Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, and Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation (TLDC), one of the fastest-growing real estate development companies in the Philippines, celebrated the inauguration of dusitD2 Davao hotel on 6 September 2019 with a special ceremony held in the elegant Dusit Thani Grand Ballroom.

Hosted by Mr Lim Boon Kwee, COO, Dusit International, and Mr Tomas P. Lorenzo, CEO, TLDC, the special event was attended by local dignitaries including Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, and Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte, alongside representatives from leading local businesses and the tourism and hospitality industry.

Demonstrating Dusit International’s and TLDC’s commitment to having a positive local impact, during the event TLDC made a donation to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Educational Benefit System Office (AFPEBSO), which assists the dependents of wounded soldiers.

Soft opened in March this year, the upscale, full-service dusitD2 Davao hotel is TLDC’s latest premium development in the Davao region. The property comprises 120 well-appointed guest rooms and suites in a prime location off JP Laurel, Lanang, close to the city’s shopping malls, business district, and IT Park. Davao International Airport can be reached in 15 minutes by car.

Designed by renowned Philippine architect Manny Samson, and inspired by ‘the vibrancy of life,’ the hotel has been carefully crafted to reflect Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality while also embracing the cultural richness of the destination.

Besides the spacious Dusit Thani Grand Ballroom and several adjoining function rooms, hotel facilities include a courtyard swimming pool with children’s pool and play zone, the Madayaw Café all-day dining restaurant, the sophisticated Siam Lounge, the signature Namm Spa, and the fully equipped DFiT Fitness Centre. Dusit’s signature Benjarong Thai Restaurant will open soon.

dusitD2 Davao hotel is just one of three new projects Dusit International has signed to manage for TDLC in Davao. Also set to hold their grand openings soon are Dusit Thani Residence Davao, and The Beach Club at Lubi Plantation Island, Managed by Dusit.

Soft opened this month, Dusit Thani Residence Davao is located next to dusitD2 Davao hotel and comprises 174 well-appointed residences and suites for short and extended stays. Designed to redefine luxury accommodation in the region, the deluxe property’s spacious rooms feature high-quality furnishings, well-equipped kitchenettes, and the latest in-room technology.

Soft-opened in December 2018, meanwhile, The Beach Club at Lubi Plantation Island, Managed by Dusit, is an exclusive island retreat just off the coast of the Davao Gulf (only 10 minutes by boat from Pindasan Port). Alongside 18 beautiful Seafront Villas overlooking a private beach, this special destination offers a large swimming pool, a children’s play area, a spacious events hall, and the Tarictic Grill & Snack Bar. A watersports and diving centre is set to open soon.

“We are humbled and honoured to have the opportunity to bring our Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to Davao and to work with Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation to help promote the region to the world at large,” said Mr Lim Boon Kwee, when addressing the audience at the opening event. “dusitD2 Davao, Dusit Thani Residence Davao, and The Beach Club at Lubi Plantation Island, Managed by Dusit are perfectly positioned to meet the growing demand for premium developments in the region, and we look forward to making them all a resounding success.”

Dusit International’s property portfolio now comprises 271 properties (nine owned and 262 managed) operating under six brands across 13 countries. The company has more than 50-Dusit branded hotels in the pipeline and expects to open at least 10-12 hotels per year in key destinations from 2020 onwards.

Only two-and-a-half hours away by flight from Peninsula Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu is a summer’s destination full of adventure and wonder. Only 15 minutes away from the airport, Hilton Kota Kinabalu is the ideal starting point if you have your heart set on an experience – whether it be diving, wildlife-watching, or taking on the majestic Mount Kinabalu.

For first-timers visiting the friendly state, the dedicated team at Hilton KK’s (the city is affectionately known by its initials) is ever ready to help with your travel bookings for an unforgettable summer getaway.

Here are some of the places to visit in Kota Kinabalu:

Go on a day excursion of island-hopping, snorkelling, and swimming at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Named after Malaysia’s first prime minister, the marine park consists of five islands: Manukan Island, Sapi Island, Gaya Island, Mamutik Island, and Sulug Island. Gaya Island, the largest of the five, is home to natural beauty and azure waters; Manukan Island, the most developed and popular of the islands; while Mamutik Island, the smallest of them all, is also the most sedate. For the adventurous, options such as snorkelling, scuba diving (PADI courses are offered), and jungle trekking are also available on the islands.

Hop on a sunset cruise down Weston River and catch a glimpse of fireflies

From a scenic drive with views of paddy fields, kampung houses, and little towns; to spotting Proboscis monkeys (known for their large noses and round bellies) in the distance; followed by a beautiful sunset at the mangrove forest; and capped off with catching fireflies on a pitch dark night, this is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to get up close and personal with nature.

Learn about the many indigenous tribes of Borneo at Mari Mari Cultural Village

With at least 30 ethnic groups in Sabah alone – each with its own unique culture, tradition, and dialect – The Mari Mari Cultural Village doubles as a museum preserving as well as educating visitors on Borneo’s ethnic culture. Mari Mari (meaning “come come”, a local lingo indicating a warm welcome) showcases the various traditional homes of the island’s indigenous communities (Bajau, Lundayeh, Murut, Rungus and Dusun) as well as their different ways of living, accompanied by nibbles and bites from each indigenous tribe. The tour ends with dance performances by the locals, which culminates to an interactive one where visitors are invited to join in, before heading back into town.

Check out Gaya Street Sunday Market for a peek into the local culture

If your trip happens to be on a weekend, wake up early and stroll along Gaya Street, the city’s main road, for the Sunday Market. For one day a week, stalls sell all sorts of interesting knick-knacks such as handcrafted wares, clothes, antiques, and snacks. Bargaining is a must, as is the purchase of Kuih Cincin (literally translates to ‘ring cakes’, a sweet and crispy local biscuit, shaped like honeycomb cells).

Conveniently close to the airport and a mere 10 mins walk from the ever-popular Gaya Street Sunday Market, Hilton Kota Kinabalu’s prime location is easily one of its most attractive features. All of its guest rooms and suites are fitted with smart lighting and motion sensors, plus creature comforts such as a 48-inch TV, walk-in rain shower, and a comfortable chaise lounge, with views of the city, harbour, or the famous Mount Kinabalu from its rooms and suites.

The five-star hotel offers a motley of dining options from a Malaysian all-day dining restaurant with live cooking stations, to an alfresco poolside bar and grill spot (an easy-to-love spot for sunset-watching), a café for snacks and grab-and-go bites, and Club Bar, a stylish speakeasy bar with live jazz performances.

Room prices start from MYR530.00nett at Hilton Kota Kinabalu. For further enquiries or reservations, please call 088 356 000 or email [email protected]

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has announced their signature Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ Super Vacation Sale offering guests up to 40% off the hotel’s Best Available Rate at participating Wyndham hotels across Southeast Asia & South Pacific. The offer is applicable for bookings made between 18 September 2019 and 1 November 2019 for stays between 18 September 2019 and 30 June 2020.

This promotion will be available across  more than 100 participating hotels in Southeast Asia & South Pacific from the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia to the picturesque islands of Fiji and New Zealand.

Guests can enjoy a wide variety of properties worldwide across 20 distinct brands from distinctive and upscale options such as Wyndham Grand® and Dolce Hotels and Resorts by Wyndham® as well as midscale and value options like Wyndham Garden®, Ramada® by Wyndham and Days Inn® by Wyndham.

Some of the highlighted participating hotels include:

Wyndham Garden Remarkables Park Queenstown is surrounded by well-loved ski fields such as The Remarkables and Coronet Peak, located just a short drive away. This is the perfect ski destination. Not to mention, the hotel is conveniently located just minutes away from Queenstown Airport.

Wyndham Garden Hanoi is a newly opened hotel conveniently located in Vietnam’s capital city, in close proximity to a number of attractions from The Hanoi Museum to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The hotel offers an array of dining and leisure facilities including an indoor swimming pool with a starlit ceiling overlooking stunning city views as well as a spa and wellness centre.

Ramada Suites by Wyndham Wailoaloa Beach Fiji – this beachfront hotel is just slightly over a year old and is nestled along Wailoaloa Beach on Nadi Bay. This impressive all-suite property offers a mix of studios and suites, plus a spa, gym, pool and restaurant, all in an idyllic island setting.

Tryp by Wyndham Mall of Asia Manila is an inviting retreat in the bustling coastal Pasay City, offering stunning views of Manila Bay. Guests can unwind and enjoy a relaxing swim and drink at the rooftop pool and bar. This boutique-like hotel is also located within walking distance of the famed SM Mall of Asia.

Days Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Fraser Business Park Kuala Lumpur offers modern accommodation in Malaysia’s capital city. The hotel is within walking distance of the Chan Sow Lin rapid transit station, a 10 minute drive to the trendy district of Bukit Bintang and a 15 minute drive to Kuala Lumpur’s most popular attractions such as Petronas Twin Towers and Suria KLCC.

To find out more about Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ Super Vacation Sale and to book your next holiday, please visit www.wyndhamhotels.com/hotel-deals/super-vacation-sale.