Monday, 4 April 2022

Subtle knowing that it is what you do that counts

 

Regenerative Tourism - Creating Ripples of Change

Regenerative tourism can be challenging to both explain, and quite often to say!

Regenerative tourism isn’t new, just the label is. Thus, for many people and cultures it is a logical and tradition-based partnership between destination and visitor.

Regenerative tourism reflects a mindset and future vision.
Intent, empathy and awareness are all important, and realising that as members of the tourism industry, we have a wonderful opportunity to make positive change through tourism. In particular, through the tourism exchange between visitor and host.

Where the visitor, through respectful, mutual interaction with the local community, environment and culture, plays a part in an uplifting tourism experience that has wider, long-lasting benefits. There’s the dictionary definition out of the way!

As well as the importance of intent, empathy and awareness, it is also important to avoid taking a possessive, ‘me against my competition’ approach. Collectively, we have a precious gem in our care.

The more it is rubbed, the brighter it sparkles.
We need to take pride that we are all part of an industry and community, namely tourism, that has an opportunity to make positive, generational change. Regenerative tourism is about collaboration with multiple partners. The ingredients and outcomes are so diverse, dynamic and endless that we need to share with, and support, our industry fellowship.

For us at The Walshe Group, when we are creating a regenerative tourism experience, we look for three elements:
  • PEOPLE - Who care and have a strong sense of community spirit.
  • A PLACE - Which is treasured by those who live there and those who want to visit.
  • A PURPOSE - A community led vision for the benefit of future generations.
  • Integrated within this is the identification and fostering (working with our community and environmental partners) of young leaders who will be the key drivers of the future. By integrating such a future leadership programme, regenerative tourism can truly create dynamic and perpetual change.

Just like the people and place, the visitor also needs to be enriched.

People choose to travel to experience new destinations and to seek exchanges with the local culture. More often than not, regenerative tourism experiences take the visitor to the grassroots of a community. To be part of something that is special to that community. Somewhere unique and often culturally significant.

Visitors feel uplifted and enriched by being part of something special and unique where the engagement is truly local and valued. Many visitors take these life-changing behaviours and learnings back with them to their own home.

As members of the tourism industry, we have an exciting opportunity to create positive change through tourism. However you describe the meaning of regenerative tourism, you will know when you have it defined, because for all those involved, it will feel right!

More about The Walshe Group and DitO
At The Walshe Group we are aiming to make positive change, through tourism. Our DitO entity stands for Drop in the Ocean and is inspiring our initiatives in the field of regenerative tourism.

We are developing tourism experiences that create wider, long-lasting benefits to the environment, community and local culture, as well as providing an enriching, sometimes life-changing, experience for the visitor. Our DitO strategy includes the fostering of youth ambassadors to help create generational change.

We truly believe that even one drop can create a ripple of change.

Meliá Chiang Mai to Celebrate April Grand Opening

Meliá Chiang Mai
Meliá Chiang Mai, a 260-key urban hotel in the heart of Thailand’s mountainous Chiang Mai, with some of the city’s most spectacular views and its highest rooftop bar, will open on 10 April 2022.

Owned by Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, Asset World Corp Public Company Limited or AWC, and launched by Meliá Hotels International, Meliá Chiang Mai is the first five-star hotel to debut in Chiang Mai since the onset of the global pandemic. Situated on the lively Charoen Prathet Road, soaring over the River Ping and bustling Night Bazaar, the hotel is part of a roll-out of the Meliá brand in key destinations across Thailand that began with the launch of the nautical-themed Meliá Koh Samui, Thailand in January 2020.

With a design that pays homage to contemporary aesthetics and Chiang Mai’s charming history and culture, Meliá Chiang Mai is located six kilometers from the Chiang Mai International Airport, near an array of tourist attractions including the Old Town with its ancient moat and red-brick walls. The city’s oldest temple Wat Chiang Man, and the scenic Ang Kaew Reservoir are also within close proximity, with the elephant rescue center Elephant Nature Park, the stunning Mae Ya Waterfall, and UNESCO's latest biosphere reserve Doi Chiang Dao in the mountainous surrounds.

Housed in a 22-floor tower fronted by an adjoining seven-floor podium building, Meliá Chiang Mai’s host of top-notch facilities includes two restaurants, two bars, and two lounges, one with an executive lounge on the 21st floor. Other facilities include Meliá’s signature YHI Spa with seven treatment rooms, a fully equipped fitness center, swimming pool, ballroom, four other meeting spaces, and a kids and teens club.

DINING
The hotel’s pièce de résistance is a 360-degree rooftop bar on the 22nd floor named Mai The Sky Bar. Comprising two bars connected by a glass bridge, the bar affords views of the River Ping to the city’s east and the famed Doi Suthep Temple on the mountaintop to the west.

Under the stewardship of multi-award-winning executive chef Suksant Chutinthratip, the hotel draws on Meliá’s Spanish origins and celebrates Spain's famed gastronomy at its signature restaurant Mai Restaurant and Bar, on the 21st floor, and all-day dining restaurant Laan Na Kitchen.

Seating up to 38 diners, Mai Restaurant and Bar specializes in sumptuous contemporary Lanna (Northern Thai) style dishes with Mediterranean influences, as chefs prepare each dish à la minute from an open kitchen. Signature dishes include 'Baked salmon trout fillet with nam prik oung pimentos' and 'Pappardella soi curry noodles with yellow curry chicken and homemade pickled cabbage'.

Laan Na Kitchen serves authentic Mediterranean cuisine ranging from 'Salmorejo con tomate triturado' to 'Fideuá de marisco' in a vibrant marketplace setting. In addition to its indoor area seating 110 diners and patio area catering to 26 more people, Laan Na Kitchen also features four private dining rooms.

Mai The Sky Bar serves an array of authentic Spanish tapas and pinchos as well as a vast selection of beverages including imaginative cocktails crafted by skilled bartenders.

The open-air Tien Pool Bar, located above the lobby on the second floor, embraces the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool ambience and lures guests with a variety of tasty snacks, many with a Spanish flair such as 'Bocadillo serranito', and a variety of refreshing beverages.

Next to Laan Na Kitchen on the ground floor, Ruen Kaew Lounge serves a healthy, small bites menu under the ‘My Balance by Meliá’ program as well as a wellness-inspired afternoon tea, coffee, and more.

The hotel also offers a 24-hour in-room dining menu including five distinct healthy breakfast sets, as part of ‘My Balance by Meliá’, as well as a Spanish, Chinese, and local breakfast selection.

In partnership with ‘Ori9in, The Gourmet Farm', Meliá Chiang Mai is embracing the ‘farm to table’ social movement by establishing its own sustainable farm in San Sai District to harvest organic fruit, vegetables and herbs for its restaurants. Under its ‘360° Cuisine’ program, the hotel works closely with local farmers to improve sustainability, encourage ethical production, and help the farming community, give guests a peace of mind about where their food comes from and make communities and the overall food system more resilient.

Of the property's extensive room portfolio, 38 rooms and six suites belong to ‘The Level’, an upgraded level of service and benefits that provides exclusive access to The Level executive lounge. A sophisticated area for savouring an upgraded breakfast, complimentary all-day snacks, afternoon tea and evening cocktails, the lounge is also suited to casual business meetings. Private check-in and check-out at The Level Lounge, late check-out until 2pm (subject to availability), complimentary ironing of garments, and a 10% discount at the YHI Spa are among other The Level benefits.

GUEST ROOMS AND SUITES
Meliá Chiang Mai’s nine categories of contemporary, bright, and homely accommodations include rooms ranging in size from 30sqm to 54sqm and suites starting at 62sqm and topping out at 113sqm. All accommodations feature a king-sized bed (with two single beds also available) and mod-cons such as a flat-screen TV with a selection of international channels, tea and coffee-making facilities, and ironing facilities.

The lead-in ‘Meliá Room’ offers city vistas with west-facing rooms providing a window on sunsets over one of Thailand’s most iconic attractions, the historical Buddhist temple on Doi Suthep mountain, and east-facing rooms that take in sunrise over the Ping River.

Meliá Chiang Mai
The ‘Meliá Corner Room’ and ‘Meliá Premium Room’ are both fully soundproofed and feature a chaise-longue that stretches the entire length of the glass wall. The 54sqm ‘Premium Corner Room’ is fully equipped with a sofa, table and chairs, and modern amenities including a mini-bar and alarm clock. The Family Room, also 54sqm, offers ample room for additional beds, with connecting rooms available upon request.

Located on the higher floors of the hotel, the 62sqm ‘Level Suite’ offers a round bathtub and sweeping views of Chiang Mai. Commanding 113 sqm on the 20th floor, ‘The Level Presidential Suite’ is the epitome of elegance and sophistication. The Level Lounge is available to guests staying in ‘The Level Room’, ‘The Level Premium Room’, ‘The Level Suite’, and ‘The Level Presidential Suite’.

SPA AND WELLNESS
Meliá Chiang Mai’s YHI Spa will feature seven private treatment rooms, designed in an underwater theme, and a traditional Thai herbal sauna to help cleanse, detox, and ease muscle tension.

The YHI Spa features four single treatment rooms, two double (or couples) treatment rooms, and one double room for Thai massage as well as a separate room for pedicures with two seats.

The spa’s professional therapists use ancient Asian healing wisdom combined with modern wellness techniques in a full range of body treatments from massages and scrubs to wraps and facials, leaving spa-goers revitalised and refreshed. Treatments are based on organic Thai wellness brand HARNN’s products, made with natural ingredients via methods handed down the generations of Thai artisans.

Overlooking the outdoor swimming pool on the second floor, the gym includes premium fitness equipment from the latest Matrix line by Johnson including treadmills, elliptical trainers, and exercise bikes, as well as a free weights station and a collection of weights machines.

MICE FACILITIES
An idyllic venue for events and weddings, the property’s extensive conference facilities include a 358-sqm ballroom named Yi Peng Grand Ballroom and two function rooms on the tower’s second floor above the lobby, and a 185-sqm multi-purpose function room on the podium building's top floor, the seventh floor.

The ballroom’s 173-sqm pre-function area is connected to the outdoor swimming pool and Tien Pool Bar. As part of the ‘Power Meetings by Meliá’ program, the Power Lounge features a pool table, drinks area and funky seating suited to down-time between meetings.

Khom Multi-Function Room, on the seventh floor, opens to a 222-sqm outdoor terrace that also lends itself to events due to views of Chiang Mai, the river, and the mountains. The Khom Multi-Function Room adjoins a secret garden, that makes for a welcome surprise during coffee breaks.

“As one of the most popular places to visit on any travel itinerary to Thailand, we can’t help but be optimistic about the future of Chiang Mai's tourism industry,” said Mrs Wallapa Traisorat, Meliá Chiang Mai’s owner and AWC’s CEO and President. “Trading on the mystic splendor of Northern Thailand, this flagship hotel is part of AWC’s efforts to build a better future for Thailand’s tourism landscape and economy amid the new normal.”

“Following the successful launch of Meliá Koh Samui, Thailand, Meliá Chiang Mai marks an exciting expansion of Meliá Hotels International in Thailand,” said Mr Ignacio Martin, Area Managing Director South East Asia of Meliá Hotels International. “To deliver Meliá’s warm Spanish hospitality, distinctive passion for service and focus on the customer’s wellbeing, this hotel’s launch is all the more remarkable in these trying times.”

“Meliá Chiang Mai will open with about 160 employees and will eventually employ a total of 240 people,” said Meliá Chiang Mai’s General Manager, Mr Edward E. Snoeks. “In addition to being hugely beneficial for local employees and their families, the launch of the first five-star hotel to open in the city since the start of the global pandemic is a much-needed morale boost for the local tourism industry.”

To contact Meliá Chiang Mai or to make a booking, email reservation.chiangmai@melia.com, call +66 52 090 699 or visit https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/chiang-mai/melia-chiang-mai/index.htm

Meliá Chiang Mai
To celebrate its opening, Meliá Chiang Mai is offering rates starting from THB 2,499 (USD 76) per night for a Meliá Room with breakfast. The offer also includes a 20% discount on food and beverage and YHI Spa treatments. For stays of two nights or more, the hotel offers a complimentary round-trip transfer from Chiang Mai International Airport, cocktail, and tapas plate per stay. Bookings of four nights or more come with a complimentary guaranteed upgrade to the next room category, for bookings from now until 30 April 2022 for stays from 10 April until 31 October 2022.

The gigantic Shiome-no-Umi aquarium

Get swept away by the triangular glass walkway where schools of bonito and sardines swirl around you in the gigantic Shiome-no-Umi aquarium.

Aquamarine Fukushima is more than an aquarium featuring a huge range of marine life in natural environments that range from tropical to subarctic.
 
The Janome Beach is one of the world’s largest manmade beaches where you can touch sea creatures like starfish and sea urchins. 

You can even catch your own lunch, partake in workshops, and explore more activities at this hands-on facility.
https://www.aquamarine.or.jp/
#cities #JNTOSG

Aquamarine Fukushima
https://bit.ly/3N2dJTV

Japan National Tourism Organization
Instagram: visitjapansg
Website: japanbyjapan.com
Website: japan.travel/en/sg

Egypt, a country linking northeast Africa with the Middle East, dates to the time of the pharaohs

Egypt
Millennia-old monuments sit along the Nile River Valley, including Giza's colossal Pyramids and Great Sphinx as well as Luxor's hieroglyph-lined Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings tombs. 

The capital, Cairo, is home to Ottoman landmarks like Muhammad Ali Mosque and the Egyptian Museum, a trove of antiquities. 

During 2022, Egypt is marking :
  • the centenary of the discovery of the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamun, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries, and 
  • the two hundred anniversary of the deciphering of the Rosetta Stone. 
  • In addition, 2022 will see the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. 
To support this the hotel capacity around the museum is being increased with new road networks linking the museum with other sites in Cairo and Fayoum City. 

For the traveller, Egypt also offers desert, with plenty of oases and lodges and projects such as new touristic cities in New Alamein on the Mediterranean coast and Galala City on the mountains in Suez Governorate. 


Go Egypt is a member of ANTOR (the Association of National Tourism Organisations, which is the principle lobbying organization for the world's tourist offices. 

Phu Tho prepares for Hung Kings Festival

The northern province of Phu Tho will organise a festival commemorating the death anniversary of the Hung Vuong (Hung Kings) on April 10.

The festival will take place at the Hung Temple on Nghia Linh Mountain in Phong Chau District, 85km northwest of Ha Noi.

The Hung Temple Festival is one of the most important and sacred festivals of the Vietnamese people and is deeply embedded in the minds of every Vietnamese citizen, regardless of what province they come from.

It is held annually from the 8th to the 11th day of the third lunar month. The traditional festival honours the Vietnamese people's ancestors – the Hung Kings. They are believed to have ruled the country for 18 generations.

This year, the festival, with theme "Hung Kings Land - Sacred Root", will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the recognition of worshipping the Hùng Kings in Phú Thọ by the UN heritage agency UNESCO as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage in 2012.

The event will include incense offering ceremonies to the nation's legendary father Lac Long Quan and the nation's legendary mother Au Co, and to the Hùng Kings at the Hùng Kings Temple historical heritage site on Nghia Linh Mountain in Phong Chau.

Flower offerings will be held at the monument to President Ho Chi Minh, a sculpture featuring the President talking with soldiers from the Viet Nam People's Army.

Localities around the Hùng Temple will organise palanquin processions with limited participants ensuring COVID-19 prevention and control measures.

The festive activities will include a swimming competition at Van Lang Park on the morning of April 9 and an outdoor art show in the park in the evening.

Contests making bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake) and bánh dày (sticky rice bun) will be held to attract festival-goers.

The worshipping of the Hung Kings are closely related to the ancestral worship traditions of most Vietnamese families, an important part of people's spiritual life.
Source: VNS - vietnamnews.vn- March 10, 2022
Tags: #Phu Tho, #Hung Kings Festival, #Hung Temple,

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
Website: https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/

Australian Heritage Festival 2022 on from 1 April - 31 May

An annual celebration of natural, historic and Indigenous heritage places and activities across NSW and nationally, the Australian Heritage Festival is the nation’s largest community-driven heritage event.

Featuring a massive program of FREE and ticketed events and activities including exhibitions, walking tours, films, expert talks, workshops, food fairs, tours of historical sites, ceremonies, demonstrations, special dinners, lunches and so much more, the Australian Heritage Festival 2022 will be on from 1 April – 31 May.

For more than 40 years, the National Trust has connected the nation through the Australian Heritage Festival. Established in 1980 with this year’s theme of Curiosity, the Festival offers families, nature, history and culture-enthusiasts an ideal opportunity to become immersed in the unique heritage of NSW through special access to some our most extraordinary heritage hotspots.

Furthermore, the Festival also provides patronage, support and deserved-recognition to many community-based groups and organisations featured in the Festival program that have been through an incredibly tough few years.

“We are thrilled to present the Australian Heritage Festival for 2022” said Debbie Mills, Chief Executive Officer of the National Trust (NSW). “After an incredibly tough few years, this is a fantastic opportunity for the community to get out and explore heritage locally. Our theme is ‘curiosity’ and I’d encourage everyone to be inquisitive about heritage, and to actively discover our diverse and vibrant past. With over 150 events and activities throughout NSW, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.’’

The 2022 Australian Heritage Festival program is now live for public viewing online. Event organisers who have not yet registered are still encouraged to list events for inclusion over the next month.

The Australian Heritage Festival is coordinated annually by the National Trust of Australia and is supported by the NSW Government through Heritage NSW.

Each year the festival features a program of FREE and ticketed events and activities that operate right across New South Wales, as well as online offerings.

Highlights include:
  • April: Walking on Country – Youth, Parramatta - A rare opportunity for youth to join together with Aboriginal guides to delve into Aboriginal culture, discover how traditional owners cared for Country, and learn how to contribute to a sustainable future.
  • April: Oracles of The Bush, Tenterfield – A unique cultural event encompassing live performance of Australian Bush poetry, music and art.
  • April: Curious Talks and Tea, Riversdale, Goulburn - A special chance to join the museum guide and head gardener at Riversdale (the former home of NSW Surveyor-General, Edward Twynam) for morning tea, a curious talk and a tour of the homestead and stunning gardens.
  • April & May: The People’s Park – Theatre and History Come Together, Centennial Park - A 90-minute promenade visiting landmarks of Centennial Park; a myriad of historical facts, secret spots and vibrancy nestled in amongst wildlife and nature.
  • April & May: Apprentice Archaeologists for Kids, Parramatta – A unique chance for children to spend time with a real archaeologist and try their hand at archaeological investigation and recording.
  • April & May: Retford Park, Bowral –Retford Park is a special place recently opened to the public, with colourful art exhibitions, house tours, garden tours, gardening and fungi workshops, and a delightful self-led art and nature trail for families on offer throughout the festival period.
  • April & May: Sutherland Shire Citizens' Heritage Festival – An array of colourful events run by Shire organisations including music concerts, exhibitions, museum open days and more. A vintage bus will transport the community between venues.
  • April & May: Dundullimal Homestead, Dubbo – A diverse selection of activities are on offer including special talks, an afternoon of opera and the Schools Reconciliation Challenge exhibition, powerful in its appreciation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ methods of caring for Country.
  • April & May: Making Good: Convict Artisans in Exile, Old Government House, Parramatta – An exciting new exhibition exploring the lives of convict artisans who used their ingenuity, skill and perseverance to transform their place of exile into a thriving modern settlement. Special tours and hands-on workshops available.
  • April & May: Heritage on the Harbour, Pyrmont - Explore Sydney aboard a restored heritage vessel. Hear maritime stories and little-known facts of Sydney’s waterways, and learn of their transformations by convicts, sailors, scientists and more.
  • April & May: Autumn Colours, Bathurst – An exciting celebration of Bathurst’s rich history during its most spectacular season. Includes an unmissable series of guided tours and events.
  • May: Unpacking The Past, Parramatta – A rare opportunity to visit key archaeological sites in Parramatta, each delivering amazing insights into our Aboriginal and colonial past. Join an intriguing guided tour and meet archaeologists involved in the current excavations.
  • May: Down The Rabbit Hole At Bella Vista Farm, Bella Vista – A family-friendly fun-filled day out involving unmissable displays, tours of the homestead and farmyard, fleecy livestock, children’s heritage games, quizzes, music and more.

Sofitel Adelaide launches a new modern ‘Le Goûter’ style High Tea and 'Décoration Experience'

Afternoon tea might have a history steeped in English traditions, but that hasn’t stopped Sofitel Adelaide from launching its very own signature High Tea with a perfect Parisian twist.

Available every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, Sofitel’s elegant new High Tea (or Le Goûter as it’s called in France) is served on the ninth floor of Adelaide’s newest five-star hotel in the spectacular surroundings of Garçon Bleu. A French-reimagined restaurant Garçon Bleu offers a contemporary backdrop for this culinary journey, with conversation-starting modern art adorning the walls, exquisite interior design and commanding views of the CBD and outlying Adelaide Hills to compete for your attention.

In true French fashion, Sofitel’s High Tea is presented across several tiers with a selection of sweet and savoury treats, and a choice of tea or coffee. Prepare for a playful mix of old and new afternoon delights blending the best of France and Australia. Think lamingtons, scones with clotted cream and confiture maison and Tarte au Citron, aside farmhouse terrine and cornichon pickles; Smoked salmon blini with créme fraiche and finger lime, and crowd-pleasing Croque Monsieur morsels. (See full menu below).

Guests are invited to ‘elevate’ the experience with a glass of classic French Champagne (Perrier Jouet Grand Brut or Veuve D’Argent Cuvée Prestige Blanc) or a more theatrical en trend Bubble Martini. This month, Sofitel Adelaide has also launched its own bespoke sparkling wine (we call it Liquid Passion), developed by winemaker Owen Agnew in partnership with Barossa Valley vineyard, Rosenvale. Sofitel’s sparkling is also available as an accompaniment to High Tea.

Guests can select their preferred beverage package to set the tone for their next special occasion or celebration. Prices start from $69 per person for High Tea served with Tea & Coffee.

To upgrade and indulge Sofitel’s other beverage packages are priced at:
· $79 for High Tea with a glass or Veuve D’Argent Cuvee Prestige Blanc or a Bubble Martini
· $89 for High Tea with a glass of Perrier Jouet
· $149 for High Tea with a two-hour Perrier Jouet Grand Brut beverage package

Reservations are available from 1pm for a two-hour seating*.

MENU
Sweet Options:

Scones | GB jam | clotted cream
Lamington | caramelised white chocolate namelaka | raspberry gel
Roulade au cassis | crème Chantilly
Riz au Lait | apricot compote | white chocolate powder
Tarte au Citron

Savoury Options:
Pork & fennel sausage roll | wasabi sesame | tomato chutney
Farmhouse terrine | cornichon pickles
Croque Monsieur
Smoked salmon blini | crème fraiche | finger lime

Try your hand at High Tea Décoration at Sofitel Adelaide
Duration: 2 hours
Price: from $120 per adult; $80 per child

Experience the luxury of High tea at Sofitel Adelaide and give your children or grandchildren the opportunity to learn the art of le dessert decorating from the hotel’s talented pastry chefs this Easter. France is famous for its gastronomie and beautiful annual celebrations and traditions, and this intimate luxury experience involves seeing how some of the delicacies are created and presented – a heavenly way to create memories with your family. Each budding pastry chef will be able to take their special creations away in a cake box to enjoy.

This tasty and luxurious experience runs on Sunday afternoons from 2-4pm and is designed for adults attending with children. For groups of six or more, private group experiences are available on request.

For more information visit about Sofitel Adelaide’s High Teas at Garçon Bleu visit: www.sofiteladelaide.com.au/sofitel-occasions/high-tea/

For more information about Sofitel’s High Tea Décoration experience visit: Sofitel Adelaide - High Tea Décoration

To discuss or make a reservation over the phone call Sofitel Adelaide on 08 8432 1900.

Saturday, 2 April 2022

Live in the lap of Thai luxury for just $69 a night… only on Airbnb

To celebrate the return of international travel to Thailand, the palatial Governor’s Mansion on the tropical island of Phuket will open its doors to overnight guests for the first time in over 50 years, offering a one-of-a-kind luxury stay to one lucky group of travellers.

The majestic mansion is renowned as one of the best-designed buildings in Phuket and has been painstakingly curated by renowned Thai designer, Saran Yen Panya, to pay homage to Thailand’s rich heritage and immerse guests in a world of Thai opulence. At just $67 AUD per night for a two night stay, there’s no better way for Aussie travellers to have a taste of luxury as they re-embark on international holidays.

The special stay also coincides with the Songkran festival, the celebration of the Thai New Year, so the group of four lucky guests will get to soak in the vibrant festivities, flavours and famous Thai hospitality with this island getaway of a lifetime, only on Airbnb.

Guests will be immersed in a quintessentially Phuketian experience, including:
  • A personal welcome at check-in by Thai superstar Patricia ‘Good’ Tanchanok, who will share her favourite hidden gems in Phuket and tips for exploring the island
  • Exclusive access to a two-bedroom suite on the Mansion’s expansive second floor, including a private reception lounge and living room
  • A bespoke, multi-course ‘Songkran’ tasting menu prepared and hosted by master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe
  • A scuba diving and snorkelling adventure around the sparkling reefs and islands that dot the Andaman Sea
  • A gibbon rehabilitation social impact experience in Phuket’s last rainforest, Khao Pra Taew Wildlife Sanctuary

This special two-night stay at the Governor’s Palace for up to four guests will take place from Friday, April 15 to Sunday, April 17 for only $67 AUD ($50 USD)* per night. The booking will open for luxe holiday makers at 12PM AEDT on April 5.

“Songkran is a special moment for all Thais, as we give thanks and celebrate the dawn of a new year. As Thailand reopens, we are incredibly thrilled to partner with Airbnb to warmly welcome the world back to our country. We invite travellers from around the world to experience the “Amazing New Chapters” of Thailand under ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022’, with this iconic stay that shines a light on some of our finest Thai designers; as well as Phuket’s natural wonders, unique heritage and architecture, and delicious local cuisine,” shared Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

“Thailand is an extraordinary country with unparalleled warmth and hospitality, and some of the most beautiful destinations. As more of us begin to travel further from home and for longer durations, we are working with our Host community to welcome the world back to Thailand safely. We are delighted to add the majestic Governor’s Mansion to our collection of unique stays throughout the Kingdom,” said Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

About the Designers
Saran Yen Panya is one of Thailand’s most pre-eminent young designers and visual artists. Awarded Young Designer of the Year by Wallpaper Magazine Thailand and ELLE Decor, Saran is the co-founder of 56thStudio where he promotes local brands, designers and makers through creative experiences and storytelling. Saran was a TED speaker at TedX Chiang Mai, and has exhibited at Paris Design Week, Berlin’s Illustrative Art Festival and miart in Milan.

The Stay features pieces from six of Thailand's top designers, including:
  1. Bold statement chairs from Yothaka, Thailand’s master of design who has blazed a global trail for Thai furniture with his intricate, environmentally sustainable and Asian-inspired style
  2. Masaya’s hand casted bronze and brass pieces, including a trio of iconic stools and benches from the designer’s calligraphy-inspired ‘Ink’ collection
  3. Poufs, bronzeware and woven rattan jars from Sumphat Gallery, whose Thai and French founders re-compose traditional materials with contemporary techniques
  4. Funky eclectic mirrors, foot stools and consoles from contemporary designer Kitt.Ta.Khon who combines vernacular materials with craft techniques from around the world such as macrame and wickerwork
  5. Thaniya’s hand-painted ceramic vases, rice wax candles and standing lamps, which blend lyrical Thai prints with European-inspired motifs
  6. A bespoke lotus pond crafted exclusively for this stay by renowned avant garde ceramicist Mo Jirachaisakul, featuring a mosaic of delicate Thai floral motifs in pale yellow, celadon and pink
You can find the listing here

Tamagawa Rafting Tour - ride through the rapids!

Approximately 90 minutes from central Tokyo – Enjoy the wilderness of the Mitake Valley on a roller coaster ride through the rapids!
 
Located in the Tama River, Mitake Gorge is one of the 100 best waters in Japan. 

Come join us in beautiful Japanese nature, get active and bust some stress while making great memories.

 During the tour, there will shore visit where you can enjoy boating and games together. It will truly be an unforgettable experience!

What to bring: Swimming costume, bath towel, water shoes (300 yen rental), spectacle band if you wear glasses.
Period: March - December
Access: Futamatao Station (JR Ome Line)

Interested to find out more about the happenings in Tokyo city?
www.gotokyo.org/en