Asia Pacific Hospitality Newsletter - Week Ending 30 May 2025

Capital Bay Investment Acquires The Sebel West Perth Aire Apartments for AUD18.8 Million in Australia

Australia-based Capital Bay Investment Pty Limited (“Capital Bay”) acquired The Sebel West Perth Aire Apartments from Singapore-based ZACD Group Limited. The transaction totalled AUD18.8 million, translating to approximately AUD294,000 per key. Although the property was marketed with vacant possession, Capital Bay has opted to retain the Sebel brand, continuing affiliation with France-based Accor SA (“Accor”) and preserving its established market presence. Completed in 2018, the property comprises 64 strata-titled studio apartments and occupies four podium levels within the 22-storey Aire Apartments complex. Each apartment features a car bay, private balcony, and kitchenette, with shared facilities including an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, and outdoor dining areas. Located on Murray Street, the property is a 20-minute drive from Perth International Airport and is in close proximity to Perth’s central business district, the future ECU City Campus, and major entertainment hubs.

KSL Capital Takes Majority Stake in Soneva, Expanding Experiential Luxury Portfolio

US-based KSL Capital Partners LLC (“KSL Capital”) has taken majority control of Thailand-based sustainable luxury hospitality brand Soneva Group (“Soneva”). KSL exercised its right to convert securities following an initial investment in 2019, at the time believed to be in the 35% to 40% stake, to now take majority interest in the brand. The move marks a strategic step in deepening KSL’s commitment to the brand, which comprises three resorts in the Maldives: 71-key Soneva Fushi, 58-key Soneva Jani, and 14-key Soneva Secret, totalling 143 keys, along with the Soneva in Aqua luxury yacht. Renowned for its SLOW LIFE ethos, Soneva centres on responsible tourism and immersive guest experiences. Following the launch of Soneva Secret, KSL Capital plans to enhance the group’s positioning in the luxury experiential travel market. 

Minor Hotels Repositions Oaks for Global Expansion with Full-Service Offering

Thailand-based Minor Hotel Group Limited (“Minor Hotels”) has announced the strategic repositioning of its Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites brand, transitioning from a serviced apartment model to a full-service hotel, resort, and suites concept. The refreshed brand identity will feature enhanced guest experience concepts, including communal dining, grab-and-go pantries with local goods, integrated lobby cafés, wellness amenities, and in-room rituals designed to promote restful sleep. A bold new visual identity with vibrant colours, timber textures, and indoor greenery will support a more lifestyle-oriented experience. With over 55 properties and growing, the transformation aims to position Oaks for sustained global growth, elevating its appeal to both corporate and leisure travellers while reinforcing investor confidence.

STB Partners with Vietnam Airlines to Boost Vietnamese Arrivals to Singapore

The Singapore Tourism Board (“STB”), in collaboration with Vietnam-based flag carrier, Vietnam Airlines, and Sentosa Development Corporation, has launched a targeted campaign to increase Vietnamese travel demands to Singapore. In 2024, Singapore welcomed over 393,000 Vietnamese visitors, 110,000 of whom visited Sentosa, one of the city-state’s most iconic attractions. The campaign includes familiarisation trips, travel fair participation, and promotional features in Vietnam Airlines’ inflight magazine. With 21 weekly flights connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore, the airline transported over 400,000 passengers in 2024. The initiative aligns with the recent upgrade in bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, underscoring efforts to deepen cultural exchange and promote sustainable tourism.

HVS ANAROCK MONITOR, May 2025

By Dipti Mohan, Dhwani Gupta and Shivansh Agarwal

This is a monthly industry update that highlights the key trends in the Indian hospitality industry.

To view and download the full article, please click here.