Luxury Hotel Update Mon 8Feb 2009

New owners for Peppers Convent, Hunter Valley, Australia
The 100-year-old Peppers Convent Retreat in the Hunter Valley has new owners. Originally operating as a Brigidine nunnery, the 17 room property has been purchased by the Cowley family who own Tower Estate, Tower Lodge and Roberts Restaurant in the Hunter Valley. It will remain as part of the Peppers portfolio under a new long-term marketing service agreement. Tower Estate CEO Matt Cowley said Convent Retreat is a welcome addition to the family's collection of Hunter Valley leisure assets.

Crown Conference Centre, Melbourne, Australia
Crown Conference Centre, the purpose-built extension of the Crown Towers Hotel opened in Melbourne this week. Accommodating 840 delegates with an option of utilising 20 rooms on a single floor, the new facility has a business centre with full office facilities, including secretarial services. The centre, combined with Crown's already established entertainment facilities will be able to host any function from gala dinners, weddings and cocktail parties, to conferences and exhibitions.

Lotus House, Magnetic Island, Australia
An exclusive beachfront retreat has opened on Magnetic Island, just 20 minutes from Townsville. In a sheltered location with panoramic views across Horsehoe Bay, Lotus House is a private retreat for up to four adults with a pool overlooking the ocean, tropical gardens and a private chef. It joins a collection of two bedroom freestanding villas under the management of Best of Magnetic Island.

Melawondi Spring Retreat, Queensland, Australia
A new bed and breakfast has opened just two hours from Brisbane in the Mary Valley. Set on 30 acres of natural bushland, the Melawondi Spring Retreat is a luxurious, modern studio with panoramic views. The studio contains a bedroom, lounge and spa area, as well as a kitchen with modern appliances. The retreat is in a good location for exploring the native surrounding area in addition to local wineries and markets. Melawondi Spring Retreat is not suitable for children.

Manly Pavilion, Sydney, Australia
The heritage listed Manly Pavilion is set to reopen in March as a modern Italian dining venue. Restaurateur David Gray will be joined by Head Chef Jonathan Barthelmess and Sous Chef James Parry. The Italian menu will be complemented with an international wine list chosen by sommelier Michael Watt. Architects Squillace and Nicholas have restored the building, which was once used as a beachside change room, to its original splendour with soaring ceilings and panoramic views across the harbour from its Italian terrazzo balcony.

W Retreat Koh Samui, Thailand
Thailand's resort destination Koh Samui will be home to the second W Retreat in the Asia-Pacific region when the 75-villa W Retreat Koh Samui opens in June. Set on the north shore of the famed island, the retreat will be modern and private with beachfront views from each villa. Private pools, outdoor showers and day beds will help relaxation, but for guests wishing to branch out and socialise there is an indoor/outdoor living room and several high quality restaurants. The retreat will also feature W's Whatever/Whenever concierge service.

New Pierre Gagnaire restaurant at ANA InterContinental Tokyo
Three Michelin-starred Chef Pierre Gagnaire will open his newest restaurant at the ANA InterContinental Tokyo in mid-March. Located on the 36th floor of the hotel, the restaurant will have views of Tokyo Tower and serve lunch and dinner. Gagnaire, who is among those credited for the creation of modern French fusion cuisine, will design and launch a new menu with each change of season.

Hotel Martinez, Cannes, France
Interior designer Marc Hertrich will be responsible for a roaring twenties-inspired makeover of all sea-view rooms and suites at the iconic Hotel Martinez in Cannes. Overlooking the palm-lined Boulevard de la Croisette, the hotel has revealed plans for the renovation of the Suite des Oliviers, which has already been awarded the first Six Star Diamond Award in Europe by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences. The glamorous new suite will be 180 metres squared and decorated in satins, velvet and silver leaf.

Coral Lodge 15.41, Mozambique
Opened in December 2009, Coral Lodge 15.41 is a barefoot beach retreat located on La Varanda, a privately owned nature reserve in northern Mozambique. The 10-villa retreat was designed by renowned Dutch designer, Edward Van Vliet, and combines luxury and comfort with a Mozambican aesthetic. Coral Lodge 15.41 is the first hotel in the world to have the award-winning Evening Breeze canopy beds that have a fully integrated cooling system and negate the need for air conditioning.

Damar Terrace reopens at AYANA, Bali
Following extensive renovations by Japanese designer Yasuhiro Koichi, Damar Terrace restaurant has reopened at AYANA Resort and Spa in Bali. Koichi, who is behind the design of some of Asia's most iconic bars and restaurants, has used natural and recycled materials in the renovation, and the restaurant features thatched-roofed bale (open-air gazebos) that extend out over a pond. At night guests can watch the coy fish swim under dozens of floating candles. The restaurant has also revamped its menu.

Rebranding of Harbour Plaza Hong Kong
Last month saw the rebrand of Harbour Plaza Hong Kong on Victoria Harbour's north shore. Now Harbour Grand Kowloon, the hotel has used the word 'Grand' to accentuate its five-star status. In addition to 506 rooms and 48 suites, most with views of Kowloon's waterfront, the hotel has a fitness centre, spa and rooftop pool. It is located close to ferry ports and provides a free shuttle to various metro stations.