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.

BUILT SOME 50 years ago and home to various government offices over the decades, the Murray Building has now become a home away from home for travellers from around the world.

Standing tall on the Hong Kong skyline, The Murray was brought back to life early this year and transformed into a luxury landmark hotel through an extensive preservation project by world renowned architects Foster + Partners. The Murray is part of the “Conserving Central” programme, a government-backed initiative that aims to preserve what remains of the historic heart of the city.

The Murray is the new flagship property of the Niccolo Hotels brand.

Exterior view of The Murray  

The exterior of the colonial-era building designed in 1969 by British architect Ron Phillips, was left mostly untouched by the new architects, who considered the original architect’s sustainable design way ahead of its time, especially in terms of responding to the climate of Hong Kong. The windows are recessed and the building’s orientation avoids the harsh tropical sun.

The new design retains the facade, the arches, a vehicle ramp leading to a covered car park and even the century-old tree in the forecourt of the main entrance. Other aspects have been upgraded and the building’s life extended by introducing new functions appropriate for the changing demands of the city – giving it a sustainable legacy for years to come.

One of the main goals was to reconnect the building at ground level with a new street front, transparent and open ground floor space, and landscaping of the surrounding grounds.

Decorated with marble and bronze stainless steel, the luxurious lobby features a black, white, and gold palette that is minimalist but elegant. At the higher end of the lobby, a chandelier called “An Aggregation – 20170106” made of charcoal dangling from nylon threads created by Seoul-based artist Bahk Seon-ghi also draws the eyes.

The hotel lobby leads to an eyecatching charcoal mobile art piece by Seoulbased artist Bahk Seon-ghi.  

The 25-storey sanctuary boasts spacious rooms and suites with more than 75 per cent of them an impressive 50 square metres or even bigger. Each of The Murray’s 336 rooms have floor to ceiling windows, the frames of which are recessed to let in more light while still maintaining the thermal level.

All rooms in the hotel are angled so each offers either a stunning view of the green oasis that’s Hong Kong Park or the Central business district and, in the distance, Victoria Harbour.

The Murray Suite goes one better with three panoramic views of the city. Designed especially for well-heeled travellers who are used to the finest of creature comforts, the 225sqm suite includes a bedroom with an oversized en-suite bathroom, his and hers walk-in wardrobes, separate living and dining areas, a pantry, study, and fitness zone, as well as the option to connect with an additional deluxe room for added space.

I spent two nights in a Grand room on the thirteenth floor. Billed as a standard room and measuring 50sqm, it has a contemporary interior with a fabulous carpet covering the beautiful hardwood floor and other surfaces dressed in rare stones, glass, leather and textiles.

A Grand room

The room layout and the furnishings give off the impression that you are staying in a residential apartment rather than a hotel. Unlike typical hotel room layouts, the wardrobe is positioned at the side of the bed instead immediately at the door.

For me though, the highlight is the view and I’m no sooner through the door than I’m rushing to the two huge windows to witness the full scenic view of the city. While tourists in Hong Kong may feel bottled in by the ubiquitous skyscrapers, I see only the green tranquillity of Hong Kong Park.

The Grand room features a luxurious bathroom with separate bath and shower in black-and-white marble. Next to the huge free-standing bath and the golden metallic rain-shower is a range of organic aromatherapy bath amenities imported from Australia. It also features a huge sliding door with magic glass that goes translucent at the push of a button.

Another feature making for a more pleasant stay is what I call the “smart switchboard” that helps you control the lighting and mood of the room by pushing one switch to select how light or dark you want the mood as well as swapping the sheer blinds for blackout ones.

Guests can enjoy a serene and surprisingly green view of Hong Kong Park through the huge windows inside room. 

A corner, with a square window also looking out at the park, is dedicated to a working area equipped with a desk and multi outlet home with power strip surge protector.

There’s complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, broadband internet access, and Smart TV which you can watch while snuggling into the leather cushion in the rest area.

One of the reasons tourists love Hong Kong is the food. The Murray has five restaurants and bars offering a variety of cuisines in different atmospheres.

I would recommend Popinjays, the rooftop bar and restaurant, that delights with panoramic city views and an energetic atmosphere. Due to fully open in July, it will serve an even bigger range of the finest European dishes. It’s named after the original name for a parrot in English, because they always occupy the rooftop.

Night view at Popinjays, rooftop bar and restaurant 

I wanted Chinese food so ordered Abalone congee and stir-fried noodles with Wagyu beef served with home-made XO sauce.

You can burn off all those extra calories at the hotel’s 24-hour gym on level three, which is equipped with the new generation of fitness equipment from Technogym or just relax at the adjacent spa with a massage and beauty rituals.

The Murray is close to the Peak tram station and surrounded by the old streets that make up the Central neighbourhood. You can choose to wander through this maze of art, culture and archetypal neighbourhoods then admire the quirky artistic landmarks on Hollywood Road.

AT A GLANCE

High point: Good location, with surrounding greenery, energy-efficient design and spacious rooms

Low point: Not enough seats in the hotel lobby

Pay for it: Prices range from HKD4,000 (Bt16,300) for a Grand room to HKD53,000 for The Murray Suite

Find it: 22 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong

Contact it: (+852) 3141 8888 and themurray@niccolohotels.com

Browse it: http://www.NiccoloHotels.com and Facebookcom/TheMurrayHK/

The villa occupies 286 square metres and is complete with a 520sqm private pool that’s just a few steps away from the sandy shores of north Chaweng beach, making it one of the largest private pools in a resort on Koh Samui.

This infinity pool runs the entire width of the 13.5m beach frontage and is framed by a 114sqm wooden pool deck, shaded by two ancient banyan trees that keep the extensive outdoor lounge and al fresco dining areas naturally cool.

Fulllength glass windows along the front of the villa can be drawn open to blur distinction between outdoor and indoor living spaces. Curved archways subtly define the interior spaces, and draw references from the curvature of the full moon, a lunar muse that inspired many of the design elements applied around the resort.

The villa has two 25sqm bedrooms, featuring kingsized beds, walkin wardrobe areas, and bathrooms with freestanding circular bathtubs. The 30sqm master bathroom also comes with outdoor shower and bathtub options allowing guests to stay that much closer to the blue skies and sea breezes.

As part of the Sala Signature Selections, guests can choose from a variety of scents for bath soaps, shampoos, conditioners, body lotions and pillow types to finetune their bespoke experience.

The open design and stunning setting are perfect for weddings and exclusive gatherings for up to 25 guests. Private events are fully catered by the resort, whether it’s a poolside BBQ birthday celebration in the afternoon or a sunset wedding cocktail reception and party on the deck.

The resort plans to open its second phase in 2019 that will house 83 rooms, pool villas and pool suites, as well as the Sala Spa and Gym, a garden oasis swimming pool with inviting Garden Pool Bar, plus an openair show kitchen with an exciting roadside restaurant and bar concept.

Rates for the Oceanfront twoBedroom Presidential Pool Villa start from Bt28,000.

Online booking can be made via email info@salahospitality.com or by visiting http://www.SalaHospitality.com.