Hong Kong Shines in Global Hospitality: Rosewood and The Upper House Top World's Best Hotels 2023

By Author

Published on November 5, 2023

In an unprecedented achievement for Asian hospitality, Hong Kong has firmly positioned itself on the world luxury hotel map. The 2023 World’s 50 Best Hotels Awards, a benchmark of excellence in the global hospitality sector, has spotlighted Hong Kong with two of its most esteemed hotels clinching top spots. This distinction not only underlines the region’s rising prominence in high-end hospitality but also signals a shift in global travel preferences, recognizing the unique allure and service excellence that Asian destinations offer.

Hong Kong's Rosewood and The Upper House Among Top Global Hotels

Hong Kong celebrates a new milestone in global hospitality as two of its premier hotels, Rosewood Hong Kong and The Upper House, secure the second and fourth spots in the prestigious 2023 World's 50 Best Hotels Awards. This recognition not only cements Hong Kong's status as a top-tier destination but also showcases the region’s unparalleled hospitality offerings.

The Upper House: A Design Marvel Above Victoria Harbour

Nestled loftily above Admiralty's Pacific Place, The Upper House, designed by renowned Asian architect André Fu, stands as a beacon of creative and architectural excellence. Its brutalist exterior, conceptualised by British designer Thomas Heatherwick, and the richly-toned wooden lift inspired by Japan's torii gates, set a precedent for the hotel's design journey. Boasting over 400 pieces of meticulously selected and commissioned artwork, the hotel exudes a serene atmosphere, enhanced by a 40-metre metal installation by Hiroshiwata Sawada in its atrium.

The hotel's 117 rooms and studios, with their generous dimensions, muted tones, and stunning city views through floor-to-ceiling windows, offer a sanctuary of restorative modernity. Guests can indulge in the Mediterranean delights of Salisterra or enjoy refined cocktails at the bar. Starting at $650, the hotel's facilities include a swimming pool, fitness centre, and family-friendly options.

Rosewood Hong Kong: Best Hotel in Asia

A contemporary marvel, Rosewood Hong Kong, located in historic Kowloon, has quickly become an iconic part of the city's skyline. Designed by Tony Chi, the hotel's interior is a blend of modern style and subtle luxury, featuring art by Damien Hirst and Henry Moore. The 413 rooms, a harmonious blend of neutral tones, plush seating, polished wood, and opulent bathrooms, offer guests a luxurious and multi-faceted experience.

The hotel's 11 restaurants cater to diverse culinary preferences, from Holt's Café's unique take on Hong Kong's cha chaan tengs to the Italian Bluhouse and Indian Chaat. Additionally, the Darkside bar is a celebrated name on Asia's 50 Best Bars list. Rosewood's CEO Sonia Cheng's personal connection to the hotel's location adds a layer of sentimental value to this $2.5 billion redevelopment project.

Hong Kong: A Hub of World-Class Hospitality

These awards from The World's 50 Best Hotels Academy, with over 580 anonymous hotel industry leaders participating, affirm Hong Kong's unique standing in the world of luxury hospitality. For HKTB executive director Dane Cheng, this is a testament to Hong Kong’s commitment to quality and professional hospitality services, further solidifying its position as a premier tourism destination.

Purim Meets Holi During India at Jaffa Port Celebrations in Israel

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 21, 2025

Cultural exchange continues to play a key role in the vibrant relationship between India and Israel, as seen in the recent India at Jaffa Port—Purim-Holi Celebrations. Hosted on March 16, 2025, by the Embassy of India in Israel in collaboration with the Municipality of Tel Aviv-Yafo, the event blended two iconic festivals—Holi, India’s festival of colours, and Purim, the joyous Jewish holiday—into a grand celebration at the historic Jaffa Port.

The event, attended by over 3,000 visitors, celebrated the enduring friendship between the two nations, offering a fusion of traditions in a lively and colourful atmosphere. Guests enjoyed classical Indian dance performances, Bollywood dance workshops, traditional Indian music, and engaging activities, bringing the vibrancy of Indian culture to Israel.

Deputy Ambassador Rajiv Bodwade remarked, “I am happy to tell you that the Embassy of India, in collaboration with the Municipality of Tel Aviv-Yafo, is celebrating the Indian Festival of Holi and the Jewish festival of Purim today, here in Jaffa Port. Interestingly, these two festivals fall on the same day yearly, as India and Israel traditionally follow the lunar calendar. This is just one of many examples of the cultural similarity that we share, which strengthens the unique and rich friendship between our two countries. While the rest of the world is focusing on cultural distinctiveness, India and Israel are happy to celebrate their similarities. Chag Purim Sameach and Happy Holi!”

Kobi Yerdani, CEO of Jaffa Port, added, “Jaffa Port is proud to collaborate with the Embassy of India in Israel to celebrate the Holi and Purim festivals. Jaffa Port, which has served as a gateway to the Land of Israel throughout history, is happy to open its gates to the rich and magnificent culture of India, a country that is a true friend of Israel.”

Amruta Bangera, Director of Marketing, Israel Ministry of Tourism, India, further commented, “India and Israel share cultural and historical ties, and events like the India at Jaffa Port highlight the warmth between our people. It was a beautiful representation of our shared traditions. We welcome more Indian travellers to explore this beautiful country and experience its unique blend of history, spirituality, and modernity.”

The Purim-Holi celebrations at Jaffa Port stand as a shining example of the growing cultural ties between India and Israel. With flourishing tourism, mutual respect, and deep-rooted connections, this event marked yet another milestone in the dynamic relationship between the two nations, paving the way for further collaborations in the future.

Banyan Tree Samui Unveils ‘White Lotus’ Inspired Luxury Experiences

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 19, 2025

Banyan Tree Samui, a MICHELIN-listed luxury resort perched on the southeastern coast of Koh Samui, is celebrating the rising global attention on the island with a series of new "White Lotus"-inspired offerings. This surge in interest, known as the "White Lotus Effect," stems from the acclaimed U.S. TV series, which has significantly boosted Koh Samui's status as a dream destination.

While the show wasn’t filmed at Banyan Tree Samui, guests will recognize the resort’s similar panoramic vistas and lush rainforest setting. "We expect an influx of visitors drawn to Koh Samui’s luxury appeal," said Remko Kroesen, General Manager of Banyan Tree Samui. "The show has put the island on the radar of travelers seeking premium, authentic experiences."

To mark the occasion, Banyan Tree Samui has launched new experiences inspired by the show. The resort’s Banyan Tree Spa Samui now offers the "Sense of Lotus" spa package, a 120-minute rejuvenating treatment that includes a White Lotus Polisher exfoliation followed by a calming body massage. Guests can also savour the exclusive White Lotus cocktail, blending vodka, white rum, lychee juice, coconut milk, and fresh lychee, garnished with dried rose petals.

For adventure seekers, the resort’s private speedboat, Sense of the Sea, is available for day trips to the Mu Koh Ang Thong Marine Park, which features prominently in the latest season of the series.

Set amid 38 acres of tropical gardens, Banyan Tree Samui features 88 villas, each with a private infinity pool overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. The resort is also home to three restaurants, including the MICHELIN-listed Saffron, an award-winning spa with hydrotherapy facilities, a kids' club, and a fitness centre.

With these new offerings, Banyan Tree Samui invites guests to experience the beauty and charm of Koh Samui, enriched by the allure of the "White Lotus" phenomenon.

For bookings and enquiries, contact samui@banyantree.com

Swiss-Belhotel International Honored with Prestigious Hospitality Awards

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 19, 2025

Swiss-Belhotel International, a global hospitality management group with a presence in 20 countries, has been honored with multiple prestigious industry awards in 2024 and early 2025. These accolades reinforce the group’s dedication to Passion and Professionalism™, a philosophy that blends Swiss efficiency with Asian warmth, ensuring an unparalleled guest experience across its portfolio of over 150 hotels.

Expressing his appreciation, Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, stated:

“Receiving these distinguished awards is nothing short of extraordinary. These achievements reflect the passion, dedication, and perseverance of our entire team. At Swiss-Belhotel International, we remain committed to delivering value to our owners, investing in our people, and continuously raising the bar for hospitality excellence. Looking ahead to 2025, we will continue to set new milestones—enhancing our offerings, streamlining operations, and empowering our exceptional team.”

A Legacy of Excellence: Key Awards Won

Legacy Family Business Award Asia Pacific – Family Business Association Excellence Awards 2024 (May 2024)
EY Entrepreneur of The Year 2024 – New Zealand Family Business Award (November 2024)
Hotel & Resort Management of the Year – Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 by Travel Daily Media (February 2025)
Most Excellence in Sustained Partnership Award – GarudaMiles Loyalty Summit 2025 (February 2025)
Excellence Award in Sustainable Hospitality – ESG Business Awards 2024, Hong Kong (September 2024)

These accolades highlight Swiss-Belhotel International’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and long-term partnerships, ensuring that each property thrives in its market while maintaining the highest standards of hospitality.

About Swiss-Belhotel International

Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Hong Kong, Swiss-Belhotel International is among the world’s fastest-growing hotel management groups. With 18 distinct brands and a strong owner-centric approach, the group provides expert management services for hotels, resorts, and serviced residences. Each property reflects the hallmark of Swiss efficiency and Asian-inspired service, ensuring quality and value at every level.

For more information, visit www.swiss-belhotel.com.

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