Crowne Plaza by IHG Leads the Way in Blended Travel with New Research

Crowne Plaza by IHG Leads the Way in Blended Travel with New Research

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 27, 2025

Crowne Plaza by IHG, one of the world’s leading premium hotel brands, has released its second white paper, Leading the Charge in Blended Travel. The report sheds light on a significant shift in how people travel, particularly as companies push for a broader return to office policies. According to the study, 66% of U.S. and U.K. travelers now combine business trips with personal leisure time—an increase from 53% in 2022.

To understand the global impact of this trend, Crowne Plaza commissioned a YouGov survey of over 12,000 travelers across multiple markets, including the U.S., U.K., Germany, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., and India. The findings reveal that 72% of respondents in these regions see blended travel as beneficial, emphasizing the demand for greater flexibility and meaningful travel experiences.

Blended Travel: A Permanent Shift

According to Ginger Taggart, Vice President of Brand Management – Global Premium Brands, IHG Hotels & Resorts, work-leisure integration is no longer just a trend but a way of life. “Blended travel has evolved beyond just extending business trips. It’s about working remotely from inspiring destinations, finding new ways to connect, and balancing professional and personal aspirations,” she said. Crowne Plaza is actively shaping this future by redesigning hotels to offer curated social spaces and purpose-driven experiences tailored to today’s dynamic travelers.

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Key Trends in Blended Travel

The Leading the Charge in Blended Travel report highlights four key trends:

  1. Personal and Professional Growth – Travelers now use blended travel as a tool for self-improvement, skill development, and creative exploration. Crowne Plaza meets this demand by offering inspiring meeting and event spaces, such as the Victorian ballrooms at Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria Sheffield and the 38-acre Crowne Plaza Atlanta SW – Peachtree City campus.

  2. Mind-Body Wellness – With wellness integrated into everyday life, travelers seek ways to maintain healthier routines while on the go. Crowne Plaza supports this with initiatives like energizing breakfast smoothies at Crowne Plaza Helsinki – Hesperia and weekly guided runs at Crowne Plaza Amsterdam – South.

  3. Value-Driven Travel – Cost-conscious travelers are maximizing their trips by extending business stays with leisure activities at a lower personal expense. Through the IHG One Rewards program, guests can earn and redeem points for free nights, exclusive experiences, and valuable perks like bonus points and Food & Beverage Rewards.

  4. Intentional Togetherness – Face-to-face connections are becoming more valuable in an increasingly digital world. Crowne Plaza’s Meetings & Events Concierge program caters to this need by offering personalized itineraries that encourage both work and social engagement.

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Crowne Plaza’s Global Refresh

As a pioneer in business-class hospitality since 1983, Crowne Plaza continues to evolve with changing traveler expectations. Currently, 70% of its properties in the Americas are either newly added or have undergone major renovations, with over 60% of locations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa set to be refreshed by 2026.

This transformation aligns with the anticipated growth of the blended travel market, which is projected to expand from $315 billion in 2022 to over $731 billion by 2032. With more than 400 hotels across 67 countries and 140 new properties in the pipeline, Crowne Plaza is well-positioned to lead the charge in this evolving travel landscape.

For more details or to book a stay, visit IHG.com or download the IHG One Rewards mobile app.


Laguna Golf Lang Co Ranked Among Asia’s Top 100 Golf Courses

Laguna Golf Lang Co Ranked Among Asia’s Top 100 Golf Courses

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 19, 2025

Laguna Golf Lang Co continues its winning streak on the global stage with its latest recognition—being named one of Asia’s Top 100 Golf Courses by the Asia Golf Leaders Forum (AGLF). The announcement came during the prestigious Asia Golf Awards Ceremony held in South Korea.

Part of the iconic Laguna Lang Co integrated resort in Vietnam, the championship course has consistently received accolades for its stunning layout, guest experience, and commitment to eco-conscious operations. Designed by six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo, the 18-hole course blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings—set between jungle-clad mountains and the East Sea, with dramatic streams, rice paddies, and rocky outcrops defining the play.

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“We’re thrilled to be recognised among the top golf courses in Asia,” shared Stephen Banks, Director of Golf at Laguna Golf Lang Co. “This award reflects the passion and precision our team brings every day. It's also a tribute to Sir Nick Faldo’s vision, which continues to attract and inspire players worldwide.”

The course isn’t just visually striking—it’s also earned respect for its sustainability initiatives. Its globally praised “edible golf course” concept integrates working rice paddies maintained by local farmers and water buffalo, showcasing a harmonious blend of golf and local heritage.

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The Asia Top 100 list—compiled by leading golf media, professionals, and influencers—recognises excellence in course design, maintenance, and guest services across the region.

Laguna Golf Lang Co’s growing list of awards includes:

  • “Vietnam’s Best Golf Resort” by World Golf Awards

  • Top 10 Golf Resorts in Asia-Pacific by Golf Travel Magazine

  • Multiple certifications for environmental and agronomic excellence

But golf is just the beginning. The resort offers a full destination experience, including:

  • Banyan Tree’s luxury Seaview Pool Villas

  • World-class dining options serving Vietnamese and international cuisine

  • Banyan Tree Spa, cultural excursions to Hue Imperial City and Bach Ma National Park

  • Family-friendly activities like archery, water sports, and kids’ programmes

“This destination has become so much more than a golf course,” said Banks. “Laguna Lang Co is a full lifestyle experience—uniting world-class golf with culture, nature, and luxury hospitality. We're proud to play a part in putting Vietnam on the map as a top-tier golf destination in Asia.


Meliá Chiang Mai to Host Black Ruby Pride Party at Thailand’s Highest Rooftop Bar

Meliá Chiang Mai to Host Black Ruby Pride Party at Thailand’s Highest Rooftop Bar

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 18, 2025

Meliá Chiang Mai is set to light up the city’s skyline with a spectacular celebration this Pride Month, as MAI The Sky Bar—the highest bar in Chiang Mai—reopens on June 28 with “Glow Up! A Black Ruby Pride Party”. The vibrant evening will honour Thailand’s historic legalisation of same-sex marriage and the broader message of celebrating love in all colours.

Located on the 22nd floor of the hotel, the rooftop bar offers panoramic views from the Ping River to the majestic Doi Suthep Temple, with its glass bridge and multi-level terraces offering one of the city’s most breathtaking spots to party under the stars.

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The Pride-themed celebration promises:

  • A fabulous drag queen show by Chiang Mai’s BLOW Entertainment

  • Live music from resident DJs

  • A best costume contest, with the winner earning a complimentary stay at Meliá Chiang Mai

  • A signature “Black Ruby” cocktail included in the THB 500 entry fee

Guests are encouraged to dress in their loudest and proudest outfits, adding to the sparkle of the night. The first seven table bookings will also receive a free cocktail basket, making it a truly exclusive experience.

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Drawing on Meliá’s Spanish roots, MAI The Sky Bar will serve up a curated menu of tapas, pinchos, and gourmet desserts, all made using 100% real ingredients with a strong focus on local, sustainable, and organic farming. Highlights include:

  • Croquetas and mixed grill skewers

  • Fresh summer rolls with tamarind dip

  • Salmon tiradito with mango passion fruit dressing and avocado mousse

  • Chocolate mud cake and tiramisu jars

To pair with the culinary delights, the bar offers an extensive selection of spirits, wines, mocktails, teas, coffees, and fresh juices.

This Pride celebration is more than just a party—it’s a toast to love, freedom, and visibility in a setting as elevated as the occasion itself.


6 Serene Escapes to Reclaim Yourself This Global Wellness Day

6 Serene Escapes to Reclaim Yourself This Global Wellness Day

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 16, 2025

In a world that moves at breakneck speed, there is something quietly powerful about choosing stillness. This Global Wellness Day, step into spaces that allow you to disconnect from the chaos and reconnect with yourself. Here are six hand-picked wellness destinations where nature, culture, and calm converge to help you breathe deeper and be more present.

Thailand

At Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Krabi, mornings begin with the sound of waves and end with crystal sound healing under open skies. The resort’s wellness journeys include ocean-facing meditation, Thai massages, and vitality pools. Dining at Sri Trang reflects the same care with seasonal, farm-to-table dishes rooted in traditional Thai techniques. Here, stillness feels as luxurious as the view.

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Ras Al Khaimah

At Camp 1770, perched 1,770 metres above sea level in the Jebel Jais Mountain range, wellness begins before sunrise. Sound healing and yoga unfold with the shifting sky as your backdrop. Down below, the Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island invites guests for yoga on the beach and spa rituals like the Desert Sand Reviver at Citrine Spa. Also worth exploring are the extensive wellness programmes at Anantara Mina Al Arab and nature-inspired yoga sessions at The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert. 

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Kenya

Kenya offers a more grounded approach to wellness. At The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille in Laikipia, guided walks with Maasai hosts end with quiet reflection on cliffside decks. On the coast, Watamu Treehouse features treetop meditation and breathwork with views of the Indian Ocean. It’s wellness guided not by routines, but by rhythm of nature, wind, and waves.

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Qatar

The Residences at The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island on The Pearl-Qatar introduces wellness as a lifestyle. At the Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie, Swiss precision meets holistic science to deliver personalized therapies. Infinity pools, cabanas, and wellness-driven design make this island feel like a sanctuary that supports your wellbeing naturally and luxuriously. 

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Sri Lanka

Nestled in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, Camellia Hills offers views of Castlereagh Lake and tea-covered slopes—an ideal setting for quiet reflection. Near Colombo, The Wallawwa hosts Vikasa Wellness, a programme blending mindful movement, meditation, and ancient Sri Lankan sound healing rituals. These properties from Teardrop Hotels are curated for solo travellers and couples seeking a deeper, more personal retreat.

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Israel

Floating in the Dead Sea, you feel your shoulders drop and breath slow wellness in its purest form. In the Negev Desert, Desert Ashram provides unplugged weekends filled with movement and community. In Amirim, a plant-based moshav, boutique eco-stays host Kabbalah-based workshops and meditation, creating a gentle return to self.

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This June, pause intentionally. Choose stillness over speed. And let one of these places help you feel more like yourself again.

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