At A Glance

GIS Company Limited officially unveiled new Forerunner 935, the latest GPS multi-sport watch from Garmin. This lightweight watch is designed to support triathletes and runners with comfortable material to wear and smart functions to monitor – running, trail running, cycling, swimming, triathlon, paddling, golfing, fitness and others. 
Besides all new functions, the battery life can last 50 hours at maximum in UltraTrac mode, up to 24 hours in GPS mode, and over two weeks in watch mode. The watch is water resistant with 50-metre depth. Forerunner 935 tracks user’s heart rate through the small, flat sensor on the back to keep record of essential running data including a stride length, distance and vertical ratio with Training Status function, plus Running Dynamics function.
Garmin Forerunner 935 features a lightweight case in black, display size 1.2inch (30.4mm) 240 x 240 pixels resolution transflective colour screen at only 49 grams, and a silicone band available in two colours – black and yellow. Priced at Bt20,990, it is available now at authorised Garmin service dealers nationwide.

Partners plan first pentahotel for Bangkok 
Pentahotels, the design-led and neighbourhood lifestyle brand, on Thursday announced a new management agreement with The Nest Property Company Ltd, a subsidiary of PM Group, to open the first pentahotel in Bangkok in 2020.
Pentahotel Bangkok, Ploenchit, will be located in Lumpini in the central business area of Bangkok. This marks the first official step in pentahotels’ expansion in Southeast Asia, building on the brand’s plans to open its second Hong Kong property this year.
As a newly built property, tailored to pentahotels’ design standards, it will feature the brand’s hallmark design-led environment, including the signature pentalounge, a new-concept reception area that combines function with entertainment, welcoming guests to relax and socialise around a stylish bar, the company said. 
“The announcement of pentahotel Bangkok is an important milestone for our brand, marking our entry into the Thailand market and expansion into Southeast Asia,” said Sonia Cheng, chief executive officer of Rosewood Hotel Group, pentahotels’ parent management company. 
The hotel will also feature 157 guestrooms, a swimming pool and gym, located close to many large shopping outlets, high-rise offices and the Lumpini park, Cheng said.
“The pentahotels brand concept offers an entirely new hotel experience to guests, which has seen tremendous success in Europe and Asia. In Bangkok, we have chosen the Lumpini location for its international business appeal and vibrant local and expatriate scenes, and we are confident that this new location will pave the way for our successful operations in Thailand,” Cheng said.
“Pentahotels has a proven track record and expertise in managing hotels that appeal to the next generation of travellers” Ausana Mahagitsiri, CEO of The Nest Property Company Ltd, said. 
JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group acted as the exclusive adviser to PM Group in sourcing a hotel operator and successfully negotiating the terms of the agreement.

Resort offers muay thai sessions on the beach
Thai boutique resort collection Manathai Hotels & Resorts is introducing fitness activities by the sea with a uniquely Asian twist by drawing on the martial art tradition of Thai boxing.
As the Kingdom’s national sport, muay thai – a centuries-old tribal martial art that resonates with culture, spirituality and ritual – integrates elements of traditional music and ceremonial dance. 
At Manathai Khao Lak, by the secluded sands of Bangsak Beach, guests can learn the fundamental fluid movements of muay thai by joining lessons held at the resort each day, offered by a skilled trainer. Thai massage sessions are also included in the programme.
At Manathai Koh Samui, where colonial architecture overlooks the Gulf of Siam, guest students can also train daily with a muay thai expert at a nearby boxing studio, enjoy a healthy juice and feel the healing touch of traditional Thai massage.
The resorts’ muay thai packages reflect a growing interest in beach fitness and holidays that balance chilled-out lounging with engaging activities. Muay thai is a perfect sport for beginners, as well as for those looking to develop their skills and core strength while also increasing mobility, boosting leg muscles and improving lower body endurance. 
The instructors focus on basic techniques such as stance, footwork, basic punches, kicks, knees and elbows, as well as demonstrating effective defensive moves. 

ONYX to invest $100m in Pattaya properties
ONYX Hospitality Group, one of the region’s leading hotel management companies, plans to open a new 406-room OZO Hotel on a site adjacent to the existing Ocean Tower of Amari Pattaya. 
As part of a US$100 million (Bt3.4 billion) investment to redevelop the iconic North Pattaya site, the group will also launch a new premium all-suites Amari wing on the location where the Garden Wing of Amari Pattaya once stood. In addition, the 20-storey Amari Pattaya Ocean Tower and surrounding facilities will undergo an extensive refurbishment.
Upon completion in early 2019, the prime North Pattaya landmark will comprise three hotels with a total of 752 keys, a new state-of-the-art ballroom, a wide range of recreational facilities and dining options, enhanced pool areas and re-landscaped gardens. The site will also enjoy close proximity to the upcoming Terminal 21 Pattaya, a mega-shopping mall just a five-minute walk away.
“As we approach the 45th anniversary of Amari Pattaya, it is with great excitement that we embark on plans to enhance the guest experience at this flagship property, whilst introducing a brand-new OZO and an all-suites Amari property to accommodate the evolving needs of international travellers, regional visitors and local patrons,” Douglas Martell, chief executive officer, Onyx Hospitality Group, said
OZO Pattaya will be positioned as a mid-scale hotel. It is being co-developed by Orion Hospitality, a joint venture between ONYX Hospitality Group and Singapore Hospitality Holdings, aimed at accelerating the expansion of the OZO and Shama portfolio across the region.

Nirvana Daii links with Banyan Tree on luxury condo
Nirvana Daii Public Co Ltd yesterday signed an agreement with Banyan Tree Group to brand the Banyan Tree Residences Riverside Bangkok as super-luxury riverside condominium worth over Bt6 billion. The owners of homes in Banyan Tree Residences Riverside Bangkok will be able to obtain membership of Banyan Tree’s Sanctuary Club and receive discounts and privileges throughout Banyan Tree’s network of hotels and resorts, spas, galleries and golf courses. The luxury residences will open for sale in September.
Sornsak Somwattana, chief executive officer of Nirvana Daii, said: “This project is the company’s first condominium project. It is a super-luxury project with a sales value of over Bt6 billion, and has an average selling price of approximately Bt300,000 per square metre. It is located on one of Chao Phraya River’s most spectacular bends where old city and new city views can be enjoyed. Along with its prime location, we also placed importance to the design architecture to ensure residents’ expectation for privacy. 
“Acknowledging the lifestyle of our super-premium residents, we aim to offer a variety of excellent and unique services for them to enjoy. We are excited to collaborate with Banyan Tree Group as the Banyan Tree brand is known around the world as a leader in the international hospitality industry, and are experts in providing five-star hospitality service.” 
Ho Kwon Ping, executive chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings, said: “Under this partnership, Banyan Tree will offer our signature Banyan Tree hospitality and authentic culturally aware experiences to residents of Banyan Tree Residences Riverside Bangkok which will include the creation of premium facilities and services. Selective owners will enjoy exclusive membership into Banyan Tree’s Sanctuary Club and receive special recognition and benefits at our portfolio of brands, including Banyan Tree, Angsana, Cassia, Dhawa and Laguna located throughout the world.”