Big Fat Hotel Wrap

MGallery adds Israel property

For MGallery by Sofitel, spring 2016 has been a strategic season filled with key regional expansion and important ‘firsts’.

Following MGallery by Sofitel’s recent development in Southeast Asia, the brand has set its sights on growth in  Israel. David Tower Hotel Netanya MGallery by Sofitel, opening in May 2016, will be its first address in Israel.

The brand also continues its development in South America with the recent opening of Hotel Santa Teresa Rio de Janeiro MGallery by Sofitel. It is the brand’s first hotel in Brazil, and second hotel on the continent.

MGallery by Sofitel has more than 80 hotels in 23 countries worldwide.

These two unique hotels have been chosen for their memorable character and charming luxury. Throughout MGallery by Sofitel’s expansion to new destinations, the brand remains dedicated to creating a collection of hotels for engaged explorers who are fueled by passion, curiosity and an interest in the world around them.

Introducing the All-New Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta

This summer, a sophisticated haven of relaxed glamour will open in the heart of one of Asia’s most important cities: introducing the all-new Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta.

The centrepiece of a mixed-use development in Capital Place that also includes an office tower, Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta will offer 125 suites with panoramic skyline views, as well as a luxurious spa, gracious event spaces, and four dining and drinking options, including a soaring rotunda on the ground floor and a signature Italian restaurant on the 20th floor rooftop.

The award-winning landmark building by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects showcases timeless interiors by New York-based Champalimaud Studio and dramatic tropical landscaping by Bangkok’s Bensley Design Studios.

As visually appealing as it will be fully functional for today’s modern traveller, international guests as well as local clientele can look forward to the thoughtful luxury and personalised service for which Four Seasons is already well-known in the city.

Located on Jalan Gatot Subroto, the Hotel is 40 minutes by car from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, with easy access to all major business destinations in south Jakarta, including the Sudirman Central Business District and Mega-Kuningan.

Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta opens this summer in Capital Place, replacing the brand’s previous location on Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said.

Wyndham Project Manager wins ARDA Award

Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific’s Carly Morris has been honoured by the international resort industry after being named the best Project Manager at the prestigious 2016 ARDA Awards.

Since being promoted to Project Manager with Wyndham, Carly has overseen refurbishments on more than 650 apartments across 20 properties which are all part of the WorldMark South Pacific Club by Wyndham.

Based on the Gold Coast, she is part of a Property Development team with rich technical expertise which makes complex multi-million dollar projects in South East Asia and the South Pacific a reality.

Carly’s recent projects include two phases of refurbishments at Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific Denerau Island in Fiji, an extension and pool remedial works at the same property and a sales office fit-out at Wyndham Hotel Melbourne.

BYRON BAY’S BELOVED RESORT UNDERGOES $2.1M REVAMP

The Byron at Byron Resort & Spa, Byron Bay’s premier Resort, is currently undergoing a $2.1 million refurbishment set to be completed by August 2016.

The Byron at Byron has enlisted the help of Architect and Interior Designer Penny Campbell, of award winning Brisbane firm Haysom Architects, to revamp all suites and central facilities of the property while also maintain the relaxed ambience and rainforest theme throughout.

Campbell describes her design inspiration, “I have focused on a Minnie Pwerle art theme for the décor, while also taking design cues from the beautiful natural surrounds of the Resort. The Byron at Byron’s ongoing relationship with the local Arakwal people and local elder Delta Kay also continues to be a key theme.”

Minnie Pwerle well regarded as one of Australia’s greatest female Aboriginal artists, and has had a major influence on the art and design of the Resort. Minnie’s eye catching artworks are easily recognisable with her uncompromising brush strokes and expert use of pattern, movement and colour. She passed away in 2006, when she was in her 90’s and was amazingly still painting to the very end.

Choice Hotels Asia-Pac adds iconic Canberra property to growing portfolio

Choice Hotels Asia-Pac, one of Australia’s largest hotel franchise groups is excited to announce the addition of Canberra’s Clifton Suites on Northbourne, which this week relaunched as Pacific Suites Canberra, an Ascend Hotel Collection member.

The addition will make Pacific Suites Canberra the first member of the Ascend Hotel Collection in the ACT.

The Ascend Hotel Collection is Choice Hotels’ offering for unique, boutique and historic properties seeking the distribution, sales, marketing and operational support Choice Hotels specialise in.

Choice Hotels Asia-Pac CEO Trent Fraser said, “Pacific Suites Canberra has a reputation as one of ACT’s finest and most innovative accommodation and corporate function venues. We are thrilled it has a new home with Choice Hotels Asia-Pac.

Pacific Suites Canberra is just minutes from the heart of the city’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment district, ideal for a central stay in Canberra. The hotel is a popular location among business travellers with a two-minute walk to the CBD and a 5-10 minute drive to other government and business hubs.