15 April 2015

Trendy SE Asia Supperclubs :: Xu Saigon & SOS Seminyak

from Vietnam Golf Magazine

Vietnam Golf Magazine
Apri 2013
Dù nm Sài thành sôi đng hay trên hòn đo Bali thơ mông, c Xu Saigon và SOS Supper Club Bali đu hi t đy đ nhng tiêu chun mà bn mong mun v mt nhà hàng và phòng lounge thi thượng.

Xu Saigon

Ta lc trong mt không gian náo nhit và sm ut, Xu Saigon mang đến cho bn nhng tri nghim khó quên v phòng lounge và m thc - mt trong nhng nhà hàng không th b qua khi ghé thăm trung tâm TP HMC.

Vi li trang trí hin đi và sang trng trng, Xu Saigon gm 2 tng, phòng lounge tng hm và phòng ăn chính trên tng 1. Nhà hàng có sc cha lên ti 120 khách, trong khi các phòng lounge có th cha lên ti 170 người.

Kết hp s tươi mát và nhng đt phá ca ngh thut m thc Vit Nam hin đi vi các món ăn truyn thng, Xu Saigon luôn biết cách đ to được n tượng vi các thc khách. Va duy trì tinh hoa t ngàn xưa và nét mi m đương đi, ngh thut m thc nơi đây là s đơn gin tng hòa ca nhng món ăn phc tp, nhm to n tượng cho nhng thc đơn truyn thng được yêu thích. Các đu bếp tài hoa nơi đây đã khéo léo cht lc nhng tinh hoa ca m thc Vit và s dng chúng theo mt cách hoàn toàn mi.

Bn có th bt đu hay kết thúc bui ti ca mình ti quy lounge đy quyến rũ ca Xu Saigon bng cách nuông chiu mình trong nhng ly cocktail đy hp dn như martini da, cranelo lp lánh và caprioskas chanh dây.

Vi nhng du khách yêu thích s sôi đng, hãy ghé thăm lounge vào ti mun đ hòa mình vào nhng ba tic sành điu, nơi các DJ th hn sáng to vi các giai điu đang thnh hành ti các thành ph ln. Tt c to nên bu không khí đc đáo khác bit Sài thành vn ni tiếng v s sôi đng, mang đến cho bn mt đêm ca âm nhc, thi trang và văn hóa.

Được công nhn là mt trong nhng nhà hàng và quy lounge riêng tư trong thành ph, Xu Saigon đã tr thành mt đa đim “phi đến” cho nhng người yêu thích món ăn ho hng, âm nhc tinh tế, và tri nghim cuc sng v đêm cht lượng cao.


Xu Restaurant Lounge
71 - 75 Hai Ba Trung
District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

===========

SOS Supperclub Bali

Trong môi trường năng đng ca thế gii ngày nay, du lch đến các đa đim xa xôi đ thư giãn và tìm li s tươi tr đã tr thành mt nim đam mê được nhiu người chia s. Tuy nhiên tht không d đ tìm được mt đim đến giúp bn thoát khi cuc sng náo nhit thường ngày, đng thi quyến rũ được các giác quan và khôi phc li tinh thn ca bn. Đây chính là ngun cm hng ra đi khu ngh Anantara Resorts.

Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa to lc trên “Hòn đo ca các v thn” vi hai nhà hàng phong cách và mt quy bar đc đáo trên tng thượng được thiết kế lôi cun mi giác quan. Ý tưởng ch đo ca đa đim nhm tôn vinh v đp ca các vùng bin xanh biếc ca n Đ Dương. Tt c gói gn trong cm t 'Wow' đy mê hoc, đ đ làm cho du khách hài lòng và sng st đến tt bc.

Nhn thc sâu sc các nhu cu ca thc khách, CLB SOS Supper Club ti khu ngh Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa, Bali còn làm tăng thêm n tượng ca các ba ăn khi b trí không gian, phong cách và th hiếu ca hàng hàng theo mô hình máy bay phn lc ôm p quanh vnh bin Seminyak thơ mng  Bên cnh ch ngi rng rãi nhìn ra đi dương xanh biếc, các thc đơn mi, nhng ly cocktail và đ ung thượng hng đây càng làm tăng thêm năng lượng sng cho du khách.

Nm v trí cao trên tng thượng th tư ca khu ngh Anantara Seminyak, CLB SOS Supper Club mang đến mt bc tranh toàn cnh ngon mc vi nhng đt sóng lăn tăn ca bin n Đ Dương. Được thiết kế theo 3 khu vc đy phong cách, quy bar đc đáo snh như mi gi bn ng mình trên nhng chiếc ghế dài rng rãi đ ngm hoàng hôn buông và thư giãn trong các giai điu ca DJ. Đim thêm s xa hoa ca đa đim, nhà hàng hi sn và đ nướng luôn mi gi thc khách thưởng thc các ba tic ngoài tri trong quang cnh bin tri dài như vô tn.

Đ đm bo cho các cuc hành trình m thc luôn truyn cm hng đến mi giác quan theo nhng cách mi đy bt ng, CLB SOS Supper Club đã nâng cp thêm mt nhà hàng có sc cha gp đôi 50 khách, to nên không gian và hình nh mi ti mt CLB đích thc cho các ba ti.

T m và hin đi trong các chi tiết ni tht, k lưỡng trong vic chn la mt phong cách đc đáo đ to cm giác thèm mun, cùng vi các món ăn ho hng, nhng đ ung sáng to và không khí sôi đng, SOS Supper Club đã mang đến mt cách tiếp cn mi Seminyak, vn đã ni tiếng vi nhng


SOS Supper Club
Anantara Seminyak
Jl. Abimanyu (Dhyana Pura)
Seminyak, Bali

===== English version =====

For nearly a dozen years, restaurants and clubs called "lounges" have grown in metropolitan areas around the world.  The increase has been to the point that the distinctions between restaurant and nightclub have blurred.  In recent years, cities in SE Asia have experienced a similar growth in the restaurant - lounge concept in an effort to better cater to an expanding leisure class.

Two of the leading restaurant & lounge venues in SE Asia include Xu Saigon and SOS Supper Club Bali.

Xu Saigon

Standing out amidst an expanding cosmopolitan resto-lounge scene, Xu Saigon provides an unforgettably stimulating dining and lounge experience in the heart of HCMC.  Considered by many as a “happening” venue, Xu is often labeled as one of the best restaurants in the city.

With a contemporary and chic décor throughout, Xu consists of two levels, with the lounge bar at ground level and the main dining room on level one.  The restaurant can seat up to 120 guests, while the lounge can accommodate up to 17.

Coupling fresh and innovative modern Vietnamese cuisine along with traditional favorites, Xu certainly knows how to make an impression.  Remaining both true to its roots and refreshingly contemporary, the cuisine may involve the simplification of a complex dish to emphasize a particular ingredient, or applying new techniques to traditional and well-loved meals.  It can also mean extracting ingredients unique to traditional Vietnamese cuisine and using them in a completely new way.
Guests can either start or end their night at the seductive Xu Lounge, by indulging in an intriguing selection of contemporary cocktails, including Xu’s signature coconut martinis, cranelo sparkles and passion fruit caprioskas.


For fashionable guests making their way into the lounge later in the evening, they’ll find a trendy party scene where DJs spins an eclectic mix of music expected at most upscale, big-city clubs.  Vu’s cosmopolitan vibe provides an atmosphere unmatched in HCMC, created for guests with a penchant for a night filled with music, fashion and culture.

Xu Saigon is also an ideal venue for corporate events, and one of the hottest places to celebrate a birthday, or a central location for a bachelor or bachelorette party in HCMC’s District 1.

Recognized as one of the more intimate restaurant and lounges in town, Xu has clearly become a "must-go" destination for those who love great food, music, and a high quality nightlife experience.

Xu Restaurant Lounge
71 - 75 Hai Ba Trung
District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

===========

SOS Supperclub Bali

In the dynamic climate of today’s world, traveling to remote places for relaxation and rejuvenation has become an indulgence – if not necessity – shared by many. It’s not an easy task, however, to find a destination that will not only transport you away from the hectic pace of everyday life but captivate your senses and restore your spirit. And this was the inspiration for creating Anantara Resorts.
Wild Orchid Restaurant
SOS Supperclub Bali

The luxurious boutique property of Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa on ‘the Island of the Gods’ rings in the arrival of two suitably stylish restaurants and a rooftop chill-out bar designed to seduce the senses. The concepts behind the venues are as clear as the azure waters of the Indian Ocean they overlook: to encapsulate the ‘wow’ factor, to dazzle, and to delight guests in generous proportions.

In response to discerning demand, SOS Supper Club at Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa, Bali has raised the dining impact once again along Seminyak’s jet setter shore, with a holistic injection of style, space and tastes at its highly acclaimed restaurant.   Adding a magnanimous seating extension and a stunning redesign, a brand new menu and upgraded cocktail and wine attractions complement the newly energised overall experience.

Occupying an elevated position on the fourth floor rooftop of Anantara Seminyak, SOS Supper Club reveals a breathtaking panorama of the Indian Ocean’s rolling surf.  Divided into three purpose designed lifestyle zones, the signature lounge bar beckons guests to recline on oversized daybeds as the sun sets to chill-out DJ beats, while a unique event and party venue boasts Bali’s only sky glass platform.  Furthering the venue’s sumptuous diversity, a steakhouse and seafood restaurant invites guests to dine on the spacious al fresco deck with uninterrupted sea views.

Ensuring that culinary journeys inspire every sense in surprising new ways, SOS Supper Club has revamped every aspect of its offering.  In addition to an extended kitchen and restaurant capacity doubled to seat 50 guests, the generous new space also proudly showcases a renewed image and sophisticated ambiance with a genuine supper club design.

Painstaking, contemporary interior detail and meticulous planning have captured a unique style to create a sense of desire and attention – an innovative approach which, along with scrumptious cuisine, creative beverages and ambiance-enhancing elements, will set a new benchmark amongst Seminyak’s already existing offering of trendy eateries. Extensive glass paneling invite in alluring sea vistas, underlying the resort’s design philosophy to seamlessly blend in with its dramatic natural environment and, overall, creating the kind of destination experience Anantara is renowned for.

Exquisite new dishes can now also be paired with exciting new beverage options.  The upgraded wine menu has been created with a competitive price in mind.  The selection of perfectly crafted cocktails has also seen an uplift, with new signature concoctions including the SOS Sunset Daiquiri blending rum, triple sec, lime juice and frozen mango slices on top of berry liqueur and mixed fresh berries, an SOS Sun Downing Cosmopolitan fusing lemon vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec and berry liqueur, as well as a Russian Spring Punch of vodka, raspberries, lemon juice, sugar, berry liqueur and champagne.

SOS Supper Club
Anantara Seminyak
Jl. Abimanyu (Dhyana Pura)
Seminyak, Bali

Frequented by the jetsetting crowd, both Xu Saigon and SOS Supper Club Bali have set regional standard for fashionable, ultra-chic restaurant lounges in SE Asia.







Lifestyle Nightclub - OMG! Rooftop

from Vietnam Golf Magazine
March 2015


Original, Musical, Gastronomic!
Nếu bạn là tín đồ của âm nhạc, thời trang và ẩm thực, câu lạc bộ OMG! sẽ mang đến cho bạn những trải nghiệm vô cùng ấn tượng và độc đáo, đúng như tên gọi.

Vietnam Golf Magazine
March 2015
Tọa lạc ở vị trí đắc địa gần chợ Bến Thành, Quận 1, OMG! đang là một trong những địa điểm giải trí lý tưởng của những tín đồ yêu CLB đêm ở Sài Thành sôi động.

Đúng như tên gọi, OMG! có khu vực sân thượng ấm cúng với thiết kế boong tàu thanh lịch với tầm nhìn toàn cảnh thành phố hoa lệ phía dưới. Nội thất tiện nghi và được trang trí với các tông màu ấm áp. Khách có thể ngả mình thư giãn trên những chiếc ghế dài hay lựa chọn cho mình một góc riêng tư với thiết kế chỗ ngồi độc đáo dành riêng cho các đôi tình nhân để tận hưởng buổi tối thật nhẹ nhàng thư thái.

Mở cửa 7 ngày trong tuần với những đêm nhạc theo chủ đề xuyên suốt tháng. Bạn sẽ ấn tượng với các chương trình giải trí phong phú hàng tuần được trình diễn bởi những nghệ sỹ nổi tiếng. OMG! cũng tự hào bởi hệ thống âm thanh hiện đại và đẳng cấp. Hãy đến và cảm nhận chất lượng trong từng chi tiết.

OMG! Rooftop
15-17-19 Nguyễn An Ninh
Quận 1, TP. HCM
Tel : +84 93 720 02 2





====== English Version =====


Located near the bustling Ben Thanh Market in District 1 is one of HCMC’s newest trend-setting dining venues.   Aptly named, OMG! it is a fashionable rooftop restaurant whose Fusion menu offers delectable food & drinks with an Asian influence.

Based in the heart of HCMC, OMG! features a cozy rooftop area with an elegant deck providing  a stunning panoramic view. Comfortable furnishings and decor are complemented with soothing warm tones. Their comfy couches and designer love-seats in the softly lit bar make it easy place to spend the evening. It's the perfect place to stop in for a bite to eat, a drink or for a small business meeting.
The OMG! Rooftop is open seven days a week with special theme nights scattered throughout each month.   The weekly entertainment programs ensure the guests’ varied moods and expectations are met with world-class artists and event coordinators  (Dj party, Live music, Performances, Corporate or Special events,
Romantic dinner).   OMG! has invested in acoustic treatment and one of the best sound systems available (Funktion One) to provide quality in each detail.

The restaurant is fine dining in a cozy atmosphere.  The venue’s ambiance is enhanced with warm colors, fresh flowers, soft music, candles and amazing artwork from some of the areas most notable new artists.  During the busy sunny season, guests often sit on the deck outside where OMG! offer a special menu, featuring lighter fare, exotic drinks, as well as non-alcoholic offerings. The "garden" setting is a fun and casual atmosphere for the sunny season crowd.

The fusion menu is inspired from other countries’ specialties and appeal to a diverse clientele. OMG! offers Japanese specialities as sashimi, chicken teriyaki or Swedish salmon gravlax.  Other OMG! signature menu items include Risotto, an Asian grilled prawn with pesto, or even a taste of France with the "home made" Foie Gras. 

The service is relaxed and very friendly. OMG! management is a team of seasoned hospitality experts whose backgrounds consist of more than 100 years experience in food, restaurant, hotel, bar, management, finance, marketing, music, art and motion pictures.  

OMG! has arrived in the heart of HCMC, and offers the city’s fashionable residents and tourists an experience that provides a little bit more out of life than just the ordinary! 

OMG! Rooftop
15-17-19 Nguyen An Ninh , District 1, HCMC
Tel : +84 93 720 02 2




13 April 2015

Timeless - Lifestyle Nightclub - Time Lounge Hanoi

from Vietnam Golf Magazine
February 2015

Tọa lạc ở vị trí đắc địa nơi giao nhau giữa con phố nhộn nhịp Điện Biên Phủ và Nguyễn Thái Học, Time Lounge nổi bật với nối kiến trúc 2 tầng hiện đại và tinh.

Vietnam Golf Magazine
February 2015
Ấn tượng với lối kiến trúc sang trọng và hiện đại, Time Lounge là địa điểm lý tưởng để các tín đồ yêu CLB đêm trải nghiệm buổi tối đáng nhớ bên bạn bè và đồng nghiệp.

Tọa lạc ở vị trí đắc địa nơi giao nhau giữa con phố nhộn nhịp Điện Biên Phủ và Nguyễn Thái Học, Time Lounge nổi bật với nối kiến trúc 2 tầng hiện đại và tinh tế. Đến đây có cảm giác như thời gian ngưng đọng khi bạn được đắm chìm trong những giai điệu sôi động của các DJ hàng đầu. Không khó hiểu tại sao Time là lựa chọn hàng đầu cho những bữa tiệc đặc biệt. Đặc biệt Time cung cấp dịch vụ VIP Bottle cho khách hàng để có thể thoải mái lựa chọn theo từng nhu cầu cá nhân cho dù do bạn đến đây là để thưởng thức đồ uống, khiêu vũ bên âm nhạc hay thư giãn cuối tuần.

====== English Version =====

With a sleek and modern architecture, Time Lounge has given Hà Nội club-goers a new and sophisticated place to enjoy an evening with friends and colleagues.  The upscale venue is conveniently located at the intersection of Điện Biên Phủ and Nguyễn Thái Học.

The intimate club brings in the hottest DJs and entertainers from Vietnam and around the world, making Time one of the best known party spots throughout the city.  The club is typically busy, with a range of guests that include the city’s elite entertainers and young professionals.

Time provides a VIP Bottle service for groups with a wide selection of all the high end spirits.   The quality service and the super chic look allow Time to provide all guests with a nice upscale environment to drink, dance, and relax in style.

Time Lounge
Số 1 Điện Biên Phủ / Số 2 Nguyễn Thái Học
Hà Nội



11 January 2015

Lush Life -- Lifestyle Nightclub, Lush Saigon

from Vietnam Golf Magazine
January 2015

For more than ten years, LUSH has been at the cutting edge of Saigon nightlife, frequently hosting the region’s elite party crowd.  With modern architecture, fresh music and international management, LUSH is the ultimate clubbing choice in southern Vietnam.

Vietnam Golf Magazine
January 2015
The club’s interior design is unlike anything else in the city, with 3 distinct areas catering to different desires. Its elegant and modern front garden is a quiet area to dine and relax with friends. The back garden hosts a bustling bar where trendy Vietnamese and foreigners mingle late into the night.  The main attraction at LUSH is its buzzing interior, where stylish graphics, comfortable lounge seating and an exciting bar area make for a vibrant atmosphere 7 nights a week.   The club is often described as an entertainment masterpiece.

One of the main focuses of the LUSH experience is the music. Long considered a trend-setter in HCMC, the highly respected DJs spin a contemporary mix that put LUSH on par with other big-city clubs around the world. The music team plays the very latest sounds from hip hop and house over one of the city’s best sound systems, ensuring that every night is a party night.

The club’s design is also ground-breaking. With an exciting motif inspired by graphic novels and manga, LUSH is full of jaw-dropping graphics that contribute to its electrifying atmosphere. The New York Times calls Lush, "A New York ready, anime-themed club", while the Wall Street Journal writes, "And if you aren't ready to call it a night yet, head for the hottest club in town, Lush... An eclectic mix of locals, foreigners, aided by electro and hip hop sounds from the DJ Crew."

LUSH SAIGON
2 Ly Tu Trong, Dist. 1
Ho Chi Minh City

Website:  www.lush.vn




09 January 2015

Forum Hotel Spa, Paris 2014-2015

from Gaming & Leisure Magazine
Winter 2015

It was a pleasure to attend the 7th edition of the Forum HOTel & SPA, this past June (2014).  Created by Madam Vladi Kovanic, and held at the Paris Four Seasons George V Hotel, this year’s forum was such a great success that they have already scheduled the 2015 event.

Gaming & Leisure Magazine
Winter 2015
I was fortunate to have an opportunity to chat with both Madam Vladi Kovanic (the forum’s creator), and their featured guest of honor, Mr. Ingo Schweder (CEO and founder of both, GOCO Hospitality and Horwath HTL Health & Wellness).

[G&L]  It was a pleasure to attend the 2014 Forum Hotel & Spa in Paris this past summer.  You're now preparing for the 8th Annual Forum.  Could you give us an idea what to expect at the 2015 Forum?

[Vladi K] With the number of delegates strictly limited to 120 people, The Forum offers each delegate the opportunity to gain valuable market insights, as well as a wealth of high-end networking and information sharing.

The theme for 2015 will be “Perfection”.   We expect it to be the year’s  “must attend event” for European Spa Directors and Managers .  We are inviting the top industry specialists from all over the world.

[G&L]  How did you get your start in the Spa & Wellness Industry?

Madam Vladi Kovanic
[Vladi K]   In Paris during the year 2000, I created “Aqua Expo”, the first water exhibition and water bar in France.  As water is the “blue gold” of our planet, we also note that everywhere where water brings  the energy.

Aqua Expo was for me a logical way to develop events where professionals could exchange their knowledge in the field of wellness and spa.  Along with the current Forum HOTel & SPA, I am also working as SPA consultant.

[Ingo S]  While I was working in several senior positions with Westin International, Ritz-Carlton, Shangri-La International, the Oberoi Group and the Rafael Hotel Group, I worked extremely hard and did not take care of my health. I was diagnosed with cancer at 34 and while I was fighting the disease, I visited spas all over the world, trying out holistic treatments, which might aid my recovery. I credit my full recovery to a combination of holistic treatments and my newfound love for yoga and meditation and consequently decided to combine my career in hospitality with spa and wellness. 

Mr. Ingo Schweder
In 2000 I became the Group Director of Spas for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and established their Lifestyle Division from the ground up. I was responsible for the worldwide operation, design and development of 15 resort spas on four continents. Five years ago I decided to open my own company and have developed successful spas since.

[G&L]  What innovations have you seen in the Spa industry in recent years?

[Vladi K]  The global spa economy has nearly doubled in the past 10 years.  We are no longer speaking about pampering but more and more we speak about innovative spa- where you can make retreat, where you can recharge your batteries and  change a view to your future life.

[Ingo S] ‘Wired wellness’ includes a huge array of wearable fitness and medical monitors and is one of the most dramatic, popular and widely adapted innovations. People already track their health and fitness data through these devises and spas can tab into this data to analyse the guest’s lifestyle and create personalized programs based on it. They can also create their own apps to support their guests in implementing the newly learned wellness lifestyle into their daily lives once they have left the destination spa.

Networking at Forum HOTel SPA 2014
Four Seasons George V, Paris
Given the new, always-on work model, more people aren’t just stressed out they’re burned out. As people are looking for ways to relax, yoga and meditation has become increasingly popular. This trend has brought an interest in more traditional medicine such as TCM and Ayurveda that focus on preventative medicine as opposed to disease treatment, which is more common in western medicine. Destination spas have recognized this demand and created new programs that help guests to reconnect with themselves and nature but also learn new ways to relax.

Thirdly, MediSpas have innovated their services significantly over the past five years and are now offering a vast selection of non-invasive, results driven treatments. 

[G&L]  What trends do you see in wellness for 2015-2016?

[Vladi K]  Each country has own specificity.  In Europe there is a growing focus on holistic spas and anti aging (the European population is rather old).  We see also development of cryotherapie, music therapy parallel to classical spa treatment.  For me the most important phenomena in the industry is still water and water treatments.

[Ingo S]
Networking at Forum HOTel SPA 2014
Four Seasons George V, Paris
Results-oriented treatments
Evidence-based wellness is becoming more important, i.e. consumers need to know that the treatments and wellness programs that they are receiving have been adequately researched and are safe and beneficial. Wired wellness supports this trend as people continue to track their food intake, exercise and sleep pattern via apps; for destination spas this means that they have access to months of valuable data, which they can use to develop personalized treatments and wellness programs.

Hot Springs
Natural healing assets (e.g. healing waters) will (re)gain popularity as evidenced by the growing interest in CAM, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine and other non invasive approaches to healing and wellness. This fuels the demand for more thermal/mineral spring resorts that offer not only bathing but a luxurious holistic wellness experience.

Semi urban retreats
The increased development of semi-urban retreats is a good example of the industry responding to changing consumer trends. These tend to be 20-40-60 miles out from major cities like Beijing and New York and present a great model for people who are sometimes too busy to travel to remote locations or don’t want to spend valuable time on stressful air travel. GOCO Retreat Niutuo which we are opening at the end of 2015 is one of these examples as it is located 50km outside of Beijing and provides a holistic wellness experience together with natural hot spring bathing.

Networking at Forum HOTel SPA 2014
Four Seasons George V, Paris
[G&L]   Is it an industry that can be profitable in Europe and worldwide?

[Vladi K]  Yes, and I think it can be highly profitable -  if you hire good  spa experts  and invest properly. It is also important to mentor members of the spa teams to succeed and optimize Spa performance.

[Ingo S]  Yes, the industry can be profitable across the world. I have seen a tremendous growth in wellness tourism over the past years globally; it already represents a US$439 billion market (14% of world tourism expenditures) and is predicted to grow by 9 percent annually through 2017, 50 percent faster than “regular” tourism (SRI International, 2014).

Recent research published by SRI International (2014) has shown that Europe leads the way based on spa revenues with $ 29.8 billion but Asia still dominates with the highest number of spas. Europe still enjoys a healthy growth by 62% but emerging markets such as MENA (134%) and Africa (186%) are predicted to show the highest growth.

[G&L]  At the 2014 Forum, there were presentations on the role the industry can play in the “exchange in humanity”.   Can you discuss how Spas can play a role in humanity, including corporate social responsibility?

[Vladi K]  We are going back to about 500BC with the Greeks and Romans, where the spa is not only a place where guests entrust their body to therapist and relax, but also where they can go for healing nutrition and a cocoon for their soul.

I am member of CEWF, where in past 5 years we have provided over 90,000 hospital patients with about 185.000 beauty treatments. With these treatments we give patients hope in beating various diseases. 

Spa can give guests a positive mind set, we simply need to get them there.

[Ingo S]  Destination spas and wellness retreats are usually located in remote areas and therefore have the opportunity to add value to and enhance the community that they exist in. Companies can do this through a selection of activities such as creating jobs within the spa, developing employees through training programs, supporting local producers and businesses through sourcing local building materials and produce. But also through providing cultural programs for guests who can learn from and interact with the local community. Other activities include the protection and enhancement of the surrounding and the support of local charities. Fundamentally, destination spas can impact the health and life of their communities through educating their employees but also through extending services to their families such as a weekly free visit to a health clinic in the retreat.

Gaming & Leisure Magazine would like to thank both Madam Vladi Kovanic and Mr. Ingo Schweder for their participation in this discussion.  We would also like to invite spa specialists to join the Forum HOTel & SPA on May 28, 2015 in Paris.



07 January 2015

Data Security in the Golf Industry

from Vietnam Golf Magazine
January 2015

Data security company Trustwave has reported that 45% of all data attacks in 2013 were against the retail industry, making the it the #1 target for data breaches.  In prior years, the hotel & resort industry was the most targeted.   Operating in both the hospitality & retailing industry, Golf Clubs are likely candidates for cyber-terrorism.

For years, cybercriminals have targeted the retailing & hospitality industries due to:  a) their
Vietnam Golf Magazine
January 2015
large pool of credit card data, and b) their failure to implement basic data security precautions such as changing passwords or ensuring software is up-to-date.

The assault on information systems has reached into leading retailers and resorts around the world:

April - September 2014 - USA & Canada.  Home Depot Stores.  A few weeks back (8 Sept 2014), Home Depot  confirmed that its payment security systems have been breached, a data theft analysts say could rival Target Corp's massive breach last year.  The data theft likely impacts customers in stores across the USA and Canada, with investigations ongoing on how deeply online customers were affected.

November - December 2013 - USA.  Target Stores.  Target Stores were hit by a major credit-card attack involving up to 40 million accounts in late 2013.  It has been reported that Target has spent $146 million to resolve data breach-related issues since the fourth quarter of 2013.

March 2010 – USA.  HEI Hotels & Resorts.   Investigations at HEI indicate that guest credit cards had been compromised after the electronic Point-of-Sale systems were breached at multiple hotels owned by HEI Hospitality.  The stolen information included credit card type, number, expiration date, security code and the data contained on the magnetic stripe.

June 2010 – USA.  Destination Hotels & Resorts.  More than 700 guests at 21 Destination Hotel’s US properties were victims of credit card theft when the firm’s IT system was hacked.

November 2009 – USA.  Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites.  The Los Angeles-based properties disclose a data breach of its POS Systems dating back to several months in 2009.

November 2008 – USA & Canada.  Radisson Hotels.  A breach in the hotel's credit-card security system allowed outside parties to gain access to customer credit-card information.  Reports indicate the security system was breached for half-a-year, between November 2008 and May 2009.

The largest known breach at a U.S. retailer was at TJX Cos in 2007, which had more than 90 million credit cards stolen over about 18 months.

It’s of little surprise that resorts and retailers are particularly vulnerable to today’s savvy cyber-criminal when you consider the number of payment channels used: internet, smart phone, telephone, in-person and mail order.

Further consider the number of reasons why golf courses, retailers and resorts need to store cardholder data for guests’ convenience (reservation hold, incidental expenses, loyalty programs and charge-backs). If the cardholder information is not protected within all applications and databases, data breaches will continue to occur at an alarming rate.

The industry has been addressing the issue of data security through PCI compliance (PCI = Payment Card Industry). Being PCI compliant essentially means the property has taken appropriate steps to make sure that any credit card data received is safe and secure within the system. If the system is up to standards, then you’ve met what’s called the Payment Card Industry’s Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS). 

As a guideline, the PCI has issued a comprehensive set of requirements for enhancing payment account data security:

  • Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data.
  • Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters.
  • Protect stored cardholder data.
  • Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks.
  • Use and regularly update anti-virus software.
  • Develop and maintain secure systems and applications.
  • Restrict access to cardholder data by business need-to-know.
  • Assign a unique ID to each person with computer access.
  • Restrict physical access to cardholder data.
  • Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data.
  • Regularly test security systems and processes.
  • Maintain a policy that addresses information security.
Experienced market executives say that education is the first point of interaction and interdiction against payment card fraud. The more educated your employees are about proper handling of payment card data, the more secure your organization becomes.

Whether it is your quality security assessor, your internal IT staff or your everyday employee, each should be trained on the importance of practicing security through PCI standards to ensure ongoing security and help the hotel protect guest’s vital data.



04 January 2015

Hot Solution :: Quasar Spa, Golf & Club Software

from Hotelier Indonesia Magazine
December 2014

Spa, Club & Golf Management Software
Leisure Solutions for Indonesian Hoteliers

The Indonesian hospitality industry is fortunate to have a highly experienced, global software
Hotelier Indonesia Magazine
December 2014
developer placing a significant focus on Spa, Club & Golf systems within the country.  With offices and partners around Asia, Europe and the Americas, Quasar Group International is using it’s office in Bali as a distribution and support base for all of Indonesia.

With its corporate founders deeply committed to the leisure industry throughout the past 35+ years, Quasar has been able to leverage their experience to deliver a leading management solution.  The solutions have been scaled in a manner that allows properties of all sizes to benefit.

Special Introductory Pricing through June 2015

With the Q4 2014 release of their new browser-based solution, Quasar is offering Indonesian properties a very special pricing offer, well below the price they list in other countries.  This pricing is offered to spas, golf, membership clubs and golf clubs of all sizes and is valid for early adopters in the first six months of 2015.

Along with pricing considerations, a significant benefit to Indonesian users is the role they can play in the growth of the system.  Users will have an impact on the growing functionality of the system.  As your systems use grows, the software matures based on your direct input.

Special pricing will be provided to sites based on request.  Requests can be made to:  info@quasar-gi.com or info@quasargroupinternational.com

Multilingual

Recognizing the need to address system usability by both local staff and international managers, Quasar has provided the capability to use the system in more than 40 languages.   This includes both Bahasa Indonesia & English, along with other languages inclusive of Simplified Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Khmer, French, German, Russian, etc.

The use of the system becomes much easier for local staff when they can utilize the system in their native language.

Sizing for Any Screen

Quasar’s solutions are browser based, which provides access from any device ranging from smartphones to iPads and desktop computers.  The system’s design ensures the highest possible accessibility, allowing managers and directors access to data from anywhere in the world. 

Client Profiles

Quasar places your customer at the heart of the system.  Whether addressing the needs of your spa, golf course or membership club, the solution is customer-centric, where the needs of your guest come first.  It has been central to the system from its inception.

Quasar’s System allows extensive client profiles, with multiple addresses, membership types, phone & email contacts as well as social media details.  Additional details include education, professional details, spouse and children details.

The social media contacts can be customized by the user, where management can specify a client’s account with Facebook, Twitter, WeChat, WhatsApp, Weibo or other programs.  The system is flexible to allow you to change as the industry changes.

For properties with parking security, Quasar’s client profiles also maintain automobile information including brand, model and registration numbers.  The system will allow you to track which cars have valid permission to use the parking facilities.

System Feature - Lifestyle Preferences

Maintaining extensive data on client preferences and history will allow you to connect in a more manner with customers, and as a result, drive revenue.

What are your client’s lifestyle preferences and past history with the property?   Quasar’s Lifestyle Preferences module will allow you to customize data based on it’s value to operations and the bottom-line.

Interested in the client’s F&B preferences?  Travel preferences?    Therapist preferences?  Any details of interest can be tracked and used for future sales & marketing programs.   The system can also be used to track health and allergy information which is of value across all departments.

Spa Booking

Quasar’s spa booking system provides an at-a-glance overview of bookings by therapist and location.  These views display the status of each appointment, including which are checked-in, which are completed, and those that are due next.

Quasar’s Spa Booking module allows you to expand booking services throughout the property, providing an easy way to add guests, book treatments, and print itineraries from any workstation in the network.

Golf Bookings

Quasar’s Golf Booking system has been designed to meet the needs of resort, private and semi-private golf clubs around the world.   Recognizing that no two clubs operate the same way, Quasar’s system design allows a scalable tee sheet for use at clubs with any number of courses.

The system allows you to quickly create a player’s reservation along with the proper cart, caddy and greens fees.  The golfer’s check-in process is seamless, allowing golf reception to create individual or combined transactions and proceed directly through Point of Sale for payment.

Prepaid Services

Quasar’s Prepaid Services solution allows you to managing the advanced purchase of merchandise and services throughout the property.  Items and services can include anything from golf shop or spa merchandise to lessons, classes, rental items and spa treatments. Seamlessly integrated within Quasar’s full suite of products, the Prepaid Services solution ensures an accurate flow of information from purchase through redemption.

Client Prospecting (CRM)

Quasar’s CRM will help you attract and retain clients for your spa or sports club through the tracking of email campaigns, newsletters, membership fees and promotional events.

Designed as an integral part of the full Quasar management system, the CRM will allow you to easily run marketing campaigns to your members in order to increase sales through understanding your membership’s historical transactions and preferences.   This will also help increase cross selling by suggesting other club products and services.

Point of Sale

Allowing an unlimited number of items and services, Quasar’s Point Of Sale system is fully integrated to the full management solution.   The POS provides easy access to scheduled guest bookings from all departments including golf, spa and other activities.  Furthermore, the POS module connects to client preferences and Prepaid Services so that your staff can better service your valued guests.
  
Serving Indonesia and the World

Quasar Group International is a global leisure software company with a development base in Asia.  With a presence in Bali, the firm’s corporate directors have placed a significant focus on the Indonesian Spa & Golf market.

Hotelier Indonesia is very pleased to have had a lengthy relationship with the firm and it’s founders.   Contact them at info@quasar-gi.com or info@quasargroupinternational.com for further information on their management solutions for spa, golf and club.