TOKYO — We often hear tell of chefs who dream up new dishes. But bartenders new cocktails? Yes, indeed. In Tokyo, one of Japan’s most illustrious bartenders, Naomi Takahashi – herself a remarkable countryside-obscurity to big city-fame story – will debut three new cocktails at the Palace Hotel Tokyo’s Lounge Bar Privé Sept. 1....
Not every destination sells itself the way it should. This is especially true for places that lack sophisticated, destination-driven PR operations. And therein lies an opportunity for hotels, resorts and golf courses, as well as the agencies that serve them. Case in point: In Hue, Vietnam, Phu Bai Airport recently revealed (but did not announce)...
HUE, Vietnam — Come September 2013, travelers to Vietnam’s former Imperial City can once again touchdown and take off from the Phu Bai International Airport outside of Hue. Vietnam’s transport authorities have green-lighted the airport for an early re-opening on Sept. 20, 2013 – two months ahead of schedule. The airport closed its doors on...
TOKYO — While the Palace Hotel Tokyo hosts an art exhibit Aug. 7 – 16 to support recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, the hotel is offering a package that will be available over the same dates. The package includes: • Admission to the 2013 Entertainment Art Exhibition • Exhibition souvenir book...
HANOI, Vietnam — Just four years after the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi debuted the first spa in its 108-year history, Le Spa du Metropole has won recognition from one of the world’s top travel magazines as one of the five best hotel spas in the world. In a July 2 announcement, Travel + Leisure ranked...
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam — Smack in the middle of summer, the Caravelle Hotel is revamping its culinary catalog by adding a fresh perspective to the menu at Reflections Restaurant. Boasting a prime perch overlooking historic Lam Son Square and the Saigon Opera House, the Caravelle’s flagship fine-dining restaurant last week presented its new...
HALONG, Vietnam — Exotic travel, elegant living and a nostalgia for the Gatsby-esque glamour and good times of the 1920s are all elements of a new charter option to come out of famously beautiful Halong Bay in the north of Vietnam. Emeraude Classic Cruises is launching an exclusive overnight charter offer for creative party planners and...
BAGAN, Myanmar — Poised on the doorstep of one of the world’s most breathtaking archaeological heritage sites, Myanmar’s newest boutique resort Bagan Lodge has targeted Aug. 1 for its soft debut in the ancient Buddhist capital. With stylized tenting and furnishings that evoke the Golden Age of Travel, Bagan Lodge’s 85 rooms and suites skirt...
NEW YORK — Vietnam’s spa culture made a resounding statement last week when the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and The Nam Hai in Hoi An were ranked among the top five hotel spas in the world by Travel + Leisure readers. The honor was part of the 2013 World’s Best Awards, the 18th annual survey...
