“The goal of ‘Live the French Way’ will differentiate the brand from its competitors and inject a sense of modernity. We think guests will be delighted to experience authentic French touches through an immersive and luxurious journey into Sofitel’s world, wherever they may travel,” said Steven Taylor, chief marketing officer of Accor.

The campaign, which will introduce new programming and guest experiences throughout the year, was co-created with Betc Etoile Rouge, a full-service Paris-based agency offering strategic, creative, and production expertise for the luxury, fashion, beauty and hospitality brands. The campaign integrates the finest of French passions, with exclusive and inspired collaborations in film, music and food.

Celebrated photographer and director Charlotte Wales was engaged to design a film where worldly voyageurs dive into chic and whimsical experiences. Shot on location in France and China, the campaign invites guests to experience the French way of living in an authentic and indulgent way.

The voice of the campaign is by pop icon Clara Luciani. Her original track, “En Voyage” was written and recorded exclusively for Sofitel.

Celebrity chef Yannick Alleno will also create dining experiences, presenting the best of modern French cuisine in spectacular, culturally rich settings all over the world. In keeping with the brand’s freespirited persona, guests will not discover the exact dinner location until they arrive, providing a spontaneous, joyful and elegant experience of arts de la table.

“Our ‘Frenchness’ is the attribute most frequently praised by our guests and most often mentioned within their feedback, so we know that our culture is important to them. Our unique sense of joie de vivre is felt at our hotels in more than 40 countries across five continents, and it’s a defining element that has become the signature of our brand,” said Joao Rocco, Sofitel’s vice president of luxury brand management.

Modern luxury voyageurs are invited to eat, sleep, enjoy, travel, stay, celebrate and Live the French Way at Sofitel Hotels & Resorts through the brand passions of design, gastronomy, art & culture, and wellbeing. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by staff wearing made-to-measure designs created by Parisian-based fashion designer Lea Peckre. Senses are awakened by the wafting scent of Essence de Sofitel, a fragrance created by renowned perfumer Lucien Ferrero, which wafts through the hotel lobby and public spaces. Sofitel Sound Signature by DJ Mosey sets a sultry and insouciant atmosphere. In the late afternoon, guests indulge in Le Gouter or L’Aperitif in the hotel bars, followed by Gastronomie Francaise in the dining rooms.

With a characteristically light French touch, Sofitel will continue to offer a whirlwind of culturally fascinating events all year long, from photography exhibitions and fashion week events, to glittering, star-studded La Nuit by Sofitel parties, to Fete de la Musique celebrations around the summer solstice, and Sofitel Wine Days during the annual French wine harvest. A partnership with Diner en Blanc in North America invites guests to skip the wait lists and enjoy a VIP experience within one of the most soughtafter French cultural events in the world.

Perched on the coast of Turtle Bay, the Oberoi Beach Resort is promoting itself as the best snorkelling spot to admire a colourful coral reef spread over the national marine park.

Surrounded by 20 acres of lush subtropical gardens with the majestic green mountains in the background, this five-star resort offers 71 guestrooms and pool villas, plus two swimming pools, an Oberoi Spa featuring Terres D’Afique organic products from South Africa, conference facilities, a fitness centre and two floodlit tennis courts.

Starting from 450 Euros (Bt16,000) per night, guests can enjoy daily breakfast and take advantage of roundtrip airport transfers by local taxi for those booking the Luxury Pavilion room, Luxury Villa with Private Garden, Luxury Villa with Private Pool and Two Bedroom Luxury Villa with Private Pool, return airport transfers by Hotel BMW and complimentary wireless internet access.

For guests staying in Presidential Villa, Private Pool or Royal Villa with Private Pool will get an hour couple’s massage once during the stay. During the day, you can check out the complimentary programme of water sports and leisure activities like steam bath at The Oberoi Spa, sculpture class, star gazing, henna painting, cooking demonstration, wine testing nature walks and yoga.

Several attractions dot the island. The Black River Gorges National Park offers 60kilometer walking trails, where travellers can observe wildlife and endemic birds along the sides.

Chamarel’s seven coloured earths are a unique geological phenomenon of volcanic earth that never erodes, sand dunes composed of red, brown, violet, green, purple, blue and yellow particles that spontaneously separate and settle in layers. It is said that if you take a handful of the seven colours and mix them all together, they will naturally separate back into their different groups.

Hindu pilgrims can head to the revered lake Grand Bassin that is home to beautiful temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva and the Goddess Lakshmi. Legend has it that Ganga Talao appeared in a dream to a Hindu priest in Mauritius as a tributary of India’s sacred River Ganges.

Port Louis boasts a fascinating cross section of Mauritian culture. You can visit the lively covered market, the 18th century French colonial Government House, the Natural History Museum, Jummah Mosque, St James Cathedral, the Tamil Temple, Port Louis theatre and the Chinese Pagoda.

The Pamplemousses Garden in the Southern Hemisphere is famous for its giant water lilies with leaves spanning two meters across. This old botanical garden also features native spices, ebony trees, sugar cane and around 100 species of palms like the Talipot Palm, which flowers only once every sixty years, the Toddy Palm and the Sealing Wax Palm.

Online booking can be made at http://www.OberoiHotels.com/hotelsinmauritius/

Located on the sixth floor with magnificent views, the spacious new Haussmann style suite is being designed by the acclaimed French agency Gilles & Boissier as a large single level chic Parisian apartment, overlooking the hotel’s lush inner garden and Rue Saint-Honore.

There will be four elegant bedrooms and bathrooms, an expansive reception area, bright dining room and fully equipped kitchen. For flexibility, the suite can be divided into two connecting two-bedroom suites.

“The apartment is designed to make the most of the natural light and will offer guests a comfortable, calm and elegant space. It mixes design codes and influences, like a free and daring Parisienne of today would do,” explains Dorothee Boissier, “It incorporates the codes of the Haussmann style as much as those of ArtDeco. The 1900s mouldings sit beautifully with wooden architectural features reminiscent of the 1930s”.

“The blonde parquet flooring, inspired by the Herringbone style, will be partly covered with thick carpets depicting geometric patterns. The leather-covered pivot doors evoke memories of spectacular antique Chinese panels, while the furniture, custom designed by Patrick Gilles, will be made from a variety of different types of wood and silky fabrics” she adds.

French agency Gilles & Boissier decorated Mandarin Oriental in Marrakech five years ago.

“They asked us to create this apartment a kind of “signature” suite. What’s important to us is to be very Parisian. Also, we really wanted to design a sort of Parisian apartment that says I’m Parisian. When you’re asked to do a suite and it has to be even better than the others, you have to be able to propose something different. I think the freedom of this apartment also comes, from the freedom to use very different materials. We created framed ceilings with more Thirties-style motifs; we created panels lined with leather, with embroideries that reference Cocteau; very light and very dark brushed woods, very lacquered woods  materials that I would say are very discreet and comfortable,” continues Boissier.

For this newest suite, landscape designers Christophe Gautrand & Associates have imagined an authentic 230-square-metre Parisian terrace inspired by French gardens. Making full use of the private terrace’s spaciousness, the designers will create several different environments, each with their own special ambience that can be adapted easily to changing desires and seasons. It will be a lush, peaceful haven in the middle of the vibrant Saint Honore district.

Learn more at http://www.MandarinOriental.com/paris/placevendome/luxuryhotel

Priced at 1,455 euro (Bt52,000) per person, the package offers a night in a Junior Suite with panoramic views and a visit the winery of the ancient Cistercian Abbey on Saint-Honorat. There, you can observe how the monks have been refining the wines since the middle ages and enjoy fresh lobster for lunch by the sea. In the evening the hotel will treat you with a gastronomic feast at its Michelin starred restaurant Le SaintMartin, overlooking a magnificent sweep of the Cote d’Azur.

Next day a scenic drive will take you to Chteau de Bellet high in the hills with magnificent panoramic views over Provence. A tour of the vineyards and winery is followed by a tasting in their secret crypt. For dinner, you will be delighted with a private wine tasting in the ancient cellars, which are packed with 12,000 bottles, focusing on Provencal wines.

The last day ends with an exclusive wine tasting at the resort and breakfast on a panoramic terrace to soak up the Riviera sunshine. Late morning, the resort will take you to the salon l’enotheque in a former turret of the Chateau for a select sample of the extensive list. Lunch is served at the L’Oliveraie or on a panoramic terrace at Le SaintMartin restaurant before departure.

Online booking can be made by emailing reservations.csm@oetkercollection.com.

To celebrate, Renaissance Hotels around the world helped guests uncover the soul of local neighbourhoods as part of the 8th annual Global Day of Discovery.

This year’s annual celebration, which took place at 160 hotels in more than 35 countries, spotlighted the Renaissance Hotel Navigator, which helps guests to discover destinations like a local by handpicking discoveries that cannot be found in a guidebook.

“We have been on a mission to continue to evolve what Renaissance Hotels offers today, and this year’s Global Day of Discovery and new ‘Discover This Way’ campaign officially marks a new era for the brand,” George Fleck, vice president of Global Brand Marketing & Management, Renaissance Hotels said in the press release.

Push Puttichai and Andy Kong, director of Brand & Marketing, Asia Pacific, Marriott International

“Today’s travellers want to feel like they’ve experienced the DNA of the neighbourhood in the destination they are visiting and make the most of their trip. With help from our This Way neighbourhood partners, we are committed to giving them something a little bit unexpected every step along their journey.”

Developed and produced by creative agency Venables Bell + Partners with the Renaissance Hotels’ marketing team and based on consumer insights, the “Discover This Way” campaign was inspired by the idea that every trip can be a tale. From the brand’s surprising approach to design, to its original take on cocktails and its team of local Navigators, Renaissance Hotels aim to make guests make the most of every stay.

To celebrate the launch of the campaign in Thailand, a noted archaeologist helped guests of Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel to explore street art in Chalerm La Park, Lakshmi Shrine at Gaysorn Village, neon night markets and other local discoveries. Upon returning to the hotel, guests were welcomed by a Thai Night Festival featuring the destination’s arts and culture scene, complete with an exclusive performance by Thai celebrity actor, model and DJ Push Puttichai.

Find out more at http://www.RenHotels.com or join the conversation at #RenHotels and #DiscoverThisWay.

This brandnew, onsite attraction zone is home to a newly renovated Kid’s World with gaming consoles, a new arcade game room and a toy and candy shop. There’s a Movie World cinema room, where guests can enjoy alltime favourite movies and new-release features, along with just-for-the-grownups fun including day excursions and other enriching activities.

“We are excited to showcase the new concept of Siam Adventure Club, a new entertainment concept for families, with which we aim to become the best family friendly resort in Hua Hin. This club concept is also offered at our sister property, Novotel Surin Phuket” said Bernardo de la Garza, general manager of Novotel Hua Hin Cha Am Resort.

Young guests can enjoy recreational attractions including a bouncy castle, trampoline and large swimming pool, while the resort’s complement of “rangers”: and mascots are on hand to conduct the daily activities like foam parties, cupcake decorating, Thai boxing and theme nights.

The resort offers seven room types including the Family Fun Room and Family Fun Suites boasting king-size and bunk beds with kid-friendly amenities, along with private balconies and panoramic sea views. Other facilities include the In Balance Spa, In Balance Fitness and the 850sqm ballroom that can accommodate up to 450 people.

“Novotel Hua Hin Cha Am Beach Resort and Spa offers a home-away-from-home for those staying at the resort plus offers easy access to the popular Hua Hin Town, local markets and famous temples,” de la Garza adds.

Dining options include Champions Sports Bar serving burgers, steaks and international favourites and Ocean’s Restaurant featuring Asian and Thai specialities.

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

This new project, which will open progressively over 2020 and 2021, will join The Venetian Macao and The Parisian Macao as the Cotai Strip’s must-see properties. Exuding classic British luxury, The Londoner Macao will incorporate four world-class hotel brands – the brand-new The Londoner Hotel, alongside existing properties Conrad Macao, Cotai Central, Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel, Cotai Central and The St Regis Macao, Cotai Central.

“Sands has invested heavily here because we believe wholeheartedly that Macao’s complete arrival as one of the world’s greatest tourism and business destinations is just on the horizon. The Venetian and The Parisian have each become “must-see” destinations on the Cotai Strip and we have every confidence that The Londoner will be every bit their equal. The power of these three iconic integrated resorts working in tandem will create a combination of leisure and business tourism amenities unrivalled in Asia and Europe and on par with the success of Las Vegas,” said Robert Goldstein, Las Vegas Sands President and Chief Operating Officer.

As the global brand ambassador, Beckham will be working with the interior design team to bring his vision and style to the very exclusive top floor suites at The Londoner Hotel, representing his first foray into this design field.

The Londoner Macao will feature authentic recreations of classic British landmarks, with an exterior facade modelled on the world-famous Palace of Westminster and Houses of Parliament complete with 96-metre Elizabeth Tower and iconic clock face.

The interior decor will offer a combination of grandeur and comfort, with luxurious British design extending to the spacious Crystal Palace atrium centrepiece, restaurants, retail space and entertainment.

“London is an incredible city and one that I am proud to call my home. To be able to work so closely with the Sands team to bring the elements of London that I love to the city of Macao is a wonderful opportunity. Interior design is a real passion for me so to be involved in the design process and help shape this project is another important step in our long-standing partnership with Sands Resorts Macao. I can’t wait to welcome everyone to come and experience what we are creating here – a little bit of London in Macao,” said Beckham.

With more than 20 dining options, several new restaurant concepts boast an authentic British style gastropub by Gordon Ramsay and a new Thai restaurant called The Mews. Guests can enjoy 200 stores in The Shoppes, the 34,300-square-metre meeting and convention space, three spas and four health clubs.

New entertainment at The Londoner Macao will include an exciting whole-body, fully immersive live virtual reality experience suitable for all ages. In addition, visitors can also enjoy British-themed Streetmosphere shows such as the famous Changing of the Guards and daily retail parades featuring much-loved characters from British history, culture and literature.

The integrated resort will also feature a new 6,000-seat arena to accommodate everything from live entertainment to popular sporting events and conferences.

“The Londoner Macao, with its world-class luxury suites, new dining and spectacular entertainment, will offer guests and visitors alike another reason to visit Macao. The launch marks yet another milestone in the company’s efforts to support Macao’s development as a world centre of tourism and leisure and it also shows that Sands is fully committed to supporting Macao’s vision as a leader in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area,” said Dr Wilfred Wong, president of Sands China.

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

THE FIRST thing that strikes me as I arrive at the Renaissance Pattaya Resort and Spa is how amazingly serene it is given it is a mere 15 minutes away from the bustling beachtown.

The beachfront low-rise resort located in the tranquil district of Na Jomtien looks good too, with two distinctive large outdoor swimming pools. The uppermost infinity pool sits above the other, which in turn sits above the beach offering descending levels of blissful enjoyment.

In business for about two years, the luxury hotel is operated by the Marriott chain. Luxuriously elegant both inside and out and offering the kind of service its five stars demand, it is also down-to-earth, making it an ideal place for all the family. There is a specially designed kid’s pool with slides and water that “jumps” and my two youngsters couldn’t get enough of it. For any traveller, nice pools are the simplest way to create a memorable experience and the Renaissance Pattaya certainly responds to that requirement.

The low-rise buildings that make up the resort are just three steps away from the road and the beach on the other side. There are plenty of open areas and getting from one building to another makes for a pleasant stroll.

Less than two hours’ drive from Bangkok, the resort offers comfortable, upscale accommodation suitable for all travellers, with deluxe rooms, family suites, pool access rooms and villas catering to every need. The Deluxe Balcony offers a partial sea view while the Deluxe Balcony Sea View is full on and boasts particularly attractive headboards adorned with backlit laser cut sea-fans and signature lamps. All rooms have separate bathtub and shower and amenities by the skincare brand Ren. The Family Suite is an ideal retreat with a separate bedroom for parents, a children’s room with bunk beds and a living area for family gatherings.

Recreational facilities include a well-equipped fitness centre and a lovely spa with six treatment rooms and a spacious relaxing area. The therapists are trained in techniques to relief stress and muscle tension and while mum and dad are having their troubles massaged away, the youngest guests can have fun at the Treasure Kids Club.

All-day dining restaurant, 609 Kitchen offers Asian and International cuisine both buffet style and at cooking stations where the chefs prepare a la minute orders. A themed dinner buffet is available on Friday while on Saturday night, the focus is on seafood.

Pebbles Bar and Grill has a distinct fishing theme and an open kitchen for guests to see the chefs in action. The restaurant uses locally grown seasonal ingredients, much of it organic, sustainable meat, fish, poultry, vegetables and grains. We particularly enjoyed the Pan-Fried Foie Gras with its delicious orange cream, candied zest, baby herb salad, vanilla and balsamic dressing. Equally as good was the Seared duck breast with pumpkin puree, pumpkin chips and a pumpkin samosa curry-infused dressing. And the kids loved the Strawberry Delight, especially as the pastry chefs came to the table to decorate the poached strawberries with strawberry jelly, strawberry parfait, strawberry mousse, balsamic, and vanilla caviar shortbread biscuit, arranging them piece by piece then finishing by topping it with chocolate.

The cocktails are prepared by an expert mixologist and include the Lady Killer made from Bombay gin, peach schnapps, Southern Comfort, rose syrup, lime juice and egg white as well as the Shop Me, an interesting mix of Abelha Cachaca, a Brazilian spirit made from distilled sugar cane, Cointreau, mango juice, pandan syrup, and lime juice.

And, above all, the Renaissance Pattaya Resort and Spa lives up to its promise –a place where simple delights become memorable moments.

AT A GLANCE

High points: Lots of space and great swimming pools

Low points: Despite being a |low-rise, there are a lot of steps.|Pay for it: Check out the best rates at website.

Find it: 9/9 Moo 3, Na Jomtien, Sattahip, Chonburi 20250

Call it: (038) 259 099

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

It features 13 luxury treatment rooms and couples’ suites with private terraces, steam rooms, crystal salt saunas and plunge pools. Guests can enjoy the Margy’s Monte Carlo treatments and Hammams inspired by traditional Turkish bathhouse spa treatments.

Along with a snow room, it offers revitalising IceLab Cryo Therapy, where exposure to 110 degree Celsius invigorates the mind, relaxes muscles and supports anti-ageing.

Inspired by a historic village, all rooms and villas feature timeless details and meandering courtyards. Spanning more than 22,000 sqm of dunes, the resort provides a calming energy, underlined by the soothing sounds of water, with a 1,000 sqm pool set to rejuvenate guests in a tranquil and peaceful environment.

Learn about Abu Dhabi’s ancient traditions admiring majestic birds of prey, or with an unforgettable guided trek as the sun sets, crossing the dunes by horseback or modern day fat bikes

Guests can admire the beautiful sunset in one of six venues including the breathtaking rooftop bar and Al Mabeet, a remote desert dining experience, or find a deeper connection to the destination and the spirit of the desert, in the yoga pavilion.

“It’s important for us to have a portfolio in Abu Dhabi that reflects the true essence of the destination and offers a unique wellness retreat with exceptional service. The Resort joins Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort and Jumeirah at Etihad Towers  both in prime locations. It combines Arabian charm, architecture, generous hospitality and promises a luxurious experience amidst a panoramic backdrop. We look forward to welcoming our guests,” said Jos Silva, chief executive officer of Jumeirah Group.

The resort offers both weekday and weekend packages, starting from AED 1,900 (Bt16,360) and AED 2,200 (Bt18,943) with AED 500 spa credit.

Online booking can be made at http://www.Jumeirah.com.

This latest expansion has quadrupled the number of participating SLH properties since the alliance launched in November, and its expansion is expected to continue throughout this year.

“We encourage World of Hyatt members to explore these luxurious destinations around the globe, from Croatia to New Zealand,” said Amy Weinberg, senior vice president, World of Hyatt.

“The rapid growth of this strategic loyalty alliance is a testament to our commitment to delivering unique experiences wherever our members travel and continuing to extend the genuine care they have come to expect from Hyatt to more locations around the world.”

The World of Hyatt members now have access to more than 200 of SLH’s luxury boutique hotels in popular holiday destinations like Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Italy, Kenya, Mozambique, New Zealand, Portugal, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Turks and Caicos.

Through this exclusive relationship, World of Hyatt members can explore sought-after destinations like Monkey Island Estate, an 18th century estate turned boutique retreat on a private island on the Thames, Berkshire; Ovolo The Valley Brisbane, a boutique oasis located in the center of Fortitude Valley, Brisbane’s ultrahip entertainment district and Mykonos Riviera Hotel and Spa, a sun-drenched luxury resort tucked against the rocky backdrop of centurie-sold Aegean cliffs.

“This alliance has proven to be a perfect match. We are seeing a positive impact on reservations for our hotels from World of Hyatt members,” said Jean-Francois Ferret, chief executive officer, Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

“Exposure to more than 16 million World of Hyatt members has not only helped increase reservations, but also allows us to expand our brand awareness while providing more luxury boutique hotels options for World of Hyatt members to choose from on their travel journey.”

Since the World of Hyatt and SLH alliance launched last year, the countries members have most visited include Italy, the UK, France, China and Greece. The World of Hyatt members booking a participating SLH hotel through a Hyatt channel can earn five Base Points per US$1 spent on eligible room revenue and redeem points to use for free night awards on SLH hotel reservations.

Other benefits include complimentary WiFi, daily complimentary continental breakfast for two guests, room upgrade, early checkin and late checkout.

Travellers can register for the World of Hyatt programme at http://www.World.Hyatt.com.