Opening of Noku Phuket

Noku Hotels has announced the opening of Noku Phuket. It is the fourth Noku hotel after Noku Kyoto, Noku Osaka and Noku Maldives.

A 45 minutes’ journey from Phuket International Airport takes you to the newly built resort that is a hidden gem nestled on the hilltop away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Surrounded by natural flora, the resort features amazing views of the Chalong Bay.

Noku Phuket has been lauded with the Green Mark Gold award recently from the Building Authority of Singapore for its green design and sustainable efforts.

There are a total of 91 spacious Villas and Lofts furnished in soft earthy tones that marries Thai modern architecture with the hotel’s hillside lush greenery.

Each roomy Loft features a large bathroom and balcony that overlook the surrounding forested hills. The spacious Hill Villas provide wonderful sea views over Chalong Bay, and each stand-alone Tree Villa is a private sanctuary nestled amidst a quiet green landscape. Unwind in your private pool in both the Hill and Tree Villas or have a relaxing soak in the sunken bath.

For dining, EMBRACE Restaurant offers guests the opportunity to enjoy mouth-watering Thai dishes using locally sourced ingredients. After a long day of exploring the sights and sounds of Phuket at near-by attractions, guests can wind down and sip cocktails at The Terrace bar while enjoying the panoramic view of Chalong Bay.

Designed around a reflective swimming pool, the Wellness centre features individual spa pavilions with curated massages, an Infra-red room and steam saunas. Other wellness facilities include a fully equipped gym and a yoga room.

The hotel provides complimentary shuttle services to nearby beaches, the Phuket Old Town and shopping malls.

nokuhotels.com/

LEVEN Manchester

LEVEN Manchester, an artfully designed new hotel is coming soon to the city’s vibrant Village neighbourhood.

Housed in a landmark early 20th century warehouse on the corner of Chorlton Street and Canal Street, LEVEN Manchester is a new hotel designed to be enjoyed on a guest’s own terms. LEVEN’s red brick walls and Crittall windows hold a rich history dating back to Manchester’s industrial past, including former uses first as a cotton warehouse, and more recently a brewery and comedy club. Following an extensive interior and exterior reimagining, the 33,000 sq ft property opened for soft launch in October 2021 as a design-led, 42-key hotel.

LEVEN is a brand new lifestyle hotel concept, and is a joint venture between Manchester-born entrepreneurs, brothers Joshua and Ben Senior, and industry innovators Wellbrook Hospitality.

well-brook.com

Jumeirah Group announces the opening of stunning new address in Maldives

Jumeirah Group (has announced a new international resort, Jumeirah Maldives.

Guests can now discover Jumeirah Maldives, an all-villa luxury resort tucked away in the crystalline turquoise waters of the North Malé Atoll, easily reachable by speedboat or seaplane from Malé Airport. Its idyllic location offers privacy for romantic getaways, a blissful island retreat for friends and family and experiences to suit the more active traveller.

The resort’s surprising panoramic architecture and calming interiors are the work of sophisticated Singaporean design studio, Miaja, who have created an elegant contemporary ethos in harmony with the natural environment, echoing modern Mediterranean chic – a design that sets it apart from the rest.

Jumeirah.com/Maldives

Mandarin Oriental Announces Luxury Hotel in Nanjing

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced that it will manage a luxury hotel in Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province in China, scheduled to open in 2022.
Mandarin Oriental, Nanjing will be located on the Qinhuai River and in close proximity to historic landmarks including the Gate of China, which forms part of one of the longest ancient city walls in the world built by the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty over 600 years ago.

The hotel will feature 106 rooms and suites with views of the river and the ancient city wall. There will be three restaurants and bars, including an all-day dining option, a Chinese restaurant and a Lobby Lounge. There will also be a range of adaptable meeting facilities, and a large ballroom that will cater to events and social functions.

The hotel will also have a Spa at Mandarin Oriental providing treatments and therapies, as well as an indoor swimming pool and fitness centre.

mandarinoriental.com

Kouros Hotel & Suites

At this luxury hotel, guests can indulge in the perfect post-Covid getaway within the classical setting of Mykonos island.

Nestled on a prime spot overlooking Mykonos Town, Kouros offers guests the best of both worlds: the island’s vibrant energy just moments away, while the accommodation offers a tranquil setting of pure peace and relaxation. The windy isle’s famous windmills and Little Venice are easily reached, along with the island’s shopping, restaurants, and infamous nightlife.

Kouros’ personal approach to guest services and a people-centric philosophy make for an unparalleled experience to satisfy even the most demanding visitors. Always keeping customer experience at heart, the hotel recently underwent a full renovation, while the owners continue to invest in new guest experiences, including the addition of a brand-new infinity pool.

All 40 rooms offer a sea view, and a fresh modern design blends with Myconian architecture elements for an authentic Grecian feel. Guests amenities include the Zoe spa featuring organic brand Kos-Paris and comes complete with hydrotherapy area with built-in Jacuzzi and hammam. For those looking for the perfect couple retreat, two treatment rooms are available, while the hotel also offers a wellness centre and outdoor pool. Foodies will enjoy a classic menu with a modern twist at the Narcissus Restaurant, while making the most of the breath-taking Cyclades sunsets accompanied by signature cocktails.

Additional services include valet parking, in-room champagne breakfast, 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, and express check out.

kouroshotelmykonos.gr

Casa Cook North Coast Egypt

Image by Visionalphabet/Fat TonyStudios

Casa Cook, the brand behind a collection of adults-only lifestyle hotels, has opened an all-new hotel on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. Casa Cook North Coast Egypt will welcome and host guests for an extended season, right up until the end of October. The hotel, located on an expansive salt-water lagoon and with its own private white-sand beach, is close to El Alamein (40km) and 150km from Alexandria. This unique stretch of pristine coastline is popular amongst Egyptians seeking an indulgent escape in beautiful surroundings.

The hotel offers 38 stylish rooms, including two Beach Suites with private terraces and direct beach access, all opening directly onto the salt-water lagoon. True to Casa Cook’s unique approach to space – always striking a balance between private and shared – guests are free to choose whatever suits the moment’s mood, whether that is a social affair, simple relaxation or something in between.

casacook.com/casa-cook-north-coast

To read more news, interviews and reviews, check out our A/W issue of Travel Dine Relax >> https://issuu.com/redkippermedia/docs/all_pages 

Last-Minute Grecian Getaway at The Ixian Grand & All Suites

As the summer months draw to a close and the winter blues creep in, there’s no better time to organise a spontaneous trip away at one of Greece’s finest hotels, located on the beautiful island of Rhodes.

The Ixian Grand & All Suites is renowned for its diverse offering, world-class service, unparalleled views of Ixia Bay and the Aegean sea, plus its exceptional hospitality.

Ideally located on the beachfront, the 5-star gem offers an array of stunning accommodation options, each with impressive, high-end facilities. The Grand Suite with Private Pool and Garden View offers comfort, chic décor, and privacy, while the Beachfront Grand Suite set on the waterfront is home to stunning ocean views. The property also features three exquisite freshwater pools and a Jacuzzi corner, along with leisure and sports activities.

Image courtesy of The Ixian Grand & All Suites

Guests can tantalise their tastebuds with an extensive list of restaurant options and bars available, including ‘Milonges’ offering top-quality local Greek favourites and the ‘Muza Htista’ Peruvian A-La-Carte for sumptuous plates of Nikkei cuisine. For cocktail lovers – Truman’s Bar offers some of the best beverages on the island!

For those who seek wellness and pampering, the hotel is home to a luxury wellness Spa, focused on inner healing and rejuvenation, the haven offers an array of treatments, including massages, facials, relaxation programmes and beauty treatments.

Image courtesy of The Ixian Grand & All Suites

The Ixian Grand & All Suites is not just home to impressive facilities and services, but it’s also located on a picture-perfect spot of the island, a short 7km away from Rhodes town and Medival City, and a mere 10-minute drive away from Filerimos, one of the three ancient cities of Rhodes. Visitors can take a trip into the old town to wander through stone-carved alleyways, visit the traditional fountains, museums, churches, boutiques and cafeterias, scattered through the maze-like infrastructure.

theixianallsuites.com/en/

Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort embarks on expansive renovation plan to debut November 2021

Iconic St. Lucia resort to unveil new accommodations, upgraded culinary outlets,  renovated spa and wellness facilities

November 2021 will mark a new chapter for Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, an iconic Caribbean destination located on the shores of the picturesque St. Lucia coastline. Embarking on a five-month closure beginning June 1, the property will reopen its doors on November 1 with an enhanced guest experience through various property renovations and experiential upgrades. Set to debut are nine accommodations, a plethora of upgraded culinary outlets, a brand-new beachside fitness facility and expansive amenity enhancements, including a refreshed spa and new main pool area.

Image courtesy of Viceroy Resorts

“We are excited to kickstart this multi-phase renovation journey that will bring a new and elevated luxury guest experience to our already celebrated Sugar Beach property,” says General Manager Mark Sterner. “Every aspect of the renovation has been thoughtfully designed to bring the best out of each space and provide a new level of service, privacy and hospitality to our valued guests. Those visiting in November can expect to see Sugar Beach completely revived and like they’ve never experienced before.” 

The property is currently home to various culinary destinations from fine-dining to al-fresco, all set to get a luxury upgrade come November. The fine-dining restaurant, located in the main house, will see an interior refresh that will further show off its grand location overlooking the beach and UNESCO Pitons, alongside the addition of a new open-air bar experience. Down by the beach at the popular al-fresco dining locations, a new barefoot luxury culinary journey will await. Various enhancements will be unveiled, including the expansion of undercover outdoor seating areas that will allow guests to dine beachside no matter the weather. 

Image courtesy of Viceroy Resorts

The iconic main pool sitting beneath the edge of the UNESCO Pitons mountains will be completely renovated to debut a new guest experience. A multi-tiered landscaped design of the pool area is being built to house a fleet of exclusive luxury cabanas and a brand-new poolside bar where guests can order light bites and drinks. Also overlooking the main pool, a special events lawn is being landscaped to accommodate the increased requests for private celebrations and functions. 

Catering to the soaring demand for private accommodations, November will see the addition of nine new luxury guest rooms. Four one-bedroom beachfront bungalows are being built right on the shoreline, while Five one-bedroom luxury cottages are being built higher up the mountain. Each will unveil a contemporary interior design with a fresh, neutral colour palette, complemented by unmatched views of the estate gardens, Pitons and beach. 

Image courtesy of Viceroy Resorts

A brand-new spa and wellness experience will also debut come November. The property’s award-winning Rainforest Spa, nestled in the heart of an actual rainforest surrounded by lush foliage and soaring mountain vistas, will add one couples treehouse treatment room. Bringing the total treatment room count to 10, the new couples treehouse will be built on stilts and perched high above the ground. With a completely different design to the existing treatment rooms, the new treehouse will have large glass windows that overlook the serene forest, an indoor free-standing bathtub, outdoor shower and balcony that will provide various options for couples to relax before and after their treatments. A new spa partner will also be announced when the property reopens alongside an exciting, revised treatment menu and a refreshed lobby space. A new wellness and fitness facility is also being built more centrally located right on the beach and will be home to a gymnasium and yoga studio.

As Sugar Beach is set to unveil this new chapter of its legacy, those visiting from November 2021 will be the first to experience the enhanced product that will be amplified with the property’s well-known, top of the line service and impeccable island hospitality.

viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/sugar-beach

Moxy Hotels Brings Its Play On Spirit to Mainland China, Making Its Brand Debut with the Opening of Moxy Shanghai Hongqiao CBD

The Disruptive Hotel Brand Expands to Mainland China with Additional Openings Slated for Shanghai, Nanjing, Shenzhen and Xi’an in the Next Year

Moxy Shanghai Hongqiao CBD (Central Business District) has officially opened its doors, debuting the Moxy Hotels brand in mainland China. Designed for the young and the young-at-heart, Moxy Hotels – part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 brands – enables guests to save on space and splurge on experiences. With thoughtful, tech-enabled bedrooms, interactive gathering spaces and approachable service, Moxy boldly reinvents the traditional hotel stay and aims to surprise travellers with a playful, spirited and fun guest experience.

The new 158-room hotel is located right next to one of the most important transportation hubs in China, which brings together the high-speed rail, an international airport, and local metro lines. Lidoway, a 15-minute drive from the hotel, is a bustling Gen-Z destination with an array of trendy lifestyle shops, restaurants and bars. Travellers visiting the Moxy Shanghai Hongqiao CBD can also explore popular attractions in Shanghai, including The Bund, known for its famous skyline, Xintiandi for its vibrant nightlife and food scene, and Tianzifang arts and crafts shopping.

“We are thrilled to continue to grow our global portfolio and introduce the energetic Moxy brand to mainland China with the opening of Moxy Shanghai Hongqiao CBD,” said Jeff Tomczek, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Distinctive Select Brands at Marriott International. “Shanghai is a world-renowned commercial hub and tourist destination, with an appeal to experientially minded travellers. Moxy will bring its Play On spirit and unconventional hotel experience to this world-class city and expects five more Moxy Hotels to open in mainland China within the next year.”

Moxy Hotels plans to open five additional properties in mainland China next year, marking anticipated solid growth in a region where next-gen travellers play an essential role in the China tourism market. Following the opening of Moxy Shanghai Hongqiao CBD, a vibrant new social scene is set to be introduced at Moxy Shanghai Xuhui, which is slated to open in the cosmopolitan city later this summer. Additional new Moxy Hotels are slated to open in Nanjing, Shenzhen and Xi’an within the next twelve months.

Moxy Shanghai Hongqiao CBD SHAOX – image courtesy of Marriott

“The opening marks the entry of Marriott Bonvoy’s 24th brand into mainland China – a testament to our focus on bringing a diversified portfolio for different types of travellers to China,” said Henry Lee, President, Greater China, Marriott International. “We currently operate more than 50 hotels in Shanghai and look forward to expanding our portfolio further across China to offer distinctive and personalised experiences for travellers.”

Moxy Shanghai Hongqiao CBD’s stylish and playful design pays homage to the neighbouring Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. It aims to welcome guests with the brand’s signature bold spirit by incorporating clever elements from airport terminals into the hotel lobby design, including an immersive display board that will feature flight information, route maps and aircraft seating updates in real-time.

Upon arrival, guests are instantly welcomed into an immersive stay with check-in at Bar Moxy, complete with a complimentary “Got Moxy” cocktail. The buzzing bar is also a communal hub in the lobby where guests can dine and socialise. Moxy’s 24/7 self-service grab-and-go concept gives guests access to what they want, whenever they want, with options including snacks, fresh juice, coffee, wine and beer. Guests can also re-energise at the hotel’s 24-hour fitness centre decked out with a boxing bag, signature racing bike and other equipment. Additionally, the new hotel features a 24-hour ironing room, a signature Moxy amenity, for guests to iron their outfits or socialise with their crew before hitting the town.

The hotel’s tech-savvy, modern bedrooms intermix edgy details with functionality and are cleverly designed to maximise space and allow guests the flexibility to adapt the room to their needs. Guests can enjoy smart features from plush platform beds to a fun-size work surface and peg walls instead of closets. Each guestroom is equipped with Moxy’s signature Stellar Works foldable workspace desks and chairs, as well as 55-inch flat-screen TVs, bedside USB ports, electronic safety box, walk-in rain showers and furiously fast and free Wi-Fi, allowing guests to stay plugged in around the clock.

Moxy’s interactive and intriguing Play On communal spaces will come alive with thoughtfully crafted happenings designed by the Moxy Crew to cater to travellers and locals who like to socialise and meet new friends. At Moxy Shanghai Hongqiao CBD, foosball and various popular board games are available in the communal spaces, and guests can mingle at events organised by the hotel.

“We’re thrilled to be the first Moxy hotel in mainland China in the electrified metropolitan of Shanghai and to show this city just how invigorating and fun a hotel stay really can be,” said Aleen Wan, Captain of the Moxy Shanghai Hongqiao CBD. “Different from anything else in this area, our spirited Crew members are excited to connect with travellers in a playful way over games and cocktails in our design-driven social areas, allowing travellers to blend work and play – all at an approachable price point.”

Marriott.com

Yorkshire’s Brand New 4-Star Hotel, Sandburn Hall opens today

A new 40 room four-star hotel on a 1,000 acre estate in the heart of North Yorkshire opens its doors for the first time, in time to celebrate English Tourism Week.

With a £6m investment, Sandburn Hall Hotel has forty country-style bedrooms, including two luxurious suites. The 1,000 acre family-owned estate it sits on is located just fifteen minutes east of York, and 40 minutes from the North York Moors and Yorkshire’s premier coastal resorts of Scarborough and Whitby. 

Sandburn Hall already offers an 18-hole championship golf course, the Grand Function Hall for weddings and other events, and the popular Tykes restaurant.  The hotel provides “the icing on the cake” for over 10,000 leisure and business customers each year, and is expected to contribute over £2m a year to the Yorkshire tourism economy, creating 30 new full and part-time jobs.

Lobby & Cafe Bar – image courtesy of Sandburn Hall

A design-led approach by leading hotel designer Rachel McLane, crafted country style with impressive Oak beams, natural light, sustainability and an active lifestyle (including walking and cycling trails on the estate) are at the heart of the hotel’s ethos.

Sandburn Hall opens its doors just as the tourism industry celebrates the re-opening of hospitality, and with the VisitEngland-inspired English Tourism Week heralding what is expected to be a record “staycation summer” across the country.

Sandburnhall.co.uk

Four Seasons Hotel Madrid is now accepting reservations ahead of its 15th September Opening

Stunning restoration and conversion of historic buildings places Four Seasons guests in the heart of the city and among the first to experience the debut of a new dining concept by Michelin-starred Chef Dani Garcia

With a soaring grand lobby welcoming guests at its heart, Four Seasons Hotel Madrid is located within Centro Canalejas, also home to 22 Four Seasons Private Residences and the Galería Canalejas luxury shopping centre. Architects Estudio Lamela led the restoration, preserving more than 3,700 artefacts throughout. Inside, interiors are by an international team of designers including BAMO, BG Architecture, Martin Brudnizki, AvroKO and Luis Bustamante.

“It’s truly been a labour of passion and love as these beautiful buildings transform into a fantastic setting for a new chapter in their histories,” says Christoph Schmidinger, Four Seasons Regional Vice President and the Hotel’s General Manager. “Our owner partners OHL Desarrollos and Mohari Hospitality, and our all-star team of artisans, culinarians and hoteliers, share our vision for offering a very personalised Four Seasons experience in a truly extraordinary setting.”

In a city that is ever changing but always welcoming, visitors will discover something new with every return visit. Four Seasons is just steps from Kilómetro Cero, the central point from which all distances in Spain are measured. In this truly pedestrian-friendly city, most of the main points of interest are within a 20-minute walk, including the 125 hectare (300 acre) Retiro Park with its incredible Glass Palace and endless pathways amid trees, fountains and ponds. Three of the world’s best museums – the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía – form a Golden Triangle in the neighbourhood around Four Seasons.

A New Culinary Destination

At Four Seasons, Spanish celebrity Chef Dani Garcia will unveil Dani, a new dining concept from the three Michelin-starred chef, with an unmatched rooftop setting envisioned by acclaimed London and New York-based designer Martin Brudnizki. Expect a bright and vivid brasserie with a sophisticated touch, where guests will savour Andalusian cuisine and panoramic views throughout the day and evening, both in the spacious indoors and out in the sunshine on the terrace.

Isa, a gastrobar located on the first floor, will continue to move forward the tapas trend that began in Spain, adding modern Asian flavours paired with cutting-edge cocktails in a space created by global design studio AvroKO.  Adjacent to the Hotel’s lobby, El Patio also invites relaxed drinks and dining.

Also at Four Seasons

Four Seasons Hotel Madrid guests may choose from 200 rooms and suites – among them an exceptional triangular Royal Suite with double-height ceilings and numerous historic details.

Hotel guests and locals will find a four-level spa retreat capped by a sky-lit indoor pool and sun terrace looking out across Madrid’s rooftops. The spa will be the largest in the city, offering eight treatment rooms plus a salon and 24/7 fitness centre.

More than 1,400 square metres (15,400 square feet) of flexible function spaces – including the glamorous oval-shaped Sol Ballroom – can accommodate both business meetings and social events.

Lead With Care

Four Seasons Hotel Madrid is committed to providing an experience that is both safe and enjoyable for its guests. In strict adherence to the latest local guidelines for health and safety, the Hotel is also implementing Lead With Care, a newly enhanced health and safety program at Four Seasons hotels and resorts worldwide.

Four Seasons also encourages the use of the award-winning Four Seasons App and Chat, which further allows guests to control how they engage with others – limiting face-to-face interactions while maintaining the highest levels of personal service. Features include the ability to make and manage reservations, request luggage pickup, airport transfers, room service, restaurant and spa reservations, and much more. Wait-free check-in and check-out is also offered, while Four Seasons Chat integration offers instant translation of 100+ languages, giving guests the flexibility for contactless engagement with Four Seasons staff throughout their stay in Madrid.

Be Among the First to Experience Four Seasons Hotel Madrid: For a limited time, Four Seasons Hotel Madrid is extending an Introductory Offer featuring 20 percent savings off the regular room rate.

New Aqua Club to open at UK five star hotel

Image: The new Aqua Club development at The Headland Hotel

The Headland in Cornwall, UK, is to open a new £10 million ($13 million) wellbeing experience called The Aqua Club for 2020.

Located in Newquay, on the north coast of one of the UK’s most beautiful counties, The Headland offers five-star hotel and self-catering accommodation in a stunning coastal setting.

The Aqua Club represents a significant investment in the development of The Headland as a luxury, world-class destination and will feature five swimming pools, including a 25-meter training pool, an infinity pool, and a family leisure pool, as well as a sun terrace with impressive ocean views.

A restaurant, called The Deck, will connect the inside and outdoor spaces, and will provide a welcome oasis of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

For overseas visitors, Cornwall has never been easier to include in a UK tour. Managing director of The Headland, Darryl Reburn, says: “We are ten minutes from Cornwall Airport, Newquay, which is served by daily flights from London and Dublin, as well as many other major cities in England and Scotland.”

The Headland Hotel overlooking Fistral Beach in Newquay

The Headland is set on a peninsula overlooking the surfer’s paradise, Fistral Beach. With a spa, a five-pool leisure complex, a surf school, and three restaurants, there is plenty to keep vacationers busy.

Constructed at the end of the Victorian era, the hotel is famous as the location for the original The Witches film, and is close to filming locations for the popular Poldark TV series as well as Doc Martin.

It has a rich history, from causing local riots when it was first built, to becoming a military hospital during WWII. There are also tales of hauntings, and stories of visits from celebrities and royal guests.

Cornwall is the UK’s most south-westerly county and is one of the most popular destinations for British holidaymakers. Accessible by air, rail and road, it has one of the most varied and beautiful coastlines to explore, with more than 300 beaches to choose from.

For the active traveller, the South West Coast Path covers more than 250 miles of spectacular scenery, and can be accessed from the doorstep of The Headland.

The region is also famous for its artisan produce and top chefs. TV celebrity chef Rick Stein has a restaurant nearby at Fistral Beach, and The Headland’s own executive chef presides over three restaurants serving award-winning food.

For a quintessentially British experience, guests can start the day with a full English breakfast with sausage, bacon and egg, all sourced locally, before exploring the beach, Newquay town, and its surrounding area.

Afternoon tea at The Headland Hotel

Guests can also make a reservation to experience The Headland’s impressive three-tier afternoon tea, which includes Cornish scones, jam, and clotted cream.

Darryl Reburn said: “Our afternoon tea at The Terrace has been voted as one of the best in the UK. With the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, it is a beautiful place to relax, drink tea, and work your way through dainty sandwiches, scones, and a selection of sweet treats.”

Prices for a three-night break at The Headland, including breakfast, start from £420/$546* for a Coastal Room with sea views – based on two people sharing. Use of the hotel’s spa facilities, gym, and Aqua Club are included.

*Prices based on current exchange rate.