JW Marriott Seoul offers a taste of Thailand

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JW Marriott Seoul offers a taste of Thailand

Thai snacks and beer available during JW Marriott Seoul's promotion "Enjoy Khao Lak in Seoul." [JW MARRIOTT SEOUL]

Thai snacks and beer available during JW Marriott Seoul's promotion "Enjoy Khao Lak in Seoul." [JW MARRIOTT SEOUL]

 
This winter vacation, the JW Marriott Seoul will bring Thailand to you. 
 
Considering that many use the winter break to escape the frigid temperatures and relax in a warmer climate, but are restricted this year due to Covid-19, the global chain has decided to bring a little something from Thailand’s beach town Khao Lak to Seoul. Khao Lak is a popular destination for both families and those interested in scuba diving.
 
The idea of a bringing an exotic location to hotel guests arose since flying for leisure has not been widely available across the world for almost one year. A total of 13 hotels under the umbrella of Marriott, including the St. Regis Singapore and Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur, have joined the switch. The JW Marriott in Jakarta will be offering a feel of Seoul.
 

“Those who used to travel are so restricted this year, and a lot of people are frustrated,” said Allen Howden, JW Marriott Seoul’s general manager.
 
“And people’s home environment is no longer sanctuary as home has become where they work for adults and where they go to school for kids.”
 
With a rising interest in staycations and those looking to hotel breaks to escape their homes, the JW Marriott Seoul, which had been positioned as a popular choice for people traveling for business, is shifting its focus to better cater to locals, especially families with children and couples.
 
“As you can’t go swimming anymore, for example, or are too scared to take your kids to indoor playgrounds or shopping malls, hotels have become a place where can do you something you wouldn’t in your normal routine as we have a good relationship with hygiene and cleanness, and the government has focused so much on how we do with all that,” said Howden.
 
A lounge area by the swimming pool at JW Marriott Seoul.[JW MARRIOTT SEOUL]

A lounge area by the swimming pool at JW Marriott Seoul.[JW MARRIOTT SEOUL]

 
During the Enjoy Khao Lak in Seoul promotion, which will last until the end of this year, incoming guests will be greeted by staff wearing traditional Thai garments saying “welcome” in Thai. Your room at JW Marriott Seoul will be set up similar to the rooms at the JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort and Spa. You will also be given an aromatic mist and hand cream that is made with fruits, flowers and other natural ingredients found in Thailand so the scent of the tropical nation can envelop your room.
 
A towel folded to look like an elephant will be placed on your bed, where you can sit, relax and enjoy some Thai snacks and beer before you would hit the indoor pool, a must-enjoy facility.
 
Drinks and small bites inspired by what’s commonly enjoyed poolside at resorts in Thailand, such as coconut water and mango rice, are available. More extensive selections of Thai food will be available at Flavors, the hotel’s buffet restaurant, until end of this month.
 
General Manager of JW Marriott Seoul Allen Howden. [JW MARRIOTT SEOUL]

General Manager of JW Marriott Seoul Allen Howden. [JW MARRIOTT SEOUL]

 
The hotel is considering continuing this promotion to introduce cultures of other countries, to not only satiate people's desire for international leisure travel, but also to offer an educational experience, while promoting different locations of the international chain for future travel.
 
"In Korea, we have seen the shift from fighting for international business people to fighting for local families and couples looking for a staycation," said Howden. "For people who have lost their home sanctuaries, we will continue to offer peace of mind as well as a sense of travel, so that we can help people get away from their daily tasks."
 
BY LEE SUN-MIN   [summerlee@joongang.co.kr]
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