New hotels: Mondrian Gold Coast, Sheraton Johor Bahru and more

October 9, 2025

Mondrian Gold Coast’s new interconnecting Beach Houses; photo by Justin Nicholas

Mondrian Gold Coast, Australia
Mondrian Gold Coast has launched two Beach Houses at Burleigh Heads, offering a private, residential-style stay with full hotel services. The two- and three-bedroom residences span two levels and may be combined into a five-bedroom retreat. Each includes a private magnesium plunge pool, full kitchen, laundry facilities, and expansive terraces designed for indoor-outdoor living. Guests have direct access to the beachfront Esplanade and a private entrance via the hotel lobby.

Located on the southern Gold Coast, the Beach Houses are close to local dining, shopping and beachfront attractions.

Sheraton Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Sheraton Johor Bahru has opened with 345 guestrooms and suites, including Family Rooms and Family Suites featuring two-bedroom layouts with king beds and bunk beds. Club-level guests and Marriott Bonvoy Elite members have access to the Sheraton Club, offering city views and workspaces.

Facilities include an outdoor pool, fitness centre, and Johor Bahru’s largest kids’ pool. The hotel offers over 2,295m² of event space across eight venues, including a grand ballroom for up to 1,400 guests. Dining options span four venues, including Daily Social, Soo Noodles, and Unspoken Bar.

Located near the Singapore-Johor Bahru Causeway, the hotel is close to Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, Bazaar Karat Night Market, Legoland Malaysia, and Johor Premium Outlets. It is connected to SKS City Mall and is a 45-minute drive from Senai International Airport.

Kromo Bangkok, Curio Collection by Hilton, Thailand
Kromo Bangkok, Curio Collection by Hilton has commenced operations on Sukhumvit Soi 29, marking the brand’s debut in Thailand. The 28-storey hotel features 306 rooms and suites, including King, Twin, and Junior layouts starting at 30m².

Facilities include a rooftop pool on the 28th floor with skyline views, a fitness centre, and Vilah Social Creative Space for workshops and gatherings. Dining options include Colette, a French-inspired bistro and bar serving locally influenced cuisine.

The hotel is located near Sukhumvit’s shopping and entertainment districts.

Vinetree Yunnan-Vietnam Railway Tented Resort, China
Vinetree Yunnan-Vietnam Railway Tented Resort is now welcoming guests in southern Yunnan, China, just one kilometre from the historic Yunnan-Vietnam railway – China’s earliest international railway.

The property features 12 tented guestrooms, including six panoramic tents with 360-degree mountain views. Interiors are styled with vintage railway memorabilia, while outdoor spaces incorporate retro oil lamps and reclaimed sleepers to reflect the region’s rail heritage.

Communal areas offer space for relaxation and cultural immersion. The resort is located near the Herringbone Bridge and other landmarks along China’s earliest international railway, providing convenient access to historic attractions.

Emirates opens Dubai facility for advanced hospitality training

By TTG India

October 8, 2025

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Emirates has unveiled a new training facility in Dubai to provide advanced hospitality instruction for nearly 25,000 cabin crew.

The US$8 million Emirates Centre of Hospitality Excellence includes a restaurant and lounge for up to 170 guests, presentation kitchens and eight classrooms. More than 10,000 cabin crew are expected to train there by the end of the year.

Emirates launches new Centre of Hospitality Excellence for cabin crew training

The centre focuses on service standards modelled on Michelin-star protocols, covering fine dining procedures, guest engagement and table service. It follows a partnership formed in 2020 between Emirates and the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland to develop a new hospitality strategy.

New recruits and experienced crew will receive training at the facility, which allows participants to dine as guests and experience a four-course lunch prepared by Emirates’ culinary team. The centre also includes a training kitchen where cabin crew learn plating techniques and presentation, as well as The Art of Service course, which focuses on communication, emotional intelligence and fine dining etiquette.

The centre will also host L’art du vin, Emirates’ wine education programme for cabin crew, launched in 2024. The programme offers three levels of wine training – Introduction, Business Class and First Class – covering tasting, wine heritage and food pairing.

The Emirates Centre of Hospitality Excellence adds to the airline’s existing training infrastructure, including the Crew Zone opened earlier this year at Emirates Group Headquarters, which provides workshops, wellbeing services and staff support. Emirates currently employs almost 25,000 cabin crew from over 140 countries, all trained at the Emirates Crew Training Centre in Dubai through an initial eight-week course covering safety, service and hospitality.

Thomas Ney, deputy senior vice president of service delivery, Emirates remarked: “Emirates continues to uplift the ‘fly better’ experience for our valued customers. We have invested in the highest levels of luxury hospitality training for our cabin crew, enabling them to really relate to the customers they serve and create unforgettable signature moments.”

Royal Caribbean prepares new experiences on Legend of the Seas

By TTG India

October 8, 2025

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Royal Caribbean will debut Legend of the Seas in July 2026, offering new itineraries across Europe and the Southern Caribbean with expanded dining, entertainment and family activities.

The ship features eight neighbourhoods with new dining options including the Royal Railway – Legend Station, tracing the Silk Routes, and the Hollywoodland Supper Club inspired by classic cinema. Other venues include AquaDome Market, Surfside Eatery, Basecamp on Thrill Island, Chops Grille, Izumi and Hooked Seafood.

Legend of the Seas will offer expanded dining, entertainment, and adventure for families across Europe and the Caribbean

Entertainment highlights include the Broadway musical Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, AquaTheater shows, and the ice arena Absolute Zero, supported by over 20 bars and live music venues.

Adventure options include six waterslides, Crown’s Edge skywalk and zip line, mini golf at Lost Dunes, and the Adrenaline Peak rock-climbing wall. Pools cater to families and adults, and family areas have a new carousel and redesigned Playscape. Signature ship features include the Royal Promenade, Central Park and the Pearl kinetic sculpture.

Legend of the Seas will sail seven-night Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona in summer 2026 and Caribbean voyages from Fort Lauderdale in November 2026, all visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The ship will be Royal Caribbean’s fourth LNG-fuelled vessel, incorporating waste heat recovery and shore power connection as part of the company’s plan for a net-zero cruise ship by 2035.

“With Legend of the Seas, we are bringing to life our most legendary vacation yet as we continue to push the boundaries with more of what guests know and love,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean.

Leisure Hotels Group expands Corbett portfolio with new experiential resort

By TTG India

October 8, 2025

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Leisure Hotels Group (LHG), a home-grown resort chain from Uttarakhand, will expand its presence in Corbett with a new experiential resort this December.

With this addition, LHG will operate four properties offering over 260 accommodation options, from cottage-style rooms and suites to Swiss tents, making it the largest and most diverse portfolio in the region.

Leisure Hotels Group adds a new Kosi-side retreat to its Corbett portfolio, joining icons like Taj Corbett Resort & Spa, pictured

Since entering Corbett in 1993, LHG has helped shape the destination’s wilderness experience, creating properties that blend with nature and offer immersive stays. Previous milestones include the Riverview Retreat (2000) alongside the Kosi River, Jamoon Camp (2010) with tented lodging near the forest, and Taj Corbett Resort & Spa (2016), which elevated the region’s luxury positioning. The new resort will further expand the group’s footprint.

Each property targets different audiences, including families, couples, wildlife enthusiasts, and corporates. Offerings include jeep safaris, birding trails, riverside picnics, night walks, rafting, and dining such as riverside breakfasts, jungle barbecues, and local Kumaoni menus.

LHG also supports local communities through employment, training, and cultural initiatives, including reviving Aipan art, supporting Chhaliya dancers, and hosting classical music performances. Sustainability is embedded through solar power, rainwater harvesting, wildlife partnerships, and waste management.

Mukund Prasad, managing director of LHG, noted that when Corbett was largely undeveloped in the early 1990s, the company helped shape its tourism landscape, setting standards for experiences from riverfront retreats and swiss tents to luxury resorts, creating a uniquely layered hospitality offering in the region.

He said: “For us, the journey has never been just about building hotels – it has been about nurturing a destination, preserving its culture, and redefining responsible wilderness tourism for the future.”

Vibhas Prasad, director of LHG, added: “With this new resort along the Kosi River, we are reaffirming our commitment to keeping Corbett on the global wilderness tourism map.”

Globus names head of marketing for Asia-Pacific

By TTG India

October 7, 2025

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Globus family of brands (GFOB) has appointed Johanna Raeder as head of marketing for its Asia-Pacific offices.

Raeder brings more than 15 years of experience in the travel industry, having led growth-focused marketing strategies across airlines, cruises, hotels, and destinations. She most recently served as marketing director at Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia and previously held senior roles at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and LATAM Airlines Group.

Based in the Sydney office, Raeder will oversee marketing strategy and the full trade and consumer marketing mix for GFOB across the Asia-Pacific region.

Raffles and Fairmont Makati appoints new hotel manager

By TTG India

October 7, 2025

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Raffles and Fairmont Makati has named Fergus Mac Devitt as its new hotel manager.

Mac Devitt brings over 20 years of luxury hospitality experience across Europe and Asia, including senior roles at Swissôtel and Fairmont properties in Germany, China, Japan, and Singapore. He previously served as hotel manager at Fairmont St Andrews in Scotland.

Having spent most of his career with Accor, the parent company of Fairmont and Raffles, Mac Devitt will now lead operations in Makati, focusing on delivering high-quality guest experiences.

Hilton survey reveals surge in sports and entertainment-led travel across Asia-Pacific

By TTG India

October 7, 2025

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Hilton has released new research showing that nearly half of travellers in Asia-Pacific are planning international trips around major sporting and music events.

The survey, conducted across China, India, Australia, Singapore and Japan, highlights the growing influence of sports and entertainment on travel decisions, with 70% of respondents citing quality of hospitality as a key factor.

Nearly half of travellers plan international trips around major events, with loyalty programmes driving demand for exclusive experiences

Interest in sports tourism is particularly strong in China (59%) and India (57%), with 70% of respondents willing to travel for events such as Formula 1 races, and 63% for concerts and festivals. These trips are often social, with most travellers attending alongside friends or partners. Among 18 to 24 year olds, 60% prefer travelling with friends.

Accommodation choices are driven by proximity to the event (72%), price (72%), and hospitality standards (70%). Respondents in China placed the highest importance on proximity (81%) and hospitality (80%). More than half (54%) of travellers across the region said exclusive access and rewards were strong motivators when choosing where to stay.

Hilton Honors, the company’s loyalty programme, continues to play a central role in enabling access to experience-led travel. At the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix, Hilton Honors members redeemed over nine million points for McLaren F1 Team VIP packages, which included trackside hospitality, McLaren-hosted activities and a two-night stay at Conrad Singapore Marina Bay. 40% of respondents expressed interest in redeeming points for access to exclusive hospitality lounges with food and beverage offerings.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Hilton’s partnership with the McLaren F1 Team. Hilton is hosting the team at 21 properties throughout the race season, including in Singapore. The collaboration has evolved into a platform for fan engagement, with recent activations including a sleep soundtrack created by Lando Norris and Max Fewtrell, and the launch of the Stay Like McLaren Racing suite at The Trafalgar St James London, Curio Collection by Hilton.

Hilton Honors Experiences continue to offer members access to exclusive events, including the McLaren F1 Team VIP Experience at the Singapore Grand Prix. Conrad Singapore Marina Bay will feature interactive elements such as a reaction wall, photo opportunities with the McLaren F1 car, and a themed afternoon tea.

“Sports and entertainment tourism is becoming one of the defining travel trends in Asia-Pacific, and F1 is leading the charge,” said Ben George, senior vice president and commercial director, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “At Hilton, we have always believed that incredible travel experiences start with an exceptional Stay. Our partnership with the McLaren F1 Team allows us to connect guests and fans with the moments they are most passionate about – both on and off the track.”

Marriott unveils outdoor travel platform and nature-focused hotel collection

By TTG India

October 7, 2025

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Marriott International has launched Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors, a digital platform designed to help travellers discover and book trips based on preferred outdoor activities.

The platform includes access to more than 450 hotels, 50,000 homes and villas, and curated tours and activities across categories such as skiing, hiking, cycling, diving, surfing, fishing and paddling.

Travellers can now book nature-based stays and experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors

The company has also introduced the Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy, a portfolio of properties located in nature-focused destinations. These include cabins near national parks and boutique hotels in remote settings, offering basic amenities such as beds, running water and restrooms.

The first two brands in the Outdoor Collection are Postcard Cabins and Trailborn Hotels. Postcard Cabins operates over 1,200 properties across 29 locations in the US, each within two hours of major cities. Trailborn Hotels offers accommodation in areas such as the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Grand Canyon and Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, with guided excursions and locally focused programming.

Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors has partnered with Outside Interactive to offer Marriott Bonvoy Moments, including hiking and kayaking in Hawaii, kayaking in the Maldives and snorkelling in Belize. Further Moments will be announced throughout 2026.

To promote the launch, Marriott Bonvoy has introduced the Drop Pin Challenge, a treasure hunt across 20 outdoor destinations in the US and Canada. Participants can scan physical map pins to earn Marriott Bonvoy points, with 10 million points available in total.

“We built Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors to help people, whether that’s cresting a mountain trail, catching the perfect wave, or simply finding quiet under the stars,” said Peggy Roe, executive vice president and chief customer officer, Marriott International.

“Travel is at its best when it speaks to who we are and what we love. It’s about reconnecting with yourself and the people you love in the places that inspire you most. With the new Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy, our curated Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and even playful activations like the Drop Pin Challenge with Dylan Efron, we’re not just offering places to stay – we’re opening doors to experiences that inspire, connect, and stay with you forever.”

Legoland Malaysia marks Halloween with return of Brick-or-Treat Monster Party

By TTG India

October 7, 2025

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Legoland Malaysia Resort will host its annual Brick-or-Treat Monster Party from October 2 to November 2, 2025. The event will feature themed activities across the resort, including workshops, live performances and interactive installations.

Visitors can begin at the Beginning Area, where children may participate in Lego Spider Build and Frankenstein Comes to Bricks, or join activities such as Scare Slam Dunk and Build-a-Lego Monster. At Kingdom Castle, guests will encounter the Witches’ Party and Vampire Carnival, as well as the Wicked Maze Runner and Lord Vampyre’s Carnival, which includes Frankenstein’s Games Room, a Candy Corn Hunt and the Trick-or-Trade Station offering limited-edition Halloween mini figures.

Families explore Halloween-themed activities at Legoland Malaysia’s Brick-or-Treat Monster Party, running until November 2

Daily performances will include Monstrous Morning Bash, Zombie Cheer Squad, The Great Candy Caper and Wizard’s Spellbound. Additional entertainment includes Monster Mash Mob and Jam with the Monsters, with a Monster Flash Mob scheduled every Friday and Saturday evening.

Weekend activities will include the Candy Trail, allowing children to collect sweets throughout the park, and Boo-tiful Bakes, a cupcake decorating workshop. A Halloween costume contest will also take place, with categories for Best Family Costume, Most Creative Costume and Most Monster-est Costume. Winners and runners-up will receive Lego sets.

Meet-and-greet sessions with Lego characters such as Frankenstein, Lord Vampyre, the Green Witch and Zombie Cheer Leader will be available. Other activities include the Candy Trail and Boo-tiful Bakes. The Monster Flash Mob will take place at 19.45 on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Great Monster Chase 4D will be screened during the event, featuring Lego characters in a short film with in-theatre effects including wind and lighting.

Children aged three to 11 who arrive in full Halloween costume will receive free entry with a paying adult from October 2 to November 2.

For more information, visit Legoland Malaysia Resort.

Jason Kruse joins Anantara Maldives Resorts as complex GM

By TTG India

October 6, 2025

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Minor Hotels has appointed Jason Kruse as complex general manager for Anantara Dhigu, Anantara Veli, and Naladhu Private Island Maldives.

He will oversee strategy and operations across the three distinct resorts, driving guest experience, brand alignment, and sustainable growth.

With over 20 years’ experience in luxury hospitality across Asia-Pacific, including leadership roles at Amilla, Kurumba, and JA Manafaru in the Maldives, Kruse brings deep market insight and operational expertise to his new role.

New hotels: Mondrian Gold Coast, Sheraton Johor Bahru and more

Emirates opens Dubai facility for advanced hospitality training

Royal Caribbean prepares new experiences on Legend of the Seas

Leisure Hotels Group expands Corbett portfolio with new experiential resort

Globus names head of marketing for Asia-Pacific

Raffles and Fairmont Makati appoints new hotel manager

Hilton survey reveals surge in sports and entertainment-led travel across Asia-Pacific

Marriott unveils outdoor travel platform and nature-focused hotel collection

Legoland Malaysia marks Halloween with return of Brick-or-Treat Monster Party

Jason Kruse joins Anantara Maldives Resorts as complex GM

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