Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE:TNL) has relaunched the former Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort Phuket following a transformation and repositioning, unveiling a new identity as Club Wyndham Patong Hill Phuket. The resort debuts as a new premium offering and is the first Club Wyndham-branded resort in Thailand. The leading leisure travel company holds a direct stake in the resort through two of its vacation clubs, Club Wyndham South Pacific and Club Wyndham Asia. Now the 242-room resort is being introduced as a reimagined vacation destination within the Club Wyndham portfolio, with investment in elevated guest experiences, contemporary design, and enhanced service standards. Extensive work is already underway at the resort. Club Wyndham Patong Hill Phuket is positioned as a tranquil retreat away from Phuket’s main bustle, featuring eight pools, Carissa Day Spa, restaurant and bar Alfa Fire & Grill, pool bar and fitness centre, all of which are being progressively renovated. A central element of the transformation is the creation of a lively village square precinct – the social heart of the resort. The open-air space encourages connection and relaxation by bringing together dining, drinks, landscaped gardens and waterways stocked with koi fish. As part of the uplift of the property, Travel + Leisure Co. has made an ongoing investment in service delivery, expanding the resort team and providing training from the company’s hospitality experts. Early guest feedback has been positive, with the refreshed property achieving a 4.9 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor. “Club Wyndham Patong Hill Phuket represents an exciting new chapter for this resort as it is reintroduced as a premium holiday experience in Phuket. With its location, expansive grounds, tranquil surrounds and incredible facilities, Club Wyndham Patong Hill has long had the potential to become one of the area’s go-to destinations – a potential we intend to see fully realised,” said Barry Robinson, President and Managing Director, International Operations, Travel + Leisure Co. “We are focused on investing in both the physical product and the guest experience, ensuring it reflects the signature standards that vacation club owners and guests expect across the Club Wyndham portfolio. The continued evolution of the resort will further enhance its appeal as a standout destination,” he added. Club Wyndham Patong Hill can be booked through the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts portfolio, as an independent resort under the Trademark Collection by Wyndham brand. It is also accessible through Wyndham Rewards, the award-winning loyalty program of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, with more than 124 million enrolled members worldwide and more than 8,300 hotels spanning 25 brands. Club Wyndham is a brand of Travel + Leisure Co., encouraging travellers to live their bucket lists through a network of contemporary properties with welcoming, high-quality service in popular destinations, like Sydney and Melbourne in Australia, Denarau Island in Fiji, the snow fields of Nagano in Japan, and Tuscany and Bavaria in Europe. Travel + Leisure Co. is the developer of Club Wyndham South Pacific and Club Wyndham Asia and has a portfolio of more than 100 properties across the Asia Pacific region.

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Alma’s cascade of 12 swimming pools, managing director, and 13-treatment room spa have been lauded at this year’s prestigious ‘Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific’. Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong & Macau announced the winners at an awards party in Bangkok on June 18. Herbert Laubichler-Pichler, who was recognized as one of the five “Best General Managers in Vietnam”, said he and his team were “ecstatic” about Alma’s three wins. “To place in three of only four possible award categories in Vietnam is such an incredible achievement for our resort and our team,” said Laubichler-Pichler. “We are very grateful, particularly as these awards are on the heels of Alma’s global recognition with United States-based Travel + Leisure.” Alma’s 12 swimming pools, including a 75-metre-long pool, won kudos as one of the three “Best Hotel Pools in Vietnam”. The resort’s spa was called out as one of the top nine “Best Hotel Spas in Vietnam”. With separate treatment villas sprinkled onto the landscape, Le Spa offers an extensive spa menu, including a menu for children replete with foot and hand baths, massages and a facial incorporating tropical fruit and reflexology. In April this year, Alma was named as one of the top 500 hotels on the globe in this year’s prestigious T+L 500.The 2025 T+L 500 list is drawn from the results of the 2024 World’s Best Awards, a reader’s choice contest that is widely considered to be one of the two most important awards in the worldwide hospitality industry. Alma was called out as the top resort in Southeast Asia, the No. 2 resort in Asia and No. 9 resort worldwide in the 2024 Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, scoring 99.2 on the awards’ 100-point survey. “What constitutes the best in travel? The answer is highly personal, but there’s no question that some places and experiences resonate more deeply, more universally, than others. To identify the luxury stars that shone brightest through the last year, we asked our readers, you on-the-ground travel experts, to weigh in on the ̒best’ in hospitality,” said Jeninne Lee-St. John, the editor-in-chief of Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong & Macau said of the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific. Laubichler-Pichler has managed some of Vietnam’s most acclaimed hotels including the Nam Hai in Danang, The Reverie Saigon and The Anam Cam Ranh. Born into a hotelier family, Laubichler-Pichler started out in the industry working at his parents’ guesthouse in his native Austria as a bellboy at 10 years of age during the summer season. He later studied hotel management at the Hotel and Catering College Schloss Klessheim and became a certified chef before steadily rising through the ranks to become the general manager at properties in Austria, Germany and Cyprus. He also studied an Executive MBA in Hotel and Tourism Management with Chur University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland. To contact Alma or to make a booking for the show, please visit alma-resort.com, call +84 258 399 1666 or email info@alma-resort.com.

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Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, the landmark heritage hotel in the Vietnamese capital, was named one of the “World’s 500 Best Hotels” by the influential U.S.-based travel magazine Travel + Leisure. The prestigious honor, part of the magazine’s annual “World’s Best” awards, is among the most coveted distinctions in the global hospitality industry. Metropole Hanoi was one of just six luxury hotels in Vietnam to appear on this year’s list – and one of only two in Hanoi. “Travel + Leisure is one of the world’s leading authorities on excellence in hospitality. Their recognition is particularly meaningful this year as we open a new chapter in Metropole Hanoi’s 123-year history with the relaunch of our historic Heritage Wing following an extensive and inspired refurbishment,” General Manager George Koumendakos said. The Metropole Heritage Wing, with 103 guest rooms and suites, was meticulously restored and renovated under a 21-month construction project before reopening to guests in December. The new interiors maintain their traditional aesthetic and feel, and incorporate select original fixtures, while also introducing a considerable measure of bespoke comfort, advanced technology and vibrant color. The comprehensive reconstruction work was centered on the original wing of the hotel, which was established in 1901 and has played host over the decades to numerous heads of state and royalty, along with world-renowned actors, writers, musicians and others. The iconic luxury hotel also announced this month a new dining series that brings together Metropole’s award-winning culinary team with some of the best chefs from around the world. The quarterly ‘Rendez-vous’ series, hosted in the hotel’s modern French fine-dining restaurant Le Beaulieu, will spotlight Michelin-star guest chefs working in tandem with Le Beaulieu’s Chef de Cuisine Charles Degrendele to produce one-of-a-kind gastronomic experiences. The series kicks off May 17-18 with two exclusive dinners featuring French Chef Arnaud Sauthier, who holds 1 Michelin star for his acclaimed Maison Dunand in Bangkok. For more information on Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi or to make a booking, please call 0243 826 6919 (ext. 8500), email metropolehanoi.reservations@sofitel.com or visit www.sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com/.

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Regent Hong Kong, a beacon of sophistication and contemporary refinement, proudly announces its remarkable achievement as one of the best new city hotels of 2023 according to the Travel + Leisure 2024 It List.  Travel & Leisure‘s annual It List showcases the crème de la crème of the global hospitality industry, highlighting the finest new and renovated properties and cruise ships that have made an indelible impression on its discerning editors and contributors. After meticulous evaluation and deliberation, the list was narrowed down to a select 100, each personally vetted by Travel & Leisure; and Regent Hong Kong has emerged as one of the exceptional establishments, embodying the pinnacle of modern luxury and understated elegance.  Michel Chertouh, Managing Director of Regent Hong Kong, expressed his gratitude, “This prestigious recognition is a testament to Regent Hong Kong’s unwavering commitment to excellence, attention to detail and to creating extraordinary experiences for our discerning guests. From serene accommodations to world-class amenities, Regent Hong Kong offers an unparalleled level of luxury and sophistication, setting the stage for unforgettable memories.”  “On behalf of our entire team at Regent Hong Kong, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Travel & Leisure for recognising the exceptional luxury hospitality experience that Regent Hong Kong offers. This accolade serves as a resounding affirmation of our team’s dedication to creating extraordinary moments that become lasting impressions”.    

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Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the 92-year-old luxury hotel on the doorstep of ancient Khmer archeological sites in Siem Reap, Cambodia, has again been named one of the world’s ‘500 Best Hotels’ by Travel + Leisure. The industry-leading, U.S.-based travel magazine honoured the iconic hotel in its prestigious ‘World’s Best Awards’, which are among the most coveted distinctions in the global hospitality industry. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor made the list of best hotels for a third-straight year. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor originally opened in 1932 as a rest stop for archeologists and adventurers exploring the ancient kingdom of Angkor Wat. General Manager Joseph Colina says: “We see the same bold and enthusiastic spirit today among our guests who come here for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience these marvellous wonders.” The hotel recently unveiled new a ‘Curated Journeys’ menu offering singular excursions including a ‘Bespoke Temple Dinner’ served by candlelight at the temple complex of Angkor; a ‘Lost Civilisations of Angkor by Vespa’ tour, where the ancient world meets the here-and-now; and ‘Meet the Elephants of Angkor’, a memorable visit to an elephant sanctuary where guests can get up close and personal with gentle giants; among others. In addition to the Curated Journeys, a new onsite ‘Raffles Resort Program’ features seven distinctive experiences on the hotel grounds, including ‘The Untold Stories’, an encounter with Raffles’ resident historian to uncover the vestiges of the past through a history tour of the hotel; ‘Sommelier Sessions’ with the hotel’s resident sommelier; and more. The hotel’s fine dining restaurant 1932 also recently launched a series of exclusive multi-course Khmer tasting menus—the first of their kind—offering diners a tantalizing introduction to the distinctive flavors of Cambodian cuisine. Nearly all of the Grand Dame’s 119 guest rooms and suites were fully refurbished in an extensive, three-year renovation project that concluded in June 2022. One of the hotel’s most distinguished attributes—its classic metal and timber elevator in the lobby—remains, as does the vintage ambience of The Elephant Bar. For more information on Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, or to make a booking, please call +855 23 982 598 or visit www.raffles.com/siem-reap/.

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Travel magazine and website Travel + Leisure ranked Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok as the seventh place most luxurious airport in the world. It was also rated second in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Financial information and research website Business Financing recently launched the best and worst airports in the world ranking in February this year. In the ranking, two Bangkok airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, were ranked among the worst in the world according to the opinions of business travellers from around the world. The unexpected ranking prompted Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Chai Watcharong to warn Thais not to devalue the country’s main aviation hubs, saying the assessment may not be comprehensive.The spokesperson’s statement may be reasonable as Suvarnabhumi Airport managed to restore the reputation of Thailand by being ranked as one of the top ten luxury airports in the world this month.The Travel + Leisure publication revealed the names of the airports that offer passengers the most luxurious experience, based on a study by AllClear Travel Insurance, which looked at 1,800 airports around the world. The study focused on the number of lounges in the passenger terminal, designer brand shops, luxury hotels in the area and the availability of champagne and caviar before boarding. Based on these criteria, Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport was ranked seventh in the world with a score of 55 out of 100. The airport lost the most points for the availability of champagne and caviar before boarding and the number of luxury hotels close to the airport. The winner was Dubai International Airport, and the full ranking of the top ten most luxurious airports is below: Dubai International Airport London Heathrow Airport Hamad International Airport Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Sydney International Airport Singapore Changi Airport Suvarnabhumi International Airport Hong Kong International Airport Frankfurt Airport Narita International Airport As well as being in the top ten, Suvarnabhumi Airport also won second place for the most luxurious airport in ASEAN. The regional winner was Singapore Changi Airport.

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Two iconic Raffles hotels in Cambodia were honored at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023, earning recognition in multiple categories including for top city hotels, general managers, hotel spas and hotel pools. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor and Raffles Hotel Le Royal won the No. 2 and No. 3 spots, respectively, in the Cambodia “City Hotels” category, while Raffles Hotel Le Royal General Manager Dennis de Groot was named one of the country’s top five GMs, placing No. 3. The swimming pool at Raffles Hotel Le Royal was named the very best in all of Cambodia, while the pool at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor won the No. 3 spot. The hotel spa at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor was honored with the No. 3 spot in the “Hotel Spas” category. The industry-leading U.S.-based travel magazine’s Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023, held on June 5, spotlighted the very best in the region’s hospitality, from top city, beach, island and upcountry hotels to the best hotel pools, spas and general managers. The two historic Raffles hotels in Cambodia have also earned a slew of other top international awards this year. Raffles Hotel Le Royal was voted the No. 1 hotel in Cambodia by readers of Condé Nast Traveler in its annual Readers’ Choice Awards in October, while Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor was named one of the world’s “500 Best Hotels” by Travel + Leisure in April. Raffles Hotel Le Royal, situated in Cambodia’s vibrant capital, Phnom Penh, originally opened in 1929 and today features 175 rooms and suites that underwent a full refurbishment as part of a meticulous one-year restoration project in 2019. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor is on the doorstep of ancient Khmer archeological sites in Cambodia and is considered a national treasure. Originally opened in 1932, the hotel was built as a rest stop for archeologists and adventurers seeking to explore the ancient kingdom of Angkor Wat, which is today one of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Both properties offer celebrated Khmer fine dining restaurants (Restaurant Le Royal in Phnom Penh and 1932 in Siem Reap), along with their own Elephant Bar locations, each a legendary venue for cocktails, wine and more in a stylish and sophisticated colonial-style ambience. For more information on Raffles Hotel Le Royal, or to make a booking, please contact +855 23 981 888 or visit www.raffles.com/phnom-penh. For Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, please contact +855 23 982 598 or visit www.raffles.com/siem-reap/.

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Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi was named one of the best city hotels in Asia in Travel + Leisure’s prestigious annual World’s Best Awards 2022. Winning placement in T+L’s “15 Best City Hotels in Asia” category, the storied 120-year-old Metropole Hanoi—regarded as the Grande Dame of Vietnamese hospitality—adds momentum to its run of recent international honors. In April, the hotel was awarded Forbes Travel Guide’s Five-Star rating—the top level of recognition—for a third consecutive year. Last year, Metropole Hanoi was proclaimed one of “Asia’s Top 30 Hotels” by readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine and selected as Hanoi’s No. 1 business hotel by the editors of Business Traveller Asia-Pacific. It was also named one of “The 101 Most Incredible Hotels in the World” for 2022 by Fodor’s Travel. “Taken individually, each of these recognitions reflects an extraordinary accomplishment. Put them together and the message becomes unmistakable: Metropole Hanoi is truly one of the world’s finest and most celebrated hotels, known for its luxurious accommodation, rich history, and warm and personalized service,” General Manager William Haandrikman said. The Sofitel Legend brand, meanwhile, was named one of “The 25 Best Hotel Brands” in the world, placing No. 6 overall. Metropole Hanoi was the first property in the Sofitel portfolio to acquire distinction as a “Legend” hotel when the concept was introduced in 2009. Fittingly, T+L’s editors accompanied the latest recognition with a photograph of angelina, the stylish bespoke cocktail bar, whisky lounge and rustic European and New World restaurant at Metropole Hanoi. Hundreds of thousands of readers of Travel + Leisure, one of the world’s preeminent travel publications, voted on hotels, islands, resorts, cruise ships, spas, airlines and more, selecting what the magazine’s editors bill as “the finest travel experiences … on the planet.” Travel + Leisure’s best city hotels in Asia each “capture their destination’s culture and vibrant energy,” the editors write. Metropole Hanoi landed at No. 8 on the list, one of only three hotels in Vietnam to be recognized, comprising an elite group that T+L describes as “incredible.” Launched in 1995, The World’s Best Awards are among the most sought-after recognition in the travel industry. Travel + Leisure, whose roots date back to 1937, today reaches more than 16 million readers every month, with input from hundreds of writers and editors around the globe.

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Travel + Leisure announced the results of its highly anticipated annual World’s Best Awards, with Capella Hotels and Resorts’ properties receiving top honours. Capella Ubud, Bali, the brand’s tented-retreat designed by acclaimed architect Bill Bensley, scooped up the top title of No.1 Hotel in the World in Travel + Leisure 2020 World’s Best Awards! Accompanying this grand title is Capella Hotels and Resorts ranking No.2 Hotel Brand in the World. “We are extremely honoured to receive these prestigious recognitions. These awards are a clear reflection of the passion, care and attention to detail our colleagues have placed into creating each exceptional Capella destination. Our vision to create the perfect stay is only made possible due to their dedication in providing the highest levels of personalised service and curating experiences that celebrate our communities and their culture”, said Nicholas M. Clayton, CEO, Capella Hotels and Resorts. Constantly pushing the envelope, Capella Hotels and Resorts is lauded for being masters in the craft of hospitality, with its award-winning designs and polished experiences that come with a twist of the unexpected. Guests of Capella are given the opportunity to fully immerse into the local way of life thanks to the expert team of Capella Culturist, who spend time scouring each locale they are based in, leaving no leaf unturned in their quest to provide guests with unforgettable moments. Part-time neighbourhood expert, part-time intuitive mind-reader, the Capella Culturist are champions of meaningful discovery and keepers of the destination’s storied past and present. Explorers, they take pride in unlocking new skills, gathering unforgettable curated experiences and immersing into the local culture to engage and discover local heritage and culture. They understand that the fascinating people you meet along the way enrich your travel experience and seek to bridge the gap between the local community and guests with Capella Curates. Capella Curates are on- and off-site experiences designed to become lifelong memories. From discovering unique rituals of ethnic minorities to learning how to make traditional Indonesian elixir, the Capella Culturist spearheaded this initiative to give guests a glimpse into the soul of each destination. To thank voters and guests for their never-ending support, Capella Hotels and Resorts have launched a ‘Dream Now, Travel Later’ offer across all properties. The limited-time package presents exclusive rates for guests to experience Capella’s philosophy of curating visionary experiences and culture for when travel resumes. Capella Hotels and Resorts’ global expansion plans are on track with exciting new hotels in the pipeline. Set to open late this year is the highly-anticipated Capella Bangkok featuring expansive suites and villas overlooking the Chao Phraya River as well as three-Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco’s first foray into Asia. Following Bangkok will be the unveiling of Capella Hanoi, which is also designed by Bill Bensley and features 47 rooms and suites that will transport guests back to the romantic era of Opera in the Roaring Twenties. The World’s Best Awards are the result of votes from Travel + Leisure’s readers and hotels are rated on the following characteristics: rooms, facilities, location, service, food and value. Capella Ubud was also voted the No.1 Resort Hotel in Asia and the No.1 Resort Hotel in Indonesia, while Capella Singapore – the brand’s flagship hotel – was named No.2 Hotel in Singapore. This is the award’s 25th anniversary and the brand will be celebrated with an expanded print issue this August. The 2020 World’s Best Awards are published online at Travel + Leisure’s website and celebrated in the August issue of Travel + Leisure’s US edition.

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