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Chiang Mai – Sireeampan Boutique Resort & Spa (www.sireeampan.com), the intimate 11-suite luxury resort in the heart of Chiang Mai, has successfully defended its title as “Asia’s Top Emerging Hotel” for the 2014 NOW Travel Asia Awards. This recognition was recently celebrated at the prestigious award gala ceremony held in Bangkok. “We are very honored to receive this respected award from the NOW Travel Asia Awards – in our first year of opening,” said Gino Lim-Pakornkul, general manager of Sireeampan Boutique Resort & Spa. “Our entire team strives to provide a seamless service experience so that all guests can enjoy the enchanted setting of this resort, combined with world-class amenities and dining. This recognition acknowledges that we’re on the right track.” Sireeampan Boutique Resort & Spa is a pioneer in personalized and customized guest offerings, from its lavish, bespoke Anytime, Anywhere breakfast experience to spacious guestrooms outfitted with state-of-the-art Apple TV/iPad entertainment systems and plush beds with 600 thread count linen.
Bangkok — Chaophaya Park Hotel Bangkok has a new general manager (GM): Viranat Silananda, a Thai-American with proven track record in the hospitality industry. Prior to joining Chaophaya Park Hotel Bangkok in December, Viranat was GM for the Oriental Residence Bangkok. He has also previously worked in the same capacity at Amari Atrium Bangkok, Holiday Inn Chiangmai, and Amari Palm Reef Resort on Koh Samui. He started his career in California, USA, as guest service manager at Holiday Inn Brentwood and quickly rose to top positions. In 1993, he contacted by the Westin group for the pre-opening of Westin Chiangmai before moving to Holiday Inn Greenhills Chiangmai, and then, Holiday Inn Resort Phuket. The 45-year-old Viranat studied Business Management at the University of California, Los Angeles. He also holds certificates in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the Ecole Hotelier de Lausanne, Switzerland, among several other credentials.
Phuket – Anantara Vacation Club (www.anantaravacationclub.com), Asia’s leading luxury shared ownership concept for discerning travelers, recently announced the promotion of Melanie Smith to vice president of club operations. The promotion follows Melanie’s role as group director of club operations, which she has held for the past year and a half. Melanie brings more than 30 years of experience in the service and hospitality industry, ranging from roles at remote luxury resorts to casino properties.
Bangkok — Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers (ROSH) adds another honor to their already impressive record of awards and recognitions by winning the “Luxury Hotel of the Year 2014” in the recently concluded World Luxury Awards. The award was received by Nicolas Gonzalez (5th from left), rooms division manager, shown here sharing the hotel’s triumph with his associates. “Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers is pleased to be awarded ‘Luxury Hotel of the year 2014’ by the World Luxury Award,” says Gonzalez. “The award recognizes our 30 years of expertise and the world-class service we have been delivering to our guests.” The team of the five-star riverside hotel, one the most popular hotels in Thailand, says they will continue to strive to maintain the hotel’s reputatiaon for excellence and great service in the years to come.
Hua Hin — All roads led to the Banyan The Resort Hua Hin – at least for the Mercedes Benz Club Thailand (MBCT) –where the “Banyan Mercedes Benz Road Cruise 2015” was held recently. The resort was represented by Sirirat Murphy, general manager, while the MBCT was represented by its president Sayam Sethaputra. The event featured a full day of celebrations, starting with the parade of Mercedes Benz luxury sports car by their owners; a display of a Mercedes Benz SLS sport car; an on-site inspection of a showcase residential suite at Banyan; and a visit to the Dog Shelter Foundation under the Royal Patronage of H.M. King Bhumibhol, which received some donations from MBCT. The event was highlighted by a charity dinner, topbilled by actress Napakpapha Nakprasitte and the ever-popular duo, Byrd and Heart. It was followed by a fashion show and auction of paintings. Monies raised will go to the Hua Hin Hospital to purchase needed beds for the in-patients. The “Banyan Mercedes Benz Road Cruise 2015” was held with the support of the Hua Hin Municipality, Tourism Authority of Thailand, and other sponsors.