There’s only two topics of conversation at Travel Weekly today – our Hotel Wrap & the ongoing “custard: hot or cold?” debate.

Six Senses Zighy Bay Oman unveils new attractions at its very own organic farm

Six Senses Zighy Bay, a pioneer in growing its own organic produce to support its organic farm-to-table philosophy, has expanded its popular Dibba Farm to make full use of the more than six-acre (2.5-hectare) property. In addition to growing plants, vegetables and greens, the resort has introduced livestock, including two milking cows and a herd of goats for cheese and yoghurt production, and a brood of laying chickens.

Since its introduction five years ago, Dibba Farm has become hugely popular. Especially now with new livestock, children love to pet the animals and learn about their valuable contribution to the resort’s cuisine.

In addition to the staples of freshly picked tomatoes, chilies, broccoli, cauliflower, dates, basil, cabbage, water cress and more, guests can learn how to make charcoal, plant herbs, collect eggs, milk cows and goats, make cheese and yoghurt, and best of all, make tasty salads or omelets with the help of the chef. There are many other activities on the farm that are guaranteed to keep families occupied and enchanted through their interaction with the animals.

IHG steps up growth in Melbourne’s west with signing of Holiday Inn Melbourne Werribee

Continuing the Australian momentum for the world’s largest brand family, Holiday Inn, IHG today announces the signing of Holiday Inn Melbourne Werribee, in partnership with partner Pelligra Group and Citinova.

Opening in 2020, the 150-room property will be the newest hotel in Western Melbourne, a rapidly growing region of Victoria, and will be part of a mixed-use development project which will include offices and retail space.

The hotel itself will feature an all-day dining restaurant and bar, gym, parking and a 300m2 of meeting facilities including a function room for up to 400 people.

Boasting a prime location on Synott Street in the heart of Werribee’s CBD, guests will have easy access to all the tourist attractions on offer, including Werribee Park, the Victoria State Rose Garden, the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre, the Werribee Open Range Zoo and Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre.

Seminyak’s Eclectic Festive Season

Christmas and New Year is a special time of year for family and friends to celebrate, and there’s no better place to gather together than at the Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach. Here, the chic, design-led resort meanders through 4.7 hectares of lush tropical grounds fronting onto the southern stretch of Bali’s stunning Mesari Beach.

At Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach, guests are invited to celebrate a truly ‘Seminyak’ festive season, complete with the eclectic and artistic touches that the lively, vibrant neighbourhood is famous for. Ancient traditions, both Indonesian and Western, will be thoughtfully brought together with style and creativity for a memorable Christmas and New Year’s.

Christmas Eve Dinner promises to be a wonderful occasion for all the family, with a Gingerbread House workshop held in the Pottery Café for kids – which will be transformed into Santa’s grotto complete with a visit from Santa himself.

The Peninsula Paris celebrates Chinese New Year

True to its origins and to the tradition of The Peninsula Hotels, The Peninsula Paris is jointly celebrating Chinese New Year with The Peninsula Shanghai.

The Paris establishment will be decked out in red for three weeks, giving local guests and international travellers the opportunity to discover the best of Asia, right in the heart of the City of Light.

On Chinese New Year’s Eve, 15 February, there will be a special programme for guests to enjoy: a traditional Water Sleeve dance display, associated with Chinese theatre, that is both poetic and dreamlike, followed by the essential Lion Dance with live music accompaniment, allowing them to spend an evening immersed in the world of the Celestial Empire.

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay launches video of exceptional experiences

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay has launched an immersive video to showcase some of the unique, out-of-the-ordinary experiences that are available in and around the resort. Guests viewing and sharing the video on their preferred social media channels before February 28, 2018 (conditions apply) will enjoy a saving of 25 percent on private dining, selected retail products plus a range of activities and spa treatments.

The video captures the unique magic of the resort as told through the story of a family who are exploring and experiencing Six Senses Ninh Van Bay; from its dramatic bay with golden sand and a backdrop of towering mountains to its architectural style that incorporates authentic Vietnamese traditions throughout the public areas and in each of its 59 private pool villas.

Viewers taking part in the campaign simply use the hashtag #OutOfTheOrdinary and #SixSensesNinhVanBay when sharing. Upon arrival at the resort, on presentation of their post, they are eligible for all the generous discounts when visiting from now through February 28, 2018 (excluding December 22, 2017 to January 7, 2018 and February 16 to 24, 2018).

QT Queenstown – Queenstown’s newest designer hotel

Introducing Queenstown’s newest designer hub, primely positioned overlooking the world-renowned New Zealand Southern Alps and majestic Lake Wakatipu. QT Queenstown sits pretty in nature’s playground. Indulge the senses with design sensibilities led by interior designer Nic Graham, complemented by carefully curated graphics from Fabio Ongarato and in-room stylings by Anna Roberts. The trio of long standing QT collaborators take local context, quirk & intrigue to evoke an unmistakably QT lifestyle destination.

QT Queenstown’s eclectic spaces dare guests to adventure into the wild or enjoy the beautiful tranquility of Queenstown. From the views across dramatic mountain landscapes, to the personal, intimate moments taking in the serenity of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a canvas upon which every individual can choose their own adventure.

The property’s interior evokes a signature QT sense of place. Graham created the interiors for a myriad of spaces, Ongarato designed environmental graphics which draw back to the identity narratives and Roberts delivers the design journey within QT Queenstown’s 69 guest rooms and suites.

Qamea Resort & Spa, Fiji, awarded Number 1 Luxury Spa Hotel in South Pacific

For the fourth year running the team at Qamea Resort and Spa, Fiji are celebrating receiving a sweep of awards from the recent 2017 Luxury Hotel Awards:

#1 Luxury Spa Hotel in South Pacific 2017
#1 Luxury Honeymoon Hotel in Fiji 2017
#1 Luxury Honeymoon Hotel in Fiji 2017

The Jewel of Fiji’s Northern Islands, Qamea stands apart with its spectacular beachfront location, award winning Jungle Spa, healthy gourmet cuisine, a PADI 5 Star accredited dive operation with two full time dive instructors, and is the only luxury Resort to offer world class surfing in Fiji’s pristine North. For a limited time, Qamea Resort & Spa is offering guests’ the opportunity to experience this untouched and undiscovered utopia of Fiji’s Northern Islands with 35 per cent discount, from only FJD$984 per bure, per night.

QT sense of place. Graham created the interiors for a myriad of spaces, Ongarato designed environmental graphics which draw back to the identity narratives and Roberts delivers the design journey within QT Queenstown’s 69 guest rooms and suites.

The AccorHotels guide to the ultimate NYE celebrations across Australia

Hacienda at Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour

Guests are invited to rise above it all this New Year’s Eve at Hacienda, Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour’s botanical oasis overlooking Sydney Harbour with unrivalled views of the iconic Harbour Bridge and fireworks.

The Ternary at Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour

Spectacular floor to ceiling views of Sydney’s fireworks, live entertainment and sumptuous seafood buffet at The Ternary at Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour is one of the best ways to bring in the New Year in Sydney!

Pullman Cairns International

Pullman Cairns International is set to play host to a vibrant New Year’s Eve soiree that is not to be missed. Guests will be welcomed with a glass of Mumm French Champagne and relish in a mouthwatering seafood buffet while partying their way into 2018 with a live band

For more NYE celebrations, visit www.accorhotels.com.

Coral Coast Hotels raise FJD$70,000 for Fiji Hospital

The 6th annual charity golf tournament organized by Fiji’s Coral Coast hoteliers has raised more than FJD$70,000 towards an upgrade of the operating theatre at the Sigatoka District Hospital.

Organizer of the Fiji Chemical Sigatoka District Hospital Charity Golf Day and Chairman of the Coral Coast Hotels Association and Outrigger Fiji GM, Mr. Peter Hopgood, said the latest fundraising effort was a fantastic result for the local community.

Held at the Natadola Golf Course on November 26th, the event was keenly contested by senior Coral Coast hoteliers and heads of business who over the years have been responsible for raising significant funds to make life changing improvements at the hospital, including the construction of a Maternity Ward which opened in 2015.

Proceeds from the event have also funded a FJD$240,000 helipad for the hospital.

Six Senses Hotels Resorts & Spas adds seven Resorts and two Spas in 2018 and all of them are #OutOfTheOrdinary

Magical locations? Unforgettable experiences? Bring it on. Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas plans to increase its portfolio by seven resorts and two further spas from now until early 2019, with a continued focus on sustainable practices and a deep commitment to pioneering well-being. The destinations are new, but the quirky take on hospitality and signature programs will be familiar, including Sleep With Six Senses, Eat With Six Senses and Six Senses Integrated Wellness.

Presenting the essence of Bali. Six Senses Uluwatu, Bali is scheduled to open in March 2018. Set atop a rugged cliff in Pecatu, close to the Pura Uluwatu temple, the resort enjoys sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. 103 keys comprising of suites and villas inspired by Balinese culture, embrace nature and offer every creature comfort.

How about tropical? March 2018 also sees the opening of Six Senses Fiji on Malolo Island, known for its idyllic crystal waters, mountainous landscape and excellent climate. The property enjoys a 650m stretch of pristine private beach, two restaurants, three bars plus a gourmet deli and water bottling plant.

Soneva Enters Formal Partnership with the United Nations Development Programme – the first of its kind in the Maldives

The world-leading luxury resort operator Soneva has entered an official partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to encourage greater collaboration on numerous events and projects, in line with the objectives of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Recently, the two organisations partnered to host a Social Innovation Camp where Maldivian entrepreneurs received coaching and advice on their socially positive initiatives before pitching them to a judging panel for three cash prizes of USD 3,000.

The partnership was signed at Soneva Fushi, Soneva’s flagship resort in the Maldives, by Sonu Shivdasani, founder and CEO of Soneva, and Shoko Noda, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative.

East Hotel aces it with the Summer of Tennis package

Nothing says summer in Australia like the Australian Open tennis and from January 8 – 28, East Hotel is getting into the swing by offering guests their Summer of Tennis Package.

Fans can relax in the comfortable environs of the Hotel lobby and enjoy all the tennis action on the huge screen whilst sipping on two free Aperol Spritz from Joe’s Bar. Also included is an automatic room upgrade as well as free WiFi and parking.

Before settling in to watch a few sizzling matches, guests can enjoy breakfast or lunch at Muse and then cocktails and aperitivos with Italian-themed bar snacks at Joe’s Bar and then dinner at Agostinis, Canberra’s hottest new Italian restaurant. Of course, if guests would prefer to kick back and watch the tennis in the comfort of their room, in-room dining is always an option.

During the summer months, guests at East Hotel can cool off with complimentary admission to historic Manuka Pool, just a short stroll from the Hotel.

Travel like a local and skip the tourist queues with the world’s first hotel key that unlocks the city

AVANI Hotels & Resorts is revolutionising the ordinary hotel key, unlocking the best of the city in a completely new way, using everyone’s favourite travel companion – the mobile phone.

In a unique world first, AVANI will be connecting directly with guests using Facebook Messenger technology. Guests simply use their mobile phone to scan a Facebook Messenger code on their hotel room key, instantly opening up a Facebook chat anytime, anywhere. A local guide will then tip guests off to the experiences they won’t find in a travel brochure.

Through a national callout, AVANI has found four of Broadbeach’s biggest fans to join well-known personality Laura Dundovic as AVANIMe guides. They’ll be offering guests recommendations on the best experiences in and around Broadbeach, the home of its first Australian property.

Treasury on Collins wins Best Luxury City Hotel at 2017 World Luxury Hotel Awards

The annual 2017 World Luxury Hotel Awards was held on the 2nd December in St Moritz, Switzerland where Treasury on Collins in Melbourne was announced as the winner of the Best Luxury City Hotel – Australia.

Established in 2006, World Luxury Hotel Awards is the pinnacle of achievement in the luxury hotel industry offering international recognition as voted by guests, travellers and industry peers alike. Over 300 000 international travellers vote each year, during a four-week period to select the winners.

Luxury hotels have the opportunity to participate in the World Luxury Hotel Awards by entering hotel categories that showcase their unique selling points and destinations.

AccorHotels Australia’s High Performers Awarded

One week after hosting the company’s most successful franchise conferences to date, the AccorHotels Franchise Team has won the Team Service Award in AccorHotels coveted Australian Hotel Awards.

The awards recognise top performing hotels, outstanding achievements by teams and accomplishments of individuals. In keeping with AccorHotels focus on sustainability, this year’s awards were announced over webinar by Simon McGrath, Chief Operating Officer for AccorHotels Pacific, and Sarah Derry, Vice President of Talent & Culture Australia.

The winner of the prestigious Chris Frost Memorial Award for AccorHotels Ambassadors was awarded to Adriano Miyado, front office manager at ibis Styles Karratha. Adriano has been the backbone of the hotel while it has been transitioning through new team management and has taken the lead on operations.

IHG hotels in Japan earn a record fourth Michelin Star across three of its restaurants

The Stars are shining brightly for IHG’s hotels in Japan with the addition of a record 4th Michelin Star to its restaurant trophy cabinet, recognising the exceptional culinary pleasures available to guests at its hotels.

ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka is the latest hotel in the group to earn a prestigious Michelin Star for ‘Maison Tateru Yoshino’, impressively taking the accolade in its first year of opening, and making it the first Crowne Plaza branded hotel in the world to earn a Star.

It joins InterContinental Osaka’s ‘Pierre’ restaurant, headed by IHG’s home grown Chef de Cuisine Susumu Okubo, which earned One Star for a second consecutive year, and legendary chef Pierre Gagnaire’s self-named restaurant at ANA InterContinental Tokyo, which has earned Two Michelin Stars for the seventh year in a row since it opened in 2010.

Minor Hotels announces management agreement with Basma Group and ARADA for Anantara Sharjah Resort

Minor Hotels, a hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with a portfolio of 157 hotels and resorts in 24 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, South America, Africa and the Indian Ocean, has signed a management agreement with Basma Group and ARADA for a new Anantara resort in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.

Scheduled to open in mid-2020, the 233-key Anantara Sharjah Resort will be located on a prime beachfront location in Sharjah, approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Dubai International Airport and 15 minutes’ drive from Sharjah International Airport. The new-build resort will offer a selection of accommodation options including Deluxe Rooms and Luxury Suites.

Facilities will include multiple dining options with a specialty restaurant located on a pier, a male and female spa and wellness centre, a kids’ club, a swimming pool and a ballroom able to accommodate up to 540 guests for a banquet.

COMO The Treasury launches a ‘Margaret River Seaplane Adventure’

Starting this summer, embark on a day long Margaret River Seaplane Adventure with COMO The Treasury in Perth, exploring one of Australia’s best-known wine regions. On this new package, guests will indulge in a two-night stay at COMO The Treasury plus take off on an exhilarating low-level coastal flight to Margaret River.

Following the scenic flight, guests will be introduced to the wines that have made Margaret River one of Australia’s best wine regions. The tour includes a stop to sample local produce and a coastal stop before proceeding to two carefully selected wineries and sitting down to a winery lunch.

Upon completion of the 5 hour Margaret River experience, guests will enjoy coastal scenery from the seaplane, touching down in the Swan River before returning to COMO The Treasury. Guests will also sample local Western Australian produce within the State Buildings precinct, with a share-style menu at Petition Kitchen, designed by Head Chef Jesse Blake.

GTA updates hotel partners on benefits of becoming part of Hotelbeds Group

GTA brought together some of Australia’s leading hoteliers this month for a high-level briefing on its strategic plans for 2018 and news of the company joining Hotelbeds Group.

GTA’s Vice-President, Hotel Sourcing APMEA, Andrew Hughes told the gathering at Hyatt Regency Sydney that the company recently becoming part of Hotelbeds Group – along with Tourico Holidays earlier in the year – would benefit hotel partners by helping simplify an increasingly complex distribution environment.

While the integration of GTA and Tourico Holidays into Hotelbeds Group has now begun, Hughes said the process would take time.

Shangri-La Hotel Singapore unveils new luxe family experiences in early 2018

Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore welcomes family travellers in January 2018 with an extensive programme of family offerings integrating accommodation, child-friendly services and Buds by Shangri-La, a dedicated children’s interactive play space and we thought this would be of interest to you and your readers.

Designed to encourage fun, family time and learning through play for children aged 1 to 12 years old, the new offerings add to the hotel’s recently refurbished Tower Wing rooms, which were unveiled last May:

• Themed Family Suites and Deluxe Family Rooms
• Premium children’s features and amenities
• Encouraging learning through play with Buds by Shangri-La

Six Senses Laamu Triumphs as Eco-Hotel of the Year

Six Senses Laamu has taken home the 2017 Eco-Hotel of the Year award by AsiaSpa, in the 13th annual ceremony held in Hong Kong recently.

The AsiaSpa awards were created by AsiaSpa magazine in 2005 to recognise the leaders in Asia’s dynamic wellness industry. The prestigious accolade sets the benchmark for quality and innovation for spas in the region and celebrates properties and spas that constantly strive to evolve the wellness sector through innovation and excellence.

Over the years, the AsiaSpa awards have established its uncompromised independence, transparency and objectivity, plus they are among the most accessible awards, as all spas and resorts in the region are eligible for nomination, regardless of size or ethos.

In this ceremony, Six Senses Laamu won the Eco-Spa/Hotel of the Year award that celebrates its commitment to sustainability throughout its operations and development.

Centara’s first Cosi Hotel opens this week in Samui

The new COSI Hotel on Samui island is now officially open and welcoming independent, tech-savvy travellers. It is as different from a traditional hotel as a new smartphone is from the mobile phones of the 90s. Centara completely re-thought what a hotel should be for the new generation of connected & freedom loving travellers. The result is an innovative and affordable lifestyle hub set in the middle of the shopping, eating, social and entertainment scene on Chaweng Beach.

For starters, there’s no lobby counter or check-in queues. You can check yourself in and out at the digital self-service stations. COSI is designed to play well with the smartphones in the pockets of today’s travellers. You can book with your smartphone, check in with your smartphone, and play videos or catch-up with your latest boxset on your room’s 43-inch Smart TV screen, which can mirror your phone screen. Fast and free Wi-Fi is everywhere.

COSI Samui also features an 18-metre rooftop pool and all-hours laundromat. The minimalist mod look and feel of the hotel go well with the technology and service innovations.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts presents the most anticipated new independent Hotel Openings of 2018

Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, announces 13 new properties scheduled to launch in the New Year. Spanning the globe, these new luxury lodgings offer a variety of original experiences that are sure to deliver #ThePreferredLife to wanderlust-filled travelers everywhere.

From Houston and Shanghai to Vienna and Charleston, each of these soon-to-open properties is an ideal addition to the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio, which delivers one-of-a-kind, authentic travel experiences that reveal the essence of a destination and a true sense of place, in 85 countries across the globe.

Marriott International and YTL Hotels Sign agreements for new hotels across Asia. 

The companies agreed to develop two new luxury hotels in Malaysia under the JW Marriott and EDITION brands and signed a Memorandums of Understanding for two hotels in Japan, an EDITION and a W Hotel in Niseko Village, Hokkaido.

In Malaysia, YTL Hotels’ second JW Marriott hotel will be located near Kuala Lumpur Sentral, an exclusive urban centre built around the country’s largest transit hub.

The EDITION in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s first, will boast a prestigious address neighbouring the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), home to the Petronas Towers, the world’s tallest twin towers.

“We currently have 11 Marriott International hotels in our portfolio of 32 hospitality assets, making us one of Marriott’s largest owning companies with one of the longest relationships in Asia,” Tan Sri Dato’ (Dr) Francis Yeoh, Managing Director of YTL Group of Companies said.

“Through illustrious Marriott International brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott and Autograph Collection, we seek to offer our guests experiences that will make memories for a lifetime.”