Hotel industry and travel news from around the Asia Pacific region; this week: Sentosa Hotel rebranded, Hyatt manages Manila while MO closes Manila, Banyan Tree debuts new brand and more...

Accor to rebrand Sentosa Hotel in Singapore

The Singapore Resort & Spa Sentosa, managed by Accor, will be unveiled as Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa in the second half of 2015. The hotel is currently undergoing a full refurbishment that will cover all accommodation, public areas, the Spa, conference rooms, landscaping and back-of-house areas. The property will feature 215-guestrooms and villas.

Hyatt to manage new hotel in Manila

Hyatt City of Dreams Manila is expected to open in 2014 and will feature 365 guestrooms in two hotel towers. The hotel is located in the gateway of Entertainment City overlooking the Manila Bay area and will provide guests access to a family entertainment centre, a live performance lounge and a nightclub. The hotel will offer two food and beverage outlets, a fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool.

Banyan Tree Group unveils new brand Cassia

Singapore based Banyan Tree Group has launched the third brand in its portfolio, Cassia, which lies in a niche sector between hotels and serviced apartments. Seeking to expand globally, the group has a target of 66 hotels and resorts, with more than 100 spas and galleries across 33 countries by 2017. Five projects are being developed in China, Australia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand. An additional seven projects are being planned in Brisbane, New York, Japan, Seychelles, Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Vietnam.

Mandarin Oriental Manila to relocate

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has signed a management contract for a new 275-room hotel which is part of a mixed-use development centrally located within Makati City. The new hotel is scheduled to open in 2020. The new Mandarin Oriental Manila will feature a variety of food and beverage options and a signature spa. It is being developed by Ayalaland Hotels & Resorts. The existing Mandarin Oriental, Manila on Makati Avenue is expected to close later this year.

Centara Ceysands Resort and Spa, Sri Lanka opens

Centara Hotels & Resorts recently held the grand opening of its newest resort at Sri Lanka's Bentota peninsula. The resort has 165 rooms and suites, featuring views across the Bentota River or the Indian Ocean. The resort also features multiple dining options, a spa featuring Sri Lankan and Indian treatments and versatile event spaces that is supported by state of the art audiovisual equipment and facilities that can accommodate a wide variety of functions and meetings.

Mantra Group announces IPO

Mantra Group Limited has announced a fully underwritten Initial Public Offering that will provide Mantra Group with access to capital markets, giving the company the flexibility to pursue further growth opportunities. Mantra Group is a leading Australian acoommodation operator with 113 properties and over 11,600 rooms in hotels, resorts and serviced apartments across Australasia and Indonesia.

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