東京、2026年2月11日 – ソノインターナショナルの子会社であるソノホテルズ＆リゾーツアジアは本日、同社にとって日本初進出となる「ソノムーン名古屋」について運営委託契約を締結したことをお知らせいたします。同ホテルは国内有数のターミナル駅である名古屋駅から徒歩8分という利便性の高い場所に立地する宿泊主体型のライフスタイルホテルとなります。 今回の契約締結はソノホテルズ＆リゾーツアジアの日本進出にとって重要な節目となり、ゲートウェイとなる都市において、高い商業繁華性と深い地域性を併せ持つ好立地を確保するというグループの出店戦略をより強固なものにします。 本ホテルはエスコンジャパンリート投資法人（以下、「エスコンREIT」という）が所有し、上場ホテル会社であるポラリス・ホールディングス株式会社（以下、「ポラリス」という）がマスターレッシーとなり、当社がホテルオペレーターとなります。 名古屋駅前の高層ビルが建ち並ぶ再開発エリアと、柳橋中央市場を中心とした長い歴史を持つ繁華街が交差する場所に位置する本ホテルは、都市の現代的なエネルギーと、古くから受け継がれてきた地元文化の両方を体感できる立地です。日本初進出となるSONO Moonブランドとして、本ホテルは名古屋の歴史、食文化、季節の祭典、そして広くは知られていない土地の記憶からインスピレーションを得て、名古屋をより実感できるような滞在をお客様にご提供いたします。 エスコンREITの資産運用会社である、株式会社エスコンアセットマネジメントの代表取締役社長である織井 渉氏は次のように述べています。「本投資法人は、名古屋駅至近という抜群の好立地にある本ホテルを新たにポートフォリオに組み入れられたことに、大きな手応えを感じております。本ホテルのさらなる発展を目指すにあたり、グローバルな知見を持つソノグループと、国内実績豊富なポラリスとの協業体制を確立できたことは大きな喜びです。三社の連携のもと、とりわけ日本初進出となるソノグループが、その強力なネットワークを活かして韓国からの旺盛な観光需要を呼び込み、本ホテルを飛躍的な成長へと導いてくれることを、強く期待しております。」 ポラリスの取締役 開発本部長である辻川 高寛氏は次のように述べています。「私たちは、ホテル運営プラットフォームの拡大を図るため、様々なホテルオーナーからのホテル運営案件の受託を強化しております。今回ソノグループの一員であるソノホスピタリティ（タイランド）との新たな協力体制に基づき、当社として初めての取り組みとなるマスターリース事業をローンチいたします。日本有数のターミナル駅であるJR「名古屋」駅へのアクセスに優れビジネス・レジャー双方の需要の取り込みが可能な本ホテルにおいて、ソノグループとの積極的な協働により、本ホテルの収益と顧客価値の最大化を図ってまいります。」” ソノホテルズ＆リゾーツアジアのシニア ヴァイス プレジデントであるアン ジホンは次のように述べています。「日本はソノにとって戦略的な成長市場であり、今回の契約は日本における長期的なプレゼンスの構築に向けた重要な第一歩となります。ソノ ムーン 名古屋は、優れた立地、柔軟な運営モデル、そして現代の旅行者に響くブランドを組み合わせるという当社のアプローチを反映しています。本年9月に予定されている第20回アジア競技大会をはじめ、今後更なる需要喚起が予想され、名古屋はゲートウェイ都市として大きな可能性を秘めていると考えています。ソノのホスピタリティプラットフォーム、成長を続ける国際的なポートフォリオ、そして航空事業を含むグループの幅広いエコシステムを活用することで、持続可能な需要を創出し、日本でのパートナー企業にとっての長期的な価値を創造することを目指します。」 ソノホテルズ＆リゾーツアジアについて ソノホテルズ＆リゾーツアジアは、韓国を代表するホスピタリティグループの一つであるソノインターナショナルが100%所有するグローバルホテル運営会社です。ソノインターナショナルは事業規模、地域に関する深い理解、そして革新を重視するアプローチで知られています。世界7カ国で14,500室以上を擁するソノインターナショナルのポートフォリオを基盤として、同グループは韓国、米国、フランス、そしてタイ、インドネシア、ベトナムを含む主要なアジア市場で事業を展開しております。ホスピタリティ事業以外にも、ソノは急成長中であるT’way航空も所有しており、グループの統合型観光エコシステムをさらに強化しています。現在、ソノホテルズ＆リゾーツアジアはタイとインドネシアで16のホテルを運営しており、2029年までにアジア全域で12軒以上の新規開発が予定されており、成長を加速させる体制が整っています。ソノインターナショナルの強みとリソースを活用し、プロジェクトの発掘や戦略立案から設計・建築サポート、開業前準備および長期的なホテル運営に至るまで、包括的で一貫したホテル開発サービスを提供しています。

SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia, a wholly owned subsidiary of SONO International, today announced the signing of SONO Moon Nagoya, marking the first hotel signing under SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia. The lifestyle midscale hotel will be located just an eight-minute walk from Nagoya Station, one of Japan’s most important transport hubs. The signing represents a key milestone in SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia’ expansion in Japan, reinforcing the group’s strategy to grow in gateway cities through well-positioned assets that combine strong commercial fundamentals with a deep sense of place. The hotel will be owned by ESCON JAPAN REIT Investment Corporation (ESCON REIT), with Polaris Holdings Co., Ltd. (Polaris), a listed Japanese hotel company, acting as master lessee. SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia will operate the hotel. Situated at the intersection of Nagoya Station’s ongoing high-rise redevelopment and the historic downtown area centered around Yanagibashi Central Market, the hotel’s location captures both the city’s modern energy and its long-established local culture. As the first SONO Moon property in Japan, the hotel will draw inspiration from the destination’s history, food culture, seasonal festivals, and lesser-known local stories, offering guests a stay that feels distinctly rooted in Nagoya. Wataru Orii, President and Representative Director of ES-CON ASSET MANAGEMENT Ltd., the asset manager of ESCON REIT, commented: “We are thrilled to have added this hotel, located in an excellent position close to Nagoya Station, to our portfolio. As we aim to further grow the hotel’s performance, we are delighted to have established a collaborative framework with SONO Group, which brings global expertise, and Polaris, which has a proven track record in Japan. Through the collaboration of our three companies, we strongly hope that SONO Group, which is opening its first hotel in Japan, will leverage its strong network to attract robust tourist demand from South Korea and drive significant growth for the hotel.” Takahiro Tsujikawa, Director and Head of Development Division of Polaris added: “Polaris Group has been proactively undertaking new hotel management projects with a wide range of hotel owners to expand our operational platform. Through this new partnership with SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia, a member of the SONO Group, we are launching our first master lease business. With excellent access to JR Nagoya Station, one of Japan’s leading terminal stations, the hotel is well positioned to capture both business and leisure demand. Through close collaboration with SONO Group, we aim to maximize both earnings performance and customer value.” Jihong An, Senior Vice President, SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia, said: “Japan is a strategic growth market for SONO, and this signing represents an important first step in building a long-term presence here. SONO Moon Nagoya reflects our approach to combining strong locations, flexible operating models, and brands that resonate with today’s travellers. With major demand drivers ahead, including the Asian Games in September, we see strong potential for Nagoya as a gateway city. By leveraging SONO’s hospitality platform, our growing international portfolio, and the wider ecosystem of the group, including our airline business, we aim to drive sustainable demand and create long-term value for our partners in Japan.” About SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia is a global hotel management company wholly owned by SONO International, one of South Korea’s leading hospitality groups, renowned for its scale, regional expertise, and innovation-driven approach. Backed by SONO International’s portfolio of over 14,500 operating rooms in 7 countries worldwide, the group operates across South Korea, the United States, France, and key Asia markets including Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Beyond hospitality, SONO also owns T’way Air, a fast-growing airline that further strengthens the group’s integrated travel and tourism ecosystem. Currently, SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia manages 16 hotels in Thailand and Indonesia and is poised for accelerated growth, with more than 12 additional properties in its development pipeline across Asia by 2029. Leveraging the strength and resources of SONO International, the company delivers comprehensive, end-to-end hotel development services—ranging from project sourcing and strategic planning to design and construction support, as well as pre-opening and long-term hotel operations. https://www.sonohotelsresortsapac.com/

“Chonburi on a Plate” A Province Reimagined Through Fire and Craft Chonburi wakes before the sun. Small boats cut through dark water, carrying the day’s first promise to shore. At night, a bamboo fire continues what dawn began, a flame that refuses to die. Every peel. Every bone. Every drop of ink. Nothing wasted. Everything transformed.

Cross Hotels & Resorts, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sono International, proudly announces the signing and upcoming development of Cross Bali Uluwatu, a bold new upper-upscale resort located just 200 metres from Suluban Beach, one of Bali’s most iconic surf and cultural landmarks. This milestone strengthens Cross Hotels & Resorts’ continued expansion across Indonesia as it grows meaningful destinations that connect design, culture, and commercial performance. Developed by PT The Cube Group, a forward-thinking real estate and hospitality developer, the project reflects a quiet commitment to long-term value creation, guided by a development philosophy centred on community, culture, and long-term capital value. Thoughtfully planned, the resort’s elevated design embraces expansive ocean and sunset views. Cross Bali Uluwatu will feature 120 keys and facilities and amenities expected of an upper-upscale hotel, creating a curated destination that celebrates relaxation, culture, and connection through thoughtful, design-led hospitality.

While many honeymooners flock to Thailand’s tropical islands and beach resorts, Married at First Sight UK’s Reiss and Leisha demonstrated that the country’s capital offers a different kind of romance – one filled with culture, gastronomy, and authentic Thai experiences. Their honeymoon journey in Bangkok, filmed at Away Bangkok Riverside Kene , offered viewers a glimpse of the authentic experiences that make Bangkok such a unique honeymoon destination. Away Bangkok Riverside Kene is part of Cross Hotels & Resorts, a leading hospitality company based in Southeast Asia. Located along the banks of the Chao Phraya River in the city’s vibrant Charoen Nakhon district, Away Bangkok Riverside Kene provided a serene and contemporary base for the couple’s adventures. Set just across the river from Bangkok’s busier downtown, the neighbourhood offers a more authentic glimpse of local life, with hidden cafés, riverside markets, and art spaces that showcase the city’s creative energy beyond the main tourist routes. As the newlyweds explored Bangkok together, their itinerary included a stroll through a local market, taking in the colours, aromas, and flavours of everyday life while Reiss hunted for his favourite fruit, mangos. Their journey began with an ice-breaking private Thai cooking class at Away Bangkok Riverside Kene’s Marni Eatery, where the couple learned to prepare classic local dishes under the guidance of the hotel’s chefs. The relaxed, hands-on session helped them get to know each other while discovering the rich flavours and traditions of Thai cuisine. Their journey captured the emotional highs and lows the series is known for – inevitable when two people have only just met at the altar. A particularly memorable moment came during a traditional boat trip along the river, where the calm waters and relaxed riverside scenes provided a striking backdrop to a passionate conversation, allowing the couple to connect while taking in the sights and sounds of Bangkok together.

Cross Hotels & Resorts, one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing hospitality brands, announces an exciting new chapter as its parent company, Flight Centre Travel Group, agrees to sell the business to Sono International Co. Ltd., a leading South Korean hospitality group renowned for its regional expertise and innovation. This acquisition represents a strong strategic fit between two dynamic hospitality leaders. Cross Hotels & Resorts’ established strength in lifestyle, wellness, and luxury hospitality complements Sono International’s deep understanding of the Asian travel market and operational excellence. Together, the partnership creates a powerful platform for continued growth across Asia, building on Cross’s current portfolio of 28 hotels across Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Japan, with plans to expand further in the years ahead. Harry Thaliwal, CEO, Cross Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are delighted to be joining forces with Sono International, whose regional insight and shared commitment to quality make them a natural fit for our business. This partnership opens new opportunities for innovation and expansion, strengthening our position across key markets while staying true to what makes Cross unique. With Sono’s support, we will continue to enhance our portfolio, deliver outstanding experiences, and drive sustainable growth.” Cross Hotels & Resorts will continue to operate from its Bangkok headquarters, overseeing existing properties and development initiatives while benefiting from Sono’s extensive network and resources. The integration aligns perfectly with Cross’s current business patterns and expansion strategy, setting the stage for an exciting new phase of growth and brand evolution. Further updates on new openings, brand developments, and strategic initiatives will be announced in due course.

Cross Hotels & Resorts will make a bold statement at World Travel Market (WTM) 2025, unveiling a collection of exciting new destinations across Bangkok and Bali. From an urban hideaway in one of Bangkok’s emerging lifestyle districts to a luxury eco-resort perched on the cliffs of Nusa Penida, the group’s latest properties showcase its commitment to immersive guest experiences, innovative design, and sustainable operations. Taking place at ExCeL London from 4 th to 6 th November, Cross Hotels & Resorts will highlight its newest openings, expansion plans, and sustainability milestones. With a portfolio of 28 hotels across Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Japan, Cross Hotels & Resorts operates five distinct brands — Cross, Cross Vibe, Away, Lumen and Cross Collection. Guided by a vision to become APAC’s leading alternative to global hotel operators, the group is rapidly expanding, aiming to reach 100 hotels by 2030. Across family, lifestyle, wellness, and luxury segments, Cross Hotels & Resorts is redefining guest experiences through innovative design, curated offerings, and sustainability-led operations, while addressing overtourism and supporting local communities by spotlighting under-the-radar destinations and immersing guests in authentic local experiences. “Travel is evolving, and so are travellers,” said Harry Thaliwal, CEO of Cross Hotels & Resorts. “Guests want more than a place to stay — they want experiences that inspire, rejuvenate, and connect them to the world around them. From a calm urban retreat in Sukhumvit to a vibrant lifestyle hotel in Srinakarin, our new openings in Bangkok bring fresh, immersive experiences to the city. Alongside our luxury eco-resort in Indonesia, these properties are designed to create meaningful moments that leave a positive mark on both travellers and the communities they visit.”

Cross Hotels & Resorts has signed a Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with Geonet Developments International for ELLE Resort & Beach Club by Cross Collection, a high-style beachfront destination set to open in 2028 in the heart of Seminyak, Bali. This bold signing marks another key milestone in Cross Hotels & Resorts’ mission to become APAC’s Leading Alternative to Global Hotel Operators, while spotlighting the brand’s growing expertise in managing lifestyle experiences. Located along Seminyak’s legendary coastline, ELLE Resort & Beach Club by Cross Collection is poised to deliver a refined yet vibrant stay, blending the sophistication of the ELLE brand with Bali’s iconic beach energy. The resort will feature 170 ultra-luxury hotel rooms & suites, each designed to reflect a modern, effortless glamour. At its heart, the signature beach club will serve as a cultural and social anchor, offering music, fashion, mixology, and cuisine in a setting that invites day-to-night celebration.

Indian travellers and lovers of authentic cuisine have something new to look forward to at Cross Vibe Paasha Atelier Bali Kuta. The hotel has officially launched an exclusive partnership with Bali’s iconic Queen’s Tandoor, bringing the warmth and richness of Indian food straight to guests’ rooms via its in-room dining service. Whether you're unwinding after a flight or relaxing poolside, the aroma of freshly grilled Paneer Tikka, the creamy richness of Butter Chicken, or the comforting spice of a Veg Biryani is just a phone call away. Each dish is crafted by Queen’s Tandoor’s expert chefs using traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients, ensuring an experience that’s as close to home as it gets. “Food is a powerful connector to culture and comfort,” said Anders Lund, Cluster General Manager of Cross Vibe Paasha Atelier Bali Kuta. “With so many Indian travellers visiting Bali, we wanted to offer something that feels both familiar and special delivered with the convenience of in-room dining.”