It has been a very exciting and busy year for hospitality since the emergence of the world from the pandemic. Here are five notable properties which have opened/are opening recently this year.

MADI PAIDI BANGKOK, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION

A new Marriott Bonvoy hotel, Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection, has opened in Thong Lor, Sukhumvit, one of Bangkok’s most vibrant districts. The hotel is a short distance from Thong Lor BTS skytrain station, while Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport are a 30-minute and 40-minute drive away respectively.

The 56 guest rooms and suites at Madi Paidi Bangkok are rich in character and articulate unexpected stories through their art and décor. The room colors are inspired by some of Thailand’s precious gemstones: Topaz (“Bud-Sa-Ra-Kum”), Sapphire (“Pai-Lin”), and Emerald (“Mo-Ra-Kot”). These separate themes are intricately tied together with auspicious “chalew” woven bamboo symbols to wish every guest good luck and a safe journey. With room sizes ranging from 32 to 56 square meters, every guest will have plenty of space to unwind, including a living area with a sofa, and amenities such as a premium coffee maker, large LED TV, and rain shower.

The bond between tradition and modernity is also expressed at EKKALUCK, the hotel’s signature restaurant which engages the senses with its uniquely creative cuisine. This refined dining venue sets the stage for an elegant daily breakfast, before evolving into a bright and inviting setting for light lunches and daytime bites. As day turns to night and the lights of Thong Lor start to shine, EKKALUCK transforms into a progressive Thai fine-dining restaurant. Executive Chef Wuttisak Wuttiamporn personally sources the finest local and seasonal ingredients, consisting of rare finds from niche suppliers, including small-scale farms and fisheries, to ensure that every dish has a unique identity and story that transports diners on a culinary adventure.

Moments of personal enrichment can be enjoyed at the rooftop gym and pool, which let wellness-seekers rise above the heat of the city or prepare for an uplifting night out in Thong Lor.

ANDAZ MACAU

The new Andaz Macau is launched in collaboration with Galaxy Macau, the city’s prestigious luxury shopping, dining, entertainment and resort complex. Guests of Andaz Macau have access to various recreational amenities, including a heated 19-metre swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness centre, and complimentary access to the Grand Resort Deck at Galaxy Macau, known as the world’s leading Skytop oasis. The hotel offers more than 700 rooms and suites.

Located between the beautiful neighbourhoods of Old Taipa and Coloane, the hotel immerses guests in the “real Macau”, allowing them to experience the city’s  heritage and culture through the hotel’s design. From the distinctive forms of old maritime harbor ships to the vibrant traditions of local Chinese culture, Andaz Macau offers a journey of exploration, delivering a contemporary reinterpretation of the city’s unique heritage. Throughout the hotel, guests can encounter a stunning array of art and antiques that reflect the city’s diverse and richly layered culture.

SHINTA MANI MUSTANG – A BENSLEY COLLECTION

Located within Mustang, an isolated kingdom in Nepal which has been forbidden to outsiders for centuries, and bordered by the Tibetan plateau with an elevation that rises from 1,372 to 8,167 metres above sea level, the all-inclusive luxury lodge Shinta Mani Mustang – A Bensley Collection offers 29 mountain-view rooms fashioned after traditional Tibetan homes. The project is a collaboration between the Kathmandu-based Sherpa Hospitality Group as well as Shinta Mani Hotels, and marks the launch of the first Shinta Mani property outside Cambodia.

Facilities include a restaurant, bar, activity room, and a wellness centre. Guests can also experience a variety of excursions led by experienced adventure guides and enjoy picnics prepared from fresh farm-to-fork ingredients.

DUSIT THANI KYOTO

Dusit Thani Kyoto launches in the city’s vibrant Hanganji Monzen-machi district, only 850 metres from major transportation hub Kyoto Station. The 147-key hotel has been specially designed to reflect the rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture of Kyoto. Inside, the seamless design direction continues and includes references to another ancient capital – Ayutthaya, Thailand – with subtle nods to the magnificent chedis for which the city is renowned.

Set around a serene and beautiful courtyard, the hotel offers a wide range of facilities for business and leisure, including a well-equipped fitness centre, an indoor swimming pool, and a signature Devarana Wellness centre.

Dining and imbibing at Dusit Thani Kyoto also promises to be an exceptional experience, with a range of enticing options, including a speciality Teppanyaki restaurant, a luxurious tea shop, a stylish basement bar, Den Kyoto, and extraordinary dining experiences crafted by acclaimed chefs Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava and Dylan Jones from Thailand.

Renowned for their commitment to authentic Thai cuisine created with seasonal and sustainable ingredients, Bo and Dylan earned global recognition, including a Michelin Star, at their former Bangkok restaurant, Bo.Ian. Their latest gastronomic concept, Ayatana, at Dusit Thani Kyoto, offers a one-of-a-kind, multi-sensory fine dining experience where the authentic flavours of Thai cuisine meet the finest Japanese traditions, creating unforgettable moments to savour. To complement this distinctive culinary journey, the couple has also created Kati, a unique dessert atelier that offers an innovative take on traditional Thai desserts.

ARTYZEN SINGAPORE

Located in the heart of the Orchard Road district near the iconic Singapore Botanic Gardens, Artyzen Singapore comprises 142 guest rooms, three dining outlets including a standalone bar, and a lush roof garden featuring a cantilevered infinity pool and outdoor deck with a sunken lounge. Designed by Singapore’s own Ong&Ong Pty Ltd architects alongside Australia-based interior designer firm Nicholas Graham & Associates, the hotel features design inspired by the city’s rich Peranakan culture.

Fun fact: the site of Artyzen Singapore was once named Villa Marie, the tropical-garden mansion of the grandson of Singapore philanthropist Tan Tock Seng.