SAii Resorts Earn Gold for Sustainable Hospitality

SAii Resorts Achieve Gold Standard in Sustainable Events and Hospitality

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 23, 2025

S Hotels and Resorts PLC, a key player under Singha Estate PCL, is proud to celebrate a major milestone in sustainable hospitality. Its flagship lifestyle brand, SAii, has taken a bold step forward with SAii Laguna Phuket and SAii Lagoon Maldives becoming the first and only venues in Thailand and the Maldives to receive GOLD certification from the Event Industry Council (EIC) under their Sustainable Event Standards. This recognition firmly positions SAii as a leader in eco-conscious MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and lifestyle travel.

This achievement follows years of strategic investments in upgrading event facilities to meet the rising demand for sustainable tourism. In addition to the EIC certification, SAii properties in Thailand have earned Green Globe certification for three consecutive years, with the Maldives properties maintaining the same for two years.

SAii Laguna Phuket

A frontrunner in Thailand, SAii Laguna Phuket boasts a 1,900-sqm ocean-facing event complex that adheres to TCEB’s Thailand MICE Venue Standards. The venue has eliminated single-use plastics by using reusable decorations, banning plastic straws, and offering recycling bins and green transport options. Each event’s carbon footprint can be measured using advanced technology to help organisers reduce environmental impact.

To further this commitment, the resort collaborates with Seeds of Change, a local organisation, to create upcycled eco beach bags from renovation materials—each handmade by community members and provided to guests. The SAii Spa offers herbal therapies using locally made products, and a Sustainable Sleep initiative has introduced eco-friendly King Koil mattresses across renovated rooms.

Guests also enjoy culinary offerings made with local ingredients, including produce from the on-site organic garden, and participate in activities such as beach clean-ups and cooking classes using regional produce.

SAii Lagoon Maldives

SAii Lagoon Maldives, part of CROSSROADS Maldives, is the first in the Maldives to receive GOLD certification from EIC. It features a 326-sqm Event Hall designed for over 400 delegates, incorporating Hilton’s “Meet with Purpose” concept. Events are planned with a focus on waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainability—from solar-powered energy and LED technology to the use of locally sourced ingredients.

The resort’s Marine Discovery Centre, staffed by marine biologists, plays a key role in educational and conservation programmes like coral propagation, which are also integrated into corporate retreats. Cooking classes, digital document usage, and polystyrene-free planning further align the resort with eco-conscious hospitality trends.

SAii Phi Phi Island Village

Recognised in the Top 100 Sustainable Hotels and Resorts by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, SAii Phi Phi continues to innovate with a new eco trail experience. This offering includes kayaking, cycling, snorkelling, and more—each designed to highlight the island’s biodiversity. Corporate guests can also participate in mangrove planting, nature trails, stargazing, and marine workshops led by in-house biologists.

Michael Marshall, CEO of S Hotels and Resorts, shared, “At SAii, we have integrated sustainable practices into every facet of our operations and customer experience. The recognition from the Event Industry Council and Green Globe, along with our guests’ feedback, motivates us to further our sustainability agenda.”

Through such meaningful initiatives, the SAii brand reaffirms its role as a trailblazer in combining luxurious guest experiences with environmental stewardship—showing that it is possible to celebrate the planet while enjoying world-class hospitality.

TOKYO SKYTREE Brings Cherry Blossom Season to New Heights with “THE Sakura SKYTREE”

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 25, 2026

As Japan gears up for its much-awaited cherry blossom season, Tobu Tower Skytree Co., Ltd. has announced a special spring programme titled “THE Sakura SKYTREE – Going to Meet the Cherry Blossoms Above the Clouds” at TOKYO SKYTREE. The limited-period experience will run from February 26 to April 14, 2026, offering visitors a fresh way to enjoy sakura from 350 metres above ground.

Designed as an alternative to traditional park hanami, the event brings cherry blossom viewing into an urban, elevated setting. Located on the Tembo Deck at Floors 350 and 340, the experience blends sakura-inspired installations with wide, uninterrupted views of Tokyo, allowing visitors to enjoy spring scenery from above the city skyline.

Built around the theme “Sky × Sakura,” the Tembo Deck will be transformed with cherry blossom décor and Japanese-style photo installations. The setting reflects the fleeting beauty of sakura while creating striking visual moments for visitors. With the Tokyo skyline as a backdrop, the space offers a modern interpretation of spring that combines tradition with a sense of scale and spectacle.

For evening visitors, a key attraction will be the seasonal showcase at the SKYTREE ROUND THEATER® on Floor 350. The observatory’s large windows will turn into a panoramic screen for a three-minute visual presentation capturing the delicate and short-lived nature of cherry blossoms. Using 24 projectors and surround sound from 13 speakers, the experience adds a cinematic layer to hanami, bringing together culture, technology, and storytelling.

Adding to the seasonal feel, the SKYTREE CAFE on Floor 350 will launch a limited-edition cherry blossom-themed menu. The offerings will include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, along with spring-inspired sweets. Highlights include donuts in “Sakura Mochi” and “Sakura Sky Vanilla” flavours, made as 100% plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free options. The menu is designed to be visually appealing and easy to share, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The spring theme will also extend to the W1SH RIBBON monument on the Tembo Deck, where limited-edition pink ribbons will be available during the event period. Visitors can tie their wishes onto the softly lit pink installation, reflecting themes of renewal and fresh beginnings associated with the season. The monument lighting will also shift to pink to match the overall décor.

On selected evenings, TOKYO SKYTREE itself will light up in special spring illumination called “Sakura SKY (Sakura-Sora).” Inspired by cherry blossoms set against a spring sky, gentle pink beams will represent petals floating in the wind, turning the tower into a seasonal highlight visible across the city.

With immersive décor, visual storytelling, seasonal food, and special lighting, “THE Sakura SKYTREE” positions TOKYO SKYTREE as a standout attraction during spring. By presenting the cherry blossom season from 350 metres above ground, the event offers visitors an experience that feels modern, memorable, and uniquely Tokyo.

Chef Bobby Appointed Sous Chef at TIYA in San Francisco

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 25, 2026

TIYA, a Michelin Guide-recognized restaurant, has announced the appointment of Chef Bobby as its new Sous Chef. The move underlines the restaurant’s continued focus on quality, innovation, and refined modern Indian cuisine in the heart of San Francisco.

In his new role, Chef Bobby will oversee day-to-day kitchen operations at TIYA. His responsibilities include ensuring smooth service, refined plating presentation, well-balanced flavours, and consistent portion control. Through his leadership, the restaurant aims to further strengthen its position as a premium modern Indian dining destination known for creativity, precision, and memorable guest experiences.

Before joining TIYA, Chef Bobby worked as Sous Chef at Madras Group Inc., located at 1177 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. There, he supported the Executive Chef in running high-performing kitchen operations. His role included supervising and training culinary teams, maintaining HACCP and ServSafe food safety standards, handling inventory and supplier coordination, and contributing to cost control and menu innovation. His involvement in recipe development and tasting menu execution played a key role in maintaining high dining standards.

Earlier in his career, Chef Bobby gained valuable experience as a Demi Chef de Partie at The Quorum, Two Horizon Center, Golf Course Road, and as a Commi at Hotel Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar. He began his professional journey at Aamod Resorts, Kandaghat, District Solan, Himachal Pradesh, where he built a strong foundation in kitchen operations and hospitality discipline.

Speaking on his appointment, Chef Bobby said, “Joining TIYA, a Michelin Guide restaurant, as Sous Chef is an exciting milestone in my culinary journey. The brand’s vision of redefining modern Indian cuisine resonates deeply with my passion for innovation and excellence. I look forward to contributing to TIYA’s continued growth and delivering memorable dining experiences to our guests.”

With experience across well-known hospitality brands in both India and the United States, Chef Bobby’s appointment marks a meaningful step forward for TIYA as it continues to raise the bar for modern Indian fine dining in San Francisco.

Unwind in the Sacred Spirit of Ramadan at Novotel Cairo Airport

By Hariharan U

Published on February 24, 2026

As the holy month of Ramadan begins, Novotel Cairo Airport welcomes guests to experience the season in an atmosphere defined by serenity, reflection, and heartfelt hospitality. Designed for both Cairo residents seeking a peaceful retreat within the city and travellers exploring Egypt’s capital, the hotel offers a setting where the spirit of togetherness takes centre stage.

Ramadan at Novotel Cairo Airport focuses on creating meaningful moments. Guests can slow down, reconnect, and embrace the traditions of the holy month while enjoying a comfortable and relaxing stay. The property’s dining venues present thoughtfully curated Iftar and Sohour experiences, blending traditional Ramadan flavours with contemporary touches. Each meal is crafted to bring families, friends, couples, and colleagues together around the table in celebration.

For corporate guests, the hotel provides fully equipped banquet rooms and dedicated facilities suited for Iftars, Sohour gatherings, and Ramadan celebrations. The spaces are designed to encourage connection and appreciation, offering organisations a welcoming environment to host teams and partners during the blessed month.

A highlight of the season is the exclusive Ramadan dessert display, available throughout the day. Guests can indulge in a carefully selected assortment of oriental pastries, featuring both classic favourites and delicately crafted treats that reflect the flavours of Ramadan. Whether enjoyed on-site or taken home to share, the sweet offerings add a festive touch to the experience.

More than a destination to stay or dine, Novotel Cairo Airport positions itself as a place where Cairo’s Ramadan evenings come alive with warmth and community spirit. It is a space to unwind after a long day of fasting, reflect on the blessings of the season, and create lasting memories.

Part of the global Accor portfolio, Novotel operates over 590 hotels across more than 65 countries and participates in the ALL – Accor Live Limitless lifestyle loyalty programme, offering members access to rewards and exclusive experiences worldwide.

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SAii Resorts Achieve Gold Standard in Sustainable Events and Hospitality

SAii Laguna Phuket

SAii Lagoon Maldives

SAii Phi Phi Island Village

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TOKYO SKYTREE Brings Cherry Blossom Season to New Heights with “THE Sakura SKYTREE”

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Unwind in the Sacred Spirit of Ramadan at Novotel Cairo Airport

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