Glance

The 2018 edition of this iconic event presented a marvellous variety of jazz under the theme “Freedom of Expression”, starting with world-renowned jazz pianist Benny Green and his trio, who capture the spirit of the way jazz used to be played from the mid-1940s to the mid-’60s, and finishing with Idand Rasjidi who blew the roof off with his Syndicate of young bloods. Rasjidi was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the UVJF 2018 committee, while the Inspirational Musician Award 2018 was won by pianist M Ade Irawan for his colourful vision of jazz. Among the many performers to appear, opening the Festival was the magnificent, powerful vocalist Emilia Schnall (Future Leaders), Ade Ishs trio were excellent representatives for the Festival’s new partner the Castlemaine Jazz Festival. Other...

Marriott International announces the Westin Hotels & Resorts forthcoming debut in the Republic of the Maldives with the opening of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. Developed by Belluna Co. Ltd, Japan and Asia Capital PLC, Sri Lanka The Miriandhoo Resort is set to begin operations in October 2018 and will establish the Westin brand’s presence in the Maldivian tourism market. Nestling on a beautiful coral island in the Baa Atoll, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site, the resort will offer 70 villas and suites, 41 on the island itself and 29 over water. Perched over the sea on stilts and with an area of almost 200 square meters each, the overwater suites are amongst the largest any resort has to offer in the Baa Atoll region. A creation by award-winning Milan-based architects...

Located within the 60-storey Magnolias Ratchadamri Boulevard, Waldorf Astoria Bangkok announces the hotel’s official opening in the heart of Bangkok. Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is the latest addition to the group’s portfolio of luxury brand iconic hotels. Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is located by the bustling Ratchaprasong intersection, within walking distance of the city’s renowned shopping precincts. Just a few minutes’ stroll to the Erawan Shrine, the luxurious Gaysorn Village mall and both lines of the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) Skytrain, the hotel is ideally positioned for guests to immerse themselves in the city’s colourful culture. Conceptualised to embrace the gracious Thai spirit in an elegant setting, the 171 residential-style, spacious and luxuriously appointed guest rooms and...

The Bawah Reserve now offers an unrivalled island experience for couples celebrating their newly-wedded bliss. In addition to its extraordinary coastal views and luxurious recreational facilities, Bawah’s trove of exclusive offerings will truly break the mould of typical honeymoon getaways. Facilities include an amphibious seaplane to take you to the Bawah Islands, luxurious overwater bungalows with endless ocean views, personalised gourmet experiences on Bawah’s private beaches and a full suite of thrilling water activities and all within a beautiful natural environment. Consisting of 35 Beach, Garden and Over-Water suites, Bawah Reserve is a collection of six pristine islands located just 300km North-East of Singapore. The previously uninhabited islands are located at the southern end o...

Marriott International, INC announces the opening of the Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel. This, the latest internationally branded hotel in Yogyakarta, is also the first Marriott branded hotel in Indonesia. The hotel is set in a strategic location where guests may easily immerse themselves in rich Javanese culture and explore the city’s renowned tourist destinations. The 18th-century historical Keraton Royal Palace and The world famous Borobudur Temple, one of the world’s largest Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage site, are only an hour away by car. All 347 guestrooms and suites are designed in the Marriott Modern style, balancing utility with refinement and with all the latest technology and fast Wi-Fi connections for those who need to stay connected while on the road. The hotel hous...

Adding to its growing collection of distinguished properties around the world, Kempinski is gearing up to unveil the latest addition to its line of five-star hotels with the opening of The Apurva Kempinski Bali in the fourth quarter of this year. This much-anticipated opening marks their first prestige resort on the Island and its second hotel in Indonesia. The Apurva Kempinski Bali Hotel Set to Introduce a New Level of Prestige Accommodation Set among the dramatic cliffs and immaculate beaches of southern Bali, the hotel features 475 well-appointed guest rooms, iconic suites and exclusive villas, five eclectic dining venues and a Cigar & Shisha Lounge. Facilities include an ocean- facing spa and fitness centre, a 60-metre swimming pool, kids pool and a family club. For events, busine...