The post Top five trending destinations for Holi Long Weekend: Skyscanner appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

It’s time to turn up the colour – literally! Holi is just around the corner and guess what? This year, the universe (and the calendar) have aligned to bring you a long weekend that’s practically begging to be turned into an escape. According to Skyscanner’s Wanderlost Report, almost half (49%) Indians were already plotting their next getaway for 2025 in the month of January. In fact, Skyscanner data shows that 13 March and 15 March are currently the most popular dates Indians are travelling on, so why not make the most of this festive long weekend with a getaway that mixes tradition with a touch of adventure?

And it’s no surprise – Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2025 report found that 91% of Indian travellers believe that vacations help them unwind and recharge. So whether you’re a colour-slinging champion, a serial gujiya muncher, or just someone who wants to swap pichkaris (water guns) for passport stamps, Skyscanner has got you covered with some travel recommendations. From India’s most iconic Holi hotspots to serene escapes where the only colours are vibrant sunsets and lush landscapes, we’re here to help you make the most of this long weekend—your way.

1. Vrindavan & Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

If you’ve ever dreamed of celebrating Holi in the most spectacular way possible, the twin cities of Vrindavan and Mathura are the places to be! Here, Holi is celebrated as a multi-day spectacle, steeped in history, devotion, and an explosion of colour. From Barsana’s ‘Lathmar Holi,’ where women playfully chase men with sticks, to ‘Phoolon wali Holi’ at the Banke Bihari Temple, where petals replace coloured powder, every ritual carries a story centuries in the making. The streets are awash with vibrant hues of gulal, the aroma of freshly made malpuas wafting through the air, temple courtyards packed with devotees, and the lovely tunes of “Rang Barse Bhige Chunar Wali” playing in every corner.

If you’re thinking of being part of the grand festivities this year, you’re not alone! Skyscanner data shows a 353% surge in searches for flights to the nearest airport, Agra, for March 12, compared to the same day in February. Even more striking, searches for March 11 alone spiked 417% as compared to the previous day. Clearly, India is getting Holi-ready.

2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Holi in Varanasi is pure magic! So it is no surprise that Varanasi ranks second among the most searched destinations for travel between 12th and 18th March*—proof that more and more travellers are eyeing the perfect flight to celebrate here without missing a moment of the action. If you are planning a trip to the city, here’s a pro tip: aim for a flight that lands late the night before or early on Holi morning for the ultimate experience. Use Skyscanner’s departure time filter to easily find flights that align with your ideal arrival and departure windows.

Once you’re there, watching the sunrise over the Ganges, as the first light washes over the river, is a must—especially for those who love the quiet moments before the city wakes up. Then, experience the main Holi festivities at the Dashashwamedh Ghat and Kashi Vishwanath Temple, where the fusion of tradition, music, and colours creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. And as the day winds down, witness the evening Ganga Aarti with its chants and flickering lamps –the perfect way to end the day, soak in the energy and embrace the spirit of the Holy City of India.

3. Goa, India 

When you say long weekend, India hears Goa! This year, the party mode is already on, and the numbers don’t lie! Ranked No. 4 among the most searched destinations during the Holi weekend, it is clear that Goa isn’t just a summer escape—it’s a festive hotspot. You can dance your way through beachside parties or explore its famous forts and churches in the golden morning light. Alternatively, take a day trip to experience Holi at temples in Ponda or Vasco to add a local twist to your celebrations. And if you extend your trip by a few days, you might just catch the grand Shigmo parades, a spectacle of elaborate floats, traditional Goan folk dances, and drum processions that make the celebrations uniquely Goan. So, pack your bags, grab your shades (and maybe some extra sunscreen), and get ready to dive into a celebration that’s as colourful as it gets.

For those heading to Goa for the long weekend, planning your travel smartly can help you make the most of your trip. You can mix & match your flights—instead of booking a return ticket with the same airline, try flying out with one and back with another, or even consider different airports for departure and return. This simple hack can unlock better fares, making your Holi escape easier on the wallet.

4. Kolkata, West Bengal

In Kolkata, you will witness Holi as a work of art in motion—with folks rejoicing in colours during the Dol Jatra! Ranked among the top Holi getaways, the City of Joy brings its own artistic flair to the festival. Picture this: the streets of Shantiniketan come alive with Basanta Utsav, a mesmerising display of Rabindranath Tagores’s legacy, where people dressed in vibrant yellows sing, dance, and welcome spring in the most poetic way possible.

Back in Kolkata, you can soak up the festive spirit in College Street and Nakhoda Masjid Road, where colours fly high, and the energy is electric. Looking for a more laid-back celebration? Park Street’s Holi parties offer the perfect mix of revelry and relaxation. And let’s not forget the food—malpua, thandai, and sandesh are all part of the experience.

5. Mumbai, Maharashtra

Known for its Holi bashes and events across the city, Mumbai is all about Bollywood beats and colour-soaked streets during the festival! The city definitely knows how to celebrate in style, with high-energy parties, foot-thumping music, and a festival spirit that’s truly infectious. If you’re looking for classic Mumbai Holi vibes, Juhu Beach and Chowpatty are where the action is—expect crowds, colours, and the Arabian Sea adding to the magic. Want to take it up a notch? The city’s Bollywood-style Holi parties are legendary, featuring DJs, rain dances, and enough gulal to turn the city into a canvas of colour. And if you’re looking to keep the party going, Martin Garrix at DY Patil Stadium is set to take the celebrations to another level with an electrifying night of music and energy. Of course, no Holi in Mumbai is complete without indulging in puran poli, bhang, thandai, and jalebis from the city’s famous street stalls. So, grab your sunglasses, put on your festival whites, and get ready for a Holi that’s as vibrant as Mumbai itself!

 

 

 

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The post Experience the vibrance of Goa’s Shigmo Festival 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Goa’s most awaited spring festival, Shigmo, is set to bring the streets alive with a spectacular display of culture, tradition, and celebration. As the festival unfolds from 15-29 March 2025, various towns across the state will witness processions of vibrant floats, traditional folk dances, and immersive performances that showcase Goa’s rich heritage.

The festivities will commence in Ponda on March 15, followed by Margao on March 16, Quepem on March 17, and Curchorem on March 18. On March 19, the celebrations will reach Shiroda, continuing to Calangute and Bicholim on March 20, Vasco on March 21, and Panaji on March 22. The streets of Mapusa and Sanguem will come alive on March 23, while Canacona and Cuncolim will host grand parades on March 24. The vibrant processions will then move to Pernem on March 25, Dharbandora on March 26, Valpoi on March 27, Sanquelim on March 28, and finally conclude in Mandrem on March 29.

With each passing day, different locations will host grand parades, offering visitors a chance to experience the essence of Goan festivities in a unique way. From the lively beats of the traditional musical instrument like dhol, tashe to the mesmerizing performances of folk artists in traditional attire, every moment of Shigmo is a spectacle to behold.

Tourism Minister of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte stated, “Shigmo is a time when Goa’s cultural essence comes alive through folk performances, music, and stunning float parades. It is an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in authentic Goan traditions while exploring the beauty of our state. We encourage travellers to be part of this unique celebration and discover the many facets of Goa beyond its beaches.”

Director of Tourism, Kedar Naik said,”Shigmo is not just a festival; it is a reflection of Goa’s vibrant traditions and community spirit. Every year, it brings together artists, performers, and visitors to celebrate our rich heritage. We welcome everyone to experience this grand spectacle and witness Goa in its most colourful and joyous form.”

Goa invites travellers from across the globe to witness the grandeur of Shigmo 2025, a spectacular festival that showcases the state’s rich cultural heritage. With the joyous energy of Shigmo filling the air, visitors can also take this opportunity to explore Goa’s scenic landscapes, heritage sites, and delectable cuisine. Whether it’s your first time in Goa or a return to familiar shores, whether you are a culture enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply looking for an unforgettable experience, this festive season promises a blend of tradition and celebration that stays with you long after the festivities end.

 

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The post Centara has a successful run at ITB Berlin 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Thai hospitality company Centara Hotels & Resorts reports that it had a successful week at the recently concluded  ITB Berlin 2025.

Centara executives adopted a refreshing new approach to B2B relations that saw the company’s traditional exhibition booth replaced with key executive meetings and vibrant events.

This year, the company decided to do things a little differently even as its CEO Thirayuth Chirathivat and chief operating officer Michael Henssler presented the group’s latest strategic updates to their travel industry colleagues and media partners.

Going on Centara Journeys in Berlin

In addition to highly productive days at Berlin ExpoCenter City, Centara’s team invited its esteemed travel trade and business partners, local dignitaries, former ambassadors and media friends to a series of impressive events, running under the theme Centara Journeys and highlighting the brand’s world-renowned style of warm, heartfelt and Thai-inspired hospitality.

The KaDeWe evening

On 4th March, a spectacular brand showcase was staged at Kaufhaus des Westens (KaDeWe), the luxury department store.

Eighty distinguished guests were treated to a glamorous evening of contemporary cuisine, creative cocktails, fine wine and live jazz music that is sure to live long in the memory. 

KaDeWe is part of a global network of luxury department stores owned by Central Group, Centara’s parent company, which includes other prestigious locations such as Selfridges in London, La Rinascente in Milan, Globus in locations across Switzerland, and Central Embassy in Bangkok.

The Dae Mon dinner

The following day, 5th March, Centara hosted an exclusive evening at Dae Mon, the acclaimed Asian restaurant. 

Amid an inspiring ambience with creative cuisine and dazzling décor, Chirathivat and Centara senior executive vice-president for corporate affairs and social responsibility Supatra Chirathivat personally thanked a select group of 20 media representatives for their positive coverage and cooperation.

ITB Berlin was the perfect platform for Centara to provide updates on its latest developments, including the recent launch of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, the twin-resort destination which combines two properties: the new underwater world-themed Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives and the soon-to-open Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives. 

This will give Centara four distinct resort experiences in the Maldives to intuitively cater for a wide range of guests, from families to couples.

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The post Ocean Marina Jomtien attains 5 Gold Anchor Platinum status appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Ocean Marina Jomtien on the Gulf of Thailand’s east coast recently garnered  5 Gold Anchor Platinum accreditation from the Marina Industries Association (MIA). 

This global accreditation is the highest accolade that the industry awards and is reserved for marinas which offer their customers a comprehensive unique marina experience by providing tailored personalised service and an outstanding array of high-quality facilities and amenities.

The Global Gold Anchor rating system is designed to provide boat owners and marina users with an easy reference system like hotel star ratings.  

Marinas are independently assessed against over 86 separate criteria which cover management processes, the condition and maintenance of the marina, environmental practices and the ancillary facilities and services.  

The assessment also involves an anonymous customer survey to further ensure it delivers on its promises.    

Raising the bar for excellence

MIA CEO Suzanne Davies praised the marina, which also earned nominations for  the MIA’s 2025 Marina of the Year Awards (MOTYA) slated for May in Sydney.

Davies said: “Ocean Marina Jomtien sets the bar for Gold Anchor marina standards, with service and facilities that continue to exceed the expectations of its tenants and guests. What’s so impressive is that Ocean Marina Jomtien, alongside its beautiful resort and facilities, has a large working boatyard providing endless services to the broader recreational boating market in SE Asia. It’s just so brilliant to see a boating precinct like Ocean Marina at such a high standard.”

For his part, marina manager Scott Finsten CMM remarked: “I couldn’t be prouder of the team for again achieving the 5 Gold Anchor Platinum marina standard. Going into the Gold Anchor scheme and achieving the platinum accreditation is thanks to our dedicated team who are constantly evolving to improve our customer service, marina standards, and environmental initiatives. We look forward to providing our valued guests with a memorable experience in the years to come.”

 

A Superyacht Ready location

A mere 90 minutes south of Bangkok, Ocean Marina Jomtien overlooks  the Gulf of Thailand and is the country’s largest marina resort complex. 

Since 1989, the marina has been providing safe anchorage for over 450 boats with berthing up to 70m, hardstand storage, a boatyard serviced by two straddle carriers, fuel services, a five-star hotel, resort, and over 40 boating related businesses to service the needs of its members and the broader boating community in the south-east of Thailand.

With the growth in popularity of the Asia Pacific region with superyacht owners, the MIA is also pleased to announce that Ocean Marina has become one of the first marinas in Thailand to join the Superyacht Ready accreditation. 

Superyacht Ready is available to Global Gold Anchor accredited marinas that satisfy the program’s assessment standards. 

The Superyacht Ready criteria is based around the suitability of the marina’s infrastructure to accommodate superyachts, accessibility for superyachts, security measures and service availability.  

According to Davies: “Superyacht Ready indicates that the marina is equipped to provide berthing for a superyacht and the Gold Anchor rating will give an insight into the extent of the facilities available at the marina, the service levels and the overall ambiance and opulence that one can expect.  As a Superyacht Ready and 5 Gold Anchor Platinum Marina, Ocean Marina Jomtien is certainly going to be high on the list of destination marinas for superyacht captains to consider when they have owners and guests on board.”

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The post Abu Dhabi to introduce the world’s largest drone light show appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has witnessed the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Colorado-based Nova Sky Stories, and Abu Dhabi-headquartered Analog, an Emirati company, specialised in physical intelligence and mixed reality.  

Through this multi-year partnership agreement, Abu Dhabi is set to launch a pioneering initiative that will integrate cutting-edge drone technology into large-scale immersive storytelling, further solidifying its position as a global hub for innovation in culture and entertainment. The synchronised drone performances will create artistic narratives across multiple iconic locations, weaving together the emirate’s rich heritage and dynamic future.

It will introduce the world’s most advanced fleet of 10,000 light-show drones, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the region, blending cultural narratives with advanced drone technology to create immersive experiences.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “By harnessing innovative technologies, we are finding new and immersive ways to share our vision and culture with the world. At the intersection of creativity and entertainment, this partnership with Nova Sky and Analog will challenge convention, raising the bar for what residents and visitors can experience. These visual spectacles reinforce Abu Dhabi’s leading position in entertainment innovation, delivering experiential and memorable moments for all.”

Kimbal Musk, CEO and Co-Founder of Nova Sky Stories, said: “We are excited to be part of this partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi. With this pioneering initiative, Abu Dhabi is at the forefront of embracing innovation and will have the largest fleet of the most advanced light drones in the world for storytelling and entertainment. Nova empowers the world’s greatest artists and musicians to bring their art to the sky and we cannot wait to show the world what is possible with a fleet this size.”

Alex Kipman, Founder and CEO of Analog, said: “Abu Dhabi’s skyline is set to become a dynamic canvas for storytelling. We are painting holographic stories in the sky, fusing tradition with next-generation technology so audiences can feel that spark of wonder only possible when imagination meets reality. At Analog, we exist to birth new realities, and in partnership with Nova Sky Stories, DCT Abu Dhabi is reimagining what entertainment can be—one that honours Abu Dhabi’s heritage and sets the bar for immersive experiences worldwide.”

A New Dimension of Storytelling

Powered by real-time synchronisation and adaptive intelligence, these dynamic drone formations will reimagine the possibilities of live entertainment, making Abu Dhabi’s skyline an evolving canvas for innovation.

 

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The post Flyadeal introduces travel insurance packages appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

flyadeal has expanded its portfolio of products and services with the introduction of travel insurance packages through Saudia Arabia’s  insurer, Tawuniya. From as little as SAR12 for a single journey or SAR19 round trip, travellers can have the comfort of securing cover to protect against unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, missed flights, baggage loss, and personal accidents.

Travel insurance is the latest in a series of product enhancements introduced by flyadeal in recent weeks. These include Hold Fare enabling customers to lock their ticket price for 24 hours to avoid potential fare fluctuations while still deciding whether to book; and the launch of Adeal Membership, an annual domestic travel initiative that offers fixed monthly ticket prices for an annual premium.

Abdullah Adel Alahmadi, flyadeal Ancillary Product Manager, said: “Travel insurance is always a safety net in times of need, providing peace of mind, and both financial and emotional relief in the event travellers face issues which require immediate assistance.

“There is the assumption that travel insurance is cost prohibitive. This is not the case. In partnering with leading insurance provider Tawuniya, we are able to provide value added cover to suit individual needs from as little as SAR12 for a single journey.”

One of the fastest growing airlines in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East, flyadeal has already embarked on an aggressive expansion this year. New routes have launched connecting Dammam with Tabuk, Najran and Yanbu, alongwith services from Riyadh and Jeddah to the Jordanian capital, Amman, and Pakistan’s commercial hub of Karachi.

Effective 19 June 2025, flyadeal will embark on its summer expansion programme with the return of five popular seasonal destinations and the introduction of Salalah in the Sultanate of Oman for the first time.

The Turkish hot spot of Trabzon will again be joined by Baku and Tbilisi, capital cities of Azerbaijan and Georgia respectively; the Egyptian resort town of Sharm El Sheikh; Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina; along with Salalah in southern Oman.

Just seven years old, flyadeal currently operates over 30 domestic and international year-round and seasonal destinations in the Kingdom, Europe, Middle East, North Africa and South Asia its three main bases of Riyadh, Jeddah and the eastern provincial capital of Dammam. The airline operates a fleet of 37 Airbus A320 aircraft.

 

 

 

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The post Riyadh Air delegation to visit key market of India to explore partnerships appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Riyadh Air CEO, Tony Douglas, is leading a delegation to India for a series of discussions that will explore potential partnerships in a key market for the airline. Riyadh Air, which will launch operations later this year, is poised to significantly enhance connectivity and growth opportunities between the two nations, with India expected to become Saudi Arabia’s top tourism source market by 2030.

The Saudi Tourism Authority aims to welcome 7.5 million visitors from India per annum by the close of the decade. Statistics show that the number of Indians traveling to Saudi Arabia increased by 50 percent in 2023 to more than 1.5 million following a series of strategic initiatives.

As part of the Riyadh Air trip, which takes place from March 12 to 14, 2025, the delegation will meet the officials at Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as well as the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for requisite permissions and support to launch India operations. Mr. Douglas will also meet IndiGo and Air India– India’s two largest airlines to discuss possible partnerships.

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, said: “India has long been a crucial part of Riyadh Air’s network planning ahead of our operations launch. India is a beautiful nation which will play a big part in the success story of our airline, as travel and business opportunities multiply with the expanded offerings we are set to provide.

Beyond connecting people, fostering economic growth, and enhancing and diversifying the Saudi Arabian and Indian tourism sectors, Riyadh Air’s network will help develop even stronger bonds between the two great countries.

As the world’s first digital native airline, we are dedicated to partnering with entities across a variety of aviation stakeholders in India to create a sustainable, prosperous and mutually beneficial relationship that delivers exceptional travel experiences.

The trip comes as Riyadh Air has officially appointed Bird Travels as its exclusive distribution and sales partner in India. Bird Travels, renowned for its extensive connectivity and deep understanding of the Indian travel landscape, will play a crucial role in enhancing Riyadh Air’s brand visibility and promoting its range of flight services across the country.”

GauravBhatia, Executive Director of Bird Group, said: “We are honored to be Riyadh Air’s exclusive distribution and sales partner in India. We are confident that Indian travelers will embrace Riyadh Air’s innovative services and exceptional onboard experience.

Saudi Arabia and India enjoy cordial and friendly relations that reflect the two nations’ centuries-old economic and socio-cultural ties. Diplomatic relations were established between Saudi Arabia and India in 1947.

As well as being a catalyst for Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy, Riyadh Air is playing a key role in achieving Vision 2030 goals by contributing to the nation’s wider economic diversification and jobs creation aims.”

Riyadh Air is set to fly to more than 100 destinations by 2030, increase Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP growth by $20 billion, and directly and indirectly create more than 200,000 new jobs globally and locally.

 

 

 

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The post Japanese government mulls delaying construction on Hokkaido Shinkansen Line extension appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Japanese government announced on 8th March that it needs to delay its plan to extend the Hokkaido Shinkansen Line, Japan’s northernmost bullet train route.

The extension which would have brought the line to Sapporo may be held off for another eight years, setting completion to around March 2039.

Experts pointed out that this is partly due to issues regarding tunnel construction.

The 212-kilometer extension between Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto in southern Hokkaido and Sapporo, the island’s capital, was already marred by the ongoing manpower shortage in the construction sector, as well as geological challenges that include massive rock formations and soft ground.

This is problematic as tunnels make up around 80 percent of the extended segment, which will pass through areas home to the famed Niseko ski resort.

A backgrounder on the extension

In the Japanese government’s original plan, they hoped to complete the Hokkaido Shinkansen Line extension by spring of 2031.

Plans for the initiative were approved by the authorities in 2012, with the cost estimated at US$11.3 billion.

However, in December 2022, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism revised the estimate to around 2.3 trillion yen due to higher material costs.

Opened on 26th March 2016, the Hokkaido Shinkansen Line currently provides a direct rail link between Tokyo and the northernmost of Japan’s four main islands via the undersea Seikan Tunnel.

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The post C9 report shows surge in residential-driven hospitality investments in Phuket appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

C9 Hotelworks’ latest report shows that Thailand’s tourism boom has led to greater investments into the hospitality real estate sector, particularly for residential developments.

According to the report presented at the most recent C9 Sessions event, many foreign travellers are opting to stay longer in the country, hence increased residential-driven investments into the Thai hospitality and real estate sectors.

Phuket is the province that is benefitting the most from this, as arrivals continue to flock to the destination and the numbers are up by 23 percent as of 2024.

The C9 report shows that the emergent trend is focussed on the rental market, a sector that has seen a significant surge in investments into resort-inspired condominium developments in prime locations.

C9 Hotelworks managing director Bill Barnett opines: “The shift we are seeing is that tourism is driving a long-stay rental market on the island. This is the destination’s marketing funnel for a residential-led hospitality market and regional buyers from Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong are leading the way.”

Key findings

C9 Hotelworks’ report reveals that for the equivalent price of a two-bedroom condo in Singapore, investors can snap up a five-bedroom pool villa in Phuket, while a luxury car is approximately 60 percent less expensive in Thailand. 

For families, international school fees are, on average, 42 percent lower in Phuket than in Singapore. 

With high taxation and stamp duty on second homes in Singapore, and almost 150 weekly flights now operating the two-hour hop between Singapore and Phuket, the advantages of resettlement or investment on the shores of the Andaman Sea are clear.

Barnett said of this: “Our forecast is that global and regional migration trends are going to continue to fuel growth in investment properties. In a volatile marketplace, investment flight to Thailand as a safe haven is an attractive long-term proposition with people looking for recurring yields and stabilised returns from long term rentals.”

Resort-inspired developments are the trend

The surge in interest in lifestyle investments is not lost on some of the island’s most successful developers.

In fact, Hong Kong’s Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) Group, famed for its Andara Resort & Villas development in Kamala, is launching a sister brand, Sudara, in the hot spot beach district of Bangtao.

Dr Allan Zeman, founder and chairman of the LKF Group, said: “Our Thai investment story started with Andara and we have now come full circle. We went from property to hospitality and now back to residential with Sudara. We see Thailand’s tourism momentum as a key catalyst for growth to capture the two synergies of hospitality and residential and the increase in regional buyers are playing a key role in our success.”

Phuket is experiencing strong demand from Asian buyers, particularly in Hong Kong, where the LKF Group is headquartered. 

Sudara Residences Phuket reports that most regional sales come from Asia-based locals and expatriates, driven by factors such as affordability and accessibility.

The new development is a prime example of the new generation of resort-style projects attracting regional buyers looking for lifestyle options and rental returns. 

It offers 220 bright one- to three-bedroom residences ranging from 52 to 144 square metres in size, including options with private pools. 

Sudara’s main clubhouse, the Pavilion, features outdoor pools, an alfresco lounge with cabanas, a kids’ club, fitness centre, Silk Café, yoga space, and co-working areas, all supported by management and concierge services from the ultra-luxury Andara Resort & Villas.  

The project expects to be completed by 2027.

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The post Jean Paul Lourdes is the new culinary director at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore has formally appointed New Zealander chef Jean Paul Lourdes as its new culinary director.

As culinary director at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, Lourdes will oversee the culinary vision across the hotel’s acclaimed dining venues. 

With his extensive experience in curating world-class dining concepts, he is poised to elevate the hotel’s renowned culinary offerings, delivering an exceptional and unforgettable gastronomic experience for guests.

Global experience

With a career spanning three continents, Lourdes previously held key leadership roles at renowned venues including the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach, USA, and the Two-Michelin-starred restaurant Sketch in London. 

He also contributed to the success of prestigious establishments like The Birley Clubs (Annabel’s) in London, The Standard Highline in New York, and Soho House in Malibu. 

In addition to receiving numerous accolades, including recognition by the James Beard Foundation, his extensive career is distinguished by his ability to craft exceptional culinary experiences that seamlessly blend creativity, precision and passion.

Lourdes’ impressive portfolio further includes senior positions at Starr Restaurants in New York, and Shangri-La Group in Hong Kong, where he played a pivotal role in shaping exceptional dining experiences across a global portfolio.

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