Jetsettersblog

Bali Resort Reverts To Roots As A Private Retreat

The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah offers USD 88,000 package for single party

UBUD, Bali (26 January 2011) — Great estates quite often graduate from private ownership to a second life as boutique hotels or resorts. On Bali, one resort hotel is working that trend in the opposite direction, setting up as a private retreat, albeit temporarily.

The 20-villa Chedi Club Tanah Gajah this month rolls out Bali Confidential, a buy-out package that caters to a single party of up to 50 for a three-night, four-day retreat. The price? USD 88,000.

“At first blush, the price point for this package is remarkable — seemingly accessible only to celebrities or royalty,” said Stefan Noll, General Manager of The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah, managed by GHM (General Hotel Management). “But when you do the math and break this down per person per night, you’re looking at USD 587. Not cheap, but compared to other resorts in our league on the island, we’re all of a sudden quite affordable.”

That price point includes unfettered run of the 5-hectare estate, located just a few kilometers from Ubud in the central foothills of Bali. All meals are included, as are spa treatments, yoga classes, a cycling tour, cooking classes, rice paddy trekking, chauffeured car service and a nightly cultural performance.

A butler attends to each of the resort’s 20 villas, catering to whims as offhand as the need for tea, as academic as cultural interpretation and as spirited as a guided trek through the property’s rice fields to the neighboring village.

The property was built in the early 1980s as a private retreat for one of Indonesia’s foremost architects and interior designers, Hendra Hadripana. Tanah Gajah (Elephant Realm) is a reference to a nearby Hindu temple. Representations of elephants in various artistic guise roam the resort as its principle motif.

Considered the cultural heart and soul of Bali, Ubud reigns as the island’s most dreamy destination. And with spacious suites and villas and sight lines that channel directly into idyllic rice paddies all around, The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah encourages that dream state. Its traditional Balinese architecture is a cultural experience in its own right.

After some 20 years as a private estate, Hadripana and GHM recast the property as a boutique resort. Its debut attracted a great deal of acclaim from the world’s most prestigious arbiters of travel, including Conde Nast Traveler, which elevated the resort to its coveted Hot List in 2005.

Though Hadripana has since built a new estate nearby, his legacy is considerable. More than 100 paintings from his personal collection grace the resort’s walls. His sculptures accent the grounds. The amphitheater he designed for traditional dance performances still reverberates with the chants of iconic Balinese art forms. Indeed, a private performance of the famed Kecak Dance is likely to resonate as one of the most distinctive features of Bali Confidential.

The buy-out package is a first for a hotel managed by GHM, a resort group that’s cultivated one of the most rarified collections of resort hotels in the world, including The Nam Hai in Vietnam, The Setai on South Beach in Miami, and The Datai in Langkawi, Malaysia.

“At Tanah Gajah, our intimate size lends itself to a resort experience that caters to just the right size,” said Noll. “We’re not too big, and yet not so small that this is a commonplace development.”

The hotel expects Bali Confidential to attract travelers seeking the ultimate in privacy, whether they be extended families planning reunions, bridal parties wanting intimate settings or senior executives looking to host exclusive corporate retreats.

For more information on Bali Confidential, visit The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah’s ‘Promotions’ page on www.GHMhotels.com  or e-mail pr@ghmhotels.com

About GHM

Established in 1992, General Hotel Management Ltd. is a market leader in conceptualising, developing and operating an exclusive group of hotels and resorts. GHM currently manages over 700 keys in eight countries and has an additional eight properties under development worldwide. With an expansive portfolio that continues to grow, the company prides itself in providing guests with a distinctive lifestyle experience.

Each GHM property is an original. The special relationship between the land and the local culture amongst which each resides enables GHM to provide guests with a genuine, close-up experience of the best each destination has to offer. The signature GHM style is best defined as contemporary interpretations of Asian designs combined with distinctive local touches to create inspired, memorable spaces.

GHM’s portfolio of properties includes:

• The Setai South Beach, Miami, USA
• The Datai Langkawi, Malaysia
• The Legian Bali, Indonesia
• The Club at The Legian Bali, Indonesia
• The Nam Hai Hoi An, Vietnam
• The Strand Yangon, Myanmar
• The Ananti Kumgang Mountains, North Korea
• The Ananti Club Seoul, South Korea
• The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
• The Chedi Muscat, Oman
• The Chedi Chiang Mai, Thailand

Currently under development:
• The Chedi Club Cairo, Egypt
• The Chedi Amman, Jordan
• The Chedi Andermatt, Switzerland
• The Chedi Thracian Cliffs, Cape Kaliakra, Bulgaria
• The Chedi Tamouda Bay, Morocco
• The Chedi Taiping Lake, China
• The Chedi Club Suzhou, China
• The Chedi Club & Residences Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Thailand is making it easier for newlyweds with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s launch of Honeymooning-in-Thailand.com. The new, dedicated website offers dozens of customized honeymoon packages from the destination’s most luxurious properties and spas. Srisuda Wanapinyosak, director of Tourism Authority of Thailand, New York, said, “Properties throughout Thailand will be offering specialized packages, so we encourage newly engaged couples to check out the site regularly for new deals.”

Among the honeymoon packages currently offered through Honeymooning-in-Thailand.com are the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers’ “Memorable Honeymoon by the River Package.” The package includes three nights in a Junior Suite; luxury roundtrip airport transfer; daily breakfast served in the guest’s room or at the hotel’s restaurant; sparkling wine and fruit basket upon arrival; nightly turndown of elephant chocolate, heart-shaped cake and a bouquet of roses; romantic dinner cruise; 60-minute massage at Mandara Spa; and an early check-in as well as a late check-out. Rates for this three-night package begin at $840, based on double occupancy, available year-round. An additional night is available for rates starting at $157. For more information, call 011 (66) 2 266 0123 or visit www.sheraton.com/bangkok.

The Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok’s “Memorable Honeymoon Package” includes a two-night stay in a Premium Deluxe Suite; roundtrip airport transfer by hotel limousine; honeymoon set-up with rose petals on the bed; welcome fruit, flowers, daily newspaper and pillow menu; daily international breakfast buffet; one romantic champagne breakfast with Moet et Chandon; celebration candlelit dinner for two at the property’s Suan Bua restaurant; a body scrub and two-hour Aromatherapy treatment; exclusive benefits and privileges at The Club Executive Lounge; all day coffee, tea and juice service; complimentary afternoon tea from 2 to 4 p.m. as well as cocktail hour and canapés from 5 to 7 p.m.; happy hour with signature drinks for two at Blue Sky; 24-hour in-room broadband and wireless internet access; and a late check-out. Rates for this two-night package start at $777, based on double occupancy, available year-round. For more information, call 011 (66) 2 541 1234 or visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com/scp.

The RarinJinda Wellness Spa Resort Chiang Mai’s “Unforgettable Honeymoon Package” includes three-nights in a boutique deluxe room with pool access; round-trip airport transfers; welcome drink and fruit as well as a bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival; complimentary daily breakfast; one complimentary dinner; RarinJinda Golden Memoirs, including a five-hour spa package; three Hydrotherapy pool treatments for the couple; half-day tour to elephant camp including an elephant ride; access to fitness center and scheduled yoga and aerobics’ classes; and free Wi-Fi internet access. Rates for the three-night package start at $999, based on double occupancy, available year-round. For more information, call 011 (66) 53 303030 or visit www.rarinjinda.com.

The Pimalai Resort & Spa — Krabi’s “Luxury Island Honeymoon Package,” includes five-nights in a deluxe room; roundtrip transfer from Krabi Airport; sparkling wine upon arrival; two candlelit dinners and a serenaded sunset cruise with cocktails and canapés; a private beach barbecue; a two-person massage at the Pimalai Spa; as well as a sentimental “blessing” on the beach at sunset. Rates for the five-night package begin at $3,000, based on double occupancy, available year-round. For more information, call 011 (66) 2 3205500 or visit www.pimalai.com.

Sri Panwa — Phuket’s “Special Honeymoon Package” includes two nights in a pool suite or a one-bedroom pool villa; daily breakfast; Sri Panwa special gift set; roundtrip airport transfers; a bottle of chilled sparkling wine upon arrival; a 60-minute couple’s spa treatment at Cool Spa; one three-course candlelit dinner; floral turn-down service; late check-out; 20 percent discount on a la carte massage sessions and 10 percent discount on spa packages at Cool Spa; complimentary Wi-Fi and iPod in village; as well as in-room fruit basket and mini bar, replenished daily. Rates for the two-night package start at $1,500, based on double occupancy, available year-round. For more information, call 011 (66) 76 371000 or visit www.sripanwa.com.

The Melati Beach Resort & Spa in Ko Samui is offering a “Honeymoon Package” that includes four nights in a grand deluxe room with daily American breakfast; roundtrip transfers from Samui Airport; a welcome fruit basket and flower arrangement in room upon arrival; one bottle of sparkling wine; a candlelit dinner for two at View Pha Nang Restaurant; 60-minute Aroma Massage for two; late check-out; complimentary shuttle bus to Chaweng Beach; complimentary Internet access; 20 percent coupon for food and beverage at View Pha Nang and Kan Sak Thong; and a 10 percent discount for laundry service at hotel. Rates for this four-night package start at $1,000, based on double occupancy, available year-round. For more information, call 011 (66) 77 913400 or visit www.melatiresort.com . For general destination information, visit www.Honeymooning-in-Thailand.com  or www.tourismthailand.org

Diving sites in 7 marine national parks in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand temporarily closed to allow coral reefs affected by bleaching to recover and regenerate.

The National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (DNP), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, has reported that coral reefs at several sites along Thailand’s Andaman coast and in the Gulf of Thailand have been affected by coral bleaching – a phenomenon in which coral loses colour and becomes paler or completely white. Corals that have been exposed to environmental stress for an extended period of time are vulnerable to bleaching.

The key to stopping and reversing the situation is to immediately alleviate the environmental stress to prevent further damage to the affected reefs and create a more favourable environment that allows the coral colonies to recover and regenerate.

Hence to facilitate the speedy recovery and rehabilitation of affected areas, the DNP, on 20 January 2011, announced the temporary closure of several key diving sites in seven marine national parks. Coral bleaching at these sites extends over 80 per cent of the areas concerned.

Marine National Parks :
Hat Chao Mai Marine National Park in Trang province
Mu Ko Petra Marine National Park in Satun province
Tarutao Marine National Park
Chumphon Marine National Park
Hat Nopparattara – Mu Ko Phi Phi Marine National Park
Mu Ko Surin Marine National Park in Phang-nga province
Mu Ko Similan Marine National Park in Phang-nga province

Diving sites temporarily closed as a result of extensive coral bleaching covering over 80 per cent of the concerned areas :
Ko Chueak island
Ko Bu Lone Mai Pai island
The islands of Ko Takieng, Ko Hin Ngam, Ko Rawi, Hat Sai Khao and Ko Dong
Ko Ma Prao
Hin Klang
Ao Mae Yai bay, Ao Mangkon bay, Ao Jak bay, Ao Tao bay, Ko Torinla
Ao Fai Wap bay, Ko Payu or East of Eden

Note:
All other marine national parks remain open and are operating normally.

ACTION TAKEN TO PROTECT THE CORAL REEFS

The following steps are being undertaken to protect the coral reefs.

To alleviate environmental stress, the DNP has introduced measures to restrict tourist traffic in marine national parks and minimize associated environmental impact.

Marine national park authorities have stepped up patrols to monitor and crack down on illegal fishing.

Agencies responsible are conducting ongoing monitoring of the coral bleaching phenomenon. Every effort is also being made to protect corals that are resistant to bleaching and speed up rehabilitation of those already damaged.

Responsible agencies are also providing updated news and information to officials, tourism-related operators, as well as Moken sea-gypsy communities, to keep all parties concerned updated on the situation and to foster cooperation in reducing environmental impact.

The DNP has also developed measures to ensure the proper management and utilization of natural resources for tourism purposes.

These include:
Stepping up the repair and maintenance of existing buoys and the installation of new buoys to prevent vessels from dropping anchor on the coral reefs;

Promoting better knowledge and understanding of responsible tourism, particularly in environmentally-sensitive areas of marine national parks;

Increasing awareness and promoting a better understanding of the coral bleaching phenomenon, and promoting increased co-operation in the preservation of natural resources and efforts to mitigate the impact of global warming on the environment.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand plays a key role in promoting increased awareness of environmentally-responsible Green Tourism through the implementation of campaigns such as the TAT’s Seven Greens concept and Travel with a New Heart, for a Sustainable Thailand. Both programmes focus on the importance of fostering a ‘green heart’ – urging tourists to be socially responsible and environmentally aware. This complements global efforts to help protect and preserve the environment at all tourist attractions.

These initiatives are designed to enhance public awareness of the need to protect and preserve the environment and restore environmental quality. This is achieved by: raising environmental awareness; by promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); and by encouraging the active participation and support of all tourism stakeholders. These include state agencies involved in promoting tourism, private sector tourism operators and service providers, as well as public and non-governmental organizations, communities, media representatives and individual tourists — both Thai and foreign.

CORAL BLEACHING TRIGGERS

Changes in ocean currents and the corresponding effect on air or water temperature (such as the effects of el Niño and la Niña events, and global warming), especially higher sea temperatures, have been identified as key factors that trigger episodes of coral bleaching.

A change in ocean currents causes changes in phytoplankton and zooplankton populations, as well the amount of other nutrients present in the water. A decline in zooplankton leads to starvation.

Other reported causes of bleaching or whitening of coral reefs around the world include:

Changes in water salinity
Changes in water chemistry (in particular acidification)
The build up of carbon dioxide and methane gases
Low tide air exposure, exposure to increased ultraviolet radiation
Exposure to high light levels
Decrease in light levels
Increased or high water turbulence
Increased sedimentation (due to silt runoff), which relates to a decrease in light levels, as well as suffocation of sessile marine life
Pollution, which is not limited to the depositing of sediment from soil erosion, chemicals such as nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, phosphate, as well as other detrimental contaminants into the sea via river run-off and drain pipes
Pathogen infections
Cyanide fishing

CORAL FACTS

The skeletal structure of hard coral is normally white. Tiny single-celled microscopic plants called zooxanthellae algae reside within the soft tissue and give live coral its colour. Corals obtain the majority of their energy and nutrients from these photosynthetic unicellular algae.

When coral is exposed to extreme environmental conditions for an extended period of time, this results in stress and causes the coral to expel the zooxanthellae algae. The expulsion of too much zooxanthellae results in coral bleaching or the loss of colour and/or the concentration of photosynthetic pigments in these organisms is diminished.

Long-term bleaching can cause the partial or total death of coral colonies. However, if the situation is not too severe or favourable conditions return within two or three weeks, affected colonies can recover their symbiotic algae and regenerate, but this process is likely to take several months or even years.

Worldhotels welcomes 2011 with another boost to its growing presence in China, welcoming Sunshine Hotels Group’s four hotels in Sanya, Changsha, Zhangjiajie, and Shenzhen as new affiliates.

The Resort Intime Sanya is a five-star life-style resort on China’s southern most tropical island, in the heart of picturesque Dadonghai Beach.

Joining the First Class Collection, the romantic beachfront hotel in lush tropical gardens features four outstanding restaurants and 416 charming rooms, most with private balconies overlooking the South China Sea. It is a short drive from both bustling downtown Sanya and Sanya International Airport.

With 400 nicely designed rooms and 13 conference halls accomodating up to 500 people, the four-star Gold Source Hotel Changsha is a popular MICE venue joining Worldhotels’ First Class Collection.

Just five minutes from the city centre of the provincial capital of Hunan and 40 minutes from the airport, it also features a nightclub, swimming pool, gym, sauna, bowling alley, KTV and billiards room.

Also in Hunan, in a popular tourist centre close to the beautiful scenery of a UNESCO World Heritage Site new to open the 496-room Sunshine Hotel & Resort Zhangjiajie joins the Deluxe Collection.

Located in the new city centre beside the Lishui river, it is easily accessible to scenic attractions including a famous National Forest Park, the Tianzishan mountains and BaoFengHu and Suoxi Valleys.

Neighbouring Hong Kong, Sunshine Hotel Shenzhen is in the heart of the commercial district near International Trade Building, only a five minute walk from the centre of business, shopping and entertainment, and ten minutes from the Lo Wu border crossing.

Opened in 1991, and renovated in 2007, Sunshine Hotel Shenzhen has 378 rooms, with Chinese and Western restaurants, beauty salon and abundance of recreational facilities including KTV, chess room, billiards, table-tennis, gym, golf simulation, indoor pool, massage, sauna and solarium.

“Sunshine Hotels Group’s stable of resort and business hotels significantly boosts our growing presence in the key markets of China for business, leisure travel and MICE markets,” said Mr. Roland Jegge, Vice President of Worldhotels Asia Pacific.

“We are delighted to partner with Worldhotels and are certain that this partnership will greatly benefit the development of our business,” said Mr. Qing-long XU, Chairman of Sunshine Hotels Group.

With the newly opened Food Republic Beer Garden (opened in January), Singapore’s street food will be elevated to new heights. The Food Republic Beer Garden is a 400-seat, open-air, hawker-food venue with 18 stalls operating out of pushcarts. Standard hawker fare will be available in addition to the concept of a Street Bar, served in a “disused” Tiger Beer lorry, where diners will have the option to choose from a selection of six beers on tap, various bottles of international beers as well as a wide range of spirits, wines and champagnes. Once the bar is fully operational, cocktails of choice will be available to order as well. The Food Republic Beer Garden is open 6 p.m. till 3 a.m. daily (till 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays). Live performances until 1 a.m. daily.

Singapore’s local cuisine is very much a reflection of its cosmopolitan position and multi-cultural mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan (Straits-born Chinese that intermarried with Malays), Eurasian and other influences. Borne out of this rich heritage is the country’s legendary hawker or street food fare, which is known for its affordability, originality and exciting taste. At last count there are over 16,000 hawker stalls across Singapore. For more information, visit www.breadtalk.com/foodrepublic

Courtyard by Marriott has opened its fourth hotel in Russia, the Courtyard Kazan, under a management agreement with Transstroibank. The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Kazan, near the Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and close to the offices of many international corporations. Located steps from the Kremlevskaya metro station, the hotel allows guests to move easily throughout the city.

Opening rates begin from 3.650 RUB ($125) per night, including breakfast, through March 31, 2011. Amy McPherson, president and managing director for Marriott International in Europe, said, “We are excited about the expansion of our Courtyard by Marriott brand in Eastern Europe and see strong opportunity to grow the brand here. Last year we announced our goal to double our presence in Europe by 2015, and in addition to the new Courtyard Kazan we will add our second Courtyard by Marriott in Moscow later this year.”

The Courtyard Kazan boasts 150 guestrooms, featuring ergonomic work areas and flat-screen televisions. The hotel’s Sky Bar Café is an Italian-inspired café serves pizza and pasta, and the Sky Bar Terrace features an outdoor area on the hotel’s roof top. In addition, the Courtyard Kazan features Zilant Mediterranean Grill and a 24-hour market offering guests a choice of light meals, snacks and drinks. For more information, visit www.marriott.com

DoubleTree by Hilton opened its first hotel in Turkey’s largest city, the DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul-Old Town. The 171-bedroom hotel is set in Istanbul’s old town on the Golden Horn peninsula, within walking distance of famous sights including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet and Topkapi Palace. It is also the nearest hotel to the Grand Bazaar, where visitors can purchase goods from rugs and spices to leather products and Turkish coffee.

Rob Palleschi, global head for DoubleTree by Hilton, said, “We are delighted to be opening our first hotel in Istanbul and our third DoubleTree by Hilton in Turkey, an exciting country for our fast-growing, full-service hotel brand. With international visitors coming to Istanbul for its wealth of historic and cultural attractions, our guests will be able to enjoy our upscale and full-service accommodations with easy access to the city’s wonders from this unrivalled location.”

The DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul-Old Town will feature the traditional characteristics of the worldwide brand including the brand’s signature chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in; comfortable, stylish accommodations; and full-service amenities. Since its European introduction in the spring of 2008, 18 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels have now opened in eight countries across Europe.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul-Old Town features four meetings and events rooms. The largest Fatih meeting room is 1,836 square foot in size, seating up to 200 guests, and the hotel’s banquet staff are on hand to deliver creative menus for any type of event. For business needs, the hotel’s 24-hour, on-site business center provides a variety of essential support services and each meeting room features the latest in audio/visual equipment and communications technology.

DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul-Old Town offers two restaurants. The Terrace serves a la carte international cuisine with traditional Turkish favorites, while the hotel’s Old Town restaurant offers casual dining, located conveniently on the lobby level, and presents a delicious DoubleTree Breakfast service each morning. Guests also have access to in-room dining 24 hours a day. The DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul-Old Town’s Fitness Centre by Precor features the very latest in cardio and resistance equipment, or guests can stretch their legs with a stroll around Istanbul’s winding streets and exercise along the Bosphorus sidewalks. In the hotel’s spa, guests can enjoy facilities such as a whirlpool, a sauna, a Turkish bath and a steam bath. For more information, call 011-90 212 453 5800 or visit www.istanbuloldtown.doubletreebyhilton.com

Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts will take over the operations of the Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket from Starwood Hotels & Resorts when the current management contract expires on June 30, 2011. The hotel will be closed from July 1, 2011, for an extensive $30 million renovation, including all rooms, meeting facilities, and public spaces such as the lobby and restaurants.

When completed, the hotel will be re-branded under Banyan Tree’s sister brand, Angsana Hotels & Resorts, as Angsana Laguna Phuket. Scheduled to open by Dec. 1, 2011, this will be the flagship and largest resort under the Angsana brand with 384 keys. Angsana Laguna Phuket — which is located in Laguna Phuket, Asia’s first integrated resort — will be the fourth hotel in Thailand that is managed and operated by the Banyan Tree group. Located in Bang Tao Bay, Angsana Laguna Phuket will offer a destination beach club and introduce new concepts such as a tree house inspired two-story Kids’ Club, and a Rice Bar featuring classic rice-based Asian favorites.

Other facilities include an Angsana Spa, an Angsana retail gallery, numerous meeting rooms, and a 3850 square foot ballroom. Until June 30, 2011, Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket remains operational, and enquiries on general matters and existing reservations may be made by calling 66 (76) 324 101 27. From July 1, 2011, onwards for stays from Dec. 1, 2011, inquiries and reservations services for Angsana Laguna Phuket may be made via reservations@angsana.com . For more information, call 65 6849 5788 or visit www.angsana.com

The five-star Mount Meru Hotel reopened as a luxury hotel on Dec. 17, 2010, in Arusha, Tanzania’s safari capital and gateway to the North. The new 178-room Mount Meru Hotel offers a panorama of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak after Kilimanjaro, and 37 acres of gardens. The luxury property features four presidential suites, four restaurants, golf course, large outdoor swimming pool, spa, conference facilities and a business center.

Aloyce K. Nzuki, managing director, the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), said, “The opening of the Mount Meru Hotel comes at an excellent time because the demand for high-end hotels, especially with conference center facilities, has increased. Mainly in Arusha, which attracts many international conferences because of the Arusha International Conference Center, there has been a dire need for a large luxury property that would meet the criteria for regional and overseas delegates.” Mount Meru Hotel has a 300-seat conference center with a 24-seat boardroom and two small conference rooms.

Mount Meru sits on the eastern edge of the Great Rift Valley in Arusha, a hub for people visiting Africa’s most sought after attractions such as Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the famous Serengeti, home to the “great wildebeest migration” that was named the New Seventh Wonder of the World by USA Today and ABC TV’s “Good Morning America.” The Arusha Gemstone Exhibition, scheduled for May 2011, will be the next major international event to be held at the new Mount Meru hotel. This Expo will bring gemstone dealers from around the world to Arusha, where the rare gemstone, Tanzanite, can be found. For more information, visit www.mountmeruhotel.com

In 2011, several new hotel openings and renovations will take place in Singapore. The Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa (www.shangri-la.com) reopened Jan. 18 and rebranded as Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort, Singapore after a complete $63 million makeover. The only resort in Singapore with a beachfront location, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort, Singapore offers services and facilities catering to leisure and business travelers. Rooms feature views of the hill, garden, pool or sea, with a balcony in each room for guests to enjoy the lush natural surroundings.

The Park Avenue @ Rochester (www.parkavenueintl.com) will open by the end of 2011. The Rochester is an integrated development featuring an upscale contemporary hotel as well as The Rochester condominiums, serviced offices, retail outlets, specialty restaurants and cafes, located near Rochester Park, one of the island-nation’s most vibrant neighborhoods for dining and entertainment.

The Ibis Singapore Novena (www.ibishotel.com) will open in April. Billing itself as “the newest international best value three-star hotel in Singapore,” the Ibis Singapore Novena will be the only three-star property in Singapore featuring 32-inch LCD televisions in all guest rooms. The hotel will also offer complimentary broadband and Wi-Fi internet connection in public areas and guest rooms; an in-house gym; a full service restaurant, Oopen Pasta and Grill; and an in-house bar with a wide selection of international beers and spirits. For more information, visit www.stb.com.sg