Ascott Refreshes The Unlimited Collection Brand to Enhance Cultural Experiences

Ascott Refreshes The Unlimited Collection Brand to Enhance Cultural Experiences

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on August 16, 2024

The Ascott Ltd., a subsidiary of CapitaLand Investment, is revitalizing its brand, The Unlimited Collection, to emphasize the brand's commitment to offering immersive cultural experiences. The Unlimited Collection, which was first introduced in Singapore in 2020, has rapidly expanded to include 11 properties across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. This brand refresh is part of Ascott’s broader Brand360 strategy, aimed at strengthening its portfolio and enhancing its global positioning as a collection of independent, upscale hotels.

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The Grand Hotel Leicester by The Unlimited Collection will join the brand portfolio in the UK by 2Q 2025.

The Unlimited Collection is designed to offer travelers authentic experiences that reflect the local culture. The brand’s properties are located in vibrant neighborhoods and feature unique designs that resonate with the local environment. As part of the refresh, The Unlimited Collection will introduce new initiatives focused on local festivals, art, music, and cuisine, further enhancing the guest experience.

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Forbes has named KēSa House by The Unlimited Collection the Best Boutique Hotel in Singapore. This stylish property occupies ten connected shophouses in the heart of Chinatown and offers a unique blend of old-world allure and modern comfort.

Since its inception, The Unlimited Collection has expanded significantly, starting with three properties in Singapore. These include Ann Siang House, KēSa House, and Wanderlust, each situated in culturally significant buildings and offering distinct character and design. In 2023, the brand added eight new properties, bringing its total to more than 900 units globally.

Looking ahead, The Unlimited Collection plans to expand further in Asia, with new properties in Malaysia and Indonesia, adding over 200 units by the end of 2025. In Europe, the brand will enter the UK market with the opening of the Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh and The Grand Hotel Leicester. Additionally, the 136-room Temple Bar Hotel in Dublin will be rebranded under The Unlimited Collection by the end of 2024. The brand will also make its debut in the Middle East with a new property in Marrakech, set to open in 2026.

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Wanderlust by The Unlimited Collection, a harmonious blend of 1920s Art Deco architecture and contemporary luxury, has been awarded the title of Best Hotel for Couples in Singapore by Forbes.

Ascott’s Chief Commercial Officer, Tan Bee Leng, emphasized the brand’s focus on cultural charm: “Travellers nowadays are willing to invest more in experiences that are true to local culture. For Ascott, it means building up a brand rooted in the power of discovery and the magic of authentic experiences. As more travellers aspire to embrace the local way of life, The Unlimited Collection rises to the occasion with curated experiential stays that appeal to this emerging breed of travellers who seeks an immersive sense of place. Designed to offer an authentic experience from each destination, every property in The Unlimited Collection is a local landmark featuring exquisite designs that leads guests to intriguing personal discoveries and engaging cultural appreciation. With its refreshed brand focus on the charm of culture, we are confident The Unlimited Collection will foster a deeper connection between our guests and the destinations they visit, making every stay memorable and unique.

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Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh is set to undergo a rebranding as part of The Unlimited Collection before the end of 2024.

This brand refresh not only aims to attract travelers seeking genuine cultural experiences but also provides flexibility for property owners. According to Serena Lim, Ascott’s Chief Growth Officer, the brand allows Ascott to partner with independent owners who wish to maintain their property's unique identity while benefiting from Ascott’s expertise in hospitality management.

With its updated focus and ongoing expansion, The Unlimited Collection is poised to become a key player in the luxury hospitality market, offering travelers unique, culturally immersive experiences across the globe.


Dwarika’s to Host Luxurious Indra Jatra Celebration on 6th September

Dwarika’s to Host Luxurious Indra Jatra Celebration on 6th September

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 6, 2025

Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu and its sister property, Dwarika’s Resort in Dhulikhel, are set to host a grand cultural celebration on 6th September 2025, bringing to life Nepal’s most revered festival, Indra Jatra. This exclusive experience allows guests to immerse themselves in centuries-old traditions in a luxurious, crowd-free setting, making it an ideal cultural escape, especially for Indian travellers who can visit Nepal without a visa.

Indra Jatra, celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley, the spiritual heart of the Himalayan Kingdom, marks the transition from monsoon to harvest season and honours Lord Indra, the rain god. The eight-day festival is famed for its vibrant rituals, masked dances, and the chariot procession of the Living Goddess Kumari, drawing devotees and visitors alike.

At Dwarika’s Hotel, the festival will be recreated within its historic courtyard, offering guests an intimate glimpse into Nepal’s spiritual and artistic heritage. The evening will feature mesmerising folk dances, including Devi and Aarati performances and the iconic Lakhey masked dances, accompanied by traditional music from instruments such as Khain, Paschima, Bhusya, and Madal. Guests will also have the rare chance to take part in the pulling of the sacred chariot of the Living Goddess Kumari.

A lavish Newari feast will be the centrepiece of the evening, with Samaybaji, locally brewed drinks, and a spread of traditional dishes that showcase the region’s culinary legacy. The celebrations extend to Dwarika’s Resort in Dhulikhel, a wellness sanctuary inspired by Buddhist medicine and Himalayan Vedic traditions, located just 45 minutes from Kathmandu Airport. Guests here will experience the symbolic festival recreated in a serene hillside setting.

“Indra Jatra is more than a festival; it is a profound expression of Nepal’s spiritual soul and exemplifies Newar’s living heritage, celebrated with reverence, artistry, and joy, an experience we are proud to share with the world,” said René Vijay Shrestha Einhaus, Chief Operating Officer, The Dwarika’s.

Hosting and reimagining Indra Jatra aligns with Dwarika’s vision of preserving Nepal’s living heritage while offering travellers refined, culturally rich experiences. With direct flights from major Indian cities and no visa requirements for Indian passport holders, the event is a perfect opportunity for those seeking an authentic cultural journey in luxury.

For more details or to plan your visit, guests may contact sales@dwarikas.com.


Intrepid Travel Expands Central Asia Presence with New Uzbekistan Office

Intrepid Travel Expands Central Asia Presence with New Uzbekistan Office

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 6, 2025

Intrepid Travel, the world’s leading provider of adventure travel experiences, has announced plans to expand its destination management network with a new country office in Uzbekistan, scheduled to open later this year.

The move comes as demand for Central Asia experiences continues to grow, with bookings across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan rising by 70% year-on-year in 2025. The Tashkent-based office will operate as a Destination Management Company (DMC), led by a country general manager and supported by a small operational team and regional trip leaders. It will support locally managed trips and community-connected experiences, further reinforcing Intrepid’s commitment to sustainable and immersive travel.

This will be Intrepid’s 32nd office worldwide and aligns with its 2030 strategy to scale locally managed DMCs and deliver authentic, community-based travel.

Natalie Kidd, Intrepid Travel’s Managing Director Asia and Head of Global Operations, said: “This is a natural next step in our strategy to grow where we’re seeing momentum and to support that growth with strong local teams. Central Asia is an exciting region for Intrepid, and having our own DMC in Uzbekistan means we can better support our leaders, partners and travellers on the ground.”

Ashish Verma, Regional General Manager North and South Asia, added: “Uzbekistan has seen a huge surge in interest, with its rich culture, welcoming communities and incredible landscapes. We’ve had strong relationships with partners here for many years, and we’re excited to build on that foundation with a dedicated local team.”

Alongside the new office, Intrepid recently launched two new itineraries in Central Asia. The 10-day Kyrgyzstan: Trekking the Tien Shan Trails offers nomadic paths through the western Tien Shan mountains with overnight yurt stays and alpine lake views. The 16-day Highlights of Central Asia journey takes travellers across Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, featuring unique experiences such as a yurt stay near Issyk Kul Lake, a home-cooked meal with a family in Uzbekistan, and wine tasting at a family-run winery in Almaty.


Meliá Pattaya Named Among the World’s Most Guest-Friendly Hotels

Meliá Pattaya Named Among the World’s Most Guest-Friendly Hotels

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 5, 2025

Meliá Pattaya Hotel has been recognised as one of the world’s “Most Guest-Friendly Hotels”, receiving the prestigious International Guest Certified Hotel Award 2025 just months after its debut.

Located in the heart of Pattaya near Bangkok, the 234-room property opened on February 14, 2025, and has already made a mark for its outstanding hospitality. The award, founded in Austria in 2004, was reimagined this year by Victoria Overhauser and filmmaker Matthias Konig. Unlike traditional award formats that rely on applications or judging panels, winners were selected using AI-powered analysis of authentic guest reviews.

Guest feedback highlighted Meliá Pattaya’s warm welcomes, attentive service, and personal touches that made stays memorable. Reviews praised staff for remembering guest preferences, offering thoughtful recommendations, and creating a sense of comfort and belonging from arrival to departure.

Expressing delight at the recognition, Javier Gimeno, General Manager of Meliá Pattaya Hotel, said:

“This award is testament to our efforts to deliver Meliá’s warm Spanish hospitality, distinctive passion for service, and focus on customer wellbeing at our one-of-a-kind hotel in an unbeatable location.”

Set on Pattaya’s Second Road, the hotel provides convenient access to top attractions including Pattaya Beach, Walking Street, Central Festival Pattaya, Sanctuary of Truth, Bali Hai Pier, and Koh Larn Island.

Its facilities include a signature swimming pool with Lula Pool Bar, YHI Spa, Kidsdom kids club, fully equipped gym, coworking spaces, and versatile meeting venues. Dining options range from Yitong Chinese Restaurant and Sky Bar, serving Cantonese and Sichuan specialties, to Sanehh Sarae, which showcases Pattaya’s coastal seafood heritage. The property also features Den, a Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei restaurant inspired by nearby Si Racha.

With this early accolade, Meliá Pattaya is set to emerge as a leading destination for travellers seeking world-class hospitality with a personal touch on Thailand’s eastern seaboard.

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