Know a kick-arse health worker that deserves a getaway? You’ll definitely want to show them this week’s Hotel Wrap.

Accor Pacific partners with the Seven Network to thank healthcare workers

Accor Pacific has teamed up with the Seven Network’s morning show, Sunrise, to offer 100 healthcare heroes an overnight stay in one of its 360 properties across Australia.

The company is now inviting people to nominate their healthcare hero for the chance for them to take a well-deserved break.

There’s also the added opportunity to win a major prize that includes a seven-night family escape for four people to any Australian destination, including flights, accommodation and an Accor Plus membership for the winning healthcare hero.

To enter, individuals are asked to simply submit a short video. For details click here.

In other news, Accor has launched a selection of  ‘Time to Drive’ deals at more than 340 hotels, resorts and apartments across Australia and New Zealand.

Road-trippers can enjoy fully flexible rates from as low as $85 per night at a huge range of Accor brands, including SO/, Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Swissôtel, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Novotel, Mercure, Tribe, BreakFree, ibis, ibis Styles, and ibis Budget.

Accor’s ‘Time to Drive’ deals are valid for new bookings made between now and 30 June 2020, for stays up until 13 months from the booking date, and are available exclusively on the Accor Live Limitless website.

Marriott launches new ‘staycation’ packages

With restrictions lifting on domestic travel, Marriott International has launched new staycation packages across its Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Island hotels.

It comes in a bid by the company to encourage travellers to rediscover their surroundings from a different angle, with a selection of themed offers ranging from romantic to family getaways.

Properties across Marriott International’s family of brands including Sheraton, Westin, W Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, Four Points, and more will offer the packages to encourage travellers to reconnect, explore and book with confidence.

Credit: The Photo Pitch/Sarah Keayes

In other news, Marriott has also launched a gourmet takeaway hamper service, designed for guests to either enjoy in their own private space on property, or takeaway and consume wherever they like.

Packed for individuals, couples, or groups of five or more to share, all hampers can be ordered online and collected from Marriott properties across the country.

These hampers will also be available as gift certificates, the perfect way to celebrate every special occasion.

Aman announces phased reopening of resorts globally

Taking all appropriate steps in line with guidelines from the World Health Organisation and government authorities according to each location, Aman is poised to welcome guests to its serene hideaways, which have been adapted in practice, but unchanged in spirit.

The company has also shared a projected timeline for the reopening of its properties around the world.

Planned reopening dates (which may be subject to change):

Europe & Africa

• Aman Venice (Italy) – 18 June
• Amanzoe (Greece) – 18 June
• Amanruya (Turkey) – opened 6 June
• Aman Sveti Stefan (Montenegro) – 1 July
• Amanjena (Morocco) – July (date TBC)
• Aman Le Melezin – 11 Dec

USA & Caribbean

• Amangiri (USA) – opened 21 May
• Camp Sarika (USA) – 1 July
• Amangani (USA) – opened 1 June
• Amanera (Dominican Republic) – 1 July
• Amanyara (Turks & Caicos) – 24 July

Asia

• Amanpuri (Thailand) – villas remained open throughout. Hotel reopens 1 July
• Aman Tokyo (Japan) – 1 July
• Amanemu (Japan) – opened 1 June
• Aman Kyoto (Japan) – remained open throughout
• Amanoi (Vietnam) – remained open throughout
• Amansara (Cambodia) – remained open throughout
• Amantaka (Laos) – 1 July
• Amanpulo (Philippines) – 26 June
• Amangalla (Sri Lanka) – 1 August
• Amanwella (Sri Lanka) – 1 August
• Amanbagh (India) – 1 September
• Aman-i-Khas (India) – 1 October
• Amankora (Bhutan) – TBC
• Amanjiwo (Indonesia) – 19 June
• Amandari (Indonesia) – 1 July
• Amankila (Indonesia) – 1 July
• Aman Villas at Nusa Dua (Indonesia) – 1 July
• Amanwana (Indonesia) – 1 August
• Amanyangyun (China) – open
• Amanfayun (China) – open
• Aman Summer Palace (China) – open
• Amandayan (China) – open.

Club Med shares industry update from Rachael Harding

Club Med general manager Rachael Harding has provided an update on how the company is faring in 2020 and what industry members can expect from the company going forward.

Self-contained serviced apartments in high demand, SKYE Suites says

As travel restrictions in Australia begin to relax, SKYE Suites has seen its booking pick up and self-contained apartment hotels become more popular than ever as friends and extended family seek to reconnect. A new trend is starting to emerge: “togetherness” is the new luxury.

Crown Group chief operating officer Pierre Abrahamse said the emergence of the “togetherness as the new luxury” trend would replace the focus on experiential travel that had prevailed in the luxury hotel market over the past decade.

“Togetherness is emerging as the biggest trend for 2020 and beyond,” he said.

“People want to reconnect with those they have been separated from for the past few months and hotels are responding.

“Guests are calling to ask can they book co-joining apartments so that they can enjoy a holiday with their kids and the grandparents in the one place, or so they can have friends who live in regional areas finally able to join them in the city for restaurant or gallery outings.”

Renovated Daydream Island Resort to reopen from 1 July

The newly renovated Daydream Island Resort is ready to welcome back guests when it reopens on 1 July, with a special winter escape offer for Queenslanders.

The only eco-certified resort in the Whitsundays, Daydream Island offers 280 newly refurbished rooms and suites, and also features the only ‘Living Reef’ in Australia where children will be entranced by the ‘Reef Ranger’ program and be able to snorkel with the island’s friendly stingrays.

Evoking a sense of paradise, the island resort spans one kilometre in length, with coral and sand beaches lined by palm trees, a tropical rainforest and its own 200 metre Living Reef bursting with marine life.

Moreover, off the back of eased intrastate restrictions, the ‘Queensland Locals Winter Escape’ offer includes full buffet breakfast in Graze Restaurant each morning, free WiFi access and complimentary use of all non-motorised water sport and resort recreational activities.

Kids under 12 years old stay free and eat free from the kids’ menu when accompanied by an adult.

The package also includes a 25 per cent discount on food and beverages, and is valid for travel from 1 July to 20 December 2020, subject to availability.

Rates start from $125 per person per night twin share (minimum of two people per room). A $100 per night per room surcharge applies for stays from 21 September to 3 October.

To book, call 1800 888 288 and quote ‘LOCAL20’, or visit the resort’s website.

Chiva-Som prepares to reopen on 12 June

Wellness resort Chiva-Som in Hua Hin, Thailand has announced it will reopen its doors on 12 June 2020.

As Thailand gradually eases its lockdown, Chiva-Som is making essential preparations for operations to resume, in accordance with local government guidelines and advice.

Transitioning to the ‘new normal’, heightened hygiene measures include COVID-19 testing and quarantine for contact staff, as well as temperature checks upon arrival, deep cleaning of guest rooms, frequent disinfection of all equipment, social distancing as needed, and complimentary hand sanitiser and masks for guests.

Chiva-Som is blessed with mature outdoor gardens with Thai-style salas, and has the beachfront Taste of Siam restaurant, which will ensure guests are able to enjoy meditation and dining or other activities in well-ventilated spaces.

Crystalbrook Collection’s mindful approach to post-pandemic travel

Crystalbrook Collection is launching ‘Mindfully Safe’ in response to COVID-19, a program that features heightened hygiene measures and a focus on reducing travel anxiety by encouraging mindful stays. The program will launch 1 July 2020.

Recognising travel anxiety is at an all-time high for many Australians, Crystalbrook has teamed up with The Indigo Project, a progressive psychology practice based in Sydney’s Surry Hills, to offer a series of Spotify playlists and relaxing meditations available on in-room iPads at each of Crystalbrook’s six hotels across Australia.

Crystalbrook Collection has also partnered with mental health support organisation Beyond Blue to donate $5 from every direct booking made until the end of 2020 to help Australians in need.

All Crystalbrook hotels will also offer in-room yoga, barre, Pilates and art classes along with access to free yoga mats to help destress.

From 1 July 2020, all Crystalbrook hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, and spas will be cashless. Crystalbrook Collection will also be offering contactless and paperless check-in and check-out and optional complimentary face masks, along with a host of other deep cleaning measures.

Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim to open 15 June with limited services

Credit: Flickr/Darla Cook

Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim, which is found within Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, will open for its 2020 season on 15 June.

Sitting at an elevation of more than 8,000 feet, the comparatively tranquil North Rim reportedly receives just one-tenth of the visitation of the South Rim, and is known for its recreational activities including hiking trails, mule rides and exploring the local flora and fauna.

To comply with current public health guidelines, the lodge will open with certain operational changes, including offering takeout orders and grab-and-go food options, including pizza and sandwiches, available at the deli and the saloon.

The lodge will also operate with a limited restaurant menu for breakfast from 6:30am to 10am, lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm, and dinner from 4:30pm to 9pm. The general store is open.

A limited number of cabins will be available to guests to account for social distancing. In addition, staff will no longer share living quarters and will be housed separately in observance of social distancing mandates.

Hostelworld launches new platform for virtual explorers

Online booking platform Hostelworld has created a digital space to bring travellers and hostels from around the world together, during a time when travel has never been more disrupted.

Virtuallyahostel.com features five themed video chatrooms, where hostel owners are running interactive events that mirror the real-life experiences they host for guests. This digital experience is open to all who are craving a travel fix, and free to join.

The five hostel rooms are open all-hours for anyone looking to meet other travellers, and weekly events led by hostels will teach virtual guests new skills, ranging from learning to make vegan sushi in Japan to a cocktail masterclass in Portugal.

Featured image: Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains (supplied)