Banyan Tree Krabi Welcomes Ammaraporn Duangphophim as New Executive Sous Chef

Banyan Tree Krabi Welcomes Ammaraporn Duangphophim as New Executive Sous Chef

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 13, 2025

Banyan Tree Krabi has announced the appointment of Ammaraporn Duangphophim, also known as Chef Emma, as its new Executive Sous Chef. A seasoned culinary professional, Chef Emma brings over 15 years of experience from some of Thailand’s most prestigious hotels and restaurants. Originally from Bangkok, she holds a bachelor's degree in Hotel Administration and has worked in renowned establishments such as Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas in Malaysia, and the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel in Bangkok.

In her new role, Chef Emma will oversee operations at the resort’s three dining venues: The Naga Kitchen, an all-day dining space with international cuisine; Saffron, Banyan Tree’s signature Thai restaurant; and Kredkaew Bar, a beachfront dining spot. She joins a team dedicated to sustainability, focusing on locally sourced ingredients from farmers, fishermen, and distributors to create dishes that reflect the region’s rich culinary heritage.

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Excited about her new journey, Chef Emma expressed her enthusiasm for enhancing the luxury hospitality experience at Banyan Tree Krabi, emphasizing exceptional food, service, and wellness. She aims to incorporate traditional southern Thai recipes into her creations while refining her expertise in sustainable gastronomy.

One of the resort’s standout dining experiences is the Bird’s Nest—three elevated dining pods perched among the trees, connected to Saffron by a short walkway and accessible via a scenic electric funicular. This unique setting offers guests breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea while enjoying exquisite cuisine.

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Nestled along the serene Tubkaek Beach, Banyan Tree Krabi is a luxurious retreat featuring 72 pool suites and villas, including an opulent seven-bedroom Presidential Beachfront Pool Villa. The resort is surrounded by lush national parks, offering a tranquil escape with world-class amenities such as a beach club, a fitness center, a kids' club, and the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa Krabi.

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With Chef Emma at the helm, Banyan Tree Krabi’s culinary offerings are set to reach new heights, promising an unforgettable dining experience that seamlessly blends tradition, innovation, and sustainability.


Air Canada Doubles Delhi Toronto Flights Amid Rising Demand

Air Canada Doubles Delhi Toronto Flights Amid Rising Demand

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 11, 2026

Air Canada has increased the frequency of its Delhi–Toronto flights, making the service double daily to meet the rising demand for travel between India and North America.

The move comes at a time when airlines operating between the Middle East and North America are facing capacity challenges. The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict has resulted in the closure of several airspaces across the Middle East, leading to widespread disruption. Many airlines have been forced to cancel or delay flights to the region and on routes that pass through it.

To respond to the growing demand, Canada’s flag carrier is now operating two flights a day between Delhi and Toronto until the end of April. The enhanced schedule is aimed at supporting Indian travellers planning trips to North America during this period.

Under the current schedule, one flight departs from Delhi at 21:45 and arrives in Toronto at 05:00 the following day. The return service leaves Toronto at 19:55 and lands in Delhi at 20:10 the next day.

Travellers looking for more details on schedules and service updates can visit Air Canada’s official website for the latest information on flights between India and Canada.


The Hari Hong Kong Launches ‘This is Izakaya’ at Zoku and Seasonal Menus at Lucciola

The Hari Hong Kong Launches ‘This is Izakaya’ at Zoku and Seasonal Menus at Lucciola

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 3, 2025

The Hari Hong Kong is bringing fresh dining experiences this season with the launch of ‘This is Izakaya’ at Zoku and new seasonal menus at Lucciola.

At Zoku restaurant & The Terrace, Wednesdays now come alive with ‘This is Izakaya’, a lively Japanese dining experience that blends food, drinks, and music. Inspired by izakaya culture in Japan, guests can enjoy Nomihodai (free-flow drinks at a set price) paired with unlimited shared snacks, while live performances from singers and DJs create a vibrant midweek gathering.

The curated menu includes salmon tartar tacos, spicy edamame, Kyushu chicken wings, sake salmon skewers in teriyaki sauce, and sushi rolls like Kagoshima pork belly with pickled radish, miso, and lime or salmon with avocado, cucumber, and ponzu. Prices start at HKD368 per person for 90 minutes, with optional add-ons such as tiger prawn tempura (HKD58) and soft-shell crab rolls (HKD48). The drinks menu ranges from Asahi to martinis, along with non-alcoholic beers and crafted zero-proof cocktails.

Zoku’s October entertainment line-up includes DJ Miles, singer-songwriter Lili Forest 木子, singer Kasey Pong, busker RT Wong, and songwriter Josh Dionisio. With its striking design of leather booths, crimson banquettes, and origami-like timber ceilings, Zoku offers an intimate yet dynamic atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Lucciola, The Hari’s Italian restaurant, is highlighting the best of sea and woodland ingredients with new seasonal offerings. Seafood takes center stage every weekend with dishes like Impepata di Cozze (black-peppered steamed mussels), Crudo di Mare (fresh seafood platter), and Ostriche e Caviale (seasonal oysters with Ossetra caviar. On Thursdays, the ‘Mussel-icious’ promotion offers endless mussels with fries and salad.

Lucciola is also celebrating autumn flavors with a porcini mushroom set menu available until November 15, 2025. The multi-course menu showcases porcini mushrooms from northern Italy and Mediterranean figs in dishes such as Carpaccio di Fichi with Parma ham, Tagliatelle Funghi with beef cheek ragout, and Risotto Carnaroli with porcini, tomino cheese, and seasonal black truffle. Desserts include tiramisu, caramelized fig pie, or almond lemon cake. The full menu is priced at HKD688, with smaller course options starting at HKD568.

Both experiences highlight The Hari Hong Kong’s continued innovation in blending international flavors with immersive dining experiences, creating memorable evenings for its guests.


Hilton Debuts Tapestry Collection in Northern Ireland with The Marcus Portrush

Hilton Debuts Tapestry Collection in Northern Ireland with The Marcus Portrush

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 7, 2025

Hilton has unveiled The Marcus Portrush, a Tapestry Collection hotel, marking the debut of this upscale brand in Northern Ireland. The property features 80 elegantly designed rooms and is located along the stunning North Atlantic coastline in Portrush.

Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian building that dates back to 1895—once a hotel and artisan bakery—the £11 million ($15 million) renovation has carefully preserved historical elements such as original mosaic signage and floor mosaics.

The hotel’s opening is strategically aligned with the 153rd Open Championship, scheduled to be held at the nearby Royal Portrush Golf Club from 13–20 July 2025. This prestigious golf event returns to Northern Ireland for the first time since 2019, expected to draw a significant influx of international visitors.

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Stephen Cassidy, Senior Vice President for Hilton UK & Ireland, said, “Northern Ireland has seen a strong rise in tourism in recent years, drawing travellers from around the world to experience its unique charm. As the only internationally branded hotel in Portrush, The Marcus Portrush offers high-quality accommodation with an authentic local touch, making it the perfect base for visitors eager to explore all that Northern Ireland has to offer.”

The development stems from a franchise agreement with Andras House, Northern Ireland’s largest hotel group. The new hotel is projected to contribute around £1.1 million annually through visitor spending and create more than 40 permanent local jobs, reinforcing Portrush’s position as a key tourism hub.

Earlier this year, Hilton also announced a partnership with Loughview Leisure Group to bring a DoubleTree by Hilton to Belfast City Centre, further strengthening its footprint in Northern Ireland’s hospitality market.

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