Quarterly newsletter of Apple Tree Hospitality

1. J u l y / A u g u s t / S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 3
Newsletter
PressClub
Emeraude
LaResidence
VillaMaly
Bagan
KamuLodge
NavaMekong

2. 2
Dear Apple Tree Team Members & Colleagues,
Greetings from Apple Tree Hospitality!
I hope that you and your families have enjoyed a wonderful festive season and expect that you are ready for another
exciting year with Apple Tree. I would like to report that the preparations for our latest hospitality project, Bagan Lodge,
Myanmar are well underway and we expect to open to the public sometime in Q2-2013. Our new General Manager for
Bagan Lodge, Mr. Shane McKirdy, is now charged with the task of co-ordinating the hiring of our first “Team Myanmar”
and we are very excited to be operating in this beautiful country. In fact we are working already on the second Myanmar
hotel project, which will be located on the shores of stunning Inle Lake, a spectacularly scenic spot about 650km north of
the capital Yangon. An approximate opening date for this project is expected between Q3 or 4- 2013. I will certainly brief
and update you on the progress made on both new hospitality projects via this newsletter.
Despite the continuous tough economic situation we are still growing as a group and a lot of excitement is building
for our new ventures within Apple Tree Hospitality but also among projects among our sister companies. Yet another
year has begun and may the Year of the Snake be a prosperous one for us as a group and for each and everyone of our
team members. In this spirit, I would like to wish you, your colleagues and of course your loved ones the best of success,
happiness and great health!
Chuc Mung Nam Moi and Happy New Year to you all,
Kurt Walter
Group General Manager
C o n t r i b u t o r s
Nguyen Hung Son
Sales & Marketing Manager
Press Club Hanoi
Tran Thi Lan
Sales & Marketing Manager
Emeraude Classic Cruises, Halong Bay
Phuoc Dang
Director of Sales & Marketing
La Residence Hue
Coralie Vongsouthi
Sales and Marketing Manager
Kamu Lodge &Villa Maly, Luang Prabang
Shane McKirdy
General Manager
Bagan Lodge, Myanmar
A Message From The Group General Manager
J u l y / A u g u s t / S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 3
Newsletter
Dear Apple Tree Team Members & Colleagues,
Greetings from Apple Tree Hospitality!
It is hard to believe that the first half of 2013 is over now. A lot of exciting events have taken place in our various existing
properties and our new, up and coming properties are making good progress. We plan to welcome our first guests at Bagan
Lodge sometime in the month of July, which will mark another milestone for our company and will allow us to celebrate the
opening of our first Myanmar property. Our project and operations team members are “firing on all cylinders” to open this
beautiful property as soon as possible to satisfy the enormous shortage of international standard accomodations. Aboard
the Emeraude, we have celebrated the end of a busy season with our annual Wine & Dine Cruise Classic, which was held
for the ninth time aboard the Emeraude. Jim Barry was the featured vineyard and Peter and Sue Barry were not only very
knowledgeable and charismatic winemakers but simply delightful people to be around. This event was a joint effort between
our sister company The Warehouse and Press Club which supported the Emeraude in this wonderful two-day event. In Laos,
I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new Sales & Marketing Manager, Miss Coralie Vongsouthi who has recently
joined us to strengthen our sales & marketing efforts. As for our latest acquired property called “Le Parasol Blanc”, the current
hotel will close its doors to the public shortly and a full renovation will be undertaken. We expect this gem of a hotel to
reopen sometime in 2014. We will keep you all posted as we receive dates.
Last but not least, I would like to congratulate our General Manager Phan Trong Minh as well as his deputy Sergio Arias
and their team on running our flagship property, La Residence Hotel & Spa, to the highest standards. We have received so
many great and encouraging comments about the friendliness of the team and the maintenance of the hotel. I would like
to personally thank the entire La Residence Hotel & Spa team for all their great efforts in making it one of the top hotels in
Vietnam. Well done!
I wish you and your families, wherever you might go, a great summer break and look forward to catching up with you soon.
Best regards and stay healthy!
Kurt Walter
Group General Manager

3. 33
Huong was awarded the best employee of quarter II for
her great contribution to sales & marketing team. As an
assistant to travel partner sales, Huong performs well with
good organizational skills. Being in charge of the hotel and
tour guides’bookings, Huong made great efforts to boost
sales revenues from these markets. Her plan is to participate
in more tour guide social networking events to broaden
contacts and enhance good relationships with them.
TripAdvisor’s Comment
After two weeks of travelling
we were treated to our final
evening at the Press Club.
The ambience was lovely
with a pianist playing lovely
music. The western style
food was delicious and the
service was impeccable.
Barbdpayne – Oregon
Piano Classics
Customers coming for
dinner at Press Club now
can enjoy live piano
entertainment from 7.30 to
9.30pm.The exciting new
dining experience is from
Saturday toWednesday on
the 3rd floor,The Restaurant.
Tour Guide Meet-up
In a friendly environment,
the cocktail party was
organized successfully at
the Library.This meet-up
was not only to thank the
tour guides who have been
supporting Press Club but
also to enhance relationship
with them.
The Member Wine Evening has become the most
anticipated event at Press Club. This quarterly get-together
brings fabulous wines from all around the world to Hanoi’s
wine lovers. The latest Jim Barry wine tasting presented
the wines from one of the pioneering wineries of South
Australia’s famous Clare Valley. Full flavour, balance, freshness
and a dry finish are all attributes of the wines. Mr. Peter Barry,
Managing Director of the brand also participated in the
event. Members and guests had a pleasant night with good
wines, delicious appetizers and live jazz music. The noble
event was organized one day before the 9th annual Wine
Cruise of Emeraude Classic Cruises on 25th - 26th May on
Halong Bay.
Outside Catering – Royal Netherlands Queen’s Day
Singapore International School – Night of Arts
Ms. Dinh Thu Huong
Jim Barry Wine Tasting
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At a Glance
Star Employee
feature paparazzi
Press Club Hanoi
Corner of 59A Ly Thai To St. &
12 Ly Dao Thanh St., Hanoi - S. R. Vietnam
Tel: (84-4) 3934-0888, Fax: (84-4) 3934-0899
Email: info@hanoi-pressclub.com

4. 44
This month we would like to introduce our best
employee: Md Pham Tra Giang-housekeeping captain.
With 10 years on the boat, she is a veteran staff. Friendly
and enthusiastic, she enjoys TV and novel reading in her
free time and hopes she can work with Emeraude for a
long time.
Summer holiday
KIds love summer vacation.
Bring your kids to discover
Halong Bay this summer
on Emeraude Classic
Cruises with sea, sun,
limestone on a beautiful
boat. An Apple Tree special
rate applies to all corporate
members.
My first Wine Cruise
For Emeraude Classic Cruises,
it is the 9thWine & Dine
cruise but for me it is the first.
Thanks to our team who has
worked very hard to make
the cruise successful and a
great memorial event to all
guests as always.
Thu Giang.- Sale Executive
To further our commitment to deliver a high-quality
product and facilities to respected travellers and guests,
Emeraude Classic Cruises have scheduled to wet dock the
Emeraude for maintenance from 17 June 2013 to 27 June
2013. You may be wondering, ‘what is wet docking?”. A
wet dock, or impounded dock, is the name given to the
gate or lock system that allows ships to remain afloat in
places of high tidal range. The level of water in the dock
is maintained despite the raising and lowering of the
tide. This makes transfer of cargo easier, it the works like a
lock which controls the water level and allows passage of
ships. A dry dock is another variant, also with dock gates,
which can be emptied of water to allow investigation and
maintenance of the underwater parts of ships.
Pham Tra Giang
Wet Docking
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At a Glance
Star Employee
feature paparazzi
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
TripAdvisor’s Comment
We went on an overnight
Boat Cruise with Emeraude
to Halong Bay and it was
delightful. The service was
excellent and the Food to
die for. The tour included
great extras that were off
and on the Boat...
Nicole M, Australia
Wine Tasting on the Sundeck - UNIS group
Dinner in the cave – CEDEO group

5. 55
Ms Cao Thi Le Na is the room attendant who was voted the
Employee of the month February 2013. Ms Na deserved
to have this award because she works very hard with high
responsibility and independence. Always with a smile,
guests have frequently noticed her great care. She has be
willing to work overtime during high occupancy times.
This positive attitude is truly a good example for the team
to follow.
LaResidence-astorytotell
Proud to be a team member
of La Residence Hotel & Spa-
the prestigious & leading
hotel in Asia, a MGallery Hotel
by Accor, a hotel Knowledge’s
Competition was organised
among the staff to encourage
them to be more confident &
proud of the working place to
tell the guests.
Cheer the Planet 21
La Residence team was very
excited to join the PLANET 21
day activities.This involved
cleaning & planting trees
around the hotel for a greener
environment; collecting
recyclable & supporting
“HealingTheWounded Heart”;
joining the Responsible
Vegetarian Buffet Lunch.
As part of our on-going commitment to the highest
standards of aesthetic presentation, safety and service
quality for our guests, La Residence is undertaking
a number of renovations throughout the property
this summer. Our work includes the installation of
environmentally friendly LED lights to replace the current
lighting in the hotel’s public areas, the installation of an
advanced termite control system and additional work
on the tennis court and pool bar renovation, including
replacement of the pool’s wooden decks. The rooms’
surfaces are to be touched up and repainted. In addition
to maintenance, we are making training and development
programs a priority this summer. We look forward to
delivering a memorable experience for our guests during
the upcoming season.
Happy International Children’s Day
The Charity Honda 67 group at LRH 18 April
EOM La Residence
La Residence On The Move
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At a Glance
Star Employee
feature paparazzi
La Résidence Hôtel & Spa
5 Le Loi Street – Hue City, Vietnam
Tel: (84) 054 3837 475
Fax: (84) 054 3837 476
E-mail: resa@la-residence-hue.com
WonderfulStay(RaySmith-UK)
This former French Colonial
Governor’s house has been
converted into a top quality
hotel with river view. Rooms
are in good size & very
comfortable. Large gardens
surround the hotel & pool
area, which is a pleasant
place to put your feet up after
a day sightseeing.

6. 6
Villa Maly was proud to welcome PHOENIX VIP’S
VIP Group from PHOENIX Voyages
6
It is with great pleasure that we announce Mr Somphone
has been awarded « Employee of the Month ».
Mr Somphone is working to oversee the pool, is always on
time in the early morning, and maintains good relationships.
Always with a smile, he is eager to learn more as a bar
tender and improve his English. We wish to Mr Somphone
all the best.
Feedback from a guest
I spent two nights at Villa
Maly and was just amazed
by how comfortable it was,
specifically the friendly staff.
Fantastic pool, very quiet,
good wifi, and breakfast was
really impressive. I can highly
recommend it.
Alexandro H - Argentina
Introducing Coralie
ATG is strengthening its
presence in Laos with the
appointment of French
native Coralie Vongsouthi
as sales and marketing
manager for Hotel Villa Maly
and Kamu Lodge. A fresh
face on Luang Prabang’s
hospitality scene.
Earth Hour
Turning off all the lights for
Earth Hour led us to one
conclusion:
Villa Maly looks even more
beautiful by candlelight !
500 little candles in Villa
Maly during one hour
created a very special
atmosphere.
During the Baci ceremony, a white (purity) thread of silk
or cotton is tied on the right-hand wrist of the individual
who is being wished well and also around the wrists of
all guests who assemble. Before the thread is tied, the
hand is held chest high as a mark of respect. The white
thread is symbolic of “peace, harmony, good fortune, good
health and human warmth and community.”The thread is
normally worn for a minimum of three days and is untied
thereafter (not cut). Recommended practice is to allow the
thread to fall off on its own.
Mr Somphone Pool Attendant
Baci ceremony
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At a Glance
Star Employee
feature paparazzi
Villa Maly
B.P158, Ban That Luang, Luang Prabang , LAO PDR
Tel : (856) 71 253 902 /903/904
Fax :( 856) 71 254 912
Email : info@villa-maly.com

7. 77
It is with pleasure that Olivier, Manager at Kamu Lodge
awarded staff“employee of the month”of May: Ms Leelee.
She is always smiling and ready to help, trying the few
English words she knows with guests. As a waitress in the
Lodge, she works with goodwill and impresses the guests.
Only working in F&B for a short time, she is eager to learn
and work hard. Congratulations.
Feedback from a guest
Stayed at K.L on my second
night in Laos: Magic! Beautiful
location surrounded by
amazing scenery.The most
luxurious tents, the village visit
was a real highlight.Wonderful
massage in a pavilion on the
banks of the Mekong.
MandyTaylor63,AliceSpring.
Welcome to Ms Pek
Let’s introduce a new staff in
Kamu Lodge team: Ms Pek is
the new gardener in charge
of taking care of plants on
the Kamu Lodge site. She is
the youngest staff of Kamu
Lodge! Sokdee (good luck)
to her.
Big storm at Kamu Lodge
A large storm created a
lot of work for everyone at
Kamu Lodge to repair and
rebuild rooves and clean
everywhere. A great job
from all the team though;
in the following days all
was repaired and the show
continued.
On the 17th of May, Kamu Lodge management and staff
team was so proud to welcome the Group Mekong Cruise
from Laos. It was a great moment for us and the staff of
Kamu Lodge to share this kind of event. We were happy
to participate in activities on site and share knowledge of
the Khmu population, including how to fish, how to collect
gold, how to plant rice. Visiting the village and having
fun with the kids was a great experience. An aperitif was
prepared on the bank of the Mekong, served with cocktails,
snacks, all kinds of food, of course music was in the air
and all participants were happy to dance Lao’s traditional
“lanvong”and try the famous Khmu “bamboo dance.
Moumoune the cat is the mascot of Kamu Lodge
Family trip to Kamu Lodge
Ms Leelee
Mekong Cruise inspection trip
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At a Glance
Star Employee
feature paparazzi
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

8. 88
Saw is the Chief Accountant at Bagan Lodge; she was
the second staff member recruited on the pre-opening
management team and been working on this project for
the past seven months. In between her busy schedule, Saw
has been coordinating the procurement of all of the resorts
operating equipment. Her happy smile and enthusiasm
about her work are endearing features that have made Saw a
valuable asset to the Bagan Lodge Team.
First Staff Canteen Meal!
The resort kitchen opened
on the 29th of May and
the staff enjoyed their first
canteen meal. After nearly
two months of pre-opening
training, the kitchen staff
were all very happy to be
doing what they all love . .
.cooking!
Mt. Popa
On the drive to Mt. Popa
you will see many palm
sugar trees which the locals
farm to make candy and
wine. To reach the pagoda
at the top of Mt. Popa, you
must climb 777 stairs that
are home to multitudes of
monkeys.
Staff Picnic Day
After many weeks spent
training and unloading
deliveries, the staff and
management arranged a
picnic day at Law Ka Nanda
Garden to relax and enjoy
some team games. Eating,
singing, dancing ensued and
a great time was had by all.
Bagan is world famous for its lacquerware industry which
has been established for nearly two centuries. The lacquer
itself is made from the sap of the varnish tree that grows
wild in the forests of Myanmar; when painted on, it forms
a hard glossy smooth surface resistant to moisture and
heat. The local people in Bagan still use traditional methods
when making lacquerware, all items are handmade with
the designs and engraving done free-hand by several
artisans. Lacquerware rice bowls with spired lids for monks
are commonly seen throughout Myanmar. Other popular
lacquerware items include round boxes with lids, pedestal
dishes or small trays, theatrical costumes, masks, head-
dresses and musical instruments.
Construction Photos . . .getting closer!
Saw - Chief Accountant Extraordinaire!
Bagan Lacquerware
w w w . b a g a n - l o d g e . c o m
At a Glance
Star Employee
feature paparazzi
Bagan Lodge
Myat Lay Road, New Bagan
Nyaung Oo Township
Myanmar
Tel: +95 (0) 616 5456
Fax: +95 (0) 616 5457
Email: info@bagan-lodge.com
Web: www.bagan-lodge.com

9. 9
The Apple Tree Management Board may modify the benefits from time to time, without notice. Any failure to comply with the Tems & Conditions, any
fraud or abuse relating to the use of the card may result in the termination of benefits enjoyment. This card is non-transferable. A personal ID card will be
required for every purchase.
* The above-mentioned benefits associated with the Apple Tree Corporate Benefits Card apply to the card holder only!
** Any misuse will result in the cancellation of the card benefits.
CORPORATE BENEFITS CARD
The Apple Tree Management Board is pleased to present you with the Corporate Benefits Card. Cash payment applies unless otherwise specified.
PRESS CLUB 20% discount on food 15% discount on beverages 10% discount on other services (laundry, dry cleaning & florist services) *
EMERAUDE CLASSIC CRUISES US$ 70 per person including the cruise, all meals and on-shore excursions US$ 20 per person for the return trip
Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hanoi via shuttle bus * LA RESIDENCE HOTEL & SPA USD 80 net per room including breakfast - 15% discount on F&B *
ANNAM 15% off (excludes non-food, alcohol & spirit, food & beverages consumed at the lounge, cheeses & delicatessen, fresh fruits & vegetables
and fresh bakery) * YVES ROCHER 20% on all products * WAREHOUSE 20% on all products * EXOTISSIMO 10% discount on short tours
booklet at each agency 5% discount on Club Med prices 5% discount on car rental rates for Europe (TT) - 5 USD on service fees for International
flights * VILLA MALY 50$ net per room per night including breakfast (double occupancy) subject to availability * KAMU LODGE 50$ net
per person / night subject to availability / departure * NAVA MEKONG 50% discount on rack rate subject to availability / departure. * BAGAN
LODGE US$ 80 net/room incl. breakfast.
w w w . a p p l e t r e e - a s i a . c o m
I b e l o n g
KURT WALTER Press Club Exp. 9/2014
No.:007