The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism has given Templestay a brand name in a bid to further promote one of the sect’s most popular experience programs. The brand name is Aa-Saeng-Yeo-Dang, an expression consisting of four letters which speak for four key aspects of the Templestay experience ― solace, health, spiritual cleansing and courage. The Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism, an affiliate of the order which oversees the Buddhist program, has certified 13 of more than 100 temples across the count

As Banyan Tree Group is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Angsana Velavaru, Maldives, one of the resort brands managed by the company, is providing an anniversary package for customers staying three consecutive nights. The package includes a 20 percent discount on food and beverages, 20th anniversary welcome cocktails and a 90-minute spa treatment for two or more people. The package is open for booking until Dec. 13 and valid for stays until Dec. 15. The spa treatment Floral Fusion at

Four restaurants in the 63 Building, one of the tallest in Seoul, are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the opening of the skyscraper by designating the June 2-8 period “63 Restaurant Gourmet Week.” The four are Western restaurant Walking on the Cloud, Japanese restaurant Shuchiku, Chinese restaurant Baek Ni Hyang and buffet restaurant Pavilion. All except for Pavilion are offering 30 percent discounts for selected popular or award-winning dishes to mark the building’s 30-year anniversary, whi

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has opened a sales office in Seoul that links Hyatt hotels around the world with Korean travelers planning on business and leisure trips. The regional sales office is the fifth in Asia, following China, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore. The Seoul office will deal mostly with big enterprises and wholesale tour operators in Korea.Andrew Wong, vice president of global sales for the Asia-Pacific region, said the Korean office had already reached its target goal of 10 percent s

HONOLULU (AP) ― A tourist-friendly beach named for a Hawaii surfing legend has been dubbed the best public beach in the United States in this year’s Dr. Beach ranking.Duke Kahanamoku Beach, a well-groomed crescent of blond sand and palm trees near the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, beat out more than 600 other beaches for the distinction.Stephen Leatherman, a Florida International University coastal science professor who goes by the nickname Dr. Beach, said the cleanliness, safe c

Hotels.com is offering discounts up to 40 percent off hotel reservations as part of its “Early Summer Sale” promotion. As many travelers are expected to start their summer vacations early, the hotel booking site has drawn up a list of hotel recommendations in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, and discount offers. The list includes Hua Hin Mantra Resort, a modern boutique hotel located near Hua Hin beach in Thailand with rooms themed with the Thai tradition. The room rat