Taj And Shangri-La Forms Strategic Alliance

Two of Asia’s most iconic luxury hotel groups, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts and Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces have formed a ground-breaking strategic alliance to broaden their reach and offer more unique experiences to guests across Asia and the world.

Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, based in Hong Kong and Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces, based in Mumbai, cooperates in order to broaden their reach and scale across their 200 hotels, 27 countries and 131 destinations. Both Taj and Shangri-La are extinguished internationally for their exceptional service philosophy inspired by the cultures and traditions of the markets they operate in.

This association will officially come into effect in March this year with the introduction of the “Warmer Welcomes” program. The program consolidates Taj InnerCircle and Sangri-La’s Golden Circle guest loyalty programs hospitality alliance.

The “Warmer Welcomes” program will offer Shangri-La and Taj’s combined 6 million loyalty program members prominent benefits such as;

Recognition – Members will be able to enjoy the perks of their elite status when they stay at any Shangri-La or Taj hotel with remarkable status matching.

Earn points – Members of either program will now be able to earn award points across 200 hotels, 27 countries and 131 destinations in their preferred programs while staying with Taj or Shangri-La. Key destinations include Mumbai, New Delhi, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Paris, London, New York and other more.

Seamless redemptions – As it is a merged effort, members will be able to convert points to redeem awards between both programs.

Madhu Rao, Shangri-La Acting President said “As hotel owner-operators who share similar values and service philosophies but have minimal overlap of properties, Taj and Shangri-La are in a unique position to establish a seamless alliance that goes beyond a marketing partnership or multi-hotel distribution platform,”. He also mentioned “Our alliance bridges two iconic Asian brands and opens up a world of new experiences for our loyal guests. We will be able to enhance brand awareness and increase market share by providing Golden Circle and Taj InnerCircle members more value and more reasons to stay with us.”

MD and CEO Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, Rakesh Sarna stated “This is a strategic step in bringing greater synergies amongst two brands known for their legendary hospitality. Over time, our valued guests and loyalty members had shared their desire for a wider selection of world class hotels in key destinations. This alliance will help drive deeper engagement for our most valuable guests and members as they will now be recognized seamlessly at some of the world’s finest hotels across multiple geographies.”

As India and China are currently the fastest-growing major economies of the world, they have a flourishing outbound travel market in terms of number of travelers. They have also witnessed double-digit yearly growth rates for the past few years.

Shangri-La’s Golden Circle has introduced a number of new member benefits and partnerships as part of its “Loyalty Is” fifth anniversary celebration this year. The most recent benefit being ‘Infinite Journeys’ with Singapore Airlines. Other benefits offered include Golden Circle’s recently introduced programs such as Event Planner Rewards and ‘The Table by Golden Circle’, Shangri-La’s first global dining loyalty program.

Taj relaunched InnerCircle in 2015 with developed features and enhancements, applicable globally across all their hotels. The revamped program has no blackout dates, an easy redemption process with countless opportunities from accommodation, restaurants and spas, and all without worry of points expiring for active members. Taj InnerCircle also redesigned its Epicure program recently. Renewed with globally extended offers. The patrons of this service can now get an all-encompassing experience of Dine, Drink, Stay, Spa and Redeem.

The Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of luxury resorts invites families to embark on an unforgettable journey. With these exclusive ‘Ultimate Family Summer Getaway’ packages, families can immerse themselves in the harmonious blend of opulence and natural beauty. Guests can explore this package at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, and JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa. Embrace luxury island living in any of the resort’s two or three-bedroom overwater and beach pool villas, providing guests with 24-hour personalized signature ‘Aris Meeha’, St. Regis Butlers, and ‘Thakuru’ butler services that cater to their every need.

Guests can reserve their extraordinary summer retreat before May 31, 2024. This is applicable for stays until September 30, 2024, when kids under 12 can dine and stay for free. Benefits include daily breakfasts and dinners, a welcome amenity for kids, complimentary access to the kids club, and a host of specially curated experiences to create cherished memories for a lifetime.

Family Fun Getaway at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands unveils its exclusive summer program. The resort invites families to embrace the island life against the backdrop of the mesmerizing Indian Ocean. The resort’s thoughtful curation entices guests with transformative travel experiences. Guests can explore epicurean journeys with Michelin-starred guest chefs to wellness retreats guided by leading names. Additionally, guests can also go on adventurous surfing retreats with surf icons.

Exploring Culinary Journeys at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives

Families can embark on a gastronomic journey, enjoying a Michelin-starred dining experience at the resort. From July 31 to August 1, Chef Bruno Verjus will bring a taste of his two-star Michelin Parisian restaurant Table by Bruno Verjus to the Beach Shack. He will also offer an exclusive masterclass for guests. From August 10 to 11, Chef Pam Soontornyanakij, Asia’s Best Female Chef 2024 and chef-patron of the one-Michelin-star Restaurant Potong, will present a bespoke menu. Guests can explore her progressive Thai-Chinese cuisine at the Summer Pavilion.

Healing Journey this Summer

In a ‘Summer of Renewal,’ celebrity healer Susy Markoe Schieffelin will lead her signature sound baths. Guests can explore this experience under the Maldivian skies from July 19 to 23. Renowned practitioner Abi Adams will also guide guests through emotional and hormonal balance journeys. Abi will be using breath, meridian dancing and yoga from August 15 to 19. Last but not least, Surf enthusiasts can learn to master the four most popular waves in the North Malé Atoll. The resort is bringing championship surf heroes Nic von Rupp from June 8 to 11 and Victor Bernardo from July 3 to 6.

Something Exciting for the Young Explorers

Young explorers from ages 4 to 12 can ignite their imaginations at Ritz Kids and learn about marine life, nature and sustainability. Young guests can go on an adventure with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program. Children can dive into the action at Ritz Kids, a futuristic indoor-outdoor haven filled with interactive playgrounds, napping pods, cinematic movie experiences, and an adrenaline-pumping pool complete with slides and jets.

With the ‘Family Fun Summer’ Package, guests can savour daily breakfasts at La Locanda, dinners at Summer Pavilion, Arabesque, Beach Shack, or EAU Bar, and a special welcome amenity for kids. Families can choose from elegantly designed villas including Two Bedroom Water or Beach Pool Villas, or elevate their stay at The Ritz-Carlton Estate, a private beach residence with its own exclusive cove and sunset views.

Visit the website at ritzcarlton.com/maldives or book your stay here.

Ultimate Summer Escape at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, situated on a private natural island in one of the destination’s most exclusive atolls, welcomes families for a luxurious summer getaway in the Maldives. Guests can explore the breathtaking surroundings, complemented by the resort’s distinctive design inspired by nearby marine life, including the atoll’s house reef. Along with The St. Regis Butler Service – a hallmark of the brand’s commitment to excellence – a dedicated St. Regis Butler is available to curate tailored experiences and meet every need of the guests.

Exploring the Local Culture

Families can delve into local culture with thrilling expeditions on a traditional Maldivian Dhoni, from dolphin sightings to sunset fishing. The resort also offers marine conservation experiences through unique interactive classes and activities for both children and adults with the resident Marine Biologist. Adults can revel in luxurious amenities and exquisite dining experiences, while young travellers will find an abundance of excitement on the island. At the resort’s dedicated Children’s Club, children aged 4 to 12 can partake in yoga classes, painting, origami, and other creative crafts. Kid-friendly snacks and refreshing juices are available from the private dining menu. For teens ages 16 and older, the Socialite Club boasts an open-door recreation area with a variety of entertainment, including table tennis, foosball, billiards, and air hockey, as well as video and board games.

Families booking the ‘Ultimate Family Summer Escape’ package will enjoy a range of exclusive benefits, including a special welcome amenity for kids, daily breakfasts at ALBA, dinners at select restaurants, kid-sized luxuries like robes and treats, and complimentary access to the resort’s dedicated Children’s Club. Guests can choose from a variety of elegantly designed villas set amidst lush forest surroundings or with breathtaking ocean views, including the award-winning John Jacob Astor Estate, Caroline Astor Estate, Knickerbocker Villa, or Cesar Balsa Villa each featuring family-friendly amenities such as private plunge pools and state-of-the-art entertainment systems.

For more information, visit the website at stregismaldives.com or book your stay here.

Tropical Summer Fun at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

Nestled on Vagaru Island overlooking the azure waters of Shaviyani Atoll in the Maldives, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invites guests to its multi-generational luxury resort for an immersive and eco-friendly holiday experience. Families can bask in the unspoiled beauty of the island’s pristine white beach, savour diverse dining experiences, and embark on daily excursions for diving, snorkelling, dolphin watching, and sunset fishing to explore the vibrant marine life.

FAMiLY by JW™ Little Griffins Kids Club

Travelling with children is now even easier with FAMiLY by JW™ Little Griffins Kids Club. The club provides a captivating and educational environment for young adventurers on Vagaru Island. The club runs over 100 activities. This ranges from arts and crafts to cooking classes. Some of these activities are specially designed for the whole family to enjoy.

Fine Dining Experiences

Fine dining experiences can be elevated through bespoke destination dining services. This ranges from in-villa barbecue dinners and traditional Maldivian Malafaaiy dinners on the beach to a sublime eight-course interactive Indian fusion dinner in the hidden oasis of RIHA. The resort’s sustainability efforts are centred on the vibrant JW Garden, which sources fresh produce for creative cuisine. The JW Garden to Table concept celebrates locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a farm-to-table experience for eco-conscious travellers. This summer, guests can delight in a new vegan menu with innovative plant-based dishes. Explore dishes crafted from homegrown JW Garden ingredients, emphasizing sustainability and wellness.

With the ‘Family Fun Summer’ package, guests can immerse themselves in luxurious island living. Guests can explore the modern and spacious Duplex Overwater or Beach Pool Villa. Each of these villas features private pools and personalized Thakuru butler service. The package includes daily breakfasts at Aailaa and a choice between daily lunches or dinners at select restaurants. Additionally, guests will receive a welcome amenity for kids, a one-time 30-minute complimentary photography session. You can also get one printed photo and complimentary usage of non-motorized watersports throughout their stay.

Taj And Shangri-La Forms Strategic Alliance

Latest

Explore The Family Fun Summer Package with These Marriott Bonvoy portfolios of Resorts!

A Look Back at Taylor Swift & Joe Alwyn’s Maldives Getaway!

Experience the Thrill of Summer with the Family Fun Summer Package at Sheraton Maldives!

Sun Siyam Resorts Set to Host Renowned Macedonian Violinist!