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The post COMO Hotels and Resorts celebrates the reopening of the spiritual Himalayan Kingdom appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

Reopening to tourism for the first time since March 2020, the land of the thunder dragon will once again invite visitors to discover its awe-inspiring landscapes, nurturing people and incomparable spirit from 23 September 2022. Immersing guests in the mystical essence of the nation, COMO Hotels and Resorts invites inquisitive travellers to rediscover its two luxury lodges, COMO Uma Paro and COMO Uma Punakha, with a new seven-night experience incorporating the many jewels of Bhutan.

Taking guests on a journey to the heart of the ethereal land, the Jewels of Bhutan itinerary incorporates spectacular drives, unique nature walks and fascinating monastery visits, including a hike through the verdant Paro Valley to reach the Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most important pieces of architecture. Highlights include the chance to engage with young monks at Chorten Ningpo, a 17th-century educational institution; walking across farmhouses to reach Chimmi Lhakhang, an ancient fertility temple; and enjoying spectacular views of the Himalayas from the Dochu La mountain pass.

The first night is spent at COMO Uma Paro, nestled above the emerald Paro Valley, overlooking rice paddies and ancient monasteries, where rooms combine traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship with modern amenities. A signature treatment is included at the hotel’s COMO Shambhala Retreat, home to two bathhouses and a large indoor pool facing the mountains across the valley. Transferring to COMO Uma Punakha for the following three nights, the property offers intimate lodge-style accommodation with views of the Mo Chu River, local, seasonally led dining experiences at Bukhari restaurant and unrivalled access to the best of the Himalayan Kingdom. After exploring Punakha, guests will return to Paro for three additional nights to complete their journey.

Marking the beginning of an unforgettable journey, the Jewels of Bhutan also includes a traditional butter lamp ceremony, a spiritual blessing which represents the eradication of darkness and ignorance with wisdom and light. A deeply spiritual destination, Bhutan’s population uplifts and encourages positivity for all visitors. On the nation’s spirituality, COMO’s long-serving activity guide, Ugyen Dendup, notes:

“Folklore has a very special significance among Bhutanese families. We share stories from generation to generation. It is widely believed that yetis exist in Brigdungla in Bumthang, as well as magical lakes such as Chumphu, or the Floating Goddess Lake.”

Visitors to Bhutan are enchanted by the country’s unique pace and peaceful rhythm, protected by the Gross Domestic Happiness concept that guides the government and measures the collective wellbeing of the population. In line with the philosophy’s core pillar of ecological sustainability, Bhutan is the only carbon-negative nation in the world, with 70% of land covered by forests. COMO Bhutan is committed to operating sustainably, sourcing produces from a local Bhutanese farmer and its own vegetable garden, while also contributing to community upliftment: COMO Uma Paro recently helped a female entrepreneur set up the country’s first prayer flag printer and shop.

This year will also see the long-awaited opening of the Trans-Bhutan Trail, connecting 250 miles of valleys and districts along centuries-old pathways, much of which can be explored during COMO’s Jewels of Bhutan itinerary. Later in the year, acclaimed photographer Michael Turek, will lead a Himalayan film photography retreat (9-16 November) as part of the brand’s series of COMO Journeys, venturing into the remote reaches of the Kingdom to capture its natural and cultural beauty.

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The post FWD partners with Klook for customers in Southeast Asia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

FWD Group has announced a unique distribution partnership with Klook to launch a fully integrated accident cover insurance that will be available via the Klook app and website.

Through the partnership, FWD Group aims to help customers obtain protection by offering short term accident cover, which has been rolled out in Singapore and subsequently to other countries across South-East Asia, subject to regulatory approvals. The protection plan is presented as an add-on when purchasing through Klook’s platform and is designed to cover the insured for the duration of the activity, providing customers greater flexibility and ease of purchase.

Terence Lim, FWD Group Chief Officer, Group New Business Models said, “FWD is responding to meet and support the needs of customers with accident cover insurance that is more accessible, simple and affordable, encouraging them to protect themselves while doing what they love. Klook provides joyful experiences and adventures, and this is in line with our brand promise to ‘Celebrate Living’. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to become a leading pan Asian insurer by changing the way people feel about insurance.”

“We’re delighted to partner with FWD Group to launch this new insurance product that will give our customers added flexibility and peace of mind,” said C.S. Soong, VP, Corporate Development at Klook. “In this new travel environment, customers are demanding increased assurances and insurance has been a natural progression to that. Klook will continue to address every touch point of our customers’ journey from travel-related insurance to experiences and more.”

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The post South Korea reopens unrestricted travel for Indian tourists appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) India, the tourism arm of the Republic of Korea under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, has announced the re-opening of South Korea to all Indian travellers. A host of recently announced significant initiatives by KTO India will enable more travellers from India to access South Korea’s luxury market, business leisure and learning experiences.

With more than 130 unique activities and experiences, the country offers something for everyone. While Jeju Island and Gyeongju are tourist favourites for their scenic beauty and traditional charms, metro cities such as Seoul, Busan and Incheon are ideal for business leisure trips. For luxury travellers, the organization is planning twin-city roadshows in the month of August with the participation of DMCs from Korea. The roadshows will offer a glimpse of the country’s rich culture, unique venues and culinary offerings.

Considering the rising popularity of Hallyu or the Korean wave in India, Hallyu themed filming locations and experience centres are also being developed. One such centre is the Extended Reality (XR) playground HiKR Ground in Seoul, South Korea which was recently inaugurated in July 2022. The reopening of borders will give fans of K-Pop and K-Drama a chance to explore the culture of the country they have grown to love.

Addressing a press briefing, Mr. Young-Geul Choi, Director of Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) India, said, “We are elated to welcome travellers from India to South Korea again. In the past two years, we adopted a progressive approach towards re-opening tourism. We are excited to share initiatives to facilitate travel for business, experience and learning. We have further elevated traveller experience with immersive experiential centres, re-imagined tourism offerings and look forward to hosting our Indian visitors.”

To make travel more accessible, KTO has launched the Let’s Go Korea Savings Plan in association with Shinhan Bank in India. It is a Recurring Deposit scheme to help potential travellers to South Korea save up for their trip, with special interest rates and added benefits. With a minimum deposit amount of INR 2,000 per month for a year, members can avail benefits with Utazzo Travel to book their trip to Korea. The investment will act as a regular recurring deposit in case a member is unable to travel to Korea after a year.

Since 2021, KTO has also been working with School Principals across India through virtual sessions to provide students with opportunities for learning. With travel re-opening, it plans to conduct a physical event in Mumbai later this year to discuss experiential and learning experiences for students in South Korea.

Key airlines have plans in place to welcome tourists to South Korea with larger connectivity and capacity.

Mr. Kim Chan, General Manager (India & Bangladesh) Korean Air said, “Korean Air resumed its India operations in May 2022 and the load factor has been very positive, already more than 80% for August. We plan to roll out special fares on the Delhi/Incheon route around Diwali. If things happen as we anticipate, we will soon have more flights on the India – South Korea route.”

Asiana Airlines is reviewing the increased demand to Korea and plans to respond with increased frequency. “Business, employment, leisure and family travel segment remains our strong focus, but surprisingly a lot of players have evinced interest in Korea for their high-end MICE movement. Currently Asiana Airlines operates two flights in a week, every Monday and Friday connecting the two capital cities of Delhi and Seoul.” Asiana Airlines Regional Manager Mr. Jung Sub Song added.

Arriving passengers will have to take a mandatory PCR test within one day of arrival. To provide hassle-free access to Covid-19 screening, test centres will be expanded to more airports across Korea. Currently, there are three test centres at Incheon International Airport and one at Gimhae International Airport.

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The post Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club: A hedonistic bolt-hole in Koh Samui appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

The latest addition to the buzzing Chaweng Beach, the newly opened Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club brings the glamorous, freewheeling spirit of the 1950s Palm Beach and Miami to Koh Samui’s powdery white sand. An unconventional hideaway that blends unbridled socialising with serenity-inducing pursuits, the property invites guests to swan dive into the sights, bites and sounds of the island as they hit the party circuit.

Sitting mere metres away from the sumptuous stretch of silky white sand, the retro glam spot offers access to the best sunsets, dining, entertainment and people-watching on the island. SEEN Beach Club Samui, the hard-hitting party central next door, throws epic pool parties with top DJs and world-class entertainment on tap. The resort’s social swimming pool feels like a hopping bar, with snug cabanas and a mixology station that moonlights as a check-in area for guests who just want to get on with it.

Va-va-rooms

Samui’s only mid-century modern-inspired beach destination, Avani Chaweng adds a Mad Men vibe to public spaces and its 80 chic rooms and suites. Conceptualised by SOHO Hospitality, the property’s clean lines and organic shapes are infused with a dose of 1950s nostalgia to create sultry spaces where you want to entertain and be entertained in.

With names such as Cool Pool View, Sweet Sea Breeze and Fabulous Sea View the rooms deliver what they promise — picture-perfect views from spacious balconies, modern comforts and interiors that make you want to dress up and head somewhere fabulous. On the ground floor, Funky Poolside rooms with terraces that open onto the courtyard pool take the resort’s social concept to the next level.

At 61 sqm and 90 sqm, Groovy Sea View Suite and Double Groovy Sea View Suite are where pre-parties take place. With costumes, wigs and other good time essentials on loan and vinyl record player and cocktail-making station at their disposal, guests can throw a party as big as their poolside networking skills allow. At Avani Chaweng, suite guests can even call on their private DJ to spin the decks and a paparazzi-for-hire to ensure no moment of revelry goes undocumented.

Party fuel

From dusk till dawn and all night long, Avani Chaweng’s dining venues offer substantial sustenance, snacks and tasty tipples. Start with a decadent bubbly breakfast or a wholesome lunch of Mediterranean, Asian and American flavours at SEEN Beach Club, then decamp to the 24-hour Social Bar where late-night comfort foods and summery cocktails will keep you company as you catch up on emails or relax to sweet jukebox tunes.

Outdoor leisure and fun-in-the-sun activities, meanwhile, range from pool parties, diving and sail into the sunset SEEN style on a magnificent catamaran for an afternoon of sun-kissed fun on the water.  Gym bunnies are well served at AvaniFit, a dynamic, 24-hour facility that aims to challenge fitness enthusiasts with a combination of endurance and resistance training, aerobics and high-intensity interval training, and personal trainers on demand. Other wellness and leisure pursuits include SUP yoga, ice breathing and ice bathing on the beach, and portrait sessions with a resident artist to capture your enviable Avani glow.

The post Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club: A hedonistic bolt-hole in Koh Samui appeared first on Travel Daily.

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