MALAYSIA – TRULY ASIA

One of the many reasons why I keep going back to Malaysia after living there for nearly ten years is for the mouth-watering food, diverse cultures, the lush green nature, enchanting islands, the beaches and the retail therapy. It is now an accepted fact that if you want to visit Asia, all you have to do is visit Malaysia. Apart from its geographical location, right smack in the centre of Asia, strong economic base and stable political situation, Malaysia is an attraction for the tourist who wants to taste Asia but do not have the luxury of time and money. … Continue reading MALAYSIA – TRULY ASIA

Enjoy Istanbul during a stopover

With more and more travellers flying with Turkish Airlines these day, Istanbul is often a stopover but instead of staying at the airport, I suggest taking some time out to enjoy this vibrant city where the East meets the West and every street corner is a delight to the senses. If Turkey is your destination, then you are in for a treat. From mouth-watering delicacies, historic monuments and traditional bazaars, Istanbul has something to offer to travellers of all ages. I go to Istanbul regularly, often a few times a year and often start my excursion from the historic Sultanahmet … Continue reading Enjoy Istanbul during a stopover

‘Fragrant Nature’

Fragrant Nature, the creator of premium lifestyle hospitality experiences in Kerala recently showcased three exceptional hotels and resorts in Kerala at the Arabian Travel Market. The award-winning hospitality operator has also strengthened its new ‘Kerala Golden Trio’ package, especially for visitors from the GCC region, promising them three authentic lifestyle experiences just in time for summer. Fragrant Nature has three resorts in Kerala in Fort Kochi, Munnar and Kollam. Each resort has a unique architecture and an unmatched choice of lifestyle amenities. Fragrant Nature Backwater Resort & Ayurveda Spa in Paravur, Kollam, stands out for its location by the pristine … Continue reading ‘Fragrant Nature’

Beyond Luxury: Maldivian Resort, Velaa Private Island

It is always a delight to meet with the Velaa Private Island team and at ATM we were invited to a VIP event to get introduced to the resort’s new General Manager, Mr Michal Smejc. Having spent the past six years in South East Asia, and being the younger brother of the property’s owner, Jiri Smejc, Michal has all the premises to take over the lead of this ultra-luxury resort in the Maldives. As a family member, Michal has spent countless days at Velaa Private Island from the very beginning, witnessing the origins of this unique resort as a construction … Continue reading Beyond Luxury: Maldivian Resort, Velaa Private Island

Hyatt Centric: Expansion Plans of Hyatt Hotels Corporation

During the ATM I met with Mr. Eric Brun, Senior Vice President – Brand and Commercial Strategy and Mr. Christian Pertl, Regional Vice President Sales Operations – Middle East & Africa together with other key members of the Hyatt team. The Hyatt team spoke about the debut of the Hyatt Centric brand to the GCC region, with the first Hyatt Centric hotel slated to open later this year on The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, U.A.E.. This opening will be followed by Hyatt Centric West Bay Doha in Qatar in 2018. Eric Brun mentioned that bringing Hyatt Centric to the G.C.C. is … Continue reading Hyatt Centric: Expansion Plans of Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Impeccable Hospitality – The Langham, London

Creating exceptional guest experiences since it opened as Europe’s first grand hotel in 1865, The Langham, London continues to enhance its offerings more than 150 years later. Despite visiting London for years, I finally visited the property last year for an afternoon tea and it is indeed a hotel that gives you the best of history, luxury and a regal vibe that leaves one with a sense of gratification. The exquisitely appointed guest rooms and suites are classically styled and evokes a warm residential feel with renowned service that bears the hallmarks of the hotel’s rich heritage that spans three … Continue reading Impeccable Hospitality – The Langham, London

Picturesque landscapes: New Zealand

New Zealand has to be one of my top five destinations not because it is on the way home for me when I travel back to Fiji Islands but the terrain truly is breathtaking. From spectacular glaciers, rugged mountains, vast plains, rolling hillsides, subtropical forests, volcanic plateaus to miles of coastline with beautiful sandy beaches. New Zealand has two main islands, the North Island and the South Island and many smaller islands lie offshore. The country enjoys varied landscape and dramatic geographical features and is a popular location for tourists as well as the production of TV programmes and films, including The Lord of the … Continue reading Picturesque landscapes: New Zealand

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts gets between the sheets with launch of new ‘Sleep individually different’ room concept on World Sleep Day

The world’s first pocket spring bed with adjustable firmness is the star of the Swiss hotel company’s all-new ‘Sleep individually different’ room category, launching on 17 March Personalised comfort An individually different bed Complete darkness Total silence Ivarsson added: “The rooms offer a tailor-made sleep like no other. The new beds and our customised rooms adopt the latest technology to help guests personalise their environment, creating optimal conditions for deep sleep. As the first global hotel operator to introduce a room category that offers a bespoke sleep experience, we are an industry pioneer, catering to consumer demand for personalisation to … Continue reading Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts gets between the sheets with launch of new ‘Sleep individually different’ room concept on World Sleep Day

Incredible Iguazu: A stay at Mercure Iguazu

A few months ago, we ventured to Argentina to get up, close and personal with the famed Iguazu Falls and while there were some great hotels closer to the natural attractions, I spent my nights in Mercure Iguazu surrounded by nature. The hotel is located in the middle of a natural reserve and built with natural wood and stone that blends in with nature and offers guests a warm ambience. The best part of my stay was a relaxing massage at the spa and relaxation time by the infinity pool surrounded by a forest after a long day at the … Continue reading Incredible Iguazu: A stay at Mercure Iguazu

Redefining Modern Luxury ST. REGIS BAL HARBOUR RESORT

On a recent trip to Miami, I spent a few days cruising with the Royal Caribbean Cruises and found that the best place to wind down afterwards was at the St. Regis Bal Harbour. Located on the beachfront, the hotel is at the intersection of art, fashion, and design across the street from Bal Harbour Shops. As someone who is on an airplane almost every month of the year, I found the hotel perfect for today’s affluent global travellers who prefer hotels that make them feel at home. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort offers best-in-class service for guests of … Continue reading Redefining Modern Luxury ST. REGIS BAL HARBOUR RESORT