The first Mandarin Oriental property in China’s capital, it will be positioned as the city’s most luxurious boutique hotel and will feature the Group’s core pillars of chic design and architecture, exceptional dining facilities and a Spa offering the latest wellness and beauty facilities.

The hotel takes its name from the lively Wangfujing district in which it is located and is seamlessly connected to WF Central, Hong Kong Land’s leading premium lifestyle retail destination with a dynamic mix of more 130 tenants including 20 brands debuting in Beijing or China. The hotel is just minutes from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, within easy reach of the CBD and financial district.

The 73-room boutique hotel is located on the upper two floors of WF Central with rooms that are a minimum of 55 sqm, among the largest in Beijing, many with views towards the magnificent Forbidden City.

The design is tailored specifically towards the needs of the contemporary traveller, deftly combining residential style and luxurious amenities. A fresh and bright colour palette, floor-to-ceiling windows, the latest technology, and marble-tiled bathrooms enhance the elegance.

In keeping with the Group’s reputation for dining excellence, Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing will have two stylish restaurants and a rooftop bar – all with access to a spectacular garden terrace. Cafe Zi will offer all-day dining, specialising in Asian cuisine and featuring a signature lunchtime dim sum selection created by Michelin-starred Hong Kong chef, Wong Wing-Keung. Mandarin Grill and Bar will feature classic grill-style dishes with interiors by Adam Tihany, while MO Bar will serve innovative cocktails and feature resident and international DJs.

The Spa will have four suites offering the refined and carefully-curated wellness and beauty treatments Mandarin Oriental is famed for, as well as a 25-metre, glass-roofed pool.

Within walking distance are the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the National Museum and the National Art Museum of China. The historic hutongs (alleyways) of Beijing, known for their charming courtyard homes, are also dotted around the district, as are ancient, tucked-away temples. Other easily accessible attractions include, the Temple of Heaven, the 798 art district and the Summer Palace. China’s most iconic site, the Great Wall, can be reached in under 90 minutes.

With 132 apartments offering a variety of layouts from studio to two-bedroom residences, all units come with high ceilings, providing a comfortable element of space for both travellers as well as longer stay residents. For the enhanced feel of home, each apartment is fitted with a customised Shama Slumber bed with an extra-soft feather mattress topper, fully equipped kitchenette, ample storage space, dual laundry washer and dryer, LED TV with international channels, Wi-Fi internet access and a work desk.

The opening of Shama Hongqiao Shanghai marks a key milestone for the group, which set up its Greater China regional headquarters in Shanghai earlier this year.

At the recent 2018 AHF Asia Hotel Awards, Shama was recognised as the “Best Serviced Apartment Operator of Asia”. The brand’s two most recent openings in Shanghai were also winners at That’s 2018 Hospitality Awards, with Shama Hongqiao Shanghai named “Most Highly Anticipated New Serviced Apartment of the Year” and Shama Changfeng Shanghai named “Newly Opened Serviced Apartment of the Year”. In addition, Amari was awarded the “Best Asian Style Hotel” at the 2018 Golden Pillow Awards of China Hotels.

“The Greater China region is one of our fastest growing and most important markets, and will continue to play a significant role in our ongoing expansion and quest to be one of the Asia-Pacific region’s leading medium-sized hotel operators. Following the formation of our Shanghai-based Greater China team structure, Onyx Hospitality Group has successfully attracted the best talent in the business. The opening of the 50th regional property right here in China and recognition by the wide range of industry awards is affirmation that our China growth strategy is heading in the right direction,” said Douglas Martell, the Group’s president and chief executive officer.

The Bangkok-based group has a growing regional portfolio of 50 operating properties across three core brands in eight countries. It is looking to develop 30 new properties in markets such as Australia and China, and has set a target of having 99 hotels open by 2024 as part of its journey towards being the best medium-sized hospitality player in the region.

For details, visit http://www.Onyx-Hospitality.com.

Located at Tamachi Station in one of the city’s most up-and-coming business districts, the 143-room hotel is surrounded by canals and provides easy access to Tokyo Tower, Haneda Airport, and Ginza. It is only a short walk from the Yamanote train line, meaning guests are a short ride from such major Tokyo districts as Shibuya, Shinjuku and Tokyo station. Guests can also enjoy a short cruise from the nearest canal to exciting Odaiba, a popular entertainment precinct on an island in the middle of Tokyo Bay.

The Pullman’s second floor is connected by covered walkway to Tamachi Station and is directly linked to Tamachi’s newest landmark, Tamachi Station Tower S — also known as msb Tamachi – a 30-storey shopping, restaurant, and office complex.

“We are excited to extend our footprint in Japan with the opening of our first Pullman,” said Eric D’Ignazio, vice president of AccorHotels Japan. “The Pullman brand is globally recognised for bringing an upscale and hyper-connected experience to guests that combines performance with enjoyment. It is the perfect brand for a vibrant metropolis like Tokyo and we are proud to launch as AccorHotels’ 1000th hotel in Asia Pacific.”

The lobby Junction boasts a colourful Japanese kabuki-inspired aesthetic, reflected throughout the hotel with a spirit of beauty and boldness that is typical of this stylised form of Japanese theatre. Designed to be lively and interactive, the Junction will change its mood throughout the day, offering barista coffees, cakes, pastries in the morning, and cool cocktails in the evening.

Guests can enjoy freshly prepared Mediterranean styled dishes with an Asian twist at Kasa, where the food philosophy is simple, fresh and fun including a live Teppan ice-cream counter. At Platform 9 rooftop bar, Japanese styled tapas can be shared alongside cocktails inspired by renowned bartender, Roman Foltan. The cosy bar features sweeping views of the Tokyo skyline and a cool, urban ambience, which will make it popular with both locals and visitors alike.

The hotel also features three banquet and meeting rooms, all located on the ninth floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer picturesque views of Tokyo and provide a private, comfortable space that can be used for any occasion. In addition, there is a Fitness room with state-of-the-art equipment and an Executive Lounge. All guest rooms and suites feature the tailor-made Pullman Bed from Takumi Otsuka, illy coffee machines, BOSE wireless speakers and indulgent CO Bigelow amenities, ensuring the highest levels of comfort and performance.

For reservations, email HB137@accor.com or call (+81) 3 6400 5855 and visit http://www.Accorhotels.com for more information.

With hotels located near popular attractions of cultural interest, Onyx Hospitality Group invites artists and art lovers to visit Hong Kong, Bangkok and Phuket and take in all the creative and artistic highlights of each of these destinations.

Hong Kong

Besides being a great destination for shopping and blessing trips, Hong Kong is also home to a wide range of art and cultural offerings. Travellers should include a visit to Tai Kwun, Hong Kong’s latest centre for heritage and arts located in the heart of the Central district.

As a former Central Police Station compound, Tai Kwun is a massive revitalised heritage project offering an enjoyable experience in Hong Kong’s historical and cultural milestones through interactive tours, educational programmes, contemporary performance arts and thematic exhibitions. With its unique architectural style, Tai Kwun is a fascinating place to wander around, with visitors immersed in arts and culture and snapping cool hipster photos. After a day of inspirational insights, guests can recharge and relax at Ozo Wesley Hong Kong that is located just a short ride from Tai Kwun and near Wan Chai MRT station.

The property is offering an advanced purchase offer with up to 15-per-cent off room rates with best rate guarantee. Nightly rates start at 734 HKD-plus (Bt3,100-plus). Get 10-per-cent off when booking at least seven days in advance and receive an extra five-per-cent off when booking 21 days in advance. The deal is available until December 31. For more information and reservations, visit https://www.OzoHotels.com/wesley-hongkong

Bangkok

Set in a charming heritage building in the heart of Bangkok’s old town, Museum Siam takes history-minded travellers on a journey through Thai history displayed in a range of creative and contemporary exhibitions. After four years of research and one year of renovations, Museum Siam was relaunched in late 2017 with a brand new permanent exhibition titled “Decoding Thainess”. Using innovative technology and unconventional storytelling methods, the exhibit’s 14 different zones explore all aspects of Thainess and its constant evolution from the past to the present.

After a day of fun, guests can hop on a tuk-tuk to return to Amari Watergate Bangkok and unwind by the pool or enjoy a wide range of dishes at Amaya Food Gallery, a signature restaurant inspired by the street food markets of Asia.

The property offers a hot deal package, with nightly rates starting at Bt4,292-plus, including a two-night stay in a Deluxe King Room together with Bt1,000 dining credit to experience the live cooking stations at Amaya Food Gallery and 25-per-cent off treatments at Breeze Spa. In addition, guests can take time to rest and relax, as the deal includes late check-out until 4pm. The package is available for stays until December 31. For more information and reservations, call (02) 653 9000 or visit http://www.Amari.com/watergate.

Phuket

Renowned for its beautiful tropical beach paradise and unique culinary specialities, Phuket is also a destination to consider for its diverse collection of street art and graffiti scattered across the old town.

From Amari Phuket, guests can take a short ride to Phuket old town, where colourful Sino-Portuguese architecture is the true highlight. In between cafe visits and find hunting, travellers should look out for a series of vibrant graffiti and street art along the alleys of Krabi and Dibuk roads. Created under the artists’ strong intention to revive the city as a top tourist destination, this series of street artwork is an open-air art gallery that is approachable and comprehensible for all ages. More than just adding the fun for tourists, each artwork illustrates Phuket’s local way of life related to the area. After a day of arts immersion, travellers can retreat back to Amari Phuket for tasty delights and a favourite cocktail while soaking in the sunset views of the ocean.

The property is offering the super saver package, with nightly rates starting at Bt4,980-plus for a minimum three nights’ stay in a Superior Ocean Facing Room, complimentary round-trip airport transfers, dinner at Rim Talay Restaurant, 20-per-cent off soothing treatments at Breeze Spa and a complimentary late check-out until 4pm. The package is available for stays until July 31. For more information and reservations, call (076) 340 106 or visit https://www.Amari.com/phuket.

Designed for families, the programme features such fun activities like Christmas songs and shows, cinema under the stars, dance classes, treasure hunts, face painting and fun cooking classes during Christmas celebration.

For a festive yin and yang balance between dining and burning calories, the resort will arrange a smorgasbord of activities such as tennis, water polo, beach volleyball, aqua gym, Bocce sessions, full-body workouts, table tennis, volleyball, a teen tug of war and more.

“Outrigger has created a festive season paradise in one of the most exotic beachfront destinations in the world,” said Cyrille Carmona, general manager.

“The seasonal magic of holidays in Mauritius will be here in abundance for families, couples and friends to cherish forever.”

There’s also the Escape Ordinary experience and guests can enjoy a renewal of wedding vows, personalised therapeutic sessions at the Navasana Spa, romantic candle-lit dinners for two on the beach, and eco trips to Le Morne Brabant, Grand Port and Chamarel or Souillac on eco-friendly electric bicycles.

Online bookings can be made at Outrigger.com or by email to resa.mauritius@outrigger-mu.com.

 For over a century, this historic hotel has been the spot for Hollywood’s brightest lights to socialise by the pool or romance in the cosy private bungalows, while studio moguls and heavy-hitting financiers complete deals in the famed Polo Lounge.

Inspired by its tinseltown history and lush playful grounds, Malin set out to create a series that honours the timeless Hollywood glamour that is synonymous with the hotel while incorporating his signature modern day style.

Over the course of a three-day shoot, Gray created scenes from his interpretation of the “Golden Era”, filled with beautiful people in vintage wardrobe and props from the 1950s and 1960s to capture the essence of the timeless hotel.

Utilising many of the most celebrated locations on the property, this series marks a first for both Gray and the Beverly Hills Hotel; for Gray, it is his largest shoot to date, as well as his first that incorporates staged vignettes of models, props and meticulously planned sets.

This is the first time a professional fine art photographer was permitted to shoot a collection at the property. The resulting series will be a celebration of both an artist’s vision and his iconic muse.

Signed and numbered prints are also available as limited editions on http://www.GrayMalin.com and at the hotel’s Signature Shop.

Nestled in the iconic 30-floor Vattanac Capital Tower in the central business district along Preah Monivong Boulevard, this brand-new residential-style hotel is surrounded by the Royal Palace, National Museum, Central Market, Wat Phnom, the art street, the river and other landmarks, making it an ideal base for exploring.

Boasting ultra-luxury accommodation and first-class hospitality services, the hotel has 175 elegant guestrooms including 37 suites, ranging in the floor area from 50 to 225 square meters. Each room is complete with large, round, window-facing tables that double as dining or work spaces, inviting guests to soak in the city skyline and Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers.

Designed by Melbourne’s BAR Studio, the interior design capture the essence of the country with a blend of Khmer architectural aspects, the country’s French colonial heritage and Cambodian craft techniques, all embraced by a subtle classic-meets-contemporary style.

“With its rich history and legacy, ‘The Pearl of Asia” is an ideal place to expand the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts brand and this debut represents an important milestone in our global growth,” says Sonia Cheng, chief executive officer of Rosewood Hotel Group.

“With the ever-increasing desire for authentic travel experiences amongst affluent explorers, Rosewood Phnom Penh satisfies this urge while also giving us the opportunity to raise our flag in one of the world’s most fascinating cities.

Gastronomes will be spoilt for choice with a variety of dining venues, with innovative and cutting- edge fare spanning Asian, Japanese and European cuisines. The warm Brasserie Louis on level 35 presents a panoramic vista of the city skyline and Mekong River from floor-to-ceiling, wrap-around windows, and features French classic comfort food and regional Cambodian favourites.

The Living Room is a refreshing spot for breakfast, snacks during the day or cocktails and appetisers as day turns to dusk and evening. Designed by Tokyo-based Bond Design Studio, Iza is a Japanese izakaya-style restaurant that invites guests to linger, sample course after course, and socialise over a lively meal with the main feature the robata-yaki and irori charcoal grill open kitchen with counter seating.

Guests can maintain their healthy regime by taking advantage of the fitness centre, which features an array of cardiovascular, strengthening and weight training equipment.

Find out more at RosewoodHotels.com/phnompenh.

Conducted online with more than 500 respondents during August and September, the survey focused on travellers interested in luxury wellness retreats, aged 18 to 76 and mainly living in Hong Kong, Singapore, Britain, Ireland, the US and Australia.

The participants were recruited through Compare Retreats’ online channels, including its digital magazine, newsletter, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

The survey found that 63 per cent of wellness travellers rank mental health as their primary interest in visiting a resort. The majority seeks yoga and meditation retreats and prefers the Maldives, Bali and Thailand.

Almost half of the respondents use Instagram to research, 78 per cent prefer allinclusive packages – accommodation, treatments, meals and activities – and nine in 10 are more likely to book a retreat with a plasticfree policy.

“Wellness tourism is the travel industry’s fastestgrowing sector,” says Dervla Louli Musgrave, founder and editorinchief of Compare Retreats.

“The latest figures indicate wellness tourism is a US$500billion market. It’s predicted this figure will exceed $800 billion by 2020. Given these boom conditions, it’s critical that retreat owners and hospitality professionals address the preferences and needs of wellness travellers.”