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| Pool Villa at the new Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Bali |
Our back-to-school-month lodging roundup gets straight A’s with a sampling of some of the latest developments in Asia, Africa and America.
Indonesia is Home to Newest Ritz-Carlton
Ubud, Bali has a new luxury property: Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Named after the entrance to a traditional Hindu temple, the property offers 35 suites and 25 private pool villas set along the Ayung River. Individually tailored spiritual, wellness, health and detox programs are available as is full-time personalized attention of a dedicated Patih, or butler. Mandapa has four restaurants and lounges offering Indonesian cuisine, Mediterranean dining and health-conscious menus. An organic garden, a farm and an educational Kid’s Hut are tucked away from the rest of the resort.
Banyan Tree Unveils Cassia Brand in Thailand
Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts will unveil its first stylish hotel residence in Thailand in October 2015. A new hospitality concept combining hotel and serviced apartments, Banyan Tree’s newest brand, Cassia, offers cutting-edge design, colorful street art and customized living and dining options. Opening within the group’s integrated beach resort of Laguna Phuket, Cassia Phuket targets families, friends and couples seeking the freedom to create their own space, craft their own holiday and immerse themselves in the local culture and environment. Each one- and two-bedroom apartment has a separate living room and a fully equipped kitchen.
Four New Regent Properties in Asia
Regent Hotels & Resorts is set to expand its footprint in four Asian cities in the coming years. Three new luxury hotels will open in China and one in Indonesia. Regent Chongqing is slated to open in October 2016; Regent Place Xi’an and Regent Place Harbin are scheduled to debut in 2017; and Regent Jakarta is expected to open in early 2018.
Mauritius Getting Shangri-La Resort
The Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa is scheduled to open on November 1 in Mauritius after a major renovation project. The legendary resort, which was closed earlier this spring, will now be reflagged as the Shangri-La brand assumes management. Along with the refurbishment of all public areas and the 200 water-facing guest rooms, the project imported the Shangri-La spa and restaurant concepts. One of the standout features of the hotel is access to the Ilot Mangénie, a private island offshore that is exclusively available to Shangri-La guests. Also nearby: The 18-hole championship golf course on the Ile aux Cerfs. Access to the resort is a one-hour car ride from the island’s international airport. There will also be a helicopter service to the resort.
Autograph Collection Debuts in South Carolina
Marriott International has announced that the Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston in South Carolina has joined its boutique portfolio of Autograph Collection Hotels. This is the first hotel in the Palmetto State for the Collection, which now includes 89 hotels worldwide. Set in the heart of Charleston’s Historic District, the 50-room boutique hotel offers guests an onsite Grand Bohemian Gallery featuring rare, local and original artwork; a wine-blending experience and tasting room with curated selections; specialty coffee shop with micro-roasted coffee; farm-to-table culinary offerings with a regional focus; and a rooftop restaurant.
Universal Orlando’s Cabana Bay Expands
Universal Orlando Resort and Loews Hotels & Resorts have announced that Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is about to undergo a big expansion. The retro-themed property will add 400 new guest rooms in an expansion that is scheduled to open in 2017. The rooms will be in two new guest towers at the south end of the resort, adjacent to the Continental and American towers. Select rooms will afford views of Volcano Bay, Universal’s forthcoming third park.