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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on September 8, 2024
Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) and Rabbit Holdings, an affiliate of BTS Group, are set to transform Bangkok's historic landscape with their latest venture, The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok. Scheduled to open in 2026, this new luxury hotel will be situated in the vibrant Bang Rak District, alongside the Chao Phraya River, and will serve as a symbol of both heritage and modernity.
The centerpiece of this ambitious project will be the city's historic Customs House, an iconic building erected in 1888. This neo-Palladian structure, designed by the renowned architect Joachim Grassi, will undergo meticulous restoration to reclaim its former grandeur. The building, known for its distinctive teak floors, majestic central staircase, and impressive four-story hallway, has a rich history as a gateway to Thailand and has hosted numerous significant events, including royal gatherings.
Adjacent to the restored Customs House will be a former post office, which will be repurposed to house a range of luxury amenities. Additionally, a modern structure will be built to accommodate the hotel’s 78 guest rooms. This blend of historical restoration and contemporary design aims to create a unique hospitality experience that honors the past while embracing the future.
The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok will offer a range of signature elements synonymous with The Langham brand. Guests can look forward to dining at an outpost of T’ang Court, the acclaimed three Michelin-star Cantonese restaurant from The Langham, Hong Kong. The hotel will also feature a distinctive destination bar and an outlet dedicated to serving exquisite pastries. To enhance the guest experience, The Langham's renowned Chuan Spa will provide a variety of rejuvenating treatments and wellness services.
Rabbit Holdings aims to create a world-class hospitality destination while enhancing the cultural and economic significance of the Bang Rak area. Kavin Kanjanapas, Director of Rabbit Holdings, said, "We are thrilled to appoint Langham Hospitality Group to manage the property. The company’s dedication to creating timeless luxury hotels and demonstrated success in heritage conservation makes it the ideal partner to further our vision to set a new standard for luxury hospitality in the region and honour the rich cultural heritage of Customs House and the Bang Rak District."
The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok will include an outpost of The Langham, Hong Kong's three Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, T'ang Court, a bar, a pastry outlet, and The Langham's renowned Chuan Spa. This luxury experience will honor the heritage of old Siam, blending traditional Thai elements with Western architecture.
LHG CEO, Bob van den Oord, expressed excitement, noting, "The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok exemplifies our strategy of incorporating cultural preservation into hotel development while concurrently creating unparalleled experiences for guests and the communities in which we operate."
This project is part of LHG's commitment to heritage conservation, following other successful restorations like The Langham in Boston, Chicago, and Pasadena.
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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, 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.
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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