Rome to Host Anantara's First-Ever Historic Car Concours

Rome to Host Anantara's First-Ever Historic Car Concours

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 12, 2024

Anantara Hotels & Resorts is excited to announce the launch of the inaugural Anantara Concorso Roma, presented by UBS, an exclusive car concours event in Rome. Scheduled from April 24-27, 2025, this prestigious event will showcase the best in Italian design, hospitality, and automotive craftsmanship. A celebration of Italy’s rich automotive history, the three-day event promises a collection of fifty of the rarest and most historic Italian cars, many from private collections, including iconic marques like Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Pagani.

What makes Anantara Concorso Roma unique is its focus on exclusively Italian cars, showcasing automotive gems that span from the early days of car manufacturing to the modern supercar era. The cars will be evaluated by a panel of international judges, led by Dott. Adolfo Orsi Jr. and Jeremy Jackson-Sytner, ensuring a high standard of competition.

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Beyond cars, the event will be a tribute to all things Made in Italy, highlighting Italian cuisine, craftsmanship, design, and luxury. These elements will be showcased to a global audience, further enhancing the event's prestige. Multiple iconic locations across Rome will serve as the backdrop, providing a grand stage for these automotive masterpieces.

Rome’s history with motor racing adds further significance to this event. The city has been a part of Italy's racing legacy, from the Mille Miglia to the Gran Premio di Roma, a race held from 1925 to 1991. The 1947 edition of the Gran Premio di Roma is particularly notable, as it marked Ferrari's first victory with their own car, the Ferrari 125 S.

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The Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel, a 19th-century marble palace overlooking the Fountain of the Naiads, will host the event. Its neoclassical architecture and location in the heart of the city make it the perfect setting for this prestigious concours.

William Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor International, Anantara’s parent company, emphasized the importance of the event, saying, "Rome is enjoying a renaissance, making it the perfect moment for Anantara to shift the gears and launch a prestigious concours event for the capital. I am confident that with support of our esteemed partners, we will successfully establish Anantara Concorso Roma as a pre-eminent annual international automobile event.."

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Benjamin Cavalli, Head of Global Wealth Management Strategic Clients at UBS, shared his enthusiasm as well: "UBS is proud to be the official sponsor of the inaugural Anantara Concorso Roma, the latest addition to our exclusive program of classic car events. This new partnership embodies the spirit of precision and craft we aspire to as a firm. We look forward to celebrating our passion for automotive excellence in April 2025 amidst the historic beauty of Rome."

For car enthusiasts looking to be part of the event, Anantara is offering exclusive packages, including VVIP weekend tickets, accommodation at the Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel, elevated dining experiences, and premier access to the event. Day passes will start at 200 EUR, with options for weekend packages with or without accommodation.


Centara Announces Opening of New Maldives Family Resort in November 2024

Centara Announces Opening of New Maldives Family Resort in November 2024

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 17, 2024

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel group, has confirmed the opening date of its newest family-friendly destination, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, for November 1, 2024. The resort is the third Centara property in the Maldives and the fourth in its Mirage brand, which focuses on creating memorable experiences for families.

Located within The Atollia, a multi-island complex operated by Centara, guests at Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives will also have access to the upcoming Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, slated to open in early 2025. The new resort promises a unique experience with an underwater world theme, offering a range of activities and facilities that cater to families and children.

The resort features an extensive outdoor water area that includes a lazy river, swimming pools, a kids' pool, and a water playground. It also offers a kids' club, the child-focused Candy Spa, and the signature Spa Cenvaree, which is known for its relaxing treatments. Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives aims to provide a fun and engaging environment for guests of all ages, ensuring an unforgettable vacation.

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This opening is part of Centara’s "Future Growth" strategy, which was announced earlier this year. With construction completed, the final preparations are underway to welcome guests. Centara's warm hospitality and attention to detail are expected to be key highlights of the new resort, which further strengthens the company’s commitment to family-centered experiences in popular travel destinations.

To celebrate the launch, Centara is offering special introductory rates, along with complimentary stays and meals for up to two children under the age of 15. Guests will also receive free roundtrip speedboat transfers between Malé International Airport and the resort. Additionally, CentaraThe1 members can enjoy an extra 15% discount as part of the promotion.

The exclusive "Me & Centara" offer is available for bookings made before December 20, 2024, for stays between November 1, 2024, and October 31, 2025. Guests who complete their stay before December 20, 2024, will receive a voucher for a complimentary return stay of the same duration, which can be redeemed between May and September 2025.

For more details on this offer and to explore Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, visit: https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centara/cmlm/introductoryoffer


Raffles Unveils New Global Campaign Highlighting Iconic Butler Service

By Nishang Narayan

Published on September 16, 2024

Raffles Hotels & Resorts has revealed its latest global brand campaign, titled "The Butler Did It," showcasing the luxury brand's iconic Butler Service. Directed by creative powerhouse Trey Laird and photographed by Dylan Don, the campaign stars notable figures like designer and actor Waris Ahluwalia, fashion icon Robert Rabensteiner, and model May Siu, portraying quintessential Raffles guests. Renowned model Tim Easton steps into the role of the Butler.

Set against the backdrop of Raffles Singapore, the flagship property famous for its butler service since its founding in 1887, the campaign emphasizes how Raffles butlers anticipate guests’ every need—even before they ask. Featuring a vibrant aesthetic and a sense of wit, the campaign underlines the exceptional and surprising moments that guests experience during their stay.

Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles Hotels & Resorts, commented on the new initiative, saying, "This bold campaign celebrates the hallmarks of the Raffles experience. Our Butlers create magic at every turn. 'The Butler Did It' showcases them as the hero of every occasion, offering guests moments of delight that only Raffles can provide.”

A Creative Collaboration Rooted in Fashion and Hospitality

The creative vision behind "The Butler Did It" brings together some of the most influential names in fashion and lifestyle branding. Trey Laird, known for his innovative campaigns for leading global brands, lent his signature intelligence and style to the project. Fashion icon Robert Rabensteiner also served as the campaign's stylist, adding a fashion-forward edge to the initiative.

In Laird’s words, “Raffles is a heritage brand that delivers a modern guest experience full of warmth, playfulness, and whimsy. ‘The Butler Did It’ encapsulates this spirit, allowing guests to imagine a stay that exceeds their wildest dreams.”

The campaign, set to launch globally, will be rolled out across print, digital video, display, and social media platforms.

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Raffles Expands Globally with New Openings

As Raffles continues its global expansion, with recent openings in Jaipur, London, Boston, and Bahrain, the "The Butler Did It" campaign reinforces the brand’s commitment to providing its signature blend of elegance and enchanted glamour. Whether guests are checking into Raffles Singapore, Paris, or the new locations, they can expect the same world-renowned service that has defined Raffles for over a century.

About Raffles Hotels & Resorts

Founded in Singapore in 1887, Raffles Hotels & Resorts has become synonymous with luxury, elegance, and a world-class guest experience. The brand's Butler Service has set a global standard, providing guests with unparalleled personalized attention. Raffles properties can be found in key locations such as Paris, London, Istanbul, and the Maldives, with upcoming openings in Sentosa, Singapore, and Jaipur, India.

Raffles is part of Accor, a global leader in hospitality with over 5,700 properties worldwide. Through Accor’s loyalty program, ALL – Accor Live Limitless, guests can access a wide array of exclusive services and rewards.

To experience "The Butler Did It," visit: raffles.com/the-butler-did-it.


The Royal Livingstone Introduces Scenic Gorge Picnic and Zambezi Dining

The Royal Livingstone Introduces Scenic Gorge Picnic and Zambezi Dining

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 16, 2024

The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara has introduced two exclusive outdoor dining experiences that highlight the rich local flavors of Zambia while providing travelers with a connection to the country's stunning natural landscapes. The Gorge Picnic and the Zambezi Dining Experience offer world-class cuisine paired with breathtaking scenery, making them a feast for both the palate and the senses. 

Gorge Picnic

Set in the magnificent Batoka Gorge, the Gorge Picnic allows guests to enjoy the area’s natural beauty in a truly memorable way. Visitors are flown by helicopter to a secluded location at the Bobo Camp, where a gourmet picnic is laid out, featuring local specialties like Zambezi River bream with ponzu dressing and beef boerewors in a sauce made from forgotten herbs. Guests can relax on soft blankets and cushions while taking in the dramatic cliffs of the gorge and the flowing Zambezi River. This exclusive beachside setting is ideal for private celebrations or corporate events, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The helicopter ride back provides a stunning view of Victoria Falls, offering a grand conclusion to the experience.

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Zambezi Dining Experience

The Zambezi Dining Experience takes guests on a sunset journey through Zambia’s cultural and culinary landscape. Beginning at the hotel’s herb garden, visitors are introduced to traditional Zambian farming techniques while sampling their first course—tomato jelly with cured river bream, served with a chikanda carpaccio and Zambian okra salad.

From there, guests are transported by golf buggy to the riverbank, where a private chef prepares Zambezi-grilled bream with wilted spinach and tomato fondue. As the sun sets over the Zambezi River, guests are treated to captivating stories about the region’s history and customs.

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The experience continues with a third stop where guests learn about traditional Zambian farming methods. Here, they enjoy a dish of beef and nshima, a staple of the local diet, served in the traditional manner—without cutlery.

The final stop offers a breathtaking view of Victoria Falls, one of the most iconic landmarks in Africa. Guests can enjoy an assortment of desserts, such as cassava cake and Mubuyu mousse, as they watch 500 million liters of water cascade over the cliffs every minute.

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Unforgettable Dining in Zambia

Both the Gorge Picnic and Zambezi Dining Experience are designed to immerse guests in Zambia's natural beauty and cultural heritage, while providing an unforgettable culinary journey. These carefully crafted dining events are perfect for those seeking a unique and luxurious outdoor experience. Guests staying at The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara are encouraged not to miss out on these magical moments.

For more details or to book your experience, visit www.anantara.com/en/royal-livingstone.

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