The April to June 2013 newsletter from Apple Tree Hospitality provides updates on various projects, including the construction of the Bagan Lodge set to open in phases and the acquisition of Le Parasol Blanc in Laos. It highlights the hire of Carmen Marienberg as the general manager for the upcoming Inle Lake Covent Resort and celebrates employee achievements, including awards for outstanding staff. Additionally, it outlines events at the Press Club and mentions guest feedback regarding services across their properties.

1. April
/
Press Club May
Emeraude
/
June 2013
Newsletter
La Residence
Villa Maly
Kamu Lodge
Nava Mekong
Bagan

2. Newsletter
April / May / June 2013
A Message From The Group General Manager
Contributors
Dear Apple Tree Team Members & Colleagues,
Greetings from Apple Tree Hospitality!
Nguyen Hung Son
I trust that you have started the Year of the Snake successfully and as we are entering the second quarter of 2013, I would
Sales & Marketing Manager
like to give you an update as to what we are currently busy with. The “Bagan Lodge” construction is in full swing and
Press Club Hanoi
we expect to welcome our first guests to this unique property in two phases, with phase one to open this June and the
remainder a few months later. Parallel to “Bagan Lodge”, we are working already on our second Myanmar property, located
along the very pristine Inle Lake. For this 5-Star property called “Inle Lake Covent Resort” we have just most recently hired
Carmen Marienberg as General Manager, a name that is to some of you likely familiar. Carmen used to run “La Residence
Hotel & Spa” in Hue and we are excited to having her on board again for this latest Apple Tree Hospitality project.
Tran Thi Lan
Sales & Marketing Manager
As for our Laos operation, we have very recently acquired an existing hotel called “Le Parasol Blanc”, which will be converted
Emeraude Classic Cruises, Halong Bay
to a 5-Star level boutique hotel, located close to the center of Luang Prabang and expected to open sometime in the second
part of 2014.
In all of our quarterly Apple Tree Hospitality newsletters you will get a snapshot of what every property is working on at
the moment and I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that as Apple Tree team members, you have preferred
Phuoc Dang
privileges at all of our properties. If you do not have an Apple Tree Corporate Benefits Card yet, please check with your
Director of Sales
respective Human Resources Manager on how to apply for such a card.
La Residence Hue
We look forward to welcoming you soon at one of our properties and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a
successful second quarter in 2013.
Best regards and stay healthy,
Axel de Boynes
General Manager
Kamu Lodge & Villa Maly, Luang Prabang
Shane McKirdy
Kurt Walter
General Manager
Group General Manager
Bagan Lodge, Myanmar
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3. www.hanoi-pressclub.com
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Fire Drill Get In Shape with Security! Audi Catering Event
The Hanoi Fire Brigade Every quarter our Security The Press Club was
recently attended the Team embarks on a fitness delighted to cater for the Celebrities at the Furla Opening Event
Press Club to conduct fire program to ensure they opening ceremony of the
safety training and rehearse stay in top shape. Anybody new Audi showroom in
fire drills. This training is walking around Hoan Kiem Hanoi. It is the Press Club’s
essential to ensure our staff early in the morning is sure stellar reputation in the
are always prepared to to the see the Security wider community that
deal with any emergency Department jogging continues to see high end
Press Club Staff Party situation. around the lake. clients utilizing our services.
The Annual Press Club staff party was held in January to Sta r Employ e e
celebrate the achievements and hard work of all employees
throughout 2012. The Group General Manager of Apple Omega Showroom Opening Event
Tree’s hospitality division - Mr Kurt Walter, attended the party
to thank everybody for their valuable contribution and wish
Birthday Party
everybody a happy and prosperous year ahead. A number Every month, the Press Club organizes a small birthday party
of employees were awarded “Employee of the Month” and to help the staff celebrate their birthdays. February was no Press Club Hanoi
“Employee of the Year” awards - recognition from their peers different, with many staff celebrating birthdays. With some
and the management for their exceptional work ethic. generous assistance from our Pastry Chef, a special birthday Corner of 59A Ly Thai To St. &
Plenty of singing, dancing and laughter ensued and a fun cake and gourmet biscuits were enjoyed by all. After 12 Ly Dao Thanh St., Hanoi - S. R. Vietnam
night was had by all. A special mention must be made to all blowing out the birthday candles, the obligatory “Happy Tel: (84-4) 3934-0888, Fax: (84-4) 3934-0899
of our female staff who ‘dressed to impress’ in their elegant, Birthday” song was impressively in tune - a sure sign of too Email: info@hanoi-pressclub.com
traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai’s. many hours spent singing karaoke!
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4. www.emeraude - cruises.com
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Safety First Summer Holidays Trip Advisor
In an effort to ensure that we With summer fast “Everything about this
remain the safest vessel in approaching, why not cool cruise was perfect. The
Halong Bay, the Emeraude off in beautiful Halong Bay cabins were spacious and
will begin its annual onboard Emeraude Classic clean, the staff were friendly
maintenance in June this Cruises? Special discounted and helpful - I will definitely
year. rates apply for all Apple Tree recommend this cruise to
employees. my family and friends.”
Lisa - United Kingdom.
Sarah Pak and family enjoying the festive season celebrations
Wine & Dine Cruise Classic Sta r Employ e e
The 9th Annual Wine and Dine Cruise Classic is scheduled Emeraude Classic Cruises - Hanoi Sales Office
to set sail in Halong Bay on the 25th - 26th of May onboard
the Emeraude. This black-tie event is at the top of the social
Nguyen Khac Dinh 46 Le Thai To Street, Hanoi, Vietnam.
calendar for most of Vietnam’s serious wine lovers. This years’ Tel: (84-4) 3935 1888, Fax: (84-4) 3825 5342,
This issue, we would like to congratulate Mr. Nguyen Khac
cruise celebrates gourmet food prepared by a renowned Hotline: (84) 9 0623 7899
Dinh as our employee of month in February. Born in Ninh
international chef coupled with a variety of Australian wines E-mail: sales@emeraude-cruises.com
Binh Province, Dinh knew from a young age that he was
by ‘Jim Barry’. Imagine descending down the Emeraude destined to live a life on the sea. For the past three years DInh
gangplank in black ties and gowns, wandering along has worked onboard the Emeraude as a sailor, showcasing
a limestone pathway and arriving at a candle-lit grotto Halong Bay to tourists. Hard working and cheerful, Dinh
for a delicious gala dinner . . . an amazing setting for an enjoys eating ice cream and deep fried green bean cake; his
unforgettable experience! dream is to become a Captain in Halong Bay in the future.
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5. www.la-residence -hue.com
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Guest Feedback EAM- First Impression Staff Party
“Lovely hotel next to the “I wasn’t sure what to expect After another busy festive
Perfume River with great when I arrived at the hotel season, the staff party was
food in both restaurants. for the first time; the slight a great event to spend Festive Season celebrations at La Residence
My favourite was ‘La apprehension I felt quickly some time together
disappeared when I entered
Parfum’, which also had a relaxing and enjoying
the hotel lobby and was met
delicious buffet breakfast by so many welcoming, smiling each others company. We
and a nice outdoor patio. staff members - I knew then are all looking forward to
We wish we had time to that I was in the right place” a successful “Year of the
try the swimming pool”. Mr. Sergio Arias - LR EAM Snake”.
Redefining Luxury Mr. Nadin - New Zealand
Sta r Employ e e
La Residence Hue retained its position as one of the top
luxury hotels in Vietnam as nominated by Trip Advisor. The Celebrating “International Women’s Day” on the 8th of March
“Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2013” honor the Yearly Staff Awards
world’s best hotels and resorts, earning their distinction
from those who know them best - real travelers. Trip Advisor Ms. Le Xuan was awarded the “Employee of the Year 2012”.
It was Le Xuan’s positive attitude, professional service La Résidence Hôtel & Spa
Travelers’ Choice winners are based on millions of valuable
reviews and opinions from travelers around the world. La and enthusiasm in her work that led to many good guest
comments in the restaurant. Mr. Van Lap was awarded the 5 Le Loi Street – Hue City, Vietnam
Residence’s spa “Le Spa” has also recently been confirmed
“Star of the Year 2012”. Mr. Van Lap is a great example of what Tel: (84) 054 3837 475
as a finalist in the “World Luxury Spa Awards” for service
hard work, dedication and willingness to learn can achieve. Fax: (84) 054 3837 476
excellence. It is fantastic to see these prestigious accolades
He was recently promoted in the Spa to Spa Captain and in E-mail: resa@la-residence-hue.com
bestowed upon La Residence and something that the staff,
management and owners are all very proud of. enjoying his new-found responsibility.
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6. www.villa-maly.com
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Trip Advisor Introducing Fabrice Going Green
“Our travel agent booked Mr. Fabrice Lehmann joined The resorts’ electric car
this hotel for us - he made Villa Malay two months ago has just refurbished and
an excellent choice. Friendly as the Assistant Operations repainted with a new logo.
service, very nice rooms, nice Manager. Originally hailing In UNESCO World Heritage
architectural organisation, from Switzerland and Luang Prabang, Villa Maly is
near the town center but having worked in Peru, UAE, proud to be reducing our
still quiet. Our expectations and Monaco, he arrived carbon footprint by using
were exceeded”. just in time to assist during an electric car to drive our
Festive Fashion Show Ms. Bermasse - Canada. the busy festive season. guests through the city. Anne & Mike enjoying their honeymoon at Villa Malay
Welcome Fabrice!
Paris, New York and Milan fashionista’s look out! Villa Maly
Sta r Employ e e
employees graced the runway at Villa Maly as part of
our New Years Eve Gala DInner fashion show. Dressed in
traditional, colorful ethnic Lao costumes, the Villa Maly
models performed on a bamboo bridge runway over the
Creative Cook Villa Maly
swimming pool - specially made for the occasion. It was BP 78, Luang Prabang , LAO PDR
Congratulations to Ms. Noy, our youngest cook in the
wonderful to see how much fun the staff had; the effort Tel : (856) 71 253 902 /903/904
Villa Maly kitchen team. Noy’s versatility was a great asset
they put into choreographing the show themselves was Fax :( 856) 71 254 912
throughout the high season, cooking delicious meals for
most appreciated by our guests. Following the fashion Email : info@villa-maly.com
breakfast, home-made pastries for lunch as well as evening
parade, our guests enjoyed a special Lao Set Dinner dinners for individual guests or groups. With a natural flair
and champagne by the poolside - an entertaining and for Laotian food, Noy also quickly learned how to prepare
enjoyable way to welcome the New Year in Laos. Sabaidee some western favorites - her enthusiasm and smile are
Pi Mai 2013 (Happy New Year)! always a welcome sight in the restaurant!
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7. www.k amulodge.com
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Guest Feeback Painting with the children Cooking Classes
“More than a hotel, it is a Mrs. Martine Bachelier is Mr. Olivier Trafial (Resort
genuine safari; It all starts a French national who Manager) will soon
Group MICE
when boarding the boat generously supports the provide cooking lessons
at Luang Prabang. Cruising local school in Ban Ngoy at Kamu Lodge. Being
along the Mekong River, Hay. She recently spent able to learn about
visiting secluded caves ten days with the local Laos cuisine and taking
and then reaching Kamu children sharing her love home some traditional
Lodge - a true wilderness of painting. recipes should prove very
Owners visit sanctuary”.
Mr. Licciadello - Italy.
popular with our guests.
In mid-January, Eric and Jean-Marc Merlin (AT CEO’s), Sta r Employ e e
Alain and Duangmala (Villa Malay owners), Kurt Walter (AT
Hospitality Group General Manger) and Axel de Boynes
(AT General Manager Laos) spent two days at Kamu
New Assistant Manager Group MICE & Kamu Kids
Lodge in order to experience the ‘Kamu way of life’. One It is with great pleasure that we announce the promotion
of the highlights of their stay was a visit to Ban Ngoy Hay, of Mr. Toy to Assistant Manager of Kamu Lodge. Toy has Kamu Lodge
where they spent time with the villagers and their children lived in Ban Noy Hay his entire life; he is incredibly proud
learning about Laotian culture. The AT team were treated and happy to be able to showcase his home town with 44/3 Ban Wat Nong, Kham Kong Rd,
to refreshing drinks in the middle of the rice paddies, a visiting tourists. Toy has worked in the F&B department Luangprabang Lao P.D.R.
tasty Lao dinner and traditional dance performances by the for many years, always striving to do his best and exceed Tel & Fax: ( 856 71 ) 260 319
local village children and their teachers. The return cruise to guest expectations. He will assist Olivier managing the E-mail: info@kamulodge.com
Luang Prabang left us all amazed by the natural beauty of daily operation of the lodge as well as be the main point of
the Mekong River landscape. contact between the local village and the lodge.
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8. www.bagan-lodge.com
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Construction Photos
Bagan Swimming Pool Hot Air Balloons
The construction of Bagan A hot air balloon flight
Lodge’s swimming pool is would have to be the most
well underway. Measuring exhilarating way of seeing
20m x 9m, the lap-pool will Bagan’s pagoda-studded
be the centrepiece of our landscape. Sunrise and
F&B outlets - sitting directly sunset flights lasting about
in between the ‘Tiffin Box’ one hour are the highlight
restaurant and the pool bar. of many tourists’ visit to
Myanmar Tourism Myanmar. Mock Up Room Bedroom
2012 was a record-breaking year for tourism in Myanmar.
Sta r Employ e e
According to the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, the nation
attracted more than one million visitors. Tourist arrival Bagan Lodge
numbers are expected to rise somewhere in the region
of 30 percent in 2013, following a similar increase in 2012.
Ma Naw – HR Super Star! 11B Kaba Aye Pagoda Road,
The ancient city of Bagan attracted nearly 160,000 foreign Ma Naw is the Human Resources Manager of Bagan Lodge. Bagan, Yangon, Myanmar.
visitors last year, compared to about 120,000 the previous Hailing from Yangon, Ma Naw has spent a great deal of time Tel: (+95) 1 545705
year, Hotels and Tourism Minister Mr. Htay Aung said. With in the Phillipines and elsewhere in Myanmar - she is very
more than 2,200 temples and pagodas, Bagan is one of the well travelled. Ma Naw has spent the past three months
country’s most important tourist magnets. Bagan Lodge placing job advertisements, reviewing CV’s and interviewing
will be a welcome addition for tourists looking for a unique, candidates. Having completed a Masters Degree in Human
comfortable and memorable accommodation experience Resources, she is utilising her skills to ensure our pre-opening
in Bagan. team is full of hospitality super stars.
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