The influx of visitors to Myanmar this year has put investors on alert to potential opportunities in what many see as the opening up of one of the last virtually-undeveloped real estate markets in Southeast Asia. Investors are already looking closely at Myanmar in the hopes that economic sanctions could be eased after a series of reforms by the country’s new government.

Although there are a few cranes visible on the Yangon skyline and a small number of new projects in recent years, there’s been close to no new industrial or office space added since the 1990s mini-boom.  Other areas of opportunity include building serviced apartments, which cater to longer-stay businessmen. There are only 600 currently, and none built since the 1990s.

The government said 300,000 tourists visited in 2010, and more were expected to come this year. That number could increase dramatically. Next door, Thailand draws 15 million or more tourists a year, with similar attractions.

After delays the Ana Mandara Resort & Spa Ninh Binh will open its doors mid May. Initially due to open January 2011 the property features 172 rooms and is styled after a traditional Vietnamese village with large sized bungalow type rooms.

Vinpearl Luxury Resort has recently announced their soft opening in June 2011. Located in the southern coastal city of Nha Trang, Vinpearl Luxury Resort’s 48 villas will overlook the sea and a private beach. Access to the resort, which is situated on Hon Tre Island, will be by speedboat.

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa will open Q 4 2011. It will signify Hyatt’s second Hotel offering in Vietnam and hail the introduction of one of Hyatt’s most recognized brands to Vietnam “Regency” Comprising of 200 Hotel rooms and Suites/ 138 Condominiums / 20 Villas with private pool. 90% of the resort will have views of the Ocean and the stunning Son Tra Peninsula.

The Accor Group is opening 4 Hotel and Resorts in 2011-2013 in the Danang/Hoi An area including: The 4-star Mercure Danang with 276 rooms opening 2011, the 4-star Novotel Han River Danang with 346 rooms opening in 2013, The 5-star Pullman Danang with 197 rooms and down the coast the 4-star Novotel Hoi An Resort with 230 rooms opening Q1 2012.

For more information on accommodation options in Vietnam please contact, Vietnam@exotissimo.com.

Hoang Tang Tourist Co Ltd and AAPC Singapore Pte LTD have decided to terminate the management contract of the Mecure Gerbera. As of the 30th of April 2011, the hotel has been trading under the name: Gerbera Hotel Hue and will no longer be operated by Accor. For more information please contact, Vietnam@exotissimo.com

As we approach the low season, many hotels and properties have announced closures or renovations during this period. Our travel consultants will offer suitable alternatives for accommodation during this time and we will plan inspections of these properties when completed to ensure they continue to operate at Exotissimo’s expected service level.

YANGON:

• Traders Hotel: Deluxe rooms will not be available from May – September while they are renovated.
• Kandawgyi Lake Hotel: Renovations will begin in June and are expected to be completed by early October. Plumbing, painting, refinishing the floors and painting are taking place but not causing full closure of the hotel. They are also expanding their parking lot so some noise will occur during the daytime hours.

BAGAN:

• Thiri Marlar: Fully closed for the second phase of their room renovations from 1 May – 30 September
• Hotel @ Tharabar Gate: Superior rooms partially closed for renovations from 1 May – 30 September

GOLDEN ROCK:

• Golden Rock Hotel: fully closed for room renovations from 23 April to 30 September.

INLE LAKE

• Serenity Resort Inle Lake: will reopen on 1 May after two months of renovations on the rooms
• Villa Inle Resort & Spa: New property from the Tharabar Gate Hotel Group will open 1 October 2011 with 16 lakeside villas
• Aureum Hotel Group: New property expected to open 1 October 2011

NGAPALI AND NGWE SAUNG:

• All regularly scheduled flights will cease operations on 1 May 2011. There will be sporadic flights until September- please ask your travel consultant if one is available on your preferred date of travel.
• All hotels will be closed except Bayview Ngapali
• Ngapali Bay Villas & Spa: New property also from the Tharabar Gate Hotel Group expected to open in October 2011. The beachfront property will feature 4 Beach Suite Villas and 28 Sea View Deluxe rooms.

PUTAO:

• All flights will stop operating 1 May 2011 and are scheduled to restart 30 September 2011 Malikha Lodge and Putao Trekking House will both be closed during this period.

Just 2 hours up river from Luang Prabang lies a unique eco-lodge experience. The Kamu Lodge, is situated next to a ethnic hill tribe village where the accommodation takes its name from. Set back from the river, Kamu Lodge’s 20 luxury canvas tents enjoy spectacular vistas and setting. A stay at Kamu seeks to educate and integrate guests with the Kamu tribe and encourage experiences of some of local activities, including rice planting, walking, a local village visit and traditional fishing techniques. To view rates please, click here.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the opening of Hotel de l’Opéra Hanoi has been delayed until June 2011. The hotel will not be taking any bookings until this time. Hotel de l’Opera is a 5-star boutique property comprising of 107 rooms with 4 Food and Beverage outlets including banquet facilities. The hotel occupies a prime location on Trang Tien Street halfway between the Opera House and Hoan Kiem Lake, in close proximity to shops and restaurants. With its central location and boutique style the property brings a much needed addition to Hanoi’s 5-star hotel range. For more information please contact Vietnam@exotissimo.com

Situated on one of the most desirable enclaves in Bali, the Ananatara Seminyak offers a luxury retreat just steps away from the Indian Ocean. With this special offer valid for bookings until February, 2011 guests can pay 4 nights and stay 5 at the Anantara Ocean View Villa Suite. Valid for all suite types’ guests can stay 6 nights and pay for just 5. This renowned brand promises unparallel service and comfort, throughout its 60 rooms.

A new deluxe boutique hotel has opened its doors in Siem Reap, the ideal choice of accommodation for clients looking for elegant accommodation that is positioned slightly off-the-beaten-track. Featuring two villas, one apartment and 5 junior Suites – the property is open to individual and private bookings for groups and families.
These spacious, well-equipped rooms have been tastefully adorned with antique furnishings and classic features. Each of the rooms is grouped around a swimming pool and garden.Other attractions include a Shanghai-style bar reminiscent of the 1930s and two restaurants, offering the perfect place for a Khmer cooking class.

The Bagan Princess is the ideal choice of accommodation for those looking for a central hotel for good value, offering simple yet cozy accommodation, just a 10 minute walk from Nyaung Oo market. A traditional warm Burmese welcome awaits guests at this 21 room property. Each room comes with a private Jacuzzi bath and the restaurant serves a varied selection of Burmese, Chinese and Italian cuisines.

Luang Prabang adds to its luxury property portfolio with the arrival of the Alila Group. Blending colonial charm with contemporary style, the sleek boutique-style hotel offers a simple but seductive update on the traditional Lao aesthetic. Manicured courtyards, shimmering pools and frangipani-fragrant gardens make this secluded all-suite retreat in the Ban Mano quarter a must for the discerning traveler. Facilities include an indulgent spa, fine dining and a cooking school. Set in a UNESCO-protected former mansion, which also served time as a detention centre, its elegant high-ceilinged rooms and lofty watchtowers pay homage to its intriguing past