Bangkok, Thailand, June 6, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Equipped with 10 years of hospitality experience in Spain, India, France, and the Maldives at some of the globe’s leading restaurants and hotels, Laia Ferrer has moved to Bangkok to become the Spanish chef de cuisine at Thailand’s first INNSiDE by Meliá hotel.

The Barcelona-born chef joins INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, set to open July this year in Bangkok’s On Nut neighbourhood, after working at the Ritz-Carlton Maldives leading the hotel’s Mediterranean restaurant Beach Shack.

Before that, she was chef de partie at two Michelin-starred restaurant El Portal in Spain, after undertaking an internship at three Michelin-starred restaurant Mirazur in France, ranked number one in ‘The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019’. She has also worked as the manager of Little World y Mandala Café in India, and as chef de partie at three Michelin-starred restaurants Dani Garcia CocinaConTradicion and Chef Carme Ruscalleda’s Saut Pau in Spain.

In her new role, she has taken charge of INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit’s signature Luz Bangkok Tapas Bar, on the hotel’s two uppermost floors, the 34^th and 33^rd floors, where every seat is an opportunity for a culinary pilgrimage across Spain.

“Laia is a visionary chef with the ability to think outside the box, particularly when it comes to creating an authentic, one-of-a-kind menu,” said the new hotel’s general manager Aarron Nelson. “Given Thai people and Spaniards share a love for food and a need to celebrate important occasions around food, Laia is bringing her Barcelona roots to Bangkok and mixing the complexity of the local ingredients with Spanish flavors.”

“Luz is a little piece of me and my culture amid one of the most stunning rooftop venues in Bangkok,” she added. “We are cooking for our guests to connect with them. I can’t wait to introduce Spain’s gastronomy to our diners, to guide them through our menu, to see their faces as they try a dish for the first time, and to let them explore my country; as they soak up Bangkok’s mesmerizing skyline.”

In addition to Luz Bangkok Tapas Bar, the hotel’s dining landscape features all-day Thai dining restaurant The Kites Eatery, café and lobby bar The Open Living Lounge that’s integrated into the hotel’s 32^nd floor coworking space, and The Giant Swing Pool Bar on the 34^th floor. INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit joins a collection of unique urban and beach hotels in 14 different countries designed for those with curious minds who cultivate a fluid lifestyle when it comes to work and leisure.

About Meliá Hotels International

Founded in 1956 in Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International has a portfolio of more than 400 hotels (portfolio and pipeline), throughout more than 40 countries, and 10 brands: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, The Meliá Collection, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Falcon’s Resorts by Meliá, Sol by Meliá and Affiliated by Meliá. The Group is one of the leading companies in resort hotels worldwide, while also leveraging its experience to consolidate the growing segment of the leisure-inspired urban market. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led the Group to become the most sustainable hotel company worldwide, according to the last S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, and it is also a “Top Employer 2023” brand in Spain, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Italy and Germany. Meliá Hotels International is also included in the IBEX 35 Spanish stock market.

About INNSiDE by Meliá
INNSiDE is a collection of unique urban and beach hotels designed for those with curious minds and fluid lives. Always true to their destination, they give guests the freedom to connect or disconnect among an independent community of like-minded travellers.

INNSiDE provides guests with all the everyday essentials and extra-special details to make their stay all the more unique. From in-room comforts to the inspiring Big Idea Space, Open Living Lounges, and fitness studios, we allow guests to feel more-than-at-home.

Sustainability is also packed into all the little details: every room is equipped with paper and plastic-free collateral and complimentary organic cosmetics. INNSiDE celebrates the culture of each of its locations with an events calendar, handy city guides for guests, and by spotlighting a local artist’s work across the hotel walls and onto merchandise and staff uniforms.

There are currently 38 INNSiDE by Meliá properties worldwide, with the brand continuing to expand its global footprint. All properties are located in the best lifestyle neighbourhood travel destinations. Some of them are Spain (Madrid, Mallorca, Ibiza, Fuerteventura, Zaragoza), United Kingdom (Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester), United States (New York, Lima), Germany (Berlin, Bremen, Frankfurt, Munich, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Aachen, Leipzig, Hamburg) Czech Republic (Prague), France (Paris), Italy (Milano), China (Zhengzhou), Indonesia (Yogyakarta), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) and Netherlands (Amsterdam).

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Phuket, Thailand, May 6, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / MontAzure Phuket, a cutting-edge luxury residential resort development on the island’s upscale sunset coast, is reaching out to investors and home buyers at a special promotional event, Memorable Moment – Awaken to the Phuket Sunshine, at Bangkok’s EmQuartier from 8-14 May 2023. During the event, MontAzure will showcase its flagship MGallery Residences MontAzure.

Nestled in the lush, forested mountains that slope gently towards a stunning beachfront, M Gallery Residences MontAzure is a freehold lakeside condominium within MontAzure. This prime location grants easy access to an exclusive selection of MontAzure facilities. Managed by internationally renowned AccorHotels, the property presents a considerable opportunity for investment returns. The first MGallery Residences in Thailand offers Studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom unit types with a starting price of THB 8.9 million.

Conceptualised by the architects at SODA (Thailand) Ltd and featuring exquisite landscaping by Shma Company Limited, MGallery Residences MontAzure exudes a tranquil, back-to-nature ambience. In addition, the residences boast numerous amenities: leisure and lap pools, children’s pool and play area, pool bar, clubhouse and lobby lounge, fitness centre, yoga and spa facilities, all-day dining restaurant, green deck, starlight deck, relaxation pavilion, and a nature trail with a jogging track.

Special ‘Memorable Moment – Awaken to the Phuket Sunshine’ Offer

Home buyers and investors that reserve their units at the Bangkok event can avail of fantastic offers: a cash discount of up to one million baht, an investment package, a furniture package, a free trip to Phuket and ALL Diamond Membership of AccorHotels – all subject to terms & conditions.

MontAzure, a prime mixed-use residential development with Kamala Beach as its beachfront, is spread over 454 rai (178 acres or 72 hectares) of the mountainside to beachfront land. Within easy reach of both Phuket International Airport and Phuket Town, it includes a beachfront condominium, a resort condominium, InterContinental Phuket Resort, Cafe del Mar, a boutique lifestyle mall, a luxury retirement community and more.

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Busan, South Korea, May 13, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / UN-Habitat, the Busan Metropolitan City of the Republic of Korea, and OCEANIX today unveiled at the UN Headquarters the design of the world’s first prototype sustainable floating city. OCEANIX Busan aims to provide breakthrough technology for coastal cities facing severe land shortages that are compounded by climatic threats.

The challenge is massive: two out of every five people in the world live within 100 kilometers of the coast, and 90 percent of mega cities worldwide are vulnerable to rising sea levels. Flooding is destroying billions of dollars worth of infrastructure and forcing millions of climate refugees to leave their homes. With nowhere to expand, rapid urban population growth is pushing people closer to the water, driving housing costs to prohibitive levels, and squeezing the poorest families out.

“Today is a pivotal milestone for all coastal cities and island nations on the frontlines of climate change. We are on track to delivering OCEANIX Busan and demonstrating that floating infrastructure can create new land for coastal cities looking for sustainable ways to expand onto the ocean, while adapting to sea level rise,” said the Chief Executive Officer of OCEANIX, Mr. Philipp Hofmann.

OCEANIX, a blue tech company based in New York, led a team of the world’s best designers, engineers, and sustainability experts in designing the flood-proof prototype. The BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group and SAMOO (Samsung Group) were the lead architects of OCEANIX Busan, unveiled at the Second UN Roundtable on Sustainable Floating Cities; a follow up to the inaugural Roundtable in April 2019, where it was agreed to build a prototype with a host city. Busan signed on last year.

“As Mayor of the Metropolitan City of Busan, I take seriously our commitment to the credo ‘The First to the Future’. We joined forces with UN-Habitat and OCEANIX to be the first to prototype and scale this audacious idea because our common future is at stake in the face of sea level rise and its devastating impact on coastal cities,” said Mayor Park Heong-joon, who has set an ambitious agenda, including turning Busan into a green smart city and launching a bid for World Expo 2030.

Speaking at the Roundtable, which took place at the UN Headquarters in New York, and was attended by government ministers of housing, Mayors, Ambassadors, and high-ranking UN officials, the Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Ms. Maimunah Mohd Sharif said. “We cannot solve today’s problems with yesterday’s tools. We need to innovate solutions to global challenges. But in this drive for innovation, let’s be inclusive and equitable and ensure we leave no one and no place behind. I am happy this Roundtable takes place ahead of the High-Level Meeting on the New Urban Agenda, where cities and countries around the world come together to discuss sustainable urbanization.”

“In designing a solution for the most vulnerable coastal locations on the frontlines of climate change, OCEANIX’s new modular maritime neighborhoods will be a prototype for sustainable communities informed by Busan’s unique juxtaposition of old and new. Creating a connection between the city and the seaside, OCEANIX Busan will expand this spirit onto the waterfront,” said Bjarke Ingels, Founder and Creative Director of BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group.

OCEANIX Busan is the world’s first prototype of a resilient and sustainable floating community. The interconnected neighborhoods total 6.3 hectares to accommodate a community of 12,000 people. Each neighborhood is designed to serve a specific purpose – living, research, and lodging. There are between 30,000 to 40,000 square meters of mixed-use programs per neighborhood. The floating platforms connect to the land with link-span bridges framing the sheltered blue lagoon of floating recreation, art, and performance outposts. The low-rise buildings on each platform, defined by their soft lines, feature terraces for indoor-outdoor living, helping to activate the network of vibrant public spaces. OCEANIX Busan will organically transform and adapt over time. Starting from a community of 3 platforms with 12,000 residents and visitors, it has the potential to expand to more than 20 platforms. The floating platforms are accompanied by dozens of productive outposts with photovoltaic panels and greenhouses that can expand and contract over time based on the needs of Busan. OCEANIX Busan has six integrated systems: zero waste and circular systems, closed loop water systems, food, net zero energy, innovative mobility, and coastal habitat regeneration. These interconnected systems will generate 100% of the required operational energy on site through floating and rooftop photovoltaic panels. Similarly, each neighborhood will treat and replenish its own water, reduce and recycle resources, and provide innovative urban agriculture.

OCEANIX is a blue tech company founded by Itai Madamombe and Marc Collins Chen in 2018 to design and build floating cities for people to live sustainably on the ocean. OCEANIX design and engineering partners on the Busan prototype include: Prime Movers Lab, BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group, SAMOO Architects and Engineers, Arup, Bouygues Construction, Helena, the MIT Center for Ocean Engineering, the Korea Maritime and Ocean University, top environmental artist Olafur Eliasson and Studio Other Spaces, Wartsila, Transsolar KlimaEngineering, Mobility in Chain, Sherwood Design Engineers, Agritecture, the Center for Zero Waste Design, Greenwave, and the Global Coral Reef Alliance.

UN-Habitat, works to promote socially and environmentally sustainable cities and human settlements. UN-Habitat’s vision is to achieve “a better quality of life for all in an urbanizing world”. It works in over 90 countries to promote transformative change through knowledge, policy advice, technical assistance and demonstration projects.

Busan, a city of 3.4 million residents, is the second largest city in the Republic of Korea. It is home to the biggest industrial complex in the Southeast Economic Region of Korea. Busan is one of the most important maritime cities of the 21st century, making it a natural choice to deploy the sustainable floating city prototype with its marine engineering capabilities.

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Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, March 22, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Ras Al Khaimah developer Al Hamra unveiled a Dh1 billion ($272 million) residential project as it taps into a broader recovery in the UAE’s property market. The new project, named Falcon Island, will be built within Al Hamra Village, a residential community that contains a mall, a yacht club and hotels, the company said on Wednesday.

• For a comprehensive travel and tourism guide on RAK and UAE go to VisitRasAlKhaimah.net

“This mega-development will further underscore Al Hamra and Ras Al Khaimah’s credentials as a multicultural, safe and progressive destination for its residents, investors and visitors,” group chief executive Benoy Kurien said.

Construction is set to begin in the second quarter of this year and will be completed in 24 to 28 months, Mr Kurien told The National in an interview.

The project will have 501 villas ranging from two- to seven-bedroom units, with prices starting from Dh1.2m.

The launch of the new project comes as the UAE’s property market continues to recover from the coronavirus-induced slowdown. The market has received a boost from new government initiatives such as residency for remote workers and retirees, as well as the expansion of the 10-year golden visa programme.

The UAE’s measures to stem the spread of the pandemic, such as widespread testing and an effective vaccination programme, have also helped the property market to recover.

Al Hamra is seeking to take advantage of the post-Covid lifestyle trend where people are looking to lead a less stressful life in a relaxed atmosphere, Mr Kurien said.

“A lot of employers are offering flexible working hours, so people don’t have to go to offices as much as they needed to go pre-Covid, and the infrastructure connecting the emirates is very good,” he said.

“So, we are looking for small families who want to move from the hustle and bustle of city life to a more leisurely and relaxed atmosphere in Ras Al Khaimah, and young families who want to buy a home at an affordable price yet have an exclusive island living [experience].”

Along with a focus on buyers from the UAE, the company is also seeking investors from India, Commonwealth of Independent States, Africa and the GCC.

“We already did a pre-launch [sale of the Falcon Island project] exclusively to our broker partners and managed to sell everything we launched,” Mr Kurien said. The new project is part of the company’s five-year strategy unveiled earlier this month, which will result in Dh1bn being invested between 2023 and 2027 to boost its market presence.

“Some of this will be deployed in building new assets, some of it will be deployed in refurbishing and upgrading existing assets and some of it will be deployed in optimising some of the services we offer,” Mr Kurien said.

Al Hamra will also be announcing a new apartment project in the coming weeks, he said. Last month, the developer sold its Al Hamra Mall in Ras Al Khaimah to Abu Dhabi’s Aldar Properties in a deal worth Dh410m.

“Aldar has great plans for the mall, for its development, refurbishment and for its growth, and it fits in well for the overall narrative of Ras Al Khaimah … we are proud that we were able to attract investment from a developer like Aldar.”

The company is also planning to work with other developers or investment companies to jointly develop “both greenfield and brownfield developments in future”, he said, without revealing further details.

On the outlook for the UAE’s property sector, Mr Kurien remains confident that the country will continue to attract investment due to the government’s new initiatives.

• For a comprehensive travel and tourism guide on RAK and UAE go to VisitRasAlKhaimah.net

“The UAE has always been an attractive destination for investors because of safety [and] security. Now, with the changing laws on residency, especially with golden visas … those are all game changers for the UAE and I am very bullish about inward real estate investment into the UAE — at least for the next five to 10 years.

“Ras Al Khaimah will also benefit from this and the increase in population will have a ripple effect on shopping malls and hotels,” he said.

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New York City, NY, United States, April 25, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The real estate industry needs to transform to serve the needs of people and cities in the next decade, according to a new report released today by the World Economic Forum. COVID-19 has revealed vulnerabilities throughout the real estate industry, ranging from indoor air quality problems to excess supply and accelerated underlying demand drivers, which need to be addressed for buildings and cities to be healthier, prosperous and more sustainable.

• Discover the World’s Most Expensive Villas – Top 25 Villas.

The new World Economic Forum report, “A Framework for the Future of Real Estate” acts as a road map for industry change. Developed with global real estate chief executives, the framework provides a pathway to transform buildings and cities to become liveable, sustainable, resilient and affordable.

“Real estate stands at a crossroads as cities adjust to the new realities of a post-COVID era, climate change and the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” said Jeff Merritt, Head of IoT and Urban Transformation at the World Economic Forum. This transformation of real estate – and the market disruption that comes along with it – is long overdue but, if fully embraced, promises to help us all live healthier, happier and more connected lives.”

“Today the real estate industry is facing challenges and consequently is given a chance to do better, to take more steps towards a healthier future and to make a global sustainable impact,” says Coen van Oostrom, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, EDGE, OVG Real Estate. “To optimize buildings, not only should we rethink spaces, users’ behaviours, and energy efficiency but we should also bring a stronger focus on redevelopment opportunities, circular economy, and digitalization. Let us stop waiting for others to set the example and start today, by committing to everyday incremental changes. Ultimately, we must keep a close eye on the bigger picture to be leaders in the transition to a more sustainable way of operating.”

For more than a decade, the real estate industry has experienced tremendous profitability with successful growth rates and rising investment volumes with +14% compound annual growth rates. Initially, this success put less pressure on industry leaders to innovate, but now the industry is coming under pressure from consumers, investors and regulators to better serve the health and resilience of their communities. At the same time, the lasting effects of the pandemic and the acceleration of existing trends have brought the industry to a tipping point.

• Discover the World’s Most Exclusive Villas – Top 25 Villas.

“The pandemic has accelerated changes in work and lifestyles that had already been gathering pace over recent years, driven in large part by new technology,” said Christian Ulbrich, Global Chief Executive Officer and President, JLL. “As we plan for a sustainable global post-pandemic recovery, this World Economic Forum framework shows how our industry has a vital part to play in coming together to shape the future of real estate for a better world.”

The Future of Real Estate Framework identifies key enablers real estate leaders can use to ensure they are working throughout the industry to provide real estate options that are liveable, sustainable, resilient and affordable.

Key enablers

1. Accelerating digitalization and innovation to address everything from construction costs to the occupant experience
2. Value-proof business cases that are transparent and demonstrate a clear return on investment in relation to technology, sustainability and affordable housing
3. Prioritizing talent and knowledge by upskilling existing workers and attracting talent dedicate to areas of innovation while ensuring diversity and inclusion
4. Engaging stakeholders, throughout the industry value chain and within the local community, to ensure projects are mutually beneficial
5. Ensuring regulatory frameworks effectively address supply challenges, sustainability goals and provide proper zoning and density

The framework also includes case studies from various real estate companies and exemplify the vision of the four key pillars of liveable, sustainable, resilient and affordable buildings and cities.

Industry action
Industry leaders have already taken decisive action towards transformation throughout the real estate industry. Gensler’s GC3 Commitment aims to achieve net zero by 2030 in all Gensler projects and JLL’s work with the Washington Metro will provide clean energy to more than 1,500 homes.

Swire Properties has joined the Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign and Lendlease has pledged to harness digitization to be net carbon zero by 2025 and absolute carbon zero by 2040.

Majid Al Futtaim has become the first and only conglomerate in the world to achieve LEED Platinum certification for its entire portfolio of hotels.

Signify has embraced sustainability and resilience by developing and deploying UV-C disinfection systems, an energy efficient and chemical-free way to sanitize buildings.

Schneider Electric has set clear, measurable 2025 targets around sustainability to achieve 80% green revenues, deliver 800 million tons of saved and avoided emissions to their customers and have 1000 of their top suppliers reduce emissions by 50% from their operations.

Learnings from these companies’ initiatives and many others were used to help develop the Future of Real Estate Framework which aims to accelerate these types of transformation across the industry.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

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Koh Chang, Thailand, October 28, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Pioneering travel and hospitality firm, Aquarius International Hospitality Development (AQI), today embarks on a major expansion across Southeast Asia, as it unveils its first project – Aquarius Residences & Resort, Koh Chang – and opens sales for a spectacular collection of luxury Pool Villa and Condominium Residences.

Owned by Norcal Venture Capital Group Limited (NVC), AQI is embarking on an eye-catching five-year plan that encompasses luxury resorts, residences, yacht charters, restaurants, premium gourmet and dining stores and bespoke online travel booking and membership services with an estimated value of USD 250 million. The overall aim is to create a comprehensive luxury travel ecosystem that delivers bespoke ways to book, stay, dine and unwind in style across the region.

“We are delighted to open sales for our first prestigious project in Koh Chang. At AQI, we firmly believe in the long-term vitality of the Asian travel and tourism industry, especially at the top-end, and at the heart of this prosperity is Thailand, which benefits from excellent accessibility, global visitor appeal and incredible natural assets. With their pristine location, impeccable design and high-end interiors, our Pool Villa and Condominium Residences promise an unsurpassed investment opportunity, and we look forward to introducing our customers to their luxurious new lifestyle from 2022,” said Nixon Chung, Chief Operations Officer of AQI.

Currently under construction on the southern tip of Koh Chang, in eastern Thailand’s Trat province, Aquarius Residences & Resort, Koh Chang will comprise a collection of large and luxurious pool villas and low-rise condominiums, including penthouse units with private rooftop gardens. The development is scheduled to open in three phases from 2022.

Sales are now open for the 23 Pool Villa Residences, which comprise seven One-Bedroom Ocean Cliff Pool Villas (223 sqm, starting from 43 MB), five One-Bedroom Ocean Duplex Pool Villas (293 sqm, starting from THB 41 MB), eight Two-Bedroom Ocean Cliff Pool Villas (448 to 485 sqm, starting from THB 58 MB), and three stunning Three-Bedroom Ocean Cliff Pool Villas (861 sqm, starting from 100 MB). Each of these exceptional residences promises ample indoor and outdoor space, open plan living and dining areas, spa-inspired bathrooms, contemporary design and furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows, private pools, and parking areas, all nestled amid lush landscaped gardens to create an exclusive haven of tranquillity.

The 99 Condominium Residences are set within seven low-rise (three-storey) buildings, all appropriately named after precious jewels. These dazzling residences comprise 31 Studios (57 sqm, starting from 8 MB), 40 One-Bedroom Residences (71 sqm, starting from 9 MB), and 28 Two-Bedroom Residences (62 sqm, starting from 9 MB), providing a heavenly home-away-from-home for every investor. Whichever option they choose, every resident will enjoy the pleasure of a private balcony or terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the tropical gardens. A collection of 12 Two-Bedroom Penthouses even feature their own private rooftop gardens, barbecue and bar areas, sunken lounge seating, dining pavilions, and even secluded Jacuzzis. Shaded walkways provide access to the Clubhouse, the heart of the property that features an infinity pool, fitness centre, sauna and steam room, along with 10 restaurants, coffee shops and retail outlets, a kid’s club and a supermarket.

Aquarius Residences & Resort, Koh Chang will also feature a 200-key luxury resort. Named “The Chedi Aquarius Koh Chang”, it will be managed by General Hotel Management Ltd. (GHM) and will also house an all-day restaurant, a cliff-edge restaurant, rooftop bar, spa, infinity pool with pool bar, and conference facilities, overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Guests and residents will also be offered private boat transfers to AQ Privilege Beach Club & Residences, Koh Man Nai, a truly exclusive private island destination featuring four Presidential Suite Villas, a private marina, beach club, infinity pool and water sports.

“For some time now, we’ve been on the lookout for exactly the right melding of attributes — for just the right setting, the right partner and the right ambition — so that we might touch down again in Thailand with the Chedi brand. With Aquarius International Hospitality Development Ltd., we’ve found all of this and more,” said Tommy Lai, Chief Executive Officer of General Hotel Management Ltd.

These projects are set to elevate the tourism profile of Koh Chang, which is blessed with breath-taking natural beauty, white sands and warm, shallow seas. The island is connected to Bangkok by road and sea, or via direct domestic flights to Trat Airport and will benefit from a new high-speed railway line along Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor, which is being extended to Trat in 2023.

AQI is further helping its high-end clientele explore Southeast Asia’s tropical seas with AQ Ventures, a luxury yacht business. Based in Koh Chang and Phuket, the operator will provide a full range of professional services, including yacht chartering, sales and management. It will also help clients transform their lives by purchasing their own yacht with expert advice, and then provide full management assistance to let customers maximise the value of their asset.

The group’s 360-degree hospitality portfolio is completed by AQ Food & Beverage, a high-end restaurant and catering business comprising hotel F&B operations, premium gourmet stores, restaurants and food delivery. Following a successful partnership in Japan, the group plans to launch flagship AQ Gourmet & Dine Stores in Ho Chi Minh City (Q4 2020), in Bangkok (Q1 2021), and in Shanghai (Q2 2021).

Weaving together all of these individual elements is AQBooking.com, AQI’s elite travel club for savvy globetrotters. This vibrant lifestyle community enables global travellers to explore a privileged world of premium tourism products, all available at the touch of a button and supported by concierge services.

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Hua Hin, Thailand, August 14, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Pioneering luxury real estate development, Banyan Residences, is fighting back against Covid-19 by refocusing its strategy to concentrate on the fast-growing Thai domestic market for the purchase of its elite hillside residences as second homes or investments.

As a leading player in the Hua Hin real estate market, the luxury development 230km southwest of Bangkok and situated in the prestigious southern quarter of the royal heritage destination near Khao Takiab, is experiencing a major uptick in interest from the domestic market for its exclusive, bespoke villas.

Located on a gently sloping incline with sweeping views of the Gulf of Thailand from its highest point, Banyan Hua Hin is an active lifestyle estate that comprises 102 villas, an 18-hole championship golf course, three restaurants, a spa, medical centre and the Banyan Village.

The project is owned by Blue Lotus Hua Hin, a consortium of prominent Thai and international developers and private investors, including Mr. Nitijhan Hetrakul and Mr. Wachara Tantranont. Banyan Hua Hin has a total value of THB4 billion.

Banyan Residences recently appointed world-leading agents Christie’s International Real Estate and List Sotheby’s International Realty to present its villas to domestic and resident expatriate buyers.

“Covid-19 has had a major impact on Thailand, especially in terms of tourism, as hotels have been unable to attract overseas visitors post-lockdown. This has been tough for all Thai destinations, especially popular resort areas like Phuket and Koh Samui. But Hua Hin’s stronger domestic focus has allowed it to offset the international downturn and achieve more attention than before,” said Tjeert Kwant, CEO of Banyan Group.

Tourism to Hua Hin was a heavy 74% in favour of the domestic market in 2019, according to the most up-to-date data available from C9 Hotelworks, a number is expected to climb dramatically in 2020. Just last month the first domestic transaction was completed for an exclusive villa in the estate to a long-term expatriate resident of Thailand.

Fuelling the demand are the key drivers that were the foundation of the boom in luxury real estate on Phuket for the last ten years, demonstrating that Hua Hin is rapidly catching up with the popular southern island. It has the additional advantage of being able to offer a “drive-to” capability that appeals heavily to the domestic market.

Widening of the Bangkok-Hua Hin road will be completed by 2022, providing a six-lane highway all the way from the Thai capital and reducing travel time to two hours. A double-track rail system is being built with estimated completion in the same year which will further shorten travel time from Bangkok, and the expansion of the international airport at the cost of THB350 million will be finished by 2023, to enable regional legacy carriers to land in Hua Hin.

In addition, investors are drawn by the international standard medical facilities of Bangkok Hospital, international schools, a hospitality market with over 13,000 keys including leading global brands, all adding to the historical destination’s appeal as it increasingly realises its potential as Thailand’s Riviera.

“We have seen a major shift towards the domestic market where the upper-middle and upper-class segments are purchasing real estate,” said Christie’s CEO Tim Skevington. “We had our first open house event at Banyan last weekend which generated significant interest, so much so that we’ll be running a second from 11-13^th August.

“Importantly, buyers are looking to be in the most prestigious part of town which is the southern quarter and to work with reputable developers who can offer a fully private, wider estate experience. This is where we see high potential for Banyan Residences,” he added.

Banyan Residences’ elite villas are customised along four designs. The project management team enables buyers to optimise their villa to suit their unique budget, lifestyle and design preferences. Personalisation can range from simple redesigning, like moving interior walls or changing the kitchen location, to more extensive modifications like adding a garage, increasing the footprint of the house, or adding more luxurious items such as a personal spa or a cinema.

Privileges includes membership at Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin (optional) and Banyan Privilege Card for all residents with special benefits at several restaurants, beach clubs, water park and sport facilities (fitness, tennis, etc.). Common services feature residences management, maintenance of common areas and infrastructure, and 24/7 security service.

Prices range from THB11.9 million and can go up to luxury villas valued at THB100 million depending on the preferences of the owners and buyers to add and customise the real estate.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

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Pattaya, Thailand, August 6, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / Counting down to the launch and unveiling of Arom Wongamat, a new iconic landmark, and super luxurious beachfront condominium, located in the last and most desirable private beachfront site available at Wongamat Beach, Pattaya. A vision of Colours Development, a joint venture with three premium real estate developers; Apus Development Group, The Urban Property, and Sirisa Group, Arom Wongamat, offers complete and exclusive relaxation on the beach with superior private living and uninterrupted peacefulness, surrounded by the serenity of nature. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a one of a kind exquisite beachfront condominium in Pattaya, a truly desirable global business destination.

Featuring 4,820 square meters of impeccably decorated and fully equipped private facilities; all areas of Arom Wongamat provide first-class privacy, exclusive leisure, and an elite lifestyle. Conceived as a unique collaboration between leading architects and world-class designers, Arom Wongamat has been developed with a sensational “Sense The Masterpiece” concept; focusing on 4 pillars: Masterpiece of Future; Masterpiece of Nature; Masterpiece of Design; and Masterpiece of Living, all of which present distinctive designs, creating a “Private Island & Leisure Lifestyle” for people who love the tranquility of the sea, where integrated design exists in perfect harmony with the surrounding natural environment.

Arom Wongamat offers 55 levels of super-luxury condominiums consisting of only 319 units of luxurious suites, focusing on privacy, smart living functions, and unique living spaces. Every unit offers a 180-degree panoramic sea view, a combination of new dimensions in living innovation for an indulgent and relaxing vacation feeling of being in a luxurious resort hotel – but with all the comforts of everyday home living.

Another factor that separates Arom Wongamat from any other property of its kind is the common area, which is spread over 4,820 square meters, from ground floor facilities with easy access to the beach to top-level rooftop facilities that offer gorgeous panoramic views, suitable for family activities, beach parties, and private use. The pool, which also offers a private party zone, is the first Multi-Level Aqua Pool in Thailand with a 2-storey long and separated pool area. On the stunning rooftop, special features include the rooftop Sky Deck that offers an infinite view of the horizon – making you feel like you are floating in the middle of the sea. Moreover, you will find an abundance of additional facilities, including the Aqua Cycling & Swim Jet and Fitness Rooms, Yoga, Onsen, Sauna, Spa, Salon, Simulator, Cinema, Co-Kitchen, Lounge, Concierge & Butler and other exclusive services to cater to the super-luxury lifestyle of VIPs, completing the perfect experience of relaxation in a holiday home by the sea.

You’re invited to experience future living created to specifically elevate the Pattaya lifestyle, integrating peaceful relaxation and the finest location on Wongamat Beach that offers privacy and unobstructed direct access to the beach. This new prime destination is not only valuable for investment and living in the future, but also fulfills the desire of people who want a relaxing holiday by the sea while enjoying uncompromised private living and all located at a desirable global business destination.

Please be welcomed to visit “Arom Wongamat” sales gallery, located alongside Wongamat beach, starting from June 27th, 2020. To make an appointment and obtain special online privileges simply register call 097-917-8000

To ensure the health and wellbeing of visitors the sales gallery is following government standards by implementing Covid-19 prevention measures such as providing alcohol gels, masks, temperature testing, and comprehensive cleaning in all areas.

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Bangkok (Thailand) – March 18, 2020 (travelindex.com) – The long-running PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards programme is marking its 15th anniversary with title sponsor Hitachi Escalators & Elevators, as well as a fresh set of categories, celebrating the fullness and breadth of the kingdom’s dynamic real estate industry.

To mark the milestone, awards organiser PropertyGuru, Southeast Asia’s leading property technology company, is spreading the wealth of the Awards to companies that demonstrate leadership in various facets of property development, both within and outside Bangkok.

Nominations from the public are now open until Friday, 24 July 2020 ahead of the black-tie gala dinner on 18 September.

In addition to the longstanding awards for Best Developer and Best Boutique Developer, the 2020 competition will celebrate the diversity of companies in the categories of Best Sustainability Developer, Best Breakthrough Developer, Best Lifestyle Developer, Best Commercial Developer, Best Hospitality Developer, Best Industrial Developer, and Best Mixed Use Developer.

The Awards will also introduce new Special Recognition awards to developers that lead by example in sustainability, societal impact, and corporate governance. Companies are enjoined to submit details of their activities for the opportunity to win Special Recognition in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance); Special Recognition in Sustainability Design; Special Recognition in Sustainability Construction; and Special Recognition for Community Projects, as selected by Right To Play Foundation, the Official Charity Partner of the Asia Property Awards.

Other prizes are also in contention this year, including: Best Transit Oriented Development, recognising projects with seamless connectivity to Thailand’s new transport infrastructures, and Best Smart City Block, recognising self-sufficient communities that promote a smart economy and smart logistics. New competitive regional categories will also recognise the most impressive projects in the markets of Chiang Mai and Khao Yai as well as the Southern and North East provinces.

Key dates for the 2020 edition are:
24 July 2020 – Nominations Close
31 July 2020 – Entries Close
10-21 August 2020 – Site Inspections
24-25 August 2020 – Final Judging
17 September 2020 – PropertyGuru Leaders Luncheon
18 September 2020 – Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand
20 November 2020 – Grand Final Gala Ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand

BDO, one of the world’s leading auditing and accounting organisations, will ensure the ethicality, fairness, transparency and credibility of the PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards. The BDO Thailand team, led by Paul Ashburn, Co-Managing Partner; Angelina Harinck, Manager, Audit Services; and Komang Indrihapsari, Assistant Manager, Audit Services, will supervise the independent and rigorous judging process.

Originally launched in 2005, the PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards is the oldest and longest-running real estate awards programme in the kingdom, having witnessed continuous growth over the years, with nominations from the public reaching as high as 1,500 and receiving entries averaging between 175 and 300 a year.

The 10th anniversary gala dinner took place in 2015 at the Plaza Athenee Bangkok (a Royal Meridien hotel). The same venue –– under its current name, The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok –– hosted the event until 2019, and it will host again in 2020.

The 2020 PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards is supported by platinum sponsor Hitachi Escalators & Elevators; gold sponsors JLL Thailand; official airline partner Thai Airways; official portal partner DDproperty.com; official magazine PropertyGuru Property Report; official charity partner Right to Play; media partners The Bangkok Insight, Hot Magazine, Locanation, and Luxury Society Asia; official PR partner Vivaldi PR; supporting association British Chamber of Commerce Thailand; and official supervisor BDO.

About PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards:
PropertyGuru’s Asia Property Awards, established in 2005, are the region’s most exclusive and prestigious real estate awards programme. The Asia Property Awards are recognised as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence in the Asian property sector. Boasting an independent panel of industry experts and trusted supervisors, the Awards have an unparalleled reputation for being credible, fair and transparent.

In 2020, the Awards is open to 15 property markets around the region. With exclusive gala dinners hosting up to 600 senior industry leaders to recognise excellence within each Asian market, each local awards culminate in the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, which takes place alongside the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit in Bangkok in November 2020.

About PropertyGuru Group:
PropertyGuru Group is Southeast Asia’s leading property technology company and the preferred destination for over 23 million property seekers to find their dream home, every month. PropertyGuru and its Group companies empower property seekers with the widest option of over 2.4 million homes, in-depth insights and solutions that enable them to make confident property decision across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

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Bangkok (Thailand) – September 23, 2019 (travelindex.com) – Best Western Hotels and Resorts recently attended a major event hosted by long-term development partner, Habitat Group. The award-winning Thai real estate pioneer hosted the event to celebrate the launch of the company’s new corporate branding strategy.

In a press conference held in Bangkok on September 17th, 2019, Habitat Group announced its vision to become “The Creator of Lifestyle Investments” and its target of reaching THB10 billion in annual sales in the next five years. This strategy was set out by Mr. Chanin Vanijwongse, Chief Executive Officer of Habitat Group, in a major event attended by the media and leading partners, including Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ senior executives from Asia.

Best Western Hotels & Resorts and Habitat Group are currently working together on two exciting projects on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard: Best Western Premier Bayphere and Bluphere, BW Premier Collection by Best Western, both of which are scheduled to open and begin welcoming guests in 2020.

“On behalf of Best Western Hotels & Resorts, I would like to congratulate Khun Chanin and the entire team at Habitat Group on their new corporate branding strategy. Having worked together for several years, I have been very impressed with their ambition and professionalism. I have no doubt they will achieve their goals, and I look forward to working even closer with Habitat Group in future as we move towards the opening of our two exceptional new upscale hotels,” said Olivier Berrivin, Managing Director of International Operations – Asia.

As a reflection of Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ confidence in Habitat Group, the company recently signed a full Management Agreement with Habitat Group for Bluphere, BW Premier Collection by Best Western, which will become the first newly-built BW Premier Collection hotel in Asia.

This impressive project has already won a series of prestigious awards, including the “New Hotel Construction & Design – Thailand” title at the 2018 Asia Pacific Property Awards. Additionally, the Bluphere, BW Premier Collection by Best Western won the ‘Best Low-Rise Condo Architectural Design (Resort)’ honor, demonstrating the quality of Habitat Group’s design and construction.

Pictured: Mr. Chanin Vanijwongse, Chief Executive Officer, Habitat Group (second right) and Ms. Sasivimol Sutthibut, Chief Operating Officer, Habitat Group (right) are congratulated by Olivier Berrivin, Managing Director, International Operations – Asia, BWH Hotel GroupSM (second left) and Sirimanas Maungrod, Regional Senior Marketing Communications Manager – Asia, BWH Hotel Group (left).

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts:
Best Western Hotels & Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand within the BWH Hotel GroupSM global network. With 16 brands and approximately 4,700 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*, BWH Hotel Group suits the needs of developers and guests in every market. Brands include Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Vīb®, GLō®, Aiden®, Sadie®, BW Premier Collection® and BW Signature Collection®. Through recent acquisition, WorldHotels® Luxury, WorldHotels Elite and WorldHotels Distinctive brands are also offered. Completing the portfolio is SureStay®, SureStay Plus® and SureStay Collection® franchises**. For more information visit www.bestwestern.com or www.bestwesterndevelopers.com.
* Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.
**All Best Western, WorldHotels and SureStay branded hotels are independently owned and operated.

Contact information:
Sirimanas Maungrod (Cake) | Senior Regional Marketing Communications Manager | Asia
Email: sirimanas.maungrod@bestwestern.com

Phanintorn Tangtrongjit (Dream) | Assistant Marketing Communications Manager | Asia
Email: phanintorn.tangtrongjit@bestwestern.com

Best Western Hotels and Resorts
BWI (Thailand) Co., Ltd.|Unit 5A-2 | 5th Floor Gaysorn Place Office Building
999 Ploenchit Road Lumpini Phatumwan | Bangkok | 10330 | Thailand
Phone: +662.656.1260 | Fax +662.656.1252| www.bestwesternasia.com

First published at TravelCommunication.net

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