A p r i l / M a y / J u n e 2 0 1 3Newsletter

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C o n t r i b u t o r s

Nguyen Hung sonSales & Marketing ManagerPress Club Hanoi

Tran Thi Lan Sales & Marketing Manageremeraude Classic Cruises, Halong Bay

Phuoc DangDirector of Salesla residence Hue

Axel de Boynes General ManagerKamu lodge & Villa Maly, luang Prabang

shane McKirdy General ManagerBagan lodge, Myanmar

Dear Apple Tree Team Members & Colleagues,

Greetings from Apple Tree Hospitality!

I trust that you have started the Year of the Snake successfully and as we are entering the second quarter of 2013, I would like to give you an update as to what we are currently busy with. The “Bagan Lodge” construction is in full swing and 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.

As for our Laos operation, we have very recently acquired an existing hotel called “Le Parasol Blanc”, which will be converted 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 privileges at all of our properties. If you do not have an Apple Tree Corporate Benefits Card yet, please check with your respective Human Resources Manager on how to apply for such a card.

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,

Kurt WalterGroup General Manager

A Message From the Group General ManagerA p r i l / M a y / J u n e 2 0 1 3Newsletter

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every month, the Press Club organizes a small birthday party to help the staff celebrate their birthdays. February was no different, with many staff celebrating birthdays. With some generous assistance from our Pastry Chef, a special birthday cake and gourmet biscuits were enjoyed by all. After blowing out the birthday candles, the obligatory “Happy Birthday” song was impressively in tune - a sure sign of too many hours spent singing karaoke!

Fire Drill

the Hanoi Fire Brigade recently attended the Press Club to conduct fire safety training and rehearse fire drills. this training is essential to ensure our staff are always prepared to deal with any emergency situation.

Get In Shape with Security!

every quarter our Security team embarks on a fitness program to ensure they stay in top shape. Anybody walking around Hoan Kiem early in the morning is sure to the see the Security Department jogging around the lake.

Audi Catering Event

the Press Club was delighted to cater for the opening ceremony of the new Audi showroom in Hanoi. It is the Press Club’s stellar reputation in the wider community that continues to see high end clients utilizing our services.

the Annual Press Club staff party was held in January to celebrate the achievements and hard work of all employees throughout 2012. the Group General Manager of Apple tree’s hospitality division - Mr Kurt Walter, attended the party to thank everybody for their valuable contribution and wish everybody a happy and prosperous year ahead. A number of employees were awarded “employee of the Month” and “employee of the Year” awards - recognition from their peers and the management for their exceptional work ethic. Plenty of singing, dancing and laughter ensued and a fun night was had by all. A special mention must be made to all of our female staff who ‘dressed to impress’ in their elegant, traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai’s.

Omega Showroom Opening Event

Celebrities at the Furla Opening Event

Birthday Party

Press Club Staff Party

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Press Club Hanoi

Corner of 59A ly thai to St. & 12 ly Dao thanh St., Hanoi - S. r. Vietnamtel: (84-4) 3934-0888, Fax: (84-4) 3934-0899email: info@hanoi-pressclub.com

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this issue, we would like to congratulate Mr. Nguyen Khac Dinh as our employee of month in February. Born in Ninh Binh Province, Dinh knew from a young age that he was destined to live a life on the sea. For the past three years DInh has worked onboard the emeraude as a sailor, showcasing Halong Bay to tourists. Hard working and cheerful, Dinh enjoys eating ice cream and deep fried green bean cake; his dream is to become a Captain in Halong Bay in the future.

Safety First

In an effort to ensure that we remain the safest vessel in Halong Bay, the emeraude will begin its annual maintenance in June this year.

Summer Holidays

With summer fast approaching, why not cool off in beautiful Halong Bay onboard emeraude Classic Cruises? Special discounted rates apply for all Apple tree employees.

Trip Advisor

“everything about this cruise was perfect. the cabins were spacious and clean, the staff were friendly and helpful - I will definitely recommend this cruise to my family and friends.” lisa - United Kingdom.

the 9th Annual Wine and Dine Cruise Classic is scheduled 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 calendar for most of Vietnam’s serious wine lovers. this years’ cruise celebrates gourmet food prepared by a renowned international chef coupled with a variety of Australian wines by ‘Jim Barry’. Imagine descending down the emeraude gangplank in black ties and gowns, wandering along a limestone pathway and arriving at a candle-lit grotto for a delicious gala dinner . . . an amazing setting for an unforgettable experience!

Sarah Pak and family enjoying the festive season celebrations

Nguyen Khac Dinh

Wine & Dine Cruise Classic

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Emeraude Classic Cruises - Hanoi Sales Office

46 le thai to Street, Hanoi, Vietnam. tel: (84-4) 3935 1888, Fax: (84-4) 3825 5342, Hotline: (84) 9 0623 7899 e-mail: sales@emeraude-cruises.com

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Ms. le Xuan was awarded the “employee of the Year 2012”. It was le Xuan’s positive attitude, professional service and enthusiasm in her work that led to many good guest comments in the restaurant. Mr. Van lap was awarded the “Star of the Year 2012”. Mr. Van lap is a great example of what hard work, dedication and willingness to learn can achieve. He was recently promoted in the Spa to Spa Captain and in enjoying his new-found responsibility.

Guest Feedback

“lovely hotel next to the Perfume river with great food in both restaurants. My favourite was ‘la Parfum’, which also had a delicious buffet breakfast and a nice outdoor patio. We wish we had time to try the swimming pool”. Mr. Nadin - New Zealand

EAM- First Impression

“I wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived at the hotel for the first time; the slight apprehension I felt quickly disappeared when I entered the hotel lobby and was met by so many welcoming, smiling staff members - I knew then that I was in the right place” Mr. Sergio Arias - lr eAM

Staff Party

After another busy festive season, the staff party was a great event to spend some time together relaxing and enjoying each others company. We are all looking forward to a successful “Year of the Snake”.

la residence Hue retained its position as one of the top luxury hotels in Vietnam as nominated by trip Advisor. the “trip Advisor travelers’ Choice Awards 2013” honor the world’s best hotels and resorts, earning their distinction from those who know them best - real travelers. trip Advisor travelers’ Choice winners are based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travelers around the world. la residence’s spa “le Spa” has also recently been confirmed as a finalist in the “World luxury Spa Awards” for service excellence. It is fantastic to see these prestigious accolades bestowed upon la residence and something that the staff, management and owners are all very proud of.

Celebrating “International Women’s Day” on the 8th of March

Festive Season celebrations at La Residence

Yearly Staff Awards

redefining luxury

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La Résidence Hôtel & Spa

5 le loi Street – Hue City, Vietnamtel: (84) 054 3837 475Fax: (84) 054 3837 476e-mail: resa@la-residence-hue.com

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Congratulations to Ms. Noy, our youngest cook in the Villa Maly kitchen team. Noy’s versatility was a great asset throughout the high season, cooking delicious meals for breakfast, home-made pastries for lunch as well as evening dinners for individual guests or groups. With a natural flair for laotian food, Noy also quickly learned how to prepare some western favorites - her enthusiasm and smile are always a welcome sight in the restaurant!

Trip Advisor

“Our travel agent booked this hotel for us - he made an excellent choice. Friendly service, very nice rooms, nice architectural organisation, near the town center but still quiet. Our expectations were exceeded”. Ms. Bermasse - Canada.

Introducing Fabrice

Mr. Fabrice lehmann joined Villa Malay two months ago as the Assistant Operations Manager. Originally hailing from Switzerland and having worked in Peru, UAe, and Monaco, he arrived just in time to assist during the busy festive season. Welcome Fabrice!

Going Green

the resorts’ electric car has just refurbished and repainted with a new logo. In UNeSCO World Heritage luang Prabang, Villa Maly is proud to be reducing our carbon footprint by using an electric car to drive our guests through the city.

Paris, New York and Milan fashionista’s look out! Villa Maly 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 swimming pool - specially made for the occasion. It was wonderful to see how much fun the staff had; the effort they put into choreographing the show themselves was most appreciated by our guests. Following the fashion parade, our guests enjoyed a special lao Set Dinner and champagne by the poolside - an entertaining and enjoyable way to welcome the New Year in laos. Sabaidee Pi Mai 2013 (Happy New Year)!

Creative Cook

Festive Fashion Show

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Villa Maly

BP 78, luang Prabang , lAO PDrtel : (856) 71 253 902 /903/904Fax :( 856) 71 254 912email : info@villa-maly.com

Anne & Mike enjoying their honeymoon at Villa Malay

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It is with great pleasure that we announce the promotion of Mr. toy to Assistant Manager of Kamu lodge. toy has lived in Ban Noy Hay his entire life; he is incredibly proud and happy to be able to showcase his home town with visiting tourists. toy has worked in the F&B department for many years, always striving to do his best and exceed guest expectations. He will assist Olivier managing the daily operation of the lodge as well as be the main point of contact between the local village and the lodge.

Painting with the children

Mrs. Martine Bachelier is a French national who generously supports the local school in Ban Ngoy Hay. She recently spent ten days with the local children sharing her love of painting.

Cooking Classes

Mr. Olivier trafial (resort Manager) will soon provide cooking lessons at Kamu lodge. Being able to learn about laos cuisine and taking home some traditional recipes should prove very popular with our guests.

In mid-January, eric and Jean-Marc Merlin (At CeO’s), 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 lodge in order to experience the ‘Kamu way of life’. One of the highlights of their stay was a visit to Ban Ngoy Hay, where they spent time with the villagers and their children learning about laotian culture. the At team were treated to refreshing drinks in the middle of the rice paddies, a tasty lao dinner and traditional dance performances by the local village children and their teachers. the return cruise to luang Prabang left us all amazed by the natural beauty of the Mekong river landscape.

Group MICE

Group MICE & Kamu KidsNew Assistant Manager

Owners visit

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Kamu Lodge

44/3 Ban Wat Nong, Kham Kong rd, luangprabang lao P.D.r. tel & Fax: ( 856 71 ) 260 319 e-mail: info@kamulodge.com

Guest Feeback

“More than a hotel, it is a genuine safari; It all starts when boarding the boat at luang Prabang. Cruising along the Mekong river, visiting secluded caves and then reaching Kamu lodge - a true wilderness sanctuary”. Mr. licciadello - Italy.

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Ma Naw is the Human resources Manager of Bagan lodge. Hailing from Yangon, Ma Naw has spent a great deal of time in the Phillipines and elsewhere in Myanmar - she is very well travelled. Ma Naw has spent the past three months placing job advertisements, reviewing CV’s and interviewing candidates. Having completed a Masters Degree in Human resources, she is utilising her skills to ensure our pre-opening team is full of hospitality super stars.

Bagan Swimming Pool

the construction of Bagan lodge’s swimming pool is well underway. Measuring 20m x 9m, the lap-pool will be the centrepiece of our F&B outlets - sitting directly in between the ‘tiffin Box’ restaurant and the pool bar.

Hot Air Balloons

A hot air balloon flight would have to be the most exhilarating way of seeing Bagan’s pagoda-studded landscape. Sunrise and sunset flights lasting about one hour are the highlight of many tourists’ visit to Myanmar.

Construction Photos

2012 was a record-breaking year for tourism in Myanmar. According to the Ministry of Hotels and tourism, the nation attracted more than one million visitors. tourist arrival numbers are expected to rise somewhere in the region of 30 percent in 2013, following a similar increase in 2012. the ancient city of Bagan attracted nearly 160,000 foreign visitors last year, compared to about 120,000 the previous year, Hotels and tourism Minister Mr. Htay Aung said. With more than 2,200 temples and pagodas, Bagan is one of the country’s most important tourist magnets. Bagan lodge will be a welcome addition for tourists looking for a unique, comfortable and memorable accommodation experience in Bagan.

Mock Up Room Bedroom

Ma Naw – Hr Super Star!

Myanmar tourism

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Bagan Lodge

11B Kaba Aye Pagoda road, Bagan, Yangon, Myanmar. tel: (+95) 1 545705