From 12 to 13 April, guests will feel at the centre of the festivities through traditional ceremonies, live performances, expertly curated Thai cuisine, and cocktails crafted from local Thai spirits.

Sunday 12 April: Songkran Beachfront Brunch

Salt Society Beach Bar & Kitchen hosts a Songkran brunch accompanied by a drum parade moving through the resort before live DJ and band performances lead into water celebrations along the shoreline.

The “Vitamin A” brunch option includes soft drinks and is priced at THB 2,088++ per person (with a 50% discount for children ages 4 to 11). The “Vitamin B” brunch package at THB 3,588++ includes soft drinks, wine, beer and cocktails, while “Vitamin SEA” priced at THB4,188++ also adds sparkling Prosecco. The cocktail selection focuses on Thailand’s craft distillation: cocktails are prepared with Chalong, Dandy, Saneha, and Lanna spirits, and are inspired by Thai ingredients and flavours.

Monday 13 April: Ceremony and Evening Feast

The morning begins with monks leading the Rod Nam Dum Hua blessing ceremony, where guests offer water as a gesture of respect and receive blessings for the year ahead. A traditional procession follows, easing into Songkran water celebrations across the property.

In the evening, Act 5 – The Grill presents a Songkran buffet dinner from 1830 to 2230, featuring Thai live music, dances, and a fire show.

The menu highlights celebratory Thai dishes prepared across live stations and buffet counters, including:

• Pad Thai Goong Sod – Wok-fried rice noodles with prawns cooked to order;
• Gai Gab Moo Yang – Charcoal-grilled pork neck and marinated chicken;
• Hor Mok Pla – Steamed fish custard in a banana leaf;
• Gaeng Massaman Gai – Slow-stewed chicken Massaman curry;
• Nuea Pad Nam Man Hoi – Wok-fried Wagyu beef with oyster sauce;
• Yum Thai and Khao Phad Puu – Tossed spicy Thai salads and crab meat fried rice;
• Traditional desserts complete the meal, including Look Chup – moulded mung bean sweets and Khao Niew Mamuang – fresh mango with sweet sticky rice, prepared live.

Dinner is priced at THB1,900++, including a welcome drink, with optional beverage packages available.

An outdoor cocktail bar continues the celebration into the evening, offering locally inspired drinks and a guest mixologist’s four-cocktail tasting flight, with this special drinks package – inspired by Thai spirits and flavours priced at THB999++.

Stay Experiences

Guests staying during the period can pair the celebrations with the resort’s signature stays: The Reserve Journey, The Suite Reserve Experience and The Villa Reserve Experience, which remain bookable throughout the special holiday period.

Songkran at Centara Reserve Samui centres on the festival’s essentials: paying respects in the morning, gathering together in the afternoon, and sharing vibrant celebrations in the evening, all experienced through Thai cooking, music, and spirits throughout the festival.

Reservations:

To reserve your dining experience, please email fbcrs@chr.co.th or call +66 (0) 77 230 550.

Discover room offers at: https://www.centarareserve.com/samui

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

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Amid ongoing tensions around the world, the Kingdom continues to offer peace of mind, seamless accessibility, and meaningful travel experiences rooted in culture, wellness and connection.

At a time when travellers are prioritising reassurance alongside inspiration, Thailand’s consistent track record in tourism safety, service excellence, and warm hospitality reinforces its role as a trusted global destination. From first-time visitors to long-standing repeat guests, the country continues to provide a sense of ease, familiarity and genuine welcome that is increasingly valued in today’s travel environment.

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, reaffirms its confidence in the country’s enduring appeal and commitment to welcome international guests seeking both reassurance and inspiration in their journeys.

A Destination Defined by Stability and Connectivity

Thailand’s geographic position, robust tourism infrastructure, and long-standing reputation for hospitality make it a preferred destination amid global uncertainty. With strong air connectivity from major European hubs and across the Asia-Pacific region, travellers can easily and efficiently reach Thailand.

The country’s well-established safety standards, reliable healthcare system, and diverse quality offerings further reinforce its position as a secure and dependable choice for leisure, family, and business travel.

A Shift Toward Meaningful Travel Experiences

Today’s travellers are increasingly seeking more than just a destination—they are looking for emotional connection, authenticity, and a sense of place. Thailand delivers this through its rich cultural heritage, world-renowned cuisine, and diverse landscapes, from vibrant cities to tranquil beaches. Centara Hotels & Resorts has seen growing demand for experiences that reflect these values, including wellness retreats, immersive cultural activities, and family-oriented stays that foster deeper connections.

“Thailand continues to demonstrate its strength as one of the world’s most trusted and versatile travel destinations. From seamless connectivity and high service standards to the diversity of experiences it offers, the country is uniquely positioned to meet the evolving expectations of global travellers.

At Centara, we see strong and sustained interest from key markets, particularly those seeking both reassurance and meaningful travel experiences,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts Vice President – Sales Jurairat Mongkolwongsiri.

A Trusted Name in Thai Hospitality Across Diverse Destinations

As a homegrown brand with decades of experience, Centara Hotels & Resorts embodies the essence of Thai hospitality—warm, gracious, and rooted in family values. The group’s philosophy is built on treating every guest as part of the extended family, creating a sense of comfort and belonging that resonates strongly with international travellers.

Centara’s diverse portfolio spans some of Thailand’s most sought-after destinations, each offering its own distinct appeal. In Bangkok, guests enjoy dynamic city experiences, world-class dining and cultural landmarks. Beachfront resorts in Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui provide idyllic escapes with pristine coastlines and vibrant marine life. At the same time, destinations such as Hua Hin and Pattaya cater to both relaxation and family-friendly leisure. In the north, locations like Chiang Mai offer a more tranquil, culturally immersive experience surrounded by nature and heritage.

 A Commitment to Guest Confidence

Centara remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, hygiene, and service excellence across all its properties, ensuring guests can travel with confidence and peace of mind. Robust health and safety protocols are in place, supported by well-trained teams dedicated to guest wellbeing at every stage of the journey.

Flexible booking policies and attentive on-the-ground support provide additional reassurance. At the same time, the group’s family-driven approach to hospitality ensures every guest feels cared for, comfortable, and secure throughout their stay.

“Across our portfolio in Thailand and wider Asia, we are fully prepared to welcome international travellers with confidence. Our teams are well-trained, our operational standards are robust, and we continue to prioritise the safety, comfort and wellbeing of every guest.

This readiness, combined with our Thai hospitality ethos, ensures a consistent and high-quality experience across all Centara properties,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts Chief Operating Officer Michael Henssler.

Looking Ahead

While global challenges may influence travel decisions, Thailand’s enduring strengths—its safety, accessibility, and heartfelt hospitality—ensure it remains a destination of choice. For travellers seeking both escape and enrichment, the country offers a compelling balance of security and soul.

As travel continues to evolve, Centara Hotels & Resorts remains dedicated to welcoming guests from Europe and beyond with experiences that are not only memorable but meaningful. By combining trusted standards with a deeply human approach to hospitality, the group invites travellers to rediscover the joy of travel in a destination that feels both exciting and reassuring—now more than ever.

About Centara
Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 90 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Vietnam, Laos, Japan, Nepal, Oman, Qatar and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, The Centara Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Life and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. 

Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com   

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

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The report outlines Anurak’s progress towards regenerative tourism principles guided by the ‘4Cs’ of conservation, community, culture and commerce, a framework developed by sustainable tourism advocacy body, The Long Run.

The impact statement demonstrates how the lodge is embedding sustainability in all aspects of its operations. A key milestone in 2025 was the completion of a full year of consistent measurement of electricity, water and waste. The ecolodge also maintained its Travelife Gold Certification, reflecting adherence to internationally recognised sustainability standards.

The report shows that Anurak Lodge advanced its “Rainforest Rising” initiative, restoring land previously used for oil palm cultivation at the lodge. For food and pollination purposes, birds and insects prefer indigenous plant species such as black plum, Burmese grape tree, and cowa mangosteen. In 2025, 30 native trees were planted by guests staying at Anurak Lodge as part of Rainforest Rising.

Over the last 16 months, the lodge expanded its on-site gardens with 18 herb and vegetable varieties for garden-to-table guest dining. The vegetables and herbs are nourished by compost from a newly purchased HASS Food Waste Composter. The machine processes 10 kg of kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost within 24 hours.

Community impact remains central to operations. Some 82% of staff are hired locally. The lodge invests in ongoing training and development, covering topics from regenerative tourism to environmental management. In addition, Anurak Lodge supported five community initiatives in 2025, contributing to education, conservation and local cultural activities in surrounding villages.

There is more to be done. “Challenges remain, especially with soil health, water retention and reducing waste, such as plastics. We are measuring inputs and outcomes, which helps us advance our regenerative tourism goals,” said Newling-Ward.

Regenerative tourism aims to enhance or improve a place through tourism, not just mitigate negative impacts.

In 2026 and beyond, Anurak Lodge plans to focus on improving soil moisture through drip irrigation and composting, expanding forest restoration efforts, and deepening engagement with both guests and the community.

Guest activities at Anurak Lodge include guided forest hikes, bamboo rafting, cycling, and relaxing at the ecolodge’s Hornbill restaurant, which offers spectacular mountain views.

A variety of guest packages and activities at Anurak Lodge are available at https://anuraklodge.com/packages-specials/.

The Anurak Lodge 2025 Impact Report is available here.

About Anurak Community Lodge
Located a 75-minute drive from Surat Thani airport, a two-hour 30-minute drive from Phuket airport, and two hours from Krabi airport, Anurak Community Lodge is an award-winning eco-retreat for active lifestyle visitors who respect nature and local community traditions. The 19-key lodge offers Deluxe Green Double, Eco Double, Eco Twin options, plus one Superior Bungalow. Surrounded by spectacular limestone karst scenery, the lodge is an ideal base for exploring the adjacent Khao Sok National Park and the majestic Chiew Larn Lake. 

(Source: Anurak Community Lodge)

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Effective 1 April, Chawla will report to Hyatt Group President Asia Pacific, David Udell.

“The creation of this new senior leadership role reflects both the scale of opportunity we see in India and our commitment to this market,” said Udell. “Over more than four decades, Hyatt has built a strong foundation in India. As we enter our next phase of growth, Vikas’ extensive experience and entrepreneurial leadership will bring the fresh knowledge, skills and abilities required at the top of our organisation in India. His deep understanding of the Indian consumer will be pivotal to drive our strategic growth in this critical market as we accelerate our brand-led expansion and unlock new avenues for success.”

A seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of global leadership experience in food and beverage and consulting, Chawla will lead Hyatt’s overall strategy, growth, and performance in India and Southwest Asia.

“I am incredibly excited to join Hyatt at such a dynamic moment in its growth journey in India,” said Chawla. “My ambition is to develop Hyatt’s portfolio further, making it the most preferred hospitality brand amongst discerning travellers in India, the best hospitality brand to work for in India, and to become a significant pillar of growth for Hyatt’s global portfolio.”

India represents one of the most dynamic growth opportunities for Hyatt in the Asia Pacific. Rising middle-class demand for premium travel, luxury experiences, and differentiated dining align closely with Hyatt’s strengths in luxury and lifestyle, experiential offerings and F&B. This has powered Hyatt’s growth in the region, with deals signed in 2025 contributing nearly 5,000 rooms to its India and Southwest Asia pipeline.

Building on its existing footprint of 55 hotels across nine brands across India and Southwest Asia, the first Destination by Hyatt property in Asia Pacific, Hari Bagh Jaipur, is set to debut in 2026. The Destination by Hyatt brand represents a diverse collection of independent hotels, resorts and residences that are individual at heart yet connected by a commitment to embody the true spirit of each location. The arrival of the Destination by Hyatt brand will mark Hyatt’s second collection brand in India, and Hari Bagh Jaipur will mark the third Hyatt hotel in Jaipur.

Looking ahead, Hyatt plans to continue strengthening its brand presence in key gateway markets, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Hyderabad.

(Source: Hyatt Hotels Corporation)

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Through this partnership, Centara and OR will develop a network of budget hotels located adjacent to PTT Station service complexes, creating a convenient and accessible accommodation option for modern travellers.

The collaboration combines Centara’s hospitality expertise with OR’s extensive nationwide network of service stations and lifestyle retail spaces.

The first phase of the project will see the development of six budget hotels across Thailand, with openings planned between 2027 and 2028. The properties will be strategically located in Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Phuket, Chon Buri and Songkhla, targeting travellers moving along major highways and regional transport routes.

Each property will feature approximately 69–80 rooms, with rates expected to start from THB 800–900 per night, while the Bangkok property is planned to offer around 120 rooms with rates of THB 1,200–1,300 per night. Designed to deliver clean, safe and comfortable accommodation at an accessible price point, the hotels will cater primarily to domestic travellers, road trippers and business travellers seeking convenient overnight stays.

The joint venture represents an investment of approximately THB700 million, with Centara holding a 51% stake and OR holding 49%. By leveraging OR’s ecosystem of more than 2,000 PTT Station locations nationwide, the project unlocks new opportunities to serve travellers at highly accessible locations that already offer fuel services and electric-vehicle charging, as well as food and beverage outlets, convenience retail, and rest areas.

The collaboration will also connect and leverage the loyalty programme integration between CentaraThe1, The 1, and OR’s Blue Plus programme. With a collective membership base of more than 40 million, Centara and OR can co-create enhanced benefits, superior experiences, and greater value for customers across both organisations in the future.

“This partnership represents an exciting new chapter for Centara as we expand into the budget hotel segment and continue to diversify our portfolio,” said  Centara Hotels & Resorts Chief Executive Officer Thirayuth Chirathivat. “By combining Centara’s hospitality expertise with OR’s nationwide network of high-potential locations, we are creating a new hospitality concept designed to serve modern travellers who value convenience, reliability and exceptional value. With service stations located along major transport routes, this concept will provide travellers with clean, safe, and comfortable accommodation exactly where they need it.”

He added that the concept is designed to meet the needs of travellers commuting by car, including sales professionals, business travellers, and families and friends on road trips seeking short overnight stays during inter-provincial journeys.

The move into the budget segment reflects Centara’s long-term growth strategy to broaden its portfolio across multiple market segments while capturing emerging opportunities within Thailand’s evolving travel landscape. As demand for convenient and affordable accommodation continues to grow, the new brand will complement Centara’s existing portfolio, which spans luxury resorts, upscale hotels, lifestyle properties, and family-focused destinations.

“This partnership marks an important milestone that reflects the combined strengths and expertise of Centara and OR in jointly developing a budget hotel project to respond to evolving travel behaviour in today’s landscape,” said PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) Chief Executive Officer Peekthong Thongyai.

“At OR, we see travel not simply as reaching a destination, but as a meaningful experience along the way. This collaboration, therefore, strengthens our OR ecosystem and enables us to better serve modern travellers with a more complete and integrated journey experience.

For more information about PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR), visit https://www.pttor.com/en/home

For more information about Centara Hotels & Resorts, visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/

About Centara
Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 90 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Vietnam, Laos, Japan, Nepal, Oman, Qatar and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, The Centara Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Life and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology.

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De Brito brings more than 30 years of international hospitality experience to the role, with a strong track record in hotel openings, operational leadership, and commercial performance across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. 

Before joining Pullman Ninh Binh, he served as Area General Manager for Accor in Japan, where he oversaw operations across a portfolio of hotels, including Grand Mercure Ise Shima. 

The 283-key Pullman Ninh Binh is a new landmark in the heart of this up-and-coming Vietnamese destination. De Brito will be responsible for leading the overall operations and strategic direction of Pullman Ninh Binh, with a focus on establishing the hotel as a leading address for both business and leisure travellers in Northern Vietnam. 

(Source: Pullman Hotels & Resorts)

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Located in Nha Trang’s newly developed northern coastal precinct, just 10 minutes from Tran Phu Street, the 31-floor voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang is a member of the premium collection of IHG Hotels & Resorts. 

Set along the shoreline, the 250-room property offers access to the city’s key attractions while providing a more relaxed coastal setting, with all guestrooms featuring ocean views.

“We are thrilled to open voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang and bring a reliable but different stay experience to the lively coastal city. The hotel reflects the brand’s thoughtful, unstuffy and charming personality, with a focus on hosted service and sustainability. Our bayfront location offers guests the best of both worlds: the tranquillity of the coast and easy access to Nha Trang’s vibrant attractions.

We look forward to contributing to the city’s continued growth as one of Vietnam’s most dynamic coastal destinations,” shared voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang by IHG General Manager Justin Malcolm.

The hotel’s five outlets offer a taste of the “voco life”. Infini Bleu, the pool bar with sea views, sets the stage for relaxed sunset moments with sips by the skyline. 

The hotel’s speciality restaurant, ‘La Bonita’, brings Mediterranean dining with Italian and Spanish flavours, while ‘The Show’, an all-day-dining restaurant, delivers live cooking performances. Socialite, the hotel’s lobby lounge, transitions from a relaxed daytime café into an intimate evening bar, offering craft beverages and light bites.

(Source: IHG)

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The opening marks the debut of Series by Marriott in Japan.

“Series by Marriott is a regionally created, globally connected collection brand that brings together independent hotels and locally recognised hotel groups under the umbrella of Marriott Bonvoy,” said Marriott International Chief Lodging Product & Services Officer — Asia Pacific, excluding China, Cristiano Rinaldi. “Following the successful global debut of Series by Marriott in India last year, this opening represents an important milestone for the brand’s expansion in Asia Pacific and underscores Marriott International’s continued commitment to Japan as a strategically important market.”

Situated in the heart of Shinsaibashi, one of Osaka’s most dynamic commercial and lifestyle districts, the hotel places guests within walking distance of Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, Amerikamura, and the entertainment quarter of Dotonbori. It is 300 metres from Shinsaibashi Station on the Midosuji Subway Line, providing seamless city-wide access. Osaka Itami International Airport is 15 kilometres away (a 30-minute drive), while Kansai International Airport is 48 kilometres away (a 45-minute drive).

(Source: Marriott International)

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Tan has more than three decades of international hospitality experience across Asia Pacific, China, Europe, and the US.

She has held senior leadership roles within leading hospitality groups. She has a strong track record of advancing commercial capabilities, strengthening brand equity, and building high-performing teams across multiple markets.

Before joining MHR, she served as Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer at Pan Pacific Hotels Group, where she led integrated commercial and marketing functions, including branding, loyalty, sales, revenue management, distribution, and digital marketing. She has also held senior leadership roles at Jin Jiang International and The Ascott Limited.

About Millennium Hotels and Resorts 
Millennium Hotels and Resorts is a dynamic, global hospitality group with properties spanning four continents and 80 destinations. MHR owns, manages, and operates over 145 properties worldwide, including in New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Auckland, Beijing, and Singapore. MHR is a Hong Leong Group subsidiary of Singapore-listed global real estate company City Developments Limited. 

(Source: MHR)

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All three form part of Dusit Central Park, one of the city’s most significant mixed-use developments, which also includes a retail centre, an office tower, and one of Thailand’s largest rooftop parks in the heart of the capital. 

A third-generation hotelier, Handl brings more than three decades of international experience across luxury hotels, resorts, and mixed-use developments. His career spans senior leadership roles with globally recognised brands, including Park Hyatt, The Ritz-Carlton, Aman, and Rosewood, with experience across Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.

With a professional foundation in food and beverage, Handl combines strong operational expertise with commercial leadership across sales, marketing, and multi-property management. His international upbringing and extensive experience in Asia support a culturally attuned leadership style aligned with the expectations of today’s global luxury traveller.

He joins Dusit from Abu Dhabi National Hotels, where he oversaw a portfolio of 15 properties across 10 international brands, further strengthening his expertise in multi-asset operations, asset management, and brand positioning in complex, competitive markets.

His appointment comes at a pivotal time for Dusit, as the company builds on the early success of its reimagined flagship hotel, which reopened in September 2024 following a complete redevelopment that honours the original property’s rich heritage. Since then, it has already received a Michelin Key for its accommodations and service, and a Michelin Star for its signature restaurant, Cannubi by Umberto Bombana. 

Dusit is now preparing for the phased introduction of its branded residences, Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside, at Dusit Central Park. These offer two distinct luxury living concepts within the same tower overlooking Lumpini Park, combining classic, heritage-inspired luxury residences with contemporary, lifestyle-led living. Unit transfers are expected to unlock significant value for the company.

“Bangkok has long been a city I’ve aspired to work in, so it’s a real privilege to join Dusit and take on this role at such an important time for the business,” said Handl. “Dusit Thani Bangkok has a strong legacy, rooted in heritage and a clear sense of identity, and I look forward to working with the team to continue building its international profile while staying true to what makes Thai hospitality so distinctive. I’m also excited to be leading Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside as they prepare to welcome their first residents and establish themselves among the city’s most distinctive new addresses.”

For more information, visit dusit.com/dusitthani-bangkok.

About Dusit Thani Bangkok 
Located overlooking Lumpini Park in central Bangkok, Dusit Thani Bangkok is Dusit International’s reimagined flagship hotel, reopened in September 2024 following the redevelopment of the original property, which operated for nearly five decades. 

The luxury hotel forms part of Dusit Central Park – a landmark mixed-use development comprising branded residences (Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside), a retail centre, an office tower, and one of Thailand’s largest rooftop parks.

The property has been awarded a Michelin Key, while its signature restaurant, Cannubi by Umberto Bombana, holds a Michelin Star. It was also included on the extended list of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025, further cementing its status among Bangkok’s leading luxury destinations.

(Source: Your Stories — Dusit International)

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