Crowne Plaza Expands in Adelaide and Sydney

Crowne Plaza Expands in Australia with New Openings in Adelaide and Sydney

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 22, 2024

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a remarkable milestone for its Crowne Plaza brand with the opening of two new properties in Australia—Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes and Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport. These openings mark the beginning of an ambitious expansion strategy, with three more Crowne Plaza hotels set to launch in the next 12 months.

Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes

Nestled in northern Adelaide, the Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes is part of a stunning seven-storey development. With 155 guest rooms, the property features artistic elements inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of South Australia.

Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, including king and twin-share rooms, suites, and kitchenette-equipped options. Catering to both leisure and business travelers, the hotel offers 24-hour in-room dining and boasts more than 442m² of versatile event space, accommodating up to 250 guests for conferences, weddings, or special occasions.

Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport

The Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport has undergone a major transformation, following a $15 million refurbishment in 2022. The upgraded hotel now showcases a refreshed reception area and redesigned guestrooms aimed at providing a relaxing, restorative experience for travelers.

Guests can enjoy 24-hour room service, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, a sauna, and event spaces that feature ample natural light and private bar facilities—perfect for hosting corporate gatherings or social events. Conveniently located near Sydney Airport, this property offers a seamless blend of comfort and functionality.

A Glimpse into the Future

IHG’s commitment to growth extends far beyond Australia, with over 90 Crowne Plaza hotels currently in the pipeline for the Asia-Pacific region. Upcoming launches include notable properties such as Crowne Plaza Bangkok Grand Sukhumvit and Crowne Plaza Bangkok Rama 9, further solidifying the brand’s footprint in Southeast Asia.

Additionally, IHG’s Vignette Collection continues to flourish with unique offerings such as the Shanghai Snow World Hotel—a 272-room property featuring direct access to a 90,000m² indoor snow area. This initiative showcases IHG’s focus on innovation and delivering one-of-a-kind experiences tailored to diverse traveler preferences.

Industry Insights

Commenting on the expansion, Tom Rowntree, Vice-President of IHG Luxury & Lifestyle Brands, shared, “The creation of the Vignette Collection brand has allowed us to grow a family of properties that offers guests one-of-a-kind experiences at hotels filled with individuality and character. The brand is a demonstration of both future innovation and hotels filled with rich history.”

The growth of Crowne Plaza in Australia underscores IHG’s broader strategy to cater to the evolving needs of travelers in the Asia-Pacific region, blending modern amenities with local cultural nuances.

As IHG continues to break new ground, the future of hospitality looks promising with properties that not only celebrate individuality but also push the boundaries of guest experiences

Corbett Literature Festival Concludes at The Golden Tusk with Focus on Wildlife and Conservation

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 16, 2026

The inaugural Corbett Literature Festival, themed Stories from a Living Landscape, concluded at The Golden Tusk with a final day dedicated to wildlife photography, natural history, conservation, river ecosystems and nature writing. The three-day festival brought together writers, conservationists, historians, photographers and storytellers to explore the many stories of the Corbett landscape.

The final day began at noon with a Wildlife Photography Exhibition at Jungle Grill, The Golden Tusk, curated by Sriroopa Raheja Bajaj. The exhibition featured images capturing the beauty, behaviour and fragility of Corbett's wildlife and natural landscapes.

The opening session, Corbett: Seen & the Unseen, offered a visual journey into the wild, with Ajay Suri in conversation with Vikramjit Singh Bal.

Acclaimed playback singer Jubin Nautiyal, who hails from Uttarakhand, also made a special appearance at the festival. Speaking about his connection with the state and the importance of conservation, he said, "I am truly happy to be here at the first Corbett Literature Festival. Uttarakhand is my home, and Corbett is one of its greatest treasures. A festival like this, which brings together stories, music, culture and conservation, will help more people discover the beauty of our state and understand why we must protect it. I hope it becomes an annual celebration."

The day's discussions covered several aspects of the natural world. The session Wild Histories, Living Landscapes featured Raza Kazmi and Dr Manoj Kumar discussing natural history, conservation and the relationship between wildlife and people.

In The Conservation Imperative, Dipankar Ghose was in conversation with Dr Samir Sinha and Praveen Singh Pratapsingh Pardeshi on wildlife protection, local communities and coexistence in the Corbett landscape.

The session Rivers of Faith & Forest: The Ganga and Ramganga explored the rivers' importance to sacred traditions and wildlife habitats, along with the impact of modern development on their future. Ramesh Bhatt, Chinmay Shah and Dr Anjali Capila joined moderator Sumantha Ghosh for the discussion.

The final session, The Wild Word: Writing Nature in Fact and Fiction, featured Gargi Rawat in conversation with Prerna Singh Bindra, Stephen Alter and Richard Kerridge. The discussion examined how fiction and non-fiction influence the way people understand nature and the wild.

Commenting on the festival's first edition, Saket Badola, Field Director, Corbett Lit Festival 2026, said, "The success of this first-of-its-kind initiative has demonstrated how a literary perspective can present a destination in an entirely different light. Stories of Corbett and the wild are inherently captivating. It was heartening to see so many luminaries from diverse fields come together to showcase the unique and fascinating facets of Corbett. We look forward to organising many more editions of the festival in the years ahead."

Anirudh Lakhotia, Director, Ivory Destinations, which owns The Golden Tusk, highlighted the importance of protecting the region's natural heritage while sharing its stories. He said, "Hosting the final day of the first Corbett Literature Festival has been a privilege. As people who live and work in this landscape, we believe the future of tourism here depends on protecting what makes Corbett special, and on telling its stories well. We are proud to have helped bring these voices together and hope the festival returns for many editions to come. We are also extremely grateful to all the Speakers who accepted the invite and graced the festival with their presence and establishing it as one of its kind festival."

The festival concluded with a gala dinner on the Plumeria Lawn at The Golden Tusk, featuring an instrumental retro performance by the collective led by Murad Ali Khan and a live painting of the Corbett landscape.

Across three days, the inaugural edition hosted more than 30 writers, conservationists, historians, photographers and storytellers through over 20 sessions at various properties in Corbett. The festival brought literature, culture and conservation together, highlighting the importance of sharing the stories of the landscape while protecting its natural heritage.

Adrian Zecha Joins Azerai La Residence, Hue's 20th Anniversary Celebration

By Hariharan U

Published on October 13, 2026

Azerai La Residence, Hue, has celebrated its 20th anniversary with founder Adrian Zecha joining 140 VIP guests for a gala event at the historic property in central Vietnam. Held on September 30, 2026, the celebration brought together business partners, long-serving employees, local media, frequent guests and other stakeholders to mark two decades of hospitality.

The event, themed “20 Years, Countless Stories,” took place beside the pool at the 122-room hotel, which overlooks the Perfume River and the Hue Citadel. The evening celebrated the property's heritage, its development over the past two decades and the people who have contributed to its journey. The festivities concluded with fireworks.

Minh Phan Trong, General Manager of Azerai La Residence, Hue, introduced Zecha to the gathering before presenting a video highlighting the hotelier's career and hospitality philosophy. Zecha, who also founded the luxury hotel brand Aman Resorts, established Azerai as a boutique hospitality portfolio focused on distinctive properties and culturally significant destinations.

Azerai La Residence, Hue, is centred on a colonial mansion built in 1930 as part of the residence of the French Resident Superieur. Its architectural character reflects the streamline moderne style of Art Deco, with long horizontal lines and nautical details that distinguish its façade.

The property's historic character and contemporary hospitality offering have continued to attract industry recognition. In September 2026, the hotel was selected for the MICHELIN Guide, whose editors highlighted its blend of 1920s and 1950s design influences, French doors opening onto balconies, ceiling fans and four-poster beds. The guide also noted the hotel's relaxed atmosphere and multilingual service team.

Earlier in 2026, the property was named among the world's “500 Best Hotels” by Travel + Leisure, adding to its recognition within the international hospitality industry.

During the anniversary celebration, General Manager Minh Phan Trong paid tribute to the hotel's employees, describing them as central to its achievements, memorable guest experiences and long-standing reputation. He highlighted the commitment of team members who maintain the property, attend to details and create a welcoming environment for guests.

The anniversary also comes as Azerai strengthens its presence within the international boutique hospitality segment. Azerai La Residence, Hue, and Azerai Ke Ga Bay became members of Small Luxury Hotels of the World earlier in 2026. Located in southern Vietnam, Azerai Ke Ga Bay is an all-suites-and-villas resort overlooking the coast and received a MICHELIN Key in September.

The 20th anniversary marks an important milestone for Azerai La Residence, Hue, as the property continues to build on its architectural heritage, service philosophy and international recognition while maintaining its position as a distinctive hospitality address in Vietnam.

Four Seasons Explorer Palau Introduces New Hidden Beach Route to Kayangel

By Hariharan

Published on October 8, 2026

Four Seasons Explorer Palau has introduced a new route to Kayangel, extending its luxury catamaran experience to one of Palau's northernmost and most remote island destinations.

The new route gives guests the opportunity to visit Kayangel, an island covering approximately 1.4 square kilometres, known for its clear waters, white-sand beaches and relatively untouched natural surroundings. The experience is available when weather and sea conditions allow.

Four Seasons Explorer Palau is currently described as the only vessel journeying to both Palau's northern and southern islands, allowing guests to explore destinations beyond the country's more frequently visited areas.

A key feature of the new Kayangel experience is access to a secluded stretch of shoreline reserved for Four Seasons Explorer guests. The stop includes a castaway-style beach lunch served against the island's blue-water backdrop.

The beachside meal includes vegetarian and seafood bento boxes featuring Mediterranean-inspired preparations. The menu includes watermelon and feta, avocado and caponata, Niçoise salad, yuzu-dressed prawn and grilled cod, followed by apple pie.

Beyond the beach, Kayangel offers a glimpse into one of Palau's smallest and most remote communities. The island's way of life remains closely connected to fishing, farming and local traditions passed between generations. Accessible only by boat, the destination adds a more community-focused dimension to the Explorer itinerary.

The Kayangel route joins Four Seasons Explorer Palau's wider programme of experiences across the archipelago. Guests can explore Palau's protected marine territory through diving and snorkelling, kayak through the UNESCO-listed Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, and participate in guided excursions focused on Palauan culture.

The onboard experience combines these activities with wellness and dining, including yoga and other leisure experiences. The programme will also connect with M-Dock, a waterfront restaurant, bar and lounge scheduled to launch on October 1, 2026, extending the Explorer experience onto the waterfront.

Accommodating 22 guests, Four Seasons Explorer Palau operates as a luxury floating resort with daily embarkations. Itineraries are designed around local conditions and can include sunrise yoga, guided dives, jungle cycling, village visits and marine biology presentations, followed by sunset cocktails and evening stargazing.

With the addition of Kayangel, the Explorer itinerary now provides another way to experience the contrast between Palau's northern beaches and southern limestone islands while travelling aboard a small-capacity luxury vessel.

Reservation Details:

Four Seasons Explorer Palau
Reservations: +960 66 00 888
Email: reservations.pme@fourseasons.com

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Crowne Plaza Expands in Australia with New Openings in Adelaide and Sydney

Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes

Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport

A Glimpse into the Future

Industry Insights

Most Read In News

Corbett Literature Festival Concludes at The Golden Tusk with Focus on Wildlife and Conservation

Most Read In News

Adrian Zecha Joins Azerai La Residence, Hue's 20th Anniversary Celebration

Most Read In News

Four Seasons Explorer Palau Introduces New Hidden Beach Route to Kayangel

Reservation Details:

Most Read In News