Massive new luxury complex for Singapore

The huge Marina Bay Sands complex in Singapore is to gain a neighbouring sibling.

Las Vegas Sands this week broke ground on a new $8 billion luxury resort and entertainment destination.

The occasion was officiated by Singapore’s Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong; along with other dignitaries, news hub Travel Mole reported.

Robert Goldstein, CEO of Las Vegas Sands, said: “With its opening in 2010, our founder Sheldon G. Adelson embarked on a journey in Singapore with Marina Bay Sands that promised to change the face of tourism in the region.

“We have every intention of delivering a new era of luxury tourism in Singapore.”

The new project will feature a 570-suite luxury hotel tower capped with signature rooftop and dining experiences, retail boutiques, gaming, spa and wellness amenities, and approximately 200,000 square feet of meeting space.

It will also include a 15,000-seat arena for concerts and sports events.

The waterfront development will be located adjacent to the existing Marina Bay Sands.

The highlight of the hotel tower is the Skyloop, with elevated public and private spaces.

As a counterpart to the iconic Sands SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands, the Skyloop has 360-degree views.

The lower Skyloop will house an observatory, destination restaurants and rooftop gardens.

Above, hotel guests can enjoy private cabanas and infinity-edge pools. There will also be a cantilevered wellness terrace that is designed for yoga, arts and specialty events.

A breakfast for every taste

Breakfast is a thing of beauty at The Damai resort, deep in the hills of northern Bali overlooking the beaches of Lovina. 

You can choose between a traditional Balinese breakfast, a healthy “Green” breakfast, an American breakfast or a la carte choices. 

Many of the ingredients, including the breads, jams, and many of the fruits are sourced from the 14-villa boutique hotel’s nearby farm. 

Whatever your decision your meal starts with a small glass of jamu - the local health elixir. The ingredients change on a daily basis. As does the composition of the fruit plate.

The views are spectacular. The food equally so.

A full resort review will follow in a few days but here are some breakfast dish highlights to whet your appetite. 

Check out http://www.thedamai.com/ 

# Hosted

The Slate showcasing a very fashionable event

 

One of Thailand's top resorts, The Slate Phuket, is starting its 2025 events calendar with a high-energy fashion event.

The resort's first BOLD event, Dynamic Dimensions, will blend the fashions of Frederick Morrison (This is Fred), the art of Trey Hurst, the soundscapes of Marcos Alves, and the food of chef Lynley Marston to create an immersive experience.

The event will be held in Rivet and Rebar on Saturday, March 8.

“At The Slate, we believe in pushing boundaries and providing our guests with experiences that ignite their imagination,” says The Slate's owner Krystal Prakaikaew Na-Ranong. 

“BOLD events are designed to transport guests into a world of artistic brilliance through food, fashion, art, and performance and this event promises to take them through different sights, sounds, and sensations to experience creativity in motion.”

The Slate team is "passionate about showcasing new talent and celebrating creativity in all its forms and BOLD events are designed to give guests and the people of Phuket a truly immersive experience that redefines what it means to escape from the everyday".

“We believe travel should be about more than relaxation; it should be about discovery, growth, and shared moments that linger in the heart. This one-night-only event is the perfect embodiment of that philosophy.” 

Prices start from 2500++ THB per person. To book call +66 76 327 006 or email fb@theslatephuket.com

Designed by Bill Bensley, The Slate Phuket is set on Nai Yang Beach and is an experiential hotel that tells the story of the island's rich tin mining history. BOLD events encourage guests to Be Original, Lighthearted and Daring by showcasing chefs, artists, and creators.

See www.theslatephuket.com 

New resort offers a quieter slice of Thai life

Bangkok and other big cities are great, but when you really want to get away from it all and experience the real Thailand then there are plenty of delightful options.

Ko Yao Yai is a Thai island in the Andaman Sea, halfway between Phuket and Krabi, that's known for sandy beaches, mangroves, rubber plantations and fishing villages.

Visitors arrive on longtail boats or ferries and the surrounding waters are dotted with dive sites.

If you like some luxury with your tranquillity, the Anantara hotel group - with whom I have had several good experiences - has just opened Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas, which has been added to my "must do" list.

Anantara Koh Yao Yai has 148 suites, villas and penthouses, all reflecting Thai heritage.

The beachfront villas have been designed with eco-friendly grass roofing to blend into the natural surroundings without blocking the views of the beach for other guests.

Of special interest to groups are the family pool access suites with terraces opening directly onto the resort's family pool.

For those who want to splash out, the resort’s eight butler-attended sea view pool penthouses offer Andaman Sea views and outdoor living options. Think a covered cabana for al fresco dining as well as an oversized soaking tub with sea views

Koh Yao Yai is, right now, largely undeveloped and devoid of mass tourism.

Among the excursion options are vintage sidecar tours to a rubber plantation, batik-making, tie-dye classes, island-hopping, mountain climbing and scuba diving.

The resort offers several dining options with the signature Beach Restaurant showcasing local seafood, dry-aged steaks and sushi offerings. At Pakarang, the menu features contemporary Thai dishes, while there is also a Japanese eatery with panoramic ocean views.

The Kids’ Club is promoted as one of Thailand’s largest while Anantara Spa has five treatment rooms split between single and double suites.

For more information see www.anantara.com/en/koh-yao-yai-phuket.

Keeping it casual at Sanctuary Cove

Back in 1988, when I was working for the US news agency Associated Press, I was given the assignment of covering the opening of a swish new resort on the Gold Coast.

It was no ordinary opening.

Frank Sinatra and Whitney Houston headed an entertainment line-up that also included Peter Allen, while Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert played some tennis for the invitees and there was Arnold Palmer, who designed the golf course, enjoying the ambience. 

It was dubbed "The Ultimate Event". Anyone who was anyone was there and developer Mike Gore earned worldwide publicity. 

Sanctuary Cove has been through some ups and downs over the 35 subsequent years, but new owners Mulpha Group are betting it will bounce back again. 

The latest addition to the Cove line-up is Waterfront restaurant Anchor Buoy, which has been has been refurbished and reopened with a new menu following its acquisition last year by Mulpha. 

The new menu from chef Mike Marshall includes crumbed snapper schnitzel; roast scallops with chorizo crumble and garlic butter, and cold smoked chicken salad, and local favourite fish and chips.

“Our aim is to reflect the spirit of Sanctuary Cove, providing great food and service at unpretentious prices for locals, boaties and tourists alike, whether they are popping in for a quick bite or relaxing in the sea breeze with a nice cool drink,” said Marshall.

Sean Robertson, Mulpha’s Regional General Manager for Queensland, is overseeing the launch. 

“We know how important great food and drink venues are for Sanctuary Cove residents, visitors and other local businesses, and we wanted to create a venue that is open for lunch as well as dinner that showcases exceptional food and service," he said.

“Anchor Buoy joins our Ioesco restaurant, and the Sanctuary Cove Tavern, as iconic local venues we are investing in to create a contemporary food and beverage scene that helps make Sanctuary Cove a great place to live and international tourist destination.”

Mulpha's hospitality portfolio includes Bimbadgen winery and Esca restaurant, wedding venue Palmers Lane and Emma’s Cottage Vineyard in the Hunter Valley as well as InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, InterContinental Sydney, and InterContinental Hayman Island.

Water and wine a winning combo for Six Senses

Leading wellness travel operator Six Senses has announced it is to make its debut in California's wine and weed capital: the Napa Valley.

Six Senses is to transform the Aetna Springs resort facility in Napa County, home of some of the most sought-after cabernets in the world.

The mineral springs resort was founded in the late 1800s but has fallen into disrepair.

It had thrived until the 1970s as a natural spa destination, with Aetna Mineral Water also sold.

“Six Senses Napa Valley will marry the region’s beauty with the unique natural resources of the original Aetna Springs,” said Six Senses CEO Neil Jacobs in a press release.

“Working with Weller Development Partners, Pegasus Capital Advisors, and committed sustainability partners, we have the right energy in place to revitalize this precious jewel in the Napa crown as a destination to rewild our guests back to a connection with nature, each other, and ultimately themselves.”

I'm not sure what rewild means, but I'm sure you get the message.

The revamped resort is a two-hour drive from San Francisco and Six Senses says existing structures will be sensitively preserved, and the landscape regenerated.

There will be a choice of 95 rooms and suites, including 10 tent-style structures. There will also be 16 residences, which will be serviced by Six Senses and, alongside all the resort amenities, enjoy access to a dedicated lounge.



Programs will include yoga, meditation, mindfulness, visiting practitioners, and various treatments and therapies.

The historic mineral springs will be revived with indoor and outdoor thermal experiences and bathing.

So like Evian, but surrounded by vines.

There will be four food and beverage outlets and Well will entice guests to an informal al fresco space to celebrate the history of Aetna Springs with mineral water bottling and distilling. To dilute all that water will be the region's best wines, including Napa’s famed cabernets.

Six Senses operates 20 hotels and resorts in 17 countries and has signed a further 34 properties into its development pipeline.

Hotel staff roll up their sleeves to help local community

Staff from a luxury resort donated their time and energy to helping out a local community centre that suffered storm damage.

In a world full of bad news, it is nice to be able to report on a good news story.

Luxury hotel group Banyan Tree has sponsored hundreds of causes and projects worldwide through its Banyan Tree Global Foundation - but it staff did their bit after Banyan Tree Samui general manager Remko Kroesen learned that a tropical storm had devastated a community centre on the island.

In addition to funding the cost of reconstruction, the Australian GM and several volunteers from the hotel rolled up their sleeves and helped out with landscaping and other labour-intensive tasks.

Over a year later, construction work on the canteen at the Wat Santi Wanaram Child Development Centre has been completed, and the 103 children and their teachers can enjoy a safe environment.

“We are so grateful to Banyan Tree Samui for recognizing the importance of children’s education here in Koh Samui,” wrote Suthima Chanrak, the acting head of the centre.

“We rejoice that we will have a new canteen, not only for the children’s meals, but also a building that will act as a focal point for community activities and town hall meetings.”

It is one of a number of initiatives implemented locally by Banyan Tree Samui in recent years.

“As a 5-star resort with beautiful villas and sea views, a spa, and exquisite dining, it would be easy to forget that many of the families on Koh Samui work nearby in coconut plantations or on fishing boats, and are often unable to meet the rising costs of medical care and housing,” said Kroesen.

“That’s why we maintain an annual fund to assist those in need, and never forget how lucky we are to share their wonderful island with them.”

For more information about the rebuilding of Wat Santi Wanaram Child Development Centre, please go to: www.banyantree.com/thailand/samui/wat-santi-wanaram

Resort links with the most environmentally friendly boat in the world

A focus on the environment has prompted an eco-friendly resort to link with the world's first vessel powered solely by renewables using solar, wind and hydrogen energy.

The Maldives resort LUX South Ari Atoll is known for a passion for sustainable travel and development.

It is the main partner of the the Blue Odyssey sailing project MS Porrima - the world's first vessel powered solely on renewables.

Sailing under the Swiss flag, Porrima has just set sail from Dubai to the Maldives as part of its circumnavigation of the globe and will end its ambassadorship voyage at the opening of Osaka World Expo in 2025.

The 36-meter-long vessel has 515 sqm of solar panels on board, capable of propelling the boat.

Its excess energy also converts seawater to hydrogen. 

Within the Blue Odyssey project, Porrima has already crossed every major ocean twice, with the main purpose of inspiring entrepreneurs and companies to take on planet-friendly initiatives and the best of technology to create an impact.

On the second week of July, LUX South Ari Atoll will host the boat and its crew on the island of Dhidhoofinolhu.

The resort says its objective is to help the Maldives become one of the pioneers of the hydrogen economy.

“We are delighted to be the key partner of Porrima's Blue Voyage, where this partnership reinforces our group's strategic focus on sustainable development and sharing pioneering breakthrough concepts of zero-emissions facilities that operate within natural boundaries," resort general manager Patrice Aira said.

"In addition to utilising solar energy at our resort, the support of this project is our way of caring for the ocean and the planet, especially in the Maldives where we are located.”

The boat creators are bullish.

“This is a revolution; this is a milestone for the world,” says Professor Gunter Pauli, founder of The Blue Economy and owner of Porrima.

“We want to share how Porrima generates more than enough power and uses this surplus energy to clean the ocean from nanoplastic. We want to set new global standards rather than building museum pieces.”

Thailand travel with a Spanish accent

Spanish hotel group Meliá Hotels International is a global giant aiming to make a major impact in Thailand.

Meliá Phuket Mai Khao, a wellness-inspired beach resort with a beach club and private pool villas, has just opened on Thailand’s largest island.

The resort is the second five-star property to be launched in Thailand under the Melia banner and is part of a brand roll-out across the country. 

Situated on Mai Khao beach on Phuket’s north-western coast on the Andaman Sea, the resort sprawls over eight acres and is now fully operational after some initial opening delays. 

The 30-suite and 70-villa resort is a 15-minute drive to Phuket International Airport and close to Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, Sirinat National Park and Wat Phra Thong temple.

The resort’s design melds traditional and contemporary Thai aesthetics with a smattering of Mediterranean elements (as you'd expect from a Spanish company).

The resort has three accommodation categories. Each features a single bedroom and is differentiated by an anchoring amenity - be it an outdoor bathtub, a private plunge pool or a wellness arrangement.

All of the suites and villas feature outdoor bathtubs, open-air showers and outdoor terraces to take advantage of Phuket’s climate. 

The 78sqm suites are complemented by cabanas and the 85sqm one-bedroom villas have private plunge pools.

At the top of the accommodation scale, the 15 wellness villas each feature an open-air Vitamin C shower, ultrasonic essential oil diffuser, GermGuardian air purifier, Tempur-Pedic pillows, aromatic salts for the outdoor bathtub, a fit ball and yoga mat. 

Which sounds just hunky dory. A highlight of staying in a wellness villa is a daily 60-minute massage included.

All rooms and suites have individually controlled air-conditioning, 43-inch LCD TV with satellite channels, Bluetooth speaker, Nespresso coffee maker and gourmet capsules. 

The resort has four food and beverage outlets under culinary director Luca Mancini. 

Gaia Beach Club celebrates Spain by serving Mediterranean and fusion cuisine from an open kitchen and a cocktail selection from a long bar.

SASA is an elegant all-day dining restaurant that specialises in international and Thai cuisine, while the Elyxr Café serves coffee and tea.

The Pool Bar is a swim-up affair at the centre of the resort that serves a range of refreshments including fresh juices, smoothies and cocktails.

On site amenities include a spa with a menu of massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps and the resort will offer wellness packages that include healthy menus and freshly squeezed juices as well as activities such as meditation, yoga, and walks and cycling. 

There is also a fitness centre and children's club.

“Meliá Phuket Mai Khao’s debut marks such an exciting time for Phuket, signalling our genuine optimism for the future of tourism on Thailand’s largest island,” said Maetapong Upatising, Phuket Villa Group's managing director.

Meliá Koh Samui debuted in January 2020, while Meliá Chiang Mai is slated to open in April 2022. INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit (a very silly name), the first property of its brand in Thailand, with 176 guest rooms, is due to open 2023.

See www.melia.com 

A new Phuket resort to tantalise the taste buds

Phuket in Thailand is one of my favourite holiday destinations and the Melia Hotels group are known for running top-notch establishments. 

Good news, then, that Meliá Phuket Mai Khao, a 30-suite and 70-villa resort on eight acres of Phuket’s north-western coastline overlooking the Andaman Sea, is slated to open in December.

Fronting Phuket’s longest stretch of sand, the resort on Mai Khao Beach is close to several attractions such as Sirinat National Park, Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, and Wat Phra Thong temple. 

Phuket International Airport is just a 15-minute drive away.

Authorities plan to open Thailand to fully vaccinated tourists from countries deemed low-risk from November 1.

Launched by Melia Hotels International and owned by residential real estate developer Phuket Villa Group, the five-star resort is part of a roll-out of the Meliá brand in key destinations across Thailand including Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and Bangkok.

The new resort has saltwater swimming pools, private villa pools, a reflection pond with sunken seating areas, water gardens, vertical falls and irrigation mist. 

The Mediterranean-inspired accommodations comprise 30 one-bedroom suites and 70 one-bedroom villas that each cater for up to two adults and two children. 

All feature outdoor bathtubs, open-air showers and outdoor terraces.

The 78sqm suites are complemented by cabanas and the 85sqm one-bedroom villas have private plunge pools. Fifteen “wellness villas” feature an open-air Vitamin C shower, daily massage, ultrasonic essential oil diffuser, GermGuardian air purifier, Tempur-Pedic pillows, fit ball and yoga mat. Which also sounds just a little tiring.

Meliá Phuket Mai Khao will feature four food and beverage outlets including the Gaia Beach Club eatery. 

There will also be all-day dining restaurant SASA, specialising in south-east Asian cuisine while Elyxr Café will serve fresh squeezed juices and some locally brewed liquors. There will also be a swim-up pool bar.

Meliá’s signature YHI Spa is home to five treatment rooms. In addition to its extensive menu of massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps, spa therapists also provide poolside and in-villa treatments.

The fitness centre is equipped with treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes and weights machines.

“Through our partnership with Spain’s leading hotel group, we are thankful that we can significantly contribute to Phuket’s recovery in the wake of Covid-19 by creating much-needed jobs for the local tourism sector and setting a new benchmark for hospitality on Thailand’s largest island,” said Maetapong Upatising, Phuket Villa Group's managing director.

As a Phuket veteran, I'm keen to check it out sooner rather than later.

See www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/phuket/melia-phuket-mai-khao/index.htm

Break free just a short drive from Adelaide and McLaren Vale

Calling all wine lovers visiting the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia who also fancy a seaside holiday.

Wirrina Cove is located between the coastal towns of Second Valley and Normanville on Yankalilla Bay and combines a resort, 18-hole golf course and the 210-berth Marina St Vincent.

Accor and New Terry Developments today opened the 87-room BreakFree Wirrina Cove hotel, which is surrounded by national parks, beaches, waterfalls and kangaroos. The resort features sweeping views of Gulf St Vincent.

BreakFree Wirrina Cove is around 70km south of Adelaide and boasts conference and function facilities, high-speed internet, bar and cafe facilities, plus a swimming pool and gym.

Accor Pacific CEO Simon McGrath said: “We are proud to open a BreakFree resort in the Gulf St Vincent region. This resort will play a key role in further elevating the area's profile and its attractiveness as a leisure and business destination.

"Terry Developments should be very proud of the long-term investment they have made into the future of tourism the area, and we look forward to enjoying a successful partnership together.”

BreakFree Wirrina Cove Owner Andie Xu said: “With outstanding golf and meeting facilities in the Gulf St Vincent region, BreakFree Wirrina Cove sets a new benchmark in accommodation.

"We are delighted to be partnering with Accor, who are the market leader of accommodation in Australia, under a franchise agreement. Accor’s BreakFree brand is the ideal fit for our resort, and we’ve enjoyed working with their team to create a resort that is both contemporary and welcoming.”

To celebrate its opening, BreakFree Wirrina Cove has launched an opening special. Guests can stay from $119 per night in a standard King room including continental breakfast until September 27.

Wineries in the Fleurieu Peninsula are located just 20 minutes' drive from BreakFree Wirrina Cove and Victor Harbour is also a short drive away.

For more information visit accor.com

I do like to be beside the seaside: a Margaret River standout

When you stay at a five-star beachfront resort and the weather is wet, windy and miserable then your entire trip can be ruined.

Fortunately, there is a certain magic at Pullman Bunker Bay Resort in Western Australia that means you can still have a good time even when the weather gods are not favouring you.

Pullman Bunker Bay is brilliantly situated overlooking the ocean at Naturaliste, just up the the road from the Margaret River wine region. You can arrive by car, bus or helicopter via Pullman's private resort helipad.

The public areas offer spectacular views of the water - and sometimes of frolicking migrating whales.

There are 150 villas here, along with an ocean-view restaurant and bar, heated infinity-edge swimming pool, fitness centre and tennis courts, day spa and kiids club, award-winning say spa, free wifi and free parking.

The villas are spacious and well equipped and the Other Side of the Moon restaurant (named for a local surf break) offers serious food with a focus on local produce.

The accommodation ranges from studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom bungalow-style villas that are ideal for a romantic getaway or a family holiday. Each villa features lake or garden views, an outdoor courtyard or deck, a kitchen or kitchenette, Smart LCD TV and complimentary wifi.

Experienced European chef Kiren Mainwaring is the executive chef. Originally from Wales, he trained at Wolfscastle Country Hotel and Spa in Pembrokeshire before working at three-star Michelin seafood restaurant Coutanceau in the French coastal town of La Rochelle.

He operated Two Friends restaurant in the Swan Valley and Co-Op Dining in East Perth before moving to Margaret River in January.

“The direction of the menu is to source and highlight the amazing produce we have in the south west,” he said. “I have drawn on my experience and designed dishes that let the produce speak for itself.”

The range of local produce features Leeuwin Coast oysters, Manjimup cauliflower, Margaret River venison, Capel region marron and Angus beef from the south west.

The food is delicious and menu standouts include baked crab and bacon cannelloni with mozzarella, wild roquette and pickled cucumber salad; Abrolhos Island scallops and char-grilled Capel marron with garlic and sunshine lime glaze. 

Star desserts include vanilla and lemon myrtle crème brulee and a chocolate mousse with salted caramel. 

There is a range of wines by the glass with a focus on Margaret River.  

Mainwaring heads a team that includes French-trained pastry chef Romain Lassiaille, who creates the resort's famous desserts.

“I am very proud to be working in an amazing venue with a strong team and look forward to promoting an incredible region,” said Mainwaring.

There is a well-drilled team of staff on hand - and you can even catch a golf buggy back to your villa after dinner should you be unlucky enough to encounter rain like we did.

See pullmanbunkerbayresort.com.au.