Check-in to this week’s extra special Hotel Wrap! Okay, so it’s not EXTRA special – just a little special. And by special, we mean half-baked and caffeine-fuelled.

Aman launches new hotel brand

Janu Montenegro Lobby

Aman has launched a sister brand called Janu, which promises to deliver harmony through the dynamic balance of opposites. While Aman is synonymous with its Sanskrit translation, ‘peace’, Janu stands for ‘soul’; Aman is a sanctuary, whereas Janu is connectedness; Aman offers refined respite, whereas Janu offers an energetic vibe for those seeking greater purpose with inner contentment.

Janu launches with three forthcoming hotels which are already under construction: Montenegro (2022), Al Ula in Saudi Arabia (2022) and Tokyo (2022), as well as a robust pipeline of future hotels. Janu Montenegro will be the first hotel to incorporate the brands serviced residence concept, enabling guests to fully embrace the Janu lifestyle.

Ovolo opens first Indonesia property

Ovolo has welcomed its first property in Indonesia. The first hotel outside of its Australian and Hong Kong offerings, the latest addition is Mamaka by Ovolo on the beachfront of Bali’s bustling and rejuvenated Kuta.

Having purchased the Citadines Kuta Beach Bali late last year, Ovolo Group will transform the existing structure into an urban resort. The existing property will close early March and is expected to open late 2020 with 191 designer rooms and suites, innovative food and drink concepts, and unique experiences – the vibrant new addition to the burgeoning global brand has been designed in unison with ara design International and will play an integral role in the revitalisation of the Kuta precinct.

The project also marks a new design direction for the brand – Ovolo recently unveiled its new brand architecture alongside the Wonder. Full. branding, the By Ovolo Collective – each hotel unique, each one special, the more guests explore, the more they’ll find. Mamaka Kuta Beach joins this distinctive collection of hotels which includes Nishi Apartments Canberra Australia, Mojo Nomad Aberdeen Harbour Hong Kong and soon to launch The Sheung Wan Central Hong Kong, expected in April 2020.

The playful aesthetic of the Ovolo Group will again be prominent throughout the new development, though this time with an Indonesian twist. Mamaka by Ovolo was envisioned by the Ovolo team and realised by ara design International, the brand behind many international hotel and resort projects.

Cairns newest five-star hotel: Flynn

In under two years, Crystalbrook Collection has launched three new five-star hotels and nine new restaurants. The group have reinvigorated and brought new life to the destinations. Cairns is no longer just the gateway to The Great Barrier Reef but a destination in its own right.

Each of Crystalbrook Collection hotels carry their own authentic expression, holding their own personality. Flynn is set to be the younger sibling to Riley and Bailey. Think fun and energetic, lots of entertainment – with the background of zen-filled wellness and meditation spaces – paired with food and drink experiences with tastes from across the globe.

The hotel will be home to three dining destinations, from fresh alfresco dishes at Flynn’s Italian, to a market-style experience at Boardwalk Social and lastly tapas and jazz at Whiskey and Wine. These newcomers will be as much for tourists and locals alike! The new 311 bedroom hotel, will also be home to a beautiful spa set within lush tropical gardens.

Winners of Indigenous hospitality scholarships announced

On Friday 28 February, Bridging the Gap Foundation in partnership with International College of Hotel Management (ICHM) and Accor have pleasure in announcing that Ghinna Ambrum from Pullman Cairns International and Maddison Ingram are the recipients of the second round of Indigenous Hospitality Scholarships.

This is the second year that the scholarships will be awarded by Bridging the Gap Foundation and partners providing the opportunity for Indigenous students to study a three-year Bachelor of Business (Hospitality Management) Course at ICHM. Last year’s recipient was Kenneth Abrook, Kaurna man who is currently working at Pullman Adelaide and is continuing his second year of studies at ICHM.

ICHM, a higher education provider based in Adelaide, is one of the most reputable hotel schools in Australia, preparing students for management careers in the hospitality industry.

The Ritz-Carlton and Marriott Bonvoy bring experiences and exclusive benefits to the Formula 1® Rolex Australian Grand Prix

2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Saturday – Paul Ripke

The Ritz-Carlton and Marriott Bonvoy have announced they are launching a range of unmatched benefits and exclusive experiences at the Formula 1® Rolex Australian Grand Prix, which will include the debut of the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Silver Arrows Lounge.

Now in its second year, the partnership is set to be bigger and better throughout the 2020 Grand Prix season, promising existing Marriott Bonvoy members and those who sign up during the Formula 1® Rolex Australian Grand Prix, exclusive access to unparalleled benefits and experiences including first-access to the ultra-luxury Ritz-Carlton Silver Arrows Lounge, access to money-can’t-buy Marriott Bonvoy Moments, VIP views and hospitality in the Marriott Bonvoy Lounge and a ride to remember with the Marriott Bonvoy Buggies.

W Bali celebrates 9th year anniversary 

W Bali – Seminyak celebrates its 9^th year anniversary by welcoming the Grammy-nominated, DJ Mousse T. back at Woobar on 14^th March for another night of fine tunes.

The party will start from 4:00PM with special anniversary cocktails crafted by W Mixologist and pop up bites corner by the culinary team, all ready to welcome the party-goers. Extra beats by W’s resident DJs Lady Flic and Wilson will be warming up before the headliner German DJ Mousse T. is making a comeback on the deck. To end the perfect bash, W Bali will showcase their signature beachfront fireworks display.

Beside the main attraction, W Bali is also celebrating one year of its design programing. Before the party starts, catch a live performance of mural painting at Woobar featuring the 7^th artist, Alam Taslim @igorsatumangkok with his famous creation named IGOR, short from Indomie Goreng – a reference to the famous Indonesian instant noodle. The design he’s making talks about the beauty of the instant noodle that is adapting the view of a beach, along with the wave, cloud and the warm of a “sunny side up” egg as the sun. Celebrating sunset in an edible universe!

Marriott International grows footprint In South Africa

Marriott International has announced the opening of Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch and Marriott Executive Apartments Johannesburg Melrose Arch.

The opening marks the debut of Marriott Executive Apartments in South Africa and the first purpose-built Marriott Hotel in the country. Owned and developed by the Amdec Group, the hotel and apartments are situated in the Melrose Arch Precinct and provide a premium destination for business travellers and a fully serviced extended stay destination.

Kokomo Private Island’s head chef announced as bulanaire 

Kokomo Private Island is proud to announce head chef, Caroline Oakley as a Bulanaire in Tourism Fiji’s 2020 Bulanaire campaign.

Launched on the International Day of Happiness, March 20, 2019, the Bulanaire Program features a small selection of local Fijians and international personalities who are rich in happiness and will work with Tourism Fiji to share the Bula Spirit with the world.

Outrigger Fiji launches LIVE Facebook wedding information sessions

Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort and Castaway Island, Fiji, recently launched their inaugural Fiji Wedding Spectacular 2020 LIVE Facebook campaign, with the first event taking place on Thursday night (27.2.20), featuring Ms Va Likubua Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort wedding supervisor and Ms Thlema Langi Sales Manager, talking all things decorations, from local native flowers arrangements to original handmade tapa items and much more.

The event was watched by more than 90 people who represented specialised wedding wholesalers and agents as well as the general public who have made direct enquiries with the properties regarding their proposed upcoming special day.

Celebrating Mantra at Sharks’ 2nd Birthday

Over the past 12 months, Mantra at Sharks’ has gained significant market momentum welcoming over 45,000 guests and receiving over 1,600 online reviews (90% of all reviews receiving a 4/5-star rating).

Consciously deciding to be an inclusive hotel provider, the introduction of the Mr Sharky family and accessible rooms has proven to be exceptionally popular, ensuring the product remains relevant to cater to all markets.

Mantra at Sharks’ announced the new extensions of the partnership between the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation (GCHF) and Southport Sharks with Mantra at Sharks proudly appointed as the new ‘Emergency Accommodation Provider’.

Mantra at Sharks’ exclusive 2^nd Birthday offer:

Stay two nights for $100 per night (minimum two night stay) and receive:

• Two drinks in Aviary  Rooftop Bar
• 2pm late checkout*

On arrival offers:

• Two pizzas in Aviary Rooftop Bar for $20
• 2-4-1 Frenzy’s breakfast for $30