An awardwinning Asian hospitality brand, Meritus manages the Marina Mandarin Singapore, Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, Langkawi and the iconic Mandarin Orchard Singapore.

“Our strategically located hotels offer top accommodation choices for travellers visiting Singapore and Malaysia,” said Adrian Tan, regional vice presidentsales & revenue strategy, Meritus Hotels & Resorts.

“The launch of this new wholesale distribution platform marks a milestone in our continued thrust to improve our partnership with our offline contractors, while allowing us greater efficiency in the management of our distribution channels. As a result, we enhance our overall yield as well as build up a more robust base demand in order to maximise revenue for our hotels.”

Through Travel Prologues’ Trip Affiliates Network (TA Network) hotel platform solutions, hotels and their traditional travel agents and wholesalers will be able to collaborate more effectively to raise their direct business volume with one another.

In particular, hotels will now be empowered to tap on their offline travel distribution partners to sell any online tactical or promotional rates that have typically only been made available to online travel agents.

The contracting and booking process of a traditional wholesale agent with a hotel typically requires both the hotel and agent manually updating and booking inventory, and getting booking confirmations.

The TA Network platform is designed to leverage technology solutions to facilitate their direct connectivity and automate their inventory management processes so that the hotels and travel agents can eliminate potential human errors in manually maintaining hotel contracts.

“In addition to benefiting from higher yield, greater efficiency and productivity, our hotel clients will also be able to exercise greater control over its distribution channels – thereby reducing the risk of overbooking rooms, particularly during peak travel periods. In the process, they also significantly improve the booking experience for their customers,” says Ho Siang Twang, executive director of Travel Prologue.

Find out more at http://www.MeritusHotels.com.

With itineraries taking in some of Northern Italy’s most attractive and lesser-known destinations, the self-drive tours allow guests to immerse themselves in regional culture and learn first-hand from local artisans about their world-renowned craftsmanship.

Guests can explore the much-loved Lake Maggiore, which stretches from north of Milan into Switzerland, the pretty town of Bergamo that treasured for its steep narrow streets lined with beautifully preserved Medieval and Renaissance buildings, and Cremona, a community celebrated since the 16th century for its violin makers, such as the world-famous Antonio Stradivari.

The tour also serves lunch and guests can call upon a personal road assistant driver at an additional charge to ensure a smooth rental experience from start to finish. The service includes valet parking, car wash, refuelling, technical support and voice connection between vehicles, along with the possibility, at all times, for guests to switch to a modern car.

Find out more at http://www.MandarinOriental.com.

Guests can start the day with a Floating Breakfast, complete with Champagne or Prosecco served on a specially designed floating wooden tray in their private swimming pool. A choice of six breakfast items – including pancakes, Israeli-style baked eggs, and eggs benedict – is served with a fresh fruit juices, bread rolls, Danish pastries, croissants, house-made jams and tropical fruit.

For a private poolside dinner, villa guests can book a Private Barbecue for up to six people with a personal chef on hand to prepare a sumptuous platter of choice meats and fresh seafood.

“We wanted to personalise the dining choices for our pool villa guests, while also adding to the choices for those who enjoy good cuisine,” said general manager Sabine Gabrielle Lamberts.

“In addition to the private villa options, twice a week we have introduced a Santiburi Kick Start Breakfast, which includes a refreshing morning run, restorative yoga session, nutritious detox drinks, and a healthy beachside breakfast followed by an energising Ayurvedic massage. Guests can also enjoy a selection of freshly made, customised smoothies served in the privacy of their suite or villa.”

The resort also offers private Thai cooking and ‘Be Your Own Mixologist’ classes, while couples can enjoy a candlelit dinner on their private terrace, or right the soft sands of Mae Nam Beach with a personal chef on hand to orchestrate an unforgettable feast.

Check out the best rates at http://www.SantiburiSamui.com.

You get a wellness consultation, physical analysis and a choice of treatments and activities such as a chi nei tsang abdominal massage and colon hydrotherapy. Use the code “Wellness Fly Free” when booking a minimum of five nights by December 25 and your airfare will be reduced by up to Bt20,000. Call (076) 318 888 or email reservations.phuket@amataraphuket.com.

Off to Guangzhou

Thai Smile will on July 1 add daily direct flights from Bangkok to Guangzhou, China. Fares start at Bt3,750 at http://www.ThaSmileAir.com. Guangzhou is home to many attractions, such as the Five Rams Sculpture, Dr Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Shamian Island and Temple of the Six Banyan Trees.

Find out more at the Smile Call Centre 1181 and (02) 118 8888.

Students can save

Ibis Hotels’ “Just for Students” promotion lets young guests save up 30 per cent on stays from June 30 to September 3. All Bangkok locations except iBis Bangkok Siam and the hotels in Hua Hin, Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui are participating. Call (02) 659 2888 or visit Ibis.AccorHotels.com.

Music on the beach

The Khanom Festival returns to Na Dan Beach in Nakhon Si Thammarat on June 30 with performances by Atom Chanakan, Wan Thanakrit, Room 39, Paradox, Getsunova, 25 Hours and more.

Passes cost Bt800 and Bt900 until June 20, then Bt1,200. Learn more on the “KhanomThailand” Facebook page.

Best Western summer deal

It’ll be a “Hot Summer” at Best Western Hotels & Resorts for Best Western Rewards members, who will receive a Travel Card worth US$20 after staying at any participating Best Western hotel in Asia anytime through September 3. The benefits include points that never expire, special rates and a free night at more than 4,200 properties around the world. Sign up at http://www.BestWestern.com/Rewards.

The foundation has also made concerted efforts to engage with local communities, particularly schools, where the next generation can learn about the importance of protecting fragile marine eco-systems.

Concerned about the amount of plastic waste that finds its way into the ocean, the charity is now focusing its efforts on eliminating single-use plastic at the origin through the introduction of re-usable stainless steel water bottles.

“As part of our ongoing support for the Pure Blue Foundation, all Aleenta and akyra hotels aim to become single-use plastic free by 2020,” says Anchalika Kijkanakorn, the group’s founder and managing director. “The akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel is taking the lead on this initiative by becoming the first new hotel in Asia to launch without single-use plastic in its rooms or food and beverage outlets. This will soon be followed by akyra Manor Chiang Mai, which is on track to be free of single-use plastic by August 2018.”

Upon check-in, guests at akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok will be offered the possibility to donate to the foundation in order to get a stylish Pure Blue Foundation branded stainless steel water bottle that can be refilled throughout their stay. Self-service drinking water will be conveniently dispensed on every floor to make refills easy, and guests will be advised to take their bottles with them on excursions around the city.

“We are also encouraging our partners and suppliers to adopt a more environmentally sensitive approach to business, and our cooperation with The Lab Fitness Studio is the first step in extending the zero plastic policy into the wider Bangkok community,” she adds.

The Lab’s founder and managing director, Richard Cohen, decided to become the first company to collaborate with Pure Blue Foundation’s plastic-free initiative. The hotel offers 100 reusable stainless steel bottles to the Lab to be used at the gyms.

“With our newly renovated and upgraded gyms in Phrom Phong and Silom, together with our 100-per-cent no single-use plastic policy, we will continue leading the industry by contributing to a fitter, healthier, eco-friendlier Bangkok,” Cohen says.

In addition to stainless steel water bottles, other eco-friendly features implemented at akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok include essential oil-based bathroom amenities presented in locally manufactured celadon ceramic containers, as well as toothbrushes and combs made from corn starch. Biodegradable garbage bags will be placed in the rooms and the plastic foil used for room amenities and in-room dining will be replaced by pinto boxes and glass jars.

The hotel group also tries to apply this concept in various areas, leading to opportunities such as supplying the properties’ retail shop with an innovative brand of swimming shorts, Riz. This brand from UK offers a more soulful, sartorial, and sustainable approach to men’s swimwear, with swimming shorts made from recycled plastic bottles, diverting further waste from entering the sea.

To learn about the Pure Blue Foundation, visit http://www.PureBlueFoundation.com

For the new akyra TAS Sukhumvit Hotel, visit http://www.theakyra.com/bangkok/sukhumvit/

ONCE JUST the stepping-off point for visits to Angkor Wat, Siem Reap has today become a destination in its own right, with luxury hotels and trendy restaurants popping up all over town.

The newest kid on the block is the Shinta Mani Angkor – Bensley Collection and it’s already winning hearts with its chic modern design, first-class hospitality and great cuisine. The hotel is the latest addition to Shinta Mani Hotel’s portfolio in collaboration with acclaimed architect Bill Bensley.

Built on land that once housed a handicraft market, it boasts 10 opulent Khmer-style villas and the five-star Bensley Butler service to ensure the complete holiday experience.

I fly in from Bangkok on a rainy day but my spirits are immediately lifted by the Bensley all-inclusive experience package that includes a fast track immigration service.

While my fellow travellers remain stuck in the queue, I am greeted as a VIP guest by a polite butler who offers me cold drinking water and a cold towel as well as a complimentary pocket Wi-Fi device for social network connectivity.

It’s just a 10-minute drive from the airport to the resort in the heart of the town and I soon find myself relaxing with a herbal drink in the elegant lobby while my butler checks me in.

Bangkok-based Bensley, who is well known for his luxury resort design, has adopted the unique architecture of King Jayavarman VII for this castle-like resort.

Surrounded by shady tropical landscaped gardens, the white arch-shaped entrance welcomes guests with a glittering glass facade and over-size three-dimensional murals carved to portray the rippling folds of King Jayavarman’s robe.

Spread over two floors, each villa occupies 156 square metres and offers privacy and the ultimate in extravagance, complete with a lush tropical garden that literally brings the outside in.

I spend two nights in the Villa 3, which is entered by an old-fashioned wooden door that has me confused for a while until I realise it opens and locks the traditional way rather than with a high-tech key card.

The terrace is furnished with a lounge sofa set that leads to a private nine-metre lap pool and a kitchenette complete with Smeg coffee machine, tea making facility, glassware and local snacks.

Perfect for families and honeymoon couples, the rooftop living space on the upper floor is adorned with a sofa bed and bar stools.

The villa itself is divided into two pavilions. The monochromatic master bedroom is graced with a collection of gold home furnishings and white low-relief murals of King Jayavarman VII. The king-size bed is made up with luxurious linens and fluffy pillows, also designed by Bensley to ensure deep sleep. There’s also an en-suite marble washroom with a separate toilet, a washbasin and all the amenities you could possible need.

The compact living space with direct access to the pool is where I choose to eat my complimentary in-room breakfast while watching a Thai drama series on a smart TV with satellite channels.

Reached by a marble walkway through the tropical garden is the bathroom with its floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Flower petals float in the outdoor bathtub that shares space with the separate shower.

While the indoor zone has a long counter, a pair of washbasins and a walk-in closet with a towering mirror packed with bathrobes, slippers, safe box, hairdryer, scales, umbrellas and torches.

During the day, guests can take advantage of recreational facilities like standard-size swimming pools, pool bars, restaurants and the Shinta Mani Spa by Khmer Tonics at sister properties Shinta Mani Shack and Shinta Mani Angkor.

The next morning, I am enrolled a two-hour Khmer cooking class created by the Kroya Restaurant and at 10am a chef and my butler take me to explore the colourful fresh market and learn about local ingredients.

Back at the hotel, the chef and his team demonstrate how to make such popular Cambodian dishes as Fish Amok, Beef Soup, Green Mango Salad with poached prawns and Sweet and Snowy Rice Pudding.

With easy access to archaeological sites and shopping venues, the hotel provides Remork (local tuk tuk) transportation within Siem Reap around the clock – just ask the butler – as well as sightseeing tours.

In town, there’s entertainment of Phrae, the Cambodian Circus, which delights travellers with a fantastic performance by its troupe of young local talent in acrobatics, dance, circus and visual arts telling Cambodian folklore.

Those seeking gifts for the folks back home will find handcrafted products, jewellery and artworks at the Shinta Mani boutique. Proceeds from sales are donated to the Shinta Mani Foundation to support education, healthcare programmes and small start-up businesses for children and villagers in Siem Reap’s remote areas.

AT A GLANCE

High point: Good location, spacious villa, shady landscape and friendly staff members

Low point: Too much black in the colour scheme, meaning the rooms tend to be invaded by mosquitoes,

Pay for it: The Bensley Bed and Breakfast package is priced at US$450 (Bt14,400). The Bensley All-inclusive Experience package costs US$850. Both prices are valid through October 31

Find it: Junction of Oum Khun Street, Siem Reap

Contact it: (+855 63) 969 234 or email smabc@shintamani.com

Browse it: http://www.ShintaMani.com/angkor-bensley-collection

The hotel, which is near BTS Sky Train but also offers free parking, caters to all kinds of occasions, from social events and corporate meetings to exclusive private functions. The meetings and conference facilities on level eight offer versatile spaces for a customisable experience. The 282-sqm Tanjong Pagar Grand Ballroom and Surawong 1 & 2 (two breakout rooms) boast wall-to-wall windows with natural daylight and awe-inspiring city views.

Guests also can hold parties at Element restaurant, either indoors or on the al fresco terrace, and at the rooftop AkaAza rooftop, as well as in the Signature Club Cabana Rooms on level nine and at the Amara Suite,

Whether it’s a private party, a community celebration or remembrance, a corporate party, of professional getaway, Amara Bangkok has it all.

Packages start at Bt7,200-plus per event for up to six persons. Terms and conditions apply.

Find out more by calling (02) 021 8812, email: events.bangkok@amarahotels.com or visit http://www.Bangkok.AmaraHotels.com.

From June 15 to July 30, Brazilian-born, Phuket-based artist Leticia Vaz Marques will showcase her acclaimed “Emotion of the Ocean” exhibition at Firefly Restaurant – the contemporary dining venue and poolside club.

Inspired by the power of the sea and the pure beauty of Mother Nature, her artworks use a bold yet calming colour palette to create a serene oceanic ambience. The opening night of the exhibition will feature live music and canapes by chef Belinda, while guests will have a chance to purchase some of artworks.

A percentage of each sale will be donated to the Phuket Hotels Association and its campaign to keep the island’s beaches in pristine condition. The PHA’s next island-wide beach clean-up event is scheduled to take place on September 15 and will coincide with the International Coastal Cleanup Day.

“We understand that our guests appreciate authentic and engaging cultural experiences that enable them to gain a deeper insight into the destination. Through regular artistic, cultural and culinary offerings, we aim to showcase the creativity and diversity of Thailand and move beyond the typical tourist activities so often served up for visitors,” said Gordon Oldham, founder of The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts.

To mark the beginning of June, the Firefly is hosting its fourth Havana Salsa Night this Saturday. Guests will lose themselves in Latin America’s vibrant dance culture, with genres including salsa, cha-cha-cha and merengue performed by acclaimed musical duo Roma and Malika.

Phuket’s famous salsa teacher Luc will also be on the dance floor to offer expert tips and guests can get into the Latin groove with traditional Cuban mojitos, created using Phuket’s own Chalong Bay Rum.

The Plantation Restaurant is offering the authentic Thai Culinary Series experience through a special Northern set menu, which is priced at Bt1,890 for two.

Find out more at http://www.PavilionsHotels.com/phuket.

Taking home the “General Manager of the Year” honour was Matthew Cooper of the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square.

“It is not my award but belongs to the associates at Dongdaemun Square. These guys I work with are simply stars – they are my family. Tonight I am super-proud to work with Marriott International. Everyone thinks it’s this big monster company, but deep down we are all about our associates and our families and looking after each other,” said Cooper.

Thailand had four candidates for the awards. Nopparat Aumpa, area VP/general manager of the Banyan Tree Bangkok, was among the finalists in the general manager category, and Azizskandar Awang, executive chef of Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, was the representative for chef hotelier.

Theerasak Kumwong, chief of concierge at Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, and Benjaporn Wongsomboon, assistant director of food & beverage at the St Regis Bangkok, competed against other finalists in the same careers.

Congratulations go to Awang of Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort on winning the “Chef Hotelier” award.

The year saw a 117-per-cent increase in applications, from over 100 properties in 12 countries. Winners were decided by the expert judging panel through a two-round process and based on a combination of facts presented in the applications, interviews, and testimonials.

The 17 winners were presented with their trophies by one of the five judges alongside a representative from the partnering companies.

The judging panel included Alison Gilmore of International Luxury Travel Market, Michel Lamuniere of Edipresse Asia, Christophe Laurent, of Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne, Jenny Soo of Jones Lang LaSalle Property Consultants, and Christine Gamarra of LRA by Deloitte.

Next year the awards will move into India, Sri Lanka and Maldives. Keep updated at http://www.HotelierAwards.com.

WINNERS

General Manager: Matthew Cooper, JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square

Chef Hotelier: Azizskandar Awang, Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort

Concierge Hotelier: Robert Viana, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

Engineering Hotelier: Jeffrey Adlawan, Marco Polo Davao

Finance Hotelier: Peter Toi Huat Heng, Conrad Centennial Singapore

Food & Beverage Hotelier: Ngakan Made    Artana Yasa, Dava Restaurant, Ayana Resort & Spa, Bali

– Front Office    Hotelier: Ni Nyoman Rekayanti, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Hotel Manager/Resident Manager: Kristanti Tannady, Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort

House Keeping Hotelier: Susan Lam, The St Regis Singapore

Human Resources Hotelier: Larsey Guieb, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

Information Technology Hotelier: Danny Lim, The Fullerton Hotel and Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore

Marketing and Communications Hotelier: Yasmine Hidalgo, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

Owner Representative: Francis Ledesma, Marco Polo Davao

Sales Hotelier: Lillian Tan, Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort

Sommelier Hotelier: Satoru Mori, Conrad Tokyo

Unsung Hero: I Wayan Dyana “Smiley” Antara, Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran

Wellness & Spa Hotelier: Elva Zhao, Swissotel Merchant Court Singapore

Famous for its luxury tents, the camp gives a chance to get closer to nature and provides seamless hospitality, great food and comfortable accommodation in the stunning landscapes of Ladakh.

The centuries-old culture of this picturesque capital city is expressed through its monuments, monasteries, oral literature, art forms, fairs and festivals. Guests can choose from an array of exclusive itineraries designed for three to seven nights or customise their stay to create an experience of their own.

Visitors can enjoy the ancient sport of polo brought to Ladakh in the 17th century, try their hand at archery and raft on the gentle Indus River or stop for a delicious picnic lunch at the picturesque hamlet.

Graced with wooden chandeliers, four-poster beds, exquisite linen and wooden period furniture, the tents are triple-layered to protect from the outside and climate is controlled to suit individual preferences. Each tent offers en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, in-house signature wash amenities, safe deposit, laundry service, private decks, unlimited Wi-Fi at the reception tent, round-the-clock security and on-site paramedic, electricity, a boutique, a library and the services of a personal butler.

The in-house chef uses garden fresh ingredients to prepare international and Indian cuisine.

Find out more at (+91) 801 090 2222 or visit http://www.Tutc.com.