Sweet Relief: Summer Desserts to Keep You Cool ~ Page 6
Experience Asia’s Iconic Martial Arts ~ Page 18
Making Connections: Asia Pacific’s Boldest Bridges ~ Page 38
FOREWORD
Welcome to the June 2025 edition of Travel Aggregator, WebBeds’ regular newsletter dedicated to our travel trade friends, partners and colleagues in Asia Pacific.
This month, we shine a spotlight on Asia’s iconic martial arts. For hundreds, and even thousands of years, these graceful artforms have helped practitioners to enhance their physical strength and achieve spiritual balance. In the modern health-conscious age, they are also now becoming popular among experience-seeking travellers. In our lead article, we reveal the best destinations to learn the art of kung fu, karate, taekwondo and Muay Thai.
Bridges are often overlooked (as well as overpassed), but these structures are more than just a way of getting from A to B – they are symbols of connectivity and can even become national landmarks. From ancient structures to modern marvels, we showcase five of the best bridges in Asia Pacific that have become attractions in their own right.
Martial arts and sightseeing can be hard work, especially in the summer months. So, WebBeds is giving guests the chance to cool off with a selection of Asia’s most refreshing desserts! From creamy kulfi to sublime cendol, we will transport your taste buds on a sweet adventure.
This month, our “Featured Hotel” is the Manhattan Hotel Jakarta, and “Newly Opened” takes a look behind the curtain at The Sundays, Hamilton Island, a five-star resort nestled on the shore in Australia’s Whitsunday Islands. And of course, you can catch up with all the latest news, photos and exclusive offers from WebBeds in Asia Pacific.
Thanks for reading!
KS Sun President, Asia Pacific WebBeds
To catch up on any past editions of Travel Aggregator, simply head to apac-marketing.webbeds.com/aggregator
ABOUT TRAVEL AGGREGATOR
Travel Aggregator is the monthly newsletter published in-house by WebBeds Asia Pacific. Created especially for our travel trade partners and clients, this informative newsletter will include the latest updates from WebBeds Asia Pacific, including our news and developments, plus exciting offers from our partners, a selection of the hottest hotel deals, and much more!
If you’d like to be featured in the next issue of Travel Aggregator, please email Travel.Aggregator@webbeds.com. Alternatively, for marketing partnerships with WebBeds Asia Pacific, please email apac.marketing@webbeds.com
General Manager, Malaysia and Maldives Celes.Yap@webbeds.com
JINTANA PORNTANAPAT
General Manager, Thailand and Indochina Jintana.Porntanapat@webbeds.com
JOHN STUCCI
Regional Vice President, Pacific, India & Indonesia John.Stucci@webbeds.com
JOY HUANG
Regional Vice President, China Joy.Huang@webbeds.com
LINDA KIM
General Manager, South Korea Linda.Kim@webbeds.com
PETER LEE
General Manager, Japan Peter.Lee@webbeds.com
VENUS CHAN
General Manager, Hong Kong and Taiwan Venus.Chan@webbeds.com
Muay Thai in Pattaya, Thailand
The Sundays, Hamilton Island
NEWLY OPENED
Nestled on the coast of Hamilton Island, within Australia’s breath-taking Great Barrier Reef, The Sundays is an idyllic boutique retreat where guests can unwind in style, enjoy uplifting activities and feel the easy-going spirit of the Whitsunday Islands.
The resort’s name derives from the “Whitsundays,” while also reflecting the laid-back vibe of what it calls “the best day of the week”. Situated just steps from Catseye Beach, Hamilton Island’s most popular stretch of sand, The Sundays offers a collection of 50m² rooms, all with contemporary interiors, standalone baths, modern amenities, and either a balcony or terrace with sea views.
Throughout their stay, travellers can cool off in The Sundays Pool, which features private cabanas and views of the bay, chill out with spa therapies or yoga sessions, and enjoy complimentary water sports at the nearby Hamilton Island Sports Club, including paddle-boarding, kayaking, and snorkelling. For little ones, the Clownfish Kids’ Club promises plenty of fun and creative activities, and all ages can come together for movie nights under the stars.
The Sundays is also a haven of gastronomy, where the acclaimed culinary duo Josh and Julie Niland showcase Australia’s fresh, seasonal ingredients at the Catseye Pool Club, including a gourmet breakfast, long & lazy lunches, and seafront dinners.
With direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, and complimentary transfers for every guest, travelling to The Sundays is a breeze. This new five-star resort is set to become a destination-of-choice for couples, families and friends who want to relax and reconnect in paradise.
Summer Desserts to Keep You Cool
After a busy morning or afternoon of urban exploration, what could be more satisfying than cooling off with a sweet, refreshing treat? Fortunately, Asia is home to many delectable desserts that are sure to satisfy your cravings!
In this article, we embark on a tasting tour across the region to uncover four of the most delightful desserts that capture the spirit of summertime.
Kulfi
Beat the sultry summer heat in New Delhi with soft, creamy kulfi – an exotic frozen milk dessert that comes in a choice of flavours, such as mango and rosewater. Moulded into conical shapes, it is traditionally served by street vendors on wooden sticks.
NEW DELHI
WHERE TO STAY
THE LEELA PALACE NEW DELHI
The Leela Palace New Delhi is one of the most luxurious places to stay in India’s capital city, promising an exquisite blend of cultural authenticity and five-star facilities. Jamavar, the hotel's signature North Indian fine dining restaurant, offers an indulgent take on the classic kulfi, infused with saffron and pistachios. Special occasions can also be enhanced with kulfi-based cakes!
HONG KONG
mango Pomelo Sago
This sweet treat pairs Asian fruit flavours with the thirst-quenching sensation of cool sago soup. It was invented by Wong Wing-chee, a former head chef of Lei Garden, who set up a restaurant in Singapore and wanted to capture the essence of the tropical climate.
WHERE TO STAY
THE FULLERTON OCEAN PARK HOTEL HONG KONG
The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong perfectly captures the cultural and culinary connections between Hong Kong and Singapore. JADE, the hotel’s seafront restaurant, is overseen by Michelinstarred executive chef Lai Ching Shing, who uses fresh seasonal ingredients to craft an original and highly nutritious menu – including one of the city’s finest bowls of mango pomelo sago.
Cendol
Cendol is a Southeast Asian shaved iced dessert that offers the thrill of digging into colourful layers of delights, such as green pandan jelly, sweet red beans, palm sugar syrup, and more! These mouth-watering flavours mix together perfectly in the Malaysian melting pot of Melaka.
MELAKA
WHERE TO STAY
BIRKIN INTERNATIONAL HOTEL
Birkin International Hotel puts guests in the heritagerich heart of Melaka, surrounded by this charming city’s UNESCO-listed attractions. The hotel’s Birkin Kitchen features a wide range of authentic Malaysian cuisine, while the bustling food scene of Jonker Street Night Market is just a short drive away and features plenty of places to try cendol, such as Jonker 88 and Bibik House Chendol.
Aiyu Jelly TAIPEI
This unique Taiwanese specialty is made from the seeds of a native species of fig, pollenated by wasps and kneaded with water to form a smooth jelly. From these unusual origins comes an iconic national dessert that has featured on menus of Michelin-rated restaurants.
WHERE TO STAY
CAESAR METRO TAIPEI
Caesar Metro Taipei is a modern five-star hotel where guests can experience the rich culinary heritage of Taiwan. Conveniently located on Bangka Boulevard in the bustling Wanhua district, surrounded by night markets and dessert shops, this is an outstanding place to savour the unique flavour of aiyu jelly. The hotel’s three restaurants and bars also offer a wide range of local delicacies.
Your Gateway to Sri Lanka’s Timeless Elegance
Perched between Colombo’s vibrant energy and the calm of the Indian Ocean, Amari Colombo blends Sri Lankan charm with contemporary sophistication. Discover refined rooms, standout dining, and heartfelt service, crafted for a stay that’s rich in culture, comfort, and unforgettable moments.
Amari Colombo
No 254, Galle Road, Colombo 03, Colombo, 00300, Sri Lanka
Email: apac.sales@webbeds.com
Iconic Martial Experience
Fearsome yet graceful, energetic yet elegant, martial that underpin many Asian cultures. While these ancient thousands of years, they are more popular now that rising all around
For active travellers seeking a holiday that combines arts are an outstanding option. Here are four ways ancient practices into
Martial Arts Experience Asia’s
martial arts perfectly capture the principles of balance ancient artforms can date back hundreds, and even that ever before, with new clubs and competitions around the world.
combines physical fitness with cultural immersion, martial ways that couples and families can integrate these into their Asian vacation.
KUNG FU IN YANTAI, CHINA
Kung fu is reputed to be one of the world’s oldest martial arts, with a history that could date back to the first Chinese dynasty – the Xia – which thrived around 3,500 years ago. Those early practitioners could not have imagined that their graceful artform would evolve into a global phenomenon, including movies starring icons like Bruce Lee.
Guests can learn the traditional techniques of Shaolin kung fu at the China Kunyu Mountain Shaolin Martial Arts Academy in Yantai, Shandong Province.
WHERE TO STAY
PULLMAN YANTAI CENTER
Pullman Yantai Center is one of the finest five-star hotels in this seafront city. Located in the heart of Yantai, approximately a 1.5 hours’ drive from the martial arts academy, this high-rise hotel offers contemporary rooms & suites with stunning city views, an indoor swimming pool and a state-of-theart fitness centre for energising workouts. Elevated culinary experiences can be enjoyed at a choice of restaurants and bars from Levels 26-28.
Enjoy 20% OFF at selected Accor China properties with WebBeds, now through 30 June 2025!
KARATE IN OKINAWA, JAPAN
Founded in the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom – presentday Okinawa – karate is a dynamic martial art that sees fighters channel their power into kicks and strikes. It shot to global fame in the 1980s with the release of Hollywood movie “The Karate Kid”, and featured in the 2020 Olympics.
Visitors can head to the birthplace of this famous artform with a training course at Okinawa Karate Kaikan, which is set within the ruins of a 600-year-old castle.
WHERE TO STAY
LOISIR HOTEL NAHA
Loisir Hotel Naha is a stylish urban resort and the largest hotel in Naha City, with 551 rooms. Nestled on the coast with views of the East China Sea, less than 10 minutes’ drive from the airport, this upscale hotel lets guests unwind in natural hot springs, swim in indoor and outdoor pools, and dine at a choice of restaurants including Hanafu, which crafts authentic Chinese cuisine using Okinawan ingredients, and the Papillon Sunset Terrace.
TAEKWONDO IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
Literally meaning “The Way of the Feet and Hands,” Taekwondo was only invented about 70 years ago but has already become an integral element of Korean heritage. One of the world's most practised combat sports, it has featured at the Olympics since it was introduced at the 1988 Games in Seoul.
Travellers to the Korean capital can enjoy the best possible training at Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Academy, which has produced many of the sport’s leading figures.
WHERE TO STAY
OCLOUD HOTEL GANGNAM
Ocloud Hotel Gangnam is perfectly positioned for guests who want to learn the art of taekwondo while also feeling the vibrant spirit of Seoul’s Gangnam district. Just 800 metres from Kukkiwon, this modern, upscale hotel offers a collection of stylish king, twin, family and suite rooms, plus an international restaurant, a well-equipped fitness centre, and a relaxing rooftop garden. The hotel is surrounded by trendy boutiques, bars and restaurants.
MUAY THAI IN PATTAYA, THAILAND
Muay Thai is the martial art that became a national cultural icon. Born as a battlefield technique in the Siamese army, this form of kickboxing is known as “The Art of Eight Limbs”, as a fighter can use eight contact points to overcome an opponent. Travellers now flock to Thailand to watch a Muay Thai match or discover the sport for themselves.
The Venum Training Camp in Pattaya is one of the best places to learn Thai boxing.
WHERE TO STAY
JOMTIEN PALM BEACH HOTEL AND RESORT
Jomtien Palm Beach Hotel and Resort is a stunning seafront retreat where guests can blend beachside relaxation with energising activities. Newly renovated rooms & suites are ideal for couples and families alike; the freeform swimming pool flows through the resort’s gardens; the bowling alley is a great place for all ages to have fun together; and The Palm Terrace restaurant promises alfresco evening meals. Venum Training Camp is just 3 km away.
Asia Pacific’s
Boldest Bridges Making Connections:
What is a bridge? Is it just a way of getting from one place to another, or can it empower the interaction of people and the exchange of ideas? Is it a simple framework of metal or wood, or can it be a symbol of cultural pride and a national landmark? Bridges are all these things, and more.
All across Asia Pacific, travellers can discover spectacular bridges and learn the rich backstories that elevate them beyond their practical purpose and make them fascinating attractions in their own right.
Here is WebBeds’ selection of the region’s five finest bridges…
KOBE, JAPAN
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
This impressive yet elegant structure spans 3,911 metres across the Akashi Strait, connecting the Japanese metropolis of Kobe with Awaji Island. Completed in 1998, it was the world’s longest suspension bridge for 24 years. Visitors can experience this manmade marvel at the Maiko Marine Promenade, a series of walkways underneath the roadway that offer up-close views of the structure, 50 metres above the water. A 3D theatre showing the bridge’s construction is also available at the Bridge Exhibition Center.
WHERE TO STAY
Kobe Portopia Hotel
Kobe Portopia Hotel is a stylish upscale hotel that puts travellers in the heart of this dynamic Japanese city –approximately one hour by metro from Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and just 10 minutes’ ride from the airport. A choice of 737 rooms & suites includes single, twin, double, and quadruple options, and the gym, pool, and spa provide myriad ways to unwind. A wide range of dining venues are available, including a sushi bar, teppanyaki grill and Chinese restaurant, and the hotel is crowned with a rooftop terrace.
Long Bien Bridge
One of Asia’s most historic bridges, this grand cantilever structure was built by the French at the turn of the 20th Century to connect Hanoi’s districts across the Red River. Since then, it has witnessed many major events in Vietnam’s turbulent recent past. Thousands of people flocked across the bridge in 1945 to watch President Ho Chi Minh read the declaration of independence, and it was later damaged by American bombing raids in the war – but never collapsed! Today it stands as a national landmark.
HANOI, VIETNAM
WHERE TO STAY
Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi Centre
Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi Centre blends European style with Vietnamese grace in the heart of this historic capital city, just steps from the vibrant Old Quarter and approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Long Bien Bridge. The bright and spacious rooms & suites feature wooden floors and the latest amenities, while the Cabana Club Pool is a trendy spot to relax. The hotel’s diverse dining venues include Mangosteen, a contemporary Swiss restaurant, and O Macanese, which blends Cantonese and Portuguese flavours.
CHENGDU, CHINA
Anshun Bridge
This classical covered bridge perfectly captures the timeless beauty of Chinese culture. Recorded by Marco Polo during his travels to China in the 13th Century, Anshun Bridge stretches 81 metres across the Jin River in Chengdu, close to the Hejiang Pavilion. While the original structure and several later incarnations were destroyed by floods, the current bridge dates from 2003 and embraces the architectural styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties, with traditional carved motifs and memorial archways on each side.
WHERE TO STAY
Fairmont Chengdu
Fairmont Chengdu is a five-star hotel that captures the modern innovation and rich heritage of this Chinese metropolis – much like Anshun Bridge, which is just 20 minutes’ drive away. Having stepped through the spectacular sweeping glass entrance, guests can stay in a choice of 336 luxurious rooms & suites, and dine at a selection of restaurants, including MIKU, the top floor bistro with stunning skyline views. The Fairmont Health Club is a haven of tranquility with an indoor heated pool and a gym.
SINGAPORE
Henderson Waves
Woven seamlessly into the forest canopy of Singapore’s Southern Ridges, Henderson Waves is a 264-metre-long wooden pedestrian walkway that lets locals and visitors stroll through the trees and connect with nature. The design is said to resemble a strand of DNA, further enhancing the link between humankind and the environment. The bridge forms part of a 10km-long trail, perfect for adventurous explorers who want to discover a different side of Singapore, with regular alcoves providing opportunities for rest or shelter.
WHERE TO STAY
Momentus Hotel Alexandra
Momentus Hotel Alexandra lets guests unwind in the peaceful Queenstown district of Singapore, a heritage enclave close to the Southern Ridges that offers a laidback vibe and easy accessibility to the city’s attractions. The 442 upscale rooms feature comfy beds, ecofriendly amenities, and floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views, while the rooftop sets the stage for refreshing swims, cool cocktails at the Verandah Pool Bar, and memorable meals at the Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie. Henderson Waves is a 10-minute drive (or a short walk) away.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Sydney Harbour Bridge
The world's tallest steel arch bridge and one of the most recognisable manmade structures on the planet, Sydney Harbour Bridge is an unmissable stop on any traveller’s Australian itinerary. For the best views, intrepid explorers can climb the curved spans to the top – some 134 metres above the waves.
Alternatively, this iconic landmark can be viewed from the water with a scenic harbour cruise or a serene sailing tour, or from the air with an unforgettable seaplane or helicopter ride.
SYDNEY HARBOUR
WHERE TO STAY
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is the ultimate five-star sanctuary in this waterside city. Nestled on the shore at Circular Quay, it frames unparalleled views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and its equally famous sister, the Sydney Opera House. Within this stunning luxury hotel, discerning guests can savour modern Australian cuisine at Mode Kitchen & Bar, sip handcrafted cocktails at the Grain Bar, enjoy deeply soothing therapies at the Endota Spa, or simply chill out at one of the city’s largest heated outdoor pools.
Featured Hotel of the Month
Manhattan Hotel Jakarta
Jakarta, Indonesia
Manhattan Hotel Jakarta brings the high-rise style of New York City to the heart of the Indonesian capital. Nestled in the Golden Triangle area of South Jakarta, close to the intersection of Jalan Raya Casablanca and Jalan Prof. Dr. Satrio, and only five minutes from the Mega Kuningan business hub, this impressive five-star hotel is ideal for business and leisure travellers alike.
The 255 rooms and suites feature contemporary interiors, comfy beds, and panoramic city views through large picture windows. With king, twin and triple options, as well as 37 stunning suites, the hotel can cater for every occasion. Throughout their stay, guests can chill out at the elevated outdoor freeform pool with skyline views, workout in the fitness centre, unwind in the spa, steam room and sauna, and enjoy pampering at the hair & beauty salon. For little ones, the kids’ corner is a bright space to play throughout the day.
Central Park Restaurant is a vibrant all-day dining destination that offers Indonesian, Asian and Western cuisine with indoor and outdoor seating, while NYC Lounge & Bar is a relaxing place to grab a coffee and connect with colleagues and friends. For memorable evening meals, Man Aur Tan is an elegant Indian restaurant perched on the 36th floor.
With a wide range of services for meetings, events and recreation, all surrounded by the city’s downtown attractions, shopping malls, and international offices, Manhattan Hotel Jakarta sets the stage for inspiring stays in this dynamic global metropolis.
