Ascott Launches Citadines-ClassPass Partnership to Enhance Guest Experience

Ascott Launches Citadines-ClassPass Partnership to Enhance Guest Experience

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 4, 2024

The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a lodging business owned by CapitaLand Investment (CLI), has announced a global partnership between its Citadines brand and ClassPass, a popular subscription service that provides access to a wide network of fitness studios and gyms. This is Citadines' first global collaboration with a fitness service since launching its "activ∞" initiative in 2022, and it marks the largest partnership for ClassPass in the hospitality industry.

The partnership is aimed at promoting active living for guests of Citadines properties. "activ∞" offers curated amenities and programs designed to support guests in staying active and exploring city life. With a rising focus on wellness, the wellness tourism market is projected to grow substantially, according to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI). The institute forecasts that spending in the wellness tourism market will grow from $651 billion in 2022 to $1 trillion by 2024, and the physical activity industry is expected to grow annually by over 6.7%, reaching $1.4 trillion by 2027.

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From October 15 to December 14, 2024, guests staying at Citadines properties and members of Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), Ascott's loyalty program, will enjoy enhanced benefits from ClassPass. During this campaign, new ClassPass members can get a complimentary one-month membership to access fitness classes at different gyms and wellness centers across various markets, including Asia Pacific, France, and the United Kingdom. In China, the campaign, which began on September 26 and runs until November 30, offers ASR members discount codes for ClassPass sessions. Additionally, new ClassPass members in China who join ASR will receive a 75% discount on their first stay at participating properties.

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Following the promotional campaign, Citadines properties in Asia Pacific will gradually be added to the ClassPass app, allowing ClassPass members to book fitness facilities like pools and gyms. This partnership aligns with the activ∞ initiative, giving guests convenient access to wellness amenities as they live, work, and relax.

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Ms. Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer at Ascott, said, "In line with its brand tagline 'For the Love of Cities,' Citadines aims to delight guests by showcasing the best of urban living and inspiring them to live, work and play in infinite ways through curated, unique stay experiences. As Ascott celebrates 40 years of hospitality in 2024 with our 'Ascott Unlimited' campaign, we are excited to announce this inaugural global brand partnership between Citadines and ClassPass to promote 'activ∞ Unlimited.'"

Expanding Fitness Options Through activ∞ Unlimited

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In addition to the ClassPass partnership, Citadines properties worldwide hosted more than 200 fitness activations from August 1 to September 30, 2024, as part of the activ∞ Unlimited campaign. Each property curated activities to suit the unique character of its city. Examples include the ColorFest Electric Night Run at Citadines Bay City Manila, water sports packages at Citadines Qingshanhu Hangzhou in China, and foosball tournaments across Germany.

Properties in various locations, including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore, partnered with fitness studios to offer classes such as yoga, Pilates, and body combat. Hiking and cycling tours were also offered in the UK and Vietnam.

For the Love of Coffee

Another major initiative under the Citadines brand is the "For the Love of Coffee" campaign, celebrating International Coffee Week, starting October 1, 2024. More than 210 activities across Citadines properties are inviting coffee lovers to experience themed events.

- Unlimited Connections: Activities like free coffee for local drivers at Citadines Connect Georgetown Penang and latte art training sessions with certified baristas in Indonesia aim to foster connections among guests and locals. Other activities include coffee painting and culinary sessions in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore.

  - Unlimited Experiences: Citadines properties will work with local coffee shops to give guests an authentic local coffee experience. For instance, properties in Singapore and Cambodia will offer complimentary local coffee to guests each morning.

- Unlimited Discoveries: To encourage exploration, properties in Vietnam, Singapore, and China will serve free local coffee to help guests start their day. Guests at Citadines properties in Vietnam can also participate in activities like using coffee grounds for potted plants.

For more information visit website

About Ascott

Ascott, founded in Singapore, has become a trusted hospitality company since the launch of Asia Pacific’s first international-class serviced residence, The Ascott Singapore, in 1984. Today, the company has a global presence, with more than 950 properties in over 230 cities across 40 countries.


Ridhira Group to Build Luxury Resort and Global Wellness Centre in Telangana

Ridhira Group to Build Luxury Resort and Global Wellness Centre in Telangana

By Hariharan U

Published on October 3, 2025

Ridhira Group has announced plans to develop Ridhira Zen, a flagship luxury wellness project in Telangana, after receiving the official Letter of Award from the state’s Youth Advancement, Tourism, and Culture (YATC) Department.

The ambitious development, set near Shankarpally in Ranga Reddy District, involves an investment of approximately Rs 200 crore. Spread across six acres, Ridhira Zen will feature a 5-star branded resort, a 10,000 sq. ft. Global Wellness Centre and Spa, upscale villas, and premium plots. Once complete, it is expected to become the region’s largest wellness-centric resort and a landmark in India’s growing wellness tourism sector.

Highlighting the vision behind the project, Ritesh Mastipuram, Founder and Managing Director, Ridhira Group, said, “We are delighted to receive this government recognition for our visionary project, as it reinforces our long-term commitment to revolutionize wellness hospitality in Telangana. This development, with its unprecedented scale and investment, is designed to set new benchmarks in sustainable luxury and holistic living, combining innovation with deep respect for nature and well-being. With the government’s proactive support, we are confident of ensuring timely and seamless execution, and we look forward to contributing meaningfully to the region’s overall growth, while also shaping Telangana’s reputation as a global destination for wellness tourism.”

The project reflects Ridhira Group’s focus on integrating wellness, sustainability, and modern luxury into hospitality. It also strengthens Telangana’s positioning as a hub for world-class tourism and wellness experiences.


ELENA Expands to India, Bringing World-Class Wellness Expertise

ELENA Expands to India, Bringing World-Class Wellness Expertise

By Hariharan U

Published on September 27, 2025

ELENA, the acclaimed spa and wellness brand from Atmosphere Core, is making its entry into India, bringing with it a globally recognised approach to luxury well-being. Having already transformed the spa landscape in the Maldives, the brand now aims to partner with hotels and resorts in India to offer guests elevated wellness experiences that blend tradition with modernity.

Founded in 2015, ELENA, short for Elements of Nature draws inspiration from natural forces and is guided by the philosophy Wellness Your Way™. The brand is known for creating personalised, inclusive, and sustainable wellness journeys, combining time-honoured healing practices with contemporary therapies.

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India holds a deep legacy of wellness, and with ELENA, we aim to create a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern well-being. Leveraging our global and diverse expertise, we are proud to introduce India to wellness sanctuaries that are sustainable, luxurious, and truly transformative,” says Heidi Grimwood, Vice President, Atmosphere Wellness Pvt. Ltd.

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The Four Pillars of ELENA, Every spa by ELENA is designed around four guiding principles:

  • Nature-Centric Enlightenment: Authentic concepts inspired by nature.

  • Sustainable Spirit: Eco-conscious practices integrated into daily operations.

  • Zeal for Wellness: Innovative therapies combining global expertise with local traditions.

  • Wellness for All: Inclusive journeys tailored to different guest needs.

With an award-winning legacy in the Maldives including honours such as the World Luxury Spa Awards, India’s Best Awards, and Global Spa Awards, ELENA has built its reputation on delivering consistent excellence. Its expertise extends to spa training, guest service models, and sustainable operational practices.

In India, the brand will go beyond offering signature treatments. ELENA plans to partner with hotels and resorts for complete spa development and management covering everything from turnkey operations and customised wellness programming to hands-on training for therapists. This ensures hospitality partners can introduce world-class spa experiences backed by a proven and respected international model.

With a successful foundation in the Maldives and a growing footprint across regions, ELENA is now setting new benchmarks for luxury wellness in India combining sustainability, tradition, and innovation to transform both guest experiences and the hospitality industry


Banyan Tree Spa Krabi Shines at Thailand Tourism Awards

Banyan Tree Spa Krabi Shines at Thailand Tourism Awards

By Hariharan U

Published on September 14, 2025

Banyan Tree Spa Krabi has earned two major recognitions at the Thailand Tourism Awards, reaffirming its reputation as a leading name in wellness and sustainability.

The resort’s spa received the Thailand Tourism Outstanding Award in the Hotel and Resort category and the Thailand Tourism Sustainability Award in the Health and Wellness Tourism category. While it secured second place in both, the achievement highlights Banyan Tree Spa Krabi’s strong focus on authenticity, sustainability, and guest care. Its sister property, Banyan Tree Spa Samui, also ranked among the top five in Outstanding and top ten in Sustainability.

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Often called the “Kinnaree Awards”, the Thailand Tourism Awards are organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and serve as a hallmark of excellence in the spa and hospitality industries.

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“Our key strength lies in having a clear and distinctive concept,” said Montira Vichiankoo, Spa & Gallery Manager at Banyan Tree Spa Krabi. “Our treatments and wellbeing activities draw from Krabi’s heritage, using locally sourced ingredients such as coconut, turmeric and tamarind. Another important factor is our strong commitment to sustainability. We support the local community, and our team lives these values every day.”

Montira added that the spa prides itself on personalised care, from the signature Scent of the Day welcome ritual to tailored treatment recommendations and thoughtful self-care tips that extend beyond the spa visit.

The spa’s therapists, trained at the Banyan Spa & Wellbeing Academy in Phuket, deliver highly professional treatments across eight private suites, each with its own garden and calming “colour-calm” lighting.

Banyan Tree Spa Krabi also introduced the region’s first hydrotherapy facility, The Rainforest, featuring a full hydrothermal circuit with saunas, vitality pools, cold and hot plunge pools, steam rooms, and heated beds — designed to balance both body and mind.

The spa has already been named one of Thailand’s most luxurious by the MICHELIN Guide, which also awarded Banyan Tree Krabi 2 Keys in its hotel listings.

Beyond the spa, Banyan Tree Krabi offers 72 villas and suites, each with private infinity and jet pools facing the Andaman Sea. Guests can join the resort’s Wellbeing Sanctuary programme, which combines yoga, meditation, nature walks, and nutrition guidance under the expertise of Ayurvedic specialist Dr Subhash Shanbhag.

Recreational activities range from kayaking and paddleboarding to Thai boxing and hiking, while dining options highlight Thai flavours alongside international cuisine.With a blend of sustainability, authentic traditions, and personalised service, Banyan Tree Spa Krabi has carved out a leading position in Thailand’s luxury wellness scene, a fact now underlined by its latest wins at the Thailand Tourism Awards.

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