Starfish Travel Corporation Team

As soon as the project’s top floor and building structure are finished, a subsidiary of DoubleDragon conducts ASCOTT’s topping off at DD Meridian Park. By 2024, it is anticipated that ASCOTTDD Meridian Park, which is just behind DoubleDragon Plaza and contains over 300 luxurious serviced homes, would be operational and start to bring in recurring income. As the Mini-CBD (Central Business District) in the Bay Area of Pasay City, Metro Manila, the high-end luxury development ASCOTT-DD Meridian Park will complete and further enrich the mix of the entire complex. Ascott-DD Meridian Park will be run and managed by The Ascott Limited, a unit of Singapore-based Capital Land, which has activities all over the world. Given its great landmark location at the intersection of EDSA, Roxas Boulevard, and Macapagal Avenue in the Bay Area, Pasay City, Metro Manila, DoubleDragon Plaza at DD Meridian Park is positioned as a miniature central business district (CBD) in the Bay area. In addition to many private corporate head offices, DoubleDragon Plaza is LEED Gold certified and currently houses two government agency headquarters, namely PEZA (Philippine Economic Zone Authority) and TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure Economic Zone Authority) and expects to soon welcome a third government agency to relocate its headquarters in the complex. Given its extremely prominent landmark location with numerous top food chain brands in the Ground Floor, including Jollibee, Mang Inasal, and many others, DoubleDragon Plaza at DD Meridian Park as a complex brings undeniable advantage to a variety of office tenants whether corporations, government agencies, or BPO companies. The only complex in the area featuring 8 commercial banks (Landbank, RCBC, PNB, BPI, AUB, Unionbank, Chinabank, and BDO) makes DD Meridian Park feel like a mini-CBD for the Bay Area, making it incredibly convenient for office tenants to do their banking business nearby. The ground floor of DoubleDragon Plaza houses MerryMart Grocery, a full-service supermarket, which serves as a nice addition to these dining and banking alternatives. Additionally, the complex has a vast parking facility with thousands of spaces that is conveniently positioned in the basement and is just for visitors from outside the complex who come to the DD Meridian Park for either business meetings or recreation. The top 3 conference centers in the Philippines (PICC, SMX, and World Trade Center) are within a short drive of DoubleDragon Plaza, which is situated in a prominent double corner site. It is also not too far from other CBDs in Metro Manila.By 2025, the 5-hectare DoubleDragon Meridian Park complex is anticipated to have reached its full potential as a major hard asset portfolio, having been fully constructed by 2024. Source- Travel daily

Koh Lanta, an island off the coast of Thailand, is a slice of heaven. This unusual location, which is blessed with lush, jungle-covered hills, lovely beaches, and crystal-clear oceans, realizes every traveler’s fantasy of a tropical island paradise. Koh Lanta is significantly less visited by visitors than neighbouring islands like Phuket or Koh Phi Phi, but it nevertheless has a genuinely authentic atmosphere and culture. Experience-seeking visitors can take advantage of extremely opulent and environmentally conscious getaways at Pimalai Resort & Spa, the natural five-star retreat hidden in 100 acres of lush, native forest on Koh Lanta. This charming resort has worked hard to protect the environment and uplift the community ever since it was originally weaved into Koh Lanta’s coastline landscape 21 years ago. It is now asking select travelers to go on a journey with it that is sustainable. A HUB OF BIODIVERSITY Monkeys, monitor lizards, eagles, and hornbills can be observed in the trees at Pimalai, which is also home to a wide variety of marine species. As part of its dedication to protecting the marine environment, the resort recently assisted in the release of 50 endangered turtles and millions of crabs into the Andaman Sea. Visitors can also participate in frequent beach cleaning events to maintain the beachfront and nearby islands litter-free. Although Pimalai does not allow motorized water activities, there are several free options for experiencing the ocean’s waves, including windsurfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Koh Lanta is a top snorkeling spot as well, and Pimalai is committed to maintaining the health of the offshore reefs through coral propagation programs, the most recent of which takes place this month, and the introduction of a new coral restoration instructor course. Explorers can also visit breathtaking locations that are teeming with colorful water life, such as huge schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks, and rays, on PADI-certified scuba diving excursions. REASONABLE EXCUSES Travelers can set out on sustainable, small-scale trips to far-off, exotic islands. While the “Koh Ngai & Emerald Cave” itinerary offers the chance to explore an amazing limestone cave that shimmers and shines, swim in a stunning hidden lagoon, and relax on a pristine beach, the “Koh Haa Sunset” trip showcases an incredible collection of limestone islets that enclose a brilliant aquamarine lagoon, a technicolor reef, and a pure white beach. In addition, the “Talabeng + Koh Lanta Old Town” tour reveals the dramatic limestone karsts and cliffs of Koh Talabeng island before arriving at Koh Lanta’s Old Town, a charming port with more than 100 years of history. The “Mangroves Tour” transports visitors into a lush coastal forest where wildlife abounds. THE ENTIRE POINT IS COMMUNITY Visitors can rest easy knowing that Pimalai has a zero-waste food policy. As part of a number of “reuse, reduce, and recycle” initiatives, extra organic food is utilized to fertilize the resort’s plants. Thai Princess Sirindhorn developed the “Little Scientist House” program, which invites youngsters from nearby schools to acquire scientific concepts. Pimalai also provides three- to six-month internships for Thai students, with the possibility of future employment. The Pimalai resort’s “Our People = Our Family” philosophy, which has guided resort operations from its inception, includes a commitment to the local community. HIGH-QUALITY FACILITIES Back at the resort, visitors can unwind in style in a selection of 121 roomy suites and villas, plunge into shimmering infinity pools that seem suspended in the jungle canopy, indulge in soothing treatments at the renowned Pimalai Spa, play tennis on full-size courts, or take part in immersive activities like Thai cooking classes, yoga, muay thai, cycling, fitness, and more. Rak Talay, a beachfront restaurant specializing in fresh Andaman seafood, Seven Seas, a stunning international fine-dining establishment perched on a hillside overlooking the bay, Spice & Rice, a remarkably authentic Thai eatery, and The Banyan Tree Poolside Café, which offers light fare and refreshments during the day, are four of the world’s most luxurious dining establishments. “Our company’s founder, Khun Anurat Tiyaphorn, fell in love at first sight with this beautiful piece of property in the 1990s. Pimalai was established with the intention of protecting the environment and bringing advantages to the local community since, according to Chinese feng shui concept, “a house leaning against the mountains and facing waters can bring good luck for people living in it.” Our multinational clients, who need to know that they are making a difference, are people with whom we are proud to share that vision. Every visitor to Pimalai can relax knowing that they are doing their part to protect the environment and the local population while simultaneously taking a magnificent holiday in paradise, according to Pimalai’s general manager, Brice Borin. Source- Travel daily

Authentic local flavors, artisanal products, and specifically curated gifting options from regional businesses and designers can be found at the new dining and retail area Pacific Emporium, which has just opened at Pan Pacific Singapore, the flagship property of the Pan Pacific Hotels Group.   The Kitchen, The Bar, The Deli, and The Gifting are four separate sections of Pacific Emporium, each of which offers a unique experience that captures the panache of Singapore. The Pacific Emporium combines a touch of luxury with warm comfort to create a pleasant location for all hotel guests. It features a colorful open space decorated with fresh produce, comfortable and inviting sitting options, and elegant marble accents.  The last orders are taken at 10:30 p.m. Pacific Emporium is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. A Celebration of Singapore’s Diverse Culinary Heritage, The Kitchen  The Kitchen’s menu, which combines traditional dishes with well-known hawker favorites, offers a culinary journey of Singaporean flavors. The menu items were designed by award-winning Executive Chef Nicholas Shadbolt to highlight the finest of Singaporean cuisine, including both traditional favorites and fresh new dishes.  Specialty Menu Items  A strange but exquisite combination of a traditional cheeseburger with fish otah and ginger-infused lemongrass mayonnaise is the Peranakan Wagyu Beef Burger.  An tribute to the kong bak bao, the braised pork belly burger features pillowy buns and fork-tender meat surrounded by an Asian slaw and cilantro mayonnaise. Rice with Heritage Chicken: A substantial serving of the national cuisine of Singapore, which includes fragrant rice, tender steamed chicken, and a variety of sauces, from the well-known garlic chilli sauce to minced ginger. • Lobster Laksa: Indulge in a cherished Singaporean staple that has been elevated to new heights with our Laksa, which has been covered with a lavish coating of juicy lobster meat that goes well with the creamy coconut gravy.  The Bar: Drink concoctions and infusions Singaporean flavors are present Quench your thirst at The Bar with a variety of drinks, including freshly squeezed juices with local names and creative blends with regional twists. To give foreign visitors a sense of Singaporean culture while still staying at the hotel, the menu contains definitions of each term.  Specialty Menu Items  Boba-Cane is a special drink that combines modern and traditional tastes. It is made with fresh sugarcane juice and comes with a selection of toppings, including white pearls, grass jelly, and others. The dish “Die Die Must Try” is from the “Fizz-ical” menu. The mixture blends pink peppercorn, basil, and a tad of spice with the subtle sweetness of fermented peaches. A choice from the “Fizz-ical” menu is Catch No Ball. A lovely blending of the earthy tones of cinnamon and clove with the richness of cherry and the acidity of lime. The Deli: A Tasteful Exploration of Sweet and Savory Delights  The counters at The Deli are adorned with a cornucopia of delectable treats, including quality charcuterie, handcrafted sausages from the on-site Pan Pacific Butchery run by Master Butcher Haiko Mayer, gourmet cheeses that have been painstakingly sourced, freshly baked pastries, and a choice of the best patisserie.  Original menu item  Soft black sesame sponge and light Sakura mousse combine to create the magnificent teacake known as Sakura, which is made of delicate and aromatic ingredients.  The Gifting Festival showcases Singapore’s craftsmanship and inventiveness.  Instead of having a standard gift shop, Pacific Emporium smoothly integrates retail into the eating area, showcasing Singaporean producers and designers through a variety of distinctive high-end designs, accessories, food products, and souvenirs that capture Singapore’s artistry and heart. The Gifting, a platform created in collaboration with the Singapore Fashion Council’s (SFC) Design Orchard, is outfitted with the top regional brands. Retail items are tastefully presented on fixtures by LA Design, one of Design Orchard’s partner brands, and are available for customers to browse at their leisure throughout the Pacific Emporium area.  With a goal of empowering and inspiring Singapore brands, the SFC works closely with a variety of partners, including Pan Pacific Singapore, to open up fresh possibilities for significant growth. The Pacific Emporium area and Design Orchard’s mission to give local brands a platform to share their creativity with the world harmoniously combine to capture the panache of Singapore.  Authentic Brands  Coconese – COCOONESE was developed to highlight the beauty of handcrafted artwork. They are dedicated to producing excellent and distinctive women’s bags with Asian-inspired patterns. Singapore is where COCOONESE’s handcrafted goods are created. Since every one of their bags is painstakingly handmade and hand-sewn, they have extremely few stock options, which also makes each design one of a kind. Strait Lights is a luxury design studio that creates one-of-a-kind products to improve daily life and commemorate the area we call home. Strait Lights was inspired by Singapore’s city of villages. Strait Lights is a design firm that produces high-end fragrances and lifestyle products that highlight life in the Lion City. Strait Lights was inspired by Singapore’s “city of villages.” Our goods are painstakingly handmade and are full of soul. Everything we do is meant to highlight the subtle but resonant message of belonging and to deepen the bond between people and place.  The Animal Project (TAP) is a social company that supports, promotes, and recognizes the talents of people and artists with special needs. Products from its exquisitely designed line of goods include artwork, presents, housewares, and lifestyle items. They are adorned with animal drawings created by artists with disabilities. Through the sale of these goods, the artists receive royalties. TAP also offers jobs to those with disabilities.  Source- Travel daily

Slow travel may be the ideal trend to adopt when planning your next vacation, whether you’re aiming to reduce your carbon footprint or are just looking for new levels of fun. There are countless possibilities for rail travel throughout Asia, from Japan’s fabled bullet trains to sleeper trains that carry travelers the whole length of Vietnam. See below for Marriott Bonvoy’s picks for the top train excursion for ideas for your upcoming journey. Fukuoka to Tokyo Time: five hours High-speed trains in Japan have come to represent the nation’s renowned efficiency, exquisite design, and engineering expertise. These luxurious, ultra-timely railroad icons give travelers a convenient, secure, and up-to-date way to travel throughout the nation. While Tokyo tops every traveler’s list, Fukuoka is quickly becoming known throughout the world for its thriving start-up sector and exceptional culinary tradition. It couldn’t be any easier to go from Tokyo to the capital of Japan’s Kyushu Island thanks to this quick train trip. Places to stay  Tokyo’s Ritz-Carlton and Fukuoka’s Ritz-Carlton Only the most luxurious hotels will do when traveling in current style. Travelers are welcome to stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo for an urban retreat atop a stunning building. Visitors can thoroughly immerse themselves in Japan’s major cultural center from the top of the 53-story Midtown Tower in the city’s Roppongi District. This tower offers travelers unbroken views of Tokyo landscapes. The guest rooms and suites offer a stunning design fusion of East and West and are renowned throughout Asia for their opulent areas and facilities. The Michelin-starred cuisine, first-rate service, and serene décor of this sky-high hotel stand in striking contrast to the busy streets of Tokyo outside. The newly-opened Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka is located on the ninth highest levels of a 25-story glass tower created by Kume Sekkei, reaching comparable heights. The Genkai Sea and the surrounding hills provide a stunning backdrop for guests to enjoy throughout their stay. Four dining establishments and two bars within the hotel depict Fukuoka’s thriving food scene, from Viridis’ innovative farm-to-sky Western cuisine to the chic Genjyu’s presentation of Japan’s finest culinary traditions. The spa, which is on the 24th floor, has rooms for luxurious spa treatments made with natural ingredients, an indoor pool with a view of the bay, and a gym with spectacular city views. Chiang Mai to Bangkok Time: ten hours This classic Thai rail excursion, which was Thailand’s first long-distance railway line, is a must-do for leisurely travelers. Travelers are treated to the waking vision of the Thai countryside as they leave Bangkok in the late afternoon and make their way into the night.  Highlights like the untamed woodland of Doi Khun Tan National Park, located just south of Chiang Mai, will rouse tired eyes. A ticket on one of Thailand’s brand-new SRT trains ensures an opulent and ultra-modern travel for a small premium over the going rate. Places to stay  Le Méridien Chiang Mai and W Bangkok The contemporary and recognizable W Bangkok is well situated for a Bangkok trip, being only a short stroll from the BTS Station for quick access to trains and the rest of the city. Within seconds after leaving their hotel door, visitors can embark on a cruise down the Chao Phraya River and take in the views and sounds of this unmatched metropolis. On the sixth level of the hotel, W Bangkok offers guests access to a 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool, and cocktail deck. While enjoying these ultra-hip places, visitors can take in Bangkok’s striking skyline. Since it first opened in 2015, the hotel’s restaurant, The House on Sathorn, has established itself as one of the most distinctive dining and drinking destinations in the city. It is renowned for its wonderful seafood dishes, which include lobster, crab, prawns, and fish. Visitors can enjoy the greatest cuisine the restaurant has to offer by ordering off the Experience or Discovery menus. When arriving in Chiang Mai after spending the night on a sleeper train, Le Méridien Chiang Mai offers the perfect place to unwind. The Le Méridien Chiang Mai is the ideal home base to explore the bustling city. It is situated in the center of Thailand’s northern capital, just steps away from colorful markets and a wealth of dining and nightlife venues. After a long day of walking, visitors are welcome to unwind in the expansive rooftop infinity pool while taking in the breathtaking views of the city and distant mountains.  If you’ve worked up an appetite, the award-winning Favola restaurant offers modern Thai food for the ideal way to round off the day. 30 hours from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon). Vietnam is undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous nations to see from a train’s window, with breathtaking vistas beckoning to be marveled at by onlooking slow travelers. The Reunification Express provides a relaxing, effective, and breathtakingly gorgeous rail journey between the capital city of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Adventurers are in for a 30-hour train ride, but if that sounds a little too long, there are several possibilities for stopovers. Among them are Hoi An and Hu, a beautiful city that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the Van Long Nature Reserve, a haven for birdwatchers. Source- Travel daily

American Airlines has announced the addition of three new European destinations for the summer of 2024, as well as the return of popular seasonal flights, as part of its ongoing effort to grow its presence across the Atlantic. American will operate 67 flights weekly from 17 European cities to 11 U.S. destinations during the busiest part of next summer. Copenhagen is reached from Campania, and Cannes is close by. Beginning in May or June 2024, American will provide sporadic nonstop service from Philadelphia (PHL) to Nice (NCE), Copenhagen (CPH), and Naples (NAP) in Europe. To make traveling to the French Riviera even simpler, American will also end up being the only airline operating between PHL and NCE. American offers easy one-stop access for consumers across the nation to Europe with service to more than 70 domestic destinations from PHL. According to Kyle Mabry, American’s Vice President of Operations and Commercial, EMEA and APAC, “We are thrilled to be introducing three new European summer destinations in 2024, catering to the increasing demand for flights between the U.S. and Europe over the summer period.” “Travelers can have a rich, varied experience at each of the three new places. Whether they want to take in the natural beauty of the Nordic countries, discover the Riviera’s coastal scenery, or simply want to relax with an aperitif and some pizza while Vesuvius is in the background. Or Philadelphia serves as the ideal entry point for travelers making summer trips from Europe to the United States to see a wide variety of locations, each offering a unique sense of adventure. Linking the City of Water and the Windy City For the first time since 2019, American will resume daily service between Chicago (ORD) and Venice (VCE), reuniting the Windy City with the City of Water. Customers will have additional scheduling freedom thanks to the service from ORD, which will connect them to more than 100 domestic locations and supplement the current route between PHL and VCE. Source- Travel daily

Now that summer is in full swing, women can enjoy a unique trip to Yas Waterworld with the waterpark’s much awaited signature event, “Ladies’ Day,” which will run every Friday until October 13 during the whole season. This summer, Yas Waterworld is the place to be, where the ladies can enjoy a full day of splash-tastic activities and authentic encounters at this distinctive waterpark with an Emirati theme. Ladies are in for a treat this summer, from cooling off in Yas Waterworld’s crystal-clear pool to trying a unique pearl diving experience, to enjoying heart-pounding attractions like Dawwama, Jebel Drop, and Liwa Loop, to relaxing under the cabanas while sipping on scrumptious mocktails. Women can dance the day away to groovy sounds provided by a live female DJ, which adds to the thrill. Visitors to the park can take pleasure in the seclusion of their own privacy, embrace the day with confidence, and make lasting memories with their loved ones thanks to its design, which offers a safe and delightful experience solely for women. Source- Travel daily

Through a partnership with Juniper Travel Technology, a leading provider of online solutions and connectivity in the travel industry, TUI Group, one of the world’s largest travel companies, has expanded the distribution of its Tours & Activities. Customers of Juniper TravelTech may now easily access and integrate TUI’s catalog of more than 88,000 excursions, activities, and attraction tickets, which are offered in more than 100 countries. TUI’s portfolio of experiences will initially be made accessible as a separate catalog, but later it will also be incorporated into Juniper’s packaging and call center modules. The collaboration with Juniper Travel Technology is a continuation of TUI’s strong and strategic growth in Tours & Activities as well as the expansion of its digital distribution. “This partnership benefits both parties and enables TUI and Juniper Travel Technology to broaden their product lines and attract new clients. We are thrilled that businesses can now seamlessly integrate our carefully curated portfolio of the most relevant experiences from around the world thanks to Juniper’s industry-leading technological solutions. Said Nishank Gopalkrishnan, the TUI Group’s Tours & Activities division’s Chief Business Officer. We partner with the finest companies and offer the best products, therefore a partnership with TUI was unavoidable. We are happy to supply our customers with their excursion, activity, and attraction tickets. This is a great partnership for both industries because we have pioneered creative and frictionless digital integration and TUI is well-known for its top-notch goods and customer service worldwide.  The general manager of Juniper Travel Technology, Juan Mateos, said. TUI, one of the biggest companies in the tours and activities sector, sold more than seven million experiences in 2022. The complete TUI catalog of experiences can be integrated right away, or a customized selection based on a company’s requirements, such as particular locations or experience categories, can be made. TUI has the largest product sourcing team in the tours and activities sector, and experiences are evaluated against high quality, health and safety, and sustainability standards, including Green & Fair experiences, a first-in-the-industry certification based on GSTC criteria. Source- Travel daily

On Monday, August 14, at the 35th annual Virtuoso Travel Week, Virtuoso®, the top worldwide network specializing in luxury and experiential travel, presented the winners of the network’s “Best Cruise Lines” awards. Virtuoso Travel Week, which took place from August 12–18, attracted hundreds of top luxury travel experts, advisers, and preferred partners from more than a hundred countries. At “Cruise Night Out,” one of the week’s hottest tickets, which brings together the network’s cruise partners and its advisers who specialize in cruises for an invitation-only party, the top cruise partners of 2023 were recognized. Best Ocean Cruise Line, Best River Cruise Line, and Best Expedition Cruise Line nominations come from both Virtuoso advisors and preferred partners. The winners are then chosen by a vote of the advisors. The competition is fiercer than ever as the cruise industry experiences growth in both market size and consumer demand.  The winners this year have a shared dedication to innovation, creativity, client satisfaction, support of the travel advisor community, and, of course, wonderful travel experiences in some of the most extraordinary places on earth. And the winners are Quark Expeditions (best expedition cruise line), Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, and Silversea Cruises (best ocean cruise line). OPTIMUM OCEAN CRUISE LINE This prize honors the cruise line that provides Virtuoso tourists with the finest overall ocean cruise experience. Silversea Cruises wins. The intimate luxury ships offered by Silversea are intended for travelers who like the rush of exploration while indulging their senses in the most opulent settings possible. More than any other cruise line, Silversea trips and cruise adventures visit nearly 900 locations on all seven continents. Additionally, sailing the world has never been more effortless thanks to enhanced all-inclusive service, door-to-door transfers, and extra shore excursions for classic journeys. The best river cruise route This honor is given to the river cruise company that offers Virtuoso travelers the best overall trip experience. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is the winner. Itineraries in stunning locations around Europe, Egypt, Asia, and Peru are available from Uniworld. Its fleet includes opulent vessels with an average passenger capacity of 120, one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios in the river cruise industry, all-inclusive advantages to the highest degree on the rivers, alluring shore excursions, top-notch gourmet cuisine, and flawless service. With sustainability at its core, Uniworld has banned more than 60 single-use plastics across its activities and aims to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050 EXPEDITION CRUISE LINE, BEST This honor is given to the adventure cruise line that offers Virtuoso travelers the best overall trip experience. Quark Expeditions won. For more than 30 years, Quark excursions has been the top supplier of excursions to the Arctic and Antarctic. Quark Expeditions gives tourists unrivaled access to the most inaccessible locations on the planet with a wide fleet of small expedition ships that are carefully outfitted, icebreakers, and uncommon land-based excursions. The cruise company has a long history of operating in the arctic areas, and it is committed to providing transformative experiences for those travelers traveling there. With the best teaching, photography, and overall experience for travelers on board, Quark Expeditions offers the highest expedition guide-to-passenger ratios (1:6). Source- Travel daily