Meet Ninh Binh, Vietnam's up-and-coming tourism destination

Make a note of the name Ninh Binh, a region in northern Vietnam that is fast emerging as a tourism destination.

Known as "Ha Long Bay on Land," Ninh Binh is a UNESCO-protected province that offers dramatic limestone karsts, rice paddies, and winding rivers.

It is 100km from Hanoi and known for temples, paddleboat tours and climbing vacations.

You can get a bird's-eye view of Ninh Binh at Hang Mua, where 500 steps have been dramatically carved into the steep face of a mountain.

Pullman Hotels & Resorts, part of global hospitality giant Accor, has just announced the opening of Pullman Ninh Binh - the region's first internationally-branded hotel.

Ninh Binh sits approximately 1.5 hours' drive from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and home to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, and Cuc Phuong National Park.

The city's tallest building, Pullman Ninh Binh boasts of offering uninterrupted views across the landscape. The hotel has 283 rooms and suites, each with a private balcony overlooking the city or surrounding mountains.

Suites include separate living areas and access to the Executive Lounge, while the Presidential Suite offers two balconies, a private kitchen, and a dedicated dining area.

FoodConneXion, located on the lobby floor, offers an all-day dining experience, while Lumi Lounge, is billed as a relaxed gathering space filled with natural light.

Bublx, meanwhile, is a rooftop Champagne bar, while Mad Cow Wine & Grill and Hoa Thuy Tien will be opened later this year.

Pullman Ninh Binh has three swimming pools - indoor, outdoor, and rooftop - a 24-hour gym equipped with smart technology, and full-size sports courts.

“We are pleased to expand our network into Ninh Binh, a destination that is rapidly emerging as one of Vietnam's most compelling places,” said Garth Simmons, Chief Operating Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division for Accor in Asia.

“Introducing Pullman to Ninh Binh reinforces our confidence in the destination's long-term growth potential and our strategic focus on shaping new benchmarks for premium hospitality beyond Vietnam's traditional gateways."

To celebrate its opening, Pullman Ninh Binh is offering an opening offer, with room rates starting from VND 3,300,000++ ($175) per room per night for two guests, including daily breakfast, and VND 500,000 net in food and beverage credit per night.

I haven't visited yet, but have added it to my list for my next Vietnam visit. 

See www.pullmanninhbinh.com.

New Central Coast precinct aims to scale the heights

The rapidly growing Central Coast region north of Sydney will welcome a new hotel and lifestyle precinct this summer.

voco Gosford & The Archibald Precinct will make its official debut on December 1, featuring the Central Coast's highest rooftop bar and ballroom.

At the centre of it all is Astra, the rooftop bar and Japanese dining concept perched on Level 28 that is being promoted as the region's new destination for sky-high cocktails and fire-driven dining.

voco Gosford, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' premium portfolio, will add a new vibe to the heart of Gosford.

The hotel's 130 guest rooms draw inspiration from the surrounding landscape as well as voco's three brand hallmarks of 'Come on in', 'Me time' and 'voco life'.

How very hip.

I'm told "each guest room offers vibrantly playful interiors that include plush sustainable bedding, modern bathrooms and sweeping views across the city or bay, with most opening out to private balconies".

Among the highlights are a podium-level swimming pool with a swim-up bar, an on-site wellness centre and six dining and bar experiences. 

As part of The Archibald Precinct, family-friendly watering hole Archies will be home to two dining experiences: Ironbark Kitchen with modern Australian cuisine and pub grub, and Paolo's with hand-rolled pasta, trattoria-style dishes and wood-fired pizza. 

The jewel in the crown will be Astra, the Central Coast's highest rooftop bar and Japanese inspired izakaya. 

At the heart of the experience will be the hibachi grill, using premium binchōtan charcoal to sear meats and seafood before they are finished in a charcoal oven. 

Bookings for the hotel and restaurants open from November 12, ahead of the official launch on December 1. 

voco Gosford joins a growing collection of over 107 voco hotels globally, including six in Australia and New Zealand.

For bookings, and more info see https://thearchibald.com.au/

Sydney CBD gets a new Japanese-accented rooftop bar

Sydney is set to get a new rooftop bar with a Japanese accent. 

Located on top of the Cartier flagship store on the corner of George and King Street, JŌJI is the newest venture from ESCA Group - and is aiming to be a hotspot in Australia's biggest city. 

I'm told it will "merge creative harmony of Shibui, Wabi Sabi, and Datsuzoku principles" in its "lively" cocktail menu with food featuring "playful riffs" on reimagined Japanese-inspired dishes.

JŌJI's creators aim to seamlessly shift from tranquil afternoons to lively evenings featuring live DJ sets and vinyl sessions. 

The 310sqm rooftop venue features a cocktail lounge, a dining space and a panoramic terrace with views of Sydney’s CBD. 

Inside is a cocktail lounge, while there is also a dining room and guests can also choose to take a seat at either the kitchen or the bar counter. 

At the concept-driven cocktail menu reflects the Japanese principles of simplicity (Shibui), imperfection (Wabi Sabi), and creativity (Datsuzoku). 

“Our cocktail philosophy at JŌJI is rooted in these principles where we honour tradition but aren't afraid to experiment with ingredients and flavour pairings that challenge the ordinary,” says Kerry Burgess, the group bar manager for ESCA Group.

“Every cocktail is crafted to offer guests something fresh and exciting without losing that sense of familiarity.” 

Executive chef Paul Farag presents a menu with dishes designed to share that balances traditional Japanese ingredients with a contemporary approach. Central to the kitchen is a 2-metre Robata grill, where dishes are cooked over hot charcoals, giving them a rich, beautiful flavour.  

“We’ve designed the menu to be versatile, and utterly delicious, so whether guests are dropping in for a light snack, a full meal, or a late-night bite, JŌJI offers something that fits every occasion," says Faraq. "It’s about creating a space where you can come for any event, any kind of outing, and feel at home.”  

JŌJI opens tomorow (October 31). See jojisydney.com. 

Meet Melbourne's new rooftop bar

UPDATE: Now open for business

Melbourne has a new rooftop bar towering over Flinders Street. 

Fleet offers sweeping views of the Yarra River and beyond.

Flinders Street Station, the river, Southbank and beyond are visible from the 90-person venue, which sits above Vibe Hotel Melbourne and has a drinks list compiled by cocktail guru Grant Collins.

Negronis, spritzes, and martinis will be front and centre along with drinks like the Hurricane, made from gold rum, navy rum, pineapple, orange, lime, and passionfruit. Or maybe a Tequilla Manhattan with six-month barrel aged reposado tequila, sweet vermouth, orange bitters, angostura bitters and maraschino.

There is a Victorian-focused wine list featuring names like Soumah, Ten Minutes x Tractor, Levantine Hill, Polperro and Tar & Roses by the glass.    

The drinks pair with chef Asish Kumar’s bar snack menu.

So think half-shell seared scallops drizzled in lemon chili and butter topped with Yarra Valley caviar; torched Skull Island prawns with orange gastrique and puffed wild rice; Yurrita Cantabrico anchovies served with tomato butter and rye bread crisp; grilled corn tostada; braised pork cheek croquettes; and grilled lamb tenderloin served with olive salsa, pickled fennel, and black garlic jus.  

Fleet is open every Tuesday to Saturday from 3pm until late, and for lunch from May 16 every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

The hotel is at the intersection of Melbourne’s Flinders and Queen streets and notable for its original 1873 facade at street level.

See https://vibehotels.com/

Images: Tim Grey Photography

Who wouldn't want to enjoy a drink or two here?

Another press release, Another rooftop bar. Meh.

But then I took a look at the images.

Chiang Mai is one place that I have not yet visited and I have added Meliá Chiang Mai’s 360-degree rooftop bar to my list of has "must dos" next time I am in Thailand.

The highest bar in Chiang Mai, named Mai the Sky Bar, is perched on the hotel’s 22nd floor, with views of the Ping River to the city’s east and Doi Suthep Temple on the mountain top to the west.

Drawing on the Meliá hotel group's Spanish roots, it has a new menu showcasing a variety of tapas and pinchos, grazing boards and desserts under sections dubbed “Para Picar”, “Tableros” and “Postres” respectively.

The menu features dishes underpinned by local sustainable and organic farming.

Crafted by Jartisann’s Original Thai Cheese, from locally sourced raw cow’s milk from Chiang Mai, the new menu’s artisan cheese board options include ‘Forest Tail’, ‘Palazzo di Palma’, ‘Ricotta Affumicata’, ‘Saltara Machima’ and ‘San Paquanburie’ paired with coated nuts, dried fruit, grapes and other morsels.

Dishes such as the seasonal fruit platter, and ingredients including the tomato and basil used for the platter are sourced from nearby gourmet organic farm SEED as part of the hotel’s ‘360° Cuisine’ program.

 


In addition to cold cuts, the menu also features mixed grill skewers, croquetas, fresh summer rolls with vegetables in fresh spring roll wrap and sweet tamarind dip, and salmon tiradito with mango/passionfruit dressing, avocado mousse and pickled onion.

The dishes are designed to be accompanied by the bar’s spirits, cocktails, mocktails, wines, beers, coffees, signature teas, smoothies and shakes, fresh juices, and soft drinks.

“Mai the Sky Bar may be one of the loftiest venues in town, but we have a ground up approach when it comes to working with sustainable farmers, cheeseries, honey makers and more in Chiang Mai to ultimately support sustainable agriculture and healthier eating,” said the hotel’s general manager Marc Selinger.

As part of its “Sunset Chill and DJ Live Sessions” held every Thursday to Sunday until December 31, the bar will host a live music band from 6-8pm and a resident DJ from 8-11pm.

Call +66 52 090 600 or visit https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/chiang-mai/melia-chiang-mai/index.htm

Bold Melbourne hotel breaks the mould

In a world awash with cookie cutter corporate hotels, the funky Hotel Quincy Melbourne is a breath of fresh air.

It's a high-rise hotel with a touch of swagger and individuality, right on the doorstep of the nightclubs, bars and eateries of King Street and Flinders Lane.

Think brightly decorated rooms, street art-decor in the lift and on the walls, a rooftop bar and plunge pool with sweeping views of the city, a funky Asian-themed eatery, and mini bars with a difference.



Choose your pillow style, and talk with a Q-urator before you arrive to make sure everything is just as you want it.

There is also a Club Lounge for high flyers.

The Quincy brand began in Singapore, where food is of serious importance, and guests can choose between the grab and go SingSong, offering all-day grazing adjacent to reception, and the rather excellent first-floor Salted Egg, reviewed here last week: 

https://www.gourmetontheroad.com/2023/03/punchy-asian-flavours-shine-in-melbourne.html

On Q, the hip bar on the 28th floor, offers a happy hour, local beers and cocktails and views over Melbourne's worker ants way below at street level.

For guests who have had enough of Melbourne's hustle and bustle and just want to stay in their room, dinner can be served in a traditional tiffin tin, or you can choose from the mini bar that includes the likes of DIY bubble tea kits and Bae juice, made with Korean pears, to help aid hangovers.

If you've had a big night, the late night room service choices include alcohol neutralising lamb and cumin filled roti bread with cucumber and chilli relish  

Rooms are bright with reliable wifi, in-house movies and big-screen TVs with a Chromecast option.

General Manager Christian Price says the hotel's ethos is about "having fun".

My only criticism is that the lifts are slow at peak times. But for a grumpy sod like me that is a disappointing tally of dissatisfaction.

The 241 rooms are in three styles and all offer a Kevin Murphy amenities range, a selection of teas and coffees, as well as coconut water and mini bar potato chips in Singaporean laksa or Hainanese chicken rice flavours.

Oh, and if you are staying for breakfast in Salted Egg, the scrambled eggs with crab, Sichuan oil and crispy salt bush are not to be missed.

Quincy Melbourne has also teamed with local distillers Antagonist Spirits to create an exclusive gin for the mini bar.

Quincy Hotel Melbourne lead-in rates start from $205.79 but vary according to the season and what's on in town.

See https://quincymelbourne.com/ 

# The writer was a guest of Hotel Quincy Melbourne