Friday, January 29, 2010

The Chaine des Rotisseurs Celebrate their First Event of the Year at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort

On Saturday 9th January 2010 saw the year’s first meeting of the Pattaya chapter for the Chaine des Rottiseurs at the acclaimed Royal Cliff Beach Resort in Jomtien-Pattaya. One of the world’s oldest gourmet groups established in 1248, the Chaine des Rotisseurs gather regularly to celebrate and savour the finest foods including the way in which it is prepared, presented and tasted.


On this particular evening, 10 new members were inducted into the order whilst 2 existing members were promoted. The initiation ceremony which took place at the Promenade Lounge of the Royal Cliff Grand Hotel & Spa had the distinct honour of being presided by Mr. Firdaus Siddik, member of the Conseil Magistral in Paris and was assisted by Mr. Ranjith Chandrasiri, Bailli D้l้gu้ Regional, Mr. Jan Olaf, Argentier Regional, Mr. Fredi Schaub, Conseiller Culinaire and Mr. Peter Malhothra, Charg้ de Presse.

Following the formalities of the initiations, members were fortunate enough to enjoy a splendid gourmet dinner as created by Executive Chef Walter Thenisch of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort which featured exquisite delights such as Chiang Mai Cray fish and smoked trout with salad bouquet on lemon-avocado oil emulsion, poached turbot filet with celery and juliennes of baby zucchini on confit aubergine and whole roasted Black Angus beef rib eye with virgin olive oil poached vine-ripened tomato with truffled potato gratin. Accompanying wines included Tussock Nelson, Sauvignon Blanc vintage 2007 from New Zealand, Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Riesling vintage 2006 from California, Chateau Lamothe Vincent vintage 2007 from Bordeaux and the award winning Bad Boy 2006, Bordeaux.

Mr. Ranjith Chandrasiri, the Deputy General Manager of the world-renowned Royal Cliff Beach Resort and Bailli (president) of the Chaine des Rotisseurs, Pattaya chapter welcomed the guests during his speech, highlighting some of the gastronomic events from the past year and hinting to some very delectable surprises he has planned for the Chaine in 2010 as the Chaine des Rotisseurs continues in its quest for the ultimate culinary experience.

The Pattaya chapter of the Chaine des Rotisseurs meet for 2010’s first gathering at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Successful Identification of an Operator for a 5-star Serviced Residence in Bangkok

The Hotels & Leisure, Asia team of Colliers International has successfully concluded the selection of an internationally known serviced apartment operator for a luxury serviced residence planned to open in Bangkok, Thailand in early 2010. The team was the sole and exclusive advisor for the project and, after a lengthy process, Shama, a Hong Kong based, specialised serviced residence operator, was appointed by the owner to manage the property, which will be named as ‘Shama Bangkok’.


It is Shama’s first management agreement in South East Asia, although they have a number of serviced residences already operating in Hong Kong and the PRC.

The 19-storey property is situated in a prime position in the heart of Sukhumvit, Bangkok’s premier location for business travellers and tourists, being within easy reach of both the BTS Skytrain and the Metro Underground system, plus being within 200 m of Bangkok’s main north to south expressway. The property is around 30 to 40 minutes’ driving time from both Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Muang Airport.

The property, which is nearing construction completion, will be 5-star international standard and comprise 90 residences with a variety of unit sizes and configurations; there will be 20 one-bed units at around 60 sq.m., 52 two-bed units at 110 sq.m., 14 three-bed units at 140 - 145 sq.m. each and 4 three-bed units at 160 sq.m. each.

Other facilities include a lobby restaurant, a fitness centre and swimming pool, plus some meeting facilities.

“We were very pleased to have had this opportunity to work with the property owner in the selection and appointment of Shama, and are pleased to have been able to introduce Shama as the operator to their first serviced residence in South East Asia,” said R. Keith Humphreys, Director of Hotels & Leisure, Asia, Colliers International. “It’s an important milestone in Shama’s regional growth. Now the management agreement has been signed, Shama will commence work immediately and provide technical services and pre-opening services in order to have the property open by early 2010.”

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Plaza Athenee Bangkok, A Royal Meridien give guests who stay more nights, more rewards.

“More Nights=More Rewards from Starwood Preferred Guestฎ” Offers Travelers Double, Triple or Quadruple Starpoints at More than 850 Participating Hotels Worldwide


Plaza Athenee Bangkok, A Royal Meridien, under Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) is keeping its New Year’s resolution to provide guests even more opportunities and rewards for travel in 2010. To that end, Starwood’s award winning loyalty program, Starwood Preferred Guestฎ (SPG), today announces the launch of a rich, new promotion that rewards all stays with double, triple or even quadruple Starpointsฎ based on the number of nights stayed.
The longer guests stay, the more they can earn:
For stays of one or two nights, travelers earn double Starpoints
For stays of three nights, travelers earn triple Starpoints
For stays of four or more nights, travelers earn quadruple Starpoints

Notably, members will earn the reward for every night of their stay. For example, a three-night stay rewards members triple Starpoints on all three nights.

The More Nights=More Rewards promotion is available for stays between January 5 and April 15, 2010, and there is no limit to the amount of Starpoints travelers can earn during the period. The offer is available at more than 850 participating properties worldwide, spanning each of Starwood’s nine brands: St. Regisฎ, The Luxury Collectionฎ, Wฎ, Westinฎ, Le M้ridienฎ, Sheratonฎ, Four Pointsฎ by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloftฎ, and ElementSM.

Current SPG members must register at spg.com/morerewards from January 5 through March 31, 2010 to participate. Travelers who are not yet SPG members can join the award winning loyalty program and explore the full range of program benefits on this site as well. Membership is free and Starpoints are awarded beginning with the first stay.

More Nights = More Rewards is just the latest in a series of successful promotions SPG has launched to further reward members for their travel loyalty, and Starpoints can be redeemed for rich rewards like Free Night Awards and Award Flights. SPG’s Free Night Awards begin at just 2,000 points. And with the SPG Flights program, members can redeem Starpoints for airline tickets on more than 350 airlines for as few as 10,000 Starpoints. For both award nights and flights, there are no blackout dates and the booking process is simple and hassle-free. Members can also redeem Starpoints for VIP access to some of the season’s hottest concerts and once-in-a-lifetime experiences through the SPG Moments online auction at spg.com/moments.
About Starwood Preferred Guest

The SPG program’s breakthrough policy of No Blackout Dates at the world’s most sought after collection of hotels, reinvented the hospitality loyalty program when it launched in 1999. By creating a program centered on its members, SPG has developed the most passionate and knowledgeable membership base in the hotel loyalty space. Through its use of new technologies and innovative channels such as SPG.com, SPG.com/stayconnected, SPG.com/flights, thelobby.com and others, SPG continues to innovate and lead the industry. By offering No Blackouts on standard rooms at 940 participating properties, No Blackouts on hundreds of airlines, and once in a lifetime experiences available through SPG Moments at spg.com/moments, the program has proven to be a big draw for the world’s most frequent travelers, and a significant competitive advantage for Starwood. For more information about Starwood Preferred Guest please visit SPG.com or call (877) – STARWOOD.
Note to editor:

About the Plaza Athenee bangkok, A Royal Meridien The prime location and resort style facilities of Plaza Ath้n้e Bangkok, A Royal M้ridien makes this property like an oasis in a bustling metropolis for is guests traveling for business or leisure. The location also has historical significance as the original site of Kandhawas, the residence of Her Royal Highness Princess Valaya Alangkorn Kromluang Patchburi Rachasirindorn, the 47th child of HRH King Rama V. Today, this exclusive address places this stunning hotel designed by renowned Thai Architect Dr Jumsai Sumet alongside the embassies and trees framing Wireless Road, just steps from the BTS Phloen Chit Skytrain station.
About Le Meridien

Le M้ridien Hotels & Resorts, with its portfolio of more than 120 luxury and upscale hotels in 52 countries worldwide, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. The majority of Le M้ridien properties are located in the world's top cities and resorts throughout Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. In the 2005 Luxury Brand Status Index survey Le M้ridien was recognised as one of the top 15 luxury hotel brands. For more information, please visit www.lemeridien.com.
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 982 properties in more than 100 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regisฎ, The Luxury Collectionฎ, Wฎ, Westinฎ, Le M้ridienฎ, Sheratonฎ, Four Pointsฎ by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloftฎ, and ElementSM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

V Villas Hua Hin Nominates as the Best Luxury Hotel in Anywhere Travel Award 2009

V Villas Hua Hin has been nominated as “Best Luxury Hotel- Anywhere Travel Awards 2009” voted by readers of Anywhere magazine, Thailand’s one of the top ten Lifestyle and Travel magazine.


With a unique vision of a “Villazzo” inspired by contemporary villas and vacation palazzos, V Villas has combined the philosophy of self-rewarding leisure in a private villa with the exquisite sense of hospitality and the exclusive service of a palazzo.

Designed by internationally renowned French design firm J+H Boiffils, V Villas’ design concept was inspired by the geometric grid of an Asian rice plantation, featuring a stunning elevated walkway leading past serene water terraces leading from the lobby to the beachfront. J+H Boiffils’ innovative architectural concept has created a new level of contemporary resort design that gives a new interpretation to the conventional resort style that is commonly seen in Hua Hin. V Villas ingeniously blends modern and minimal lines with classic Asian serenity. For perfect leisure and rare seclusion, each villa incorporates the luxury of a private pool, tropical garden, and a spacious private terrace within each stunning villa.

J+H Boiffils’ elegant décor concept fuses contemporary Asian elements with sophisticated European luxury for both comfort and style. These unique modern Villazzos are specially created for the vacationers’ romance, recreation and revival.

With 24-hour guest service, plus unique and personalized butler service, these suites are fully equipped with an individual climate control system, a private 9 x 3.75 meters pool, a private garden, a living room with a sophisticated home theatre sound system, and a full bathroom with Jacuzzi. The outdoor terrace is perfect for entertainment or relaxation plus a sundeck area, a pillow menu, and free internet access. These villas are spacious, fully equipped, stylishly decorated and total floor space 340 sq.m.

Recently, V Villas Hua Hin also listed in 2009 Luxe List in DestinAsian magazine, the leading travel and lifestyle publication in the Asia-Pacific region.
V Villas Hua Hin managed by Accor

Accor, a major global group and the European leader in hotels, as well as the global leader in services to corporate clients and public institutions, operates in nearly 100 countries with 150,000 employees. It offers to its clients over 40 years of expertise in two core businesses:

- Hotels, with the Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Mercure, Suitehotel, Ibis, all seasons, Etap Hotel, Formule 1 and Motel 6 brands, representing 4,000 hotels and nearly 500,000 rooms in 90 countries, as well as strategically related activities, such as Lenôtre;

- Services, with 30 million people in 40 countries benefiting from Accor Services products in employee and public benefits, rewards and loyalty, and expense management.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific Launches ‘You Choose’ Promotion for Meeting Planners

Promotion Puts Meeting Planners in Control and Invites Them to Choose Their Own Rewards

And Earn Bonus Starpoints for Every 25 Room Nights Booked

Starwood Hotels & Resorts today announced the launch of ‘You Choose’ Promotion where meeting planners get to choose 3 rewards out of 10 based on their meeting needs when they book meetings in any of the participating 150 Starwood’s hotels and resorts across Asia Pacific between now and end of February 2010 for stays until end of July 2010. Plus, meeting planners will receive an extra bonus when they book their meetings before 31 December 2009. Meeting planners can find more details on this promotion as well as a list of destinations and hotels at www.starwoodmeetings.com/youchoose.

“This is a great opportunity for meeting planners to enjoy savings and earn some extra rewards. Following the success we enjoyed when we launched SPG You Choose promotion in 2008, a similar offer for Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) – Starwood’s award-winning loyalty program, we developed a similar promotion for our meeting planners. Many of them are our SPG members too and they have also feedback to us about their preferences.” Said Alison Taylor, Vice President Sales for Starwood Asia Pacific. “‘You Choose’ promotion helps to stretch the meeting dollars, and at the same time reward them for their continued support to Starwood Hotels and Resorts,” added Taylor.
The rewards* include:
1. Double complimentary rooms allocation
2. Double complimentary room upgrade allocation
3. Complimentary suite upgrades
4. Free internet access in guest rooms
5. Free internet access in meeting rooms
6. A 10% saving on the meeting package
7. Free welcome reception
8. Menu upgrades
9. Double Starwood Preferred Planner points
10. A complimentary room prize voucher

Meeting planners get to choose an additional reward for bookings before 31 December 2009.

In addition, for every 25 room nights booked, meeting planners enjoy 2500 Starpoints® at time of booking. In the event that the meeting group size is reduced not less than 3 weeks prior to the arrival date, meeting planners can reduce the room block up to 25% without penalty.

‘You Choose’ promotion is available in many popular travel and meetings destinations including China, Japan, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Participating brands include aloft, Westin, Sheraton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Four Points by Sheraton, W and Le Méridien.

* Terms and conditions apply. Please visit www.starwoodmeetings.com/youchoose for the full terms and conditions.

www.starwoodmeetings.com is one of the most robust meetings-related websites in the industry.

Featuring a variety of attractive offers, rewards and recognition, and comprehensive search

options, it is an easy-to-use, one-stop resource for organising events of any scale. An industry-first MICE widget, which sits on the desktop of event organisers, provides organisers with the most relevant information on promotions, meetings packages and updates within the shortest time.

dusitD2 baraquda pattaya: Asia’s only Finalist at FX Awards 2009

Pattaya, Thailand – The dusitD2 baraquda pattaya was recognised as one of the Best Hotel Designs worldwide at the FX International Interior Design Awards 2009 ceremony organised by FX Design Magazine of the United Kingdom and held on 24 November 2009 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.


FX Magazine selected dusitD2 baraquda pattaya as a finalist in the hotel category, the judging panel of industry experts declaring the resort hotel to be “creative, functional and welcoming, especially for its size”. The other 2009 finalists included W Hotel downtown, Atlanta; The W, New York; Andels’s Lodz; Andel’s Berlin; and Boundary, London, which was the winner. Finalists were selected based on aesthetic appeal, practicality and functionality of design.

“We are honoured to have been selected as a finalist for the FX International Interior Design Awards 2009,” said Mr. Paolo Randone, General Manager of dusitD2 baraquda pattaya. “We strive to be as distinctive as we can and we appreciate that our efforts are recognised.”

The prestigious FX International Interior Design Awards is organized by FX Magazine, the leading UK commercial interiors publication. The FX International Interior Design Awards have been celebrating excellence in design for the last ten years, with previous winners including some of the biggest names in international design.

Just a 90-minute drive from Bangkok and located within Pattaya’s entertainment and shopping district, the 72-room hotel is at the doorstep of Pattaya’s exciting caf้ scene and a short ferry ride to the white sand beaches of Koh Larn (Coral Island).

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Celebrate an enchanting festive season with friends and family at Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers

Celebrate an enchanting festive season with friends and family at Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers. Join in a world of fun as you create new memories through the evening’s delicious food and superb entertainment.

Christmas’ Eve

This Christmas Eve, choose from four fantastic dining options. Immerse your family and friends in etc…on the river’s vast array of special Christmas Eve buffet featuring the traditional dishes for those with firm favorites as well as an extensive selection of innovative and intriguing dishes from around the world. Alternatively, relax at Sambal’s bar with your favorite drink as you feast on a selection of our fresh assorted premium seafood, meat and vegetable, grilled Balinese style. For those looking for a more intimate dining experience, share the moment with your loved one at Bangkok’s first Italian restaurant, Giorgio’s as the scrumptious Italian set menu and the sweet hums of the carols set the mood. For those seeking authentic Thai cuisine with a beautiful surrounding, dine at the legendary Thara Thong where a set menu especially conceived for Christmas Eve will be sure not to disappoint.

Santa Claus and Santa Rina will visit each venue to delight the children and those still young at heart, whilst they sing along to their favorite Christmas song with the Christmas Carols.
Dine at:

etc…on the river Christmas Eve International buffet dinner for THB 2,900++ per person.
Sambal with an Western Set Menu for dinner at THB 2,900++ per person.
Giorgio’s with an Italian Set Menu for dinner at THB 2,900++ per person.
Thara Thong for a taste of authentic Thai food for THB 2,000++ per person.
Christmas’ Day

Enjoy a relaxing brunch on Christmas day with your loved ones as you share a magical moment with them. The spectacular Christmas brunch will feature a variety of seasonal specialties such as roasted butterball turkey with bread, meat and chestnut stuffing and cranberry sauce, potatoes, Christmas pudding and much more. Sing, laugh and cheer as Santa Clause, Santa Rina, seasonal music, a trio band, magic show and dog shows add to the festive fun!

Christmas brunch is at THB 2,500++ per person and will include a free flow of sparkling wine, house wine, blended juices and soft drinks. The event will take place from 11:30hrs until 15:00hrs.
New Year’s Eve

This New Year’s Eve, choose from four outstanding dining and entertainment options at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers. Welcome the year 2010 in style at our elegant New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner on the Riverside Terrace. The beautiful setting beside the Chao Phraya River makes it one of the best locations in the city to celebrate. With a floating stage on the river, two live bands, dancing shows, DJ, and a spectacular fireworks display, it will be a night to remember! A la carte dining is also available on the upper deck of etc…on the river. Gala Dinner THB 7,300 ++ person includes a glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne and a party set. Giorgio’s will present an authentic Italian set dinner whilst your family and friends watch on-screen entertainment on the terrace for THB 6,900++ per person or in the restaurant for THB 4,000 ++ per person including a glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne and party set. Thara Thong will serve an exquisite set dinner full of delicious Thai cu isine created especially for the New Year’s Eve by our talented chefs. Dine on the terrace THB 6,900++ per person with on-screen entertainment or in the restaurant with live Thai classical music and shows for THB 4,000++ per person including a glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne and a party set.

The Lobby Lounge is the place to be for the countdown to the year 2010. Join our fun party and groove to the sounds of the Smile Trio Band until the early hours. Cover charge of Baht 1,000 ++ per person from 22:00 onwards, including one complimentary drink, a party set and pass-around canap้s until midnight.
New Year’s Day - January 1st, 2010

Begin the New Year with the ones you love at etc…on the river. An exceptional buffet brunch featuring a wide selection of both international and local cuisines will be complimented by free flow sparkling wine, house wine, blended juice and soft drinks, all for Baht 1,800 ++.
Dress code for all venues is smart casual. Children from 5-12 years half price.
Prices are subject to 10% service charge and applicable government tax.