Nobu Hospitality Expands its Footprint in Asia Pacific
Nobu Hotel, Restaurant, and Residences to Launch in Danang, Vietnam.
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Radisson Hotel Group showcases Vietnam to travelers with expanding nationwide portfolio
Rapidly growing collection helps travelers discover many established and emerging destinations across the country, from the rolling hills of the north to the idyllic islands of the south.
BLINK Design Group creates a vernacular spectacular with Regent on Vietnam’s paradise isle of Phu Quoc
The prime movers in placemaking have teamed up with the last word in authentic Asian luxury to create a stunningly unique resort experience perfectly timed to open as South East Asia roars back to life. This is the story of the making of Regent Phu Quoc, the new jewel in the crown of Regent Hotels, which opens its doors in April 2022 to a world longing to rediscover the romance of travel and crying out for experiences of beguiling authenticity. It is the story of the ultimate collaboration between a hotel brand that has become the sine qua non of timelessly elegant escapes, and BLINK's visionaries who live and breathe destinations, immersing themselves in the vernacular and diving deep into local culture, art, craft and design before conjuring up experiences that become a true exploration of time and place. And it's the story of the birth of something very special on an island transforming from best-kept secret status, whispered amongst the cognoscenti, to its emergence as the region's hottest destination. A statement of intent from a brand with an auspicious history, part of the mythical lore and the cultural DNA of the East. Phu Quoc transcends cliché as a true island paradise; a gem of rarest jade reposing in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand. An island comprising 99 verdant peaks, 28 pristine islets, 20 unspoiled beaches, and some of the warmest smiles in Asia. Fishing villages, pearlers and pepper plantations provide charming glimpses into Vietnamese customs spanning generations, while more than half of the island has been protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2006. It was against this backdrop that BLINK's best design brains were summoned to pool their knowledge and inspirations with the vast hotel and resort experience of the Regent brand and its new owner, InterContinental Hotels Group. The goal: create a luxury resort experience imbued with the soul and culture of Phu Quoc in an enviable location on the island's most beautiful and longest beach on its serene western shore. The vision: a place where sunlight pervades and the sparkling waters of the gulf enchant from every angle; a tranquil environment for relaxation, swathed in natural textiles and minimalist decor. A place where traditional Vietnamese and modern design merge. Memorable spaces that touch people and place BLINK founder Clint Nagata says the design group was honoured to be trusted with the master planning, architecture and interiors for the resort. "This is a very special project, from the brand involved to the uniquely beautiful location and a rich local culture full of traditions and artisans, and on to the timing of its launch," he said. "It was right in our wheelhouse in terms of delving into the art of placemaking; going very deep into the cultures, materials and traditions of the vernacular before we even put pen to paper." The brief was to create an all-suites and villas luxury beach resort, consisting of Ocean View Suites, Garden Pool Suites and opulent Pool Villas from one to seven bedrooms, private infinity pools and plunge pools, as well as six food and beverage concepts with Regent's elegant take on 'wow factor' and incorporating the brand's penchant for storytelling. A grand ballroom and event spaces, a Regent Club, and a cutting-edge spa concept were also required. Informing the master plan above all, says Nagata, was making the most of the breathtaking gulf waters and sunset. "This meant utilising a multi-dimensional approach for every major guest-facing space, deliberately spread horizontally and stacked vertically so that all guests enjoy an optimum view of the natural setting." The sense of arrival begins with a processional staircase to the lobby. Guests are greeted with an iconic space, framed with a modern interpretation of Vietnamese roofs and featuring luminous laquerwork with the delicate duck eggshell inlays for which the region is famous. Nagata says the initial architectural ideas were steeped in the Vietnamese vernacular. "This is a country with strong local culture and traditional architectural heritage. One of the structural systems commonly found is the wooden truss system, known locally as the Bovi. We have abstracted that feature and developed it into subtle patterns that feature on screens, carpets and accessories." One of the key elements in the masterplan is the courtyard-like villas, each with its own infinity pool and plunge pool and layers of privacy and intimacy. This is inspired by another key feature in the Vietnamese vernacular known as Gian Nha. "A traditional house is often composed of small compartments and courtyards," says Nagata. "These individual spaces create transition and different experiences within the same house. Our spatial zoning presents a contemporary interpretation of Gian Nha, blurring the boundaries of indoor and outdoor." The finished product is suffused with delicate Vietnamese craftsmanship and intricate thought processes. The villas gradually reveal themselves to their inhabitants, presenting moments of joy and little epiphanies. On a practical level, this also allows great flexibility so that spaces can be separated, creating a lock-off unit for different amounts of guests in different types of occasions. The larger villas also feature separate quarters for maids or drivers. Nagata said the iconic waters of the Gulf extend into the resort itself, reflected and amplified by some 206 pools scattered throughout the villas and the property. Culinary journeys into magical spaces Rice Market, Regent Phu Quoc's all-day dining space, affords a glimpse into the everyday life of the locals. Drawing inspiration from the rice market, the restaurant spills onto the central courtyard, inspired by the vibrant street markets of Vietnam. Ingenious twists on rice mills and water wheels along with burlap rice bag textures offer up eye candy in a relaxed ambiance. OKU is the showpiece fine dining restaurant, a French-Japanese Omakase atelier and salon de boeuf. It sits at the heart of the resort, a celebration of intricate Japanese woodwork, evoking the feel of a Parisian brasserie with a hint of new orientalist. Meticulous attention to detail pervades, from the cuisine to the interiors. Precision and perfection were BLINK's watchwords in creating this icon in the making. "Just as an Omakase Chef pays special attention to select ingredients to create a meal as an artistic expression, so too does the woodworker as the precision and perfection of his joinery becomes a work of art," explains Nagata. Classic elements of the brasserie are reinterpreted: Globe lights, patterned floors, cozy banquettes and modern ironmongery details. The wall murals, textiles and lacquered surfaces are inspired by traditional details and reinvented to reveal a new design aesthetic. A gem of a speakeasy with a secret entrance Imagine whiling away long tropical nights in a true hideaway suffused with speakeasy vibes and offering new excursions in mixology. The Jade bar is the hidden treasure of Regent Phu Quoc, only revealing itself at dusk. Inspiration was found in the jade-coloured waters of the Gulf, as well as the rich tradition of jade in Vietnamese culture, handed down from mother to daughter as an heirloom. Sophisticated shades of jade and layers of intricacy lend an opulent, old world feel. The arrival experience is purposely concealed during the day. An exclusive Regent Club sits atop the resort's main tower, overlooking the entire property. The ethereal image of crisp silhouettes against the stunning sunsets of Phu Quoc inspire the design of the rooftop pool area. Gradients of colour at the feature wall, flickers of golden tiles mimic the reflection of the sun against the clear blue waters. In the most private area of the Club, a library inspired by the tropical botanical gardens and local plants offer a sanctuary for guests. The Regent Club is a perfect place to watch sunset with a perfectly crafted Gin and Tonic. A journey with twists and turns Nagata says that while relaxed luxury and privacy are key concepts for the discerning modern traveller, BLINK strove to bestow a feeling of discovery upon guests. "We wanted to create pockets of space and a sense of epiphany within the resort to remind guests of the natural beauty of Phu Quoc. Not only can guests enjoy ocean views, but we scattered little landscaped courtyard spaces throughout the resort's public areas. "For example, some public bathrooms will open up to a courtyard with flora and natural lighting or a corridor may also turn a corner into a natural enclosure. We wanted to remind guests of the peaceful feelings that nature and her beauty brings, and with that, enhance the property's calming and relaxing atmosphere." BLINK's design journey also contained the unexpected. "We began this project with BIM Group, who entrusted much of the design direction to us and the Regent Hotels and Resorts team," adds Nagata. "Part way through the design, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) acquired Regent, and we pivoted to transform our design from a more neutral colour and material palette to something a bit more colorful to match with IHG's vision for Regent as part of their top end luxury brand offering. "This change in direction, while simple in theory, was challenging to accommodate without starting from scratch but also respecting the owner's original construction schedule."
Mauro Zanusso has been appointed as Executive Chef at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, the award-winning five-star resort nestled in 39 hectares of nature on Vietnam's Son Tra Peninsula, has appointed Italian culinary master Mauro Zanusso as its new executive chef, as the hotel continues to raise the bar for gastronomy in Vietnam.Chef Mauro has over 20 years of top-level experience in fine-dining restaurants and five-star hotels around the world. He has learned specialist techniques and refined his skills in kitchens all around the world, from Italy to the UK, India, Brazil, Egypt, USA, Japan and China. His impressive journey has included spells with some of the world's most famous luxury hotel brands, including Four Seasons, St. Regis and Ritz-Carlton, and he served as Executive Chef of The St. Regis Shenzhen and The Ritz-Carlton Xi'an in China.During his career, Chef Mauro has been awarded the honor of "Best Dish" at the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival and served as a Guest Chef at the gala event of Starwood Preferred Guests in Tokyo. He was also a member of Marriott International's F&B Advisory Board for Greater China, guiding the group's nationwide F&B strategy.He now brings his talent and leadership to InterContinental Danang, which was recently named as the "Best Hotel in Vietnam". Chef Mauro will oversee the resort's exceptional restaurants, bars and lounges, including Citron, the elevated all-day dining venue where guests savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine at tables that appear to float above the hillside, Barefoot, the chic beachfront restaurant situated just steps from the ocean, and L_O_N_G Bar, where expert mixologists shake up cool cocktails at a 50-metre-long bar. He will also manage the resort's catering and in-room dining functions.
Radisson Hotel Group signs brand-new upscale resort in Mui Ne, Vietnam’s beachfront paradise
Radisson Hotel Group has continued to expand its portfolio in Vietnam with the signing of a brand-new upscale resort in Mui Ne, the popular beachside destination on the country's stunning, sun-soaked southeast coast, just a short drive from Ho Chi Minh City.
Fusion Originals Makes Its Saigon Debut With Opening of Fusion Original Saigon Centre
Vietnam's most recognized hotel group introduces its latest lodging experience.
Marriott International Signs Landmark Agreement With Vinpearl to Add Eight Hotels in Vietnam
Marriott International, Inc. today announced a strategic agreement with Vinpearl, Vietnam’s largest hospitality and leisure chain, to convert and develop 2,200 rooms across eight hotels in Vietnam - significantly expanding its portfolio of world-class hotels and resorts in the country. This collaboration expects to see the debut of the Autograph Collection Hotels brand in the country, while other planned openings span the following brands: Marriott Hotels, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, and Four Points by Sheraton.
Metropole Hanoi’s Award-Winning Le Beaulieu Reopens After Extensive Refurbishment
e Beaulieu, the award-winning modern French fine dining restaurant at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, and its refined al fresco extension La Terrasse have celebrated their reopening following an extensive seven-month refurbishment and are now open for lunch and dinner.
IHG Hotels & Resorts and Sun Hospitality Group take decade-long relationship to new heights
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced a strategic alliance framework agreement with long-term partners Sun Hospitality Group (SHG) to introduce fresh and innovative concepts, experiences and products in Vietnam.
Marriott Signs With AKYN Hospitality Group for Courtyard by Marriott Quy Nhon
AKYN Hospitality Group has officially announced the agreement signing with Marriott International to bring Courtyard by Marriott brand to Quy Nhon, an up-and-coming coastal destination in south-central Vietnam. Scheduled to open in early 2025, Courtyard by Marriott Quy Nhon, developed by AKYN Hospitality Group, promises to bring a high-class experience with international standards for locals, domestic and foreign tourists.
Leon Dolle has been appointed as General Manager at Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon
Absolute Hotel Services' Senior Vice President - Operations Asia, Mr. Frank Clovyn, is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Leon Dolle as General Manager of Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon.Leon joined the Absolute Hotel Services team in 2019 as the General Manager of Eastin Grand Hotel Nha Trang, and led the hotel through a succesful opening which helped to grow and shape the beachfront property. In his new role, Leon will oversee all hotel operations and will be responsible for the succesfull execution of strategic plans. He brings with him a wealth of experience in managing numerous 5-star branded properties in addition to his invaluable understanding and knowledge of the Eastin Grand Hotels & Resorts brand.Prior to beecoming a part of the Absolute Hotel Services family, Leon was part of the opening team for the Conrad Bangkok and was responsible for the successful launch and positioning of the hotel and its F&B concepts. He also worked on the opening of the renowned JW Marriott in Kuala Lumpur.As GM of the famous Bed Supper Club Bangkok, he was solely responsible for the positioning and revamp of this iconically designed club, bar and restaurant, making it one of the most successful clubs and dining entertainment concepts in Asia, with year on year awards for best live entertainment and bar.In 2012, Leon joined citizenM as Corporate F&B Director, where he developed new F&B concepts and opened 8 hotels, including flagship hotel s in New York, London and Paris.Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon is ideally located between the city centre which can be reached in 15 minutes (2.3km) and Tan Son Nhat International Airport. The hotel offers guests a 5-star luxury stay with excellent hospitality and provides conference rooms with state-of-the-art facilities and great dining experiences in our three restaurants and one bar.
Visionary Architect Bill Bensley Returns to InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, His Breath-Taking Breakout Project
Bill Bensley, the acclaimed architect, landscape architect, artist and interior designer who created InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, is returning to the scene of his breakout project this year, as this extraordinary resort on Vietnam’s Son Tra Peninsula celebrates its 10th anniversary with a series of remarkable renovations.
Radisson Hotel Group Opens the Radisson Hotel Danang in Vietnam
Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the opening of Radisson Hotel Danang, a brand-new international upscale hotel, marking the brand's debut in this vibrant Vietnamese city.
Legendary Regent Hotels & Resorts brand debuts in Vietnam on Phu Quoc Island
Regent Phu Quoc: a place of spellbinding beauty, unexpected culinary experiences and personal havens.
Radisson brings international beachfront hospitality to Phan Thiet, Vietnam
Radisson Resort Phan Thiet has opened its doors on Vietnam's serene southeast coast, introducing an exciting new era of upscale hospitality to this up-and-coming beachfront destination. Located just a short drive from Ho Chi Minh City and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, this 76-key Mediterranean-style resort is set to become a popular choice with Vietnamese and overseas guests alike.
Marriott International Expects to Quadruple Its Portfolio in Vietnam With a Signed Pipeline of 30 Hotels
With the recent reopening of Vietnam’s borders, Marriott International, Inc. today announced plans to expand its portfolio in Vietnam, expecting to add nearly 9,000 rooms within the company’s portfolio and see the debut of key brands including Ritz-Carlton Residences, Marriott Hotels, Westin, and Courtyard by Marriott.
Tuan Nguyen has been appointed as Senior Vice President and Head of Investment Sales at JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, Vietnam
Based in Ho Chi Minh City, Tuan’s arrival at JLL will reinforce the firm’s leading investment sales position in Vietnam, which is poised to recover strongly from the decline in tourism globally.
Meliá Hotels International Expands in Vietnam With Vinpearl Partnership
Burgeoning hotel group, Meliá Hotels International, is set to become one of the largest international hotel brands in Vietnam through a new collaboration with the country's largest domestic hotel owner, Vinpearl.
Locked Down But Not Out
My first restaurant opened in Hoi An three decades ago. At the time, Hoi An was an old trading village and Vietnam was cut off from the western world thanks to a trade embargo designed to invert the result of what we call the American War. But us Hoianese persevered, and shortly after I served my first meals, a small group of New Zealanders trickled in for dinner. Australians and Europeans soon followed. By 1995, the United States was allowing trade between our countries to resume and our “Ancient Town” began to blossom into the major tourist destination that it is now.
By Trinh Diem Vy, aka Ms Vy, Founder and owner of Taste Vietnam Group, Taste Vietnam by Ms Vy
Regent Phu Quoc Set for Spring 2022 Opening in Vietnam
IHG Hotels & Resorts will launch the first resort from its upper-luxury brand, Regent Hotels & Resorts in Spring 2022 in Southeast Asia. Situated off the southwest coast of Vietnam, alongside a UNESCO-designated World Biosphere Reserve and located just 15 minutes from Phu Quoc International Airport, guests will be able to immerse in Regent Phu Quoc's spectacular 176 suites and 126 villas, set against the serene waterfront backdrop of Long Beach.