Latest news with #MGallery
Forbes
15-07-2025
- Forbes
The Secret Mediterranean: Why Albania Should Be Your Next Vacation
A stunning beach not yet taken over by summer crowds. Green Coast MGallery For decades, the Mediterranean has been spinning the same golden oldies: Capri, Saint-Tropez, Mykonos, Ibiza — the kind of places where the yachts are larger than the local fishing fleet, and the bill for a seaside lunch could finance a modest Balkan vineyard. But travel insiders — the ones who whisper names at dinner parties and secretly wish you wouldn't follow their advice — have been circling a new name: Albania. Yes, Albania. Wedged between Greece and Montenegro, with a coastline lapped by the Ionian Sea, Albania has for years been the forgotten cousin of the Adriatic club. Overshadowed by Croatia, misunderstood by Western Europe, and long closed off by a grim communist regime, it remained a blank spot on the Mediterranean map. So here's the thing about Albania — it's the part of the Mediterranean hardly anyone has been paying attention to, and that's exactly why it's interesting right now. On the southern coast, you've got the Albanian Riviera. It runs along the Ionian, with cliffs and pebbled beaches that, honestly, wouldn't look out of place in Greece or Italy. But the vibe is completely different. There are no massive resorts or glossy beach clubs (yet), and prices are much lower. At Palasë beach, for example, you now have the Green Coast Hotel — a new five-star that's part of the MGallery Collection. The look is understated — soft tones, stone floors, a small spa, yoga sessions by the sea. There's even paragliding over the cliffs, which is the sort of thing that tells you how quickly this coast is moving from backpacker secret to polished destination. One day you're drinking a homemade iced coffee at a plastic table on the beach; the next, you're sipping a cocktail at a polished hotel bar, watching the sun drop behind the cliffs. But just a few miles south, things feel much as they have for years. Dhërmi is a popular stop, known for its long pebbled beach and bars that fill up in summer with music and cocktails. There are small hotels here too — family-run places where you get a basic room and a view, no spa or pool, but a beach a few steps away and maybe a café downstairs serving grilled fish and cold beer. It's the kind of place where you'll see Albanian families, a few European backpackers, and, increasingly, the first wave of curious travelers from farther afield. Jale is another beach that pulls in the younger crowd, especially when the summer music festivals roll through. But if you're after something quieter, keep going. Gjipe sits tucked between cliffs, a cove that can only be reached on foot or by boat. There's no hotel, no road, no rental loungers lined up on the sand. Maybe a hammock strung between trees, maybe a small beach bar running on a generator, maybe nothing at all. What makes Albania feel different — at least for now — is what's missing. No mega-hotels. No €80 sun loungers. No crowds pushing past you at the ruins. It's still a little raw: the roads aren't great, buses run late, sometimes you have to shrug when plans don't work. But it's also generous — big plates of grilled meat or fish, local wine, and people who insist you try their homemade raki, whether or not you think you can handle it. You can walk down a beach that looks like something out of a travel magazine and find yourself almost alone, save for a few locals swimming at the end of the day. That said, change is coming fast. Vlora International Airport is set to open soon, which will bring in more international travelers. Beach clubs are already appearing on the Riviera, and bigger hotel brands are starting to look at the coastline. So if you're curious about a part of the Mediterranean that still feels like a discovery — with its mix of Ottoman towns, wild mountains, and coastline that hasn't been swallowed by development — Albania is worth getting to now. How long it stays this way is anyone's guess.
News.com.au
22-06-2025
- News.com.au
Manly Pacific NSW: How Aussie hotel rivals some of Italy's best
Brace yourself — the deluge is upon us. As the winter chill sets in across the east coast, and Aussies set off for their European summer in droves — keeping up with the social splurge of snaps from the Almalfi Coast, Lake Como or the high streets of Milan becomes almost too much to bare. For those sticking south for the winter like me, never fear — because I've come across a little slice of almost Positano that will warm you from the inside out. And while the water temp may be well below the Med at this time of year — the views, food, room and overall atmosphere will put this spot at the top of your winter weekend list. Stay The Manly Pacific – M Gallery sits midway along the ever-popular Manly Beach, but despite its central location — the oversized rooms, and recent $30 million refurbishment throughout the hotel makes you feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle. vertical video here I checked in to one of the hotel's stunning coastal villas — which spreads across two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchenette, dining space and sizeable loungeroom. The balcony stretches from one side of the villa to the other, providing uninterrupted views across Manly and over to Shelley Beach (a great place for a paddleboard or snorkel). The villas are all designed by Coco Republic with a relaxed and sophisticated coastal aesthetic, providing guests with a calm and soothing experience throughout their stay. To celebrate winter, the hotel transforms the main drag of Manly Beach to be about as close to Italy as you can get their new winter package — Culinary Coastline: A Taste of Italy. Instead of driving, guests living within a 25km radius of the hotel can be picked up in a luxury car and chauffeur service arriving direct at the beachfront hotel with a glass of Italian prosecco on hand. Awarded a recent recognition among the world's 16 most beautiful hotels at the Prix Versailles awards, Manly Pacific offers an elevated seaside experience that starts from the moment guests check in. After gliding through the stunning entry foyer, a delicious signature charcuterie platter sat ready and waiting in our room — and a complimentary mini bar should you have a pre-dinner hunger pangs. Take a dip in the hotel's rooftop heated pool (a perfect spot to catch the sunset) or a session in the nearby sauna that can be booked privately. Eat Perhaps the highlight of the stay was dinner at the hotels adjoining restaurant, Cibaria. Everything from the cocktail menu, to the share plates, music and waitstaff will have you feeling like you're nestled in a ristorante on the other side of the world. The restaurant, which only opened in December last year, is an all-day spot attracting fun, playful crowds in no rush for lunch or dinner. The 130-seat restaurant has been beautiful decorated inside, to create a bright and colourful atmosphere for guests (with a delicious gelataria attached). We went with the Culinary Coastlines Menu, and not a single dish disappointed. Starting with the Pizzetta Bianca and the crab fritters, followed by the scallops (my dish of the night) and the yellowfin tuna crudo — another standout was the crabmeat trattole for a real Italian pasta hit. Make sure you leave room for dessert, because the house hazelnut tiramisu with mascarpone cream, coffee and savoiardi biscuit is actual heaven on a plate — so you may want to order two. Do Being in the thick of Manly means not only the beach and plenty of coastal walks are at your doorstep, but the weekend markets and plenty of shops are just footsteps away too. Grab a coffee from Bistro Manly downstairs (which is where you'll also enjoy a delightful buffet breakfast) and hit the pavement from the hotel around to Shelley Beach for a chilly (but refreshing) dip. For a midmorning hit — enjoy a pastry from Rollers Bakehouse just off the corso, and meander through the markets which is filled with local artworks, clothing and homewares. And if you dare, just like you would in the Med — strip down and take a dip, because the water (albeit chilly this time of year) couldn't get clearer if it tried!
Business Times
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Times
Sip, savour and explore: Unveiling Cocktail Months at MGallery hotels across the world
[JAPAN & SOUTH KOREA] The first thing you notice upon exiting your plane at the New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, Japan, is the lone ad for Sapporo beer on the aerobridge. If you don't already know, Sapporo, capital city of the northern island of Hokkaido, is famous for being the home of its namesake beer – the oldest in Japan. It is also the perfect destination from which to begin our little jaunt to experience MGallery's World Cocktail Months. A brand under French hospitality group Accor, MGallery is a collection of some 120 international luxury boutique hotels – each one different from the next. Its celebration of the art of mixology started in May and runs till Aug 31 across all MGallery hotels, but our experience begins at the charming Hotel Sosei Sapporo – MGallery Collection. Japan's original brew Opened in January 2024, the 118-room hotel is part of the city's historic brewery district, and like other buildings in the vicinity, sports a distinct red brick facade. Artworks such as a large, black iron sculpture of a wild hop pay homage to the area's brewing heritage, while its contemporary guest rooms are decorated with a dark palette and rich textures. The hotel has won accolades for its post-industrial East-meets-West design concept, including being named, just this month, as one of the world's most beautiful hotels by Unesco Prix Versailles, a prestigious architecture and design award. The hotel has won accolades for its post-industrial East-meets-West design concept. PHOTO: HOTEL SOSEI SAPPORO – MGALLERY COLLECTION A black iron sculpture of a wild hop pay homage to the area's brewing heritage. PHOTO: HOTEL SOSEI SAPPORO – MGALLERY COLLECTION Sapporo's historic brewery district, with its distinct, red-brick buildings. PHOTO: HOTEL SOSEI SAPPORO – MGALLERY COLLECTION Hotel Sosei Sapporo – MGallery Collection sits across the road from the Sapporo Factory, the site of Japan's first government-run brewery, the Kaitakushi Brewery (the predecessor of Sapporo Brewery). Today, Sapporo Factory is a commercial complex housing a mall, cinema, restaurants and a beer bar that still serves lager produced from the brewery's first recipe. Apart from this bar, the hotel is the only other place where you can get a taste of the original brew. Every MGallery hotel has an M Moment offering a unique, location-specific experience. At Hotel Sosei Sapporo – MGallery Collection, that would be a 20-minute traditional Japanese rickshaw ride through the alleys of Sapporo Factory. The ride includes a stop at the iconic black chimney bearing the Japanese name for Sapporo Beer, topped with a red star. The iconic black chimney bearing the Japanese name for Sapporo Beer, topped with a red star. PHOTO:CORINNE KERK But before the alcohol gets to your head, you should pop by the Sapporo Beer Museum to get an understanding of how, during the Meiji period, Sapporo – instead of the original pick, Tokyo – became the site for Japan's first brewery in 1876. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Suffice to say it involves the region's cooler climate, availability of raw materials like wild hops, the strong insistence of a Japanese man who saw the area's potential, and a young Japanese brew master who defied a travel ban to stow away on a ship and eventually learn German beer-making techniques. Pop by the Sapporo Beer Museum to understand how Sapporo – instead of Tokyo – became the site for Japan's first brewery in 1876. PHOTO:CORINNE KERK At the hotel's cosy bar lounge, which sports a sculptural copper fireplace shaped like a brewing kiln, we get our first taste of MGallery's three new limited-edition cocktails – specially conceived in collaboration with Citadelle Gin to go with exclusive glassware created for MGallery hotels by French lifestyle brand, Maison Sarah Lavoine. Hotel Sosei Sapporo - MGallery Collection's cosy bar lounge, which sports a sculptural copper fireplace shaped like a brewing kiln. PHOTO: HOTEL SOSEI SAPPORO – MGALLERY COLLECTION Featuring Citadelle Gin Original, fino sherry, a jasmine and lemongrass cordial, and orange blossom, the Crystal Diva cocktail carries floral and herbal notes. It is served in a Maison Sarah Lavoine Nick & Nora coupe and garnished with a white chocolate shard and a touch of jasmine and lemongrass. MGallery's three limited-edition cocktail creations. PHOTO: CORINNE KERK The Timeless Negroni, on the other hand, is earthy and rich, with Citadelle Gin Original infused with sandalwood, red vermouth, as well as Italian bitters instilled with pineapple and pandan. An oval ice cube floats intriguingly in the cocktail, which is presented in a Maison Sarah Lavoine Old Fashioned tumbler. Finally, sitting in a Maison Sarah Lavoine Coupe is the Honey 75, a salty, zesty twist on a French 75 featuring Citadelle Gin Original, fat-washed with local olive oil, verjus, salted local honey, and an orange and cardamom syrup, and then topped with Pommery champagne. The garnish? A piece of honeycomb with edible micro flowers. All three are also available as mocktails. Guest mixologist, Mongkol 'Lek' Saengchud from V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection. PHOTO: CORINNE KERK These drinks are mixed to perfection by guest mixologist, Mongkol 'Lek' Saengchud from V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection, (the signature cocktail of which, christened Solar Eclipse, is a must-try). Despite making a ridiculous number of cocktails through the night, the gentle giant that is Lek is cool under fire – responding to the stream of non-stop and overlapping orders with equanimous utterances of 'of course', instead of, say, a punch to the face. Japanese hospitality warmly received, our next stop is Hotel Naru Seoul – MGallery Collection, South Korea. Cocktails in Korea The 196-room hotel is located in Mapo, right by the Han River and a four-minute walk from Mapo station. With its 25-metre indoor pool and outdoor infinity pool both heated and overlooking the city and river from the 20th floor, it doesn't take long for us to head there for a relaxing swim. The heated infinity pool on the 20th floor of Hotel Naru Seoul – MGallery Collection beckons. PHOTO: HOTEL NARU SEOUL – MGALLERY COLLECTION However, we also made time for the hotel's M Moment, which takes visitors on a 50-minute guided tour of the unique artworks specially created for the hotel. The hotel's elegant Lobby Lounge on the 20th floor. PHOTO: HOTEL NARU SEOUL – MGALLERY COLLECTION As evening descends, cocktails can be had on the 20th floor in the bright and elegant Lobby Lounge with its double-volume space, or the oriental herbal pharmacy-inspired Bar Voisin on the 22nd floor. Doing the honours was guest mixologist Tan Dat Nguyen from Hotel des Arts Saigon – MGallery Collection. Bar Voisin on the 22nd floor of Hotel Naru Seoul - MGallery Collection. PHOTO: HOTEL NARU SEOUL – MGALLERY COLLECTION At both locations, you get stunning vistas of the city and river as the sun sets – tipple in hand and grateful you're not one of the many drivers stuck in peak-hour traffic in the distance, their headlights adding to the shimmering view you now enjoy. Sunset, as seen through a glass window at Hotel Naru Seoul – MGallery Collection. PHOTO: CORINNE KERK While you're there, taste a few of the hotel's signature cocktails. One of our favourites is Life Like A Ginseng, a refreshing summer drink comprising gin, ginseng concentrate, anise liqueur and lime soda finished with a tall ice cube and a ginseng root. Life Like A Ginseng, a refreshing summer cocktail. PHOTO: CORINNE KERK You should also try the Ssanghwa-tang – a cocktail version of the traditional Korean herbal tea often enjoyed with honey or an egg yolk. A perfectly spherical 'yolk' sits atop a mixture including pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, clove, cinnamon, sesame, Korean medicine and red and white wine. The Ssanghwa-tang – a curious-looking cocktail served in a ceramic mug. PHOTO: CORINNE KERK The 'yolk' is in fact a handmade citrus ball held together by a thin membrane. It bursts in your mouth to release a light and surprisingly neutral-tasting liquid, which contrasts with the slightly medicinal, spicy and nutty flavours of the rest of the drink. It is, in a way, a fascinating example of why there is just so much to explore in MGallery's World Cocktail Months. The writer was a guest of Hotel Sosei Sapporo – MGallery Collection and Hotel Naru Seoul – MGallery Collection, both part of the Accor hospitality group.
Business Times
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Times
How to ace Father's Day
Father's Day is just one week away. If you're thinking of gifting him socks again, please don't. How about taking him on a nostalgia walk through an old neighbourhood? Or surprising him with a birthday cake featuring his face superimposed on Iron Man? Maybe even a shirt from a great new brand that fits him perfectly, or a massage gun his back will truly thank you for? In this week's BT Lifestyle, get a head start on planning the perfect day for that special man, with dozens of gift ideas, gestures, and – for procrastinators – genius last-minute saves to make it look like you've been planning for this all year long. In Travel, we head to Sapporo and Seoul as the MGallery collection of boutique hotels kicks off World Cocktail Months, which runs till end-August. We also check out the set of exclusive glassware that MGallery is launching in collaboration with French lifestyle brand, Maison Sarah Lavoine. In Shopping, payment-solution provider Adyen recently released a retail report highlighting a rising momentum among consumers using AI to help them shop. We dive into its findings. In Arts, a new exhibition at National Gallery Singapore showcases the best of ink art, not just by artists from East Asia, but all over the world. And in Dining, sample some casual French bistro fare amid lush greenery at La Terrace, a new addition to Claudine brasserie in Dempsey. For all this and more, don't miss this week's BT Lifestyle.
Travel Daily News
03-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
MGallery Collection partners with Typology for new range of natural skincare products
MGallery partners with Typology to launch eco-friendly, refillable skincare products, enhancing sustainable in-room experiences across 30 global hotels. PARIS – Boutique hotel collection, MGallery, and natural skincare brand, Typology, have partnered to launch a new line of eco-friendly skincare products, set to be available in over 30 MGallery hotels across the world. Through this collaboration, MGallery Collection is expanding on its commitment to provide guests with a memorable and mindful holistic experience. Each of the five products, which feature a 100% refillable design, have been manufactured with sustainability in mind. A Sustainable In-Room Experience for the Senses Formulated with more than 93% naturally derived ingredients, the exclusive collection of five products includes shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, and body lotion. Each product is made in France and delivers effective, simple, and environmentally sourced skincare for an elevated in-room experience. The dermatologically tested formulas are enriched with vitamin E and camellia extracts, and contain no PEGs, sulfates, or silicone. They are also certified vegan, GMO-free, gluten-free, and RSPO-certified for bar soaps. The five amenities, which were developed with GM Group combine antioxidant properties, sensory appeal, and gentleness to the skin, while remaining true to the values shared by MGallery and Typology. 'This new line represents the intersection of high-end hospitality and French excellence in responsible skincare. Typology was a natural choice for our amenities partner, as our values regarding authenticity, sustainability, and the well-being of our guests align perfectly,' explains Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery, and Emblems. 'Working with MGallery has allowed us to apply our rigorous formulation standards to the world of hospitality. We have always favored extremely natural, minimalist and concentrated formulas. These five skincare products were designed as an extension of our product line, in keeping with our philosophy: purify, simplify, and always focus on the essentials,'adds Ning Li, Typology Founder. A Progressive Worldwide Rollout Initially available in its two upcoming openings in Albania and Biarritz this summer, the collection will then be phased into more than thirty MGallery destinations worldwide, bringing sustainable skincare to the forefront of the guest experience.
