This hotel wrap is one of our best and brightest. Although we’re not saying you need sunglasses to read it.

Immerse yourself in “The Essence of Japan” with specially curated activities by Japan National Tourism Organization and Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Staying at a Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) hotel is always more than just a luxury hotel stay. In Japan, the independently minded brand has teamed up with Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and local partners through a luxury travel consortium led by DENTSU AD-GEAR INC., to launch three exclusive packages that allow international guests the opportunity to really get under the skin of this fascinating country through its cuisine, nature, history and culture between now and March 2018.

The packages, lasting between two and five days, open the door to prestige activities, some not usually accessible to international visitors, that showcase both well-known and lesser-known parts of the Land of the Rising Sun, each complemented by a unique SLH hotel.

Premium packages include stays like a three-day cultural and Michelin experience in Nara, a five-day natural wonders of Yakushima Island trip and a two-day Japanese Wedding Experience.

Novotel Surfers Paradise completes multi-million dollar refurbishment in time for Commonwealth Games

Accor Hotel’s most recent Gold Coast acquisition, Novotel Surfers Paradise have just completed their multi-million dollar refurbishment in time for the Commonwealth Games. The refurbishments include a full overhaul of the guestrooms, and events and conferencing spaces.

Novotel Surfers Paradise boasts 408 guest rooms, each with a private balcony overlooking spectaular ocean or hinterland views. The rooms have been given a modern face-lift with subtle local design reference, bringing a new level of contemporary comfort and quality.

In addition to the room upgrades, there are now six conference rooms offered including the Grand Ballroom which can comfortably cater for up to 500 delegates – perfect for corporate and personal events of all shapes and sizes.

Naumi Hotels Purchase Two Hotels in Wellington, New Zealand

Naumi Hotels, the Singapore-based private hotel owner and operator is further increasing its presence in New Zealand with the purchase of two properties in a prime location in Wellington, New Zealand. This development news comes as the official launch of the group’s brand-new Auckland property, Naumi Auckland Airport took place last week on 1st February after a multi-million-dollar renovation program.

Naumi Hotels have entered into an agreement for the purchase of CQ Hotels Wellington for an undisclosed sum. The first hotel is located in the heart of Wellington’s lively Cuba Street within an iconic heritage building, complete with a detailed façade dating back to the early 1900s. The property currently has 115 modern rooms and a spacious ground level floor with retail units and a restaurant.

The second hotel is a charming property also located on the same bustling street, offering all suite rooms with floor to ceiling windows and kitchen facilities in all rooms. The property currently offers state of the art conference and function centre, an indoor heated swimming pool, gym and multiple F&B options.

The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award announced from Peninsula Paris

A rare and beautiful 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic was named the winner of the prestigious The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award today at The Peninsula Paris hotel.

Now in its third year, The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award brought together eight of the world’s finest classic cars—the best of show winners from the top international concours—to compete for the title of the most exceptional motor car in the world. The Bugatti is co-owned by the Mullin Automotive Museum, and Rob and Melani Walton, located in California, USA, and was named “Best of Show Concours d’Etat” at the 2017 Chantilly Arts & Elegance.

Powered by a supercharged engine and considered by many to be the first supercar ever made, the winning Bugatti is one of four Type 57 Atlantic models ever produced, with only three in the world remaining. The vehicle was designed at the height of the art deco movement by Jean Bugatti, Ettore Bugatti’s son. Jean based the car on his other design, the 1935 Aérolithe concept car, which was famously riveted externally, for fear of the magnesium-alloy body parts catching fire. Jean kept this signature riveted seam on the all-aluminium body of the Atlantic.

SAGE Hotel Ringwood officially opened

Sage Hotel Ringwood, located in Melbourne’s East at the gateway to the Yarra Valley is a state first sitting atop the Eastland Shopping centre and held its official launch event last night.
To celebrate the opening of SAGE Hotel Ringwood, a special drinks party event was held with over 300 guests in attendance from travel, corporate, arts, fashion and entertainment industries.

Guests enjoyed gourmet food and wine stations from local Yarra Valley providores, a showcase of the David Jones Autumn Winter collection, live music from Wilbur Wilde and the Happy Band and a live installation from artist Mike Eleven who has created the existing artworks throughout the hotel lobby.

Guests enjoyed Chandon and Four Pillars Gin & Tonics, wines from Rochford Estates, DeBortoli and Thirteen Percent, beer and cider from Hargreaves Hill and Colonial Brewing Co., cheeses from Yarra Valley Dairy, chocolate from Belcolade and had fun snapping themselves on the Eastland flower swing.

Veriu expands to Melbourne with acquisition of Punthill Apartment Hotel Group

Having successfully established a Sydney network of bespoke hotels and suites, Veriu is set to expand interstate with the acquisition of 13 hotels under the well-known Punthill Apartment Hotel brand.

The hotels will join the group in early February and continue to operate under the Punthill brand, yet still offer the unique personalised service that Veriu prides itself on. The 13-strong portfolio includes eight suburban and four CBD apartment hotels in Melbourne plus one in Brisbane, offering 777 apartments in total across the group.

The guests, both corporate and leisure, of the Punthill and Veriu Groups will now be able to move around 17 hotels in the largest gateway cities in Australia. This will expand to 21 hotels within the next 18 months with a new hotel in Melbourne and three new Veriu hotels in Sydney. Guests will be given all the benefits that both groups offer but in significantly more locations.

Tasmania’s Storytelling Hotel: The new hotspot for Job-Seekers

When MACq 01 Hotel launched on the Hobart waterfront in June last year, it was celebrated as Australia’s first storytelling hotel.  A range of design and experience elements bring the storytelling concept to life, facilitated in large part by a passionate team of hotel storytellers who interact with guests sharing stories of the Tasmanian character and spirit.  As a luxury hotel, MACq 01 also boasts Hobart’s most enviable real estate, exceptional quality fitout, Tasmania’s largest hotel suites and a highly charismatic bar, restaurant and lounge.

Incredibly, MACq 01 was propelled to Hobart’s number one spot on Trip Advisor, just five weeks after opening – a feat attributable to the strength of its people. With around 110 staff recruited from around Australia prior to launch, MACq 01 has provided a breeding ground for tourism and hospitality professionals, from housekeeping and Butlers to kitchen staff and bar-tenders… oh yes, and storytellers, per Hotel Management.

As demand for MACq 01 has steadily grown, job opportunities have continued to evolve. Current teams have expanded to meet demand and several completely new positions have been created.

Seabreeze Resort releases amazing booking bonuses

The exclusively for adults, Seabreeze Resort Samoa has launched some amazing stay/pay deals and bonuses with savings of up to over AU$1000 per couple. Deals are on sale until 31 March 2018 and valid for travel until 30 April 2018 and between 1 November 2018 till 31 March 2019.

Seabreeze deals include; stay a minimum of five nights and receive one night free and a one-way arrival airport transfer for two people; stay a minimum of seven nights and receive one night free and return airport transfer for two people and stay a minimum of ten nights and receive two nights free and return airport transfers for two people.

The stay/pay deals also include regular rate inclusions of a la carte breakfast daily, nightly turndown service, complimentary mini bar replenished daily, use of new smart phones during guests’ stay, complimentary food platter in room for arrivals after 9pm and before 7am and complimentary use of glass bottom kayaks and snorkelling equipment.

The award winning Seabreeze Resort is the ultimate in boutique luxury, gently nestled into a private secluded bay on Samoa’s famous south-east coast of Upolu. The resort provides the ideal romantic getaway for honeymooners and couples or those seeking luxury and intimacy.

The newly refurbished Novotel Sydney Darling Square launches in one of Sydney’s most popular precincts

AccorHotels is proud to unveil the newly refurbished Novotel Sydney Darling Square. Formerly Novotel Rockford Daring Harbour the hotel is located within Darling Square, Sydney’s newest city neighbourhood which features residential apartments, corporate offices and laneways boasting a range of shopping and dining options.

The hotel has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment across each of the 230 guest rooms. Inspired by the neighbouring Chinese Gardens, the colour scheme, finish and lighting of each of guest room has been designed to capture the tranquillity of the gardens. The room design creates the feeling of an urban oasis and connects the hotel to its local community.

The hotel’s new lobby bar and restaurant Pier Street Kitchen is now open, offering guests and locals a brand new option for breakfast and dinner. The menu is abundant with fresh produce and healthy options. Plus, guests can still take advantage of the Pumphouse Bar adjoining the hotel, for evening dinner and drinks.

Marriott Hotels enters Indonesian Market with Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel in World Heritage City

Marriott International announced the opening of the first Marriott branded hotel in Indonesia that is also the latest internationally branded hotel in Yogyakarta, the Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel.

Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel is nestled in a strategic location where guests can easily immerse in local culture and explore the city’s tourist destinations. The 18th-century historical Keraton Royal Palace and The Borobudur Temple, one of the world’s largest Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage site, are only an hour away by car.

All 347 guestrooms and suites are designed in the Marriott Modern style, balancing utility with refinement, with the latest technology and fast Wi-Fi connection for those who would like to stay connected while on the road. This is no different at Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel, which houses a boardroom, seven meeting rooms and several pre-function areas to host various business meetings and intimate events. The 1,870-square-meter pillar-less ballroom is the largest in Yogyakarta, making it the grandest venue in town for special celebrations.

Stay two nights and get one free with El Questro’s season opening offer

Travellers are now better placed than ever to experience the wonders of the Kimberley, as El Questro announces its 2018 Season Opening Offer, inviting guests visiting for two nights or more to stay an extra night – for free.

This bonus night means more time to take in the stunning natural beauty of the property and more time for activities, whether it be a thrilling hike to the viewing platform on Saddleback Ridge or a morning in the Zebedee thermal springs – the perfect place to relax and restore.

Visitors may choose to base their stay at either the safari-style tented cabins of Emma Gorge, home to one of Australia’s best swimming holes, or the air-conditioned bungalows of El Questro Station, both which give them access to 700,000 acres of untamed beauty in the heart of the Kimberley.

There’s truly no better time to plan a visit to El Questro as this offer also includes complimentary breakfast for two, ensuring travellers have all the energy needed to fuel a thrilling day exploring one of Australia’s final frontiers.

Mantra Hotels launches biggest ever global sale!

Mantra Hotels is set to launch its biggest ever Global Sale with massive savings on more than 130 Mantra, Peppers, BreakFree and Art Series Hotels, booked between 13 – 21 February 2018.

With rates starting from $99 per room per night at selected properties, there are deals perfect for couples, families or groups of friends available at hotels across Australia, New Zealand, Bali and Hawaii.

The deals are available in Australia, Hawaii and New Zealand – to book or to check out the other fantastic offers available, visit www.mantrahotels.com. Don’t delay – the deals are on sale for the next nine days or until sold out!

Nanuku’s Auberge Beach Villas – ground broken and on track for October opening

Adding a new level of sophisticated luxury and further cementing Nanuku Auberge Resort’s position and its overall product delivery in place at the very top of the Fiji resort listings, 13 new luxury one and two-bedroom ‘Auberge Beach Villas’ are bang on schedule for their official opening in October this year.

One of the biggest resort developments to take place in Fiji in recent times, work is well underway on the beachfront site project following a traditional ground-breaking ceremony conducted by local chiefs, village elders and other local dignitaries.

When complete and ready for guests, each of the Auberge Beach Villas will come complete with state of the art kitchens, private swimming pools and private open terraces offering the very best in both indoor and outdoor living fronted by a pristine, three kilometre-long white-sand beach and the resort’s own pristine house reef.

An added benefit for guests staying in an Auberge Beach Villa is the opportunity to combine an intimate and very private villa style holiday in their own environment or, as desired, take full advantage of the fact they also have access to a full resort offering an award-winning restaurant and bar, a spa and wellness centre and a myriad choice of both on and off resort activities.

IHG Business Rewards launches Booker Bonus Promotion

Loyal members of IHG Business Rewards can now earn double the bonus points on bookings made through participating IHG hotels worldwide, thanks to the launch of the Booker Bonus promotion by InterContinental Hotels Group.

On top of existing reward points earned for bookings on meetings, events or accommodation, IHG Rewards Club members who book between now and 30 April 2018 — for any event and stays till 31 August 2018 — have the exclusive offer of earning an additional 100 per cent reward points, capped at US$20,000 per event.

In addition to the promotional bonus points earned, members stand the chance to win 35,000 extra points by taking part in a social media contest. To participate in this monthly prize draw, members simply need to upload a photo on Facebook or Instagram that sums up their ‘world’ in three words, relating back to the theme of ‘Book. Meet. Enjoy.’, together with the hashtag #ihgbookerbonus.

AYANA’s world-famous Spa on the Rocks receives a stylish makeover and revamped treatment list

In true AYANA fashion of pioneering design coupled with products that improve the guest experience, February celebrates the completed redesign of the resort’s famous Spa on The Rocks treatment villas.

Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, each of AYANA’s two treatment villas provide a total sensory experience. Guests can indulge in a world-famous spa treatment while feeling closer to nature as they breathe in the therapeutic sea air and listen to gentle waves lap against the rocks surrounding the villas.

The new Spa on The Rocks interiors add an extra element to the already enlightening spa experience. Ingeniously designed by P49 interior design (Sofitel Adelaide; Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort Hotel Oman), the villas retain their compelling Balinese charm, while introducing fresh nuances. Authentic Balinese patterns weave around doors and mirrors and across cabinets and ornaments. The sense of tradition remains in the new rustic white Sungkai wood, which possesses a by-the-sea feel.

Each villa makes for an ideal couple’s hideaway or heavenly ‘just for me’ escape. There are two relaxing treatment beds, a changing area, bathroom, showroom, plus an ocean view bathtub made for two. There is also a terrace to perform an outdoor foot washing ritual prior to your massage.

Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts marks a milestone with new signing in Melbourne

Marriott International this week announced the signing of Le Méridien Melbourne, in partnership with owner and developer Jinshan Investment Group. Slated to open in 2020, the 235-room hotel will boast the brand’s distinct mid-century modern approach to design and bold ‘Destination Unlocked’ positioning. This signing reinforces Le Méridien’s global growth, following recent openings in Italy, South Korea, China and the United States, all within the last 12 months.

Perfectly situated amidst art galleries, boutiques and bistros, Le Méridien Melbourne will be located near the city’s cultural centre, fronting the Bourke/Spring Street tram stop and a stone’s throw from Victoria’s Parliament Square. The 12-storey hotel converted from an existing low-rise building will draw inspiration from both the brand and Melbourne’s light, airy and modern nature.

The intimate and residential hotel will transform the traditional lobby space into the brand’s signature Le Méridien Hub, which evolves from a bright and fresh coffee house by day, to a sophisticated cocktail bar by night.

Experience an urban safari at Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo

Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo is delighted to announce the launch of its urban safari experiences, which have been especially curated for guests who wish to go off the beaten track and uncover the metropole’s hidden gems.

From an exhilarating tuk tuk ride through Colombo’s lesser known streets to an afternoon selecting precious gems with a local expert, the concierge team at Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo offers guests unparalleled access to a bespoke collection of cultural and historical experiences.

Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo opened its doors on 17 November 2017 and is situated at One Galle Face along the Galle Face Green promenade – the most exclusive address in Colombo. The hotel offers uninterrupted Indian Ocean and city views in its 500 guestrooms and suites and 41 serviced apartments. Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo is one of the most prominent hotel launches in Sri Lanka in nearly 30 years and now serves as a gateway to the capital through an array of exciting immersive experiences.

AccorHotels rings in the Chinese Year of the Dog in style

The ‘Year of the Dog’ will be celebrated at AccorHotels across Australia from this February, according to Hotel Management. 

The festivities will include special menus and hotel decorations so that guests can make the most of the celebrations.

In New South Wales, Chinese New Year will be celebrated at Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, Mercure Sydney, Novotel Sydney Parramatta, Sebel Sydney Chatswood and Sydney Hyde Park.

Ibis Styles Hobart will represent in Tasmania with a program of events kicking off on 16 February.

In Queensland, Sofitel Brisbane Central and Novotel Surfer’s Paradise will be celebrating with special cultural performances and Chinese New Year themed cocktails

Son Brull is delighted announce the launch of a brand-new spa, set to open in March. Situated in the northern part of Mallorca near Pollensa, the family owned and managed Son Brull, a former monastery dating back to the 12th century, is the perfect rural sanctuary for those wanting to break away from the crowds and disconnect. The newly built spa, complete with contemporary design elements in wood and stone, will be sympathetic to the main hotel’s original architecture.

The spa is based around the four elements with a particular focus on getting back to nature and reconnecting with the earth. Using dark colours and contemporary furniture, the spa has a sense of timelessness where guests are grounded in a peaceful silence. Replacing the original spa and larger in size, the new development will consist of three treatment rooms, including one for couple’s treatments, and set in the palatial garden surrounded by the scent of local flowers and herbs.

All the treatment rooms overlook the beautiful countryside and hills of northern Mallorca. The spa will consist of an indoor water circuit pool, jacuzzi, sauna, Hammam and a yoga and meditation room offering complimentary daily group yoga.

Carlson Rezidor confirms Radisson Hotel Group re-brand

Following months of speculation, HM can confirm Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is set to be re-branded as Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) on March 5.

The new-look company will be unveiled at an event during the International Hotel Investment Forum in Berlin, Germany and is part of what the company says is about “leveraging Radisson’s global brand awareness”.

The change to RHG was first revealed at Radisson’s Investors Day in Frankfurt, Germany, during January.

The company said it would re-launch brands behind the Radisson Hotel Group name to “leverage brand equity, drive awareness and increase marketing efficiency”, according to Hotel Management.