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Akaryn Hotel expansion: Aleenta Mountain Retreat in Bali and Akyra resort in Hoi An

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Akaryn Hotel Group, a Thailand based boutique hotel specialist, is preparing to expand into international markets for the first time, with the launch of its pioneering hospitality brands in Indonesia and Vietnam.

In the coming months, two of the group’s hotel concepts will make their international debuts. Aleenta, the original barefoot luxury brand that first launched in Thailand in 2004, will be introduced to Bali, Indonesia’s “Island of the Gods”, and akyra, the trend-setting boutique brand, will arrive in Hoi An, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed port town in central Vietnam.

Aleenta Retreat Bali will be a spiritual sanctuary in the island’s mountainous north, an hour’s drive from Ubud. Designed in a classical low-rise Balinese style, this serene wellness retreat will feel a million miles away from the busy tourist resorts in the island’s south. Nestled in the lush, jungle-clad hills, this exquisite hideaway will allow guests to relax and reconnect with each other in paradise. The 50 rooms will be large and luxurious, whilst also exuding authenticity and being equipped with the latest amenities.

A spa village and yoga resort, Aleenta Retreat Bali will feature an extensive Ayurah Wellness centre, where guests can unwind with an array of soothing treatments, including traditional Balinese massages and natural therapies. An outdoor yoga area will overlook reflective ponds and a fitness centre will allow guests to enjoy an invigorating workout in paradise.

A choice of restaurants will focus on fresh, organic ingredients, while the Pool Bar will serve refreshing drinks during the day and after dark. Local handicrafts will be available at the Galleria boutique, and guests will have plenty of opportunities to head out and discover the local area, including Ubud, Bali’s cultural capital. Aleenta Retreat Bali will also provide an elegant setting for weddings and functions, with a choice of indoor or alfresco event spaces.

“Aleenta was our first brand and our pioneering resorts in Phuket and Hua Hin have become hugely popular among guests. Every Aleenta property is designed to reflect the timeless charm and character of its destination, featuring large living spaces and world-class facilities while also operating in harmony with the environment. Aleenta Retreat Bali will be a fantastic addition to our portfolio; secluded, spiritual and sensual, this sublime sanctuary will allow guests to discover the true essence of the Island of the Gods,” said ,” said AKARYN Hotel Group’s Founder and Managing Director, Anchalika Kijkanakorn.

Also opening its doors in 2019 will be akyra Hoi An, unique waterfront resort nestled midway between Hoi An’s historic town centre and golden China Beach. Located on the banks of the Thu Bon estuary, this low-rise boutique retreat will be accessible either by car or by boat and many of the 110 stylish rooms and pool villas will sit on the water’s edge.

Guests can soak up this stunning setting with a morning yoga class, a spa treatment at the Ayurah Wellness centre, a dip in the onsen or a workout in the modern fitness centre. Alternatively, they can simply plunge into the inviting outdoor infinity pool. Young guests will be kept entertained at the kids’ club, and all ages can discover delectable Vietnamese and international cuisine at a choice of two restaurants and a pool bar.

akyra Hoi An will provide the perfect balance between cultural exploration and tropical relaxation; the enchanting port town of Hoi An, with its diverse heritage and alluring architecture, is just a short distance away, while the golden sand and azure sea of Vietnam’s central coast is also easily accessible. It will also provide a spectacular setting for events and dream weddings.

“With its peaceful and picturesque waterfront setting, halfway between the city and the sea, akyra Hoi An will allow visitors to discover everything this charming destination has to offer. Guests who have experienced akyra’s hotels and resorts in Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai will be familiar with the brand’s trend-setting style. We look forward to introducing guests to a new era of contemporary, cutting-edge hospitality in this idyllic location,” Anchalika added.

AKARYN Hotel Group currently operates a collection of captivating boutique hotels and resorts across Thailand, including Aleenta Hua Hin-Pranburi, Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga, akyra Beach Club Phuket, akyra Manor Chiang Mai, akyra Thonglor Bangkok and the most recent addition to its portfolio, akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok. The group will continue to introduce its luxurious and personalised style of Asian hospitality to even more destinations across the region in the months and years ahead.

Travel News | eTurboNews

New sales leader at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC & Kimpton George Hotel

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Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC and Kimpton George Hotel announced the hire of Katherine Saad-Loman as director of sales and marketing for both boutique hotels in Washington, DC. Saad-Loman brings a strong resort, catering, and luxury hotel background to the position, as well as nearly 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry.

In her new role, Saad-Loman will drive all sales and marketing activities for Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco Washington DC and Hotel George. Saad-Loman’s day to day as director of sales and marketing for the two hotels will be spent with an emphasis on working with key corporate accounts while also leading the hotels’ expert sales, catering, and events staff. Under her guidance, the team will continue to create ridiculously personalized meetings, weddings, and creative event experiences, offering seasonally-inspired food and beverage in partnership with the hotels’ talented restaurant teams. Saad-Loman will also spearhead strategy for all sales segments and oversee the approach toward revenue, digital marketing, advertising and public relations efforts for the hotels.

Saad-Loman joins Kimpton with varied and impressive experience. She began her career at Hilton Singer Island Ocean Front Resort where she increased catering sales 350% across her three year term. After learning the ropes of a conference hotel, Saad-Loman gained experience as a director of food and beverage at Imperial Lake Golf and Country Club in Mulberry, Florida. She then cut her teeth in a number sales and operations roles throughout central Florida and Baltimore before joining the team at Walt Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort as a senior sales and catering manager. She continued to advance her career at top hotels in the Florida market before returning to the Mid-Atlantic as a director of sales and marketing at Bethany Beach Ocean Suites in Delaware. Prior to joining the team at Kimpton, she was task force director of sales and marketing with Crestline Hotels & Resorts in Fairfax, Virginia.

A world traveler and graduate of Catham College in Pittsburgh, Saad-Loman has called the greater DC area home for the past seven months. Outside of work, she can be found planning her next trip, finding places to use her fluent French and recommends everyone live abroad at least once in their lives. Saad-Loman is a member of Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) with a passion for mentoring those looking to hone their sales and leadership skills, and she also volunteers, teaching financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship to first graders through Junior Achievement of Greater Washington in her spare time. Saad-Loman brings a stylish sense of leadership and a wide range of sales and marketing experience to both Hotel George and Hotel Monaco Washington DC.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Accor welcomes 21c Museum Hotels into MGallery Hotel Collection

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Accor today announced that the Group has officially welcomed 21c Museum Hotels into the MGallery Hotel Collection, a global network of more than 100 storied boutique hotels located in 26 countries. The announcement marks the arrival of the MGallery brand into North America.

Bearing both the MGallery and 21c brands, 21c Museum Hotels – MGallery represents a shared commitment to inspiring guests to delight in and fully discover the very best the world has to offer. 21c Museum Hotels – MGallery will maintain 21c’s distinctive spirit and pioneering vision of combined contemporary art museum, boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants, and preserve the singular personality, style and story of each individual property. 21c will be fully integrated into the MGallery collection, bringing to life the passion for rich experiences and local discovery for which MGallery is known.

“MGallery was first created in 2008 to share a new vision of high-end, boutique accommodation featuring highly emotive experiences designed to be inspiring, engaging, and richly imbued with character. This ambition gave rise to a collection of unique storied boutique hotels that are captivating, memorable and individually-styled. As sought out addresses for those who relish memorable experiences, bespoke design and off-the-beaten-track moments, each MGallery hotel is remarkable for its singular personality and is deeply rooted in the destination’s history,” said Yohan Amiot, vice president brand management, MGallery.

Yohan Amiot comments further, “Today we are honored to welcome 21c Museum Hotels into the MGallery family. 21c envisions a new kind of hospitality, which promotes accessible, unexpected and innovative arts, cultural and culinary experiences for guests and locals alike, globally connected to contemporary culture, yet firmly rooted within each local community. The 21c brand is the perfect complement to MGallery’s concept of bespoke, creative hospitality for lovers of travel, the arts and immersive experiences.”

21c Museum Hotels – MGallery currently includes eight properties in Bentonville, Cincinnati, Durham, Kansas City, Lexington, Louisville, Nashville and Oklahoma City. Additional projects are in development in Chicago, slated for debut in late 2019, and Des Moines.

The brand also just announced that 21c Museum Hotels has been selected as the brand and management company for a combination boutique hotel, contemporary art museum and independently branded, chef-driven restaurant anticipated to open in the restored YMCA building in downtown St. Louis in late 2020.

“We are embarking upon an exciting period of growth for 21c Museum Hotels and the MGallery Hotel Collection,” said Chris Cahill, deputy chief executive officer, Accor. “Marrying 21c’s exceptional and distinctive brand with the influence of the MGallery collection and strength of Accor’s global platform deepens the full range of unparalleled experiences available to our guests. The official North American introduction of the MGallery brand marks the continued expansion of our lifestyle ‘boutique’ footprint.”

21c Museum Hotels – MGallery are now bookable through Accor reservations systems. 21c will also officially join Le Club AccorHotels as of April 1, 2019, affording 21c guests full access to Le Club AccorHotels member benefits, status points, and the earning and burning of rewards points.

Travel News | eTurboNews

STEM® Hotel Management Signed on for Belize Ocean Club

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STEM® Announces a new General Manager and Sales and Marketing Director
Belize Ocean Club is being reimagined by a global hospitality management company, STEM®. Lead by CEO Robert van Eerde, protégé of André Balazs, the leader behind the opening of Bono’s Clarence Hotel in Dublin, a consultant for Soho House group and hotels from Miami to Abu Dhabi and China. Specializing in stand-alone “true boutique hotels,” STEM® brings decades of international experience and heightened the quality of service to the destination.

“I’m so excited to be in Belize and proud to have assembled such a star team,” says Robert Van Eerde. “I can’t wait to show guests the experience we’ll be offering.”

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Among the experts on the team are Alistair MacLean, recently appointed as Regional Director of Belize Ocean Club, and Juan Palmada, who will serve as Vice President for Sales, Marketing and Development in the Americas. Maclean brings a strong international background, having led Sixty Hotels in New York City, Le Yaca in Saint Tropez, Serrano Beach in Saint Barth’s and most recently Antsanitia Hotel and resort in Madagascar. MacLean began his career working with the Savoy Group of Hotels and Restaurants in London, went on to become Director of Operations of Andre Balazs Properties, which included the roles of General Manager/Partner at Sunset Beach Hotel on Shelter Island, New York, and General Manager of The Raleigh Hotel in Miami Beach. He also served as Managing Director at The NoMad Hotel in NY and Regional General Manager of Chelsea Hotels.

He will be working alongside Juan Palmada, who has extensive experience in hotel operations and global marketing. Palmada began his career leading world-renowned hotels and resorts, such as the Beau Rivage Palace in Geneva, Hotel Condes, Havana and NH in Barcelona, Victoria Hotels & Resorts in Puerto Plata, and the Kimberly hotel in New York City. He also notably founded Epoque hotels, a collection of 300 style-driven boutique hotels located in 101 destinations around the world

Set on the beautiful Maya Beach, Belize Ocean Club is just a short journey away from the quaint village of Placencia and all the activities Belize has to offer. Perfectly situated for access to both jungle and ocean adventures, the resort also offers breathtaking views of the Maya Mountains, lagoon and Caribbean.

As the first new initiatives for the property, STEM® announces two new restaurant concepts and curated experiences for guests. FYAH, local dialect for fire, will be the new main beachside restaurant, serving cuisine rooted in Belizean traditions. All food will be prepared and cooked on an open-flame grill in front of guests. Visitors will lounge under the Palapa in a chic beach bohemian setting, where dining will be offered three times a week.

With the largest living barrier reef off its shores, STEM® is putting a focus on diving experiences, including the creation of an on-site dive certification program. The management team is also creating unique new excursions for adventure travelers – both at sea and in the nearby jungles and Mayan ruins of Belize.

STEM® Hotels is an international “TRUE” boutique hotel management company with offices all over the world. Founded in 2011 by Robert Van Eerde to support and guide the small independent hotel market through effective management. Clients include Hotel Astor, Red Wall Garden Hotel, Time Tunnel Designer Hotel, Sofu Hotel, The Emperor, Savoy hotel Miami Beach, Adria Hotel London, SOHO Beach House Miami, Pelican Hotel Miami, Manor House Nevis and El Ganzo, Cabo San Jose, Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels Qatar.

Source: Power Collective