Northstar

NEWS www.travelweeklyweb.com Montara to spearhead Trisara brand BANGKOK – Thai-owned Montara Hospitality Group is now ready to spearhead the Trisara brand across Asia and beyond. For the past nine years, Trisara has maintained its reputation and brand promise of delivering private luxury to its discerning guests. The maindeck at Trisara Phuket Resort "We are ready to start our expansion on a solid foundation. With Trisara, which has been consistently voted as one of the world's finest resorts, and the iconic Boathouse on Kata Beach in Phuket, both under our ownership and management, our quest to strengthen and spread the Trisara brand initially in Thailand and ultimately across Asia, will not be so daunting," said Narong Pattamasaevi, chairman of Montara Hospitality Group. The 24-year-old Boathouse, which the Group acquired three years ago, has recently completed extensive renovations and refurbishment totaling over US$6 million last year. The Group plans to build on the Trisara brand by creating unique luxury boutique resorts worldwide. To support this expansion and reflect the owning-family's passion for knowledge and know-how, the Group will establish Trisara Academy in Phuket. The hospitality learning institute will train both Thai and other nationals in the fine art of service and all aspects related to the hospitality industry. Young food explorers at IHG SINGAPORE – InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has launched the first global children's hotel menu designed by a child food expert and an award-winning chef. Chef Theo Randall and children's food expert and best-selling international author, Annabel Karmel MBE have put together a menu that embraces flavours, textures, smells and tastes that will take children on a palatable journey around the world, while ensuring that they get a balanced meal. "Children are naturally inquisitive, and grown-ups are often surprised by the flavours they enjoy. Sometimes it takes a little encouragement, and a holiday with the family can be a great opportunity to explore new and exciting foods," said Annabel Karmel MBE. "My cooking philosophy is greatly influenced by my parents' love for good food," said Theo Randall, chef patron of Theo Randall at the InterContinental. "Growing up, a memorable family holiday was always one with great food experiences. I've found that I learn quickest about different cultures and cities through the flavours of cuisines at each destination I visit and this is something I hope to bring to life for the children who visit InterContinental restaurants around the globe." As part of the menu's development, Annabel and Theo conducted a test and learn tasting session with young guests in October. The dishes trialled proved a big hit and provided the culinary duo with additional insight into the dishes they will roll out as part of the final menu. "This partnership is based on the principle of 'Food Exploration' which is all about creating food experiences children will find intriguing 14 | ■ TRAVELWEEKLY ASIA | DECEMBER 2013 Annabel Karmel MBE and Theo Randall, work with the *real* experts to ensure the new InterContinental Hotel & Resorts Children's Menu passes the high standards of their junior guests and exciting. At the same time we want to reassure parents that our children's menus are nutritionally balanced – just another way we endeavour to give our guests piece of mind when they are away from home," said Simon Scoot, vice-president of global brands, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and IHG Global Resorts. With properties in more than 60 countries and 170 hotels, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is dedicated to providing diverse, enriching experiences that are rich with local insight. The new children's menu is set to excite the junior palate through a variety of classic favourites and truly international delights that reflect the breadth of countries the luxury hotel brand is located in. www.travelweeklyweb.com

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