April at LUX* South Ari Atoll was full of engaging events and workshops, with creative souls from around the world invited to express their love for the Maldives.
A visiting artist from Germany, Jeaninne Platz, is a renowned calligrapher and an artist with marine focus. She is famous for painting using only her hands and a scrapper. Over the years, she has been established as an artist thanks to her unique talent. Her artworks and classes are hosted in galleries across the globe. Guests of LUX* South Ari Atoll of all ages and skills were invited for unmatched painting expriences, including a calligraphy egg decorating workshop.
Not forgetting local talents, the resort also invited Mariyam Barsha Mohamed - a self-taught artist who learnt her craft through experience. Already well established within the islands, she works mostly with acrylics but likes to explore different mediums Today Barsha is known for the dot art she does, and she shared her famous colourful technique with the guests of LUX* South Ari Atoll.
Another local talent, Hassan Raaif Siraj, has been involved in the world of art since he was a toddler, starting his career in the field at the age of 16 and named one of the Top 10 artists by GCE Art and Design for remarkable lifelike works. His famous paintings reflect the natural beauty of the country and island lifestyle, impressing both guests and residents in the Maldives.
Together the visiting artists also performed two live painting sessions, blending their unique techniques of depicting ocean view into large combined canvas. The artworks were displayed across the island, available for purchase for all art admirers.
The art of sound was embraced at Beach Rouge, during the special music set played by the celebrity DJ Bianca Gaiscoigne from United Kingdom. Along with signature drinks, guests enjoyed her signature mixing style at the ideal ocean sunset spot of the island.
Famous for its creative approach in every detail, LUX* South Ari Atoll will keep helping people Celebrate Life in bright colours with new artistic experiences for its guests.
The Readers' Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry. More than 800,000 transatlantic readers submitted responses rating their travel experiences across the globe to provide a full snapshot about the places they can’t wait to return to next.
The voting for all participating properties and destinations is now open at the link https://www.cntraveler.com/RCA/VOTE
Every time you submit a completed rating between April 1, 2022 and June 30, 2022, you'll be entered for a chance to win a sailing for two from Stockholm to Bergen with Viking Cruises. The more you vote, the more chances you'll have to win! If you are a U.K.-based reader, you need to head back to cntraveller.com/rca2022 once you have entered the survey here to enter the U.K. competition to win a holiday to South Africa–worth £20,000!
SATA has announced an extension to the self-nomination deadline. Originally scheduled to close on April 10, the deadline has been extended by a further 4 weeks to, May 10.
This year has seen an unprecedented number of requests for the extension due to Covid and Economic crisis across the region.
SATA opened the nominations with over 52 categories for properties and brands to compete, in addition to Visitors Choice Awards and Special Recognition Awards.
SATA has been endorsed by over 15 International and government agencies for its work to elevate tourism and hospitality in the region.
Properties can now nominate online via www.southasiantravelawards.com until 10th May 2022. The Awards and Gala of South Asian Travel Awards is to be held in the Maldives on September.
The South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) has been recognizing the best of South Asia’s hospitality and travel industry since 2016. The prestigious annual event honors stellar organizations and individuals in a wide array of categories.
Eco-conscious weddings are on the rise as couples become more mindful of how their celebrations impact the environment. With travel restrictions easing and vaccinations available, many are buoyed by the prospect of celebrating their big day in far-flung, beautiful destinations, but with more intention and personalisation.
An island nation like Mauritius is ideal for a sustainable lifestyle, and what makes it even better is that going down the sustainable route does not mean sacrificing on quality. Hiring local is not only a great way to support the local community but also shine a spotlight on homegrown talents to sustain a circular economy.
Bespoke bridal gowns from repurposed fabrics
Meet Mauritian wedding dress designer, Daphne Ducasse. She creates bespoke and sustainable gowns using materials amassed over the years in her workshop or fabrics that are readily available in Mauritius. Leftover fabrics are repurposed to make one-of-a-kind accessories to minimise environmental impact.
Daphne grew up watching her grandmother creating beautiful wedding dresses, she loved seeing the joy on the brides-to-be faces when trying on the gown of their dreams.
“It was the craftsmanship, the delicate fabrics, the intimacy with each bride, and the endless possibilities to create something new each time that made me realise this is what I want to do with my life,” said Daphne.
After graduating from a fashion art and design school in Paris and Cracow, she launched her made-to-measure brand, Daphné D., that encapsulates her values to respect the art, artisans and the women who wear her clothes. Beyond carefully designing for low environmental impact, the core of the brand is for women, by women. By creating employability and valuing fair treatment for her team, she empowers the locals of Mauritius.
Repurposed wedding dresses
Gone are the days where wedding dresses are worn once and vacuumed-packed for the rest of days. Daphne also specialises in repurposing pre-loved bridal gowns as cocktail dresses to give these single use dresses new leases on life. Her bespoke gowns can also be designed and conceptualised from the start for easy assembly and disassembly into unique pieces that can be worn for a long time.
This exclusive collaboration between Daphné D. and LUX* Resorts & Hotels in Mauritius is dedicated to providing unique experiences for the discerning LUX* guests whilst affirming the group’s commitment in caring for the environment and the local community in which it operates.
Zero waste celebrations
Certified by The PLEDGE™ on Food Waste, a Singapore-based third-party audited certification and benchmarking system on food waste designed to improve organisations‘ bottom-line, LUX* Le Morne repackages leftover food to send to a neighbouring school for underprivileged children so they can improve their nutrition intake, hence improving their concentration during classes. Food that cannot be distributed are used as compost in the resort’s 30,000 square metre garden space.
Guests can also opt for a vegetarian or vegan menu from the Keen on Green concept, launched across the group this Veganuary, where produce are locally sourced and prepared with healthier methods.
Loving the rustic theme? The gardeners from LUX* Grand Gaube gather dried flowers and twigs from the resort’s grounds to build the floral arch for solemnisation or vow renewal ceremony. All floral bouquets are sourced from small florists to support local businesses. Flowers can be repurposed after the wedding by sending them to a nursing home or a non-profit organisation that the resorts work with to brighten up someone else’s day.
Signages and placards are lovingly hand crafted by LUX* Belle Mare’s Junk Art team using shells, dried flowers, driftwood or any recycled materials found on the island.
The newly opened LUX* Grand Baie offers chauffeur-driven wedding car in a fully electric BMW iX to and from Port Louis.
To tailor a dream destination wedding, vow renewal ceremony or sequel wedding with a bespoke bridal creation by Daphne D., contact Ms. Kareen Rault, Sales Manager at The Lux Collective, at kareen.rault@theluxcollective.com or visit www.luxresorts.com.
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The first of the luxury brand’s properties in the region is now open for discerning guests. Located in the northeast of Koh Samui, just a short ride away from the Koh Samui International Airport, Kimpton Kitalay Samui will be the island’s newest luxury beachfront resort. Tranquility and privacy will be easy to find as the resort occupies a quiet cove along the pristine Choengmon Beach, far from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Meaning “a joyous ode celebrating the siren song of the sea”, Kitalay is an enchanting fusion of contemporary design and traditional accents. This highly-anticipated opening promises to showcase the true Samui way of life, through the brand’s signature heartfelt service, locally-inspired dining concepts, and distinct design approach to create exquisite experiences.
Resort’s 138 design-led rooms and pool villas with rustic touch feature earthy colors and wave-inspired furnishings, complemented by Thai basketry motifs and local artworks. The handmade cotton robes offered to the guests are tailored by local Samui craftsmen. Oversized bathtubs welcome to explore signature sea salts, bath milk and bombs, and patchouli-scented amenities.
Five distinct dining venues of Kimpton Kitalay Samui include LANAI a new kind of library cafe with finely-curated coffees, artisanal teas, and local spirits, and the Fish House - an elevated beach house all-day dining. The hotel’s Ocean Lounge and Pool Bar invite for refreshing poolside cocktails and beach events, along with Boho - a Thai lifestyle café. Fresh bakery is available at HOM Baking Company together with confectionery and specialty drinks.
The wellness offering of the resort consists of Pimãanda by HARNN - the “Paradise of Wondrous Sea”. And after visiting a 24-hour gym, guests can are invited for a refreshing dip in the resort’s outdoor pool or their own private villas pools.
Families will appreciate a 500sqm Kids Club at Kimpton Kitalay with creative play and active spaces offering a variety of activities and visits to the resort’s Herbs Garden. And the signature Kimpton Kitalay Samui’s Pets Programme will take care of furry guests with special amenities and treats, and pet spa experiences.
Photo credits Kimpton Resort & Restaurant Group
The brand new hotel is located in the prime Futian business district, on the upper floors of the 79-story UpperHills tower. All 178 rooms and suites offer stunning views over glorious parks, soaring skyscrapers, and the bustling Shenzhen Bay. Spacious and stylish, accommodation of Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen is an oasis-style city retreat allowing busy travelers to fully unwind. Large marble bathrooms feature a walk-in shower, double basins, and branded toiletries. High-floor suites of the hotel also provide the guests with Club lounge access.
Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen features 8 dining spaces: innovative Cantonese-themed fine dining from famed Chef Fei; Bazaar which focuses on Asian cuisine; rooftop MO Bar; Lian Lounge with Afternoon Tea menu; French seafood Opus 388; Japanese RIN; Spanish Tapas 77, and The Mandarin Cake Shop.
A sublime spa of the hotel offers luxurious treatments and rituals, while an indoor heated swimming pool and a sophisticated gym make up the exceptional wellness offering of the property. Additionally, the luxury portfolio property features impressive meetings and events spaces, and a helipad.
Photo credits Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
The renowned international restaurant concept is walking into the Maldives with the world’s first floating Zuma outlet. Located in the tropical paradise of the award-winning Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, it will offer its guests upscale bespoke service and unforgettable experiences, complementing the high hospitality standards of the luxury brand.
Founded in London in 2002, the globally acclaimed Zuma is inspired by the traditional Japanese izakaya and is now present in seventeen locations worldwide. Zuma Maldives will showcase the beauty of its stunning location, using natural materials and locally inspired design elements in its interior concept.
Zuma Maldives will serve its famous specialties, including sliced seabass with yuzu, roasted lobsters, shiso ponzu butter, and spicy beef tenderloin. The dedicated lounge area will offer signature beverages with breathtaking sunset views over the island and the surrounding turquoise waters. The well-awaited restaurant is set to open within several months and is already creating excitement in the market, promising unforgettable dining.
Apart from experiencing the unique Zuma Maldives, guests of the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi will also enjoy a variety of available activities, whether it be relaxing in one of ten luxurious spa treatment villas, exploring the ocean’s incredible underwater world, or the island’s dazzling white-sand beaches. The resort welcomes its guests at 119 Beach, Reef, and Overwater villas, all with private pools, along with an ultimate escape and unparalleled levels of privacy and personalized service of Ithaafushi - the largest private island in the Maldives.
Photo credits Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced that Hyatt as a partner has joined the Red Sea Development Company for a hotel on the west coast of Saudi Arabia. This will be an ambitious project by Red Sea and Hyatt hotels collaboration for a Grand Hyatt Hotel of 430 rooms on Shaura Island. This hotel will be a luxurious addition, the largest of the 11 hotels set on Shaura Island. It will be the largest hotel on the Island, the second largest in the Kingdom, and the Seventh largest in the Middle East. This Grand Hyatt hotel will mark an important milestone in development strategy in the region.
The grand hotel is located very close to the area, which will become Red Sea International Airport in the near future. Grand Hyatt the Red Sea will be reachable with no trouble from both national and international markets. It is located on a location that is the only position in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to benefit from soft temperatures around the year and is habitat to one of the chief barrier reefs in the world. An attractive blend of suites and huge regular rooms will offer guests a relaxed and expensive place to discover the continuous magnetism and varied ecosystem of the area. The outstanding food and beverage setting and the huge range of amenities, which will consist of a marina and golf course, will add to the magnificent experience of this world-class setting for its guests. The Red Sea Project is planned to add a new value to the sustainability of Saudi Arabia and bring it forward on the international tourism map.
Photo credits Hyatt Corporation
InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah will open a new Mina Al Arab Resort and Spa from Q1 2022. RAK properties have developed this 5* full-luxury resort, making it a part of the Destination Strategy 2019-2021 of RAK properties. Its current objective is to renovate Ras Al Khaimah's tourism sector into a vigorous and sustainable stepping stone for its financial development.
Ras Al Khaimah's Mina Al Arab will operate under the luxury line of InterContinental Hotels Group. It will offer a magnificent dining, living, and amusement experience for its guests. The resort has lavish rooms, villas, and suites with the additional benefit of outstanding views of the Arabian Sea. The first and exclusive InterContinental Club is also part of the resort Ras Al Khaimah.
There are also upscale amenities available for the guests: swimming pools, clubs for teens and kids, a gym, meeting rooms, and a tennis court. Mina Al Arab resort is set to become an Icon of lavish hospitality, and it will be a first-rate place for travelers in the Northern Emirates.
The resort will provide an unforgettable stay to visitors who want to have an idyllic enjoyable experience. It will host 350 rooms, health clubs, an amazing Spa, luxury suites, a well-equipped gymnasium, and many restaurants. The resort also provides refundable rates and free cancellation policies for its valued guests.
Photo credits InterContinental Hotels and Resorts
In the historic crown building, a new Aman opens its doors in Manhattan. This will be a new go-to place of the city with its residences, suites, and luxurious central Park.
When a new property of the Aman group is designed in New York, it’s huge news for the industry and local community, especially with its iconic position at the end of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street in the center of Manhattan. So, no doubts that Aman New York has a prosperous future, being the third holding of the glorified hospitality chain in the US, after Amangani in Jackson Hole and Amangiri in Utah.
Ensconced in a restored picture of the Royal Crown Building, a Big Apple landmark has overlooked Central Park since it was built here in 1921. The 26-story structure that used to house the Museum of Modern Art (the famous MOMA) is now a gleaming tower of sheer gorgeousness.
The Aman New York features the outstanding Neoclassical Beaux-Arts style and history of the Crown Building but also shines with its own “Amanesque” spirit. The hotel opening was scheduled to coincide with the building’s 100th-anniversary celebrations in the third quarter of 2021.
Planned by Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston, the Aman New York guarantees 83 exquisitely stylized suites and a few interior and outside restaurants. These will include Arva – a happy Italian eatery, Nama – a tribute to Japan’s washoku dining tradition, and the twist Garden Terrace where you can savor signature juice as you stare across the Park. Music and entertainment will make the spirit happy, be it at the basement Jazz Bar, the Piano Bar, or Cigar Bar and Wine Library.
Photo credits Aman Resorts Ltd
As the year of limited traveling is over, Marriott Bonvoy is back in India with its new global campaign named ‘Power of Travel.’ Marriot, being the International award-winning travel program, aims to encourage and inspire travelers. This new campaign by Marriott Bonvoy offers an endless experience regarding traveling.
They gently remind people that traveling holds power and can reshape the world. Marriott Bonvoy includes an extraordinary portfolio of 30 brands which adds richness to the experience of travelers. They offer luxury and exclusive benefits, promising the safety of travelers so that they can diversely experience their adventure.
In today’s era, traveling has become more relevant now due to a longer lockdown. This long period of stagnancy demands the traveling industry to offer the best offers. Indians are keenly expressing their interest in resuming the travel, but safety is their top-most priority.
It has been seen that domestic tourism is growing steadily, and a recent survey reveals that 57% of Indians express their interest in traveling internationally for vacations within three months. Everyone is seeking refuge in reconnecting with their families for leisurely pleasure and joy, which can only be achieved through traveling.
Marriott International has brought this campaign of ‘’Power of travel’’ which is a sort of inspiration for people who are eager to step out again to explore the world since the travel sentiments in India are now at some ease.
The Marriott Bonvoy’s are expanding their chain of hotels in India and offering a diverse range of benefits that members can avail of on their next holiday plan. Their new tagline ‘’Where can we take you?’’ evokes personal and spiritual destinations and physical destinations when people travel.
Photo credits Artem Beliaikin
According to tourism and hospitality experts, there will be uncertainties in 2022 as international travelers offset the loss of travel time, with a 52% growth in tourists thinking that they need to get somewhere over the last year. The research outlines projections for traveling in 2022 and how people would rekindle their chance to travel in the coming year.
Traveling as a form of self-care
Going away on a trip will become a key means of self in 2022, more so than physical activity or mindful meditation, with over 3-quarter of U.S. travelers (76 percent) admitting that travel enhances their emotional and mental wellbeing over other types of relaxation time.
Creating another Out-of-Office Policy
When the epidemic struck, houses across countries became workplaces, and the uniqueness of working from home became apparent. Even so, in 2022, there will be an increase in people wanting to reclaim control to solidly re-establish a positive work-rest harmony, as vacation will be rigidly work-free just for more than three-quarters of U.S. travelers (76 percent), and that isn't always the circumstance in 2021 when home and remote job lives were blurred.
Prioritizing the Community
Because the movement was slowed in many regions due to limitations, the epidemic compelled everyone to take advantage of locally available resources. Bonds with the community were renewed due to patronizing individually operated companies and spending more hours than before at the local park.
Travelers will aim to be more aware of every trip made in 2022 to guarantee their influence on the local neighborhood is beneficial. They seek to engage honestly with the local community while on vacation.
Photo credits Mali Maeder
