New & Noteworthy: Hotel openings and vacation inspiration

Best of the Best

Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has named its Hotel of the Year: Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda in Italy. Located by Lake Garda, the property is one of 18 hotels honoured in this year’s SLH Awards. Other Winners include Cap Rocat in Spain (Most Intimate Bedroom), America’s Castle Hot Springs (Most Mindful Wellness Retreat), The George in New Zealand (Most Intense Bespoke Experience) and – closer to home – The Seminyak Resort & Spa in Bali (Best Gourmet Experience). slh.com

Set Sail in Bangkok!

SALA Hospitality Group has teamed up with True Leasing to offer new sailing and dining experiences in the Thai capital. They include a private sunset cruise on board a classic mahogany Hacker-Craft boat along the Chao Phraya, passing Bangkok landmarks such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun. Passengers can enjoy a five-course menu from the chefs of Bangkok hotel SALA Rattanakosin, and there’s also the option of staying in a river view suite at the hotel. salahospitality.com

Clean & Green

Hotels around the world continue to prioritise eco-friendly programmes; the latest is Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort in Thailand. The property has been officially certified as carbonneutral, thanks to reductions in waste and emissions, energy-efficient lighting, water management, recycling programmes, organic gardening and plastic-free products. Guests can learn more about caring for the environment through the resident marine biologist. phiphiislandvillage.com