AVANI Riverside Bangkok Hotel Offers a Brand New Outlook over the River of Kings

Rising above the banks of Bangkok’s picturesque Chao Phraya River, the world’s first purpose designed AVANI hotel, AVANI Riverside Bangkok Hotel, offers a smooth blend of contemporary style, modern warmth and stunning views across Asia’s most dynamic city.

From the top of the 26-storey hotel at the rooftop bar and pool, to the lobby, AVANI Riverside gives guests a place to relax and unwind, and a base to start exploring nearby neighborhoods and popular tourist sites along the ‘River of Kings’.

On arrival guests are immediately greeted by an arresting view of the Chao Phraya River from the vast lobby, located on the eleventh floor. The open plan design blends reception, lounge, meeting, chill out and restaurant spaces. The interiors are spacious, the driving ethos is modernity, fused with comfort and great craftsmanship.

The interconnected communal spaces encapsulate the idea of mixing business with pleasure. Whether checking in or checking emails, here guests can connect with fellow travellers. The Long Bar serves a variety of refreshments, guests can enjoy sunrise breakfast or sunset dinner at Skyline and The Pantry serves a mix of comfort food and artisanal deli snacks around the clock. In addition the lobby also includes a secluded space for meetings or catching up with friends.

All of the hotel’s 248 stylish guest rooms and suites, boast uninterrupted city and river views and attention has been given to guests wellbeing with all the elements required for a relaxing stay and a good night’s sleep.

The neutral décor is a blend of comfort and modernity, natural materials and high-tech equipment, along with extra conveniences such as a rain shower, dedicated work station with free WiFi and a media hub docking station. Each of the spacious River View Junior Suites features a bathroom with a view, outfitted with a freestanding tub where guests can soak whilst taking in the ever-changing river scene below and the glittering Bangkok skyline.

Reaching new heights, the rooftop space on the 26th floor is the ideal place to take in uninterrupted views of the city while relaxing at the infinity pool, enjoying a sundowner or hosting a business dinner in style. Alongside the impressive pool is a living wall, both lying parallel to the river, giving a sense of continuity. A multi-purpose sunken lounge area located in the middle of the terrace has a retractable roof providing sunlight or shade, whatever the mood.

At the other end of the terrace is ATTITUDE, Bangkok’s newest rooftop hot spot to see and be seen. Different areas of the restaurant and bar, intimate or collective, are designed for socialising and include an indoor lounge with a DJ booth, an open show kitchen, wine wall and outdoor lounge-style restaurant and bar. Cocktails are courtesy of a world class mixologist, with the creative cocktail menu split into “House Alternatives”, “Historically Classic” and “Mixology Interfusions” where you’ll find new cocktails such as the Molecule of Love, a mellow blend of Chambord raspberry liqueur, Malibu and strawberry flavoured caviar pearls to make it pop.

Exercise is a great way to recover from jet lag or blow off some steam and the gym offers a world class river view. AVANIFIT features the latest cardio equipment enabling guests to maintain their usual workout routines.

Contemporary, pure and relaxed, AVANISPA offers a tailored experience focusing on guests physical needs such as the signature touch treatment; a soothing oil massage coupled with stretching techniques.

AVANI Riverside raises the bar for conferences and meetings in Bangkok. The new multi-purpose events complex on the 10th floor offers over 4,500 sqm of flexible space for gala banquets for up to 1,300 guests or small intimate meetings and every option in between. It also offers an open kitchen - a highlight for any wedding, party or business function.

The hotel’s riverside location makes all of Bangkok’s attractions easily accessible. Shuttle boat services link to the Asiatique night market and entertainment complex, and also the BTS Skytrain at the central Saphan Taksin boat pier for swift connections to major commercial, shopping and entertainment districts. For those who prefer not to stray too far, Riverside Plaza adjoins AVANI Riverside Bangkok Hotel offering a variety of restaurants, bars and shops.

AVANI Riverside gives the modern traveller a space to stay, work, meet and relax while encouraging them to embrace their #AVANIattitude.

For more information of AVANI Riverside Bangkok Hotel please contact +66 (0) 2431 9100 or email reservations at riverside.bangkok@avanihotels.com

Minor Hotel Group Multiple Expansion Announcements

Big start to 2015 including Europe, South America and North Africa

Anantara Jabal Al Akhdar Resort (due to open late 2015)

Minor Hotel Group (MHG), an owner, investor and operator with a portfolio of 133 hotels and resorts and almost 17,000 keys in 22 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, South America, Africa and the Indian Ocean, has kicked off 2015 by adding four new countries to its portfolio including two new continents, plus six camps in Africa and a new flagship Anantara hotel in Thailand.

2015 NEWS TO DATE
In January Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara welcomed its first guests. Located 20 minutes by luxury ferry off the coast of the Qatari capital, the 141-room resort features the first over water villas in Qatar and an extensive selection of facilities including a spa and dedicated wellness centre, ten pin bowling, cinema, surf pool and nine hole golf putting course. This was followed in February by the opening of AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa. Located on Mahé’s west coast, the 124-room resort blends a contemporary vibe with its European heritage style and offers accommodation, leisure activities and dining options for every age of traveller.

In March MHG added Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel to the brand’s portfolio. Located in prestigious Rajadamri in the city’s Siam district, the hotel is Anantara’s flagship in its home market of Thailand. The 354-room property is 100% owned by MHG and was reflagged from Four Seasons Bangkok. MHG has confirmed an investment of USD 20 million to enhance the hotel over the coming months.

Also in January MHG announced the strategic acquisition of six Tivoli hotels in Portugal and Brazil, and the Tivoli Hotels & Resorts brand for Brazil. The milestone EUR 168 million investment represents MHG’s entry into the hospitality sector in two new continents and establishes Portugal and Brazil as MHG’s two strategically-chosen countries for future expansion into Europe and South America.

The Brazil acquisition comprises of two properties – a hotel in Sao Paulo and a resort in the heart of an ecological reserve on the coast close to Salvador in Bahia. The investment also represents MHG making strategic asset acquisitions of four Tivoli properties in Portugal – one in the country’s capital of Lisbon and three in the Algarve, one of Europe’s premier tourism destinations. Tivoli is a member of Global Hotel Alliance which three of MHG’s existing brands – Anantara, AVANI and PER AQUUM – also belong to.

Most recently, MHG has added six camps in Kenya to its African portfolio, the result of two of East Africa’s most prestigious property portfolios merging, following the acquisition of Cheli & Peacock Group of Companies by the Elewana Collection. The acquisition sees the six Cheli & Peacock properties, namely, Elsa’s Kopje, Elephant Pepper Camp, Joy’s Camp, Tortilis Camp, Kitich Camp and Lewa Safari Camp, merge under the banner of the Elewana Collection to form a comprehensive circuit of 14 properties spanning the highlights of Northern Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar.

Minor Hotel Group to launch AVANI Hotel and AVANI Residences in Australia

Minor Hotel Group (MHG), a hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with a portfolio of over 130 hotels and resorts in 22 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, South America, Africa and the Indian Ocean today announced the planned expansion of its presence in Australia with the launch of two new properties in Perth, AVANI Hotel and AVANI Residences. The announcement marks the AVANI brands entry into the Australian market with an investment of more than AUD $110 million.

With an existing portfolio of 50 Oaks Hotels and Resorts primarily in Australia, Minor Hotel Group is strongly committed to further development and expansion throughout the nation. Foreseeing Perth as a key strategic market, the company is delighted to have been selected by the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (“MRA”), subject to finalization of definitive agreements, as the developer of Lots 2 and 3A within the Perth City Link project as the result of a competitive bid process.

Artist rendering of the new AVANI Perth

The Perth City Link project boasts a prime location directly adjacent to the Perth Arena within walking distance of the proposed new bus terminal and is well serviced by public transport. The redevelopment of two Lots by Minor Hotel Group will help to enhance the city centre and is a major milestone for the AUD $5 billion Perth City Link project, which is rapidly transforming the city and aligns with the government's vision to provide hotel and short stay accommodation in this precinct.

Minor Hotel Group's planned investment in the Perth City Link introduces the AVANI brand hallmarks of essential comforts such as design for life living spaces, good honest food and all the details that matter for a fuss-free seamless stay to Perth, together with dynamic new food and beverage brands.

Lot 2 will be developed into an upscale AVANI Hotel offering more than 250 keys with a completion date scheduled for the last quarter of 2017. Lot 3A is to be developed into an AVANI Residences property, offering more than 200 keys for sale, comprising of serviced one and two bedroom apartments.

Minor Hotel Group developed a core philosophy in harmony with the developers overall master plan of creating a lifestyle focused environment in the design of the new buildings and public spaces. Facilities will include a rooftop bar which will be accessible to the public at the top of the AVANI Hotel, in addition to a selection of alfresco bars and restaurants.

In front of the AVANI Hotel, a public space for events and for passersby to meet will be a pivotal feature, created with attractive landscaping and artwork. The pedestrian link from the Perth Arena to the Bridge and to Kings Square traverses this public space, and as opposed to being a passive walkway, it is a place to stop, relax and admire the public artwork. Indeed the design intent for both new properties is to use graphics, lighting and LED visual art forms as an integral part of their façade.

As a dynamic entertainment and hospitality development, the new AVANI properties will directly assist in enhancing the Perth cultural centre. New amenities will provide great support for the Perth Arena, as well as for tourism and local employment.

Dillip Rajakarier, COO Minor International and CEO Minor Hotel Group, commented, “We are very excited to announce this new hotel and residential development in the centre of Perth, which represents in parallel - a significant investment for the group, the introduction of the AVANI brand to Australia, as well as a new destination for Minor Hotel Group within Australia. Minor Hotel Group is already well established in the country with the Oaks brand and we have been actively exploring opportunities to bring some of our other brands into the Australasia region. The Perth City Link Development will see the debut of AVANI, our dynamic upscale brand, and we are looking forward to working closely with the Western Australian government and the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority of Perth to bring this exciting project to fruition.”

Minor International, the parent company of Minor Hotel Group, is also expanding its food group within Australia with the announcement in 2014 of a majority stake in Melbourne based VGC Food Group which owns Veneziano Coffee Roasters, an award winning speciality coffee house. The acquisition adds to the groups growing portfolio of restaurants such as The Coffee Club, Ribs and Rumps and The Groove Train.

Traveloscopy | 

NIYAMA's second island opens in the Maldives

CHILL AND PLAY AT NIYAMA

Nature's Playground now offers twice the fun

NIYAMA, the Per AQUUM Resort located in the South Western Atoll of Dhaalu in the Maldives, announces the opening of its second island 'Play', accessible via bridge from NIYAMA's original island 'Chill'.  With 48 new villas, Play offers fresh, groundbreaking concepts including Nest, the treetop dining experience and BLU, the laid-back beachfront restaurant, plus new facilities for every generation including the most exciting children's club in the Maldives.

Miami meets the Mediterranean at BLU, which offers relaxed family-style beachfront dining from day through to night.  The large infinity pool with its dedicated children's swimming area offers fun for the whole tribe and the poolside ice cream parlour is packed with homemade treats including smoothies, sherbert and crêpes.  A 'Sunshine Thakuru' takes care of guests' every whim and poolside cabanas offer a private haven close to all the action.

Opening soon on Play, Nest is a one-of-a-kind dining concept for the Maldives featuring naturally modern design nestled amongst the Banyan trees in the heart of the jungle.  With a diverse menu, Nest offers a gourmet wonderland of Asian specialties from Thai to Teppanyaki with fresh, seasonal produce from the Chef's own island garden.  The innovative multi-level treehouse design provides spectacular locations from private pods suspended six metres above the ground to culinary theatrics in domed pavilions burrowed amongst the trees, all linked by wooden walkways adding a sense of adventure to the jungle experience.

Explorers, the new children's club run by an internationally renowned operator, is located close to the resort's family friendly accommodation on Play.  Designed with adventurous spirits in mind, Explorers offers a wealth of experiences which promise to ignite children's imagination.

Operated by fully qualified childcare professionals and local team members with an exceptionally high ratio of carers to children, the club caters to children from 12 months to 12 years.  NIYAMA is the only resort in the Maldives offering a club for children under three years of age with special facilities for younger children including a sleeping room for daytime siestas. Children will be split into four age groups with activities tailor-made to their abilities and interests.  Theme days include Jungle Safari, Pirates & Princesses and Circus Fun as well as activities such as sandcastle building, salt dough making and 'bubble trouble'.  Older children can enjoy their own space with activities such as football skills, beach cricket, tennis, snorkelling safaris and Master Chef Classes as well as expeditions to nearby islands.  Highlights include water games, a climbing wall and a trampoline.  Budding thespians will have the time of their lives treading the boards at the club's own amphitheatre.

New accommodation options at NIYAMA include the One-Bedroom Beach Pool Suites which offer the best of indoor/outdoor living, perfect for families, groups of friends or couples seeking more space.  The Beach Pool Suites provide total privacy but also the convenience of direct beach access and ocean views from bed as well as a 'family-sized' plunge pool.  The new Two-Bedroom Family Beach Pavilion boldly faces the lagoon and offers the ultimate in luxury living and a high level of privacy with the added bonus of an in-villa spa.  Guests will enjoy all of NIYAMA's signature touches including a personal Thakuru - butler service 'Maldivian-style' - 'Deli-In', a refrigerator brimming with gourmet drinks and treats including complimentary popcorn and ice cream, and an in-room entertainment system with LED TV, Bose 5.1 Surround System and a wide range of international and foreign language movies.  Children and teenagers will receive a special welcome gift and turndown service.

NIYAMA, which opened in 2012, is a 45 minute seaplane flight from Male and has quickly established a reputation for redefining the Maldives experience.  The new facilities on Play complement the venues on Chill, including LIME Spa which promises to bring guests out of their shell with a range of cutting edge treatments.  Dining options on Chill include Tribal, the innovative African dining experience, fine dining at Edge, which is only accessible by boat, and Subsix, the underwater playground.

Guests can be part of the celebrations with Per AQUUM's special introductory offer 'Chill & Play' which offers a saving of 30% on the best available rate and a whole range of extras designed to make their stay even better including one of the following extras for each full day:

-        Babysitting service for three hours

-        60 minute treatment at LIME Spa for two

-        Dinner at BLU on Play or Epicure on Chill

-        Lunch at the underwater playground, Subsix

-        Heaven for game-lovers with a two hour session on the simulator  (golf, basketball and ice hockey)

Valid for bookings made until 31 March 2015 for stays between 24 February to 23 December 2015.  Go to: http://niyama.peraquum.com/promotions/CHILL-PLAY/

Hotel opening AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa

 

AVANI Hotels & Resorts, the vibrant upscale brand launched by Thailand-based Minor Hotel Group in 2011, announces the opening of AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa. Following an extensive USD 14 million refurbishment, AVANI Seychelles Barbarons blends all the right ingredients for relaxation with a dash of colourful culture and exotic island life.

Just a 25 minute drive from Seychelles International Airport, the resort opens onto tranquil Barbarons Beach along Mahé's west coast.  Much more than a beach lover's paradise, a contemporary vibe uplifts the resort's European heritage style, with accommodation, leisure activities and dining options all designed with every age and travel style in mind.

124 guest rooms and suites each feature a balcony or terrace with garden, pool or ocean views, and essential comforts inside.  Five room types include options with easy access to the spa and sandy beach.  Adjacent and connecting rooms make holidays with family and friends very convenient.  Guests who appreciate space and deluxe amenities can opt for the AVANI Ocean View Suite, which boasts double the room size and the extra pleasures of a lounge, and stunning coastal vistas from the large balcony.

Developed with AVANI's Honest Food ethos at heart, AVANI Seychelles Barbarons understands that the perfect recipe for a satisfying holiday is great dining, and the resort's two restaurants are accompanied by pool and shisha bars, as well as private dining.

Offering all day home-style dining, Elements dishes up an impressive breakfast buffet, then western classics, seafood delights and Creole specialties for lunch, followed by lively evenings of themed BBQs and market Creole nights with cultural entertainment.  Tamarind tantalises the taste buds for lunch and dinner with creative twists on Pan Asian recipes, tamarind and seafood specialties and unique island cocktails that pack a punch with local golden rum, served on a beachfront deck or on the beach. In addition, 24 hour in-room dining lets guests sip, snack, wine and dine in total privacy, whilst for romance and special occasions, a Private Dining concept comes with a personal chef to design the ideal menu, enjoyed when and where guests like.

Relaxing into the rhythm of island life is what it's all about By the Pool from late morning until early evening, with thirst quenching drinks and classic light bites. Changing to suit the mood from day to night, Gravity Shisha Lounge & Lobby Bar is ideal for quiet time out or socialising; a coffee boost or revitalising juice while reading a book, snacks to keep up energy levels, and in the evening, the chill out lounge on the upper level is the perfect spot to watch the sunset whilst sharing shisha or enjoy classic or infused cocktails after dinner.

Signature to AVANI is a Design for Life living space, and at AVANI Seychelles Barbarons the resort's lobby area creates this central hub. The Connect zone in the lobby makes it easy to email, chat online, print boarding passes or charge up a device, whilst the Corner is a quiet space to enjoy some time out. Complimentary wifi is offered throughout the resort.

At a resort with equal appeals to chill out, get active or try something new, AVANI Seychelles Barbarons makes it easy to plan the perfect day.  For blissful relaxation, lazy days can be spent on the palm fringed beach and in the crystal clear ocean, swimming and sunbathing at the outdoor pool or recharging with a yoga class. Those with energy to burn can hit the gym for a workout or play tennis.

For some "me time" and "we time" pampering, AVANISPA offers three single treatment rooms and a double treatment room, along with a sundeck and plunge pool. Options include beautifying facials, nourishing body treatments and heavenly massages, or exotic pampering such as an Ayurvedic therapy or Turkish hammam ritual.

Making family holidays more enjoyable, youngsters can have their own fun in the children's pool and make new friends as they engage in arts, crafts and games at the Children's Club, AVANI Kids.

Adding an interactive edge, budding chefs can learn to cook authentic Creole and Thai dishes in cooking classes, whilst cocktail lovers can pick up an expert bartender's tips in cocktail making classes. In addition, experiencing the Seychelles unique culture is lively and creative with traditional dance, Creole language and local craft classes, as well as the resort's nightly Creole fair down on the beach, offering market craft stalls, traditional island food and drinks, plus island dance and music shows.

Travellers eager to get out and about will find that AVANI's seamless excursions cover the island's top highlights, including nature trail hikes, mangrove waterway trips, romantic waterfalls, spice and botanical gardens, touring heritage sites, island cruises and seeing tropical marine life at the best snorkelling and diving spots. The island is also easy to explore independently. The capital Victoria is just a 25 minute drive away, whilst Mahé's diverse attractions can be seen with a drive around the island taking only a few hours.

As part of Minor Hotel Group's global expansion of diverse quality brands, AVANI Hotels & Resorts was launched in late 2011 as a sister brand to Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, to consolidate the group's presence in city and resort locations across Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East and Africa. 'AVANI' stems from the Sanskrit word for 'earth' – a meaning which is expressed through a grounded personality and simple sense of style. AVANI is a refreshing upscale hotel concept offering relaxed comfort and contemporary style to guests who value the details that matter. Designed for guests who appreciate genuine hospitality, AVANI offers a fuss free approach that leaves a great impression.

 W: avanihotels.com  

Oaks Hotels & Resorts Debuts in Mackay With Opening of Oaks Rivermarque

Oaks Rivermarque, Mackay

Leading Australian accommodation provider Oaks Hotels & Resorts, a division of Minor Hotel Group, has today announced the opening of its 48th property, Oaks Rivermarque, marking the hotelier's debut in the prosperous tropical city of Mackay, Queensland.

Minor Hotel Group Further Strengthens Entry into Mozambique With Anantara and AVANI brands

Minor Hotel Group (MHG), operator of over 100 hotels, resorts and serviced suites in 14 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean, is pleased to announce the addition of three properties in Mozambique to its portfolio and a 25% equity investment in the properties. They will be reflagged to MHG’s Anantara and AVANI brands later this year and take the total number of MHG properties in operation to 108 and the total number of rooms to over 13,000.

This investment is part of MHG’s strategy to expand its footprint globally and increase the group’s presence in Mozambique, which represents a continued investment in the long term strategic partnership agreement MHG has with Dubai-based Rani Investment LLC. The two organisations formed a joint venture company in August 2013 for the ownership of Indigo Bay Resort & Spa in Mozambique, which was re-branded to Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa in November.

The three properties are located on the northern coastline of Mozambique, operating as part of the Rani Resorts portfolio. On the mainland, the 185-key Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa will be rebranded to AVANI Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa. Located in the Quirimbas Archipelago, the exclusive boutique island properties – Medjumbe Private Island with 13 chalets and Matemo Island, currently with 24 villas – will both be rebranded to Anantara. Matemo Island is currently closed for an extensive renovation and the addition of more keys. All three properties will be rebranded by the end of 2014.

MHG’s strategic partnership with Rani Investment LLC continues to explore opportunities in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, and in the vibrant East Africa market to further strengthen MHG’s presence on the continent. These properties will be a mix of new-build and rebrand and will be flagged with MHG’s international hotel brands, including the luxury Anantara brand, the upscale AVANI brand and the serviced apartment Oaks brand which is currently expanding into Asia and the Middle East.

Rani Investment is the investment arm of Aujan Group Holding with more than US$300 million of dedicated investments in the Middle East and Africa. Rani Investment is the largest private hospitality owner-operator in Mozambique, having first established its presence in 1999 under the Rani Resorts name Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotel Group, commented, “This latest investment in three hotels in Mozambique demonstrates Minor Hotel Group’s commitment to the country’s growing tourism sector and more widely to the overall African tourism market. We are actively exploring other opportunities to expand our footprint in Africa through the expansion of all our brands and are very excited about these latest additions to our portfolio in Mozambique.”

Salim Bitar, CEO Rani Investment LLC, added, “The expansion of our relationship with the Minor Hotel Group is a further commitment we are making to Mozambique, and a statement that Rani will continue to play a leading role in the sustainable growth and development of the tourism and hospitality sector in the country.”

AVANI Quy Nhon Resort & Spa opens in Vietnam

The Perfect Recipe for a Relaxing Escape

AVANI Hotels & Resorts is thrilled to announce that AVANI Quy Nhon Resort & Spa has just been rebranded from Life Wellness Resort Quy Nhon, offering a tropical beach and spa retreat in a prime location along Vietnam's south central coastline.

Travellers arrive to find a postcard perfect shore, with a backdrop of orchard covered mountains. The resort's kilometre long, palm fringed, private beach boasts some of Vietnam's most pristine sands and clearest turquoise water. Adding to the coastal allures, guests can reach the resort's private island by kayak or have a local fisherman ferry them across, and then unwind into a day of swimming, snorkelling, fishing, sunbathing and picnicking in a world of their own.

When it comes to a good night's sleep or simply hiding away for a few restful hours, 63 guest rooms and suites are designed to relax, entertain and inspire. Contemporary style is brought to life by hints of Vietnamese culture and Champa Kingdom heritage. Private balconies and bathroom windows reveal a spectacular sea view. Guests can sit at their balcony's table and chairs to watch the waves, or rest inside on a cozy sofa chair enjoying international satellite channels on the large LED television and catching up on emails thanks to WiFi. Guest rooms offer 42 to 48 square metres of total living space, and suites a more generous 51 square metres. All rooms and suites can sleep two adults and two children or three adults with an extra bed, and the option of adjoining rooms and suites caters comfortably for families and friends.

AVANI understands that a major ingredient for a great holiday is the pleasures of food and drink, and each outlet's minimalist naming highlights an honest approach to tasty satisfaction. DINE, the only international restaurant in Quy Nhon, is open all day from 6:00 am to 10:30 pm. Picture open air, cliff-side tables, a fresh sea breeze and stunning coastal views. SIP provides a casual, tropical poolside retreat from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, where lazy days of sunbathing are refreshed by exotic juices, smoothies and iced teas, accompanied by delicious light lunches and a long cocktail list to indulge in as the sun sets. LOUNGE, as the name suggests, is designed with cozy sofas for quiet moments alone, as well as books and games for socialising and light replenishment from 10:00 am till late. Adding a fourth dimension, In-Room Dining allows guests to DINE, SIP and LOUNGE in total privacy.

In the tranquil surrounds of the resort, guests can play beach games, fly a kite, or snorkel, kayak, fish and cruise the waves aboard a traditional Vietnamese basket boat. Bicycles available at the resort can be ridden to a nearby lake and orchard or a local fishing village. Vietnamese cooking classes, cocktail making sessions and an orchard tour introduce vibrant local elements, and Vietnamese language lessons are free every day.

At the spa, an extensive treatment menu features therapies with nourishing indigenous ingredients, pampering special packages and the therapeutic benefits of extended programmes. The spirit of indulgence continues in the beauty treatment rooms, steam baths, Vichy showers and a Japanese dry sand and salt sauna, followed by healthy beverages on the spa deck overlooking the garden. A beachfront pavilion offers revitalising wellness activities, including daily complimentary sunrise yoga and afternoon Tai Chi. Private wellness classes are also available, including meditation and massage.

When it comes to exploring, Quy Nhon and the surrounding area offers a well rounded mix of culture, history, stunning scenery and local flavours. A fresh water lake in the nearby mountains is a great place to fish and a floating village restaurant dishes up superb seafood specialties. A local handicraft village is renowned for its pottery, woodwork, blacksmiths and rice hats, while Quy Nhon City is home to ancient Cham temples and pagodas, a bustling market and a fascinating history museum.

Getting to AVANI Quy Nhon Resort & Spa is a hassle-free experience. Quy Nhon Airport is a 50 minute drive away, with daily flights operating from both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Guests can also catch daily trains from Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, or take the regular bus service from Nha Trang, with the hotel able to organise transfers by hotel van or taxi.

AVANI Hotels & Resorts is a vibrant new upscale brand in exotic destinations. Holidaymakers looking for all the right ingredients for relaxation with attention to the details that really matter, have their dreams answered by this refreshing new hotel and resort concept. The name 'AVANI' stems from the Sanskrit word for 'earth' – a meaning which is expressed through a grounded personality and simple sense of style. Each charming resort exhibits a passion for design, an emphasis on tailoring details to deliver complete satisfaction, and service that is genuine and spontaneous, by listening to guest needs to create a seamless and pleasurable stay.

For more information see http://www.avanihotels.com/quynhon/

The Elewana Collection – In Harmony With Africa

Africa has long been regarded as the ultimate destination – a cradle of humanity – that offers some of the most rewarding experiences that any discerning traveller could wish for. In Tanzania, Zanzibar and Kenya the Elewana Collection is a bespoke collection of camps, lodges and boutique beach hotels that have been carefully selected for their unique accommodations and iconic locations to provide unparalleled African wildlife-viewing and beach holiday opportunities with an emphasis on stylish and luxurious comfort.

Meaning harmony or understanding in Kiswahili, the name alludes to the balance between all the elements expected in today’s sophisticated travel and tourism market.

The Elewana Collection comprises: Arusha Coffee Lodge, cradled in the endless acres of one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations; Tarangire Treetops, with its unique tree house style rooms built on wooden decks around the trunks of enormous Baobab and Marula trees; Serengeti Migration Camp and Serengeti Pioneer Camp located in the Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the continent’s largest ecosystems; and The Manor at Ngorongoro, located adjacent to the world famous Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

In the neighbouring Kenya and Zanzibar, two boutique beach escapes – AfroChic Diani Beach and Kilindi Zanzibar – complete the indulgently luxurious collection with hotels that are as unique in character and design as their idyllic locales.

Arusha Coffee Lodge, Tanzania – Gateway To The Ultimate African Safari

Arusha Coffee Lodge offers an aromatic and sensory experience at the start or end of the Elewana Collection journey, promising a comprehensive immersion in Tanzania’s cultural, historical and topographical diversity. Located at the base of the volcanic Mount Meru a mere five-minute drive from Arusha Airport (ARK) in northern Tanzania, exhilarating glimpses into the region’s bygone coffee rituals unfold in sublime comfort the minute guests set foot on one of the country’s largest coffee plantations.

Comprising of 30 Plantation Houses – including twelve Plantation Suites – that overlook berry-laden coffee bushes in evergreen coffee fields, Arusha Coffee Lodge has been designed around the original landowner’s early 20th-century home.

Nearby excursions include a visit to a Masai market, the Museum of Natural History and Tanzanite Experience in Arusha and a day game drive with picnic lunch to Mount Meru and the Arusha National Park. Guests can also learn about coffee harvesting and roasting and sample Tanzania’s finest organic roast at the Lodge.

Tarangire Treetops

Tarangire Treetops, Tanzania – African Tree Houses For Grownups

Tarangire Treetops occupies a serene spot in a private game reserve bordering the Tarangire National Park southwest of Arusha and south of the open grass plains of southern Maasailand. Centred around a thousand-year-old Baobab tree, the retreat invites safari goers to luxurious new heights for a lavish stay with magnificent views of the Tarangire plains, just as the name suggests, in the treetops.

Here 20 luxuriously appointed elevated guest rooms, some of which are built in the trees, afford unrivalled vistas of the largest herds of elephants on the continent and over 550 bird species amid rolling, Baobab studded hills with views to Lake Manyara and the Rift Valley wall.

Guest can live the safari dream with day game drives in the Tarangire National Park, set out into the mystical night for astonishing wildlife encounters under a starlit African sky, or enjoy guided walking safaris. A visit to a nearby authentic Masai village affords a glimpse into this fascinating tribe’s daily life.

Serengeti Migration Camp

Serengeti Migration Camp and Serengeti Pioneer Camp, Tanzania – Stretching The Serengeti’s Splendour

At the starting point of the Serengeti Migration, the greatest wildlife spectacle on the planet, the award winning Serengeti Migration Camp provides 20 luxuriously appointed tents that blend seamlessly with the surrounding rocky outcrops. Set in a colonial milieu overlooking vast and rugged landscapes, the camp exudes decadence reminiscent of African high society life in days gone by. A mere 30 metres away the Grumeti River is home to a pod of hippos which can be observed in their natural habitat from the safety of a bough that hangs over the river.

Serengeti Pioneer Camp

The Serengeti Pioneer Camp in south central Serengeti, the latest addition to the Elewana Collection, offers additional access to the annual animal migration, along with sweeping views of Moru Kopjes, Lake Magadi and the majestic plains. Comprising of ten tented accommodations that pay homage to the adventurous mobile camps of the 1930’s, a time when an African safari was truly a journey into the unknown, the camp’s zero footprint and close proximity to nature combines to make an unmistakably distinctive and individual offering.

By combining Serengeti Migration Camp with that of Serengeti Pioneer Camp it is now possible to cover up to 90 percent of the Serengeti, thereby ensuring exemplary and unfettered access to the famed annual migration. As a consequence the two camps are able to both track and then share knowledge of the migration’s exact location, thus maximising that all-important game viewing time.

The Manor At Ngorongoro, Tanzania – The Perfect Grandiose Rest Stop

In the hills south of the Ngorongoro Crater stands The Manor at Ngorongoro, one of the first safari lodges to blend East African hospitality with old-world Afro-European architecture and decor. Part of a huge coffee estate, The Manor is inspired by elegant Cape Dutch-style farm homes and offers the perfect grandiose rest stop on the safari trial.

With 20 spacious cottages – including a three-bedroom, double storey Stable Cottage – and a magnificent manor house, The Manor evokes memories of an elegant upcountry farm house with cottages that have been carefully positioned to maximise the views of the adjacent verdant hills, whilst maintaining the intentional intimacy and privacy of this old world homestead.

At The Manor the wildlife spectacular that is Africa is just a short while away but, for those who prefer to marvel in blissful tranquillity and relaxation, horseback riding, bicycle trails and coffee processing tours on the estate offer a welcome respite. Day excursions to a nearby Masai market, Lake Manyara or the Olduvai Gorge are also on offer.

Kilindi Zanzibar

Kilindi Zanzibar and AfroChic Diani Beach – Bespoke Beach Boutique Hotels

Located on the north-west coast of Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous archipelago off Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coast, and lying adjacent to the clear turquoise waters of the sparkling ocean, is the extraordinary and mesmerising Kilindi Zanzibar. A rarity in the world of luxury boutique hotels, the fifteen room haven was originally designed for Benny Andersson, one of the members of 1980’s pop sensation ABBA. The concept behind the extraordinary design is that of Scandinavian minimalism mixed with the dramatic overtones evident in Middle Eastern architecture. Here white wooden slatted shutters embrace wide arched glassless windows that afford spectacular views – not one glass panel can be found on the property.

South of Mombasa on Kenya’s coast, one of the world’s most beautiful beaches is graced by AfroChic Diani Beach, an exclusive, intimate hotel with only ten rooms decorated in a unique, eclectic style. Situated on the white sands, AfroChic dazzles with views of exotic, ancient dhows in full sail. The graceful curve of the Diani shoreline tempts all to walk in the warm shallows along the edge of the African continent and for those who prefer greener pastures an eighteen-hole championship golf course is moments away. Local boutiques, spas, craft markets and day trips to Shimba Hills Reserve and Mwaluganie Elephant Sanctuary add to the Kenyan costal experience.

SkySafari by Elewana – The Ultimate Luxury African Experience

SkySafari by Elewana, an exclusive all-inclusive package, offers the ultimate luxury African safari experience. Travelling in style onboard an executive class Grand Cessna Caravan airplane between the parks and conservation areas in the air and in custom fitted Safari Land Cruisers on the ground, the seven-night, eight-day journey takes guest across Northern Tanzania’s most iconic locations with accommodation at four Elewana Collection lodges and camps. A SkySafari Plus option offers travellers a custom-made package with additional nights at their favourite safari sanctuary or on the tropical island of Zanzibar to relax and unwind at the bespoke Kilindi Zanzibar beach boutique hotel.

The packages include all private flights between the Elewana Collection properties and private airport transfers, accommodation, laundry, meals, drinks, game drives and bush walks.

About Elewana

Elewana Afrika Ltd, operating as Elewana Collection, is a Tanzania-based company with offices in Arusha and Nairobi, Kenya. Currently with seven unique properties in some of the world’s most iconic locations in Tanzania, Zanzibar and Kenya, Elewana Collection is committed to providing the very best African safari and beach experiences on a continent that has long been regarded as the ultimate destination.

From the slopes of Mount Meru to the vast plains of the Serengeti, the Elewana Collection of camps, lodges and hotels deliver an unrivalled experience that result in lifelong memories and an everlasting love for Africa. The Elewana Collection delivers the ultimate luxury experience with dreamlike tree houses, a superlative manor house, luxurious tented camps and beachside boutique hotels for discerned travellers.

SkySafari by Elewana, an all-inclusive package solution, offers a unique and exclusive seven-night, eight-day circuit safari, travelling between four of Elewana Collection’s northern Tanzanian camps and lodges with an executive class private aircraft.

In 2008 Bangkok-based Minor Hotel Group (MHG) acquired a 50 percent stake in Elewana Afrika Ltd. MHG is a hotel owner, operator and investor with a portfolio of over 10,000 rooms across more than 85 hotels, resorts and serviced suites under the Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Elewana, Marriott, Four Seasons, St. Regis and Minor International brands.

For more information on Elewana Collection and SkySafari by Elewana, please visit www.elewanacollection.com and www.skysafari.com