Certified yoga instructor Leila El Krekshi will address the non-stop demands, expectations and deadlines that make modern, everyday life unsustainable in the long run. The workshop is designed to address burnout, struggles with chronic pain, health issues and relationship problems that result when people are unable to find ways to disconnect.

El Krekshi has practised meditation, yoga, dance and capoeira for most of her life and worked in countries as varied as Tunisia, Denmark and Tanzania, both in the private sector and with international organisations. She understands the underlying causes of stress, and her experience in stress management and techniques to solve anxiety, positions her to welcome participants from different countries and backgrounds.

“According to medical and scientific research, meditation, breath-centric yoga, and breathing techniques can ease stress, boost energy, improve sleep and improve overall health,” she says.

“This session is all about hitting the pause button and turning off the switch to better cope with stress and external pressures.”

On September 29, El Krekshi will lead a workshop on “Breath Vitality” with a focus on breath-centred yoga practice and pranayama (breathing techniques), which are among yoga’s most powerful practices to help maintain health, balance emotions, and keep the mind clear.

“A tip that I like to give to my clients, when stress arises and anxiety comes up, is to follow Zen Master Thich Nhat Thanh’s practice of taking three deep conscious breaths. It’s simple yet so powerful,” she adds.

“The power of using the breath to reconnect to the body and mind can help ease our anxieties, keep us grounded and bring us back to the present moment.”

Another Pause & Restore workshop will be held at akyra Thonglor Bangkok in October, followed by Yoga for Healthy Living in November.

Find out more at http://www.Aleenta.com/retreats.

Surrounded with multinational companies and luxury lifestyle malls, it’s a modern mid-scale hotel owned by PT Mandiri Karya Indah Sejahtera. Its 137 contemporary rooms and triple rooms are all equipped with comfortable beds, power showers and complimentary Wi-Fi.

The hotel’s restaurant serves daily buffet breakfast, followed by a choice of local, pan-Asian and international cuisine throughout the day. For corporate travellers, there is a business corner and six modern meeting rooms.

“The opening of Best Western Senayan Hotel marks another major milestone in the development of our Indonesian portfolio,” said Olivier Berrivin, the chain’s managing director in Asia.

“With its perfect location and international amenities, this excellent hotel becomes an exciting new mid-scale option in downtown Jakarta.

“Indonesia is a key market for Best Western. Following the opening of our fifth property in Bali late last year, and now this exciting new development in Jakarta, we operate a diverse collection of 17 hotels and resorts in the country. We will continue to seek new opportunities bring our industry-leading brands to destinations all across Indonesian archipelago in future.”

This is the fourth Best Western property in Jakarta, joining Best Western Mangga Dua Hotel & Residence, Best Western Plus Kemayoran and Best Western Premier The Hive.

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

AFTER POURING more than Bt4 billion (US$123 million) into a massive facelift, the Peninsula Beijing holds the honour of being the first – and, for now, only –all-suite hotel in China’s capital and this latest incarnation combines timeless craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, first-class service and great cuisine to ensure a truly luxurious experience.

The iconic five-star hotel is ideally located on Goldfish Lane in Wangfujing district and offers easy access to shopping malls and historical landmarks like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temples of Heaven and Moon. Opened in 1989, it was formerly known as the Palace Hotel before rebranding to Peninsula in 2006.

In 2016, the 15-floor property underwent the major refurbishment that reduced the numbers of 525 guestrooms to 230 residential-style suites. The exterior takes inspiration from the imperial palaces, with guests entering the lobby through a towering, traditional Chinese gate.

“At a time when modernisation has become the buzzword, we have chosen to retain a traditional Chinese style with an iconic exterior design,” says Cathie Yang, the hotel’s director of communications.

“This is a combination of shopping complex and hotel and we are proud to be home to Chanel’s first store in China and other shops spread over three floors.”

The guestrooms come in seven types, ranging in floor area from 60 to 165 square meters. The options include Superior Suite, Deluxe Suite, Duplex Suite, Premier Suite, Grand Premier Suite, Wangfujing Suite and Beijing Suite.

Focusing on extra comfort and convenience, each suite has a separate bedroom and living room and is equipped with three to seven tablets that can be pre-set in 11 languages. This latest version of advanced touch screen control panel allows guests to adjust the room temperature and lighting, open and close the curtains and choose TV programmes with a single click rather than using the remote control.

Superior Suite

“Our chairman Michael Kadoori is passionate about helicopters, Rolls-Royces and yachts, so the concept draws on air, sea, water and road,” Yang explains.

“The hi-tech tablet introduces the Voice over Internet Protocol service that allows guests to call home free of charge. All rooms also offer a selection of mobile phone chargers for every brand and guests will be greeted with Valrhona chocolate on arrival.”

The interior takes its design theme from a yacht, so all suites are graced with handmade mahogany furnishings by Cassina. Perfect for relaxing, the living room has a comfy sofa and a functional dining table that can be extended for three persons, while the TV is hidden away by a panel so as not to intrude on the classic surrounds.

The new structure provides a walk-in closet and a white marble bathroom, complete with separate shower and bathtub with a spa mode, which soothes guests with relaxing music and dimmed lighting. A painting of goldfish shaped like the number eight refers to the hotel’s address and symbolises good fortune.

Perfect for a family, the luscious 165-sqm Beijing Suite has a large living and dining space, along with a spacious dressing area adjoining the master bedroom. The study room can be easily converted into a second bedroom for the kids. There’s also a private cinema room, where guests can enjoy the latest movies or classic Hollywood blockbusters while chilling in upholstered sofas and armchairs.

During the day, guests can continue their exercise routines at the swimming pool and well-equipped fitness centre or enjoy the legendary Peninsula Afternoon Tea paired with premium Chinese teas in the Lobby.

The Peninsula is one of the hottest dining venues in the town. Popular Cantonese restaurant Huang Ting (Phoenix Court in English) is set in the courtyards of Beijing’s traditional noble houses and boasts a rare collection of antiques dating back to the Qing Dynasty.

The recommended dishes include Peking duck, stir-fried prawn with mashed salted egg yolk and broccoli, and stir-fried mandarin fish rolled with “Kin Hua” ham, black mushroom and celery.

The hotel also offers different “academy” programmes through which guests can experience the local culture. For example, the Baiju Celebration: A Taste of China’s Traditional Liquor takes guests to the factory and lets them learn how to make Chinese liquor, which they can then take back to the hotel and create their own tailored cocktail.

The Peninsula Spa offers a unique selection of spa treatments and beauty therapies, drawing on Chinese, Ayurvedic and European healing philosophies. As part of the cultural exchange with The Peninsula Bangkok, I try a 60-minute Chinese Meridian Massage, which has therapist James Jang using different techniques to relieve my tight muscles and balance my circulation.

IF YOU GO

>> Peninsula Beijing is at 8 Goldfish Lane in Wangfujing district, Beijing, China. Check out the best rates at http://www.Peninsula.com.

Overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, the upscale resort blends contemporary design with traditional Thai charm in a prime beachside beauty spot surrounded by lush tropical gardens and soothing pools.

Located only 10 minutes away from the centre of Hua Hin, it offers 96 elegant suites and pool villas, the Asara Spa, a modern, well-equipped fitness room, private outdoor infinity swimming pool and gardens that are ideal for taking a peaceful stroll.

“Hua Hin is one of Thailand’s most desirable beach destinations, and we are delighted to unveil such a stunning property on this golden stretch of coastline,” said Mark Willis, president – Asia, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts.

“Movenpick Asara Resort & Spa Hua Hin is an intimate tropical retreat and the perfect place to get away from it all,” said Simon Dell, general manager. “Its idyllic location, spacious accommodation and extensive amenities appeal to a wide range of guests, from couples seeking a romantic break in paradise to families looking to spend quality time together. It is also an incredible destination for events and weddings.”

The 120-sqm suites come complete with large balconies or terraces featuring day beds, as well as bathrooms with indoor and outdoor rain showers and bathtubs, while the one- and two-bedroom villas span 150 and 200 sqm, respectively, and include luxurious indoor living areas, outdoor decks and private plunge pools.

For the ultimate tropical lifestyle experience, the 400 sqm two-bedroom beachfront villa offers three separate pavilions, its own private beach area, large outdoor decks and a plunge pool overlooking the sea.

Guests have a choice of two exquisite restaurants at the resort with a wide selection of authentic Thai cuisine, fresh seafood and international gourmet dishes on the menus. The restaurants offer indoor, terrace, poolside and beachfront seating options with cocktails and cool drinks served at the tropical beach bar.

To celebrate its opening, the room rates range from Bt5,930 for a Junior Suite with breakfast valid until September 30.

Online booking can be made at http://www.Movenpick.com/hua-hin.

Eden Exoticism Planet, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Located a short walk from Rueifong Night Market, the Eden Exoticism Planet is a unique motel that offers exclusively themed rooms, including a suite inspired by one of DC Comics’ most popular superheroes. Embrace your inner Bruce Wayne in a luxury room full of dark and mysterious decorations including posters, logos and signals that represent the infamous comic character.

Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Orlando, USA

You’re never too old or too young to gain an appreciate for comic book characters, which is evident at The Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel’s Despicable Me Kid Suite. In this fun suite, young guests can spend the night as the small yellow comic characters they love so much. The exclusive room, which has special custom-made beds and kid-size furniture, is attached to the grown-ups room where parents can enjoy some privacy while the little ones are embrace their inner minion.

Hotel Zed, Victoria, Canada

The colourful Hotel Zed in central Victoria is a fun place for travellers looking for retro-chic amenities like comic books in each room, video game stations, a ping pong room, typewriters and vinyl listening stations. The hotel’s indoor heated pool with waterslide and a sauna are great to hang out in after enjoying your free morning coffee on the common terrace while reading an exciting comic book.

Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Hotel JenPuteri Harbour is just a short walk away from the Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park and features themed rooms, including a few that feature Japan’s most loved kitten comic character. The themed rooms are individually decorated and themed welcome amenities of the adorable character are also available. To unwind, guests can relax in the rooftop swimming pool and choose from a selection of wines and cocktails at the Sky Bar.

Comics Guesthouse, Rome, Italy

Comics Guesthouse is a truly unique property with colourful rooms themed after various comic book characters. Guests are invited to play the Wii, PlayStation and other arcade games in the lounge, before and after exploring The Eternal City. The property is in the lively neighbourhood of Prati, where you will find a great selection of shops restaurants and cafes.

Grassmarket Hotel, Edinburgh, UK

The Grassmarket Hotel is in the lively and historic Grassmarket neighborhood of Edinburgh. Its stylish rooms are decorated with wall-sized magnetic maps and some room decorations are inspired by the adventures of a well-known British comic book character from one of the longest running comics in the world. From the hotel, guests can rent a bike, get a packed lunch from the property and discover the narrow alleys and the iconic buildings of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The Royal Mile, a succession of streets that are home to many traditional Scottish pubs, is a short walk away.

Sato Castle Motel, Taipei, Taiwan

Sato Castle Motel is a fantasy themed hotel with a castle-like design. Each of the eye-catching themed rooms is decorated in bright colours and has striking light effects, so guests will feel as if they are living in a their own comic book story. Only a five-minute walk away is a large shopping mall with a famous, 70-metre tall Ferris wheel on the roof, which at night offers an impressive neon light show.

The Arcade Hotel Amsterdam, Netherlands

Featuring a comic library, a game room with high-end gaming PCs, virtual reality and a modern console corner, The Arcade Hotel Amsterdam is a great place to enjoy a fun gaming night in the center of Amsterdam. All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, retro consoles and headsets, as well as free Wi-Fi. The hotel is also organises a popular “geek tour”, where you will discover the city’s best comic book stores and learn everything about the “geek” life in Amsterdam.

THE LUTETIA hotel in Paris, favoured by the likes of Picasso and Hemingway, reopens after four years of costly renovations that it hopes will win it the “palace” label reserved for the most opulent of French lodgings.

Steeped in history, from its occupation by Nazi intelligence agents to its years as a hangout for celebrity intellectuals in the 1950s, the Lutetia hasn’t changed much on the outside at least.

The new-look hotel in the chic Saint-Germain-des-Pres neighbourhood has retained its imposing art deco facade, lined with elegant wrought iron balconies overhung with carved stone grapevines.

But the 200-million-euro (Bt7.8 billion) makeover has allowed the hotel to spruce up its original frescos and stucco work, decking out the 184 rooms and suites in understated luxury.

Bartenders stand behind the bar of the newlyrefurbished Lutetia Hotel.

Hotel manager Jean-Luc Cousty says the goal was to “create a contemporary hotel by enhancing everything that was historic”.

“The Lutetia has not lost its soul, and one of the big triumphs of architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte is that natural light has been brought in throughout,” he explains.

The first guests were due to walk through its corridors – lined with dark eucalyptus wood – on Thursday.

There is a softly lit 17-metre swimming pool, while the rooms feature discreet art-deco chandeliers and a lot of white marble: the baths were carved out of a 1.9 tonne block.

While the brasserie will not reopen until autumn, guests can sip a cocktail in the Josephine bar, whose frescos, previously forgotten under layers of wallpaper and paint, have been restored after 17,000 hours of painstaking work.

Opened in 1910, the Lutetia owes its existence to its neighbour Bon Marche, one of the first department stores in the world.

Marguerite Boucicaut, its owner, had the hotel built to provide accommodation for her wealthy customers travelling up to Paris from the provinces for shopping trips.

Situated in the centre of the Left Bank, the heart of the French intellectual scene, it quickly became a hub of philosophical and artistic debate.

During the Nazi occupation of Paris, the hotel was requisitioned by German forces and used to host and entertain troops.

Upon the liberation, wartime leader General Charles de Gaulle – who himself had honeymooned at the Lutetia – ordered the hotel to take in thousands of refugees.

A book shelf in the diningroom of the newlyrefurbished Lutetia Hotel in Paris / AFP 

Post-war it swiftly regained its reputation as a place to see and be seen, with artists like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse haunting its hallways.

James Joyce famously wrote part of “Ulysees” there – with the help of editing suggestions from Ernest Hemingway – and the dancer Josephine Baker was also a regular.

Currently a four-star hotel, the Lutetia has applied for a fifth – the next step before getting the “palace” label, which is currently held by 10 top Parisian hotels including the Bristol and Peninsula.

The Lutetia “offers something different, it wouldn’t do any harm to the other palaces because its clientele is different,” says Christian Mantei, head of national tourism development agency Atout France.

Cousty says the Lutetia attracted hardly any of the ultra-rich “Middle Eastern and Russian customers who prefer to stay in the ‘Golden Triangle’”, an area near the Champs-Elysees boulevard on the other side of the river.

While still out of reach for all but the wealthiest, he said is Lutetia was aiming for “more accessible” pricing than those rivals on the Right Bank, “with an average price of 800 euros”.

Bought in 2010 by Israeli group Alrov, the Lutetia is seeking to double its turnover – which stood at 30 million euros before the renovation works – within three or four years of reopening.

At least the timing is good: after two years during which Paris was scarred by terror attacks, tourists returned to the French capital in record numbers in 2017, with 33.8 million hotel rooms booked.

Guests can fuel exclusive board meetings with seasonally sourced cuisine created with international flair, savour fine wines and enjoy extra-curricular local experiences ranging from private yacht charters to post-work spa experiences.

With two fully equipped modern meeting rooms ranging in size from 48 to 91 square metres and multifunctional outdoor spaces including a stunning rooftop terrace, the resort provides the perfect setting for creative productivity.

There’s a choice of dining concepts run by top foreign and Thai chefs, all boasting picturesque views of the sand and sea, including Hansha – Phuket’s first rooftop sea-view sushi and sashimi bar.

After meetings, guests can unwind within the sanctuary of the Spa and select custom treatments from an extensive menu of services inspired by nature.

Groups or individuals can also choose to sail through stunning Phang Nga Bay, kite-surf in the bay, tour the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery, or try their hands at a Thai cooking class.

“If a quick walk can clear your mind and boost productivity, just think what an escape to one of the world’s most sought-after tropical destinations can do,” says Nai Harn general manager Frank Grassmann.

“Along with our multipurpose meeting facilities and seamless scheduling, companies can choose to integrate an array of cuisine choices, inspiring indulgences and unique island activities.”

Special meeting rates and services are available until October 31 for groups booking a minimum of eight rooms. Groups can receive additional discounts and benefits inclusive of complimentary upgrades, express check-in and check-out, spa discounts, attractive pre- and post-stay rates for those who would like to extend their stay.

Find out more details at http://www.TheNaiHarn.com.

Following the success of its first property, Bensley Collection  Shinta Mani Angkor, this new resort features 15 exquisitely customised luxury tents in a private sanctuary to offer a true glamping experience.

Guests will arrive at the gate lounge by road or helicopter and then can take a unique adrenaline-filled flight to the resort via a 380-metre zip line over river and waterfalls. General manager Sangjay Choegyal and Bensley Butlers will be in charge of the Landing Zone Bar, where guests will be greeted with welcome refreshments.

Perched over 1.5 kilometres of river and waterfalls, the options include 14 one-bedroom tents and a two-bedroom tent, ranging in floor area from 100sqm to 140sqm. The striking designs will evoke the luxury safari trip in the jungles of Cambodia.

With no official menu, culinary offerings under the direction of the camp’s talented chef Kien Wagner will include wild edible plants sustainably foraged each day from the forest to accompany the best quality meat and seafood available.

Fresh condiments will be made in house and the camp will have a permaculture farm to support local farmers and fishermen.  The area has a rich source of large succulent mud crabs, which are a local delicacy. All ingredients will be fresh, organic and sustainably sourced from the surrounding forests and as well as imported where necessary.

There is also a range of creative luxury adventures to enjoy. Guests can spend a day exploring the untrammelled waterways of South East Asia’s last wild estuarine ecosystem aboard a custom Bensley designed fully equipped expedition boat complete with kayaks.

To the north, guests will get a chance to accompany antipoaching rangers and researchers as they check camera points and study the wild forests and their inhabitants, or enjoy hiking trails developed by a naturalist team.

Room rates start from USD1,900 (Bt63,290) per night, inclusive of all food and beverage, activities, spa treatments and land transfers from Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville airports. Helicopter transfers are additional.

Check out the best rates at http://www.ShintaMani.com/wild.php.

Called Best Western Plus Speech Pattaya Hotel, it is a brand new project located on Pattaya 3rd Road, and is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of next year.

This downtown hotel will put guests within easy reach of many local attractions, including the Terminal 21 and Central Festival lifestyle malls, Alcazar Cabaret Show and Art in Paradise gallery.

Owned by Numchai 2014 Co, the property will feature a modern cubist facade and sleek, stylish and spacious interiors. Soaring ceilings and glass walls will allow natural light to flood into the lobby, presenting a bright and welcoming ambience.

The 163 designled guestrooms will be havens of contemporary comfort and connectivity, equipped with wooden floors, trendy lowslung beds, working desks with international power outlets, mood lighting and complimentary WiFi.

The hotel will also feature a wide range of facilities including an allday restaurant for modern Thai and international cuisine, a bright bar for daytime drinks and evening cocktails, a stateoftheart fitness centre and an outdoor infinity pool.

“Best Western Plus Speech Pattaya Hotel is one of our most exciting projects to date. With its convenient downtown location, cuttingedge design and international facilities, this hotel is sure to become a favourite among visitors to Pattaya,” says Olivier Berrivin, Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ managing director of International Operations  Asia.

According to Mastercard’s Asia Pacific Destinations Index 2017, Pattaya welcomed 8.1 million international visitors last year, which made it the eighth most popular destination in the entire Asia Pacific region.

Best Western Plus Speech Pattaya Hotel will be located just a short drive from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and close to the fastexpanding UTapao Airport, which now handles more than 1.4 million passengers per year.

This is collaboration between InterContinental(IHR) Hotels & Resorts and Baido to enhance and redefine the customer hotel experience in China’s hospitality industry. Some of 100 AI powered Club InterContinental suites will roll out in China and other key destinations across the country within the year.

“IHG has always been at the forefront of innovation. We are thrilled to be pioneering in the hospitality industry, and exploring the various possibilities of future experience with our guests. Millennials are particularly sensitive to technology, often seeking new things to try. The AI Smart Room will undoubtedly be extremely attractive for them, paving the way for a new level of modernisation and consumer satisfaction,” said Lin Wang, vice president of marketing, IHG Greater China.

“We will continue to make use of cutting-edge technology in hotel service and facilities in the future, and we hope this will further strengthen customer awareness and appreciation of smart technology. Meanwhile, we will provide more efficient operation and management services to our hotel owners.”

For instance, guests will be able to freely switch settings between work and leisure modes, and enjoy a more convenient and seamless room service experience. This solution will also further fine-tune the current backstage management system, including customising information and resetting devices, making hotel management a simpler task.

“With its well-rounded service functions, DuerOS continues to empower partners of various industries, and contributes to ecological data sharing. It is an honour to work with InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and to jointly launch our solution for intelligent hospitality. This presents an exciting and dynamic change to future user experience,” said Jing Kun, general manager of Smart Living Group, Baidu.