Marking the company’s debut in Laos, the property invites travellers to experience Luang Prabang’s heritage from a 36-suite hilltop sanctuary set across three acres of gardens above the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang. 

Long regarded as one of Luang Prabang’s most distinctive hilltop retreats, La Résidence Phou Vao now begins a new chapter as part of The Luxury Collection. 

“Opening our 800th property (excluding China) in the APEC region is a proud moment that reflects the trust our owners and guests continue to place in Marriott International,” said Marriott International President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Rajeev Menon. “Laos represents an exciting new chapter for us, and the opening of La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Luang Prabang underscores Marriott’s commitment to thoughtfully expanding our presence in places that are rich in culture and character.”

Hilltop haven above UNESCO World Heritage town

Residing on Phou Vao among the mountains above Luang Prabang, La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, is the only hillside retreat within the UNESCO World Heritage zone. The resort looks out across the town where two sacred rivers, the Mekong and the Nam Khan, intertwine, with the gilded stupa of Wat Chom Si crowning Mount Phou Si and the golden spire of Wat That Luang rising from the rooftops below. Just two kilometres from the old town, the resort places guests just moments from the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xieng Thong, and the sunset viewpoint atop Mount Phou Si. 

(Source: Marriott International)

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As part of its regional growth strategy, H World APAC plans to open approximately 70 hotels over the next five years. 

Under the collaboration, Agoda will support H World APAC’s expansion efforts by providing market intelligence, facilitating introductions to prospective hotel investors and partners, and supporting location assessment and business development initiatives in selected markets.

The partnership establishes a framework for collaboration in market intelligence and business data analytics, enabling both parties to identify growth opportunities and increase market share across the regions.

A key component of the agreement focuses on creating additional value for hotels. Participating H World APAC properties will benefit from Agoda’s extensive distribution network, marketing initiatives, and revenue growth programs. These initiatives are designed to help participating hotels improve visibility, drive demand, and optimise commercial performance.

“Asia-Pacific is central to the next chapter of H World Group’s global growth journey. Our strengths in hotel operations, brand building, supply chain management and operational efficiency have enabled us to become the world’s fourth-largest hotel group by room count. Agoda complements these capabilities with deep demand intelligence and extensive market reach across Asia-Pacific. Together, we can accelerate our expansion in a more asset-light manner while creating a more compelling value proposition for hotel owners seeking a trusted growth partner,” said H World Group Asia Pacific President Murphy Zhu.

Agoda Senior Vice President Andrew Smith added: “We’re excited to support H World APAC’s ambitions across Asia-Pacific. Supporting growth starts with understanding where travellers want to go and what they’re looking for. With Agoda’s travel demand insights, global distribution reach, and local market expertise, we’re well positioned to help H World APAC identify opportunities and connect its hotels with more travellers.”

(Source: H World Hotel Management Pte Ltd)

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The events brought together travel agents, corporate travel buyers, and MICE planners, creating opportunities to strengthen industry partnerships and promote Thailand as a destination for leisure, business, extended-stay, and golf travel.

Ascott Thailand participated in a travel trade roadshow in Seoul, South Korea, before continuing its outreach in Taipei, Taiwan, where the team engaged with more than 30 travel trade partners. The events aimed to raise awareness of Ascott’s accommodation offerings across Thailand and strengthen relationships with key industry stakeholders.

With more than 20 properties across Thailand, Ascott offers a portfolio of brands including Ascott, Oakwood, Somerset, Citadines, lyf, The Crest Collection, and Preference, catering to a broad range of traveller needs and preferences.

“South Korea and Taiwan continue to be important source markets for Thailand, with demand across leisure, corporate, MICE and extended-stay segments,” said Ascott Country Director of Sales & Marketing, Thailand & Laos, Tanyarat Pengtangmo. “These events provided valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships with our travel trade partners while showcasing the breadth of experiences available across our portfolio in Thailand.”

Ascott Thailand highlighted key properties including Ascott Embassy Sathorn Bangkok, Ascott Thonglor Bangkok, Somerset Rama 9 Bangkok and Somerset Pattaya, as well as its portfolio in Sri Racha, a strategic destination within Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor that continues to attract corporate and golf travellers.

The Taiwan event also brought together representatives from Ascott’s operations in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia, highlighting Ascott’s growing regional portfolio and collaborative approach to strengthening travel trade partnerships across Asia.

Ascott also shared updates on its continued expansion in Thailand, including the upcoming opening of Ascott Abov Patong Phuket Resort, further strengthening its presence across both business and leisure destinations.

(Source: The Ascott Limited)

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Guests, including business partners, long-serving staff, local media, and frequent guests, gathered recently for celebrations at the 122-room hotel, which overlooks the Perfume River across from the Hue Citadel.

Held under the theme “20 Years, Countless Stories,” the celebration honoured the hotel’s journey, its distinctive heritage and the many people who have contributed to its story over two decades. The evening concluded with celebratory fireworks.

Minh Phan Trong, General Manager of Azerai La Residence, Hue, introduced Zecha to the audience before screening a video on a large LED screen that highlighted Zecha’s illustrious career and hospitality philosophy. Zecha is also the founder of the luxury Aman Resorts.

Azerai La Residence, Hue is centred on a colonial mansion built in 1930 as part of the residence of the French Resident Superieur. Its distinctive façade, with long horizontal lines and nautical flourishes, exemplifies the Streamline Moderne school of Art Deco architecture.

Recently, the property was honoured as a MICHELIN-selected hotel in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide. The editors wrote: “In style it’s equal parts Twenties and Fifties, two decades whose distinctive looks have aged well: with ceiling fans silently spinning, French doors opening onto balconies, and the odd four-poster bed, it’s a colonial fantasy brought up to date.”

Earlier this year, Azerai La Residence, Hue was also named one of the world’s “500 Best Hotels” by the industry-leading U.S. publication Travel + Leisure.

Minh praised his team as the backbone of the hotel: “Behind every achievement, every award, every memorable stay and every story about this hotel, there are people. People who arrive early. People who stay late. People who care about the smallest details. People who welcome our guests, look after this house, and make La Residence feel like home. You are the people behind our success.”

Azerai La Residence, Hue and its sister property, Azerai Ke Ga Bay — a bayside all-suites-and-villas resort in southern Vietnam — became members of Small Luxury Hotels of the World earlier this year. Azerai Ke Ga Bay was awarded a prestigious MICHELIN Key.

About Azerai
Azerai is a distinctive resort brand offering guests elegance, refined design, and discreet, attentive service in places of unique beauty and cultural interest. Founded by hotelier Adrian Zecha, the name comes from Zecha’s initials and the latter part of the Persian word “caravanserai,” which refers to the storied inns of the Middle East.

(Source: Azerai)

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The signing marks Ruby’s first hotel in Asia Pacific since joining the IHG portfolio and represents another milestone in IHG’s continued expansion across one of Southeast Asia’s key markets.

Speaking at last week’s press conference, IHG Hotels & Resorts Senior Vice President and Managing Director, East Asia & Pacific, Rajit Sukumaran said: “The introduction of Ruby to Thailand marks a significant milestone for IHG and our valued partners at Asset World Corporation. “We are delighted to introduce Ruby’s first hotel in Asia Pacific following IHG’s acquisition of the brand, in partnership with AWC, bringing an exciting new premium lifestyle brand to one of the region’s most compelling travel markets.”

Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) Chief Executive Officer and President Wallapa Traisorat stated: “The debut of Ruby in Bangkok marks the next chapter in our long-standing partnership with IHG. Together, we are bringing the first Ruby hotel in Thailand and Asia Pacific to Bangkok’s Sathorn CBD.” 

Bangkok has a proven track record as the launchpad for new IHG brands in Southeast Asia. Ruby is the sixth IHG brand to debut in the city before expanding across the region, following Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Indigo, Staybridge Suites, Kimpton and Vignette Collection.

Set to open in 2027, the hotel will feature 184 rooms and bring the brand’s approach to hospitality to Thailand for the first time. Inspired by the tropical glamour of 1920s Siam, the hotel will combine design, music, and local storytelling to create a stay experience rooted in Bangkok’s character. Signature hallmarks will include a 24/7 bar, music-led experiences and live evening performances.

“With over 40 hotels open and in the pipeline across Europe and the United States, and ambitions to grow to more than 120 hotels over the next decade, Ruby’s arrival in Thailand marks the beginning of the brand’s Asia Pacific growth journey. Following Bangkok, IHG sees further opportunities for Ruby in urban destinations across the wider region,” Rajit concluded.

This signing further strengthens IHG’s growing presence in Thailand. Today, IHG’s portfolio in the country includes 42 open hotels and a pipeline of 41 additional properties across 11 destinations and 11 brands, reflecting sustained confidence in Thailand’s long-term tourism growth.

(Source: IHG)

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Officially described as an integrated luxury living and wellness destination, Gardens of Eden is a mixed-use residential development combining luxury branded residences, a hotel, wellness and leisure facilities. 

Buyers can acquire homes within the wider estate, while Gardens of Eden Resort Phuket will form its hospitality centrepiece, with accommodation operated by Minor Hotels.

“Gardens of Eden has been conceived as a destination where luxury living, wellness and nature come together in a meaningful way,” said  Gardens of Eden Chief Executive Officer Alexander Chuvalov in the official announcement.

Chuvalov described the partnership as the next phase of that vision. He expressed confidence in Phuket’s appeal as an international resort market. He said combining Gardens of Eden’s concept with Minor’s hospitality expertise would create a distinctive proposition for travellers and residents.

The agreement with Amal Group of Companies covers Gardens of Eden Resort Phuket and Minor Reserve Collection, and is scheduled to open in 2031. Its 310 keys will comprise 100 hotel rooms and 210 residences operated in the resort’s inventory. The hotel component will sit approximately 250 metres from the shoreline within the wider 33-acre development.

Wellness at the heart of project

Wellness will be a central feature, with a dedicated facility exceeding 5,000 square metres and ambitions to attract visitors from across Asia and beyond. 

At the briefing, Minor International Founder and Chairman William E “Bill” Heinecke emphasised the scale of the vision.

“This will be the biggest, not only on the island of Phuket, but maybe one of the biggest in ASEAN,” he said. “So, these are some of the reasons why we chose Gardens of Eden, because they put so much effort, planning, focus and passion into this project.”

Heinecke said the facility would draw on lessons from Minor’s existing wellness operations, while its greater space would allow collaboration with specialist practitioners and partners in wellness and longevity. The final combination of brands and expertise remains part of the developing concept.

“What we’ve learnt over the last couple of years, pioneering the wellness here, will go into this project to make it even better,” he said. “People will come from around the world to experience it.”

The developer’s presentation described a four-phase masterplan linking homes, gardens and leisure spaces, with beach access without crossing a road. The team also highlighted underground parking as an unusual feature in Phuket, adding convenience while preserving above-ground space for landscaping and recreation. The residential offering appeals to buyers seeking a home, a holiday residence or a property investment.

About the author
Andrew J Wood is a Bangkok-based travel writer, tourism commentator and former hotel executive who has lived in Thailand since 1991. A graduate of Napier University in Edinburgh, he has held senior hospitality positions across Asia. He is a past President of Skål Asia and a Board member of the South African–Thai Chamber of Commerce. He writes extensively on tourism and hospitality. The views expressed are the author’s own.

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The move aims to strengthen portfolio awareness, clarify the experience for travellers and hotel owners, and accelerate growth through a unified platform and enhanced digital capabilities, while delivering a guest experience powered by local expertise.

Grounded in rigorous consumer research and guest feedback, this strategic evolution reflects how today’s travellers discover, evaluate, and book hotels, while preserving each independent property’s local character.

“We have a hotel for virtually every travel occasion, but many travellers only know a portion of our portfolio,” said Larry Cuculic, President and Chief Executive Officer, WorldHotels. “WorldHotels gives us a clearer way to tell our story. By connecting our brands, loyalty program and digital capabilities together under one masterbrand, we’re making it easier for travellers to understand who we are today, while enabling our hoteliers to better compete on a global scale and preserving the independence and individuality of our 4,000 hotels.”

Local Expertise at Global Scale

Unlike many large hospitality companies built around standardised experiences, WorldHotels is building its platform around local expertise. The transformation is designed to scale the knowledge of thousands of independent hoteliers throughout the global network — surfacing neighbourhood insights from on-the-ground hotel teams and making those local experiences easier for travellers to discover across the portfolio.

While individual property identities, signage and iconic flags will remain unchanged, the WorldHotels platform will expand cross-portfolio discovery, strengthen direct relationships with guests and increase visibility for hotel owners worldwide.

WorldHotels Rewards: A Unified Loyalty Programme for 70 Million Members

Central to the transformation is WorldHotels Rewards, a new, unified loyalty program that combines Best Western Rewards® and WorldHotels Rewards, bringing together approximately 70 million existing members. Simple, transparent, and rewarding, the new program introduces three streamlined membership tiers while protecting all current benefits, including status matching, member rates, and points that never expire. Members will retain their existing points value, enjoy additional opportunities to earn points, and gain access to a more connected global portfolio and a simplified rewards experience.

Additional details about the new loyalty programme will be announced on 16 November 2026. 

“WorldHotels Rewards was designed with our guests at the heart of every decision. Through extensive consumer research and member feedback, we learned travellers want a loyalty program that feels intuitive and transparent, that recognises them wherever they travel,” said Joelle Park, Chief Marketing Officer, WorldHotels. “By bringing our loyalty program together under WorldHotels Rewards, we’re making it easier for guests to discover the full breadth of our portfolio, find the right hotel for every journey and feel welcomed wherever they stay.”

Enhanced Digital Platform Designed to Scale Local Hospitality

To power this new rewards program and modernise guest engagement, WorldHotels has invested heavily in its digital infrastructure, launching a new website and redesigned mobile app. At the heart of the experience is a proprietary discovery platform built on more than 10,000 hours of insights gathered from hotel teams worldwide.

These insights will help travellers discover hotels, neighbourhoods, and experiences across the portfolio, with a user experience that makes it easy to manage bookings and loyalty activity. By connecting local expertise, loyalty, and digital discovery on a single platform, WorldHotels helps travellers explore more of its portfolio while increasing visibility and direct-booking opportunities for hotel owners.

WorldHotels Collection: Independent, Character-Rich Hotels

As part of this transformation, the portfolio’s upscale and luxury hotels will now be unified under WorldHotels Collection, a global platform for independent properties that preserves the individuality that increasingly drives traveller choice. WorldHotels Collection comprises six categories: WorldHotels Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive, WorldHotels Crafted, WorldHotels Backdrop and WorldHotels Residences.

“The future of luxury hospitality isn’t about standardisation. It’s about helping exceptional independent properties compete and grow on a global stage, while remaining true to their identity,” said Ron Pohl, President of WorldHotels Collection. “WorldHotels Collection sits at the intersection of independence and scale, giving owners access to the commercial power, technology and demand drivers of a major hospitality network while maintaining the tailored, local experiences today’s travellers are seeking.”

WorldHotels Collection is expanding in some of the hospitality industry’s fastest-growing categories: WorldHotels Residences combines private homeownership with luxury hospitality services and brand affiliation, while WorldHotels Backdrop connects travellers with distinctive destinations where immersive natural settings and elevated accommodations converge. Together, these platforms expand growth opportunities for developers, owners, and independent operators seeking global distribution and brand recognition.

For more information, visit WorldHotels.com.

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The recognition highlights Centara’s commitment to delivering high-quality hospitality experiences that combine its signature Thai service standards with each destination’s distinctive cultural identity.

The accolade comes just eight months after Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara officially opened on 6 February 2026, marking an important achievement in the property’s first year of operation. The recognition reflects Centara’s approach to delivering consistent hospitality standards while adapting guest experiences to local market characteristics.

As part of The Centara Collection, Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara exemplifies Centara’s focus on developing distinctive, destination-inspired hospitality experiences across its international portfolio. Located in the tranquil hills of Kaskikot, overlooking the Annapurna mountain range and Phewa Lake, the 42-key resort combines contemporary comfort and personalised service with Nepal’s cultural heritage and natural surroundings.

The property blends Centara’s renowned Thai hospitality with authentic Nepali traditions, offering guests immersive experiences that reflect the destination’s character. These include guided village walks, local culinary journeys and wellness programmes, demonstrating how Centara integrates local identity into its hospitality offerings while maintaining its established service standards.

Prapaijit Thongma, General Manager of Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection, said: “We are deeply honoured to receive the Best New Hotel/Resort 2026 award from the South Asian Travel Awards. This recognition is an important milestone for our team and reflects our commitment to delivering high standards of service and memorable guest experiences. Since opening earlier this year, we have been encouraged by the support of our guests, partners and the local community, and we remain dedicated to showcasing the unique character of Nepal through Centara’s signature hospitality.”

The South Asian Travel Awards recognise excellence across the hospitality and tourism industries in South Asia, honouring organisations for achievements in service quality, innovation and contributions to the region’s tourism sector.

The award further reinforces Centara Hotels & Resorts’ international brand recognition, reflecting the group’s continued focus on delivering quality hospitality through its diverse portfolio of hotels and resorts. The early achievement of Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara highlights Centara’s commitment to bringing its Thai hospitality expertise to international destinations while embracing local culture to create differentiated guest experiences.

For more information about Centara Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

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Together, the hotels add 273 rooms, bringing the brand’s country portfolio to four hotels and 377 rooms, following its country debut with Anook Signature Seoul Guro, Series by Marriott. Series by Marriott brings together established, regionally recognised hotel brands, preserving their local identity while connecting guests to Marriott Bonvoy.  

UH Seoul Insadong, Series by Marriott

The 51-room UH Seoul Insadong, Series by Marriott, sits in the heart of Seoul, overlooking Cheonggyecheon Stream. Housed in a historic building, the hotel is within walking distance of Jongno 3-ga and Euljiro 3-ga subway stations and several of the city’s best-known attractions, including Insadong, Myeongdong and Gwangjang Market.

Anook Signature Incheon Guwol, Series by Marriott

The brand’s first hotel in Incheon, the 118-room Anook Signature Incheon Guwol, Series by Marriott, is located in Guwol-dong, the city’s commercial and administrative centre. Close to Incheon City Hall, major government offices and Lotte Department Store Incheon.

Anook Signature Busan Haeundae, Series by Marriott

The 104-room property is located in Haeundae, one of Busan’s best-known coastal destinations. Within walking distance of Haeundae Beach and major attractions, and close to subway connections across the city, the hotel offers a convenient base for leisure and business travellers.

All three hotels participate in Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program, where members can earn points on eligible stays and redeem them for stays and experiences across Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of hotel brands.  

(Source: Series by Marriott)

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Spanning four of Thailand’s most popular destinations and representing two Meliá Hotels International brands, the selected properties are 234-room Meliá Pattaya Hotel, Thailand; 208-room INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit; 260-room Meliá Chiang Mai; and 200-room Meliá Koh Samui.

The MICHELIN Guide’s inspectors curate its hotel selection, travelling anonymously and independently to identify notable hotel experiences worldwide.

“The inclusion of these four Thailand properties in the MICHELIN Guide Hotel Selection 2026 is an incredible achievement for MHI’s partnership with AWC,” said Meliá Hotels International Managing Director Asia Pacific Ignacio Martin. “From the rich heritage of Chiang Mai and island setting of Koh Samui to the creative pulse of Bangkok and cultural energy of Pattaya, the four hotels demonstrate the breadth and depth of compelling hospitality experiences we are building in Thailand and our shared commitment with AWC to contributing to the continued evolution of the country’s unsurpassed tourism offering.”

(Source: Meliá Hotels International)

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