HANOI, Vietnam — One of Indochina’s most storied bars emerges this week from a two-month renovation that’s increased its seating capacity by one-third, introduced a new live-cooking station and doubled-down on its commitment to cocktails and fine wines. Le Club at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi now seats 120, up from 90, in a completely...
BANGKOK — A trend that started with signs in hotel rooms asking guests to reuse towels is expanding its reach as green-minded accommodation providers work to mitigate the amount of food waste flowing from their kitchens. One of the finest examples is in Thailand, where Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit’s executive chef, Jeremy Cayron, has chopped the...
INLE LAKE, Myanmar — The first upscale hotel to come on line in one of Myanmar’s most compelling tourist destinations will officially debut October 1 when 94-room Sanctum Inle Resort holds its grand opening on the shores of Inle Lake. A large swimming pool overlooking the lake, the 150 square meter presidential Sanctuary Suite and...
BINTAN ISLAND, Indonesia – As the ranks of the ultra-wealthy swell across Southeast Asia, heightening expectations for accommodation that costs thousands of U.S. dollars per night, one Indonesian resort has just priced its top suite at US $10,000 per night. “Seems like a lot to pay for one night, I know,” said The Sanchaya’s estate...
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka is set to serve up its first week-long food festival this August at the country’s most storied hotel. Celebrating fine food and wine, Galle Face Hotel and Wine World (PVT) Ltd will open up the hotel grounds for Colombo Gourmet Week from August 22 – 28. Each day from...
DANANG, Vietnam — Golf courses in central Vietnam are bracing for more business from Japan with confirmation that Jetstar Pacific is launching direct service between Osaka and Danang on Aug. 1. The first new international flight launched by the budget airline this year comes in response to Japan’s growing interest in Vietnam’s leading beach resort,...
SAN FRANCISCO — As the builders of a 17,000-square-foot Newport Beach mansion batten down the hatches on the home’s insulation, a San Francisco startup is tempted to carry someone or something over the threshold in recognition of a landmark marriage between wool insulation and a stunning new residence. “Why inject your house with fiberglass or...
Situated on a mountain-fringed bay overlooking the South China Sea with several islands strewn off the shore, Quy Nhon’s quiet golden sands and crystal clear waters slip under the majority of travellers’ radars. Yet one of Vietnam’s least exploited beach destinations is on the brink of becoming popular. Travellers in the know are increasingly descending...
SINGAPORE — A powerful new hotel initiative that promises to stir up a new round of international enthusiasm for Sri Lanka is taking shape on one of Asia’s fastest-growing island destinations. This month, the Galle Face Hotel Group and the Louis T Collection will come together in a strategic partnership that will link two complementary organizations —...
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — It has been 50 years since Mr. Banda lugged his first barrel of beer into the tap room at the Galle Face Hotel. Now — at 71 years old – the loyal employee is still earning his keep at Sri Lanka’s oldest and most fabled property. Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage Punchi Banda was barely out...
