Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Italian Champagne Brunch

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Announces Exclusive Italian Champagne Brunch

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 25, 2025

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the luxury heritage hotel in Siem Reap, is gearing up to present an exclusive Italian Champagne brunch in collaboration with Il Vicolo from Phnom Penh. The celebrated Chef Sandro Arimondo will lead the culinary showcase, bringing his international expertise to create a brunch that blends classic Italian flavors with a modern twist.

Set to take place next month at the hotel’s renowned Cafe d’Angkor, the brunch promises a vibrant atmosphere enhanced by live music. Guests will be treated to a selection of Chef Sandro’s signature specialties such as bruschetta tomatoes paired with grape watermelon, roasted bell pepper with stracciatella cheese, light eggplant parmigiana served with burrata, tagliolini al limone, and Involtini di Manzo beef rolls featuring speck smoked ham and gorgonzola cheese.

Hailing from Imperia in the Liguria region of northwestern Italy, Chef Sandro refined his skills in top kitchens across Italy, England, Switzerland, Greece, the United States, France, and Cambodia. His rich culinary background ensures an authentic Italian dining experience that is both innovative and steeped in tradition.

Il Vicolo, a well-regarded Italian restaurant in Phnom Penh, is celebrated for its authentic cuisine and warm, inviting ambiance. Meanwhile, Cafe d’Angkor recently refreshed its dinner and lunch menus to highlight fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients. The new menu features signature dishes such as Cavignac & Wilson, Brie de Kampot En Croûte with a delightful pineapple compote, French Duck Breast with Battambang Orange Sauce, Ferme de Bassac Pork Tenderloin with ginger and caramelised onion, and the indulgent Banteay Srey Profiteroles with vanilla ice cream and hot chocolate sauce.

Originally established in 1932 as a rest stop for archaeologists and adventurers exploring the kingdom of Angkor Wat, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor has evolved into a landmark of heritage and luxury. Its commitment to exceptional service has earned it a spot among the world’s ‘500 Best Hotels’ by Travel + Leisure magazine for three consecutive years. With exclusive initiatives like ‘Culinary Journeys’ and an on-site ‘Resort Programme’, the hotel continues to offer guests immersive experiences that celebrate Siem Reap’s rich culture and history.

For more details or to make a booking, visit www.raffles.com/siem-reap/.

Marriott Vacations Appoints Matthew Avril and James Dausch as Independent Directors

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 26, 2025

Marriott Vacations Worldwide (MVW) has announced the appointment of Matthew Avril and James Dausch as independent directors to its board of directors, effective March 4. This transition comes as Melquiades Martinez and Raymond Gellein retire from their positions, effective immediately before the company's annual stockholders’ meeting in May.

Strategic Leadership for the Future

The appointments are part of MVW’s ongoing board refreshment process, led by the nominating and corporate governance committee, aimed at strengthening the company's strategic vision and digital transformation efforts.

"Matt and Jim bring decades of collective experience with leading hospitality and consumer brands and deep industry, operational, technological, and digital expertise," said William Shaw, Chair of MVW's Board of Directors. "They are both terrific additions with skills that will help drive our strategy forward."

Meet the New Directors

Matthew Avril

With over 30 years of leadership experience in hospitality and vacation ownership, Avril’s expertise spans executive operations, brand management, and growth strategy. He most recently served as CEO of Diamond Resorts International and was previously CEO-elect of Vistana Signature Experiences. His past roles include President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide’s Hotel Group and Managing Director of Operations at Starwood and Vistana.

James Dausch

Bringing over 25 years of experience in corporate strategy and digital transformation, Dausch has played key leadership roles in major global brands. He is currently Global Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Pizza Hut (Yum! Brands). Previously, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at Under Armour and held senior leadership roles at Marriott International, including Chief Digital and Transformation Officer, where he led initiatives across corporate finance, sales, marketing, franchising, and technology.

Strengthening the Board for Future Growth

MVW's leadership sees these appointments as a step toward leveraging technology and operational expertise to modernize its business and maximize long-term shareholder value.

"Looking ahead, I am confident that the board is well-equipped with the right mix of skills, expertise, and tenure needed to advance our strategic vision," added Shaw.

With Avril’s hospitality expertise and Dausch’s digital transformation background, MVW is set to strengthen its market position and drive innovation in the vacation ownership sector.

Meliá Pattaya Hotel Appoints Thaneht Naovarat as Executive Chef

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 26, 2025

Meliá Pattaya Hotel has appointed seasoned hospitality professional Thaneht "Keng" Naovarat as its new executive chef. With an impressive career spanning three decades, Naovarat brings extensive experience from Thailand’s top luxury hotels and international establishments.

As executive chef, Naovarat will oversee the hotel's vibrant culinary landscape, which reflects Pattaya’s diverse cultural influences. His responsibilities include leading the culinary teams at Lay Beach Club, the rooftop Yitong Chinese Restaurant & Sky Bar, the all-day dining restaurant Sanehh Sarae, which specializes in fresh seafood, and Den, a Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei restaurant.

Before joining Meliá Pattaya Hotel, Naovarat served as executive chef at Marriott Chiang Mai and Holiday Inn Chiang Mai. He was also the culinary director at W Hotels Bangkok and has worked as a consultant for renowned establishments such as The Firm Club and Restaurant and The Cured Chamber in Bangkok. His career has taken him to North America and Europe, where he honed his skills in international cuisine aboard major cruise lines.

Naovarat’s return to Thailand saw him rise through the ranks at several five-star properties, eventually becoming the first Thai culinary director at a Starwood property in the country. His leadership style emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and sustainability.

“Keng’s many talents include his exceptional ability to create a one-of-a-kind experience that truly connects guests to the local culture through food,” said Meliá Pattaya Hotel’s General Manager, Javier Gimeno. “He takes pride in using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring our dishes reflect Pattaya’s rich heritage and supporting local farmers and sustainable seafood farming practices.”

Naovarat himself is deeply committed to culinary innovation and mentorship. “I place a strong emphasis on fostering creativity and collaboration among my team. The kitchen is a space where all team members contribute ideas, and everyone is encouraged to experiment and innovate while staying mindful of our ecological footprint,” he shared.

With his extensive expertise and dedication to sustainable, high-quality cuisine, Naovarat’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Meliá Pattaya Hotel’s culinary offerings.

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass Earns Forbes Five-Star Honors for Kai and Aji Spa

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 24, 2025

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass continues to shine in the luxury hospitality scene, with both Kai Restaurant and Aji Spa receiving Forbes Travel Guide’s prestigious Five-Star rating in the 2025 Star Awards. The resort itself maintains its Recommended status, reaffirming its excellence in service and cultural authenticity.

This marks the 17th consecutive Five-Star win for Kai, solidifying its place as the only restaurant in Arizona with this distinction. Additionally, Aji Spa earns its sixth Five-Star rating, recognizing its commitment to providing a unique Native American-inspired wellness experience.

A Legacy of Excellence

Located on the Gila River Indian Community in Phoenix, Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is renowned for its deep connection to indigenous heritage. The resort’s recent multi-million-dollar renovation has further elevated its luxurious offerings, while maintaining its commitment to cultural authenticity.

Expressing his pride, Bunty Ahamed, General Manager, Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, shared:
"Receiving Five-Star recognition from Forbes Travel Guide once again for Aji Spa, and for the seventeenth consecutive year for Kai, is an incredible honor. Our commitment to providing every guest with a personalized and exceptional experience is unwavering, and these accolades are a testament to our team’s outstanding efforts."

Kai: Arizona’s Culinary Crown Jewel

With only 79 restaurants worldwide receiving a Five-Star rating this year, Kai’s achievement is particularly remarkable. A James Beard 2025 semifinalist in the Outstanding Hospitality category, Kai merges contemporary flavors with time-honored Native American culinary traditions, featuring locally farmed ingredients from the Gila River Indian Community.

Aji Spa: An Authentic Native Sanctuary

Aji Spa, meaning "sanctuary" in the Pima language, provides a holistic wellness experience deeply rooted in the traditions of the Pima and Maricopa tribes. Offering signature Indigenous treatments curated by Cultural Caretakers, the spa reflects the area’s rich history through art, architecture, and storytelling.

A Resort Steeped in Heritage

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is more than a luxury resort—it is a living representation of Native American culture, offering:

36 holes of championship golf at Whirlwind Golf Club
Guided equestrian experiences through the 1,000-acre Koli Equestrian Center
Four swimming pools and a waterslide inspired by ancient ruins
Water activities along the scenic Gila River

Maintaining its Recommended status in 2025, the resort meets Forbes’ rigorous 900-point evaluation, ensuring world-class service and hospitality.

As Forbes Travel Guide’s esteemed Five-Star list continues to set the global benchmark for luxury, Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass proudly represents Arizona with its unparalleled culinary, wellness, and cultural experiences.

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Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Announces Exclusive Italian Champagne Brunch

Most Read In News

Marriott Vacations Appoints Matthew Avril and James Dausch as Independent Directors

Strategic Leadership for the Future

Meet the New Directors

Matthew Avril

James Dausch

Strengthening the Board for Future Growth

Most Read In News

Meliá Pattaya Hotel Appoints Thaneht Naovarat as Executive Chef

Most Read In News

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass Earns Forbes Five-Star Honors for Kai and Aji Spa

A Legacy of Excellence

Kai: Arizona’s Culinary Crown Jewel

Aji Spa: An Authentic Native Sanctuary

A Resort Steeped in Heritage

Most Read In News