local fishermen. Net boxes filled with the cleaned shells have been deployed at various test sites along the coast, with locations identified through an extensive review of the shoreline. Sustainable engineering and consultancy firm Witteveen+Bos provided initial research advice. Over time, it's hoped that free-swimming oyster larvae will attach themselves to the boxed shells, gradually forming a thriving oyster basket reef that can then be more permanently installed offshore. In addition to serving as a natural barrier against erosion, the oysters are highly effective water filters and their presence is expected to significantly improve inshore water quality, further enhancing marine ecosystems.
Photo credits: The Sarojin
Spearheading the initiative is The Sarojin owner Andrew Kemp, who added:
"We're truly passionate about sustainability and responsible tourism at The Sarojin and protecting the area's stunning coastline is something that is so vitally important to our local community and wildlife and has always been high on our agenda. We are already heavily involved in local mangrove planting projects along the coast and launched our One Booking One Tree initiative in 2022, which sees one tree planted for every guest at the resort, but we felt we could do more.
A similar oyster reef concept has already been researched and trialled in Singapore with promising results. If our trials in Thailand are also successful, we hope the resulting reef project will have a lasting positive impact on the environment. Our test sites should give us a clear indication of the efficiency and viability of the project within the coming nine to twelve months.”
Monitored test sites include nets fastened to the seafloor by The Sarojin's jetty as well as within the estuary that rivens the property. The sites will be monitored regularly through 2025 to assess the basket reef's growth and development. If successful there are plans for the project to be extended with additional sites added next year.
For more information about The Sarojin, please visit: www.sarojin.com
Four Seasons, the world’s leading luxury hospitality and branded residential company, in partnership with Hinitsa Bay Holdings, announces plans for the redevelopment of a beachside property at Hinitsa Bay, Porto Heli, Greece into a luxury resort and private residences.
Photo credits: Four Seasons
Set against the scenic backdrop of southeastern Greece, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Porto Heli will offer bay views of the Argolic Gulf and the nearby island of Spetses. The expansion and redevelopment will transform an existing beachfront estate, which currently spans 75 hectares (185 acres) and 3.25 kilometres (3,250 metres) of coastline, into a new Four Seasons experience with 80 guest rooms and suites and 30 bungalows, as well as Four Seasons branded residential villas.
Thanks to its ideal and prime location, guests and residents will have ease of access to the beach, nearby town centre and extensive walking trails, along with the services and amenities of Four Seasons.
“As we continue expanding our exceptional portfolio of hotels, resorts and residences in Greece, Four Seasons entry into Porto Heli will create yet another dynamic resort destination for discerning guests and residents to enjoy,” says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development, Portfolio Management and Residential, Four Seasons. “In partnership with Hinitsa Bay Holdings, we look forward to continuing to build Porto Heli’s profile as a premier Mediterranean destination with a new resort that embodies Four Seasons renowned commitment to service, quality, and personalized experiences.”
“The transformation of this exceptional and beautiful estate at Hinitsa Bay into a luxury Four Seasons resort is an important step in the enhancement of the Porto Heli area,” says Paul Coulson, Chairman of Hinitsa Bay Holdings. “We are dedicated to maintaining the ambiance and character of the area while bringing onstream the facilities and leading standards of excellence, quality, and luxury hospitality associated with Four Seasons. With their proven track record of successful projects in key resort destinations throughout the world, we are confident that this development will offer an unparalleled experience for luxury guests and villa owners.”
From the Kids For All Seasons program to an extensive multi-sports centre, gym, meeting space, and pools for adults, families and kids, the new Four Seasons Resort and Residences Porto Heli will boast amenities that cater to diverse preferences while delivering a new experience in a destination that is already celebrated by luxury travellers throughout Europe and around the world. Four Seasons guests and residents will also indulge in several distinct dining experiences including an all-day restaurant, beachfront dining, lobby lounge, and more.
Located within a 1.3 hectare (3.25 acres) garden, the Resort’s Spa will connect guests to nature with experiences that help tap into a true sense of wellbeing. The wellness space will feature a lounge, more than 18 treatment rooms, fitness and movement facilities, and a thermal suite including saunas, steam rooms, hot and cold plunges and a salt pool. From the social spaces to the fitness and spa facilities, the design has prioritized creating a sense of calmness and peace while connecting guests with nature.
Porto Heli, once best known as a fishing village, has evolved into a dynamic summer destination with its idyllic beaches, stately villas, and vibrant nightlife. The area is renowned for its striking natural surroundings, convenient access to the islands of Spetses, Hydra, and Poros, and proximity to the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as the historic town of Nafplion. The verdant landscapes, scenic shores, and turquoise waters together with the destination’s state-of-the-art amenities and traditional charm have attracted luxury tourism and real estate developments, making Porto Heli an ideal setting for a luxurious retreat.
Porto Heli is well-connected to Athens via a two and half-hour drive, a short helicopter ride, daily ferry, or private boat services. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Porto Heli will add to Four Seasons portfolio in Greece, including the award-winning Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, and Four Seasons Resort Mykonos, which will open in 2025.
The picturesque Swiss ski resort of Saas-Fee has announced a festive season celebrating the 40th anniversary of Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’, inviting explorers and skiers alike to recreate its ‘80s nostalgia in the very place the ‘Last Christmas’ music video was filmed in 1984.
Photo credits: Saas-Fee ski resort
This winter, Saas-Fee will honour the beloved Christmas classic with a series of Wham! inspired festivities designed to transport fans back to the romantic snow-capped setting of ‘Last Christmas’. A car-free resort still happily home to longstanding family-run boutiques, cafes and restaurants rather than big-name international brands, the village remains virtually unchanged from the days it welcomed George Michael, Andrew Ridgeley, Pepsi and Shirlie.
A peaceful base providing easy access to all the festivities, The Capra, Saas-Fee’s leading five-star superior boutique hotel, will be the place to stay thanks to a new three-night package introduced for the 40th anniversary. The package includes a three-night stay for two guests, a Wham!Cocktail during their stay, daily breakfast and a Wham!Walk. The Capra will also be hosting nostalgic nights in the hotel’s wine cellar, serving an Alpine interpretation of classic ‘80s dishes. In keeping with The Capra’s year-round culinary concept, retro favourites such as prawn cocktails and traditional English trifle will be made with top-quality, unadulterated local products.
Photo credits: Saas-Fee ski resort
Highlight activities in Saas-Fee include:
The ‘Last Christmas’ glass Karaoke Box at the entrance to Saas-Fee village, where guests can sing Wham! hits under the stars
A special Wham! exhibition at the Saas Museum
Guided ‘Wham!Walks’ around Saas-Fee to take in the spotlight locations from the music video
A ride on the iconic Felskinn Cable Car, which featured in the original ‘Last Christmas’ music video and will be decorated in traditional ‘80s style
For guests visiting on 21st December, the opportunity to attend a colourful ‘80s Wham! party held within the village
Feel-good après-ski with a live DJ at WinterVibes Bar, from 9th November
The Eskimos Ski & Snowboard School’s special ‘Last Christmas’ package with discounted lessons
The Capra’s Last Christmas package is available from December 1st to January 31st, with prices starting at 1,170 CHF for a three-night stay based on double occupancy. For reservation enquiries, email reservation@capra.ch with the subject line "Whamtastic."
The globe’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for sustainable travel and tourism has awarded The Hari Hong Kong ‘EarthCheck Benchmarked Bronze status’ for its raft of sustainability measures.
Photo credits: The Hari Hong Kong
EarthCheck’s certification programs involve stringent benchmarking to bolster sustainability and help consumers make informed decisions. The certification draws on more than 30 years of EarthCheck working with research centres and universities globally to address sustainability and climate change issues facing tourism destinations, communities and businesses.
To achieve Benchmarked Bronze status, The Hari Hong Kong has excelled across key performance areas including energy efficiency, water use, carbon emissions, chemicals, community and employee impact, paper use, waste and more.
EarthCheck deemed the hotel a “Regional Leader”, meaning an “exemplary standard of performance for the type and location of an operation”, in areas such as waste sent to landfill, energy consumption and potable water consumption. The Hari Hong Kong’s waste sent to landfill, for example, was 3.3L per guest night, a third of the regional average of 9.4L per guest per night. The hotel’s energy consumption per guest per night was 90.5 MJ, half the regional average of 180.3 MJ per guest per night. Its potable water consumption was 223.3L per guest per night, less than two thirds of the regional average of 360.9L per guest per night.
“We know that your team has worked incredibly hard to reach this milestone, which demonstrates your commitment to preserving and enhancing your natural surroundings, cultural heritage, local community and economy,” EarthCheck said. “Thank you for being a world leader in sustainability.”
Photo credits: The Hari Hong Kong
From the outset, The Hari Hong Kong, which opened in December 2020 in the heart of vibrant Wan Chai, was established through sustainable design and construction which sought to reduce negative impacts on the environment. The hotel then achieved EarthCheck evaluation in 2022, began working on the certification programme at the beginning of this year and will target EarthCheck Silver status for next year.
“To continually improve in environmental and social sustainability, our commitment extends to energy efficiency, water conservation, reduction of waste and single-use plastic, solid waste management, community involvement, training and education, support of local employment, and minimizing our carbon footprint; present in The Hari sustainability action plan, each measured against the annual Benchmarking Assessment of EarthCheck,” said The Hari Hong Kong’s General Manager Edward E. Snoeks.
“We are also dedicated to growing in an organic and sustainable manner through continuous monitoring of our consumption, purchasing responsibly and fostering positive relationships with our local suppliers, stakeholders, and the wider community alike.”
The Hari Hong Kong is also a LEED (Silver), BEAM Plus (Silver) and BEEO certified hotel in recognition for its sustainable design, construction and energy efficiency performance.
A green wall on the facade of the hotel’s second floor terrace stretches three stories high, bringing down the temperature of surrounding areas between two to four degrees Celsius.
In addition to its sustainability measures, the hotel also supports local charities, such as, for example, the Hong Chi Association to help provide education, training and empowerment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. The Hari will direct all proceeds from its upcoming Christmas Market in the lobby on Dec. 9 from 5pm to Hong Chi.
Spearheading the likes of The Hari Art Prize in support of emerging artists, The Hari Chronicles to foster ongoing conversations about art, design and culture, and the new “The Hari Neighbourhood Guide Audio Tour” which ventures off the beaten track, The Hari Hong Kong also has a deep connection with art, culture, and its community.
For more information about The Hari Hong Kong, visit https://www.thehari.com/hong-kong/ email askme@thehari.com or call +852 2129 0388.
During the summer of 2024, more people visited Philadelphia than ever before, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau announced today. Bolstered by large events including WrestleMania XL, Alzheimer's Association’s International Congress, and new nonstop transatlantic routes from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), convention attendance and international visitation spend during the crucial spring and summer seasons exceeded pre-pandemic levels.
At the Bureau’s Annual Luncheon event celebrating Philadelphia’s hospitality community, PHLCVB President and CEO Gregg Caren announced that between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day 2024, more than 1.6 million room nights were sold in Center City Philadelphia, an 8.2% increase over 2023, and the highest number ever recorded in the city, according to Tourism Economics.
In addition:
The record number of room nights sold is largely driven by the two-week period where Philadelphia welcomed:
The Alzheimer's Association International Conference with over 12,000 people from over 100 countries.
The Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses at the Wells Fargo Center with over 3,000 delegates from nearly 30 countries.
The Liverpool/Arsenal soccer match at Lincoln Financial Field, which drew both international and domestic fans.
Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) grew 51% over 2023 during Summer 2024, with significant growth on the dates with overlapping demand from all three events.
Inbound arrivals at Philadelphia International Airport were up close to 7% during May-August over 2023.
International visitor spending grew 8% over 2023 during May-August over 2023.
Year to date in 2024, international visitor spending is trending up 27% over 2023. This reflects longer stays and greater engagement with our city’s attractions, dining, and experiences.
Caren praised the over 850 hospitality professionals gathered at The Franklin Institute for “bringing the city to life” for convention attendees and international visitors. “This city is a tapestry of history, culture, art, and innovation—and every single one of you plays a part… Philly is more than just a city—it's an experience that calls people back time and again,” Caren said.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker added that tourism, conventions, and events support over 80,000 workers in the region. Mayor Parker thanked the PHLCVB and said that record-setting numbers come at exactly the right time. “Thanks to the work of the PHLCVB, Philadelphia’s profile around the world has been raised by hosting major conventions, sporting events, and international visitors. All this hard work is essential as we gear up to welcome the world in 2026 — inviting everyone to experience our city’s history, culture, and hospitality.”
As America’s birthplace and First World Heritage City, Philadelphia will be at the center of the U.S. Semiquincentennial (250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence) celebration on July 4, 2026. In addition, the Philadelphia area will host several major international sporting events and conventions, including:
Six matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026™
The 2026 Major League All-Star Game
The 2026 PGA Championship
PMCA Convening Leaders 2026
In addition to attracting large events, Philadelphia has also benefitted from American Airlines’ investment in PHL as a transatlantic gateway. In 2024, American debuted three nonstop seasonal routes from Philadelphia: Copenhagen, Nice, and Naples. The airline recently announces that all three routes would return in 2025, alongside new seasonal routes to Milan and Edinburgh, giving international travelers more opportunities than ever to enjoy the City of Brotherly Love.
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is enhancing its culinary landscape with the recent appointments of a new Director of Food & Beverage, Jonathan Hernandez, and Executive Chef, Andrea Montuori. These dynamic additions to the leadership team, alongside the debut of renovated dining venues Sails and Coconut Cove, underscore the luxury resort’s commitment to delivering elevated, innovative dining that celebrates the rich flavors of the Caribbean.
Photo credits: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
“We are thrilled with the expertise, passion and commitment to excellence Mr. Hernandez and Chef Montuori are bringing to enhance our food & beverage experiences, leading our Ladies and Gentlemen in the culinary space with a fresh energy,” says Laura Jarvinen, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. “The creativity and dedication they are adding to our island paradise and newly renovated eateries is sure to shine and provide our guests with authentic Caribbean flavors with a sustainable lens.”
Bringing a dynamic background in food and beverage leadership, Jonathan Hernandez is stepping into the role of Food & Beverage Director at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas with extensive experience under his belt. In his most recent role as Director of F&B Operations at Lost Boy & Co., he managed all operational aspects for a luxury Miami hotel while mentoring new leadership. Previous to that role, Hernandez was the Multi-Unit Director of Operations at Bar Lab from 2019 to 2023, where he oversaw multiple venues across Miami, Washington D.C., and Madrid, handling all responsibilities from menu development to successful venue launches. In his various leadership roles, he oversaw many notable milestones, including driving $13 million in annual revenue for the Jean-Georges’ Matador Room as General Manager and improving beverage revenue and guest satisfaction through innovative menu strategies and service standards at the Renaissance Vinoy.
Photo credits: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
“I’m most looking forward to reconnecting with the notable Ritz-Carlton brand in this role and re-energizing the Ladies and Gentlemen for the new and exciting growth we have in store for The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas,” says Hernandez.
As the Executive Chef, Chef Andrea Montuori brings a deep passion and global perspective to his new role at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. With more than 20 years of experience in luxury restaurants and hotels, Chef Montuori has shaped his craft across iconic destinations around the world, including Hotel Hassler Roma, The Chedi Kuda Villingili, and most recently The St. Regis Vommuli Maldives, where he generated over $10 million dollars in annual revenue across the seven dining outlets. Chef Montuori first discovered his love for cooking through the fascination he felt when watching his parents cook and the process it took to create dishes. As a teenager watching the iconic Italian Chef Gualtiero Marchesi on television further solidified his goal of becoming a professional chef one day. Chef Montuori worked his way up the ranks, starting in roles such as Chef de Parti at Brambols Restaurant in Limerick to becoming the Executive Chef of multiple five-star properties, including Baglioni Resort in Maldives and Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz Malta. Originally from Sardinia, his Mediterranean roots and island experiences inspire his philosophy: each island holds a unique cultural and culinary identity that deserves to be celebrated on the plate. In his new role, Chef Montuori will be incorporating local ingredients to honor the spirit of St. Thomas and create an authentic connection between the island’s vibrant flavors and the menus he will be introducing throughout the property.
In line with the recent culinary appointments, Sails will unveil a fresh new look and menu, bringing guests closer to the beauty of St. Thomas. Inspired by the serene hues of a Caribbean sunrise, the redesigned space features soft pastel accents and natural materials, creating a tranquil beachside retreat. The refreshed menu will include Caribbean Spiny Lobster Salad, Tuna Burrata Carpaccio and Reef Fish Tartar, while re-introducing the Sea to Sails experience, where one can choose their fresh catch and savor a customized four-course Caribbean-inspired menu. In addition, Coconut Cove has been refreshed with an updated menu highlighting more locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, including Spiny Lobster, Reef Snapper and Charred Baby Octopus. Overlooking the tranquil waters of Great Bay, Coconut Cove now offers a relaxed atmosphere with newly refreshed flooring, furniture, and fresh paint, creating the perfect setting to enjoy a true taste of island life.
As the property embraces a new era of culinary innovation, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas invites guests to explore a renewed culinary journey that blends the flavors of the Caribbean with refined, creative cuisine and The Ritz-Carlton’s legacy of excellence.
For more information, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/caribbean/st-thomas.
From southern Thai islands to coastal Vietnam, and from the Indonesian archipelago to the cultural heart of Cambodia, Southeast Asia is home to some of the world’s most celebrated travel destinations. Luxury resorts in the region increasingly entice travelers with exclusive private villas offering unparalleled opulence and seclusion. Here is a look at some of Southeast Asia’s most distinctive private villas.
Photo credits: Balcony Media Group
A Presidential Beachfront Pool Villa
Used recently as the location for a finale of US hit TV show The Bachelor, this majestic villa enjoys pride of place directly in front of tranquil Tubkaek Beach, some 30 minutes’ drive from the popular town of Krabi. It can be reserved as a three-bedroom unit or combined with two adjoining family beachfront villas to create a 7-bedroom wonderland of saltwater pools, canals, and balconies. Designed as a retreat for multigenerational family vacations and intimate wedding celebrations, Banyan Tree Krabi’s Presidential villa commands no less than 466 sqm and a palatial 1,240 sqm as a seven-bedroom arrangement. Among the additional amenities, guests will find four Smart TVs, a fully equipped kitchenette, a Nespresso coffee machine, a safety box, a Bluetooth clock radio, pillow menu, wine fridge, private pool and jet pool, as well as private gardens, terraces and balconies galore. Among several luxury options for guests - a private barbecue on the terrace of the beachfront villa with one’s own chef!
Photo credits: Balcony Media Group
The Ultimate in Privacy in Southern Vietnam
Azerai Ke Ga Bay, an elegant and sophisticated beachfront resort in southern Vietnam, offers three extraordinary private villa options for guests. The 130sqm Pool Villas and 145sqm Pool Deluxe Villas feature private plunge pools (larger in the Pool Deluxe Villa), writing desks and spacious bathrooms with views to a private garden and a tub for soaking. The spacious Ke Ga Bay Villa is the ultimate couples retreat, boasting 185sqm of space with a master bedroom upstairs with ocean glimpses and multiple relaxation areas below including a large pool and terrace. The tasteful décor of the villas display a muted color palette of whites and granites echoing the shades of local sand and stone of the bay. Azerai Ke Ga Bay, situated 2.5 hours drive from Ho Chi Minh City, overlooks an expansive 5km stretch of white sand along the East Sea. This lush and private resort is nestled in 4.5 hectares of verdant gardens and its distinctive location provides a tranquil setting, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Photo credits: Balcony Media Group
French-Cambodian Style, Luxuriously Updated for Modern Tastes
The two-bedroom Royal Villa at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor offers the ultimate in residential luxury, with a butler, pool access, master king and twin bedrooms, a spacious living and dining room and private terrace, three bathrooms, and a kitchen with views of the landscaped gardens at the historic heritage hotels’s iconic swimming pool. The 318sqm villa can accommodate up to six guests and, like all of the rooms and suites at the hotel, it is elegantly decorated in the French-Cambodian style of a bygone era, luxuriously updated for modern tastes. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor was named one of the world’s “500 Best Hotels” by the industry-leading Travel + Leisure magazine in April for a third straight year. Originally opened in 1932, the hotel was built as a rest stop for archeologists and adventurers seeking to explore the ancient kingdom of Angkor Wat, which is today one of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Photo credits: Balcony Media Group
Spacious Oceanfront Luxury Villas in Da Nang, Vietnam
Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang launched earlier this year in central Vietnam. The spacious beachfront resort overlooking the East Sea is spread across more than 15 hectares, with the palatial Five Bedroom Beachfront Pool Villa standing as the epitome of coastal bliss. Spanning an expansive 717sqm of indoor space, the villa comprises a majestic two-story main house featuring four king-size ensuite bedrooms and a twin room, complemented by large dining and living areas. The villa also offers a 150sqm private lounging area and pool, providing the utmost in tranquility on Non Nuoc Beach. Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang offers 85 upscale private villas in addition to a 157-key hotel tower.
Photo credits: Balcony Media Group
Paradisiacal Privacy in Phuket
One of Phuket’s most desirable properties, Trisara is renowned for its paradisiacal privacy. Its collection of residences perched directly over the resort’s bay — which range in size from two-bed units to multi-bedroom configurations—rank among the most spectacular in Thailand. The pick of the residences is Villa Sawan, an eight-bedroom “resort within a resort”. Home to ocean-facing views, lush gardens, and use of a cove with a private beach at the foot of the property, Villa Sawan is the ultimate exclusive escape. Guests can take a dip in the Andaman Sea or unwind by swimming laps in the 25-metre swimming pool. Staff are available and on-call throughout the stay. The villa also features a home cinema, a well-equipped gym, and spa facilities. Expansive suites, sea-facing verandahs, and extensive swimming pools are prominent in all the residences’ blend of indoor and outdoor spaces that lend themselves to intimate gatherings. Adding lustre to the proceedings is the fact that all the villas are catered for by a dedicated maid and chef who prepares home-cooked Thai and Western dishes on demand and by request. With privacy guaranteed, the residences are also perfect for special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, marriage proposals or celebrations with extended family or with groups of friends.
Photo credits: Balcony Media Group
Infinity-Edge Pools With Mesmerizing Sea Views
Laguna Lang Co has burnished its status as one of Vietnam’s most alluring integrated destinations courtesy of its recently launched three-bedroom Banyan Tree Seaview Pool Villas. Laid out along a jungle-clad mountainside at the northern end of the property and perched at an altitude of 45 to 75 meters above sea level, the ultra-luxe villas rank among the most desirable accommodations in the nation. The villas, each of which spans an expansive 260sqm, offer three bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass that optimizes the mesmerizing sea view. Private living spaces feature tasteful, contemporary furnishings, carefully chosen artworks and subtle exterior and interior design influenced by the traditional architecture of Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital, which is an hour’s drive north of Lang Co. Each unit has its own outdoor heated infinity-edge pool. Long views over the ocean towards Laguna’s 3km-long stretch of private beach are arguably the most outstanding feature of the villas.
Photo credits: Balcony Media Group
A Famous Indonesian Architect’s Former Abode in Ubud
Once the private retreat of one of Indonesia’s foremost designer-architects, the Hadiprana Estate at Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, is a sanctuary within a sanctuary. The 570-square-meter (6,135-square-feet), two-bedroom villa features private en-suites, with the master bath anchored by a secluded, sunken outdoor Jacuzzi. A spacious deck and bale surrounds a 10-meter long swimming pool. A museum-worthy collection of art and artifacts, collected by the late Hendra Hadiprana himself, graces the white-washed brick walls and complement the modern Balinese furnishings of this completely private residence.
Photo credits: Balcony Media Group
Multigenerational Travel a Breeze at Cavernous Oceanfront Pavilion
Alma’s crisp and contemporary three-bedroom oceanfront pool pavilions each command some 224sqm on the buttermilk sands on Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula. The luxurious pavilions each afford a private pool with an infinity edge, four bathrooms, a vast living room and kitchen just a few steps from Long Beach’s aquamarine waters with islands strewn offshore. The design of the oversized accommodations caters to multigenerational travel for up to four generations; there’s a bathroom and toilet each for the children, the parents, the grandparents and either the great-grandparents or the in-laws. A big fold-out sofa and a large table in the living room encourage families to come together to talk, share a meal and play board games.
Photo credits: Balcony Media Group
Dreamy Villas For The Honeymooners
The Anam Cam Ranh, a luxurious 12-hectare resort overlooking Long Beach on Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula, is home to two exquisite villas just for honeymooners, each replete with a private pool, jacuzzi, steam and sauna room and daily afternoon tea. With a design inspired by Vietnam’s Indochine era, the 180-square-metre ‘Honeymoon Villas’ are both set on 400 square metres of lush hillside land located adjacent to the grounds of the resort’s tranquil 10-treatment room spa. The picture-perfect one-bedroom villas each feature a separate living room, jacuzzi, steam and sauna room and private terrace with sun loungers overlooking a glassy-surfaced 40-square-metre private pool. The villas’ romantic appeal draws on the Indochine period with the likes of imperial style roofs, big-bellied water vases, lanterns, and customized mosaic tiles.
