Quick Bytes

New kids on the block

Devaaya Ayurveda Retreat, Goa

The Alcon Victor Group recently launched Devaaya Ayurveda Retreat in Diwar, Goa. The retreat features sixty cottages built in traditional Goan-style spread across five acres, either with a view of the river Mandovi or a garden view of landscaped lawns and coconut groves. Within easy reach by drive-in-river ferry, the resort is approximately 10 kms from Panaji city and just 30 kms from Goa's International Airport. The resort provides ayurvedic treatments for chronic ailments, that come in various packages, the duration of which vary from seven to thirty five days. The retreat also offers various indoor and outdoor activities, complete with a modern spa, gym and swimming pool, as well as facilities for village walks, cycling, cruises, tennis and visit to the spice plantations. A full fledged meditation centre and multi-purpose hall is also available. As far as cuisine is concerned, one can choose from a variety of satvik, continental or Indian food, according to individual tastes.

Country Inns & Suites, Goa

Phoenix Group Global recently launched a Portuguese-themed resort called Country Inns & Suites in Goa. Situated off Benaulim Beach, Country Inns & Suites is conceptualised and designed to give the feel of the authentic Portugese village life. The rooms and suites are built around courtyards, giving the feel of a private house complete with gardens, patios and pergolas for relaxation. Other facilities which include three F&B outlets, a spa, conferencing facilities and a children's club, are also available.

Further the group has relaunched its Radisson White Sands Resort in south Goa. Originally launched in 2002, this property recently underwent an extensive refurbishment programme which included new interior design concepts, a lounge bar and Sake - the first Pan - Asian restaurant with a Teppanyaki experience in Goa, and a well-stocked bar. Situated on the shores of Varca Beach, the resort offers well-designed rooms that provide a sense of warmth as well as privacy. In addition, there is a gigantic swimming pool as well as a wide variety of recreational facilities.

Prego Restaurant, Chennai

Taj Coromandel, part of the Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces recently added a new and authentic Italian restaurant to its hotel. With a stylish look and innovative interiors, Prego offers guests an opportunity to experience fine dining with delectable cuisine from small town Italy, coupled with wines from around the world.

IKKO lounge bar, Delhi

With the introduction of IKKO lounge bar, Lazeez Affaire brings the first Pan-Asian lounge to Delhi. With interesting décor and furnishings, a wide selection of music, an elaborate menu with dishes from over five countries, as well as imported wines and spirits, the lounge promises something for everyone.

INTERNATIONAL

JW Marriott Hotel, Beijing

Located in the heart of the capital city, just east of Beijing's central business district, the new JW Marriott, Beijing has 549 deluxe and executive guest rooms and 39 suites. While guest rooms facing south feature serene garden views, those facing north offer a vista of the bustling China Central Place and beyond to Chaoyang Park. Each room is equipped with a 42-inch flat-screen LCD TV, as well as a DVD player with USB connectivity. All bathrooms are additionally equipped with an LCD screen above the bath as well. A state-of-the-art business center is open 24 hours daily, and for meetings and events the hotel offers 1,800 square meters of adaptable function space and a 1,294-square-meter Grand Ballroom.

For dining and entertainment, the JW Marriott Hotel Beijing has three restaurants offering Asian, and Continental cuisine, and there is also a bar featuring a wide selection of wines and cocktails, with live music. The Quan Spa at the JW Marriott Hotel Beijing offers ten unique treatment rooms, offering a wide range of massage, facial and body therapies, with individual changing facilities, toilet and spacious showers.

Oakwood Residence Sukhumvit 24, Bangkok

One of the world's largest providers of serviced apartments, Oakwood, recently opened the Oakwood Residence Sukhumvit 24. The property, which will offer daily as well as long-stay rates, marks the first of four new Oakwood developments in Bangkok to be unveiled by Oakwood Asia Pacific, which plans to open 19 new properties in Asia by 2009.

Each room features fully equipped kitchens, broadband internet connectivity and 32-inch LCD screens. In addition, Oakwood also offers a modern and fully equipped Studio, one bedroom and two bedroom residences as well as a full restaurant, business centre, residents' lounge, gym, valet parking, 24-hour security, a rooftop swimming pool and sun deck.

Best Western Kinabalu Daya Hotel, Kota Kinabalu

Extending its brand's reach into East Malaysia, Best Western recently opened the Best Western Kinabalu Daya Hotel, located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah.

Best Western Kinabalu Daya Hotel is situated in the capital's downtown, and within walking distance of major shopping malls, offices and banks, restaurants and tourist attractions.

With 107 modern and spacious rooms all wired with high-speed internet connections, the hotel also provides wireless access in the rooms as well as in public areas.

Two function rooms with a capacity for 80 persons, and a restaurant that transforms into a karaoke pub in the evening, completes the hotel's offerings.

Park Plaza Sukhumvit, Bangkok

Carlson Hotels recently opened the first Park Plaza hotel in Thailand. The Park Plaza Sukhumvit Bangkok is conveniently located, just three minutes' walk from the BTS skytrain and MRT subway stations at the Asoke-Sukhumvit intersection in Bangkok. In-room amenities include free wireless high-speed internet, 32-inch LCD televisions with laptop connections and DVD player. Guest rooms feature an ergonomic chair, desktop reading lamp, spacious desktop workspace and international power connections. Free wireless internet and LAN connectivity is also available in all public areas of the hotel.

The hotel's emphasis on style, comfort and convenience is apparent in the café-style restaurant, the contemporary bar with a club-like ambience and the gym, sky pool and al fresco patio dining area overlooking Benjakitti Park, all on the Park Plaza's rooftop.

The hotel is also in close proximity to well-known business, entertainment and recreational locations such as the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, the Stock Exchange of Thailand, Benjakitti Park, and all offices along Asoke and Sukhumvit roads.