“With its thoughtful design, smart technology and bespoke art, the all-new Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger encapsulates the past, present and future of Waikiki,” said Jeff Wagoner, Outrigger Hospitality Group’s president and chief executive officer.

“Outrigger’s legacy in Hawaii spans more than 70 years and this modernisation is the first of many more milestones in our renewed commitment to enhancing this special place for both locals and visitors alike.”

The modern, coastal decor is curated by SFA Design – a leading international luxury interior-design firm with a portfolio of high-end private residences and hospitality projects. Each room provides new in-room technology, including 55-inch flat-screen TVs with the ability to stream from mobile devices and use personal YouTube, Netflix and Hulu accounts as well as unique amenities like custom yukata-style bathrobe.

“SFA approached the Waikiki Beachcomber project by drawing inspiration from the beach, the sea, local tattoo artists and other Hawaiian elements that we were able to incorporate into the design to give it a fresh, light and authentic experience with a true sense of place,” said Rosie Feinburg, principal SFA Design.

An entirely new street presence re-interprets this iconic address as a contemporary Hawaii beach house, replete with driftwood cedar, sea glass tiles, native puka stone and basalt lava rock – all framed by a dramatically lush multi-storey green-wall.

The new lobby and public spaces are complete with the corridors, elevators and refreshed pool area with all-new furniture and an expanded infinity-style hot tub overlooking Kalakaua Avenue.

This newly furbished property unveiled its alliance of extraordinary artisans called The Beachcomber Originals, who created and contributed personal artwork featured throughout the new hotel. From an extreme-surf photographer to a Hawaiian fibre artist and an internationally acclaimed slack-key guitarist, the 12 artists collaborated with Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger to create a one-of-a-kind journey for guests, while sharing their personal inspiration and passion for the Hawaiian culture.

“Our goal in reinterpreting Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger was to evoke an authentic sense of aloha by using a fresh palette of warm, natural materials, and sun-splashed colours,” said David Rau, principal of Hart Howerton – the project’s architects from concept to completion that is renowned for its integrated approach and designing complete environments with innovative solutions.

Find out more at http://www.Outrigger.com, http://www.WaikikiBeachcomber.com

In addition to being returned to its original condition and maintaining the integrity of the colonial elegance of the property when it first opened, highlights of the refurbishment include the unveiling of a new suite category, softscape and landscape improvements, renovated perimeter and garden walls, new gym equipment with digital connectivity and enhancements to the Spa. The newly launched boutique offers a range of elegant artisan jewellery, unique handmade wooden home accessories and local silk textiles, together with gifts and souvenirs.

Named as a tribute to a former occupant of the original teak homestead and a manager of the Borneo Company, the three 80-sqm David Fleming Macfie Suites provide a luxurious stay and spacious living area for a family of up to four or a couple wanting additional air-conditioned living space with an al fresco conservatory.

The King bedroom suites include a customised divan that provides comfortable seating during the day and converts to a bed at night. The adjoining spacious tropical vintage-tiled conservatories have the option of being enclosed and air conditioned or open-air and are furnished with a plush daybed that can sleep a fourth person. All suites feature large walk-in closets, en-suite bathrooms with Victorian free-standing claw foot bathtubs and separate indoor and outdoor showers, the signature 137 Pillars rattan planter’s rocking chair and cane shades for privacy.

Local artisans were employed to restore the unique poon tam walls throughout the property, using an ancient technique similar to that used in Thai temples where the colour is incorporated into the plaster.

“Our focus and purpose was to renew our suites to their original splendour, while adding thoughtful embellishments that appeal to today’s definition of luxury; namely space where we stripped out some larger pieces of furniture, meaningful technology with the addition of USB sockets, Vifa Bluetooth, sound systems and residential touches including elegant Lucite magazine racks, freeing up surfaces for guest needs and personal drinks consoles. The project was rather like polishing the diamond – with design inspired by the rich heritage and history of the property and a lush tropical landscape, with a striking palette chosen to soothe the senses, while paying attention to precision and simplicity and a sense of place,” said its general manager Anne Arrowsmith.

Rates start from Bt15,000 ($465) per night, inclusive of breakfast and are subject to service charge and government taxes.

According to the latest Hotel Price Index (HPI) from Hotels.com, there is no sign of a slowdown for the global travel industry and last year Thai travellers paid the same average price of Bt4,437 a night for international accommodation.

The growth in travel comes despite uncertainty such as Brexit, the wildfires in California, drought in South Africa and earthquakes in Japan. Travellers also showed resilience and renewed confidence in destinations touched by unrest, among them Paris, Egypt and Turkey, regions experiencing currency fluctuations; South America, and areas affected by natural disaster; and North America.

Despite the overall growth in global accommodation prices, average prices paid for domestic accommodation in Thailand have decreased, with average prices for international accommodation remaining stable.

“HPI has always given us a good barometer on the industry and an insight into global travel trends. This year we have seen growth despite a lot of political challenges and natural disasters, which indicates that the industry shows no signs of slowing down,” said Adam Jay, president of the Hotels.com.

With the HPI setting at 100 in its inaugural year, 2004, the index format allows Hotels.com to highlight year-over-year variations in actual prices paid per night by travellers without foreign exchange fluctuations distorting the picture.

Last year in Thailand, the HPI showed that in the top 10 most expensive cities, namely Nakhon Ratchasima, Bangkok, Sattahip, Krabi, Rayong, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Samui, Phuket, Hua Hin and Cha-Am, average accommodation prices ranged from Bt2,114 to Bt3,131 per night.

People paid between Bt6,054 to Bt8,418 to stay overnight in the top 10 international destinations including Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen and Milan.

HPI also reveals many interesting results regarding average prices and popularity of destinations among Thai vacationers travelled around the world in 2018 including:

The most expensive average price paid – New York with an average price of Bt8,418 a night

The best value destination – Phnom Penh, average price of Bt1,780 a night

Most popular destination – Tokyo, with an average price of Bt4,789 a night

Highest in popularity – Istanbul, Turkey with an average price of Bt3,874 a night

Largest average price increase – Moscow, Russia, with an average price per night increase of Bt943 (Bt 4,759 a night)

Largest average price decrease – San Francisco, with an average price per night decrease of Bt2,763 (Bt7,395 a night)

In addition to the great value destinations and hidden gems found in the HPI, travellers that haven’t padded their wallets with cryptocurrency yet, can take advantage of programs like Hotels.com’s Rewards, which lets them earn free nights while the sleep.

The new development comprises three standalone towers and is located in the exclusive Etiler residential area, close to the city’s central business district. One of the towers will house Mandarin Oriental Etiler, Istanbul with 158 guestrooms and suites and 16 serviced apartments. The remaining two towers will house 251 luxurious Residences at Mandarin Oriental. UNStudio from Amsterdam has been appointed as the master planner and architect.

The hotel will have three restaurants and bars, and a selection of adaptable meeting spaces with outdoor areas and terraces, ideal for hosting both business and leisure events. There will also be a spa and fitness centre, offering the Group’s award-winning signature wellness programmes as well as locally inspired treatments. The hotel will have both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool.

The Residences will feature some of the most exclusive homes in the city, providing owners with extensive private gardens and impressive views of the Bosphorus. Owners will also enjoy Mandarin Oriental’s service and direct access to the hotel’s facilities. In addition, there will be a full suite of bespoke resident facilities, including two outdoor swimming pools with city skyline views, a fitness centre and six beauty treatment rooms.

The owners and developers of the project are Astas Holding AS and Yapi & Yapi. This is the Group’s third venture in Turkey with Astas Holding AS, which is the owner of the Group’s two other Turkish properties –Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum and Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul which is scheduled to open in 2020.

“We look forward to extending further the Group’s presence in one of the world’s most historic and vibrant cities,” said James Riley, group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental. “Operating two complementary hotels in a single city is something that the Group has already done successfully in Hong Kong and will soon do in London. We believe there is room for more than just one Mandarin Oriental hotel in certain select destinations around the world.” he added.

“Having strengthened our successful collaboration with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in Bodrum, and through the upcoming opening of Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul it is our intention to establish this second Istanbul property, uniquely located in the prestigious district of Etiler, as one of the world’s most impressive addresses. The project is slated to cater to a discerning clientele who enjoy this legendary city so rich in history and culture, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia,” said Astas Holding AS and Yapi & Yapi’s board of directors.

The project marks the third milestone of Cheng’s Victoria Dockside development, a 10-year project that includes K11 Atelier, K11 Artus, Rosewood Hong Kong and K11 Musea, a retail destination that’s also slated to open this year.

Artus combines the word “Art” and the Latin term “Domus”, meaning “home.” The 287-residence K11 Artus in Hong Kong will redefine the luxury residence experience by providing Asia’s first hybrid “Artisanal Home” concept with comprehensive hotel services and an inspiring environment,

“This is an artisanal home and a new living standard built for those who prioritise bespoke design, a seamless online-offline experience as well as art and cultural experiences that bring together like-minded individuals,” said Cheng, who is also the executive vice-chairman and general manager of New World Development.

The project is a testament to collaborative design and cutting-edge craftsmanship. The development reflects the combined talents of Asia’s most celebrated designers and the world’s most respected international architectural firms. Kohn Pedersen Fox, the award-winning New York-based architectural studio, designed the building while Bangkok-based P Landscape (PLA) is responsible for the surrounding greenery and lush landscaping. Soaring over Victoria Dockside and taking full advantage of the exclusive location, three individually designed penthouses – by Hong Kong’s Joyce Wang, the UK’s Fiona Barratt and New York-based nemaworkshop – represent the ultimate in luxury lifestyle.

To meet a hassle-free lifestyle supported by technological innovation, the residents will be seamlessly connected through human-centred technology. In addition to the personalised hospitality and butler services, the property goes a step further with AMICI, an intuitive, digital concierge offering 24-hour assistance. Through AMICI, each resident has direct access to services at their fingertips, ensuring immediate responses to requests and providing useful advice.

Visit http://www.Artus.com.hk.

PLANNING A getaway to escape the boisterous Songkran celebrations? Perhaps sprawling in a spacious pool villa at the brand-new Avani+Samui Resort will suit your needs.

A 45-minute drive from Samui International Airport, this upscale property in a residential neighbourhood in Taling Ngam district is in a lush grove of coconut trees.

It has 58 rooms and pool villas in a classy contemporary design that takes its inspirations from nature.

The relaxing lobby is a combination of open lounge and workspace complete with wooden furniture, bookshelves, a white swing and walls painted with flowers.

Just like being at home, guests needn’t worry about arrive early or late to check in. There’s no fixed time for either and the 24-hour Pantry serves a variety of snacks and beverages.

Deploying the AvaniFit concept, the elegant resort looks simple and fits any lifestyle. You can work out and take yoga classes at the 24-hour fitness centre. Families can soak in the two saltwater infinity pools during the day.

On the beach, adventurers can check out the a weekly programme of complimentary activities, like kayaking, stand-up paddling and mountain cycling, while AvaniSpa offers a choice of holistic and relaxing treatments to restore body and soul.

Focusing on extra comfort for contemporary living, the accommodation comes in four types – Avani Deluxe Room, Avani Pool Villa, Avani Beachfront Pool Villa and Avani Two-Bedroom Beachfront Villa – ranging in floor area from 42 to 227 square metres.

One building has 25 deluxe rooms with private balconies overlooking a tropical garden, while the luxury Two-Bedroom Beachfront Pool Villa is popular with families.

Spread over 227sqm, it features a comfortable living room and dining area with a pantry corner equipped with a microwave, a wash sink, tableware, Nespresso machine and tea-making facilities.

With direct access to the beach, the outdoor swimming pool is linked to a lounge deck and pavilion, making it a perfect place to admire the beautiful sunsets over Phang Ka Bay.

I spent two nights in the 68sqm Pool Villa filled with eco-friendly modern decor. My room was cosy and spacious with a high ceiling and marble-like white floor, while the living space held a comfy sofa, a 42-inch LCD TV with satellite channels and a portable Bluetooth speaker.

The soft king-size bed had a headboard with several USB hubs, plugs and lights for reading. There was also a mini-bar corner with a small fridge, hi-tech Nespresso machine and tea-making facilities.

Behind the bedroom was a huge walk-in closet with a long wooden bench, bathrobes, slippers, laundry set and electronic in-room safe, plus a vanity area.

Each area had individually controlled air conditioning and the signal of complimentary Wi-Fi was strong enough that I could roam around the villa.

The bathroom was see-through, with ceiling-to-floor windows overlooking the private outdoor pool and deck. There was a separate rain shower and toilet and a counter of two wash basins with all kinds of amenities.

Each morning I woke up early to a view of the pool just a few steps from my bed and soon enough I was jumping into the clear saltwater.

A short walk from my villa, down by the beach, the all-day-dining restaurant Essence serves an international breakfast, Thai specialities and healthy farm-to-table meals using fresh local ingredients.

Alongside, the chic Beverage Pool Truck also has a wide selection of handcrafted cocktails inspired by Samui.

My travel companion and I registered for an island excursion and boarded a classic long-tail boat for a 20-minute ride to Koh Tan, a popular spot for snorkelling among colourful coral reefs and sea creatures.

We continued on to Koh Madsum for a picnic on the beach, which was crowded with Chinese and Western vacationers.

Back on the main island, we got refreshed and joined a waste bin-painting class in the late afternoon. Artist Donna has lived on Samui for a decade and turned her house into an art school where tourists can learn to save the world through art.

The painted bins are donated for use in public areas all around the island.

IF YOU GO

High point: The rooms are cosy, comfortable and clean. Guests can check in and out anytime.

Low point: Local people use the beach as their boat dock. And sometimes there’s no privacy.

Pay for it: Until October 31, the rates begin at Bt3,534 for a Deluxe Room, Bt6,999 for a Pool Villa, Bt11,157 for a Beachfront Pool Villa and Bt17,394 for a Two-Bedroom Beachfront Villa.

Find it: 53/5 Taling Ngam district, Koh Samui

Call it: (077) 485 299

Browse it: http://www.AvaniHotels.com/Samui

Nestled in verdant botanical gardens, the historic lakefront resort stands in the lovely village of Blevio, within easy reach of Milan and Malpensa International airport, while central Como and the region’s many attractions are all close by.

Designed by acclaimed interior designer Eric Egan, it has 21 rooms, 52 suites and two private, standalone villas and public areas that combines modern Italian elegance with subtle oriental charm.

The lush botanical gardens that surround the resort are home to more than 50 different species of plants, trees and flowers. Italian landscape designer, Patrizia Pozzi, chose materials and styles that refer to the neo-classical elements of the original Villa and gardens, creating a verdant setting that provides places for private relaxation and escape.

Acclaimed executive chef Vincenzo Guarino and his experienced team oversee the restaurants and bars at Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como, offering traditional Mediterranean dishes inspired by local seasonal produce.

With its spacious terrace overlooking the lake, the Co Mo Bar & Bistrot is the ideal place for informal dining at any time of day, and for a traditional Italian aperitif or after-dinner drinks created by expert mixologists.

Aria contemporary fine dining restaurant is tucked away in a lakefront building in the heart of the gardens, serving Vincenzo Guarino’s creative expression of Mediterranean cuisine.

A swimming pool and spacious sundeck float extend out from the shoreline and guests can bask on sun loungers by the pool from midmorning to sunset and enjoy refreshing drinks and snacks at the Pool Bar throughout the day.

Inspired by the pristine water of the lake, The Spa offers its own distinctive selection of heat and water experiences and Mandarin Oriental’s recognised holistic approach to wellbeing. The spacious facility includes four private spa suites, a beauty studio and a fully equipped Technogym fitness centre.

“We are looking forward to welcoming our first guests to Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como very soon”, said general manager Samuel Porreca.

“Mandarin Oriental’s first resort in Europe will be a welcome destination for discerning travellers looking for ultimate privacy, unparalleled views and award-winning cuisine, supported by the brand’s legendary service.”

To celebrate its opening, the resort introduces a Lake Como Experience package, starting from EUR 575 per night (Bt20,660). It includes a lakefront breakfast for two, a threecourse lunch or dinner at CO.MO Bar & Bistrot, daily access to The Spa’s heat and water facilities and 10 per cent off all spa treatments.

Make a reservation at http://www.MandarinOriental.com.

Featuring all-new studios, apartments, lobby, pool terrace and public areas, the property follows an extensive transformation by the developer JR Kyushu Business Development (Thailand).

Shama is the Sanskrit term for peace and tranquillity. The fresh new interiors conceptualised by Bangkok-based ASC Interior draw inspiration from the nearby Benjakitti Park and Lake which many of the apartments overlook, featuring a calming residential colour palette dominant with blues from the sky and lake, and greens from the park’s trees and shrubs.

Specially-commissioned art, installations and furnishings throughout the property’s communal spaces and its 429 studios and apartments bring in the elements of the nearby park, reflecting the clouds mirrored on the lake’s surface, trees billowing in the breeze and stonework from the pavements.

In a nod to the property developer’s Japanese roots, Shama Lakeview Asoke has also introduced a collection of tatami studios and one-bedroom apartments, each fitted with a raised tatami seating area – ideal for relaxing tea sessions, informal gatherings and lazy afternoon naps.

As guests and residents move through the lobby, they are greeted by a custom Murano glass chandelier of wave-like ripples, serving as a reminder that the serenity of Benjakitti Park and Lake is just a stone’s throw away. The lobby connects to a lounge area with a co-working corner and coffee bar operated by the neighbouring Coffee Club.

In celebration of the reopening, the property’s newly renovated serviced apartments offer 20-per-cent discount off all rates available at http://www.Shama.com for stays between April 1 to May 31. The offer also includes complimentary upgrade to a lake view apartment, with ONYX Rewards members also enjoying double points redemption.

Located just a 10-minute drive from Sihanouk International Airport, the 40 luxury villas are sustainable and thoughtfully-designed, with green living roofs and maximum use of natural daylight.

Each villa comes with a sundeck for lounging and alfresco dining and an infinity-edged plunge pool and rain showers, plus a bedroom in the groundbreaking Sleep With Six Senses standard to ensure a good night’s sleep.

The resort has two restaurants with dishes prepared using only local produce and seasonal ingredients, mostly grown at its own 3,700-square-metre organic farm and herb garden. The Tree restaurant offers a modern twist on traditional Khmer cuisine with a creative interpretation of Southeast Asian flavours while AHA serves an eclectic menu of light yet satisfying international favourites for lunch and dinner.

There is also the Sunset Bar, furnished with comfy sofas, lazy hammocks and a generous side order of sun dipping over the Gulf of Thailand. An ice cream parlour serves up more than 15 flavours daily on a complimentary basis for guests.

The expansive Six Senses Spa pays tribute to the sacred Khmer Kbal Spean River, offering a wide range of holistic rejuvenation and beauty treatments. It also incorporates a comprehensive gym, rooftop yoga pavilion, indoor aerial yoga studio, Crystal Water Room, Meditation Cave and the Alchemy Bar, for blending natural skin care products and essential oils using pure local ingredients.

During the day, there are several fun activities for all ages and energy levels including water sports, fishing, snorkelling, speedboat excursions to neighbouring islands, an organic farm visit with cooking classes, night sky observatory, horizon lap pool, jungle fitness circuit and the open-air Cinema Paradiso.

To celebrate its opening, the resort offers a 20-per-cent discount and guests can take advantage of complimentary daily half board, daily wellness activities and complimentary wellness screening at the Six Senses Spa when booking a minimum three-night night stay.

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