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Koelnmesse GmbHMesseplatz 1 · 50679 Köln · GermanyTel. +49 1806 002 200 · Fax +49 221 821-991010anuga@visitor.koelnmesse.de

COLOGNE, 05. – 09.10.2019

AMAZINGMeet old and new friends.

Priceless networking since 1919.

Secure admission tickets atwww.anuga.com/tickets

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Page 1Page 1hospitality asia ~ 2019 Issue Volume 2 C M Y K

Shifting Mindsets in the

Hospitality and Service Industry

PEOPLE ❘ GROWTH ❘ EXCELLENCE

HAPA GROUP SDN BHD (Formerly known as WAP INTL SDN BHD) Level 11, Menara Ken TTDI, 37 Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel : +60 3 7733 4811 Mobile : +6 017 360 2211 Email : hapa@hapa.asia

Hospitality Asia Transforms

PubsNote

Jennifer OngFounder / Publisher

When you have been in the publishing business for over 25 years, you appreciate that you cannot stop the future just as you cannot revisit the past. What you can do though, is press the play button to enable the magazine that has been the voice of Asian hospitality for over a quarter of a century to move into the digital age.

While we have an online platform and interact with social media, we have also made the decision to engage with you, our valued readers, electronically.

Hospitality Asia, through its new brand HAPA WOW will be web-based from now on bringing those in the hospitality field, the latest information on topics of interest. This may disappoint some of our readers, who like to hold and read the magazine but in this era of digital growth, the wise decision is to transform and go online. However, we retain the right to revert to a hardcopy should the need arise.

Flexibility and the preparedness to adapt and adopt are important qualities for successful publishing and we hope you join with us in this transformation to web-based delivery.

HAPA WOW is a bank of WOW moments captured through WOW experiences. This could be a memorable hotel stay or dining experience, golf, clubbing or even shopping, anywhere in the world. HAPA WOW is the platform to post WOW moments to share within the community of online followers.

In our final print edition for 2019, we bring you the latest information on new hotels, bars, restaurants, spas and appointments. We feature IDB, a leading Malaysian company and a Property Management Systems (PMS) provider that is helping hotels better manage and sell their inventory. In addition, there are two in-depth stories on how hotels are embracing the digital world and the way forward for restaurants as they engage more with their guests via social media.

The Hospitality Asia team would like to thank our readers, advertisers and partners who have trusted and supported us for the past 25 years. Let us leap into the digital era together... let the transformation begin.

2

Page 3

10 CENTRESTAGEOn the cover ~ an interview with Integrated Design and Build Sdn Bhd (IDB) CEO Cheah Kah Beng reveals how this Malaysian Property Management Software (PMS) provider offers total technological solutions to hotels.

16 TRAVEL CONCIERGECheck out the latest hotel openings in the region, recent airline and travel news, an assessment of five eco-lodges in Sabah and the latest updates on grand hotels, golf courses, cars and spas.

34 DINING CONCIERGEDiscover some exciting new restaurants and dishes that the region’s most innovative chefs are cooking up. Read insights into how some restaurants are embracing the digital world.

52 ENTERTAINMENT CONCIERGEGet the latest updates on Asia’s coolest new bars and beverages plus information on Chianti and the wines of Austria.

62 HOSPITALITY BUSINESSLearn about ways in which hotels are jumping on the digital bandwagon, new hotel appointments and some exciting industry news.

Page 4

Society of Professional Chefs (Singapore)

Food & Beverage Managers Association of Singapore

Singapore Pastry Alliance

Malaysian Food & Beverage Executives Association

The Society of The Golden Keys Singapore

Hospitality Purchasing Association (Singapore)

Malaysian Association of Hotels (Penang Chapter)

Singapore Food Manufacturers Association

Restaurant Association of Singapore

Singapore Chefs Association

Club Managers Association (Singapore)

Baking Industry Training Centre (Singapore)

Association of Singapore Housekeepers

Singapore Association of Food Equipment, Manufacturers & Suppliers

Penang Chefs Association of Malaysia

Association of Rooms Division Executives

Thailand Chef’s Association (WACS)

Professional Culinaire Association

Berjaya University College of Hospitality

Hotel Public Relations Association of Thailand

Asian Golf Course Owners Federation

Stamford College

International Bartenders Association (IBA)

Association of Bartenders & Sommeliers Singapore

Sommelier Association of Malaysia (SOMLAY)

Indonesia Club Managers Association

Bali Culinary Professionals Indonesia

Macau Culinary Association

Les Clefs d’Or Indonesia

Jakarta International Hotels Association Indonesia

Bali Spa & Wellness Association

Association of Culinary Professionals Jakarta

Malaysian Association of Housekeepers

Cambodia Restaurants Association

Kuala Lumpur Tourism Association

memberships and endorsements

troopers

Editor

David Bowdendavid.bowden@hapa.asia

Creative Director

Pat Seowpat.seow@hapa.asia

Circulation Manager

Nurul Sakinah Binti Sa’dansakinah.sadan@hapa.asia

Founder / Publisher

Jennifer Ong jennifer.ong@hapa.asia

websitewww.hapawow.com

HAPA GROUP SDN BHD(Formerly known as WAP INTL SDN BHD)

Level 11, Menara Ken TTDI, 37 Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Tel : +60 3 7733 4811 Fax : +60 3 7954 3911

HAPA SINGAPORE10 Anson Road,

#10-06 International Plaza Singapore 079903

Tel : +65 9067 4090

offices

printingPERCETAKAN LAI SDN BHD

1 Persiaran 2/118C, Kawasan Perindustrian Desa Tun Razak Cheras, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Tel : +60 3 9173 1111

PA to Founder / Publisher

Janice Entabajanice.entaba@hapa.asia

General Manager

Rachel Lawrachel.law@hapa.asia

52019 Issue • Volume 2

advertorial

SensorFlow: The First Zero-Upfront Cost

Smart Hotel Solution

SensorFlow provides a wireless, retrofit smart solution that enables hotels to improve energy efficiency and productivity while reducing operational costs.

ounded in 2016 and headquartered in Singapore, SensorFlow’s solution monitors, analyses and automates hotel room environments to optimise energy efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Following its success and growth in other markets like Hong Kong and Thailand, SensorFlow has expanded its services in Malaysia to enable more hotels to improve their energy efficiency, productivity and sustainability.

With SensorFlow, hotels can save up to 30% in energy consumption by automating empty guestrooms and reducing unnecessary wastage. This is achieved by using Internet of Things (IoT) technology to support an interconnected network of devices that monitors hotel room environments in real-time, including: temperature, humidity, occupancy and energy consumption.

When guests are detected to have left their room, SensorFlow’s artificial intelligence software automatically increases the room temperature or switches off the air-conditioning to conserve energy.

Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of SensorFlow, Saikrishnan Ranganathan claims, “Global energy demand is increasing annually and buildings account for almost half of global energy consumption and carbon emissions. In particular, tourism and hospitality accounts for 10% of emissions, which has an alarming impact on global warming. However, at SensorFlow we believe that protecting the planet should not cost the earth.”

Data collected by SensorFlow is easily accessible to hoteliers on a web-based analytics dashboard, which also allows for the remote control and management of rooms.

Find out more at:www.sensorflow.co info@sensorflow.co

With live, constant data monitoring of the hotel’s Heat, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system, hoteliers can move beyond reactive - and even preventive - measures to predictive maintenance strategies. Engineering deployment can be optimised via timely alerts to poorly performing equipment, allowing rooms with faulty units to be investigated or blocked off immediately. This will ensure the best in-room experience for guests while saving hotels up to 40% on maintenance costs.

The data collected by SensorFlow will then provide hoteliers with key insights and trends on room occupancy and guest behaviour, allowing hotels to optimise their housekeeping for zero guest disturbance and better plan events for maximum guest spend.

SensorFlow’s wireless devices can be quickly installed in less than 5 minutes per room, allowing hotels to effortlessly retrofit the smart solution with zero operational disruptions. With their unique profit-sharing model, any hotel can easily install SensorFlow’s solution at zero upfront cost to start improving their energy efficiency, operational productivity and sustainability..

With our smart automation solution, we want to partner with hotels in providing

an affordable, non-disruptive solution that allows hoteliers to better manage and conserve resources for significant improvements in efficiency, productivity and cost savings.

~ Saikrishnan Ranganathan, CEO of SensorFlow

HOTELS & RESORTS (MALAYSIA)23 Love Lane Hotel, PenangAloft KL Sentral, Kuala LumpurAmbassador Row Hotel Suites by

Lanson PlaceAncasa Hotel & Spa Kuala LumpurANSA Kuala LumpurAscott Kuala LumpurAVANI Sepang Goldcoast ResortAvillion Port Dickson,

Negeri SembilanBatik Boutique Hotel, KuchingBayview Hotel Georgetown PenangBayview Hotel MelakaBerjaya Langkawi Resort, KedahBerjaya Penang HotelBerjaya Times Square Hotel,

Kuala LumpurBerjaya Tioman Resort, PahangBerjaya Waterfront Hotel,

Johor BahruBliss Boutique Hotel, Johor BahruBon Ton Resort Langkawi, KedahCameron Highlands Resort, PahangCampbell House, PenangCarcosa Seri Negara Kuala LumpurCasa Del Rio MelakaCentury Kuching Hotel, KuchingCentury Langkasuka Resort, KedahCherengin Hill Convention & Spa

Resort BentongCititel Hotel PenangCititel Mid Valley Kuala LumpurCity Villa Kuala LumpurClub Med Cherating Beach, PahangColmar Tropicale, Berjaya HillsConcorde Hotel Kuala LumpurConcorde Hotel Shah Alam,

SelangorCorus Hotel Kuala LumpurCyberview Resort & Spa, SelangorDamai Puri Resort & Spa, SarawakDe Palma Hotel Ampang, SelangorDeluxcious Luxurious Heritage HotelD’Majestic Place by Swiss-Garden

Kuala LumpurDorsett Grand LabuanDorsett Grand SubangDorsett Kuala LumpurDorsett PutrajayaDoubleTree by Hilton

Kuala LumpurD-Villa Residence Kuala LumpurEastern & Oriental Hotel, PenangEastern Pavilion Boutique Resort &

Spa Cherating, PahangEastin Hotel Kuala Lumpur, SelangorEastin Hotel PenangEmpire Hotel Subang, SelangorEvergreen Laurel Hotel, PenangFederal Villa Beach Resort LangkawiFirst World Hotel, PahangFour Points by Sheraton PenangFour Points by Sheraton Sandakan,

SabahFour Seasons Hotel Kuala LumpurFour Seasons Resort Langkawi,

KedahFraser Place Kuala LumpurFurama Bukit Bintang, Kuala LumpurG Hotel Gurney, PenangG Hotel Kelawai, PenangGenting Grand HotelGolden Sands Resort, Penang by

Shangri-LaGrand Bluewave Hotel Shah Alam,

SelangorGrand Borneo Hotel, Kota KinabaluGrand Hyatt Kuala LumpurGrand Lexis Port DicksonGrand Margherita Hotel, KuchingGrand Millennium Hotel

Kuala LumpurGrand Paragon Hotel Johor BahruGrand Riverview Hotel KelantanGrand Seasons Hotel Kuala LumpurGTower Hotel Kuala LumpurHard Rock Hotel PenangHatten Hotel MelakaHeritage Hotel Ipoh, PerakHilton Kota Kinabalu

Hilton Kuala LumpurHilton Kuching, SarawakHilton Petaling Jaya, SelangorHoliday Inn Glenmarie Kuala LumpurHoliday Inn MelakaHoliday Inn Resort, PenangHoliday Villa Alor Setar City Centre,

KedahHoliday Villa Beach Resort & Spa

Cherating PahangHoliday Villa Beach Resort & Spa

Langkawi KedahHoliday Villa Hotel & Conference

Centre Subang, SelangorHoliday Villa Hotel & Suites

Kota BharuHoliday Villa Johor Bahru City CentreHotel Armada Petaling JayaHotel Bangi-PutrajayaHotel Equatorial Hotel MelakaHotel Equatorial Hotel PenangHotel Equatorial Kuala LumpurHotel Excelsior IpohHotel Istana Kuala Lumpur

City CentreHotel Jen Penang by Shangri-LaHotel Jen Puteri Harbour, JohorHotel Maya Kuala LumpurHotel Novotel MelakaHotel Penaga, PenangHotel Royal Kuala Lumpur Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, SabahHyatt Regency Kuantan ResortIconic Hotel PenangImperial Hotel, MiriImpiana Hotel IpohImpiana KLCC HotelImpiana Resort Cherating, PahangInterContinental Kuala LumpurJapamala Resort, TiomanJerejak Rainforest Resort, PenangJW Marriott Hotel Kuala LumpurKlana Resort SerembanKSL Resort Johor BahruKuala Lumpur Convention Centre

(KLCC)Le Méridien Kota KinabaluLe Méridien Kuala LumpurLe Méridien PutrajayaLexis Hibiscus Port DicksonLexis Suites PenangLone Pine Hotel, PenangMacalister Mansion PenangMajestic Hotel Kuala LumpurMandarin Oriental Kuala LumpurMaxims, Genting Highlands, PahangMelia Hotel Kuala LumpurMercure Kuala Lumpur Shaw ParadeMeritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa,

LangkawiMeritz Hotel, MiriMiCasa All Suite Hotel,

Kuala LumpurMid Valley Exhibition Centre,

Kuala LumpurMINES Wellness HotelMiri Marriott Resort & Spa, SarawakNew World Hotel PJNexus Resort & Spa Karambunai,

SabahNovotel 1Borneo Kota Kinabalu,

SabahNovotel Kuala Lumpur City CentreOne World Hotel Petaling Jaya,

SelangorOriental Crystal Hotel Kajang,

SelangorPacific Regency Hotel Suites,

Kuala LumpurPalace of the Golden Horses,

SelangorPalm Garden Hotel, SelangorPangkor Laut Resort, PerakPARKROYAL Kuala LumpurPARKROYAL Penang ResortPARKROYAL Serviced Suites

Kuala LumpurPhilea Resort & Spa MelakaPNB Perdana Hotel & Suites On The

Park Kuala LumpurPremiere Hotel Klang

PRIMALAND Resort & Convention Centre

Pulai Springs Resort, JohorPullman Kuala Lumpur BangsarPullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre

Hotel & Residences Pullman KuchingPullman Miri Waterfront, SarawakPullman Putrajaya LakesidePutra World Trade Centre

Kuala Lumpur (PWTC)Putrajaya International Convention

Centre (PICC)Putrajaya Marriott HotelPutrajaya Shangri-La Ramada Encore Meridin Johor BahruRamada Plaza Dua Sentral

Kuala LumpurRamada Plaza MelakaRedang Island Resort, TerengganuRenaissance Hotel Kuala LumpurRenaissance Johor Bahru HotelRenaissance Kota Bharu, KelantanResort World Kijal, TerengganuResort World Langkawi, KedahRiverside Majestic Hotel, KuchingRi-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort &

Spa, TerengganuRoyale Chulan Bukit BintangRoyale Chulan CheratingRoyale Chulan DamansaraRoyale Chulan Kuala LumpurRoyale Chulan PenangRoyale Chulan SerembanRoyale Chulan The CurveSama-sama Hotel KL International

Airport, Sepang, SelangorSeri Chenang Resort & Spa LangkawiSeri Costa Hotel & Resort MelakaSeri Pacific Hotel Kuala LumpurSeven Terraces PenangShangri-La Hotel Kuala LumpurShangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort &

Spa, PenangShangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa

Kota KinabaluShangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort &

Spa, Kota KinabaluSheraton Imperial Kuala LumpurSilka Maytower Kuala LumpurSime Darby Convention CentreSofitel Kuala Lumpur DamansaraSomerset Ampang Kuala LumpurSomerset Seri Bukit Ceylon

Kuala LumpurSummit Hotel Bukit Mertajam,

PenangSummit Hotel Subang USJ, SelangorSunway Hotel Seberang Jaya,

PenangSunway Putra Hotel Kuala LumpurSunway Resort Hotels & Spa,

SelangorSutera Harbour Resort Kota

Kinabalu, SabahSwiss-Garden Beach Resort

Damai LautSwiss-Garden Beach Resort KuantanSwiss-Garden Hotel & Residences

Kuala LumpurSwiss-Garden Hotel MelakaSwiss-Garden Resort Residences

KuantanSymphony Suites, IpohTanjong Jara Resort, TerengganuThe Andaman, A Luxury Collection

Resort, Langkawi, KedahThe Banjaran Hotsprings RetreatThe Bayview Hotel Langkawi, KedahThe Boulevard Hotel Kuala Lumpur -

A St Giles HotelThe Château Spa & Organic

Wellness ResortThe Club Saujana ResortThe Danna Langkawi, KedahThe Datai Langkawi, KedahThe Edison George Town, PenangThe Everly PutrajayaThe Gardens Hotel & Residences

Kuala Lumpur – A St Giles HotelThe Haven Resort Hotel, Ipoh

The Light Hotel PenangThe Magellan Sutera Resort

Kota Kinabalu, SabahThe Majestic Hotel Kuala LumpurThe Majestic MalaccaThe Pacific Sutera Hotel

Kota Kinabalu, SabahThe Pearl Kuala LumpurThe Ritz-Carlton Kuala LumpurThe Saujana Hotel Kuala LumpurThe St. Regis Kuala LumpurThe St. Regis LangkawiThe Taaras Beach & Spa Resort,

TerengganuThe Villas @ Sunway Resort Hotel

& SpaThe Wembley – A St Giles HotelThe Westin Kuala LumpurThe Westin Langkawi Resort &

Spa, KedahThe Zenith Hotel, KuantanThe ZON All Suites Residences on

the Park, Kuala LumpurThistle Johor Bahru, JohorThistle Port Dickson,

Negeri SembilanTiara Labuan HotelTraders Hotel Kuala LumpurTune Hotel – 1Borneo,

Kota Kinabalu, SabahTune Hotel – Danga Bay Johor Tune Hotel – DPulze Cyberjaya,

SelangorTune Hotel – George Town PenangTune Hotel – KLIA2, SelangorTune Hotel – Kota Bharu City Centre,

KelantanTune Hotel – Kuala Lumpur Tune Hotel – Kulim, KedahTune Hotel – Taiping, PerakTune Hotel – Waterfront Kuching,

SarawakVangohh Premier Hotel,

Pulau PinangVilla Samadhi, Kuala LumpurVivanta by Taj - Rebak Island Resort,

LangkawiVivatel Kuala LumpurWeil Hotel, IpohYeng Keng Hotel, Penang

HOTELS & RESORTS (SINGAPORE)Albert Court Hotel SingaporeAmara Hotel SingaporeAmara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa

SingaporeAndaz SingaporeAscott Orchard SingaporeBay Hotel SingaporeCapella SingaporeCarlton Hotel SingaporeChangi Village Hotel Concorde Hotel SingaporeConrad Centennial SingaporeCourtyard by Marriott Singapore

NovenaCrockfords Tower SingaporeDorsett Singapore East Village Hotel SingaporeEquarius Hotel SingaporeFairmont SingaporeFestive Hotel, SingaporeFour Seasons Hotel SingaporeFurama Riverfront SingaporeGallery Hotel SingaporeGoodwood Park Hotel SingaporeGrand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel

SingaporeGrand Hyatt SingaporeGrand Mercure Roxy HotelGrand Park City HallGrand Park OrchardHard Rock Hotel SingaporeHilton Garden Inn Singapore

SerangoonHilton SingaporeHoliday Inn Singapore Atrium Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard

City CentreHotel 1929, SingaporeHotel Fort Canning, Singapore

Hotel Grand Pacific SingaporeHotel Jen Orchardgateway

SingaporeHotel Jen Tanglin SingaporeHotel MichaelHotel Re! @ Pearl’s HillInterContinental SingaporeInterContinental Singapore

Robertson QuayKlapstar Boutique HotelLandmark Village Hotel SingaporeLink Hotel SingaporeM Hotel SingaporeMandarin Orchard SingaporeMandarin Oriental SingaporeMarina Bay Sands SingaporeMarina Mandarin SingaporeMercure Singapore on StevensMoon 23 Hotel SingaporeNaumi Hotel SingaporeNovotel Clarke Quay SingaporeNovotel Singapore on StevensOasia Hotel SingaporeOne15 Marina Club HotelOrchard Hotel SingaporeOrchard Parade Hotel SingaporeOrchard ParksuitesPan Pacific OrchardPan Pacific SingaporePark Hotel Clarke QuayPark Hotel Farrer ParkPark Regis SingaporePARKROYAL on Beach RoadPARKROYAL on Kitchener RoadPARKROYAL Serviced Suites

SingaporePeninsula Excelsior Hotel, SingaporeQuality Hotel Marlow, SingaporeRaffles Hotel SingaporeRegency House by Far East

HospitalityRendezvous Hotel Singapore by Far

East HospitalityRoyal Plaza on ScottsShangri-La Hotel SingaporeShangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort

& SpaSheraton Towers SingaporeSiloso Beach Resort, Sentosa,

SingaporeSingapore Marriott Tang Plaza HotelSO Sofitel SingaporeSofitel Singapore City CentreSwissotel Merchant Court HotelSwissotel The Stamford, SingaporeThe Elizabeth HotelThe Fullerton HotelThe Patina, Capitol SingaporeThe Quincy Hotel by Far East

HospitalityThe Regent SingaporeThe Ritz-Carlton, Millenia SingaporeThe Scarlet HotelThe St. Regis SingaporeThe Warehouse HotelThe Westin SingaporeVilla Samadhi, SingaporeW Singapore, Sentosa Cove

SingaporeWanderlust HotelWangz HotelYork Hotel SingaporeYotel Singapore

SPAS (MALAYSIA)Andana Spa Kuala LumpurBe Urban WellnessBella Luna Sdn BhdBiossentials Puri SpaBorneo Spa – Nexus Resort

Karambunai, SabahChi, The Spa Kota KinabluDanai Spa – Tanjung Bunga PenangDewi Ayu Spa Kuala LumpurDonna Spa Kuala LumpurEdes Spa – The Puteri Pacific

Hotel, JohorElysyle Spa Kuala LumpurEmbun Day Spa Kuala Lumpur

Energy Day Spa, Ampang, Kuala Lumpur

FIRWellness at 3 Two Square, Petaling Jaya

Gamelan Spa, Kuala LumpurHammam Spa Kuala LumpurHeavenly Spa by Westin – The

Westin Langkawi Resort & SpaIshan Spa LangkawiJari Jari Spa Kota Kinabalu, SabahJojoba Spa Kuala LumpurKa’andaman Spa MabulM Spa Genting, PahangMandara Spa – The Magellan Sutera

Resort Kota Kinabalu, SabahMandrayu Spa – Strawberry Park

Resort, Pahang Ozmosis Health and Day Spa,

Bangsar, Kuala LumpurQin Spa at Flamingo by the BeachRoyale Spa – Royale Bintang

The CurveSamsara Spa – Swiss-Garden Hotel

& Residences Kuala Lumpur Sembunyi Spa – Cyberview Resort

& SpaSerenity Spa, Shah AlamSpa Indrani, Kuala LumpurSpa Manja, Century Garden, JohorSpa Village, Pangkor Laut Resort,

PerakSpa Village, Tanjong Jara Resort,

TerengganuSt Gregory Spa – PARKROYAL

Penang ResortTatami Spa - Berjaya Hills Resort

Bukit Tinggi, PahangTeratai Spa – Meritus Pelangi Beach

Resort & Spa, LangkawiTeratak Spa, PenangThalia Spa – Eastin Hotel Petaling

Jaya, SelangorThe Asia Spa Kuala LumpurThe Frangipani Spa – The Frangipani

Langkawi Resort & SpaThe Geo Spa at Four Seasons Resort

LangkawiThe Sompoton Spa – Doubletree

by HiltonThe Sompoton Spa – Grand Lexis

Port DicksonThe Sompoton Spa – Hotel Istana

Kuala LumpurThe Sompoton Spa –

Intercontinental Kuala LumpurThe Sompoton Spa - Pullman

KLCC HotelThe Spa – Mandarin Oriental

Kuala LumpurThe Spa Village at The Ritz-Carlton

Kuala LumpurThe Tropical Spa @Bukit BintangV Botanical Spa at The Andaman

Langkawi

SPAS (SINGAPORE)Amrita Spa at Swissotel The

StamfordAramsa Spa, SingaporeAuriga Spa at CapellaAviva Spa at Aranda Country ClubAWAY Spa at W SingaporeAyurlly Ayurvedic Spa, SingaporeAyuthaya The Royal Thai SpaBanyan Tree Spa - Marina Bay SandsEarth Sanctuary Day SpaEssence Vale Aroma SpaEstheva Spa at Marina Mandarin

HotelHeavenly SpaHelio Asia Spa @ Marina SquareLagunita Spa – Laguna Golf Green

SingaporeRemede Spa at The St RegisRustic Nirvana SingaporeSpa Botanica at Sentosa Resort

& SpaSpa ValleySpa Villas – Resorts World at

Sentosa

6

y o u c a n f i n d u s h e r e !

St Gregory Spa at Marina MandarinThe Aspara Spa at Goodwood

Park HotelThe Fullerton Hotel The Spa @ Aranda, SingaporeThe Spa at Mandarin Oriental

SingaporeThe Tamarind SpaWayan Retreat Balinese Spa,

Singapore

RESTAURANTS (MALAYSIA)Al-Amar Lebanese Cuisine

Kuala LumpurAtmosphere 360, Kuala LumpurBelanga Café, Mid Valley MegamallBijan Bar & Restaurant

Kuala Lumpur Bijou Kuala LumpurCafe Cafe, Kuala LumpurCelestial Court, Kuala Lumpur Chilli Padi Restaurant , Subang JayaChin’s Stylish Chinese Cuisine,

PenangChinaHouse, PenangCilantro Restaurant and Wine Bar,

Kuala LumpurCrystal Jade Restaurant @

The GardensDining In The Dark KL Dragon-I Restaurant Kuala LumpurEl Cerdo Kuala LumpurEl Mesón BangsarEl Mesón Desa ParkcityFront Page Sports Bar & GrillFuego, Troika Sky DiningFukuya Restaurant, Kuala LumpurGeographic Explorer Restaurant Bar

& Club, Kuala LumpurIberico Kitchen, Petaling JayaImperial China Restaurant by

Tai ThongImperial City Restaurant by Tai

ThongImperial Garden Restaurant by

Tai ThongIndonesian Corner Fast Food, JohorIndulgence Restaurant & Living,

Ipoh, PerakKame Sushi, Kuala LumpurKechara Oasis New Age Vegetarian

Cuisine, Petaling JayaKURA, Petaling JayaLa Risata AmpangLa Risata DamansaraLafite @ Shangri-La HotelM Marini Grand Caffè & TerrazzaMama San Kuala LumpurMarini’s on 57MOVIDA – C180, Cheras SelatanMOVIDA – Changkat Bukit BintangMOVIDA – Hatten Square, MelakaMOVIDA – IOI Boulevard, PuchongMOVIDA – Sunway Giza,

Petaling Jaya MOVIDA – The Scott Garden,

Jalan Klang LamaMulligan’s Pub & Bistro, JohorNathalie Gourmet StudioNaughty Nuri’s @ Desa Sri

HartamasNeo Tamarind By SamadhiNoble House Restaurant

Kuala LumpurNoble Mansion PJNobu Restaurant, KLCCONE Seafood Restaurant

Kuala LumpurOriental Pavilion Restaurant

Petaling JayaPak Loh Chiu Chow Restaurant

Kuala LumpurPassage Thru’ India Kuala LumpurPegaga Restaurant, SelangorPietro Ristorante Italiano KLPloy DamansaraPloy Publika Prego @ The Westin KLPrime Steak Restaurant,

Kuala Lumpur

QEII The Waterfront Venue, George Town

Rama V Kuala LumpurRenoma Café Gallery KLSagar at Restaurant Hotel IstanaShook! Restaurant , KLSid’s Pub-Plaza DamansaraSOHO Free House, PenangSOHO Gastro Pub, PenangSoju Auto City, PenangSoju Kuala Lumpur Soju Penang Soju SunwaySOULed Out AmpangSOULed Out Bangsar SouthSOULed Out Kuala LumpurSpring Garden KLCC by Tai ThongSpring Garden Tropicana by

Tai ThongSushi Hinata, Kuala LumpurTamarind Hill By SamadhiTamarind Springs By SamadhiTatto, Kuala LumpurTemptation by the Olive Tree GroupThat Little Wine Bar, PenangThe Beer Factory (Setiawalk)The Beer Factory (Sunway Giza)The Bierhaus (Taman Johor Jaya)The Bierhaus (Taman Sentosa)The Geographer Adventure

Restaurant and Bar, PuchongThe Limestone’s, IpohThe Mandi-Mandi By SamadhiThe Ming Room Restaurant

Kuala LumpurThe Olive Tree by the Olive Tree

GroupThe Pool, Kuala LumpurThe Roof, Petaling Jaya, SelangorThe Ship Kuala LumpurThe Terrace at Tamarind SpringsThe Zun Kitchenette at Eu Yan SangThirty8 Restaurant, Kuala LumpurVanity Mansion Kuala LumpurVansh Kuala LumpurVintry Cellars, Petaling JayaXenri Japanese Restaurant @

Wisma ElkenYUZU Japanese Restaurant @

The Gardens

RESTAURANTS (SINGAPORE)1-AltitudeAlma By Juan AmadorAu Petit SalutCaffe BCapricci Italian RestaurantCÉ LA VI SingaporeChinois ChoupinetteClub ChinoisCoriander LeafCrystal Jade Golden Palace

(Paragon)Dolce Vita at Mandarin OrientalFlutes at the National MuseumForbidden City restaurant and barFratini La TrattoriaGaribaldi Italian Restaurant & BarIggy’s at the Hilton HotelIl Lido, Sentosa Golf ClubIndochine Restaurant Club StreetJAAN at Swissotel the StamfordL’Atelier de Joël Robuchon at Resorts

World SentosaLantern @ Fullerton Bay Hotel

SingaporeLe PapillonLei Garden Restaurant ChijmesLes Amis, SingaporeMajestic Restaurant & BarMarina at Keppel BayNOX – Dine in the DarkOdette RestaurantOne on the BundOriginal SinOSO RistoranteOsteria MozzaPaddy HillsParadise PavilionPerBacco Italian Restaurant & Bar

Pierside Kitchen & BarPunjab Grill by Jiggs KalraRang MahalRelish Burger @ Cluny CourtRestaurant Andre, SingaporeRestaurant Madame ButterflyRhubarb Le RestaurantRistorante AmaroneSaint PierreSalt Grill & Sky Bar by Luke ManganSavanh Bistro & LoungeSenso Ristorante & BarSerenity Spanish Bar & RestaurantShinji by Kanesaka – Raffles HotelSi Chuan Dou Hua RestaurantSky Dining @ Singapore FlyerSky on 57 @ Marina Bay SandsTaste ParadiseTawandang Microbrewery @

DempseyThe Cliff RestaurantThe Rabbit StashThe Song of IndiaTóng Lè Private DiningTungLok SignaturesTWG Tea Salon & BoutiqueWaku Ghin at Marina Bay Sands,

SingaporeYing Yang Rooftop Bar

EMBASSIES IN MALAYSIAAustralian Trade CommissionBritish High CommissionCanadian High CommissionEmbassy of Belgium Embassy of BrazilEmbassy of ChileEmbassy of DenmarkEmbassy of FranceEmbassy of IrelandEmbassy of JapanEmbassy of MexicoEmbassy of PeruEmbassy of RomaniaEmbassy of SpainEmbassy of SwedenEmbassy of the Federal Republic

of GermanyEmbassy of the People’s Republic

of ChinaEmbassy of the Republic of

IndonesiaEmbassy of the Republic of ItalyEmbassy of the Republic of KoreaEmbassy of the Republic of the

PhilippinesEmbassy of the Socialist Republic

of VietnamEmbassy of the Union of MyanmarEmbassy of the United States of

AmericaFrench Embassy High Commission of Brunei

DarussalamHigh Commission of the Republic

of SingaporeIndian High CommissionNew Zealand High CommissionRoyal Danish EmbassyRoyal Embassy of Saudi ArabiaRoyal Thai EmbassyThe Italian Trade CommissionThe Royal Norwegian Embassy

EMBASSIES IN SINGAPORE Australian High Commission Chinese Embassy Embassy of Argentina Embassy of Austria Embassy of Belgium Embassy of Cambodia Embassy of France Embassy of Germany Embassy of Indonesia Embassy of Italy Embassy of Japan Embassy of Lao PDR Embassy of Myanmar Embassy of Spain Embassy of Thailand

Embassy of The Philippines Embassy of the Socialist Republic

of VietnamEmbassy of United Arab Emirates High Commission of Brunei

Darussalam High Commission of Canada High Commission of India High Commission of New ZealandSaudi Arabia Embassy Taipei Representative OfficeU.S. Embassy

HOSPITALITY SCHOOLS (MALAYSIA)Ascot AcademyBerjaya Higher Education Sdn BhdCilantro Culinary AcademyHELP College of Art & TechnologyINTI International University &

CollegeKDU University CollegeTunku Abdul Rahman University

CollegeKuala Lumpur Metropolitan

University College (KLMUC)Limkokwing UniversityLincoln University CollegeNilai School of Hospitality & TourismOlympia College (Malaysia)RANACO Education And Training

Institute (RETI)SEGI UniversitySunway University CollegeTaylor’s University CollegeUCSI UniversityYTL International College of Hotel

Management

HOSPITALITY SCHOOLS (SINGAPORE)At-Sunrice GlobalChef AcademyDimensions International College Raffles Campus Raffles Hospitality SchoolSHATEC InstitutesSingapore Culinary InstituteTemasek Culinary AcademyThe Tourism Academy @ SentosaWilliam Angliss Institute Singapore

GOLF & COUNTRY CLUBS (MALAYSIA)Awana Genting Highlands Golf &

Country ResortAyer Keroh Golf & Country Club,

MelakaBerjaya Hills Golf & Country Club,

PahangBukit Beruntung Golf & Country

Club, SelangorBukit Jalil Golf & Country Resort,

SelangorBukit Kemuning Golf & Country

Resort, SelangorCinta Sayang Golf & Country Resort,

KedahClearwater Sanctuary Golf Resort,

PerakDalit Bay Golf & Country Club,

SarawakDamai Golf and Country Club,

SarawakDamai Laut Golf & Country Club,

PerakDarul Aman Golf & Country Club,

KedahGlenmarie Golf & Country Club,

SelangorHorizon Hills Golf & Country

Club, JohorImpian Golf & Country Club, KajangKelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam,

Kuala LumpurKota Permai Golf & Country Club,

SelangorKuala Lumpur Golf & Country ClubKulim Golf & Country Resort, KedahMercure Johor Palm Resort &

Golf, Johor

Monterez Golf & Country Club, Selangor

Palm Resort Golf & Country Club, Johor

Pulai Springs Golf & Country Club, Johor

Royal Selangor Golf Club, Kuala Lumpur

Saujana Golf & Country Club, Selangor

Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Golf Club, Selangor

Sungai Long Golf and Country Club, Kajang

Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club, Sabah

Tanjong Puteri Golf Resort, JohorTasik Puteri Golf & Country Club,

SelangorThe Mines Resort & Golf Club,

SelangorTiara Melaka Golf & Country Club,

MelakaTropicana Golf & Country Club,

Selangor

GOLF & COUNTRY CLUBS (SINGAPORE)Jurong Country ClubLaguna National Golf & Country

ClubMarina Bay Golf CourseNational Service Resort & Country

ClubOrchid Country ClubRaffles Country ClubSafra Resort & Country ClubSeletar Country ClubSembawang Country ClubSentosa Golf ClubSerangoon Gardens Country ClubTanah Merah Country ClubThe Singapore Island Country ClubWarren Golf & Country Club

BANK LOUNGES (MALAYSIA)Alliance Bank Privilege BankingCIMB Private BankingHong Leong Priority BankingHSBC PremierKFH Priority BankingMaybank Private BankingOCBC Premier BankingPublic Bank Red Carpet BankingRHB Bank Premier BankingStandard Chartered Priority BankThe Bank of Nova Scotia Berhad

(Scotiabank)UOB Private Banking

BANK LOUNGES (SINGAPORE)ANZ Signature Priority BankingDBS AsiaICICI Bank

TRAVEL AGENTS (MALAYSIA)AF TravelBestour & Travel De Mawardah Travel & Tours Discovery Overland Holiday Dream Destination Travel & Tours GSI Travel Holiday Tours & TravelMalaysian Harmony Tour & Travel Mayflower Acme Tours Pacific World Destination East Sedunia Travel Services Udara Travel & Tour Worldspan Travel

TRAVEL AGENTS (SINGAPORE)Air Sino-Euro Associates TravelAmerican Lloyd Travel Services Chan BrothersCity 99 Asia Travel Commonwealth Travel Service

Corporation Farmosa Holiday Tours Nam Ho Travel Service

Seiki Travel Shengyan Tours & TravelZUJI Travel

AIRLINE OFFICES IN MALAYSIA Air FranceAir IndiaAir MauritiusAir New ZealandAll Nippon Airways Berjaya AirBritish AirwaysCathay Pacific AirwayChina Airlines EmiratesFireflyKLM Royal Dutch AirlinesLufthansa MalaysiaMalaysia Airlines Myanmar Airways International Philippine AirlinesQantasRoyal Brunei AirlinesSingapore Airlines SwissairThai International

AIRLINE OFFICES IN SINGAPOREAir FranceAir IndiaAir Mauritius All Nippon Airways Asiana AirlinesBangkok Airways British Airways Cathay Pacific AirwaysContinental Airlines EmiratesGaruda IndonesiaGulf Air Indian Airlines Japan Air Lines KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesKorean Air LinesKuwait Airways Myanmar Airways International Nippon Cargo Airlines Pakistan International AirlinesRoyal Brunei Airlines Royal JordanianSAS SingaporeSaudi Arabian AirlinesSempati AirSingapore Airlines South African AirwaysSri Lankan Airlines Thai International AirwaysVietnam Airlines

AIRPORT/AIRLINE & OTHER LOUNGESCathay Pacific Lounge, KLIADynasty Lounge, KLIAGolden Lounge Domestic KLIAGolden Lounge Kota Kinabalu,

MalaysiaGolden Lounge Kuching, MalaysiaGolden Lounge London, UKGolden Lounge Melbourne,

AustraliaGolden Lounge Penang, MalaysiaGolden Lounge Perth, AustraliaGolden Lounge Regional, KLIAGolden Lounge Satellite KLIAGolden Lounge SingaporeGolden Lounge Sydney, AustraliaKris Flyer Gold Lounge, Singapore

Changi AirportPlaza Premium Lounge, LCCTSilver Kris Lounge, KLIASilver Kris Lounge, Singapore Changi

Airport

ONBOARDFirst Class and Business Class Flights

on Malaysia Airlines

72019 Issue • Volume 2

y o u c a n f i n d u s h e r e !

CELEBRATING POSITIVE MOMENTS

ne of the many hallmarks of hospitality is service. And, as a way of giving recognition to the many Service Heroes working in the hospitality and service industry, HAPA has introduced a new

platform called HAPA WOW, that captures and recognises WOW moments by our Service Heroes in the industry.

HAPA was formed with a vision to elevate service standards by recognising and rewarding outstanding establishments and passionate individuals who have shown drive, dedication and commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry.

“Everyone has an opinion about Malaysian hospitality and while hospitality from the heart is a desired outcome, in reality, standards have declined, and this affects service levels and impacts upon the country’s tourism image. HAPA Awards is a hospitality recognition programme going back some two decades ago that recognises those making a valuable contribution as front liners as well as those who work back-of-the-house. Through our discussions with industry leaders, HAPA has developed the HAPA WOW programme which identifies and recognises Service Heroes going the extra mile

to deliver excellent service.” asserts Jennifer Ong, founder of HAPA and publisher of Hospitality Asia.

“We are developing a platform that consists of WOW digital media, WOW recognition awards and WOW service training to uplift service standards. We intend for HAPA WOW to be one of the most powerful platforms in celebrating positive moments by recognising these passionate Service Heroes. Most of us have experienced WOW moments. We just don’t pay enough attention to document them and give due recognition to those who contributed to those moments. Therefore, when service is excelled, improvised and enhanced, commendation must be accorded to boost and intensify further positive development for the passionate individual as well as the establishment.”

The new HAPA WOW platform enables members of the public to be judges of service excellence and to recognise passionate Service Heroes who walk the extra mile in creating WOW moments. The platform will also recognise customers for appreciating these Service Heroes as well as hospitality establishments who make the effort to provide and improve customer experience.

www.hapawow.com

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A BANK OF WOW MOMENTS #HAPAWOW

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hapawow

#hapawow The best things in life are best share with your...

890  9

Vrrrrrrom. Got to test drive the new Audi A9, thanks #hapawow

337  0

Thanks #hapawow for this great place for 2 us for our anniver...

562  11

#hapawow win a trip to japan by telling your friends how WOW...

369  5

Family time is always the best time. #hapawow

419  27

#hapawow PARTAAAAAAAAY!

995  13

#hapawow the secret to happiness, is suprising your....

1,076  72

I love food, thanks for recommending! #hapawow...

253  1

#hapawow #cheers #kanpai

337  0

#hapawow Screw my diet. I’ll work out #nexttime!

369  5

#hapawow See heads turn with this gold necklace from....

890  9

#hapawow Got to try on this gown for tonight’s function...

562  11

#hapawow imma enjoying this trip thanks to the lovelies fr....

419  27

#hapawow this is, can be yours...

1,076  72

#hapawow #acrophobia the thrill of looking out the window...

995  13

#hapawow thanks for the front row seats, i absolutely loved it...

253  1

ntegrated Design & Build Sdn Bhd (IDB), an emerging Property Management Software (PMS) solution provider based in Malaysia, offers a comprehensive range of solutions for all types of hotels and

accommodations, from budget hotels to five-star rated hotels.

The company’s range of PMS solutions includes its proprietary software, hardware as well as related services and solutions. These PMS solutions facilitate the effective and efficient management of hotel and accommodation operations and functions.

There are two types of PMS solutions in the market today – on-premise and web-based PMS solutions. Web-based PMS solutions were recently introduced into the market.

Being web-based, IDB’s PMS solutions have a competitive edge as it is multi-platform and multi-device responsive, and allows for remote accessibility. Further, IDB’s PMS solutions are also locally developed, rendering it more affordable as compared to other web-based PMS solutions provided by foreign competitors in Malaysia, particularly those originating from the United States.In a span of less than five years, IDB has successfully implemented its solutions for over 125 hotels in Malaysia and Cambodia. More than half of these hotels were for three-star to five-star hotels.

A Company on the RiseIDB’s Chief Executive Officer, Cheah Kah Beng previously worked in software companies where he garnered experience in PMS solutions for the hotel and accommodation industry. It was then when he saw the market potential for PMS solutions in the hotel and accommodation industry. Drawing from his past experience in PMS solutions for the hotel and accommodation industry, coupled with IDB’s Chief Technical Officer, Lim Kuei Boon’s experience in software development, they were confident that they could develop a web-based and user-friendly PMS software.

Integrated Design and Build (IDB)Making PMS Simple

Hotels can manage their operations from a single platform with IDB PMS – Malaysia’s home grown web-based PMS solution.

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IDB started to offer PMS solutions in Malaysia in 2015. Since then, the number of hotels and accommodation premises using IDB’s PMS solutions throughout Malaysia has grown from 15 installations in 2016 and 48 installations in 2017, to more than 125 installations to-date.

In April 2019, IDB ventured into Cambodia where it implemented PMS solutions for three hotels for a China-based hotel management company with a chain of hotels in Southeast Asia. IDB seeks to list on the Leading Entrepreneur Accelerator Programme (LEAP) Market of Bursa Malaysia.

Regional ExpansionThe Group currently offers its services to Malaysian and Cambodian customers and plans to expand into Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand and other South East Asia countries in the near future.

Cheah explains, “We plan to appoint a marketing partner in each of these countries to represent IDB and conduct business on our behalf. Most new business comes through referrals via satisfied existing customers. Cambodia is a good example as we were referred to a customer and within a short period of time, we implemented our solutions for three hotels in the country.”

Solutions to Hotel ChallengesHotel operations involve the management of an array of services (e.g. room and reservations, front desk operations and housekeeping), conducted simultaneously on a day-to-day basis.

As such, the use of PMS software is essential in facilitating these operations, allowing a seamless and integrated flow of information between departments.

Apart from PMS software, IDB also provides Point of Sale (POS) and accounting software, which facilitate front-end (cashiering and billing) and back-end (finance and accounting) operations. Coupled with third party hardware as well as other services and solutions, IDB provides solutions for hotels and other accommodation providers.

IDB’s PMS software modules include – reservation, front desk, cashiering, e-breakfast voucher, housekeeping as well as reporting and dashboard modules, and the features in each module.

Lim Kuei Boon explains, “With one click, the portal displays a summary of guests’ reservation details. It also allows guests to upgrade their room, request for early check in/late check out, housekeeping services, order room services, subscribe to special promotions and download invoices.”

One of the big challenges for hotels these days is capturing more direct bookings through their hotel website. Hotels require a good booking engine to encourage direct bookings as well as software to capture guest data.

Cheah explains, “IDB enables two-way connections with more than 200 booking channels. It automatically updates room inventory and rates plus captures bookings on all booking channels.”

Apart from PMS software, IDB also provides Point of Sale (POS) and accounting software, which facilitate front-end (cashiering and billing) and back-end (finance and accounting) operations. Its PMS software can be integrated with both the company’s POS and accounting software as well as other third-party software.

We need to be adept at listening to our customers and their needs.

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IDB’s proprietary software are:

Web-basedThe software is web-based which means that it can be accessed over the internet via any browser. This means it is remotely accessible and can be accessed from any location, within or outside the hotel.

This flexibility provides multiple advantages; including allowing staff to remotely monitor performance, make revenue management decisions and enable the management of housekeeping services using mobile devices. It is also responsive across multiple operating systems and devices

and can be used on devices like desktops, tablets or smartphones. Further, by being web-based, it also allows for fast roll out of enhancements as it can be performed remotely and within a short span of time.

User-friendly The company’s user-interface leads users through a series of defined steps to perform particular tasks. Consequently, training is conducted within a short time ranging from two to five days depending on the hotel or accommodation type.

IDB’s software can be easily installed and staff can be trained quickly. Cheah explains, “We offer on-site training services where IDB personnel present a face-to-face session as well as remote training services via video conferencing.”

He adds, “Staff turnover in hotels is very high and frustrating for management as they are continually training new staff. As our software is user-friendly, new staff can be easily trained by existing staff within the hotel.”

Being web-based, IDB’s PMS solutions have a competitive edge as it is multi-

platform and multi-device responsive, and allows for remote accessibility.

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Language LocalisationLocalisation, in terms of languages, allows for software configuration in any language thus, enabling it to be used in any country.

On-premise or Cloud-based InfrastructureThe software can be installed using on-premise or cloud-based infrastructure. On-premise infrastructure refers to dedicated IT network and data storage hardware located within the hotel. Cloud-based infrastructure runs on the cloud, meaning it is delivered via the internet instead of by on-property servers.

Customisable solutionsThe company’s PMS software has several modules that can be configured according to customer needs.

There are various modules to assist hotels manage their properties.

Reservation Module which is integrated with Channel Management Hotels allocate a specified number of saleable rooms to share across several OTAs. Often, information on rooms reserved through one OTA is not synchronised with other OTAs and reservations made by these OTAs must be manually updated. There may be a risk of overbooking if the room information is not updated in a timely manner.

IDB’s software can interface with third-party channel managers to automatically update reservations from booking engines and online travel agents into the PMS software and available room inventory and rates from the software to all OTAs and booking engines.

In summary, its key attributes are – • Hotels are able to effectively manage all distribution

channels using a single dashboard. • Manual entries are removed with complete real-time

automation. • It allows all rooms to be online all at once thus increasing

revenue for the hotel.• It enables direct two-way connections with more than

200 booking channels• It automatically updates room inventory and rates plus

booking capture on all booking channels.

IDB’s Dynamic Pricing System sets room rates according to pre-set pricing tiers based on room occupancy percentage. The system automatically increases the room rate whenever the room occupancy percentage increases.

IDB’s system enables guests to select add-on services (airport transfers, spa treatments or buffet meals) or third-party activities (snorkelling or watersports) as required.

IDB’s proprietary software is user-friendly as well as allowing for remote

configuration and localisation in terms of languages.

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With this feature, the software enables hotels to bill guests based on their add-on services and provides confirmation slips for third-party service providers to verify that guests have reserved/purchased services.

Housekeeping ModuleHousekeeping can manage the room inventory and know the status of each room (occupied, empty and those needing to be cleaned etc). When assigned a task, housekeeping staff can use a mobile device to update room status. This enables supervisors to track assignments given to staff.

Updates on amenity delivery (extra towels, pillows or toiletries) can be viewed and monitored at a glance.

Cashiering Module IDB’s cashiering module enables payment and billing to be captured and stored during check in/check out and at on-premise food and beverage outlets (it also produces guest receipts).

E-breakfast Voucher ModuleIDB’s PMS software enables the efficient management of breakfast vouchers. Staff can confirm if guests are eligible for complimentary breakfasts through information captured at check in. This also eliminates the need for guests to present breakfast vouchers.

Enhancing Guest ExperienceIDB has developed a micro website that enables personalised hotel-guest interaction. Guests are sent a link via SMS or social messaging applications, which allows them to access the portal using their mobile devices.

Through the micro website, guests are given options such as room upgrades, early check in/late check out

It is our vision to develop a complete technological ecosystem for all

hotels and accommodation providers.

requests, housekeeping services, room service requests and special promotions prior to their arrival in the hotel. Guests can also download receipts via the micro website after checking out.

“This guest journey can start immediately – guests can make a reservation and hotels are able to offer promotions throughout the guests’ entire stay and even beyond check out. Guests do not have to download an app and they can engage directly with the hotel via digital interaction,” enthuses Cheah.

While most hotels adopt technology to provide management solutions, service is still a key component of any hotel experience.

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www. idb.com.my

Cheah explains, “One of the challenges for hotels has always been to offer the best service to their guests. IDB’s software also enables hotels to maximise revenue for its guests through offering room upgrades and strategic promotions for its restaurants and services.” In addition, the software has tools that effectively monitor guest requests such as extra pillows from housekeeping, room service or restaurant bookings.

The ultimate aim of IDB’s PMS software is the full automation of all tasks within a hotel. “It is our vision to develop a complete technological ecosystem for all hotels and accommodation providers. We plan to add more modules to the software as there are still many challenges hotels face. We need to be adept at listening to our customers and their needs. Our technical staff are constantly seeking solutions to answer these problems,” adds Cheah.

IDB believes that advancements and enhancements in its PMS solutions to make life easier for hoteliers and accommodation providers are a must so that they can improve customer service and guests’ experiences during their stay.

Cheah concludes, “Our focus on hotel needs have enabled us to develop one of the most advanced PMS solution available in the market today, and we offer this solution at such affordable prices and provide strong after-sales support. We believe this is why our customers have chosen IDB – not to mention many of our customers have decided to change their existing PMS solution to IDB’s solution even though the brands they used are established in the market.”

IDB is a Property Management Software (PMS) solution provider.

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Page 16

travelconcierge

172019 Issue • Volume 2

roomandboard

Westin Desaru Coast Resort Offers Endless HospitalityThe Westin Desaru Coast Resort on the southern tip of the Malaysian Peninsula has just opened. The 275-room property is part of the new Desaru Coast development, a large-scale integrated holiday and event destination featuring an adventure waterpark, a conference centre, as well as two championship golf courses. The resort has the appropriate elements for guests to eat, sleep, move, feel, work and play well. The design of the beachfront property integrates elements and inspirations from the ocean, with the use of materials and patterns that evoke nature. Bright, airy sea-facing rooms are bathed in natural light and provide elevated vantage points, with sweeping panoramic views of the South China Sea. For guests staying in Westin Club rooms and suites, the Westin Club Lounge offers an exclusive, ideal space for relaxation, along with facilities to organise meetings, Guests can dine in The Beach Bar (casual hangout spot for drinks and snacks on the beach) and Prego (Italian). MIX Lounge (lobby lounge) serves afternoon tea while Splash is the pool bar. The Heavenly Spa by Westin includes Western and Asian therapies while WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio is open 24 hours. For children the Westin Family Kids Club provides imaginative spaces for kids to play and for parents to relax. www.westindesaru.com

EQ RisingThe original Hotel Equatorial opened its doors in 1973, and gained a reputation as a one of Kuala Lumpur’s premier five-star hotels. It closed its doors in 2012 for redevelopment and reopened in early 2019 as EQ, a 52-storey tower that has risen in the heart of the famed Golden Triangle. EQ is the centrepiece of Equatorial Plaza, which offers, 440 guestrooms and suites with impressive panoramic city views. Guests can rest and recharge at Sanctum Wellness on level 29, an entire floor dedicated to those who want to be rejuvenated. The fully equipped Sanctum Gym is open day or night while a Himalayan salt sauna offers purifying powers. The hotel features an infinity pool and Sky51 on level 51 and, on lower floors, dining outlets some of which are reintroductions of acclaimed restaurants from the original Equatorial (including Kampachi and Nipah plus a vibrant new concept, Bottega Lounge). Meetings are accommodated with ten meeting and banquet rooms plus the 1,025m2 Diamond Ballroom and Gallery. www.eqkualalumpur.com

Rock Hard in JohorThe Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast has fully opened and is destined to rock the southern parts of Malaysia. Its 365 rooms and suites range in size from 42m2 to 226 m2

and all have rock star interiors and spacious verandahs. Families will love the hotel features including 175 family rooms while all rooms have especially curated music, video and feature film playlists screened on 55” LED televisions. Room service is around the clock and guests can also help themselves to the complimentary non-alcoholic minibar. For those who appreciate rock royalty treatment, can stay in a Rock Royalty room and appreciate special backstage pass features in dedicated rooms and a private lounge. There are numerous bars and restaurants and the hotel wraps around Desaru Coast Adventure Waterfront and just metres from the white sands of the near-deserted Desaru beachfront. www.hardrockhotels.com

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Hyatt Place Liuzhou Celebrates OpeningThe 245-room Hyatt Place Liuzhou has opened in Guangxi Province, Southwest China. The hotel features the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere and practical amenities such as free wi-fi. Liuzhou is the second largest city in Guangxi with over 2000 years’ history and culture, and a growing industrial centre and transportation hub in the region. Located on the banks of the winding Liu River, the landscape around Liuzhou is a mix of rolling hills, mountain peaks, caves and karst scenery, an ideal base for exploring the region’s minority villages. Sitting on top of the 249m-high Poly International Centre, the city’s highest building, Hyatt Place Liuzhou offers picturesque views of Liu River in all its guestrooms. Gallery Kitchen serves complimentary hot breakfasts with an array of Western and Chinese breakfast favourites, including noodles, dim sum, ham and eggs, as well as fresh fruit and yogurt. There is a 24-hour gym featuring cardio equipment with LCD touchscreens. The hotel enjoys convenient access to the nearby commercial centre, entertainment complex and tourist attractions including Yaobu Ancient Town and Liu River Night Cruise. The hotel is also close to Liuzhou Bailian Airport and Liuzhou Railway Station. www.hyattplaceliuzhou.com.

MGallery Pays Homage to Kyoto Traditions MGallery Kyoto Yura Hotel has launched in the country’s ancient capital. It takes guests on a journey to the crossroads of time in the dawn of modern Japan with interiors blending elements reminiscent of the legendary Samurai era. The hotel pays homage to the traditions of Kyoto through art and heritage, providing a unique experience inspired by the essence of the local neighbourhood – a key consideration for all MGallery hotels. Its 144 rooms with contemporary classical design feature local fabric Nishijin-ori. This celebrates a weaving heritage dating back over 1,200 years, while the seating area is furnished with traditional tatami mats. Located within walking distance of the hotel are Kyoto’s most scenic sights including the famed geisha district of Gion, Yasaka Shinto Shrine and downtown district of Kawaramachi. Guest can enjoy an evening walk or morning run along the picturesque Kamo River. Designed to highlight the distinct historical heritage of the city, the all-day dining, 54th Station Grill is named after the ancient route connecting Tokyo and Kyoto. Guests can expect to learn about similar authentic stories in 1867 Bar, which draws inspiration from the original Samurai era. www.mgallery.accorhotels.com

Raffles Opens in Shenzhen Raffles Hotels and Resorts, renowned for bringing old world elegance, first class travel experiences and genuine charm to the world’s most fascinating cities and desirable holiday hot spots since 1887 recently opened a new landmark hotel, the Raffles Shenzhen. Raffles Shenzhen brings the height of luxury and attentive service to the shining modern metropolis of Shenzhen. An extraordinary urban oasis discreetly perched on the top floors of a 72-storey tower in the prestigious One Shenzhen Bay Complex, Raffles Shenzhen is the epitome of glamour and refinement. With 168 spacious guestrooms, as well as a selection of serviced residences, well-travelled guests will be enchanted by the exquisite dining venues, spectacular views of Shenzhen Bay and Hong Kong, and of course, the famous Raffles Butlers and the warm, graceful and personalised service for which they are known. www.raffles.com

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Mercure the First International Hotel in UlsanMercure Ambassador Ulsan is the first internationally branded hotel to make its debut along the southeastern coast of South Korea in Ulsan Metropolitan City. Located close to the industrial powerhouse of South Korea, the hotel is a short walking distance to major shopping areas and beaches. Rooted in its surroundings, each Mercure hotel’s design and decor reflects an authentic and inspiring setting of its own classical style and cultural heritage. The interior decor of the hotel is inspired by the polygon shapes of the volcanic rocks at the nearby beach whilst its interior silhouettes are adorned by the mountainous view of the city. With 131 guestrooms that overlook the ocean, the rooms feature Simmons bedding, a 49” LED TV, wi-fi and signature in-room amenities. Diners can savour a range of Eastern and Western cuisines at the signature Opus Restaurant. Leisure facilities include a spa and an on-site fitness centre for guests to keep up with their health routines with professional trainers. For weddings, events and corporate meetings, the hotel has five meeting rooms that can cater up to 250 guests while the spacious outdoor terrace offers the perfect space for an evening cocktail or a private get-together.www.mercure.com

Avani Hotels and Resorts to Open Two Resorts in KrabiAvani Hotels and Resorts has signed up two new resort hotels in the southern Thailand resort town of Krabi, marking the brand’s continued growth within Thailand. The existing resorts will undergo renovations to bring the properties in line with Avani standards of buzzy social spaces and stylish guestrooms. The two hotels will be fully rebranded as Avani+. Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort will open under the new branding in late 2019 and the Koh Lanta Krabi Resort is set to launch by mid-2020. Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort has 83 rooms within wooded parklands, offering sea views from its hilly location with direct access to a secluded white sand beach adjacent to the renowned Klong Dao Beach. The island is 70km south of Krabi International Airport and is accessible via a 15-minute ferry crossing from the mainland. Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort overlooks the popular Ao Nang Beach with vistas of the nearby limestone cliffs and sea views punctuated by spectacular islands on the horizon. The 178-room property will feature contemporary design, new dining experience and an AvaniSPA. Located just 35 minutes from the airport, guests can easily escape to the popular Ao Nang Beach or Railay Beach as well as the outlying islands while staying at the resort. The newly rebranded resorts will bring the total number of Avani properties in Thailand to nine. www.avanihotels.com

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Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru at Embassy ONE DebutsOpened by India’s leading developer Embassy Group, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru at Embassy ONE in Bangalore southern India brims with modern sophisticated interiors beautifully complemented by a curated collection of paintings, prints and sculptures by more than 25 contemporary Indian artists. Rooms and suites offer views of the greenery, some featuring Palace Grounds. This Embassy ONE oasis mirrors the city’s unique combination of modern urban architecture dotted with calming parks and gardens. It has 191 rooms and 39 suites designed for contemporary travellers who demand the best while garden suites have a living and dining area opening onto a private terrace separated from the bedroom, bathroom and double closets. Embassy ONE is also home to 105 Four Seasons Private Residences, the first of its kind in India. Guests can dine or drink in CUR8, the Lobby Lounge and Terrace, The Collection and the Pool Bar offering poolside tropical refreshments. Far and East tops the dining experience at Four Seasons in bringing together a mix of Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisines, as well as classic dishes such as the expertly prepared Peking duck. Copitas offers late night cocktails, as well as sundowners and shared platters with views from the 21st floor terrace Bangalore joins Mumbai as the second city to be graced by a Four Seasons property. www.fourseasons.com

Bangkok Opening for Mövenpick BDMS Wellness ResortLocated in the heart of Sukhumvit, the resort is surrounded by lush greenery including mature trees. Featuring 293 rooms and suites with balconies that overlook the gardens, guestrooms are equipped with yoga mats, a dedicated health and fitness television channel and a range of signature in-room amenities. In addition to access to the BDMS Wellness Clinic, the hotel has extensive MICE facilities and wedding offerings. Health conscious travellers can enjoy a range of organic food offerings at the resort’s Tamarind Natural Dining while Cinnamon lobby lounge offers the perfect ‘wine-down’ venue. BDMS Wellness Clinic has a range of preventive healthcare treatments including physiotherapy, digestive wellness, dental and fertility treatments. The hotel has a grand ballroom and six multi-functional meeting rooms as well as a picturesque outdoor garden to relax and unwind or enjoy an evening cocktail. Leisure facilities include an outdoor pool and a fitness centre featuring workout equipment designed by DAVID Health Solutions. A spa and a Thai specialty restaurant will also open soon. Offering easy access to explore the city, the hotel is a ten-minute walk to Ploenchit BTS Skytrain Station and shopping malls and restaurants are located nearby. www.movenpick.com

212019 Issue • Volume 2

Lost Stone Joins The Unbound Collection by HyattThe 50-villa Lost Stone Villas and Spa in Yunnan China has just joined The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. It is the second property under brand in Greater China. The all-villa resort is built using various stone sourced from nearby Yunfeng Mountain Forest Park. It offers guests a spiritually enriching journey, where they can escape from life’s distractions. Each villa has an outdoor courtyard and lounging garden plus hot spring pool. Tao Spa provides therapeutic hot spring and spa experiences. Organic local ingredients are served at Cloud Clubhouse, an all-day dining restaurant overlooking the mountains and offering Western and local breakfasts. Nourishing hotpots and other local favourites are served for lunch and dinner. Cloud Bar is an exclusive destination to unwind with wines, cocktails, beers and spirits. The Lost Stone, just 25km from the border with Myanmar, was designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma as an ideal harmony of nature and contemporary architecture. Ethnic minorities like the Lisu, Nakhi, Jingpo, Miao, Wa and Bai tribes live in the area and inspire the hotel’s interior. www.theloststonevillas.com

Novotel Debuts in Chiang Mai Novotel has made its debut in Chiang Mai with the opening of Novotel Chiang Mai Nimman Journeyhub. Located in the heart of trendy Nimman, the hotel features 202 rooms and suites with a television, minibar and bathroom with separate bathtub and shower. Selected rooms also feature private balconies and garden access. Rooms offer designer touches and an interactive games zone for kids. Its all-day dining restaurant Food Exchange serves a range of northern Thai and international cuisines. Drinks, pastries and light bites are available at Gourmet Bar, set in the hotel’s garden atrium. Offering a variety of drinks against a musical backdrop, the Rooftop Pool Bar also offers best seats in the house for a sundowner. A fitness centre and rooftop pool is the venue to cool off between shopping missions in the surrounding trendy boutiques. Various shopping centres are within walking distance from the hotel, including Maya Lifestyle Mall, One Nimman Mall, Think Park Mall, and Rin Kham Night Market. Also located a short stroll from the hotel is Wua Lai Walking Street, which opens on Saturday nights, and the Wororot Night Market. www.accorhotels.com

Spanish Architecture at New Radisson Blue ShanghaiPart of the Radisson Hotel Group, Radisson Blu Forest Manor Shanghai is a new urban resort that features grand Spanish-style architecture and impressive facilities for all guests, from leisure visitors and families to business travellers and MICE delegates. Strategically located in the Hongqiao business district, near the National Exhibition and Convention Centre, Hongqiao International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, the hotel features 439 guestrooms and suites, indoor and outdoor pools, a recreation centre, spa, kids’ club, two restaurants (The Open Kitchen and Liqing Chinese Restaurant) and a lounge bar. It also offers extensive space for meetings and events, including a 1,000m2 grand ballroom, seven meeting rooms, an alfresco pool terrace and lawn. www.radissonblu.com

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Second Raffles for SingaporeRaffles plans to open its Sentosa Resort and Spa Singapore in 2022. Over 135 years after the original Raffles opened its doors, the second Raffles in Singapore will be an all-villa hotel set in over sprawling tropical gardens with views over the beautiful South China Sea. Villas will range in size from 260m2 for the one-bedroom villas to 450m2 for the four-bedroom villa, all with their own private pool and terrace area for the ultimate in seclusion and comfort. Facilities will include a bar, restaurants, a fitness centre, a celebrations room and two meeting rooms. Those markers that make Raffles such a legendary experience, including the famous Raffles Butlers and Raffles Spa will be signatures of the resort. Proudly born in Singapore, Raffles has become an iconic collection of 14 timeless properties worldwide, which should reach 20 hotels by 2025. Each Raffles hotel is a special experience: warm and welcoming, generous in spirit and unique to its destination. Accor, the owner of Raffles is now the second largest operator of luxury hotels in the world, with over 600 luxury and premium hotels and resorts globally. www.raffles.com

Maldives Welcomes Raffles Raffles Maldives Meradhoo opened in early May on the remote southern tip of the Maldives archipelago. The property is as removed from the rhythm of everyday life as can be. Surrounded by crystalline Indian Ocean waters and coral reefs, the resort is a haven of 21 island beach villas and 16 ocean overwater villas. Guests take a domestic flight and are transported by speedboat to the private oasis of Meradhoo, where they receive the gentle and intuitive attentions of the legendary Raffles Butlers, along with an exclusive Marine Butler service, Children’s Butlers and private chefs. Known as havens for royalty, film stars, writers and artists, many remarkable stories and cultural moments have taken place within the plush confines of Raffles properties. Raffles Maldives joins a carefully curated list of distinguished addresses in leading markets around the world. www.raffles.com

Louis T Collection Debuts Quay Perth Hotel This new boutique hotel recently opened on Perth’s new and lively Elizabeth Quay waterfront. Quay Perth is an 80-room property on the site of the former New Esplanade Hotel. It is steps away from the city’s central business district and overlooks Elizabeth Quay and the Swan River. The original building was completely stripped allowing the designers to create a space that is modern, stylish, and distinctly Australian. Guestrooms are highlighted by natural timber, large windows and earthy tones that exude a modern, home-like feel. Upper Quay-facing rooms feature bay windows with relaxing window seats from which to enjoy the waterfront’s spectacular views. Quay Perth’s tenth floor is home to HQ Bar and Kitchen, a chic rooftop bar and kitchen featuring uninterrupted views across the quay. It serves some of Western Australia’s best locally grown wines and craft beers as well as artisan cocktails. A modern Chinese-inspired menu with twists on the regions’ classics is served. LEVEL NINE is Quay Perth’s full-service, 24/7 co-working space with views. www.quayperth.com

232019 Issue • Volume 2

roomandboard

Sofitel Beijing Central LaunchesAccor has opened its 1,100th hotel in Asia Pacific, with the recent launch of the Sofitel Beijing Central. Sofitel Beijing Central is located in the heart of Beijing’s civic and diplomatic area, just moments from Jianguomen subway. Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the National Museum of China and the National Grand Theatre are all close to the hotel. Its design combines modern French art de vivre and the capital’s resplendent imperial history, rich culture and storied traditions. It has 345 rooms and suites, with Sofitel Club floors providing generous circular bathtubs and access to the Club Millésime Lounge. The property has three dining outlets that epitomise Sofitel’s authentic and lively food and beverage culture. The property includes an all-day dining restaurant attached to an outdoor garden, which focuses on Western cuisine with a French twist; a signature Chinese Restaurant; and a lobby lounge, which provides afternoon tea and evening cocktails. The hotel’s recreational facilities include a day spa, fitness center and stunning indoor pool. www.accorhotels.com

Prime Downtown Location for Rosewood BangkokThe newly launched Rosewood Bangkok lies in the centre of the city’s central business and retail district. This architectural landmark of just 159 rooms is designed to resemble the Thai greeting or wai. It features a ten-storey high waterfall and three signature houses with private terraces and pools. Local artists display their artwork at a rotating art connection exhibition. Guests can relax and dine or drink in four outlets – Lakorn European Brasserie, Nan Bei (Chinese), G&) (organic) and Lemon’s (speakeasy bar). www.rosewoodhotels.com

Hotel Soloha Opens in Singapore’s Keong Saik PrecinctHotel Soloha Dokodemo ‘doors of fantasy’ reveal a world urban jungle chic and tropical modernism splashed in amazing technicolour. This stylish new 45-room boutique hotel located in Chinatown has indigo blue wooden shutters and panel doors, tropical and forest-inspired artwork designed by local artists and artisanal furnishings. Witty and bold interiors underscored by a cool vibe, Hotel Soloha’s burst of colour, is in stark contrast to the earthy tones that define its neighbourhood. The property stocks a curated selection of artisanal products that are perfect as souvenirs and fit well into cabin baggage. Keong Saik, an epicentre of Singaporean heritage and culture, retains the beauty of yesteryear Singapore with its rows of shophouses across a network of roads. Today, it is home to bars, restaurants and shops, making it a destination that is layered with culture, gastronomy, energy and personality. www.solohahotels.com

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Sukhumvit Opening for AvaniAvani has just brought the brand’s signature experiences to the cosmopolitan neighbourhoods of On Nut and Phra Khanong in the ‘City of Angels’. Avani Sukhumvit is located just 30 minutes from Suvarnabhumi International Airport and sits atop a major retail complex giving guests shopping and entertainment options. Each of the 382 rooms features clean, crisp colours and designs, creating a freshness that rejuvenates guests. Just metres from the hotel, Sukhumvit Road is one of Bangkok’s major transportation arteries and its connection to eastern Thailand as well as the surrounding neighbourhoods. Nearby the W District teems with hip bars, restaurants, and galleries, and insights into local life can be discovered along the Phra Khanong Canal. An AvaniFit gym is fully equipped and an AvaniSpa invites guests to relax, refresh, and re-energise. Exploring Greater Bangkok is a breeze thanks to the hotel’s direct walkway to the Bangkok Transit System (BTS) skytrain line, with the city’s buzzing business, shopping and dining destinations just a few stations away. www.avanihotels.com

Accor Meets Art in Perth Accor will soon open its ninth Art Series hotel in downtown Perth in October 2019. The dazzling $90 million hotel by developer George Atzemis at 900 Hay Street, Perth extends over 27 storeys. Dedicated to Australia’s contemporary artists, the fundamental design concept of the 250-room Art Series hotel draws inspiration from its incoming namesake artist, with custom contemporary furnishings and original artworks and prints adorning the walls and halls of the hotel. Mediterranean cuisine and the city’s best cocktails will be served around the hotel’s stunning pool on level one, directly above Hay Street. The Art Series portfolio includes Melbourne hotels The Olsen, South Yarra; The Blackman, St Kilda Road; The Cullen, Prahan; The Larwill, Parkville; The Chen, Box Hill, along with The Watson in Walkerville, South Australia and The Johnson and The Fantauzzo in Brisbane, Queensland. www.artserieshotels.com.au

ibis Styles Opens in Bangkok’s Ratchada Neighbourhood The 266-room ibis Styles Bangkok Ratchada located close to Huai Khwang subway station offers value-conscious, style-savvy travellers an eclectic and creative design with comfort. A stylish yet economical hotel brand, ibis Styles is designed to be a centre of unique design, theme and personality. Comfortable Styles SweetBed bedding, television, free wi-fi, and family suites, the hotel introduces fun and comfort to business and leisure travellers. Bright and colourful rooms range from 25m2 to 34m2 for family rooms, which can accommodate up to four guests. Streats Café features an à la carte menu of Thai and Western favourites for lunch and dinner while Streats Bar serves an exciting range of beverages. There is a fully equipped fitness centre and spa for relaxation. For those travelling on business, three meeting rooms and a grand ballroom cater for up to 160 delegates. The hotel is located on Ratchadapisek Road with numerous shopping and dining attractions nearby. www.accorhotels.com

252019 Issue • Volume 2

crossingborders

Desaru Coast OpensThe first phase of the 769ha integrated resort development called Desaru Coast was recently opened in the presence of the His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, the Sultan of Johor. This destination resort situated on the east coast of the Malaysian state of Johor includes a portfolio of globally renowned hotels and resorts, namely Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort and Villas and One&Only Desaru Coast. It is also home to Adventure Waterpark, one of the world’s largest waterparks, the fully equipped conference facility of Desaru Coast Conference Centre, the retail village of Desaru Coast Riverside and 45 holes of golf at The Els Club Desaru Coast. The total development covers 1,578ha along a 17-km beachfront facing the South China Sea. Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn. Bhd. is the master developer with phase one of the development, planned for completion by the end of 2019. www.desarucoast.com

Matta Meets PeruThere was a recent signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) and the Peruvian National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR). CANATUR connects organisations that carry out activities related to tourism in Peru. It organises congresses, seminars and other tourism related activities both inside and outside the country. Likewise, MATTA is the national umbrella representative body for the entire travel industry in Malaysia, comprising local tour and travel organisations as well as numerous overseas affiliations and promoting the interests of the travel and tourism industry in the country. It works closely with other Malaysian associations helping organise fairs, seminars, conventions and workshops to create public awareness of the tourism industry as well as to benefit its members. The MOU will foster closer cooperation between the two countries and improve travel ties. The event was witnessed by MATTA President, Datuk Tan Kok Liang and by the Ambassador of the Republic of Peru, HE Guido Loayza and the CANATUR President Mr. Carlos Canales, via teleconferencing. www.matta.org.my

Fiji Airways Initiates Eat Before You Fly Fiji Airways has introduced the serving of some business class meals on selected flights before take-off. The airline said the move comes after research found 30% of passengers skipped in-flight meals in favour of sleeping. This meant that as much as 38% of on board food is discarded. Passengers taking some morning or evening flights out of Nadi, Fiji will be offered breakfast or dinner, respectively, in the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge before boarding. While the inflight experience has improved dramatically over the years across all airlines, the way in which food is served has not changed greatly and the airline introduced this initiative. The airline has analysed food consumption and sleep patterns, as well as accepting feedback from passengers about the meal service. On board meals for business class passengers will be replaced by light options such as fruit bowls, paninis, salads, tapas and soups. The Dine on the Ground service is now available for morning flights from Nadi to Sydney, Brisbane, Christchurch, Wellington and Hong Kong and evening flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco. www.fijiairways.com

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Grand Tour of Switzerland Switzerland has a mesmerising 29,000 kilometres of rail, ferry and bus routes available for exploring the alpine country. The Grand Train Tour covers just 1,280 kilometres of the country’s entire system and offers a systematic route to ensure all the leading destinations and sights are including during a journey lasting one week. The best to explore this land-locked country is to obtain a Swiss Travel Pass and then research all the details on the Grain Train Tour and set about discovering Switzerland as passengers with a pass can travel on almost every train, funicular railway, ferry and city public transport in the country. www.SwissTravelSystem.com

Over Paris ExperienceVisitors to Paris can now experience an ‘aerial view’ of the entire city. FlyView has just opened this world first to enable visitors to ‘take a flight’ over Paris without ever going skyward. Thanks to some ingenious virtual reality technology, participants are strapped into a jetpack stand, given a headset with a flight simulator and then get to experience what it is like flying over the amazing landmarks of Paris and some other global attractions. Participants experience the amazing footage captured by drone photography in high-resolution imagery with the added excitement of jetpack equipment that moves with the photos. www.flyview360.com

Singapore Airlines Touches Down in SeattleSeattle is the fifth US city in Singapore Airlines’ route network and the fourth to be served non-stop from Singapore. The non-stop Singapore-Seattle flights launched in early September and initially operating three times per week before increasing to four times per week in October. Airbus A350-900 aircraft are used on the route, fitted with 42 Business Class, 24 Premium Economy Class and 187 Economy Class seats. Its launch shows the airline’s commitment to expanding its operations in the important US market. It further strengthens the Singapore hub by providing customers faster and more convenient connectivity from key markets like South East Asia, South Asia and Australasia to North America. Seattle is one of the fastest growing cities in the US, with a strong and diverse economy. It is headquarters for many major US corporations and is a popular venue for start-up businesses. Seattle also ranks highly for job growth and has a steadily increasing population. It is also a popular tourist destination, famous for its lush evergreen forests and parks, vibrant arts and cultural scene as well as the gateway for Alaskan cruises. Seattle flights complement Singapore Airlines’ existing US services to Houston, Los Angeles, New York (both JFK and Newark) and San Francisco. Singapore Airlines currently operates 53 flights per week to the US, including 27 non-stop Singapore-US services. With the introduction of the new Seattle flights, total US frequency has increased to 57 weekly flights. www.singaporeair.com

272019 Issue • Volume 2

crossingborders

Brunei Destination for Dream Cruises In July 2019, Brunei Darussalam received the maiden call of Genting Dream, a member of the luxury cruise line Dream Cruises as the third stop on its special five-night round trip cruise from Singapore to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia and Muara in Brunei. The Genting Dream had 3,000 international passengers onboard including those from Singapore, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Australia and Taiwan. The Genting Dream is the first purpose-built ship for the China and Asian markets and offers guests the highest levels of service and comfort. It features six waterslide parks, a rock climbing wall, a 35-metre zip-line that sways above the open waters and more. Passengers enjoyed land tours organised by local travel agents. Between 2014 until 2018, there have been more than 130,000 arrivals via cruises and ferries into Brunei. In the same period, more than 264,000 passengers entered Brunei via the Serasa Ferry Terminal. www.bruneitourism.com

Air Mauritius Connects to Indian Ocean IslandsAir Mauritius has just made it possible for holidaymakers to visit the stunning tropical island of the Seychelles. Air Mauritius has expanded its network to one of the most famed beach holiday destinations in the Indian Ocean. The island of Mauritius has been popular hub for tourists who yearn for getaways to its sandy beaches and luxurious island locations. From Kuala Lumpur to Mauritius, visitors can then directly go to Seychelles through the Mauritius hub. Operating twice weekly, Air Mauritius offers 108 economy class seats and 16 business class seats for those planning to visit the Seychelles. There are also possibilities for combined package offering both holiday destinations of Mauritius and the Seychelles. www.airmauritius.com

The Sun Rises First in New Zealand New Zealand is the first country in the world to greet the rising sun and New Zealand Tourism is using this in a new campaign just launched – ‘100% Pure Welcome – 100% Pure New Zealand’. In a global gesture of welcome, New Zealanders are opening their hearts and homes to the world, with locals from across the country sharing a ‘Good Morning World’ welcome message from their own sunrise, every day for the next year. With sunrises all over the country as a backdrop, the tourism campaign will highlight the nation’s stunning natural landscapes that make it so unique. www.newzealand.com

BELMOND PALACIO NAZARENAS CUSCO, PERUBuilt on Inca foundations and with colonial-era frescoes, this 55-room retreat high up in the Andes Mountains in the legendary city of Cusco is within metres of the city’s iconic central plaza. www.palacionazarenas.grandluxuryhotels.com

VICTORIA FALLS HOTEL, ZIMBABWEBuilt in 1904, this graceful property overlooks the cascading Victoria

Falls at the bottom of the meticulously manicured gardens. It is located at the terminus of the train from Bulawayo and is where London to Johannesburg air passengers stayed after landing in a

seaplane on the Zambezi River. www.victoriafallshotel.com

HOTEL BRISTOL VIENNA, AUSTRIAKnown for its classical architecture, Vienna is home to the elegant Hotel Bristol, which has served the city’s most illustrious guests since 1892. Its 140 rooms are decorated with Art Deco styling while the Bristol Lounge has catered to guests who often sang at the adjoining State Opera. Its bar is the first and most opulent American-styled bar in the city. www.marriott.com

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Grand HotelsGrand hotels are the places of

legends often where history was written and the type of hotel that all

travellers aspire to stay in. Historic suites are often named after famous

guests who have checked in and graced the elegant bars, restaurants

and rooms.

EASTERN AND ORIENTAL PENANGThe E&O captures the spirit of the British colonial era and the days of grand Asian travel on luxurious steamships. Its soon-to-reopen

Heritage Wing contains the rooms heritage buffs should check into. Enjoy elegant English afternoon teas in Planter’s Lounge.

www.eohotels.com

AZERAI LA RESIDENCE HUÉ, VIETNAMThis luxury boutique hotel on the banks of the fabled Perfume River faces the UNESCO-protected Citadel. The former residence of the French Resident is now managed by Azerai, which preserves its Art Deco heritage and combines it with modern sensibilities. www.azerai.com

RAFFLES LE ROYAL PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIAThis hotel opened in the Cambodian capital in 1929 and it and its

sister property in Siem Reap, housed dignitaries, politicians and writers including Charlie Chaplin, Jackie Kennedy and Somerset Maugham. It featured in the movie The Killing Fields. Its Elephant Bar beckons with

signature cocktails like Femme Fatale. www.raffles.com

SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE HANOI, VIETNAMIn 1901, two French colonialists erected the Metropole Hotel to house discerning travellers. Today, it continues this tradition as being Hanoi’s finest hotel. Author Graham Green wrote sections of The Quiet American while relaxing in the bar. Start a grand evening with cocktails in Angelina Bar and finish with fine French cuisine in Le Beaulieu. www.sofitel.accorhotels.com

292019 Issue • Volume 2

globetrotter

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Sutera Sanctuary Lodges Poring Hot SpringsIt is a short walk from chalet and dormitory accommodation of this compact lodge to bubbling hot springs. The premium accommodation is the River Lodge of two bedrooms, lounge room, dining area and two bathrooms. Rooms have tasteful

contemporary furnishings and sunken shower area.

VERDICTSuperb retreat surrounded by forests with babbling brooks and the Rainforest Restaurant serving enticing local Dusun

dishes. www.suterasanctuarylodges.com.my

Eco-Lodges in SabahHospitality Asia checked into four eco-lodges

in the wilds of Sabah to be pleasantly surprised.

Tabin Wildlife ResortLocated in eastern Sabah near Lahad Datu, the lodge is in the middle of the 120,000ha Tabin Wildlife Reserve established to protect Sumatran Rhinos, Borneo Pygmy Elephant and 300 bird species. There are ten river and ten hill lodges with ensuite and ceiling fan.

VERDICTRemote and isolated but with excellent creature comforts for experiencing a wild part of Sabah. www.tabinwildlife.com.my

Sutera Sanctuary Lodges Kinabalu ParkAccommodation ranges from a hostel to two-bedroom lodges. The lodges have a bathroom, fireplace, heated

towel rack, and wooden floors, stone and timber, like a true mountain lodge.

VERDICTAdmire the scenic views of Malaysia’s highest mountain

while staying in very comfortable lodges with contemporary interiors. www.suterasanctuarylodges.com.my

Sukau Rainforest LodgeSabah’s longest river, the Kinabatangan flows past Sukau Rainforest Lodge near the riverine settlement of Sukau. While isolated, guests do not go without in this National Geographic recognised ‘Unique Lodges of the World’. Rooms are luxurious retreats surrounded by rainforests teeming with wildlife.

VERDICTUnparalleled deluxe accommodation with more wildlife than Discovery Channel. www.borneoecotours.com

312019 Issue • Volume 2

ontheroad

COMPACT A-CLASS HATCHBACK FROM MERCEDES Two variations of this vehicle are available in the Malaysian market – the A200 Progressive Line and the A250 AMG line. Powered by a 1.3-litre engine, its inline turbocharged engine with a maximum speed of 225 km/hour is aggressive and agile without any turbo lag. The car interior offers a comfortable rise and is equipped with a sport dash equipped with twin 10.3” viewing screens. It has a Keyless-Go function and the A200 is fitted with the all-new Mercedes-Benz User Experience infotainment system with intelligent controls. www.mercedes-benz.com.my

HONDA RETURNS WITH SUPREMACYThe new Honda CR-V is now in its fifth generation and

comes fully equipped with the latest technology powered by a 1.5L VTEC turbocharged engine. This latest model

has improved 4WD driving performance with better torque for better acceleration,

traction and stability on all terrains. Equipped with Honda Sensing, it

utilises radar and cameras to detect imminent danger. A Lane Departure

Warning, Road Departure Mitigation and Lane Keep Assist system alerts the driver in the case of the vehicle

leaving its lane. Inspect at Honda Tiong Nam Motor in Setia Alam.

www.honda-tiongnam.com

FACELIFT FOR NISSAN X-TRAILFour variants of the Nissan X-Trail SUV have received a recent facelift. The 2 litre 2WD, 2 litre 2WD MID, 4WD and 2 litre hybrid now have more features to give all models a better ride and handling plus improved noise vibration and harshness. The new features include revised running and headlights, seven-inch navigation and infotainment system with Apple Carplay and android auto, leatherette dashboard, and five-inch driver assist display. www.nissan.com.my

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ELS DESARU VALLEY COURSEThe course layout is a collaboration between two golfing legends, Ernie Els and Vijay Singh. Small greens and sharp undulations mean that approach play must be precise. The layout is as dramatic as anywhere in the world, Singh used the slopes to perfection, creating a perfect mix of testing shots and vistas. The entire complex features 45 holes across two distinctive courses including the 27-hole Ocean Course. There is a golf academy with the entire setup managed by Troon Golf. www.elsclubmalaysia,com

REMARKABLE GOLD AT JACK’S POINT

Jack’s Point, near Queenstown in the Central Otago region of New

Zealand’s South Island, is set beneath the snow-capped mountains of The

Remarkables. Lake Wakatipu and the tussock-covered hillocks provide the perfect undulations for golf. Ranked in the nation’s top five, it combines

dramatic scenery with challenging golf. The par 72, 6,388m-long course

weaves its way through grasslands, rocky knolls and bushland with stonewalls lining the fairways.

www.jackspoint.com

ALPINE DELIGHTS AT JADE MOUNTAIN

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club, near Lijiang in China’s Yunnan

Province is situated beneath the snow-capped Jade Mountain. The

world’s longest golf course at 8,548m also has the world’s longest

hole - the par five, fifth at 711m. At an altitude of 3,100m, the air is thinner than at sea level and balls

will travel further. www.ljxsgolf.com

332019 Issue • Volume 2

windingdown

Ascend to a Higher State at AVANISPAAVANISPA on Koh Samui is not only home to traditional Thai and global therapies based around four experiences of boost, balance, calm and purify but also a source of modern technology such as a meditation massage using a Muse headband. Spa guests can ascend to a higher state of bliss with the fusion of ancient healing traditions and scientific innovation. Begin the journey with some minutes of mindfulness wearing a brainwave tracking Muse headband. Spa patrons are encouraged to slow their breathing, calm their mind and be in a state of preparedness for their full body massage. The session is concluded with a second session using the Muse headband to measure the difference in brain activity pre and post massage. Results are sent directly to the guest’s mobile device. www.avanihotels.com

Stir the Soul, Rock the BodyRock Spa at Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast stirs the body, relaxes the mind and rocks the body. It comprises five luxurious treatment rooms for massage, body treatments and facials. Featured is the world’s first fully immersive music-centric spa menu utilising amplified vibrations, pressure and patterns as the foundation of its treatments. This ground-breaking experience takes guests on a rhythmic massage journey as bass vibrations ripple through the massage table while treble beats from above, sending pulses through the soul. It opens daily from 10am to 10pm. www.hardrockhotels.com

Pañpuri on the Straits and NarrowThe couples’ treatment room in Pañpuri Organic Spa in the Victory Annexe of Penang’s Eastern and Oriental Hotel (E&O) overlooks the Straits of Malacca at its narrowest stretch. In line with the hotel’s heritage, the spa surroundings are as elegant as the just renovated Heritage Wing of the original hotel. Organic spa products are used for all treatments including the Mali Moonlight Soothing Massage of 60 or 90 minutes. Guests are greeted with a lemongrass-infused cold towel and a chilled camomile and honey beverage. A specific oil of choice is selected from four on offer with the organic lemongrass oil being therapeutic for muscle relief. The spa ritual commences with a footbath of kaffir lime leaves and lime and then a foot scrub of herbs and sea salt. Skilled therapists combine Thai and Malay massage techniques using thumbs and elbows to ease muscle tension. www.eohotels.com, www.panpuriorganic spa.com

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352019 Issue • Volume 2

expose

Proof is in the PizzaThe proof is in the pizza and the truth is in the dough. Proof Pizza + Wine with outlets in Kuala Lumpur including Acoris Mont Kiara and APW Bangsar, uses the finest dough and an authentic wood-fired oven to create gourmet pizzas. Located in its industrial setting (the old print shop for NST newspaper), the pizzas are as rustic as the ambiance but brimming with the flavours of Italy. Both classic and gourmet pizzas are offered with standards such as Margherita and more tempting offerings such as the spicy Calabrian comprising nduja pork salami, shredded pumpkin, Mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and zucchini. There is an intelligent wine list with several by the glass and many by the bottle. Proof morphs into Grano Pasta Bar next door to offer, not surprisingly, pasta to complement the pizza in the same building and under the same management. www.facebook.com/proofpizzaAPW

Naughty Nuri’s Adds New DishesThe popular Naughty Nuri’s, started by husband and wife team as a roadside warung in rural Ubud in 1995 and now expanding globally, has tweaked its menu to introduce some tantalising new dishes. These include torched salmon, Balinese blackened beef, Indonesian-style nasi goreng, baked cilantro lime salmon, Balinese grilled chicken breast, pork feast platter and the popular Balinese crispy pork slice. All these dishes and existing favourites are now being served across Malaysia. www.naughtynuris.com.my

Revised Menu at ATAS RuMaIn its short history, the modern Malaysian restaurant ATAS in RuMa Hotel and Residences has modified and adjusted its menu to accommodate the palates of its discerning guests. Canadian-born, Executive Chef Tyson Gee and his team keep rediscovering new local Malaysian ingredients and enjoy extracting the best they can from them. Some ingredients are sourced from a Bornean market staged in Seri Kembangan. For example, the chef obtains flavoursome Bario Highland rice (adan) here and combines it with oyster mushrooms and Pecorino to marry local with international flavours. Other new dishes include corn-fed chicken prepared with local spices and served with a pavement of okra sitting on a sea of fermented chilli sauce. All dishes are artfully plated with the bombe Alaska of mango, jackfruit, calamansi and cashew nuts providing one of many Instagrammable moments. www.theruma.com

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A Public House for AllPublic House has recently opened in The Sphere in the burgeoning Bangsar South precinct. It commands ground floor entrance positioning and it comes with the heritage of other successful Kuala Lumpur restaurants such as Vintry, Stoked, Proof and Grano Pasta. While wine is important, The Public House is more a brasserie than a wine bar. It offers a balanced mix of Western and Asian dishes and is backed by a superb collection of fine wines, beers and luscious cocktails. One of the signature dishes is not to be missed – roast pork with German mustard. This dish has a proven record of accomplishment at Vintry and it was only logical that it should appear on the Public House menu. Several dishes stand out here – the daikon salad (refreshing, crunchy elements and healthy), baby octopus (pan-fried with sesame seeds and plated with orange slices), salmon ceviche (fresh with toasted slices of garlic, lime and chilli) and claypot ‘mouse-tail’ noodles with a raw duck egg. Select wines by the glass, carafe or full bottle with the carafe being a good innovation for the city as it is half a bottle and priced at half the price of a full bottle. Sample some interesting wines such as Angheli a Sicilian blend from the house of Donnafugata or a Merlot from Chateau Ste Michelle in Washington State. T: +603 2785-2990.

The Essence of Dining on Koh SamuiAVANI Samui sources as much of its produce from the island as it can to serve to diners in Essence Restaurant overlooking the coastal flats of Laem Hin Khom. Fish and seafood are purchased from a nearby village where fishing folk set to sea on most days and organic fruit and vegetables are also sourced locally where possible. Executive Chef Kien Wagner from Germany oversees the kitchen crew at this resort located on the serene southwest of this tropical island located in the Gulf of Thailand. Authenticity of local flavours is all-important as the kitchen team sets out to allow good produce to do the talking. Diners at the open-sided restaurant enjoy local, international and fusion dishes including pad Thai, grilled barramundi with mashed sweet potato, coconut herb salad and lemongrass sauce. Salads are prepared from organic vegetables with the chefs noticing a trend from guests who have developed healthier palates. Specialty dinners include Thai Kan Tok, beach barbecue and a private and romantic dining experience on the beach upon request. www.avanihotels.com

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Goût de FranceOver 150 countries across five continents agree to help the public discover the ‘French gastronomic meal’, recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2010. For four days, foodies are invited to celebrate French gastronomy through fun and popular events. Reviving and bringing up to date the Dîner d’Epicure (‘Gourmet’s Dinner’) first concocted by Auguste Escoffier in 1912, Goût de Good France also organises thousands of French dinners around the world. These will all take place again in March 2020. In Paris, dozens of restaurants take part and offer traditional dishes made with fresh local ingredients. In 2019, Mediterranean and sustainable cuisine took centre stage at what is regarded as the world’s biggest celebration of French gastronomy. www.goodfrance.com

Tête-à-tête @ Dorsett HartamasDorsett Hartamas Kuala Lumpur now offers Saturday afternoon tea at Table Talk located on the hotel’s mezzanine floor. It is the venue for a restful afternoon tête-à-tête with selected teas and coffee. Delicious sweet and savoury snacks are presented on a tiered stand and includes special mini burger with charcoal bun, red velvet cake, green chicken tikka, homemade cheese ball, rendang pailang served with yellow sticky rice, serawa durian, assorted macaroons, scone served with strawberry jam and cream, biscuits, tartlets and sandwiches. The afternoon high tea is available every Saturday at RM48 nett per person from 12 noon to 4 pm with prior reservation. www.dorsetthotels.com

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It’s Not a Rock, It’s a Rock Lobster Cervantes is the gateway to Western Australia’s Pinnacles Desert. The coastal town also has beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise waters teeming with marine life, making it a popular choice for fishing or swimming and relaxed family getaways enjoying tasty fresh seafood. While most visitors travel to the region to admire the moonscape environment of the Pinnacles Desert, others come to enjoy the coast and the delicious lobster for which the region is famous. Rock lobsters are served at the Indian Ocean Rock Lobster Factory and the Lobster Shack. The Lobster Shack is popular with bus groups who lunch here on the signature half rock lobster, grilled, served with fries and a fresh salad. A variety of other seafood dishes is also served in the beachside shack. Cervantes is approximately two-hour’s drive north of Perth along the Indian Ocean Drive. www.lobstershack.com.au

Horizon Grill Banyan TreeHorizon Grill at the Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur has taken dining to new heights – the 58th floor of this impressive downtown hotel. Diners can enjoy their meal in the restaurant’s air-conditioned interior or alfresco in the atmospheric heady ambiance of the open terrace.

While views of the glistening Twin Towers and the city skyline are sufficient to keep most diners happy, the food, beverages and service here are the equal of the panoramic views. The culinary direct is contemporary European with leanings towards the classics. Creative Asian-inspired elements are crafted in but to most patrons it is classic Western with leanings to France. Start the meal with fresh oysters imported from France, a portion of French caviar, foie gras terrine or crab cakes. For soup, try Horizon’s twist on the classic lobster bisque; crustacean bisque of crabmeat topped with lobster foam. It is in the restaurant’s name so

it should be no surprise that grilled meat is a specialty. Order the house-smoked Angus short-ribs, Kyushu rib eye steak or Goulburn Valley beef with sauces such as truffled Béarnaise to appreciate how this outlet sets itself apart from the competition. While there is a comprehensive wine list by the bottle, there is a small but inviting selection of wines by the glass. These include reasonably priced, Sixty Drops Sauvignon Blanc (NZ), Wairau River Pinot Noir (NZ) and Trapiche Malbec (Argentina). Finish the meal with a cheese selection or lychee parfait. Specialty desserts include chocolate swirl (orange and lemon segments with chocolate and sea salt cookie crumble, pandan cream and vanilla ice cream) and millefeuille (crispy tuile, raspberry gel, Madagascan cream and Nestum ice cream). The restaurant opens for all three meals of the day with reservations essential for evening meals. www.banyantree.com

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Nizza Revamps its Mediterranean OfferingsNizza, the French Mediterranean-styled casual dining outlet overlooking the pool on the third floor of the Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara has revamped its menu to make it even more enticing. All but the much-loved pizza section has been replaced by tantalising dishes of the Mediterranean from Spain through France and into Italy. Chefs, under the charge of Chef de Cuisine Jasper Chow craft their magic behind the glassed off show kitchen while beverages are prepared by experienced mixologists in the poolside bar that the restaurant opens onto.

A mini-blackboard tapas menu has been introduced hot and cold tapas sections to enjoy over a refreshing cocktail at the start of a meal. Guests can select from stuffed olives, an artisanal cheese platter, mussels, and cold cuts of cured duck, beef and chorizo sausage artistically displayed on a long black plate. Two standard tapas selections are the charred rustic bread with olive oil, roasted garlic, vine-ripened tomato relish topped with pickled anchovy and the prawns sautéed with garlic, parsley and a hint of spicy chilli.

Order both dishes and use the bread to mop up the rich and flavoursome garlic-infused olive oil used to cook the prawns.

Nizza’s risotto with porcini mushrooms is finished at the table with a generous shaving of black truffle imported from the home of truffle, Alba in Piedmonte, Italy. A rich and filling main dish is the Wagyu cheek confit served with roasted celeriac purée with red win jus. This dish and a few others are prepared with port wine although the dishes served are all pork-free.

Guests can enjoy Damansara’s balmy weather in the outdoor section of the restaurant or within the comfort of the air-conditioned interior with references to the Côte d’Azur in its graphic ceiling art. The geometric blue and white tiled floor has an amazing three-dimensional effect and introduces the colours of the French Riviera and the Mediterranean Sea to suburban Damansara.

Nizza is the hotel’s speciality restaurant and is open every Wednesday to Monday from 4.30pm to 10.30pm www.sofitel.com

ospitality Asia spoke with several chefs and restauranteurs to gauge how they utilise digital technology in their operations and how they incorporate ever-changing technology. These

questions ranged from how technology is making inroads in their business to the influence of social media like Instagram and food delivery services.

Social Media Making InroadsSocial media is essential for restaurants these days and having the finest food, the best wine list and impeccable

F&B Embraces the Digital EraTechnology affects almost everything we do and hospitality especially is influenced by technology as is operating a restaurant or food outlet. Changes are constantly occurring in the way restauranteurs interact with guests and with the way diners interact with restaurants. Restaurants no longer simply provide food and beverages and deliver service in an inviting and comfortable setting. Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Director of Historic Hotels Worldwide puts it, “Today’s customer wants to discover, experience, and, most important, share. You need the most modern technology to enable that.”

service doesn’t amount to much if potential guests don’t know this. News travels fast and the news travels fastest on social media.

The old saying, ‘a picture tells a thousand words’ is more important today than it ever has been with many chefs spending as much time on the plating as the preparation to ensure the result is Instagrammable. It appears that many diners choose food that looks good and not necessarily, if it is good.

James Won, owner and chef at the impressive Enfin by James Won in downtown Kuala Lumpur relishes the

Enfin Kuala Lumpur by James Won

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opportunities presented by the digital world. “We made a conscious decision from the restaurant’s inception to strategise a programme for the digital world and to make it an integral part of our business,” he maintains.

The restaurant is engaged in an online reservation platform that integrates customer relationship management to mobile devices and across to the Point of Sale (POS) systems. Being totally linked to its social media addresses means customers are able to make reservations around the clock and receive the latest information from the restaurant. This includes - reservation availability, changes to their reservation, dietary requirements, allergies and enabling deposits to be paid.

James Won continues, “Across our social media platform, we have a dedicated content scheduling and nourishment programme delivered every quarter”. The chef also works with the print media for content creation; and to stay in touch with them regarding brand and new developments.

Nearby is Joloko Restaurant which has a webpage that is well designed and effective, according to owner Rick Jorre. “We post and update social media like Instagram and Facebook at least three times a week and upload Instagram stories on a daily basis. We send monthly newsletters to those on our database and most important of all, we

collect data from our existing customers through our online reservations platform, a loyalty programme with automated marketing and by hosting events, which require attendees to subscribe. We have at least one article each month published on blogs or online magazines,” adds Rick Jorre.

Meanwhile, in Launceston Tasmania, Jeremy Kode from Geronimo Aperitivo Bar and Restaurant fully embraces the digital world. “It assists in every aspect of my operation. Social media is the obvious digital marketing tool however, I use others. This includes rostering and payroll applications and online booking platforms that assist with marketing opportunities and the ability to capture bookings around

Managing social media is a fulltime job, but we strongly

believe in digital marketing and online presence especially with so many restaurants opening. It’s important to stay on top of people’s minds.

Rick Jorre

The bar top at Joloko Kuala Lumpur

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the clock. The booking tool we use also provides vital guest information that allows us to know guest dining habits.”

Jeremy Kode’s business is expanding and a project management tool enables decision makers to successfully manage the current projects and have the ability to add tasks to those responsible for particular operations.

No restaurant can survive without being connected, one way of the other with the digital world according to Miguel Perez, Food and Beverage Director at the Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur. From external (marketing and customer reviews) to internal processes (management, reservations and finance) restaurants are no different from any other business according to Miguel Perez.

“We are going all in with the digital marketing world,” according to Hans Gill at Tiki Taka Restaurant. “We’ve been

focusing on Facebook as well as Instagram ads to drive our business and it has worked really well. People aged from 25 to 45 are social media savvy, hence the best way to reach these consumers is by social media advertising. We offer a free daily dessert giveaway that just requires diners to ‘check in’ into Tiki Taka on Facebook or Instagram,” claims Hans Gill.

According to Balasubramani Naidu, Director of Food and Beverage, New World Petaling Jaya Hotel, restaurants are involved in digital technology, primarily in digital marketing and secondary, in digital payments.

Plating, Photography and PostingSocial media has created new restaurant behaviour and characteristics. ‘Two, four, six eight, tuck in don’t wait’ is meaningless these days as diners clamour over the best position to photograph the food before tucking in.

Food and Instagram are inextricably intertwined with over 330 million food posts on Instagram and rapidly rising. It is as if this social media platform was exclusively developed for the restaurant industry.

James Wan is fully aware of the relationship. “Food plating design and styling have changed to make sure phone cameras are able to capture the image we intended.

Horizon Grill, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur

I firmly believe no restaurant can survive without being connected,

one way of the other with the digital world.

Miguel Perez

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The situation is the same in Launceston where Jeremy Kode maintains keeping customers engaged is incredibly important. Social media, especially the proliferation of outstanding food and beverage-focused publications, has helped in the general awareness of good food and beverages. “We constantly look at what is happening across the world to ensure we are abreast of new ideas and inspiration,” he explains

Balasubramani Naidu suggests that social media is now more powerful than word of mouth. Indeed, great ‘images of the eye’ are considered a greater multiplier with the biggest impact.

For Miguel Perez, there is a similarity between the food and beverage industry and the fashion industry. “The digital world represents a window to show the world what you do.”

Lighting in the main dining room had to be changed to allow photography to be friendlier and more flattering. Service timing also needs to accommodate diners eating behaviour because we need to allow the customer time to take photos before eating,” explains the chef.

He adds, “Social media exposure has extended our reach to new customers who are not traditionally our target market. People are interested to know what the food looks like and do not really read or want to understand what the cuisine is about via words.”

Leo Kuscher, General Manager at the Royale Chulan Seremban Hotel adds that hoteliers are expected to stay on their toes to create Instagrammable moments for their guests to communicate with their friends. This needs to be creative, edgy and memorable.

Creating memorable moments is also important like cooking classes with the chef involving a pre-dawn visit to the local markets to source for fresh sustainably grown organic produce.

He adds, “Although millennials are gadget conscientious, well-heeled travellers, especially those staying in luxury properties need to create special personalised moments with unique touches for their discerning guests.”

Outdoor dining at Horizon Grill, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur

Technology is a key component of successful restaurant

operations.

Balasubramani Naidu

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Hans Gill suggests, “You must adapt to changing times or you will be put out of business by the market. Hence staying abreast with the latest happenings is very important. The great thing about social media is you can understand your customers better by following them on Instagram. You then know what they like and dislike. This gives you a better understanding of what your customers want and you can adjust your business model to keep up with their demands as well as trends.”

Food Delivery ServicesThe online food delivery services market was valued at US$8 billion in 2017 and will grow at a rate of almost 10% per annum until 2026 according to Research and Markets.

Food delivery services are similar to online shopping and have taken millennials into a new era of dining at their comfort. However, hotel restaurants are yet to see significant benefit from these delivery platforms especially in urban properties as millennials living nearby prefer food from local diners, keeping hotel outlets for special celebrations and occasions.

Miguel Perez envisages these platforms as presenting an opportunity to extend Banyan Tree’s portfolio. Hans Gill realised that consumers are looking for convenience. “Although we would love people to dine in our restaurant every day, we accept reality that people have so many

things happening in their lives. Sometimes they just want to order in. Tiki Taka received many requests so we listened. Today we are on Grab and Food Panda and sales have been encouraging so I think it’s good. I look at it as an additional stream of revenue instead of something that cannibalises our sales.”

He believes these food delivery services are here to stay and he thinks they help businesses. He explains, “Many people had heard of Tiki Taka but had not come to the restaurant. Since going on Grab and Food Panda, there have been many who tried our food via delivery and enjoyed the dishes. Then, they decided to come here to dine. I’m not worried about these services affecting our business; I embrace it.”

Jeremy Kode is not convinced and claims that from his research, many Australian restaurants are not happy with food delivery services as they charge incredibly high fees. He adds that restaurant margins are typically low and these commissions don’t make business sense.

Botakliquor Chinatown

Digital tech will be the core fundamental of the dining

business for years to come.

Balasubramani Naidu

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Furthermore, “I will be investigating all companies offering this service to assess their viability. I feel these businesses are bad in the sense that they take such huge commissions however restaurants need to compete and feel forced to take it on. They are great as they allow you to reach new markets and expand your business operation without increasing fixed costs or expanding your physical footprint,” he concludes.

Future DevelopmentsAs wages rise, restaurants need to creatively provide incredible service to maintain guest interest. Could it be possible that manual order taking could be replaced by robots or self-ordering kiosks and QR codes (quick service restaurants like McDonald’s are already rolling out some of this technology)?

James Won notes that Malaysians are increasingly seeking locally produced food and artisanal approaches to farming and sustainable ingredients. Known as locavore, diners focus on eating locally grown produce.

Going meatless is another trend and it has never been so easy in this day and age. An increasing awareness of the health and environmental implications of going meat-free has taken off amongst many. James Won notes, “Malaysia was ranked the third most vegetarian-friendly country in the whole world. Malaysians are also part of the global movement towards making a difference in taking care of the environment, banning plastic straws and food packaging.”

He adds, “They are also looking to chefs and restauranteurs to see how they can play a part in cooking sustainably to keep food waste to a minimum.”

The entrance to Botakliquor Chinatown

You must adapt to changing times or you will be put out

of business by the market.

Hans Gill

Diners are savvier than ever and want an engaging food

experience.

Jeremy Kode

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Rick Jorre thinks the restaurant scene will see stronger concept places, with young talent and passionate people.

Fine dining is on the way out, with but a few surviving over the next five years, according to Jeremy Kode. “Diners are savvier than ever and want an engaging food experience that requires incredibly knowledgeable staff to be able to cultivate great experiences that don’t break the bank. I believe the origins of food and beverages will become even more important especially in a state like Tasmania,” he surmises.

For Balasubramani Naidu, the Internet of Things (IOT) will advance in the coming years, “AI will be a trendsetter, including 3D printing your own cake or your own meal at your table. Biotech will produce home-grown or lab-grown meats and plant-based ingredients. Robotics will be more common in delivery systems and farming. Cloud computing and applications for training, menu planning, knowledge

base and real-time information will become restaurant standards. Finally, FIR (Fourth Industrial Revolution) will boost the farming and food sector to obtain more affordable food for all,” he envisages.

Clockwise from the top: James Won, owner and chef at Enfin Kuala Lumpur; Rick Jorre, owner of Joloko Restaurant; Miguel Perez, Director of Food and Beverage, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur.

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A pretty website is not the goal; the goal is to convert lookers

into bookers. Focus on improving the user experience to increase direct bookings.

Joey Egan

Above: Hans Gill, Tiki Taka Restaurant Left: Jeremy Kode, Geronimo Aperitivo Bar and Restaurant.

“I perceive a lot of partnerships and different concepts mixed together,” claims Miguel Perez. He continues, “There will be no more differentiation but restaurants will focus on the experience whilst offering real and honest food. I foresee an increase in the convenience factor for customers with faster and innovative delivery services. Technology will play a very substantial role in the decoration, equipment and layout of the restaurant plus the online world making restaurants accessible to all parts of the world.”

However, Hans Gill doesn’t see any major shift in terms of food and beverages. Food delivery will expand further, but it won’t kill establishments as people still enjoy dining out, he maintains.

“If any outlet does not have a presence on Facebook or Instagram today or within the next five years, they will go out of business,” he predicts. He adds, “Any brand that is not embracing the digital world, will be put out of business by the market as they will become irrelevant. People will decide on places to dine with what they see online first. Online brand presence is going to be critical in the next couple of years.”

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Double Dishes for DoubleTree Chef Lee Keen Suaan Executive Chef at the DoubleTree Kuala Lumpur started his career 15 years ago when just 17 years old. He started his career in a German restaurant in Penang before advancing to the Shangri-La Rasa Sayang. He worked in other Shangri-La properties with his last position, back at the Rasa Sayang as Executive Sous Chef. Branching out, he moved to the DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur and advanced to become the Executive Chef. He is a great believer that the only way to succeed is through hard work and sacrifice. Furthermore, cooking must come from the heart and based upon this philosophy, he loves to prepared fusion-styled dishes as inspired by his father Chef Bob Lee, a well-known chef in Penang. His favourite dishes he likes to prepare in the hotel’s Makan Kitchen outlet include coffee-cured salmon gravlax, often paired by Malaysian diners with local coffee and quinoa salad and roasted purple sweet potato.

Chef Weng’s Yen for Cantonese CuisineYen is an avant-garde dining concept in the W Hotel Kuala Lumpur that melds an accomplished Cantonese restaurant, art space with private dining rooms and a bar into a harmonious sociable space for enjoying creative food with insightful conversations. Dishes are inspired by age-old traditions with the aim being for the chefs to deliver a contemporary interpretation of Cantonese favourites. Meticulously selected seafood is prepared using ancient cooking and preparation traditions. Meals are accompanied by a selection of the finest teas. Executive Chinese Chef Tan Weng is an accomplished chef with a National Certificate of Advanced Diploma in Culinary Food Preparation and National Certified Cookery Teaching Certificate. Over the years, his style of cooking has matured, earning him several awards along the way including Most Promising Asian Cuisine Chef in the 2008 HAPA Awards. He especially enjoys preparing dishes dim, slow-cooked Wagyu beef ribs, durian, abalone and truffle milk pudding.

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Marc Lores Executive Head Chef at Alila Villas UluwatuPrior to joining Alila Villas Uluwatu, Chef Marc Lores was the Head Chef at Cal Xirriclo in Lleida, Spain. At Alila Villas Uluwatu, the chef draws on his love for the fresh, radiant flavours of the Mediterranean and the spicy-sweet-sour-bitter punch of flavours unique to Asian cuisine. Fresh local and organic produce remain the stars of each dish, celebrated in all their authenticity, infused with creativity to deliver delicious moments of surprise. At CIRE, guests can experience a tantalising menu of gourmet Asian and international comfort food, created with the finest produce available, sourced as locally as possible. At Quila, diners seeking culinary excitement are taken on an exhilarating ride for all the senses in a daily-changing dinner menu comprising a variety of different plates – each plate perfectly sized to deliver a powerful flavour punch, a witty bite or a provocative shot of surprise. Sayur otak is a dish of cauliflower roasted with spices, coconut yoghurt and sour carrot purée. Sustainably farmed, the cauliflower is nutritious and rich in protein and perfectly aligned with Alila’s vision. His presentation on a hand-plate symbolises Balinese prayer in asking for a spiritual bless.

Raphael Kinimo Joins Team at Vietnam’s Metropole HanoiSofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi recently appointed Chef Raphael Kinimo as the hotel’s new Executive Sous Chef. The French national has worked in some of the world’s top kitchens and hotels and brings extensive culinary experience to Vietnam’s most storied hotel. In his new role, Chef Raphael oversees the culinary team, under the helm of Executive Chef Paul Smart at the hotel’s iconic French restaurant, Le Beaulieu. The chef began his career at the three Michelin-starred Paul Bocuse Restaurant in Lyon, before continuing his apprenticeship in other restaurants around France, including Jour de Marche in Lyon. In 2006, he moved to London where he worked under the late Joel Robuchon at l’Atelier de Robuchon in Covent Garden before relocating to Dubai to work as Head Chef for La Maison. Most recently, Chef Raphael worked as Chef de Cuisine at the Ritz Carlton Café in Macau where he specialised in classic French fare with a modern twist and fresh seafood. He loves working with salmon, which features in one of his signature dishes.

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The slow-food movement has crawled almost to a standstill in the lush uplands of Bali where the Chedi Club Tanah Gajah Ubud is now plating lunch and dinner fare sprung largely from the grounds of the resort. While farm to table movements are on the rise around the world, Chef Khairudin ‘Dean’ Nor thought he might do the movement one better by cutting out the costs of transportation almost entirely. The resort is rolling out lunch and dinner options every Monday and Thursday with ingredients harvested within 100m of the restaurant’s tables. Catfish is caught from a pond behind the garden, yams grow behind villas and cinnamon is ground from bark on a tree by the pool. The ‘Farm to Table’ experience is not merely a matter of eating, as it is equal

parts horticultural survey, food prep and dining, all under the able hand of the Singaporean-born chef who has helmed the kitchens here for seven years. The experience begins with a fortifying drink, and a wade into the organic garden where the chef explains the ingredients among citronella, basil, curry leaves and Vietnamese coriander. The menu varies but some of the dishes include mushroom chawanmushi with pomelo, a soup of young mango wrapped in chives with a homemade stock with Vietnamese coriander and kombu, basil gelato and eggplant rolls with purple yam and topped with edible weeds. One of the chef’s favourite dishes is spicy bebek betutu duck, an iconic Balinese dish. The Farm to Table package can accommodate a maximum of six people.

Chef of New Perth Hotel Plates Creative FareExecutive Chef, Jay Tesorero, of the recently opened Quay Perth Hotel brings his experience in Asia and Australia to the plate at the hotel’s rooftop dining spot, HQ Bar and Kitchen. His two signature dishes are prosperity salad, an artfully plated combination of seared yellow fin tuna, smoked fish, pickled carrots, sliced orange, accompanied by toasted cashews, peanut sauce, crispy shallots, and sesame oil powder; and a dish of seared wet-aged beef with shaved asparagus, diced cucumber, crispy bamboo mushrooms, and topped with a fermented bean dressing. Tesorero moved to Australia in 2007 and joined Mercure Hotel Continental Broome as Executive Chef, after his time in Broome he took on his first chef de cuisine role at Novotel Perth Langley. Prior to taking helm of the kitchen at Quay Perth, he was Head Chef at Drift Kitchen, a contemporary all-day dining restaurant at one of Perth’s most popular beaches.

Dine in the Slow Lane at Chedi Club Tanah Gajah Ubud

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Olivier Elzer Culinary Director of L’Envol, The St. Regis Hong KongChef Olivier is highly regarded as one of the leading chefs in Hong Kong who is passionate about refining and redefining the taste, textures and techniques of French gastronomy. With over 20 years-experience, of which he has led award-winning restaurants such as L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Hong Kong, Chef Olivier has a combined 18 Michelin stars to his experience. One of the chef’s signature dishes featured in his eight-course Prestige menu at L’Envol is Le Kristal Kaviari. The razor clams are freshly flown in from Brittany and served à la marinière in a traditional French white wine sauce and on a bed of pressed Kristal caviar cream before being topped with caviar from the renowned Parisian Kaviari house

Rey Ardonia Culinary Director of The Plantation Club, The Pavilions PhuketChef Ardonia is an innovative New Zealander with nearly 20 years-experience in fine dining including a stint at the award-winning Bracu. The chef’s method starts from understanding the culinary roots and culture of where he is, before sourcing the best local ingredients and combining traditional cooking practices with modern techniques to prepare each dish. The Pavilions Phuket invites guests to enjoy an enlightening epicurean experience with the launch of its new sustainable, locally and ethically sourced menus, including an à la carte option, four and six-course tasting menus and the ‘Plantation Journey’, a nine-course discovery of Thailand’s traditional cooking culture. Nuea kim sot is a dish of salted Sakon Nakorn Wagyu beef ribs braised in coconut cream topped with a fresh herb salad plus tamarind and chilli gel. In this traditional Thai dish, coconut water is used to cook the beef to ensure full flavours and optimal tenderness are achieved prior to adding to curries or a quick wok-fry and for use in salads.

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House of Fine Cocktails in House of Ill ReputeTucked away in the old Mah Lian Hotel, which served as a hotel in the front and a house of ill repute out the back, Botakliquor Bar breathes new life into the middle of KL’s Chinatown with its minimalist design and creative offerings. Maintaining most of the layout of the old building, architect Shin Chang preserved much of its soul and added a contemporary feel to create a homely bar. Each cocktail contains ingredients that are either home grown or locally produced and farmed. Rick Joore, who hails from Holland, uses Malaysian botanicals with the focus on clear spirits. In one of his more experimental menu creations, Rick plays around with funky ingredients not usually found in a cocktail. The bungka kantan and pumpkin cocktail contains a flower from Shin’s farm made into a soda with pumpkin seed-infused vodka. The bar itself, surrounded by a mélange of cosy chairs, is sunken and framed by an abundance of low-hanging plants. www.facebook.com/BOTAKLiquor

WOOBAR at WWOOBAR in the Living Room precinct of W Kuala Lumpur, the chic and somewhat provocative just-opened hotel in central Kuala Lumpur, has released a range of new and exotic cocktails much to the delight of hipsters who rendezvous here to enjoy the exhilarating vibe. The intimate afternoon high tea venue morphs into a glamorous spot to mingle with friends in the evening over expertly crafted beverages and inventive bar bites. For those who are undecided, throw the dice of the ‘bored game’ and let Han the liquid manager and his team do the rest. Cocktails for the team must be tasty, have a story and be Instagrammable. Creative cocktails inspired by the wilds of Malaysia are served and include Hive Five, an tantalising blend of gin, pomegranate and Tualang honey, a multi-floral jungle honey produced by rock bees which build hives high up in the rainforest canopy in emergent Tualang trees. Quirky and playful presentations are all-important with the cocktail, Nut This Time of Campari, dark rum and blood oranges, resembling a kaleidoscopic Bird of Paradise from deep within the deepest, darkest rainforest. www.wkualalumpur.com

JW Firehouse at Marriott KLThe newly opened JW Firehouse Bar in the lower level of the JW Marriott Hotel is a peaceful retreat with a five-star setting. This sophisticated classic bar is open and spacious with high ceilings, circular seating and abundance of timber with gold accents especially the bar bottle display. Leather upholstery and a charming marble bar dominate. Liquor, beers and wines are served with cocktails a feature. A signature cocktail is Fire Starter comprising tequila, chilli, mango juice and fresh lime while the Gin Rose cocktail includes flavours of elderflower with lemon zest. The Pink Mojito is crafted from rum, grapefruit, and mint with an added touch of basil to complement the other flavours. Select from a small bites including the red bun lobster burger full of creamy lobster. Other snacks include dancing prawns and chicken satay with peanut sauce. The bar is located on the lower ground floor of the JW Marriott and is open from 4pm to midnight (Sunday to Thursday) and until 1am on Friday and Saturday. www.marriott.com

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MARIMBAR Wows Petaling JayaRestaurateur and entrepreneur Modesto Marinis of The Marini Group (including Marini’s on 57 and Marble 8) has moved into the Kuala Lumpur suburbs with the exciting opening of Marimbar on level 35 of Pinnacle PJ Tower A in Petaling Jaya. This elevated nature-themed rooftop bar has inviting splashes of green to provide a setting befitting its tropical location. Interior walls are covered in greenery interspersed with screens showing simulated waterfall images. Outdoor sections open onto the Lumpur skyline, which twinkles in the distance. Patrons can expect great music, cool cocktails, refreshing ales and wine while snacking on Italian dishes. Specialty nights are Gin and Juice Wednesdays and Sassy Ladies’ Night (Thursdays). Standout cocktails include a Malaysian take on Pisco Sour with lemongrass and lychee tempering the Peruvian pisco. MARIMBAR is open daily from 5pm until late. www.marinisgroup.com

Strawberry Fusion Cocktail in Paris Paris has many fine bars and restaurants to retreat to between visiting famous shopping outlets such as Printemps and Galeria Lafayette or museums like the Louvre. A classic Strawberry Fusion Cocktail is served within the delightful Art Nouveau conservatory and Le 38 Bar within Hotel L’Echiquier Opéra Paris MGallery. Located in the Grand Boulevards precinct close to the Louvre and the Opera, the bar and lounge is a grand setting befitting a stylish beverage. The cocktail is concocted by barman Jay Matthieu from Monin strawberry syrup, liqueur de fraise de Plougastel Cambousier, vanilla, Amaretto, dark and light rum from Martinique, strawberry nectar by Alain Milliat, egg white and cream. He likes to serve it with a slice of strawberry island bar. The discrete and welcoming bar and conservatory is also a superb location for a glass or bottle of Ruinart Champagne, after all; it is Paris. www.accorhotels.com

The Beverage Truck at Avani+ SamuiRefurbished and repurposed VW Kombi vans are a feature of the drinking landscape in Thailand as many they are found in the nation’s popular night walking street markets. The Beverage Truck at Avani+ Samui is ideally located at the side of Essence Restaurant overlooking the southwestern coastline on the magical island of Koh Samui. Guests and visitors can drop by the customised VW Kombi and order a refreshing handcrafted cocktail. Cocktails are expertly mixed and inspired by a Samui selection combining local fruits and flavours with premium spirits. Gin and tonic speciality beverages are prepared from gins such as Bombay Sapphire, Broker’s Gin, Caorunn, Hendrick’s and Tanqueray. Cocktails are also available including Thai Sabai crafted from Mekhong (Thai whisky), basil leaves, lime juice and soda. For something just as enjoyable but prepared with minimal fuss, order a chilled Chang beer. The bar opens from 10am to 1pm with happy hours from noon to 2pm and 5pm to 7pm. www.avanihotels.com

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Venerable Vertigo VenueKuala Lumpur’s current highest bar is Vertigo perched on the 59th floor at the top of Banyan Tree Hotel. It offers 360o views of the city including most impressive vistas of the Twin Towers and Menara Kuala Lumpur behind which, the sun sets. Arrive between 6pm and 7pm to admire the sunset and book an outside table for the finest views (this requires a minimum spend). Otherwise, turn up and enjoy a cool beverage in the stand-up interior around the ever-busy bar. Cocktails are listed under ‘While the Sun Sets’ (Aperol Spritz with Aperol, Prosecco ‘Voga’ and soda water) and ‘When the City Lights Up’ (Mount Genting with Gordon’s London Gin, Cinzano dry, lime juice, lychee and raspberry Monin syrup and egg white). Carlsberg and Kronenbourg beers are poured on tap while bottled beer such as Erdinger and Little Creatures is available, at a price. There are a dozen wines by the glass including Drappier Champagne. Asian-inspired tapas are served and a deejay provides entertainment as the evening progresses. www.banyantree.com

Bangkok’s Spectrum Rooftop Bar Now OpenOne of Bangkok’s latest rooftops bar has just opened. Designed by Japan’s Super Potato, the Hyatt Regency Bangkok’s Spectrum Lounge and Bar is a multi-faceted venue extending over three levels starting from the hotel’s 29th floor. It features design pieces ranging from Thai art to musical instruments. The Thai influence also comes through with a scene of the Chao Phraya River decorating one wall and backlit panels with local patterns shedding light over the space. During the day, it can be used as a private dining facility but morphs into a bar in the evening with floor-to-ceiling panoramas of Bangkok’s skyline. The spacious living room entices guests to linger with deep, cushioned chairs and wooden tables spread out over a blue carpet. The indoor bar creates an edgier vibe with a sleek, black marble countertop. An alfresco terrace spans levels 30 and 31 and features a large open deck with seats for two and alcoves framed by verdant trees with huge daybeds and private tables. A selection of tapas like smoked Scottish salmon and Russian caviar atop bagels, Wagyu beef sliders and crispy soft shell crab is available. Craft cocktails, wine and a comprehensive beer selection make up the drinks menu. www.hyatt.com

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Ernest Hemingway-inspired Bar Opens in SingaporeWriter Ernest Hemingway was known to enjoy a tipple or three so when successful Hong Kong Bar, The Old Man (number one on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2019 and number ten on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2018) decided to spread its wings, it is not surprising that Singapore was chosen. Located on bustling Keong Saik Road, The Old Man Singapore pays homage to the author’s Pulitzer Prize-winning fictional work, The Old Man and the Sea. The entrance takes on the mystic of a speakeasy and patrons need to locate the discrete pineapple lamp and white doors. Its interior is dominated by copper hues and is a celebration of the great writer. To ensure consistency with every sip, a customised brass column runs across the centre of the bar counter and with the temperature maintained at -35oC, cocktails can be savoured at optimal density and dilution. Nine cocktails are offered including Island in the Sun (pink grapefruit juice and salty gin) and Death in the Afternoon (coconut, pandan, yoghurt and absinthe). For a combination of rosemary infused pisco, turmeric and tamarind cordial and citrus, the Green Hills of Africa, inspired by Hemingway’s book in 1935, is a refreshing treat. www.theoldmanhk.com

Sin and be SEEN above the City of AngelsBangkok’s hottest rooftop playground has opened on the 26th Floor of Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel. Combining an exceptional mixture of skyline views, bold cuisine, fantastical mixology and sultry beats, SEEN Restaurant and Bar makes a splash on Bangkok’s nightlife scene. With a globally-inspired menu curated by Executive Chef Alexandre Castaldi, guests can dine on hand-rolled, black-truffle infused sushi or indulge on tomahawk steak. Head Mixologist Mohammad Fadli curates a wide range of cocktails, wines and Champagnes. Arrive at sunset to catch unrivalled views of the Chao Phraya River from plush day beds, stay after dark to party to beats spun by a roster of jet-setting DJs selected by Music Director, Scotty B. Originating in Sao Paolo then Lisbon, SEEN Bangkok is the third SEEN Restaurant and Bar from Portuguese celebrity chef, Olivier da Costa. www.seenrooftopbangkok.com

Idle Away Time at IdlewildIdlewild is a sophisticated, retro-luxe cocktail bar that harkens back to the Golden Age of air travel in a celebration of the worldly escapism and sheer indulgence that took to the skies through the 1940s to the 1960s. Now grounded in the heart of Singapore’s vibrant art and cultural district, Idlewild in the InterContinental Singapore delivers an immersive experience backed by excellent cocktails, energetic live entertainment, warm hospitality and intriguing design. Led by Andy Griffiths, drinks from the dynamic beverage programme explore unlikely provenances, exotic flavours and drinking cultures found along the transatlantic route and back. Globetrotting cocktails are expertly updated for contemporary palates, matched with a well-curated list of craft beers, refined wines, celebratory Champagne and a curious collection of rare and exotic spirits hidden away from public eye. www.idlewild.sg

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Chin Chin at Tuk Tuk Bar Banyan Tree Resort Koh Samui has opened what might be the quirkiest if not Thailand’s cutest bar - a cocktail caravan remodelled from a classic 1960s tuk-tuk. The MP4 Midget is virtually unseen on Thai streets today but, previously the ‘frogs’, as they were nicknamed, were everywhere. Thousands of these 12 HP 350cc three-wheelers were manufactured by Daihatsu and exported to Thailand from 1959 to form the nation’s taxi fleet. This particular frog was discovered in Trang by Banyan Tree Samui’s Head Chef Rainer Roersch, who says he sensed immediately that a novelty tuk-tuk would make for the

Old Man and The Sea Old Man and the Sea is a rooftop bar located in The Gerald Apartment Hotel facing the Indian Ocean on Western Australia’s Coral Coast. This casual bar offers a rooftop bar experience like no other especially as it is the only rooftop bar in regional Western Australia. With sensational views across the ocean, it is the perfect place to relax and unwind and is available to both in-house guests and the public. Patrons relax on faux grass in garden furniture, beanbags and bench seating. Featuring an extensive range of beers (including Furphy craft beer on tap), wines and cocktails, the Old Man and the Sea is the place to enjoy burgers and international ‘street food’ prepared by the chefs. The bar opens from 4pm on Thursday and Friday and at noon over the weekend. www.thegerald.com.au

ideal art installation on Koh Samui’s beachfront. Refurbished and dubbed the Froggy Sea Breeze Beach Bar, the emerald-green van is home to cocktails, beer and spirits for in-house guests and non-guests in a quiet cove in the island’s southeast between Chaweng and Lamai Beaches. The Froggy Sea Breeze Beach bar is open from 5pm - 11pm every evening. Highly recommended is the sweet n’ sour Froggy Melon, garnished in mint leaves, or The Botanical, a gin and absinthe-infused cocktail guaranteed to kick-start any engine. www.banyantree.com

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Luscious Latour Opportunities to sample an iconic wine such as Château Latour rarely arise so when invitations from AsiaEuro are received, the faithfully duly respond and pack out the wine importers intimate tasting facility. Several wines from the group’s stable were poured but it was the Château Latour, Pauillac 1er Cru Classé Bordeaux that was the most anticipated. Just 18,000 cases are produced annually so to have one bottle opened in the city was indeed a treat. The wine comprises 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc/Petit Verdot. Ten years on, the full-bodied wine is a harmonious balance of fruit and tannins.www.asiaeurowines.com

Tantalising TuscanyTuscany is home to many well-known wines including Chianti (including Classico), Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Carmignano and the Super Tuscans. A recent expo of past vintages showed why these wines are held in such high regard. Sangiovese is king here but there are many other grape varieties with the white Vernaccia from San Gimignano displaying just how good Tuscan whites can be. PrimAnteprima (comprising ten Tuscan wine consortiums outside of Chianti and Chianti Classico) is a major wine event showcasing hundreds of wines and staged in Florence’s 14th Century Fortezza da Basso, in Florence. Vineyards at different elevations, different aspect and proximity to the sea, provide a multitude of different wines. With its wonderful produce, alluring landscape and colourful history, Tuscany is an obvious choice for those who love wine touring and dolce vita. www.chianticlassico.com

Classic Côtes du RhoneTucked away in the northwest of Provence, Domaine de Cabasse produces typical Côtes du Rhone styled wines like Villages Séguret, a red produced from 70% Grenache, 27% Syrah and 3% Carignan grapes. It has rich garnet colouring, spicy aromas and long finish d ominated by silky tannins resulting from barrel aging. Other grapes grown by the domaine include Mourvèdre. Clairette and Viognier. Vineyards are located at the base of the mountain that is home to the small Medieval settlement of Séguret, one of France’s most picturesque villages. www.cabasse.fr

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Argentinean Wines at Altitude Considering Trapiche wines are sourced from high in the Argentinean Andes, a wine dinner at Altitude on the 53rd floor of the Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur seemed only appropriate. Produced on 1,000ha of estates dating back to 1883, Trapiche is Argentine’s largest producer. Several recent vintages were paired with superb dishes prepared by the Banyan Tree chefs. The evening commenced with an aperitif of Trapiche Sauvignon Blanc 2018, which was also matched with a salmon crudo with avocado and lemon gel entrée. Diners enjoyed Trapiche Broquel Torrontes 2016, Oak Cask Chardonnay 2017, Broquel Malbec 2017 and Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon 2015. Medalla is produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in 45 year-old vineyards in Cruz de Piedra, Maipú Mendoza. It exhibits deep red colour with Bordeaux hues and its aromas bring memories of smoked peppers with subtle notes of tobacco and spices resulting from its barrel aging. It has a sweet, long lasting finish so characteristic of a structured, complex wine. It was an ideal pairing with a dish of 24-hour braised lamb neck cooked in spices. www.asiaeurowines.com

Singapore Sling Shaken and StirredOne of the world’s most famous cocktails has been shaken and stirred with the reopening of Raffles Singapore. The iconic cocktail has been served in the hotel with an unchanged recipe since its 1915 creation. While traditionalists have raised their collective eyebrows, contemporary mixologists are excited with the updated Singapore Sling that incorporates Widges Gin and Scrappy’s Spice Plantation Bitters. What is considered a rite of passage for many tourist to the hotel’s Long Bar, is now less sweet and more balanced to make more suited to a ‘modern palate’. www.raffles.com

New Wines at Cave and Cellar Malaysian wine importer, Cave and Cellar has increased its portfolio with some exciting new wines from New Zealand and Australia. Two South Australian wines impress – ‘Mistress’ from Alpha Box and Dice and Grenache Touriga from Hither and Yon. ‘Mistress’ is produced from Touriga Naçional, Tinta Roriz and Grenache grapes sourced from three South Australian regions to produce a big, complex and rich wine with flavours of prunes, cherries and dark fruits. The wine from Hither and Yon included similar varieties (Grenache and Touriga Naçional) grown in McLaren Vale and matured in oak barrels for four months to retain vineyard and fruit freshness. It too is a big flavoursome wine with delicious layers of fruit and spice. T: +60 3 7845-0670.

espite being the 17th largest wine producing nation, the wines of Austria are not as prominent on Asian wine lists as they deserve to be. Austria has a total annual wine production of 2.25 million

hectolitres or 1.1% of the world’s total production (46,000ha of vines thrive in eastern and southeastern Austria).

Austria’s wine history is also linked to neighbouring countries like Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. During the era of the Iron Curtain, many links between Austria and these Soviet satellites were severed. Families we separated, trading ceased and communications were cut between communities that had lived together for centuries and often on one side of a valley from each other.

If the wines of Austria struggle for recognition, those of its neighbours are hardly known outside their own country.

However, this is changing and wine connoisseurs with an open mind now have access to many new wines that have a heritage extending back several centuries.

AustriaTradition Meets Technology

Austrian wine production goes back hundreds of years, maybe thousands, but over the past few decades, more producers are looking to technology and

innovation to make their outstanding wines standout.

Indigenous VarietiesThere are 23,000 vine growers in the four main wine regions of Niederösterreich (Lower Austria), Steirerland (Styria), Burgenland and Vienna. Many grow vines on farms of less than five hectares and there are just a few large wine estates.With some 20 white and 13 red grape varieties (approximately 80% of the production is white and 20% red) there is an Austrian wine style for every Asian cuisine. Local grape varieties like Grüner Veltliner, Welschriesling, Weissburgunder, Neuburger, Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, St. Laurent and Blauburgunder are both tongue twisters and palate pleasers. However, there is also sufficient familiarity with grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to ensure wine lovers feel at home with Austrian wines.

Appellation WinesAustria has adopted an appellation system known as Districtus Austriae Controllatus (DAC). In 2003, the Weinviertel

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became the first Austrian wine-growing region to market typical wines of origin named after a specific region. This gave the Weinviertel DAC its pioneering role for wines with a clear identity and a typical taste profile.

Other DACs reflect regional grape characteristics - Mittelburgenland (Blaufränkisch), Leithaberg (Blaufränkisch, Neuberger, Weissburgunder, Chardonnay and Grüner Veltliner), Eisenberg (Blaufränkisch), Neusiedlersee (Zweigelt), Traisental (Grüner Veltliner and Riesling), Kremstal (Grüner Veltliner and Riesling), Kamptal (Grüner Veltliner and Riesling), Wiener Gemischter Satz (a cuvée of three white varieties grown around Vienna), Vulkanland Steiermark (various white varieties including Sauvignon Blanc and Traminer), Weststeiermark (the famous Schilcher Rosé-styled wine), Südsteiermark (Sauvignon Blanc) and Rosalia (Rosé, Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt).

Most recognise both classic and reserve DAC styles. Reserve wine is the highest quality produced by each winery. For example, Weinviertel DAC Reserve must demonstrate a clear, region-typical taste profile. It must be a peppery Grüner Veltliner but also have other distinguishing features – dry, dense structure, long finish and a robust style. Subtle botrytis and wood tones are acceptable and it must have 13% alcohol content.

www.austrianwine.com

Just DessertsAustria is also recognised for sweet wine styles like auslese, beerenauslese, trockenbeerenauslese and eiswein. A sweet specialty is strohwein (‘straw wine’) made from naturally overripe grapes dried on straw mats (similar to Spanish Mistela or the French Vin de Paille).

Sweet wines produced by Hans Tschida in Illmitz have won the estate the best dessert winemaker in the world at the International Wine Challenge in London in recent years. Kracher is another leading sweet wine pioneering family based in Illmitz.

Wines for Asia Regional wine tastings and food pairings have acknowledged Grüner Veltliner as an ideal match to many Asian food styles. They confirm they are ideal pairings with food styles as diverse as bak kuk teh and nasi lemak.

www.straitswines.com.my

CONTACTS • Austrian Wine Board. Schmelz Ried Klaus Grüner Veltliner from the Wachau is imported by The Fine Wine Merchant Sdn Bhd, Damansara Utama (T: +603 7722-1808) while Schloss Gobelsburg wines are imported by Straits Wine Company. The region’s largest Austrian wine importer is Ampelia Fine Wines Pte. Ltd. in Singapore (T: +65 8133-0615). Their portfolio is extensive and includes many organic, biodynamic and natural wines from producers such as

Moric, Markowitsch, Rudi Pichler, JR Reinisch, Tement, Tschida, Gut Oggau, Kracher and Weninger.

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irocco Hospitality Group, one of Malaysia’s most comprehensive hospitality consultancy and advisory groups with a chain of hotels under its wings, is set to provide AirAsia BIG Members exciting offers and

discounts.The formidable partnership with AirAsia BIG will be one

of the travel line marketing arms for Sirocco Group as AirAsia BIG will be marketing Sirocco Group through its channels to a reach of over 24 million BIG Members.

All hotels under the management of Sirocco Group will be able to enjoy this advantage and travellers can save more on not just flights and accommodation, but also attractions as well as retail offerings through the existing partnerships that both Club Sirocco and AirAsia BIG have already established.

Datin Lea Chan, CEO of Sirocco Hospitality Group Sdn Bhd said, “This partnership with AirAsia BIG is a good opportunity for Sirocco Group to market our services not just locally but globally. Working with AirAsia BIG we have created an integrated platform whereby our existing Club Sirocco members will be able to benefit from the generous offers and redeemable rewards.” She added that this was timely as both partners start preparing for Visit Malaysia 2020.

Sirocco Hospitality Group Partners with AirAsia BIG

Gearing Up for Visit Malaysia 2020

AirAsia BIG Chief Executive Officer Spencer Lee commented, “This partnership will be an excellent way for us to promote Malaysia and offer extra hotel offerings to our members. We also want to use this partnership as a platform to inform our loyal BIG Members that they can now earn and redeem points when booking Red by Sirocco and soon MONOPOLY Mansion and Planet Hollywood. With our BIG Points, members can do more than just redeem AirAsia flights.”

Members of Club Sirocco from the five different tiers of membership are currently enjoying priority invitations to events, dining discounts, birthday and anniversary specials, discounts on spa and massages, shopping vouchers, merchandise and free stays. For every ringgit spent, members receive ten points.

Sirocco Hospitality Group is a subsidiary of M101 Group of Companies. Its unique diversity of expertise enables the group to offer a comprehensive range of services to ensure maximum return on investment to owners and investors. Each programme is tailor-made to fit the needs of the project at hand. It offers practical support to hospitality organisations regardless of size and prides itself on building meaningful client relationships. Sirocco Hospitality Group will soon MONOPOLY Mansion and Planet Hollywood in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

www.clubsirocco.airasiabig.com

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Pullman Kuala Lumpur Welcomes New General Manager The Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre Hotel and Residences has appointed Wolfgang Kiesel as General Manager. He graduated from Bergius School Frankfurt, Germany and was previously involved in rebranding Pullman Jakarta Indonesia. He has held senior management positions

in Jakarta, Xiamen, Heifei, Malaysia, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei and most recently, Jinjang, China. He brings 30 years’ experience to the hotel and will be taking the lead in moving the hotel’s financial performance forward and setting a new direction for the enhancement of operations of the five-star property.

Spanish Leadership at Meliá Ho TramA seasoned professional with luxury hospitality experience in Europe and Asia and an enthusiasm for employee development has been appointed to helm the new five-star Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort Vietnam. Spanish national Manuel Ferriol is spearheading the 17ha-beachfront property

at Ho Tram, a two-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. Ferriol has worked for Meliá for the past 15 years, including acting Resident Manager at Gran Meliá Fenix Madrid and Resident Manager at TRYP Palma Bellver By Melia Mallorca. In 2014, he became Director of Operations at Meliá Hanoi and two years later, he was promoted to General Manager Meliá Danang. The 152-room and 61-villa Ho Tram property opened in April.

Goh Helms Landmark Mandarin OrientalThe Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong has announced the appointment of Jill Goh as General Manager. A seasoned hotelier, she has been with the group since 1993, serving previously as Resident Manager at the Mandarin Oriental, Singapore and Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park,

London until 2013, when she was appointed Corporate Operations Manager - Asia, based in Hong Kong. From 2015, she then held the role of General Manager at Mandarin Oriental Macau. A Malaysian, Goh holds an Executive MBA from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and a Diploma in Hotel Management from Switzerland’s HotelConsult.

Industry Veteran for The Westin Desaru Coast ResortThe Westin Desaru Coast Resort has appointed Vikram Mujumdar as General Manager of the resort. He is a well-experienced and highly respected industry veteran with over two decades of knowledge of all aspects of management and operations of hotels worldwide. Over

the years, his work in the industry has seen him holding key management roles in various countries across three continents. Prior to Desaru, he was most recently Task Force General Manager at St. Regis Vommuli Resort on Dhaalu Atoll in the Maldives. Mujumdar was born in India and received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from University of Madras, Loyola College in Chennai, in 1991, before going on to receive his Master of Management in Hospitality from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration in May 1999.

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Numero Uno at Novotel NewcastleNovotel Newcastle Beach in NSW, Australia has appointed Edmond Power as its new leader. He is highly experienced in a number of different leadership positions with Accor in a variety of Australia’s hottest locations including Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin and Kununurra. His career to date with Accor

includes roles in operational and talent leadership as well as acting as National Chair of Accor’s Inclusion and Diversity Committee. He comes to his new role after four years as Franchise Operations Manager for three Australian states where he assisted the opening or re-branding of 12 Accor properties.

Avani Barbarons Seychelles Resort Appoints New HeadAvani Hotels and Resorts is pleased to appoint Nico Vivier as General Manager of Avani Barbarons Seychelles Resort, which blends all the ingredients for relaxation with a dash of colourful culture and exotic island life. He is a well-rounded hotelier with over 15 years’

experience, having worked in the UAE, Russia, Seychelles, Tanzania and South Africa for international brands like Hyatt, Kempinski and InterContinental. His career began in hospitality as a restaurant manager in his native South Africa in 2004. Between 2006 and 2011, he was Food and Beverage Manager for North Island, Seychelles and Kempinski Bilila Lodge in Tanzania. Afterwards, he relocated to Russia and in 2016, joined Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

Spa Expert Helms Alba Wellness ValleyWellness-inspired hospitality brand Fusion has hired former team member Hylton Lipkin as General Manager of Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion, a natural hot springs resort and hotel on the outskirts of Vietnam’s imperial capital Hué. A South African, he has spent the last two decades honing

his spa and management skills around the globe with roles in the Middle East, Europe, the USA and Asia Pacific. His most recent role was as head of a boutique property Lao Poet Hotel in Vientiane, the Lao capital. His knowledge of the spa industry extends to Arovada by AKARYN, a private island wellness retreat in Cambodia and the Ayurah Wellness Centres in Thailand. Alba Wellness Valley includes the upscale Alba Wellness Resort Hué and the neighbouring Thanh Tan Hot Springs.

Donald Wong, General Manager at Song Saa Private IslandIn his new role, Donald Wong will extend Song Saa Private Island’s position as a leading Cambodian island resort. In addition to providing guests with personalised experiences, the resort also hosts a comprehensive suite of conservation and community

engagement programmes that set high standards of sustainability. A cornerstone of which is the establishment of organic food production in the local village. He brings along a wealth of experience from his 17-year sales and marketing career, notably, as the Director of Sales and Marketing at renowned properties such as Amankora in Bhutan, Amantaka in Lao PDR and The Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong.

ome hotels are ahead of the curve, with the Sofitel Singapore City Centre for example, using two droid butlers named Sophie and Xavier, to extend minibar services to its guests.

Many hotel reservations are made online or through email and most hotels require a competent Customer Relationship Management (CRM) programme to accommodate guest preferences. Others are using technology to monitor and manage equipment to save resources and minimise overheads.

The Next FrontierTechnology affects almost every facet of the industry from business acquisition to purchasing/sourcing, from human resources to marketing; scarcely any hotel department has not seen some technological impact.

Travellers are changing the way they travel and for hoteliers such as Franck Loison General Manager at the Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara, it is clear that social media is rapidly emerging as the next big frontier in the hospitality industry.

At the just-opened EQ in Kuala Lumpur, senior management recognise that the single biggest impactor for the hotel’s business is the internet.

Hospitality industry surveys indicate that customers also use social media to share their experiences and gain information about hospitality organisations. Social media has become an imperative tool for marketers to enhance customer experience and subsequently elevate service levels.

In the recent State of Digital Lifestyles report, American content delivery network, Limelight Networks Inc, reports that 69% of Malaysians would not be able to stop using their mobile device, even for one day. According to the report, the situation is similar in other countries from India to another eight countries surveyed including Singapore, South Korea and the United States.

Jumping Onto the Digital Bandwagon

Now everyone can travel and when they do, they need a place to stay. Monitoring and planning for the next big trend is the challenge for many hoteliers. Hospitality Asia interviewed several hoteliers across the region to get their opinions on some

key digital and technology issues affecting the industry.

Many hoteliers are not embracing the technology available to them. If you are using outdated technology, you are losing time and the ability to compete.

David Chester, Siteminder

While most hotels attend to their existing guests, others are implementing facilities and services to cater to the next generation of travellers. Already young travellers (millennials) are making their presence felt and many hotels are gearing up for an even greater presence.

The Rise of the Young Asian Traveller, a report by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), surveyed 1,000 young travellers aged between 16 to 35 years of age. It notes that 80% of respondents had taken a trip outside their country with 47% having made an overseas trip in the past twelve months and 20% having embarked on two trips.

Other useful information from the report for hoteliers is that holidays of more than two weeks are rare (lack of time and budget), more than 50% of millennials preferred to book all aspects of their trip independently without the need for an Online Travel Agent (OTA), and travel itineraries were often planned on the go based upon peer group feedback and recommendations.

The report concluded that social media was a useful and effective tool in informing, inspiring and recommending travel options.

Franck Loison confirms this. “Social media is rapidly transforming into a platform for customer engagement and for those in hospitality to establish relationships with customers. The trend also reflects a fundamental shift in the role of the customer, which has progressed from being a co-

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producer, to being a co-owner of a hospitality organisation and its potential success.”

For Guido Farina, General Manager at RuMa Hotel and Residences, the biggest recent change for hotels is in consumer behaviour. “It is easy for consumers to gather information that will factor into their decision-making. They are spoiled for choice and it is up to the hotel to ensure it stands out, in terms of design, service and brand association,” he remarks.

Similar engagements occur across the region. Bjorn Richardson, the General Manager at 137 Pillars Suites and Residences in Chiang Mai notes, “Most changes that we see on the horizon are guest-led, as the digital space is constantly evolving. Areas like seamless translation between various languages, simultaneous translation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems are already here.”

Embracing Digital TechnologyHotels need to embrace digital technology to improve operational procedures and lower costs and to effectively market the hotel to generate income.

Various technological advances are incorporated into hotel management. Peter Hourigan, General Manager explains the situation at The Saujana Kuala Lumpur, “We are constantly upgrading our hotel system with interface software like

iScala, Opera, Transit, CCS (Communications Centre System), Lotus Notes, as well as a Building Management System (BMS) to monitor equipment such as the chiller and hot water system.”

Adopting technological innovation has proved successful for Ri-Yaz Hotels and Resorts. Andreas Rud, Chief Operating Officer reports, “For the first time in our 11-year history we were able to achieve and confirm a fair market share rating for all indexes for Ri-Yaz Hotels and Resorts. Thus, we have leveraged our IT Solutions with great synergy and the agility to compete on a global scale with multinational competitors.”

Technology is harnessed to improve guest services in most hotels. At the Banyan Tree Samui, Portier smartphones are provided to guests to enable free international telephone calls and 4G internet, as well as access to resort facilities.

Remko Kroesen, Banyan Tree Samui’s General Manager says the most popular feature of these smartphones is the ‘Villa Host’ function. Each guest is assigned a ‘Villa Host’ (personal butler-cum-concierge), who will contact them ahead of arrival to take requests in preparation for their vacation. The resort has some ten on call at any one time, one for every eight villas. Visitors can call for room service, housekeeping, car hire or for local advice. Smartphones enable connectivity through wi-fi hotspots no matter where guests travel around the island.

Guido Farina Mohammed Nabeel Peter Hourigan Franck Loison

The challenge is to implement the new technology with old-fashioned face-to-face service, which is personalised and tailored

to each guest’s individual needs.

Bjorn Richardson

Technology is our daily business partner and enables us to be effective even when we travel through the mobile systems available to us.

Andreas Rud

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Hotspots work in tandem with the GPS and provide a guest safety net for those who might get lost. In addition, hotel information is downloaded onto the smartphone in various languages. This includes menus, spa treatments, tours and kids’ club activities.

Similarly, by engaging with Portier solutions, 137 Pillars Suites and Residences Chiang Mai can provide its suite guests with the same mobile device. It too can be used as a phone, mobile hotspot and provide direct butler access.

Mohammed Nabeel ICT Manager at the Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur maintains, “We are adapting new technology and have introduced initiatives in both hotels under our management (Banyan Tree and Pavilion). For example, a high-end IPTV system was implemented in both with a facility for guests to stream content from their phone and from televisions to personal handheld devices. This helps guests to simultaneously watch football on television while children can enjoy kid’s channels on their gadgets,” enthuses Nabeel.

Andreas Rud Remko KroesenBjorn Richardson Leo Kuscher

Most changes that we see on the horizon are guest-led, as the digital space is

constantly evolving.

Bjorn Richardson

We use social media to forge deeper relationships online with our potential customers.

Khim Tong Theow

Speed is KingAs in most hotels, guests at 137 Pillars Suites and Residences in Chiang Mai demand constant high-speed connectivity. For many guests at this property and others, free and fast internet is crucial for selecting accommodation.

The demand for connectivity is steadily increasing, both in terms of devices as well as the internet speed needed. It is crucial to be able to supply a stable, high quality internet connection seamlessly throughout a hotel.

According to Khim Tong Theow, the IT Manager at The Saujana, internet speed was recently increased from 50 Mbps to 120 Mbps.

Hotel Sustainability Ms. Norzuraini, Director of Finance at The Saujana succinctly observes, “Revenue management will be the most important technology for sustaining a hotel business. This is followed by operational technology, communications / digital technology, CRM as well as managing the confidentiality and privacy of information technology.”

Mohammed Nabeel at the Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur agrees. “CRM and revenue management play crucial roles in the hospitality industry. CRM helps us to get constant guest feedback to improve our product through enhancing guest experiences,” he states.

He added that dynamic revenue management will help hoteliers know where the hotel stands in the market and will allow managers to evaluate the current trends and capture the business and flexibility by means of rates.

For RuMa Hotel, technology has had a very positive impact, especially in terms of being able to reach guests around the globe. Guido Farina maintains, “We have been receiving enquiries and bookings from most continents. This would have been impossible 20 years ago. Technology has also enabled us to monitor trends so we can generate a better forecast of hotel occupancy and revenue.”

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Likewise, “At Ri-Yaz Hotels and Resorts, with current technology we are able to compete in a global arena that we were not able to do so without the cooperation of our third party IT solutions partners,” maintains Andreas Rud.

The situation is similar at The Saujana. “Instead of using outdated outbound marketing campaigns that go largely ignored, we provide valuable information about special promotions and current events to our potential and existing guests. Hence, the power of the internet, apps, online marketing tools and social media are the current technologies that have impacted upon our operations and revenue,” reports Khim Tong Theow.

Design and Engineering While many sections of a hotel embrace the digital world, others are adopting the latest technology. New hotels especially benefit from incorporating the latest design, equipment and facilities with green technology an essential innovation for many including the just-opened EQ Kuala Lumpur with its Green Building Certification.

Interestingly, the old Equatorial hotel was the first to introduce electronic room door locksets as well as the first to implement public area wi-fi in Malaysia back in 2000.

Technology was very much part of the design of the 137 Pillars property in Chiang Mai. It has been harnessed in applying smart solutions to achieve an energy-saving and sustainable product. Sensors for air conditioning, LED lights, the latest electronic equipment in the guestrooms and suites were installed in addition to a strong IT infrastructure to support various service technologies.

Similarly, at The Saujana, the Engineering Department installed energy saving equipment when chillers where replaced. This was done using latest technology available.

Leo Kuscher, the General Manager at the Royale Chulan Seremban, adds, “While our property in Seremban is still working towards introducing cutting edge technology, we

Ultimately, the long-term success of a hospitality organisation is defined by its

capability to extend and sustain a substantial loyal customer base using

social media.

Franck Loison

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have implemented recent changes by upgrading to a new chiller to make the air conditioning more energy-efficient in an effort to offer a better service to our guests, lower our energy bill and, in our own small way, lower the hotel’s carbon footprint.” In line with adopting a greener technology, the hotel has also installed an energy efficient hot water system.

Old-Fashioned Service vs TechnologyMost hotels pride themselves on personalised service with most luxury properties offering high staff number to guest

If you are a great property, great host, great connector and great value

for money, you will always have fans and followers.

Andreas Rud

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We are using social media to enhance customer satisfaction and retain loyal customer through consistent engagement.

Franck Loison

ratios. Bjorn Richardson, General Manager, 137 Pillars in Chiang Mai sums up the importance of human interaction and the need for high levels of service to the most discerning guests. “The challenge is to implement the new technology with old-fashioned face-to-face service, which is personalised and tailored to each guest’s individual needs. We strongly believe in the power of human interaction, so it is vital to not rely solely on technology to deliver a truly unique service.”

These thoughts are very much echoed by Leo Kuscher. “Hospitality is a people business where fostering relationships is important as return customers are very valuable for the sustainability of the hotel.”

The concept at Ri-Yaz Hotels and Resorts is that all technology solutions are an important part of the whole system and it is up to the hotel and staff to add value.

Guido Farina adds, “The RuMa team is continuously exploring new technology in order for us to meet our promise of excellent Hostmanship. However, there are some areas we like to keep traditional such as a handwritten note from our concierge or personal attention from our staff. We place the greatest emphasis on the quality of guest experience.”

Meanwhile, Franck Loison claims, “Ultimately, the long-term success of a hospitality organisation is defined by its capability to extend and sustain a substantial loyal customer base using social media.”

A seasoned Kuala Lumpur hotelier commented that technology to drive business forward already exists. He adds, “Better humans who have sufficient grasp of the technology available are needed so those tools can be applied as leverage for the business.”

What is happening to the hotel industry now has already happened in other industries and many have one common thread: the democratisation of selling that product/service by a third party that previously had no connection or history in that industry. The way forward for hotels is to harness technology while adopting a mindset for providing exemplary service.

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he gross development value is estimated to be RM500 million with the property featuring 760 rooms comprising 582 water villas and 178 sky pool villas. Just like the existing Lexis Hibiscus, each

villa in the new resort will feature its own private dip pool to offer unsurpassed luxury and privacy.

When completed, it is anticipated that the new development will attract 400,000 visitors annually to seaside Port Dickson and, based upon a predicted daily spend of RM600 per tourist, the project should generate tourist receipts of RM240 million per annum.

The opening of Lexis Hibiscus 2 will strengthen the Lexis’ brand’s footprint in this Malaysian seaside town and enhance the international appeal of Port Dickson as a leading tourist destination. The premier Malaysian hotel group will continue to work closely with the Malaysian

Lexis Hibiscus 2New Luxury Resort for Port Dickson

Scheduled to open in 2024, a five-star

luxury resort situated adjacent to the

existing Lexis Hibiscus in Port Dickson,

is to be developed as a joint venture

between Kuala Lumpur Metro Group and

Menteri Besar Incorporated (the Negeri

Sembilan Government investment arm).

Government to promote Port Dickson as a leisure, business and MICE holiday destination.

The Kuala Lumpur Metro Group currently operates several properties in Port Dickson. Lexis Port Dickson, Grand Lexis Port Dickson and Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson have attracted 5.2 million tourists with half of this number being foreign tourists from some 156 countries.

Key facilities at Lexis Hibiscus 2 include a sunken aquarium with a built-in restaurant (the first of its kind in Malaysia), a grand ballroom to accommodate 2,000 delegates (the largest ballroom in Negeri Sembilan) and Hibiscus Walk – a unique outdoor dining and shopping precinct featuring rows of street food stalls offering authentic Malaysian cuisine.

The current Lexis Hibiscus is considered the largest water homes development in the world and the new Lexis Hibiscus 2 will only enhance this positioning.

www.lexis.my

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