The post RCI Expands Indian Network with New Affiliations with Club Mahindra  Properties   appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Resort and Condominiums International (RCI), a leading provider of vacation exchange services, announced the addition of several new Club Mahindra properties to its global exchange network. This partnership significantly expands RCI’s presence in India and provides its members with  access to a wider range of high-quality holiday experiences.

The newly affiliated Club Mahindra resorts include:

• Club Mahindra Kensville Golf Resort in Ahmedabad offers a uniquely curated Ahmedabad  experience, blending luxurious accommodations with a diverse array of activities, from  championship golf to immersive cultural experiences.
• Club Mahindra Le Vintuna Managed Resort in the serene mountains of Gangtok offers a luxurious  escape. Amidst Sikkim’s breathtaking natural beauty and Club Mahindra’ssignature hospitality with  a range of exclusive amenities, this resort makes for a perfect all-season getaway.
• Club Mahindra Assonora resort in Goa is more than just a relaxing getaway. Assonora provides a  curated experience filled with fun for the whole family, from poolside races and treasure hunts to  karaoke nights and treks through the Goan hills. It has everything to make your entire week a  dreamy family holiday.
• Club Mahindra Bharatpur Resort offers a journey back in time, providing a tranquil escape. Tucked  near one of India’s most famous bird sanctuaries you can reconnect with nature, wake up to  birdsong, walk through centuries-old forts, and savour royal cuisine.
• Club Mahindra Saura Hotel in Agra offers the perfect base for exploring the city’s iconic  architectural brilliance, including the Taj Mahal. This Club Mahindra resort places you at the heart  of the city’s vibrant local Bazaars, grand forts and cultural richness.
• Club Mahindra at the Chumbi Mountain Retreat Resort & Spa, Pelling is surrounded by the  Kanchenjunga range—the world’s third-highest peak. This resort offers an authentic and immersive  experience in the heart of Sikkimese tradition and culture. Breathe in crisp mountain air as prayer  flags flutter in the breeze.
• Club Mahindra Pavagadh is Located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Champaner-Pavagadh  Archaeological Park. Enjoy your stay while exploring the vibrant local crafts, Garba folk dances, an  immersive blend of spiritual heritage, architectural grandeur, and cultural color—all wrapped in  the serenity of Pavagadh.

Lucas Ramos, Senior Director, Travel & Membership – Asia, Pacific & India at RCI said, “India is truly a land  of incredible diversity – something that never ceases to amaze me. It’s no surprise that Indians have such a  strong passion for travel and discovering new places. That’s exactly why, at RCI, we work with such  dedication to expand our exchange portfolio with exciting destinations.

I’m very pleased to share that we’ve just added some fantastic new resorts from our valued affiliate, Club  Mahindra. And I must say – the locations of these resorts are amazing! I’m confident that our Indian  members will love exploring these new experiences we’ve prepared with so much care.” 

This partnership allows RCI members to exchange their timeshare weeks or points for stays at these  newly affiliated Club Mahindra resorts, providing them with even more vacation options within India. Club  Mahindra members will also benefit from access to RCI’s global network of affiliated resorts, opening up a  world of travel possibilities.

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The post Banyan Group comes away with 15 wins at the Asia-Pacific Property Awards appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Pioneering Thai hospitality developer Banyan Group reaffirmed its renown among Thailand’s premier property developers by taking home 15 top honours in the prestigious Asia-Pacific Property Awards 2025-26.

The record tally of accolades cemented Banyan Group as the most awarded developer in Thailand for the second consecutive year.

This also makes the company Thailand’s most successful award-winner of all time with a total of 64 honours to date.

Banyan Group founder and executive chairman KP Ho declared: “The International Property Awards are a world-renowned mark of excellence. This continuing recognition is a true testament to the hard work and talent of our entire team. Our dedication to innovation, exceptional design, and creating amazing experiences for our customers has made us a leader in Thailand’s luxury residential development.”

Best in the region 

The latest honours include two 5-star awards with two nominations for “Best of Asia”.

Laguna Lakelands, a visionary master plan for an eco-friendly residential community unfolding over the next 5 to 15 years, was recognised for Best Development Marketing, with Laguna Beach Residences Bayside nominated for best luxury condominiums.

Among the ‘Best in Thailand’ awards, Skypark Elara Lakelands was honoured for top condominium development.

Luxury pool villas at Banyan Tree Lake Residences Yara were awarded for residential villa development of 10-19 units and luxury residential property.

Townhouses at Banyan Tree Beach Residences Nammu won the award for luxury residential property and luxury residential development of 10-19 units.

Laguna Lakelands Waterfront Villas were honoured for best residential property development of 10–19 units, as well as best residential property.

Laguna Beach Residences Bayside were recognised for best residential development of 20+ units as well as top luxury condominium development.

Finally, upcoming Skypark Elara Lakelands and Residences at Garrya Phuket were also both honoured for their interior show homes.

Banyan Group also won top honours for best developer website.

Raising the bar for luxury residential developments

Best known for its award-winning hotels and resorts, Banyan Group is increasingly focusing on luxury private residences, primarily in Thailand but also internationally. 

A recent Savills report ranked the group top in Asia and 5th globally in the total value of its branded residential projects.

With demand soaring for luxury lifestyle real estate from both international and Thai investors, the group plans to release luxury residential real estate worth over US$1 billion in Phuket alone in the next 2-3 years.

New projects driving growth at the iconic Laguna Phuket include ultra-luxe Banyan Tree Beach Residences Oceanus condos on the doorstep of Bang Tao Beach; and chic new condos at Laguna Lake Residences Aster, neighbouring Bang Tao’s popular Boat Avenue entertainment district.

Also being unveiled soon is the biggest beach club in Phuket, Rava Beach Club, occupying an exclusive 150-metre shoreline of Bang Tao Beach, complete with infinity pools, marking yet another outstanding facility for residents.

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The post Kyoto’s SOWAKA Hotel offers guests spiritual stays rooted in tradition appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

SOWAKA Hotel unveils a new suite of refined cultural experiences designed to bring guests closer to Japan’s spiritual heritage.

From Zen meditation with a monk to sacred fire rituals, curated forest treks, and rooftop yoga at sunrise, each new offering reflects SOWAKA’s commitment to stillness, authenticity, and self-discovery.

According to general manager Yuki Yamano: “What we offer is more than a stay, but a quiet invitation to experience the soul of Kyoto; our ancient capital, rich in history and tradition. These new experiences invite our guests to pause, reflect, and discover a renewed perspective on life through Zen, through nature and authenticity.”

A spiritually-focused immersion

Private Zen Experience: Learn Zazen with a Zen Monk

Guests are invited to learn the philosophy and practice of zazen, or seated meditation, in an intimate session led by a Zen monk. 

This is not simply a meditative practice, but more of a path to understanding why we sit. 

By confronting the emotional and existential challenges of life with acceptance, guests may find quiet realisations that linger long after the session ends. 

This experience transcends religion, distilling Zen into its purest, most accessible form. 

Kyoto Trekking: A Mindful Journey into Nature

A tranquil counterpoint to Kyoto’s bustling temples, this guided trekking experience takes guests through lesser-known mountain trails which are selected and tailored just for them. 

With over 150 km of forest paths around the city, the curated journey encourages reconnection with the natural world. 

Listen to birdsong, feel the dappled sunlight, and rediscover the grounding simplicity of nature’s rhythms.

Goma Fire Ceremony: A Spiritual Rite of Renewal

In an authentic Esoteric Buddhist fire ritual, guests take part in the Goma Ceremony: an intense, sacred moment of spiritual clarity.

Facing the flame, participants chant the Heart Sutra and Fudo Myoo mantra, invoking transformation, protection, and deep personal intention.

Non-Japanese speakers receive phonetic guides in advance to support full participation in this powerful rite.

Rooftop Yoga: Sunrise Above Gion

Held before sunrise on SOWAKA’s tranquil rooftop, this private yoga session offers serenity with sweeping views of Higashiyama and the gentle sounds of morning birds. 

Each session is customized to the guest’s ability, from beginner to advanced, offering a beautiful way to start the day with energy, mindfulness, and gratitude.

Private Tea Ceremony

This tea ceremony experience is not a step-by-step lesson but an invitation to quietly immerse yourself in the philosophy of mindful presence cherished by generations. 

Set in a traditional machiya townhouse with the soft sounds of charcoal and kettle steam, the serene atmosphere encourages inward reflection similar to Zen meditation. 

Guests are invited to surrender to subtle shifts in mood and sensation, discovering the essence of the tea ceremony as a way of being rooted in stillness and attention. 

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The post WorldHotels brings a new branded residences development to Ho Chi Minh City appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

WorldHotels expands its presence in Vietnam with the recent signing of Essensia Sky and Parkway Saigon WorldHotels Residences.

This partnership is for a spectacular new luxury project that will result in the first-ever WorldHotels Residences in Ho Chi Minh City.

Unveiled at an event at the Phu Long Pavilion, this remarkable new development will feature a collection of 74 villas and 424 apartment units, all featuring stylish, contemporary interiors, and equipped with five-star amenities for discerning residents.

BWH Hotels’ vice-president for APAC Olivier Berrivin said of the initiative: “We are proud to bring WorldHotels’ renowned standards of world-class hospitality to Essensia Sky and Parkway Saigon WorldHotels Residences: a truly impressive new development in an up-and-coming district of Ho Chi Minh City. Every resident will be treated with the same care and distinction as a VIP guest, enjoying a thoughtfully curated lifestyle that reflects the highest levels of comfort, service, and excellence.”

This latest signing marks the continued expansion of WorldHotels Residences in Vietnam, following the 2024 debut of Noble Crystal Tay Ho WorldHotels Residences in Hanoi. 

As demand for premium branded residences rises across the country and the whole region, BWH Hotels remains committed to expanding its presence in Vietnam’s most vibrant and fast-developing locations.

At home with luxury

Opening in 2026, this striking new landmark will redefine luxury living by offering an exceptional suite of hotel-style amenities. 

Residents will enjoy a full-service experience, including a welcoming reception and concierge desk, round-the-clock security, personalised housekeeping, laundry services, private catering, chauffeured transportation, pet care, technical maintenance, and indulgent in-home spa and wellness treatments.

As part of the development’s signature “Lux-Well” lifestyle philosophy, residents can also unwind at the serene Onsen Clubhouse, a tranquil retreat designed for relaxation and rejuvenation.

In addition, all villa owners will receive Platinum membership in BWH Hotels’ global loyalty program, unlocking a world of benefits and privileges at properties around the globe.

Located along Nguyen Huu Tho Boulevard in the verdant southern corridor of Ho Chi Minh City, these branded residences will be surrounded by thoughtfully designed green spaces, meandering waterways, and international facilities such as schools, hospitals, retail malls, and financial services.

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The post Imperial Hotel Kyoto to open in spring 2026 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Premier Japanese luxury hospitality brand Imperial Hotel announced the upcoming opening of the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto in spring of next year. 

This distinguished 55-room, seven-story boutique hotel represents a bold fusion of historic preservation and modern elegance, centered around the revitalization of the Yasaka Kaikan, a nationally registered tangible cultural property.

The hotel’s construction is nearing its final stages and completion is slated for October of this year.

Hotel general manager Reiko Sakata remarked: “This is a unique property where over a millennium of Kyoto’s elegant cultural heritage enfolds the 135-year legacy of hospitality Imperial Hotel has carefully cultivated. With respect for the rich history of this location, my mission is to ensure a stay that is not only exceptional in quality but also leaves a lasting warmth in the hearts of our guests.” 

Upon completion, the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto will also offer guests refined dining experiences, a signature bar, and a full suite of wellness amenities that include a spa, swimming pool, and fitness center. 

As the fourth property in the esteemed Imperial Hotel portfolio following Tokyo, Osaka, and Kamikochi, the newest addition to the Kyoto hospitality scene marks the brand’s first new opening in three decades, reaffirming its enduring commitment to welcoming guests to Japan with unmatched grace and cultural depth.

A historic edifice

Originally built in 1936 by renowned architect Tokusaburo Kimura, the Yasaka Kaikan has long served as a cultural gathering place in Kyoto’s historic Gion district. 

Once a venue for theatrical performances, the building faced seismic vulnerabilities that threatened its future. 

Now, through a meticulous conservation strategy, it is being reborn as a beacon of sustainable luxury and cultural continuity.

The transformation, led by Obayashi Corporation, the same Japanese construction company that built the Yasaka Kaikan nearly 90 years ago in 1936, preserves much of the building’s original character. 

Notably, 16,387 original exterior tiles have been retained, and traditional Japanese techniques such as ikedori or “live capture”, where materials are carefully removed without damage for reuse, have been honored throughout the design. 

The Yasaka Kaikan also shares a unique historical link with the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. 

Both buildings feature terracotta from Tokoname, and artisans who worked on Wright’s Tokyo masterpiece also contributed to the Yasaka Kaikan, casting the spotlight on a rich architectural lineage.

It takes a community

The hotel’s construction team has also engaged in local community clean-up efforts, reinforcing a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration.

With that said, what is happening to the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto is more than a renovation: it is a story of respectful revitalization. 

The hotel adheres to strict height and design regulations, supports local artisans, and promotes immersive cultural experiences. 

Likewise, it aims to contribute to Kyoto’s tourism growth while mitigating environmental strain and overcrowding through sustainable practices.

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The post STARLUX Airlines orders ten new A350-1000 aircraft appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Taiwan’s STARLUX Airlines signed a firm order with Airbus for the purchase of ten additional A350-1000 aircraft during the recently concluded Paris Air Show in France.

This takes the total of the airline’s standing order for this particular model to 18 aircraft. 

The agreement was signed by STARLUX Airlines CEO Glenn Chai and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus’ executive vice-president for sales of commercial aircraft.

Chai said of the order: “Expanding our international fleet with additional A350-1000s is a significant step toward reinforcing our global presence and enhancing connectivity across key markets. This aircraft offers efficiency, range and comfort, making it the perfect fit for our strategy to optimise long-haul operations while delivering an exceptional passenger experience. As we continue to strengthen our international network, the A350-1000 will play an important role in driving growth, sustainability and operational flexibility.”

Saint-Exupéry added: “STARLUX Airlines’ decision to add more A350-1000s to its growing fleet reaffirms the aircraft’s standing as the benchmark for long-haul operations. With its advanced design and fuel-efficient performance, the A350-1000 Long Range Leader enables airlines to optimise routes while reducing environmental impact. We are pleased to strengthen our long-standing partnership with STARLUX Airlines as they expand their global footprint and connect more destinations with efficiency and comfort.”

A great choice 

STARLUX Airlines already operates an all-Airbus fleet of 28 aircraft including the A350-900, the A330neo and the A321neo. 

The Taiwanese airline also has on order 30 aircraft including the A350F freighters and A350-1000.

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and has set new standards for intercontinental travel. 

It offers the longest range capability of any commercial airliner in production today: powered by the latest generation of Rolls-Royce engines, the aircraft is designed to fly up to 9,700 nautical miles / 18,000 kilometres non-stop.

Airbus’ A350 series also uses 25 percent less fuel than previous generation types and with a similar reduction in carbon emissions.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 is already able to operate with up to 50 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and the manufacturer hopes to have its aircraft completely SAF-capable by 2030.

The A350 Family has received more than 1,390 orders from 60 customers worldwide, with more than 650 aircraft currently in the fleets of 38 operators, flying primarily on long-haul routes.

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