SOFITEL UNVEILS AN IMMERSIVE JOURNEY INTO WELLNESS OVERLOOKING THE UNESCO SITE OF INLE LAKE - Overlooking an enchanting patchwork of shimmering waters, rolling hills, and rice fields, Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min is redefining the wellness retreat concept on the spectacular shores of one of Southeast Asia's most iconic destinations.

DISCOVER THE LEGENDS OF INLE LAKE AND FIND YOUR INNER SELF

To celebrate its first anniversary, Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min is introducing the first luxury wellness program in Myanmar to focus exclusively on holistic therapies, traditional treatments, nutrition, fitness coaching, and educational wellness initiatives. Guests are invited to indulge in these all-encompassing packages, designed for an unforgettable stay at one of the wellness resort's 101 guest rooms and suites, which include 36 Luxury Rooms, 25 Junior Suites, 12 Prestige Suites, 27 Opera Suites, and one exclusive Imperial Suite.

Offerings include the Wellness Discovery package, with benefits including a pre-arrival consultation, yoga sessions, customized meditation class, spa treatments, an in-room wellness minibar, and holistic rituals in the morning and evening. Each guest will receive a wellness basket in their suite, which includes all the essentials such as a yoga mat, skipping rope, wellness ball, and dumbbells. The Wellness Discovery package is available from USD180 per person, per night.

“We are thrilled to introduce an immersive journey into wellness, redefining the current offering of experiences in Myanmar,” said David G. Daguise, the resort's Cluster General Manager. “In this fast-paced world, we want to provide our guests with the opportunity to be transported to a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. We have focussed on four key pillars to establish our wellness offering - Spa & Fitness, Yoga & Meditation, Culinary Journey, and Local Culture & Traditions.”

NUTRITIONAL TREATMENTS MEET FARM-TO-TABLE DISHES

“You are what you eat” is the motto of Chef Aung Kyaw Swar, the man behind Sofitel Inle Lake Myat

Min's unique culinary experiences and the curator of the Wellness Cuisine program. Locally-sourced organic products take center stage on his healthy and nutritious menus, namely at the resort's Roots Signature Restaurant, which introduces guests to regenerative ingredients that prioritize the body's requirements and tantalize the taste buds.

The restaurant, which overlooks Inle Lake's gentle waters, aims to instill a sense of spirituality and promote the resort's wider commitment to sustainability. Chef Aung Kyaw Swar and his team support the local communities by working closely — and responsibly — with producers and short food supply chains in order to discover local flavors, creating authentic, delicious dishes ranging from salads and soups to regional specialties.

Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min maintains its own organic and hydroponic garden, which embraces local Shan methods with a contemporary approach to produce fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Harvests are not only used in the kitchen and spa but also shared with the local community and hotel staff.

“Domestic and international travelers with a health-conscious approach can immerse in an array of experiences and countless benefits during their stay with us,” Daguise adds. “Guests can take a back-to-basics holistic culinary journey complete with organic dishes and the utmost respect for Mother Nature.”

UNWIND AND REJUVENATE AMIDST TRANQUIL VISTAS

The tailor-made energizing and healing programs have been developed to rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit of Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min's guests. The mind-body connection of the wellness programs is designed by onsite Yoga Master, Sudhir Thampi. Born and raised in India, Sudhir's expertise in yoga, meditation, and fitness are vital to the overall success of the wellness journey. Yoga for him is as natural as breathing and guests can enjoy private and group yoga sessions as well as fitness classes as part of their package.

Yoga classes are held in a series of waterfront villas, designed in warm hues with natural woven materials offset by red and orange plaid that is inspired by the headscarves of the local Pa-O women. Perched at the edge of the lake and surrounded by verdant gardens and reflective ponds, guests can draw inspiration from these serene, outdoor spaces while practicing yoga and meditation.

Sudhir follows the motto that “Health is Wealth” and he believes that yoga can guide one to achieve happiness and peace of mind.

LUXURY SPA COLLABORATION

Another first for Myanmar, Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min has partnered with high-end cosmetic brand L'Occitane to create natural treatments devoted to well-being. The exclusive techniques and treatments combine local, ancient and authentic healing practices with modern cosmetology to provide guests with a rich selection of sophisticated massage treatments and wellness experiences.

The special combination treatment packages available incorporate various elements ranging from sumptuous body scrubs to relaxing aroma massages that soothe the body and mind — all in the holistic environment of the Sofitel Spa.

Ms. Angela In Gyin, the hotel's Spa Manager, explains that the traditional treatment options are handed down from generations and elevated with the addition of modern holistic touches that aim to revive all senses.

The Sofitel Spa is a chant to nature - intriguing to the senses and calming to the mind.

STAYS AND PACKAGES

The luxurious new retreat at Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min is offering a special Wellness Discovery package starting at USD 180 per person per night, with a minimum stay of two nights from now until 31st December 2020.

The package includes:

For reservations and general information, please visit www.all.accor.com, email info@SofitelInle.com, contact +95 (0) 9442 635270 – 78 or +95 (0) 9251 042570 – 76 for general enquiries or reservations.

Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min has located 47 km from Heho Airport, and 600 km from Yangon, which is a 1-hour flight away. From the airport, guests can arrive at the resort via the resort's land or lake transfer service.

ACCOR BRINGS ICONIC FAIRMONT BRAND TO IRELAND - Accor, the leading augmented hospitality group, today announced that it is bringing the Fairmont brand to Ireland with the signing of the historic Carton House. In partnership with the owner, Belmullet Hospitality Group, a USA based investor in luxury property, the hotel will now be managed by Fairmont.

Located just 20 minutes from Dublin in Maynooth, County Kildare, Carton House is one of Ireland's most historic country houses. The hotel is currently undergoing a multi-million euro refurbishment to bring the property up to the globally recognized Fairmont brand standards. The refurbishment is expected to be completed by the end of 2020 when the hotel will be rebranded as Fairmont Carton House.

The Carton estate dates back to 1176, then part of the Maynooth estate belonging to the FitzGerald family, one of the most influential families in Irish history. The house itself was built in 1739, making it the oldest Fairmont property in a global collection famed for its grand dame hotels.

Fairmont Carton House will be the first Fairmont branded hotel in Ireland and the fourth in the UK & Ireland, joining The Savoy in London, Fairmont St Andrews in Scotland and the recently announced Fairmont Windsor Park, which is also set to open by the end of 2020.

With more than 80 locations around the globe, Fairmont is known for its grand and awe-inspiring properties, many of which are steeped in history and are a focal point of their local regions. Fairmont Carton House will be a leading luxury golf and spa resort in Ireland, complementary addition to Fairmont's Golf resort portfolio, particularly Fairmont St Andrews.

An expansive historic estate, Fairmont Carton House will offer 170 bedrooms and suites, two-world class 18-hole championship golf courses, exceptional wellness facilities and 1,000 sqm of conference and events space.

Food and beverage offerings are extensive, comprising a lobby bar and three restaurants including The Carriage House golf club restaurant and a specialty restaurant within the Manor House.

Commenting on the new signing, Thomas Dubaere, COO, Accor Northern Europe said: “Fairmont Carton House will join the ranks of the iconic Savoy in London and Fairmont St Andrews in Scotland and the recently signed Fairmont Windsor Park, becoming the first Fairmont hotel in Ireland. The Fairmont brand is known for its history and impressive locations and we feel it is the ideal brand under which to bring this iconic, historic hotel into the Accor family.

“The signing of Fairmont Carton House reflects our expertise in the luxury segment and reinforces our commitment to growing our luxury offering across the UK and Ireland.”

Marc Dardenne, COO, Luxury Brands, Accor Europe, added: “Fairmont was established over 100 years ago, in 1907, and throughout this time has played an important role in cementing the locations where its hotels are based as key destinations for visitors. Luxury travel experiences should focus on delivering fantastic, second-to-none service which embodies the heart of the destination, so visitors feel they are staying somewhere unique. Fairmont Carton House will do just that, whether guests are visiting for the golf resort, spa or hotel.”

John Mullen, of Belmullet Hospitality Group, and his family added; “Carton House is one of Ireland's most significant landmarks and we are excited to have Fairmont, one of the most prestigious hotel brands, to work with us to elevate the hotel to its rightful place in Irish hospitality.”

The Mullen Family, owners of Belmullet Hospitality Group, are the founders of U.S. based integrated travel, hospitality, and leisure management group, Apple Leisure Group. The group consists of tour operators, including one of the largest tour operators Apple Vacations; destination management company AMSTAR DMC; and AMResorts, the leading luxury all-inclusive hotel management company in the Caribbean and Mexico with more than 70 hotels in its portfolio. The Mullen family's real estate investments include hotels in Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the US along with commercial and residential developments.

The Appointed Interior Designers and Architects are Dublin-based McCauley Daye O'Connell Architects in close collaboration with Accor's Luxury Design & Technical Services team.