Global hotel brands continue expansion in key Asian markets

Thailand's Khao Yai now has a Mövenpick
Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai has become the first internationally branded hotel to open in the Thai destination of Khao Yai.

Located about a three hours’ drive from Bangkok, the Tuscan-styled resort (main) features 112 rooms decorated in Renaissance and modern Baroque styles, surrounded by mountainous views of the Khao Yai National Park. Guests may pick from 62 guestrooms, 50 villas or three-bedroom penthouse—most of which offer views of an 18-hole golf course, a pool and European garden.

Wedding parties, events and groups hoping to maximise the resort’s European-style ambience, can book the Ozone Hall, which accommodates up to 200 guests cocktail style.

Flavours of Khao Yai features local and international fares, while Castleton Café offers farm-to-table and organic options using produce from the resort’s vegetable farm. The Panacee Wellness Khao Yai spa delivers health-recovery programmes ranging from holistic check-ups and anti-aging therapies to hair and facial detox treatments.

A drive out of the resort takes guests to plenty of attractions such as the Jim Thompson Farm, GranMonte Vineyard and Winery, PB Valley Khao Yai Winery and Heaw Narok Waterfall.

Kimpton grows Asia-Pacific footprint
InterContinental Hotel Group's boutique hotel brand, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, is fast expanding into new markets in Asia-Pacific with its properties in Tokyo and Bangkok just launched.

Located in central Bangkok's Langsuan area, the Kimpton Bangkok Maa-Lai opened its doors on 1 October. The property, which overlooks the city's Lumpini Park, offers 362 guestrooms and 131 residences. Food options include Craft, an all-day lobby bar serving coffee, craft beer and coffee cocktails; rooftop garden and bar Bar.Yard; and cocktail bar Ms. Jigger.

Opened 2 October, the 151-room Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo boasts an address close to Tokyo landmarks like Shibuya Crossing and Shinjuku Station. Hotel amenities include meetings and event spaces, a health and fitness centre and a chapel that doubles up as an art gallery. Also available are dining options like District, which is billed as a modern Tokyo brasserie, and New York-inspired deli cafe the Jones.

Both hotel openings as well as the Kimpton Da An Hotel in Taipei, Taiwan, bring the brand's Asia-Pacific property count to three.

Elsewhere in the region, the 50-villa Kimpton Naranta Bali is scheduled to open in 2021. Kimpton has plans to further expand in the region with outposts in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Sanya in the pipeline.

Four Seasons opens in Tokyo’s oldest neighbourhood
Sitting within Tokyo’s oldest neighbourhood and steps away from the Imperial Palace is the newly launched Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi.

Marking the group’s third property in Japan, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi is perched on the highest floors of a new 39-storey tower in the financial district of Otemachi, promising panoramic views of Tokyo’s skyline, and even Mount Fuji on a clear day.

Its 193 rooms and suites are housed between levels 34 and 38, featuring a design aesthetic that is marked by clean lines, relaxed colour palettes, artworks, open spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows in every room.

The top-floor spa has five treatment rooms and a 25m pool.

There are four F&B outlets: Pigneto featuring Italian fare, Est helmed by Michelin-starred chef Guillaume Bracaval, cocktail bar VIRTÙ, and The Lounge for traditional afternoon tea. Private rooms of these F&B venues can be turned into spaces for social and corporate functions, as are the events spaces including a ballroom and four meeting rooms on the third floor.

Guests also enjoy the direct link to Otemachi Station which connects to four Tokyo Metro lines, with JR Tokyo and Kanda Stations within walking distance.

An introductory package of 15% off room rates with daily breakfast and one dinner for two pax is now available for booking online.

Andaz plants flag in Xiamen, China
Hyatt Hotels launched Andaz Xiamen last month, marking its second Andaz property in China.

Located within the mixed-used development of The MixC and close to Xiamen Botanical Garden, the 304-room hotel offers guests an immersive experience in South China’s local neighbourhood.

Andaz Xiamen resembles a modern mansion inspired by tropical Nanyang flavour—high ceilings inspired by pergolas, artworks featuring flora and fauna, and wicker and rattan details. Artworks by local artistes are dotted all round the hotel, making that connection to community. Staff uniform is the work of Xiamen designer Wan Yifang.

For events and business planners, Andaz Xiamen offers 21,527sqm of event space, including seven standalone spaces ranging from 80- to 900sqm and accommodating up to 800 guests.