The family-friendly properties in Jordan, Kuwait, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Thailand, Indonesia and Germany will offer guests an enhanced roster of fun and educational family-friendly activities, ranging from cooking classes and cultural tours to music and dance workshops and Beach Olympics. Creative activities focusing on the environmental conservation and educating participants about local communities will also be organised.

This is aligned with the United Nations’ goals, which focus on the importance of family as the basic unit of society. The International Day of Families promotes awareness of issues relating to families and the social, economic and demographic processes impacting them.

Guests at Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea in Jordan will get a chance to visit the equestrian centre where they can feed the horses, while Movenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba is using its 150-metre stretch of private beach to run ‘Famolympics’, testing family teamwork, agility and coordination at five stations that involve mind games, relays, swimming and sandcastle-making.

Movenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali introduces a half-day Family Cultural Journey to explore the Kedonganan fish market and a temple in Jimbaran to learn more about how Balinese people work and live. This is followed by Balinese music, dance and cooking classes.

Movenpick Hotel on Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Soi 15 Bangkok in Thailand has family cooking sessions, using Movenpick’s famous chocolate to make enticing sweet drinks for kids and extra ingredients for their parents.

Arts and crafts are available at Movenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai. Guests will have fun learning about origami by using recycled materials. Movenpick Hotel Stuttgart Airport in Germany will pick one lucky family to win extra services during their stay.

They will be rewarded with such in-room treats as colouring books, toys, sweets and bathroom amenities for children and their parents, a family spa visit and dinner at Trollinger Restaurant where the kids can choose their favourite dish from the healthy Power Bites children’s menu.

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

 Design by Neri&Hu Design and Research Office, the hotel’s distinctive design features an alluring collection of materials and textures such as natural stones, fine woods, delicate silk and polished brass while incorporating a series of sustainable practices in architectural design and material selection to reduce the environmental impact. Characterised by originality, simplicity and functionality, the hotel also boasts a more than 30 artworks featuring local and international artists, including two large-scale interactive installations by Japanese digital art collective teamLab.

“Having established The Sukhothai Bangkok as one of Asia’s most iconic properties with a loyal global following of discerning travellers, we are excited to present the brand’s first property in Mainland China,” says Marcel N A Holman, general manager of The Sukhothai Shanghai. “The Sukhothai Shanghai’s unique character was inspired by the dynamics of this city, and authentically reflected in the design, lifestyle facilities and amenities.”

The property comprises 170 guest rooms and 31 residence-style suites from 44 to 172 square-metres, among the largest in the city. Fitted with diatom-silica clay walls in soothing neutral hues, the innovative, environmentally friendly material is highly effective in air purification, humidity regulation and sound absorption to ensure a healthy and peaceful stay. All guest rooms and suites boast a spacious bathroom, amenities from Australian organic brand Grown Alchemist, 55-inch or 65-inch high-definition television with Sonos sound bar and on-demand access to an array of media and infotainment content through IPTV and satellite TV. Advanced in-room control technology with intuitive interface, wireless high-speed internet connection, and in-room refreshment and wine bar complete the inviting spaces.

Its restaurants are poised to become the city’s dining destinations. Alongside Michelin-starred master chef Theodor Falser, chef de cuisine Stefano Sanna takes the helm of the urban Italian restaurant La Scala, serving contemporary Italian cuisine. The nature-inspired menu prizes local and sustainable sourcing, low waste, and zero frozen and processed ingredients, paired with a fine selection of Italian boutique wines.

All-day-dining restaurant Urban Cafe indulges guests with authentic Southeast Asian cuisines under the leadership of executive chef Marcus Ng, while Urban Lounge offers a sophisticated collection of more than 100 premium gins and tonics and a special trolley with infused fresh herbs to be served with premium teas, all complemented by live jazz in the evening.

A bistro by day and a lively bar by night, The Zuk Bar is the best location to enjoy simple Nordic cuisine, and artisanal cocktails with intriguing elixirs house-made with a laboratory-type rotary evaporator (rotovap) by master mixologist Vincenzo Pagliara. Modern cafe Beans & Grapes serves a healthy selection of quality light fare and beverages during the day, and Asian-inspired tapas paired with wine by the glass from sundown.

The second floor is home to the Grand Shanghai Ballroom, along with six multi-purpose function rooms, spanning 450 square metres. The meeting facilities are equipped with high-definition widescreen displays, full-range quality acoustics and lighting effects, all efficiently operated from an intelligent iPad master control. The Pantry is a new hospitality concept offering event delegates a communal space to relax and socialise during refreshment breaks.

The health and wellness facilities include a 198-square-metre Fitness Studio complete with state-of-the-art equipment and a separate studio for yoga, Pilates and group exercise. Guests can also take advantage of the 25-metre heated indoor pool, sauna and steam room. The Retreat offers a range of Southeast Asian spa therapies and signature wellness programmes.

The Sukhothai Shanghai has enlisted the help of the students from the respected Raffles Design Academy to design its stylish set of associate uniforms. The all-female concierge team at the hotel introduces locally inspired experiences for guests to explore the city through interactive, immersive programmes, including a series of city walks unveiling the eclectic side of Shanghai, and a tour around the neighbourhood on Kate Wood bamboo bikes that are handcrafted renewable resources.

For more information, visit http://www.Sukhothai.com/shanghai.

The two-storey overwater structure houses both intimate settings of just five diners presided over by famous chefs, to large alfresco shared dining areas.

The new launch forms part of Soneva’s Festival of Colour, where a different activity is celebrated each month across Soneva’s resorts.

Central to this new dining outlet is the eponymous 50-seat, 24-hour restaurant Out of the Blue, which hosts a number of different kitchens offering international dishes such as pizza, salad, grilled meats and seafood. The space shares a seating area with the Chinese and modern Japanese kitchens and lets guests choose between sitting under cover or out on the open deck. Here guests will also find So Hot, which includes the Tandoor Oven, Robata Grill, Josper Grill, Pizza Oven and So Chilled, the chocolate and ice-cream parlour. So Fresh is the first over-water organic greenhouse in the Maldives, where guests can hand-pick the ingredients they wish to have in their salad themselves. Soneva Fushi’s cheese room, So Cheesy, is also part of the offerings.

Some of the most famous names in the culinary world will be hosting dinners at Once Upon a Table, which only open for dinner. The unusual horseshoe-shaped table seats a mere eight diners for up-close and personal dining experiences with Michelin-starred chefs and chefs from San Pellegrino’s Top 100 list. Included in this line-up are more than 30 of the world’s top chefs. Once Upon a Table has no menu, meaning dinners are always surprised.

So Hand’s On is the dedicated sushi counter, seating five diners for lunch and dinner. This outlet will see some of the famous sushi chefs visiting it throughout the year, among them Kenji Gyoten, who is making a guest appearance in August. Gyoten is one of the three youngest chef in Japan to have earned Michelins star for his establishment and one of the four three-starred sushi chefs in the world. During the rest of the year, Akira Koba, a highly-trained sushi chef, will be running the table.

Soneva Fushi opens its first Teppanyaki table with So Bespoke, an open-air restaurant with western views of the Baa Atoll. Chef Katushiro To will be grilling and barbecuing year-round for just eight diners, for lunch and dinner.

The Chinese Kitchen will serve modern Chinese cuisine and while Modern Japanese Kitchen, run by Soneva Fushi’s chef Nikki, is set to serve delicacies such as sashimi, torched wagyu, black cod and other Japanese favourites, all with a contemporary twist. Both of these outlets are open for lunch and come with a wine selection of 250 varieties of magnums, as well as a large selection of sakes and wines by the glass.

Finally, the Bar and Cellar is where guests can choose from the extensive beverage encyclopaedia that includes a selection of 200 expertly chosen high-end wines by the glass. A wide selection of beers, spirits and cocktails will also be on offer, as well as freshly squeezed juices and speciality teas and coffees. Open daily all day, the Bar and Cellar seats 30 persons.

For more information, visit http://www.Soneva.com.

This is the first bar in Macao and The Ritz-Carlton hotels in Asia added to the list of cocktail and bar culture. The bar is loved across the region for its signature cocktails and sophisticated setting in which day blends seamlessly into night. Since opening in 2015, it has collaborated with Singapore’s headline-grabbing Izakaya restaurant Neon Pigeon for a cocktail-pairing dinner and invited renowned guest mixologists from London, Singapore and Hong Kong to create unique cocktails. The bar is currently in the hands of mixologist Maxim Schulte, the Global Winner at Beefeater MIXLDN 7, the world’s biggest gin-based cocktail competition, which pits mixologists from 31 countries against each other. “Winning a place on Asia’s 50 Best Bars is a strong recognition that The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge is at the forefront of cocktail and bar culture in Macau, and the region,” says Rauf Malik, vice president of operations at JW Marriott Hotel Macau and The Ritz-Carlton, Macau. “We are honoured to be listed amongst our esteemed peers in Asia, it is a wonderful testament to the exceptional level of service provided by the ladies and gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, Macau. We will continue to provide guests with an exquisite, world-class bar and lounge experience and unparalleled service right in the heart of Macau.” Asia’s 50 Best Bars is the first regional event created with the purpose of showcasing the best and most innovative talent in the industry across the region. Winners are determined by some 200 globetrotting members of Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy, drinks media, mixology experts and bars consultants. The Academy spans 14 countries and dozens of cities across the continent, reflecting the relative development and importance of bar scenes in different locations.

STANDING AT the reception desk while booking into the luxury boutique resort Burasari Heritage for a short holiday in Luang Prabang, I immediately feel like I’ve been transported back in time to the glorious days of this former royal capital.

Overlooking the Nam Khan River on a peninsula that divides it from the Mekong, this captivating property opened in 2013 and boasts a striking blend of classic Lao-style architecture and French colonial influences that pay tribute to the country’s cultural and spiritual traditions.

Surrounded by beautiful monasteries, the resort is a stone’s throw away from the iconic morning market. Last year, it won the Best Riverside Hotel in Laos from the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2017 and was TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Award Winner 2017 of the top 25 Hotels for Romance in Laos.

“Burasari Group’s founder Lily Udomkunnatum realises that we’re part of the culture and nature of Luang Prabang, so our property and operations must uphold our commitment to the town, its environs and to our guests,” says general manager Darisa Tansiri.

“Our design is committed to preserving trees and the natural landscape, We treat our wastewater before releasing it back into the drainage system. This is not mandatory in Luang Prabang, but we do it to help the municipal authorities and to limit any wastewater entering the river.”

Inspired by the expeditions of naturalist Henri Mouhot, the first Frenchman to explore Luang Prabang, the resort is designed to resemble a Lao teakwood residence and features 19 rooms, ranging in size from 20 and 30 square metres and in four categories: Deluxe Balcony, Deluxe Garden, Deluxe and Superior Room.

The interior designs illustrate the adventures of the first explorers who came to the town. All rooms are graced with a distinctive collection of old-fashioned wooden furniture and home d้cor accessories that create an elegant and homey ambience.

I spend two nights in a 25-square Deluxe Room with a private terrace overlooking the Nam Khan River. Comfortable and convenient, the room has a comfy super king bed covered with a refined linen quilt, satellite television, ceiling fan, coffee and tea making facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi and a mini bar that is once refilled daily.

The wardrobe is compact and packed with bathrobes and hair dryer, while a stand-alone shower with a white marble-like washbasin in 1820s’ French Art Deco style are tucked to one side, offering a relaxing way to end the day.

“We offer guests direct access to a villa host and one-of-a-kind complimentary experiences with each night of their stay. They can join a daily ritual of almsgiving and market cooking class or enjoy a Mekong sunset cruise,” says Darisa.

“Upon arrival, a dedicated villa host service will help guests arrange daily activities, meals and any special requests. Our staff members come from small communities around Luang Prabang, so they can give guests good advice while retaining their unique personalities. In this way, the humility, generosity and spirit of our staff and Lao culture stand out.”

The riverside Terrace Restaurant serves daily breakfast, a la carte dishes and beverages in traditional Thai and Lao styles, all of them made with organic ingredients and boasting market-fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, local honey and locally grown organic coffee beans.

Guests can lounge at the riverside deck and enjoy aperitifs and cocktails, ranging from exceptional wine and vintage whiskey.

Families can spend their free time playing billiards or reading books and magazines at a library. To explore the town, complimentary bicycle rentals are on offer.

Ideal to relieve tight muscles after a sightseeing tour, the Spa Burasari, which won the Southeast Asia’s Best Wellness Spa 2017 at the Boutique Hotel Awards, offers a wide range of exquisite healing and wellness treatments with natural oils and herbs.

“Professionally trained therapists receive countless hours of training and yearly updates in new techniques and spa trends,” Darisa says.

“Bespoke spa treatments include the signature Moon Stone Therapy Body Massage, Burasari Signature Massage, Traditional Thai Massage and Traditional Lao Massage.”

AT A GLANCE

High point: The bed is comfortable and the linens super soft.

Low point: A room has few lights, making it seem rather dim.

Pay for it: See the website for the best rates

Find it: 44-47, Khiri Village, Kingitsarath Road, Luang Prabang, Laos

Call it: (+856 71) 255 031

Browse it: http://www.BurasariHeritage.com

Built in 1960 and having hosted leaders including Gamal Abdel Nasser Hussein, the second President of Egypt, the hotel is managed by Vida Hotel and Resorts under Emaar Hospitality Group and will open its doors to welcome guests this year.

It offers 189 rooms including luxury chalets along with outdoor seating overlooking the bay’s soothing waters, a beach outlet, rooftop lounge, fitness centre, swimming pool, tennis court, and spa.

Guests will have access to the amenities in Marassi including a marina, yacht club, golf course, beach club house, play areas, restaurants, meeting facilities, outdoor pools and decks. With its prime location, the hotel sets out to be a preferred hospitality destination for visitors from Egypt, Europe and other parts of the world. It’s less than 45 minutes away from the Al Alamein National Airport Burj and a two-hour drive from Al Arab Airport in Alexandria.

“It is an exceptional honour for us to undertake the modern reinterpretation of the Alamein resort. The people of Egypt have fond memories of the resort, and we are committed to restoring it to its true glory. With its central location in Marassi by the beach, it will offer visitors an inspiring and culturally enriching lifestyle experience,” said Olivier Harnisch, chief executive officer of Emaar Hospitality Group.

Check out best rates at http://www.VidaHotels.com/en/alalamein.

WITH EASY access to Khao Yai National Park, and boasting trendy cafes and beautifully decorated western eateries, it’s easy to see why Escape Khao Yai has become such a popular place for families wanting to escape the urban chaos.

Occupying 20 rai on tranquil Pansuk-Kudkla Road, the boutique resort was opened four years ago as a member of the Sansiri Hotel Collection.

The hotel is made up of dark grey and white stone blocks, looking not unlike a low-rise condominium. After a two-hour drive from Bangkok, I arrived on a scorching hot day and was happy to drop off my luggage in an open-air lobby and accept the welcome drink made with local herbs and flowers proffered by a friendly staff member.

The lobby is furnished with wooden chairs and comfy sofas overlooking a west-facing sundeck that’s great for catching the sunset. Shaded by towering trees, the path and courtyard are framed by flowering grasses, evoking the romantic ambience of the hills.

During the day, health-conscious travellers can manage their workout routine at a well-equipped fitness centre, while kids can splash around in the salted sloped swimming pool and have fun in the playground. There are bikes for rent for those who want to venture out into the countryside as well as DVDs for those who prefer to stay in and relax.

The hotel offers 56 guestrooms, ranging in size from 25 to 263 square meters. Options include Deluxe, Deluxe Corner, Sunken Heated Pool Villa, Escape One-bedroom Sunken Heated Pool Villa and Escape Grand Three-bedroom Sunken Heated Pool Villa, the latter ideal for families or large groups of friends.

Inspired by nature, the interior designs come in four themes – Earth, Wood, Forest and Floral – each using different colours, scents and music to create a homey touch. The Earth concept has smooth cream walls and the scent of fresh citrus, vanilla, cinnamon and ylang-ylang while the “Cold Mountain Soul” melody plays quietly in the background.

The Wood design represents the warmth of harmony through brown hues and the scents of lavender and cedar with “Chillin’ Acoustic” sounds adding a sense of calm.

The Forest theme uses a palette of green and the sweet aroma of citrus to infuse a relaxing ambience with “Electronic Down Tempo” generating a joyful mood. The Floral series, meanwhile, is all about purple and blue with the fragrance of essence of lotuses and the sarapee flower along with “Bossa Blossom”.

Honeymoon couples will love the 45-square-metre Sunken Heated Pool Villa complete with seven-foot bed, complimentary mini bar and a coffee maker. It comes with a temperature-adjustable outdoor private pool, a spa bed on the terrace and an easy-to-access rooftop dining space, perfect for a quiet meal for two.

The 230sqm Escape Grand Three-bedroom Sunken Heated Pool Villa has four bathrooms – all of them with bathtubs and showers – and a temperature-controlled pool with a spacious private balcony. The two large living rooms come equipped with TVs, bookshelves, sofas and a working area and there’s even a dining table for six.

I spent my two nights in a 25 sqm Deluxe Room with the Earth concept in one of the four-storey buildings. The decor is pleasant with paintings of natural scenes, plenty of wooden furniture and bedding in earth tones.

The room is small but adequate, with a compact living area furnished with a two-seat sofa, a plasma TV, DVD player, coffee and tea making facilities, refrigerator with mini bar and – that must-have – complimentary Wi-Fi.

The vanity area has a huge mirror and a closet, packed with bathrobes, slippers, umbrellas, hair dryer, safe box and torch. Small but luxurious, the bathroom is divided into two zones – a dry area with a single washbasin with a toilet and a wet area with a bathtub and rain shower. I particularly liked the private terrace, where I sat in a comfortable chair looking out at the swimming pool, lush courtyard and mountains

In the morning, the all-day-dining Green Oak Bistro serves Thai-and-Western style breakfast from 6.30 to 11am. For those with Asian preferences, there’s green curry with pork, stir-fried kale with salty fish with fried rice, Thai-style clear soup with congealed pork blood, dim sum, chicken sausages, pancakes, croissants with butter and Thai-style toast topped with butter and sugar.

On the theme of Farm to Table is a salad bar that shares space with cereal with fresh milk, while a team of chefs are on hand to prepare eggs – scrambled, omelette, boiled and fried eggs.

The Escape Yard is the perfect place to hang out with friends in the evening. Adorned with shimming lights and comfy beanbags, you can lounge around while sipping a cocktail and listen to live jazz on Friday and Saturday nights. During winter, the yard is also a venue for barbecues.

AT A GLANCE

High point: The staff are very friendly and the surroundings peaceful.

Low point: Rooms are compact and the main buildings feel more like a condo than a resort.

Pay for it: See the website for the best rates

Find it: 329, Pansuk-Kudkla Road, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima

Call it: (044) 756 669, (063)196 4999

Browse it: http://www.Escape-hotel.com

When booking a stay directly through the website, members will get the most flexible rates and enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and a welcome amenity upon arrival to ensure maximum comfort. Other benefits include early check-in, late check-out, a dining or spa credit, daily breakfast, a room upgrade, streaming wi-fi access, pressing services or a celebratory treat.

“Our recognition programme ‘Fans of M O’ offers guests a range of appealing and engaging benefits designed to make each and every stay with us a memorable one,” said Michael Hobson, chief marketing officer for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

“Our mission has always been to delight our customers, and this programme allows us to personalise each visit and anticipate guest needs, at every Mandarin Oriental destination,” he added.

Sign up at mandarinoriental.com/fans-of-mo.

A stone’s throw away from major subway stations, this 199room hotel combines modern design elements, with each room featuring a 49inch ultra HD TV, complimentary WiFi, egg chair and a comfortable bed.

“We’re very happy to be opening the second Four Points by Sheraton hotel here in Gangnam, which is one of the most popular areas in South Korea for locals and visitors alike,” said Mike Fulkerson, vice president, brand and marketing Asia Pacific, Marriott International.

“The smart, independent traveller will appreciate the comfortable, relaxed ambience of the hotel and the team’s thoughtful service. Four Points Seoul, Gangnam will surely become a meeting place for locals to bond over craft beers on tap as part of the brand’s signature Best Brews programme.”

The allday dining restaurant boasts modern interiors, a lively atmosphere and offers an alacarte menu as well as a full buffet prepared with freshly selected local ingredients. The private dining room is for intimate family gatherings or business dinners.

The Lounge & Bar is a place to unwind at the end of the day with a glass of wine, along with a selection of refreshing drinks, snacks and sweets.

The second floor has 106 square metres of meeting space with function rooms equipped with latest technology plus a wellequipped fitness centre and spa.

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

Located on the 28th to 42nd floors of the newly renovated Saigon Centre Tower 2, the apartments were designed by the award-winning architectural firm NBBJ with interiors by Design Worldwide Partnership (DWP).

The contemporary design and luxury amenities, which include the Sky Lobby on level 28 and an outdoor pool and Jacuzzi on level 6 – epitomise sophisticated luxury. The interiors boast a seamless blending of the past and the present with a modern decor and clean lines infused with thoughtful Vietnamese cultural elements.

“The Grand Tower at Sedona Suites Ho Chi Minh City redefines the standard for modern hospitality in the city,” said Lee Ng, general manager.

“In addition to the warm hospitality and thoughtful amenities travellers have come to expect from Sedona, with the new Grand Tower, we are able to add to that offering with outstanding views, a highly desirable location, and five-star luxury accommodation.”

Focusing on modern living, Suites come in studio, one, two and three-bedroom configurations for short- and long-term bookings and each room has a well-equipped kitchenette, high-end fixtures and materials, and floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular city views.

Housekeeping amenities include 24-hour concierge and security, laundry and dry-cleaning services, room service and airport transfers. Additional services come in the form of a swimming pool, residents lounge and access to the California Century-on fitness centre located on level 6.

Onsite restaurant Sky-28 serves contemporary-style Nanyang and Vietnamese cuisine on level 28. Guests will also enjoy convenient access to the seven-storey upscale Saigon Centre below, offering a host of retail, dining and lifestyle outlets including the renowned Takashimaya Department Store.

Room rates start at VND3,208,000 (Bt4,400) and the apartments are now available for short- and long-term bookings.

Find out more at http://www.SedonaHotels.com.sg/hochiminhcity/grandtower/.