Travel news
It’s holiday time. Let’s pack our bags and go explore! Here’s our latest travel news and updates. Check back later for more travel news and updates. We’ll fill you in on the latest.
Grand Hyatt Singapore Opens for reservations
After extensive renovations, just a few steps away from bustling Orchard Road, the iconic Grand Hyatt Singapore hotel will reopen on 10 July 2024, starting with the reimagined Terrace Wing, refreshed dining concepts and lush public spaces.The progressive reopening starts with the nature-inspired Terrace Wing alongside an enhanced Fitness Centre and a 25-metre lap pool, StraitsKitchen for local ethnic cuisine, and BRIX, the vibrant nightlife hotspot. 10|Scotts will operate as Grand Club Lounge until early 2025 while all 16 event spaces will also be available to host magnificent celebrations and memorable events. The latter part of 2024 will see the highly anticipated Southeast Asian debut of Le Pristine Singapore, in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Sergio Herman, taking over the space formerly occupied by the celebrated mezza9. The popular Martini Bar will be making a return along with classic Italian favourites at Pete’s Place and poolside dining at Oasis. Damai, the hotel’s wellness hub with enhanced holistic well-being experiences, will be ready to welcome guests too.
If you’re planning a trip to Singapore this year, be sure to keep this freshly updated hotel on your radar for a luxury and relaxing holiday experience.
Hong Kong Airlines Direct Flight to Da Nan
Hong Kong Airlines is starting a new direct flight to Da Nang, Vietnam on 19 July, 2024. The new route will operate daily to provide travellers with a variety of choices for their summer holidays, while also serving as a gateway to explore other destinations within Vietnam. Website: www.hongkongairlines.com
The Peninsula London Opens
Discover the epitome of luxury at The Peninsula London, the latest addition to the prestigious Peninsula Hotels portfolio. Opening its doors on 12 September 2023, the stunning hotel showcases impeccable British craftsmanship. From lavishly appointed rooms and suites to flexible check-in and check-out, every aspect of your stay is designed for supreme comfort. The Peninsula London is not only a haven for discerning travellers but also a family-friendly destination. Located in the heart of Belgravia, The Peninsula London is surrounded by iconic attractions and offers world-class dining, wellness facilities, and premier shopping experiences. www.peninsula.com
Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou launches jungle themed suites
Looking for a family getaway that’s not too far away? Check out the new Minimo Jungle suites and rooms at the Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou. The rooms are inspired by the Mandarin Oriental Group’s MiniMO collection of playwear for children and have been transformed into a fun jungle with the collection’s panda, lion, owl, monkey and turtle as part of the décor. The rooms feature MiniMO pandas, puzzles, paint kits and a selection of themed treats, plus a bed with a slide!
NEW JW Marriott Jeju, South Korea’s island of natural wonders
JW Marriott has announced the opening of JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa in Seogwipo, Jeju. Perched on a cliffside overlooking the stunning volcanic coastlines of the island, the new resort is designed for being mindful and present, creating experiences to nourish the body and spirit while respecting and celebrating the magnificence of its natural surroundings. The resort surroundings are directly connected to Route 7 of the island’s famous Olle Trail. Additionally, Jeju island is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Hallasan Mountain Natural Reserve, Geomunoreum Lava Tube System, Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone, and the Getbol Tidal Flats. The island is a one-hour flight from Seoul, and the resort is an hour’s drive from Jeju International Airport. As would be expected with a JW Marriott resort, you’ll find fabulous food and a soothing spa.
The ‘Family by JW’ program organises activities for families to create unforgettable memories together. Guests traveling with children can enjoy family-friendly facilities, including a kids’ club, playground, and swimming pool. Kids can also join a Children’s Cooking Class and learn to create dishes using fresh produce harvested from the resort’s own JW Garden, a peaceful hideaway where guests can reconnect with nature through the sustainable practice of growing herbs and vegetables for culinary use.
Alma Resort – getaway to strengthen family bonds
Alma Resort on Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula has introduced the “Kids are King” package to foster quality family time, combining a stay in an oversized suite with fun at the beachfront resort’s water park, science museum, putting green, Kids’ Club and more. Stay in an Ocean View Suite where you’ll enjoy a master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, living room with a sofa and separate bathroom, dining area, kitchenette, and large balcony with panoramic ocean vistas. The two-bedroom suite’s second bedroom also has an ensuite bathroom.
Daily breakfast for two adults and two children under 12 are complimentary with your minimum stay of five consecutive nights (valid for stays until December 31, 2023). In the two-bedroom suite, breakfast is included for four adults and two children under 12 as well as daily dinner per adult, daily free-flow local beer, house wine and soft drink per room, one spa treatment per adult at Le Spa, and roundtrip airport transfers.
Alma features 14 food and beverage outlets and a cascade of 12 beachfront swimming pools. Other highlights include a cinema, amphitheater, convention centre, and yoga room. To contact Alma or to make a booking visit www.alma-resort.com/rooms/kids-are-king, email [email protected] or call +84 258 399 1666.
The Farm at San Benito’s healthy vacation
Perfect for the whole family, here’s a healthy vacation in a healing environment. This multi-awarded eco-luxury holistic medical wellness resort is located in Lipa, Batangas in the Philippines (a 90-minute drive from Manila). The Farm is globally recognized with over 90 prestigious international awards, including “Best Medical Wellness Resort in the World.”
At The Farm, you’ll learn healthier lifestyle habits with your family and make unforgettable memories together. The Farm has cool and creative activities for kids too which means everyone can enjoy a life-changing holiday. Visit the Holistic Medical Sanctuary where you can consult integrative medical doctors for a range of treatments for adults, teens, and kids, from Cellular Health Screening, Nutritional & Fitness Assessment, Art Therapy, and more. Kids can also experience spa treatments like Little Prince and Princess – Choco Milk Body Scrub, Purple Bliss Body Scrub, Lullaby Massage, Hilot Musmos (Infant Massage), Teenage Earth Facial Care and many more. The Pure Energy Gym offers functional fitness for kids, teens, and adults too. Don’t miss out on the Family Acqua Wellness, a two-hour water therapy meant to produce natural happy hormones.
Resort World One takes maiden voyage out of Hong Kong
Resort World One set sail out of Kai Tai Cruise terminal on 10 March, its maiden voyage. The 13-deck cruise ship will have three sailings a week, offering vacationers a series of 2 and 3-Night High Seas cruises until 31 March 2023. A broader range of destination cruises will start on 2 April.
Emirates to resume daily non-stop Dubai-Hong Kong service
Starting 29 March, Emirates will resume its daily non-stop flights to Dubai, providing an alternative option to flying via Bangkok. Flights from Dubai to Hong Kong with depart at 10:45am, on an Airbus A380, and will arrive in Hong Kong at 22:00. Flights leaving Hong Kong will depart at 00:35 and arrive in Dubai at 5:00am.
Travel In & Out of Hong Kong
As China is set to re-open to travel, multiple countries around the world have started to impose some fresh requirements on travellers from China, Hong Kong and Macau. Here’s the current info, travel news and updates – keeping in mind things can change rapidly. For the most part, the new requirements include a pre-departure negative Covid test with some countries accepting proof a recent recovery from infection. There are some countries halting entry. Here’s what we know so far:
Australia – negative Covid test
Canada – negative Covid test or recent recovery
France – negative Covid test, also some random testing at arrivals in Paris
Italy – negative Covid test (also for transit passengers)
Japan – currently allowing arrivals at all airports from Hong Kong
Korea – negative Covid test pre/post arrival, all flights to arrive at Incheon only
Malaysia – fever screening for all flights, wastewater testing flights from China
Morocco – no entry
Spain – negative Covid test or proof of vaccination
Taiwan – PCR testing upon arrival, a positive test means 5 days home quarantine
UK – negative Covid test
USA – negative Covid test and if in China 10 days prior to departure negative PCR or antigen test or proof of infection recovery
Jumeirah Bali’s First Festive Season
Th newly opened Jumeirah Bali invites you to partake in their enticing programme of Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations with delicious meals at AKASA and spectacular fireworks. Throughout the festive period, Peafowl Kids’ Club will be hosting fun and engaging activities for children aged 3 to 12 years old and a separate fun-filled programme for teenagers.
The festivities begin with a glittering cocktail party (16 December) where you can help decorate a Christmas tree then on 24 December enjoy a Christmas Eve Degustation Dinner. Follow it up on Christmas Day with an indulgent Christmas brunch at Segaran Dining Terrace. Brunch guests can also stop at Maja Lounge Terrace for a spot of last-minute festive shopping and to soak up the atmosphere of a lively Christmas Bazaar. The for New Year’s Eve attend a glittering New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and White New Year’s Eve Masquerade. The programme carries on with a decadent New Year’s Day Brunch. Don’t forget to check out the Talise Spa for rest and recovery.
Sol by Meliá Cam Ranh Bay to open in 2023
Spanish hotel group Meliá will open a new hotel in Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam with a main hotel, villas, bungalows, four restaurants, multiple swimming pools, a spacious spa, kids club, a fitness centre and sports club with tennis courts. Guests will be sorrounded by tropical landscaping and extensive children’s facilities. Sol by Meliá Cam Ranh Bay will be the fourth Sol property in Southeast Asia and the 27th Melia Hotels International’s property in Vietnam.
AYANA Segara Opens in Bali
Reservations are now open for the highly anticipated AYANA Segara Bali, a new AYANA hotel within the AYANA Estate in Jimbaran. The new hotel, with three stylish alfresco restaurants, will welcome its first guest on 5 November 2022. The hotel introduces a contemporary twist to the legendary Balinese-inspired AYANA experience for a more laidback luxury style of living. To celebrate its opening, guests can enjoy 25% off (room rates) on stays from November 5, 2022 to March 31, 2023 and 10% off in-room spa treatments and Spa on The Rock treatments plus 10% off food and beverages in 22 dining destinations in AYANA Estate, including Rock Bar. Book directly through ayana.com and using the booking code: SEGARA.
Land of the Rising Sun Opens to Tourists…Here We Come, Japan!
Japan’s long awaited full-scale tourism has reopened to independent travellers. We are very excited! Just in time, Banyan Tree Group welcomes guests to its two newly opened hotels, Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto and Dhawa Yura Kyoto, with special savings on stays and experiences under “The First Trip” campaign.
“The First Trip” Japan edition offers complimentary cultural adventures connecting visitors to local culture and history, as well as savings on BAR (Best Available Rate) rate and more. At Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto, guests will have the chance to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Nijo Castle, while at Dhawa Yura Kyoto they will get to experience the legendary sento ritual at the Kyoto Public Baths where locals visit to bathe and socialise.
For Reservations: visit Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto, or email [email protected]. Dhawa Yura Kyoto, or email [email protected].
Anantara Thailand Inspirations
From exhilarating adventures in Phuket to moments of nature-shrouded serenity in the mountains of the north, Anantara’s Thailand destinations offer blissful escapes and unforgettable encounters for every kind of traveller. Embrace inspirational moments of family time and adventure with authentic Anantara luxury. Choose from over 10 different vacation spots! Little ones will be in awe of the close encounters with beautiful nature at the Jungle Bubble Lodge. The whole family can relax on white sandy beaches at Anantara Layan Phuket, one of Thailand’s most popular spots. Or try the private luxury of the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket. Whatever you choose, immerse yourself in the land of smiles and come back refreshed.
Emirates adds more A380 premium economy
Planning some travel? Check out the new Premium Economy on Emirates in their beautifully retrofitted A380s with new flights from December – New York (JFK), San Francisco, Melbourne, Auckland and Singapore. More Premium Economy seats on services to London (Heathrow) and Sydney will be added too.
On a four-class Emirates A380, the Premium Economy cabin is located at the front of the main deck with 56 seats. Every inch of space anticipates your needs. Seats are generously sized with space for working and relaxing while enjoying expertly curated in-flight amenities, an inventive menu and extensive beverage options. Book tickets on emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via travel agents.
Anantara Kihava, Maldives
WINTER ESCAPE
Valid for stays until 31 March 2023 – book early to take part in exclusive savings on luxury overwater or beach pool villas at Anantara Kihava Maldives Villas. Indulge in daily gourmet breakfasts and complimentary nightly dinners in a choice of three specialty restaurants.
From the white sand beaches and lush green vegetation to the crystal blue waters and the vivid marine life beneath, a winter escape to the colourful dreamland of Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is the perfect way to banish those winter blues. With exclusive savings on luxury villas and a mouth-watering selection of culinary indulgences, an ocean escape awaits on the island paradise of Kihavah.
For more on travel news and updates, check out our Travel page for the latest Hong Kong Staycations, campsites and more.
Images courtesy of Banyan Group, Anantara, Emirates. Feature image courtesy of Shutterstock.
