Hilton Introduces Curio Collection to Vietnam with La Festa Phu Quoc Resort

Hilton Introduces Curio Collection to Vietnam with La Festa Phu Quoc Resort

By Author

Published on March 4, 2024

Hilton's esteemed Curio Collection has officially marked its debut in Vietnam with the opening of La Festa Phu Quoc, a picturesque 197-room resort nestled on the idyllic island of Phu Quoc. This significant launch not only amplifies Hilton's footprint in the Asia Pacific but also introduces a unique blend of cultural fusion to the luxury hospitality market.

Drawing architectural and aesthetic inspiration from the famed Amalfi Coast in Italy, La Festa Phu Quoc offers guests an unparalleled experience that marries the vibrant spirit of Italian coastal design with the rich heritage of Vietnamese culture. Located conveniently near the island's prime tourist spots, including the Hon Thom Cable Car, the resort promises easy access to both the serene beachfront and the bustling heart of the island.

The resort boasts a host of amenities aimed at providing a luxurious and comfortable stay. From an expansive outdoor pool and a spa featuring treatments inspired by both the Amalfi Coast and Phu Quoc's indigenous beauty, to a dedicated kids' club adorned with motifs of the iconic Amalfi lemons, guests of all ages are catered to.

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Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the diverse dining options available. MARE, the resort's flagship restaurant, serves up Italian cuisine infused with Mediterranean flavours. Meanwhile, Il Salone, a palazzo-inspired lobby bar, offers traditional Italian coffee and pastries. For those seeking variety, The Merchant provides all-day dining with a focus on seasonal ingredients. The soon-to-open La Capri Beach Club is set to be a beachfront haven for guests looking to unwind and socialise.

This venture is a collaboration between Hilton and Sun Group, aimed at offering discerning travellers a distinctive escape to one of Asia Pacific's burgeoning travel destinations. Hilton Honors members stand to gain exclusive benefits, including discounts and complimentary Wi-Fi when booking directly through Hilton channels.

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Alan Watts, President of Asia Pacific at Hilton, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Sun Group as we debut our Curio Collection by Hilton brand in Vietnam, and in the desirable island resort of Phu Quoc. This milestone market entry showcases our strong growth momentum and the broad appeal of Hilton’s brands across Asia Pacific, positioning us well to capture the burgeoning travel demand in this dynamic region.”

La Festa Phu Quoc not only signifies a pivotal expansion for Hilton but also introduces a fresh hospitality concept to Phu Quoc Island, appealing to guests eager for a sophisticated blend of Italian design and Vietnamese cultural immersion.


Clarks Exotica Honoured for Service & Operations at Exhibition Excellence Awards 2025

Clarks Exotica Honoured for Service & Operations at Exhibition Excellence Awards 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 18, 2025

Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa has been named 1st Runner-Up in the ‘Excellence in Services & Operations’ category at the Exhibition Excellence Awards (EEA) 2025, held at the CICDO Exhibition Center in Mumbai. This prestigious recognition reinforces the resort’s status as a leading hospitality and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination in India.

Clarks Exotica’s strength lies in its precision-driven and guest-centric approach, catering to four key guest profiles: MICE clientele, destination weddings, FITs (Free Independent Travellers), and airline crew—each experiencing tailored hospitality designed for their unique needs.

  • MICE guests enjoy bespoke arrivals with company-branded gifts, themed room décor, and signature desserts.

  • Wedding guests receive thoughtful in-room surprises including festive sweets and handwritten notes.

  • FITs are treated with wellness hampers, dietary-specific meals, and occasion-based surprises.

  • Airline crew benefit from streamlined check-ins, restful stays, and time-sensitive efficiency.

In FY 2024–25, Clarks Exotica undertook strategic operational and infrastructure upgrades, resulting in improved guest satisfaction across key platforms:

  • Booking.com rating rose from 7.4 to 8.4

  • Tripadvisor ranking improved to #22 of 1,136 hotels in Bengaluru

  • Won the Agoda 2024 Customer Review Award with a score of 8.1

These results were powered by a committed, cross-functional team led by Varun Sharma, General Manager - Operations. His leadership played a key role in aligning departments towards a singular focus on service excellence.

Noteworthy team contributions include:

  • Rakesh Kumar (Rooms Division): Streamlined and personalised guest journeys

  • Chef Suresh (Culinary): Introduced inventive and diverse dining options

  • Satyabrata Samal (Housekeeping): Rolled out eco-friendly practices and rapid response SOPs

  • Senthil Kumar (F&B): Elevated banquet services with training and delightful add-ons

  • Kuldeep Singh (Security): Enhanced safety with seamless guest confidence measures

  • Raghavendra Srinivasa (IT): Delivered robust digital infrastructure and event tech support

  • Chetan (Engineering): Ensured operational uptime through sustainable engineering

Balaji M, CEO of Clarks Exotica, shared:

"This award is a true reflection of what happens when passion meets process. It’s not about doing one thing differently—it’s about doing everything thoughtfully. Every detail, from food to room service, is shaped by care and consistency. We’re proud of our team and thankful for the trust of our guests."

Located just 15 minutes from Kempegowda International Airport, the resort is nestled across 70 acres of greenery, offering over 15 versatile venues for exhibitions, weddings, conferences, leisure travel, and airline layovers. As it continues redefining luxury hospitality with scale, warmth, and intent, this latest recognition marks another milestone in Clarks Exotica’s journey.


This Summer, Pick Your Own Harvest and Dine at Dusk at Seb’s Farm, RAAYA by Atmosphere

This Summer, Pick Your Own Harvest and Dine at Dusk at Seb’s Farm, RAAYA by Atmosphere

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 18, 2025

This summer, the Maldives invites you to slow down, dig deep, and dine differently. At Seb’s Farm, tucked within the heart of RAAYA by Atmosphere, guests are welcomed into a world where storytelling meets sustainability.

Inspired by Seb, an explorer who once sought solace in the tropics, the farm is a living tribute to his journey. It now offers a thoughtfully curated “Harvest-to-Plate Dinner” that begins with a morning harvest and ends with a starlit meal, featuring your hand-picked ingredients and fine wine pairings.

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The experience includes guided farm tours, family-style lunches, and menus that celebrate seasonal produce and local seafood—designed to nourish the body and connect with nature. Vegan delights like Roasted Pumpkin and Homegrown Beet Tossed shine on the menu, paired perfectly with Villa Antinori Toscana wines. Guests can customise their meals with fresh fish or meat options, and wrap up their dining journey with indulgent desserts like Kanamadhu Chocolate Fudge and Ivory Coconut Mousse.

Seb’s Farm is more than a place to eat—it’s a place to connect. A celebration of simple pleasures, sustainability, and soul. Much like RAAYA itself, it’s designed to rejuvenate the spirit through tropical ambience, mindful luxury, and unforgettable moments.


Marriott Debuts First Autograph Collection Hotel in South Asia with The Soaltee Kathmandu

Marriott Debuts First Autograph Collection Hotel in South Asia with The Soaltee Kathmandu

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 17, 2025

Marriott International has launched its first Autograph Collection hotel in South Asia with the opening of The Soaltee Kathmandu. Located in the culturally rich Tahachal area of Nepal’s capital, the 285-room property marks the entry of Marriott’s 19th brand in the region, expanding its footprint across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

A landmark in Nepalese hospitality since 1966, The Soaltee has been reimagined under the Autograph Collection brand, known for offering hotels that are “Exactly Like Nothing Else.” The property celebrates Nepal’s artistic and architectural legacy, with features like hand-carved wooden jaalis, Thangka paintings, exposed brick interiors, and sweeping views of the Himalayas and Swoyambhunath Stupa.

A standout feature is “The Storyteller”, a curated space in the public areas that weaves together the hotel’s historic journey through guest stories and cultural artefacts. Each room and suite is designed with a unique narrative, showcasing the Autograph Collection’s focus on individuality and immersive local experiences.

Ranju Alex, Regional Vice President – South Asia, Marriott International, shared,

“The debut of Autograph Collection Hotels in South Asia with The Soaltee Kathmandu reflects our commitment to expanding into culturally rich leisure destinations. With its legacy and distinct character, the hotel perfectly aligns with our vision of delivering immersive, one-of-a-kind stays.”

The hotel offers an eclectic range of dining experiences:

  • Garden Terrace for global and local cuisine

  • Kakori for Awadhi delicacies

  • Bao Xuan for Chinese specialities

  • Patio for al fresco dining

  • Rodi Bar and the Sports Lounge for laid-back socializing

Guests can also enjoy a spa, outdoor pool, tennis court, and 24-hour fitness centre, making it a well-rounded urban retreat. The property boasts over 25,000 sq. ft. of banquet space, positioning it as a premium venue for weddings, MICE events, and social gatherings.

In line with Marriott’s sustainability goals, The Soaltee Kathmandu features in-house water bottling, an herb garden, and energy-efficient infrastructure to reduce its environmental impact.

General Manager Avinash Deshmukh stated,

“With a legacy of over 58 years, this iconic hotel blends Nepal’s cultural heritage with contemporary luxury. We are proud to open the first Autograph Collection in South Asia and usher in a new chapter for the brand in the region.”

With its debut, The Soaltee Kathmandu not only elevates Nepal’s luxury hospitality landscape but also strengthens Marriott’s brand presence across South Asia through a property that’s both timeless and forward-looking.

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