Beyond the horizon: Wyndham Hotel Group inches into South East Asia

WYNDHAM HOTEL GROUP'S global footprint is expanding at a rapid pace, further consolidating the success story of the world's largest hotel company.

As the South East Asian middle class continues to grow, the hospitality giant is pouncing on the chance to elevate the experience of leisure and business travellers with premium and economy-friendly hotel options in the region. Whether for a family retreat, a romantic honeymoon, or a business trip, Wyndham has pounced on the mass market.

Presently, more than 67 properties are operating in South East Asia as well as in parts of East Asia, including Japan and South Korea. The group aims to add an additional 30 properties to its name by 2020, or the equivalent of 8,776 rooms.

Barry Robinson, president and managing director of Wyndham Hotel Group South East Asia and the Pacific Rim, said, "This is an exciting period for Wyndham Hotel Group as we accelerate our expansion and development plans with a focus on South East Asia."

Here's a glimpse of the region's standout properties.

Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay, Thailand

Set atop a cliff overlooking the Andaman Sea, this stunning real estate is the first property in the region under the Wyndham Grand brand, and as you can tell, it has all the makings of a premium beach resort. Upscale facilities abound including an outdoor rooftop pool, a range of restaurants and bars, free shuttle service to Patong, a day spa and wellness centre slated to open in August.

Outside the hotel, wander onto Patong Beach for a bronze shade, hit the links at Red Mountain Golf Club, browse chic island wear at Jungceylon, stroll through Old Phuket Town, or marvel at the golden Buddha at Wat Khao Rang.

Wyndham Garden Kuta Beach Bali, Indonesia

It's not wholly surprising the region's first Wyndham Garden property was established in Bali, an island of tremendous tourist interest. The 155-room hotel is located directly across from Kuta Beach on Jalan Pantai Kuta, a buzzing centrepoint for visitors.

The Wyndham Garden focuses on details amidst a sense of calm and serenity to promote an inviting, stress-free holiday. It's no surprise then that this property features stylish, airy rooms, pool suites with sea views, and a day spa.

TRYP by Wyndham Yangon, Myanmar

TRYP, the trendy, millennial-focu sed arm of Wyndham's range of hotels, debuted in the heart of Yangon's lively Mayangone Township. The TRYP by Wyndham philosophy focuses on making guests feel like they "Powered by the City" and a city like Yangon fits into the brand's "urban collective" outlook.

The modern hotel is located less than five minutes from Myanmar Plaza, which offers upscale retail and dining options, and a short stroll from many of the city's glittering golden temples, including the majestic 34-meter-high Kabar Aye Pagoda, as well as the picturesque Inya Lake.

Wyndham Tamansari Jivva Resort Bali, Indonesia

The opening of this property late last year marked the group's 100th hotel milestone in South East Asia and Pacific Rim, an impressive feat for the brand. Guests can immerse themselves in authentic local experiences and the best surf spots in the untouched eastern region of Klungkung with world-class surf break, Keramas being a 10-minute drive from the hotel.

The wellness-focused beachfront resort is situated away from the buzz of the city's hotspots and deep in the heart of nature instead, perfect for a quiet getaway without burning the pocket. On top of that, yoga and meditation retreats, and spa therapies can be arranged by staff. To make guests feel at one with their surroundings, elements of the hotel are made of wood, stone and water.

Wyndham Legend Halong Bay, Vietnam

This exquisite Wyndham property close to the Halong Bay Pier capitalises on the incredible appeal of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This five-star hotel caters to guests looking for the comforts and familiarity of the upscale Wyndham brand, but still offers a refreshing array of attractions in the Halong Bay area including charming cafés, bars, and markets.

Whether you're taking a cruise through the bay's impressive peaks, or feasting on a bird's eye view on a seaplane, this property is the ideal coastline hotel from where your Halong Bay adventure begins.

Ramada and Days Hotels Singapore At Zhongshan Park, Singapore

In the heart of Singapore's Novena area is Days Hotel Singapore, an underrated food haven and a mere 15-minute car ride to the central business district. As its name suggests, the hotel is also flanked by the charming Zhongshan Park, an immaculately manicured park for guests to while their hours away.

Meanwhile, the adjacent Ramada Singapore was twice voted the Best Mid-Range Hotel by travel professionals in the 25th and 26th Annual TTG Travel Awards in 2014 and 2015. Ask the concierge for a complimentary copy of The Balestier Insider Guide to explore the nearby heritage trails by foot and scooters can also be loaned from the hotel.

Ramada Plaza Melaka, Malaysia

Set in the heart of Malaysia's historical city of Melaka, the central location of this five-star Ramada Plaza property means you can easily explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Simply buzz the concierge desk for information on complimentary shuttle services to ferry you around the city's many food and shopping options.

If you're staying in for meals, pop into Olio Restaurant for rustic Italian fare served up in an elegant setting. If thin-crust pizzas are not up your alley, Long Feng Chinese Restaurant is a grand portrayal of fine Szechuan and Cantonese cuisine as well as halal dim sum. Don't just take our word for it: The restaurant has been voted Best Chinese Restaurant by Malaysia Tatler for seven consecutive years.

Howard Johnson Jeju Seogwipo Harbor, South Korea

This oceanfront property nestled on the stunning island of Jeju is the first Howard Johnson to arrive in Korea. The iconic brand – which originated in 1925 – is fondly known for evoking nostalgic memories of road trips, ice cream, and its famous orange roofline.

Located in the Taepyeong-ro district, the hotel is within walking distance of cultural spots and hiking trails like the Lee Jung-Seop Cultural Street, Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market and Cheon Ji Yeon Waterfall, and it's exactly where you want to be if visiting the charming island.

Guestrooms feature a balcony with your choice of ocean or mountain views as well as cozy bedding topped with DuPont cotton duvets. As a bonus, the brand's signature pops of orange and turquoise appear sporadically while local flavour is retained in the form of artworks from Korean photographer Eva Ahn.

Source: Beyond the horizon: Wyndham Hotel Group inches into South East Asia