Announcing The Winners Of The 2021 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice

Celebrate love and connections this Valentine’s Day with an unforgettable escape to Angsana Velavaru, where every moment is crafted to deepen bonds and create lasting memories. Nestled within the Maldives’ breathtaking natural beauty, this exclusive getaway invites couples to indulge in intimate experiences that go beyond the ordinary.  Photo credits: Angsana Velavaru Begin the day with a serene floating breakfast, featuring a selection of freshly baked pastries, tropical fruits, and perfectly prepared eggs. For a moment of calm, enjoy a floating tea experience complete with a handpicked teas and delicate treats. As the day unfolds, indulge in a curated wine journey at Kuredhi Pool Beach, where each glass tells a story of love and connection. As twilight approached, savour an intimate candlelit dinner at Funa, with a specially crafted menu complemented by a sparkling rosé. For an interactive touch, discover the art of mixology at a live cocktail station, crafting bespoke creations that embody the spirit of the day.  Celebrate creativity and togetherness with unique activities like a Mocktail Creation Challenge, where couples can stir up their perfect blend, or a vibrant sand art experience, layering colours to capture the essence of their bond. For those seeking adventure, a sunset cruise offers breathtaking views as the sky transforms into a canvas of gold and crimson, accompanied by light bites and soothing sea breezes. The day crescendos with live music by the Beatus band, setting a magical tone under the Maldivian stars.  Photo credits: Angsana Velavaru For ultimate relaxation, couple can indulge in rejuvenating spa rituals, such as the Citrus Serenity experience – a 90-minute massage followed by an orange milk bath. Romantic villa enhancements, including rose petal decorations, a bubble bath, and a bottle of sparkling wine, create the perfect setting for an unforgettable evening.  To make the celebration even more extraordinary, opt for an exclusive destination dining experience. A rooftop barbecue under the open sky or a private beachside dinner with the sound of waves as soundtrack elevate the Valentine’s escape. Capture the magic of the evening with a professional photoshoot, preserving the essence of love in timeless frame.

INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit’s all-day dining restaurant The Kites Eatery has unveiled a playful and eclectic menu that celebrates central, northern, north-eastern and southern Thai cuisine. Photo credits: INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit Situated on the hotel’s 31st floor and dominated by soaring windows giving way to spectacular views of Bangkok, The Kites Eatery is adorned with abstract artwork of kites - a reference to the popular pastime of kite flying in state park Sanum Luang. Fashioned by executive chef Katisak “Note” Pinkaew and his team, the new menu is served a la minute using quality ingredients from local farms. The menu is made up of six sections - “Yum”, “Kub-Khao”, “Jan-Deaw”, “Kin-Len”, “Ping-Yang” and “Khong-Wanh”. Thai salads are known as “yum”, which means “mix”. “Yum Woonsen Boran - Rustic recipe glass noodle salad with minced pork and dried shrimps” and “Yum Nuea Yang - Spicy grilled grass-fed Australian beef salad” are among highlights of the menu’s Yum offerings. Meaning “eat and play”, Kin-Len’s appetisers include “Thod Mun Mhuk - Bite size spicy squid cake with cucumber relish” and “Lookchin Plakray - Slow poached leatherback fish ball with Chef s recipe sauce”. “Our new menu draws on our inspiration to offer all sorts of surprises as we take diners on a culinary pilgrimage of Thailand,” said Pinkaew. Kub-Khao, which translates to “with rice”, features options served with a choice of jasmine rice or brown rice. Kub-Khao dishes range from “Phed Palow rice field duck stew in herbal soya sauce served with egg” to ‘Talay Phad Phong Karee - Stir fried catch of the day seafood with smooth yellow curry sauce’”. Meaning “grilled”, Ping-Yang’s options such as “Mhuk Yang - Yaowarat’s style grilled squid tubes Goong Phao - Grilled Samut Songkhram’s tiger prawns with chili lime sauce” are also accompanied by rice. Photo credits: INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit Jan-Deaw, a.k.a “a la carte”, affords the likes of “Khaw Soi Nuea - Chiang Mai curry noodle with tender grass-fed beef” and “Khaw Nha Gai - Bangkok China town chicken rice stew with chili and chive”. Mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream are among Khong-Wahn’s “sweet things”. Open from 6.30am-11pm, The Kites Eatery’s chefs serve a healthy buffet breakfast and a la carte menu from noon, as well as customised lunches and banquets for meetings and events.  INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit is the newest member of an eclectic collection of urban and beach INNSiDE hotels — in 14 different countries across Asia, Europe, and the Americas — designed for those with curious minds who have a fluid lifestyle when it comes to work and leisure. For further information and to make a reservation, visit https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/bangkok/innside-bangkok-sukhumvit, email reservation.innside.sukhumvit@melia.com or call +66 2 340 5499.

Prague – Sir Hotels is proud to announce the opening of Sir Prague on the 17th of March, the brand's first expansion into the Czech Republic. Located in Prague's lively New Town, the hotel offers 76 rooms in a heritage building spread across five floors, near the famous Dancing House and the Vltava River. Credit: Jana Krenova Guests will enjoy Seven North Restaurant, opening later in spring, originally from Vienna and already celebrated with local awards for its culinary excellence. The hotel also features a stylish bar, a boutique gym, and a unique tower suite for those seeking an elevated stay. The multifunctional library provides space for meetings and relaxation, while the outdoor courtyard offers a peaceful retreat from the city. The hotel is housed in a historic building dating back to 1884, with its original neo renaissance features, such as a stunning facade, still intact. The interior design, led by renowned designer Linda Boronkay, thoughtfully combines Prague's rich cultural and architectural heritage with a modern sensibility, creating a space that is both timeless and inviting. Boronkay, known for her ability to weave storytelling into her designs, drew inspiration from the city's Gothic and Cubist traditions, incorporating intricate stonework, ornate iron details, and bold graphic patterns that reflect Prague's unique aesthetic. Rooms will start from €160 per night (approx £135) and each room is adorned with bespoke embroidered headboards and carefully curated furnishings, many crafted by local artisans. Throughout the hotel, vintage Czech pieces and playful design touches celebrate local folklore and storytelling, ensuring an authentic and memorable experience for every guest. Located in the heart of New Town, Sir Prague places guests within walking distance of several of the city's most famous landmarks. The National Theatre, Charles Bridge, Kafka Head, and the Astronomical Clock are all just moments away, making the hotel an ideal base for both leisure and business travelers. In addition to its cultural surroundings, the area is known for its cafes, boutique shops, and the vibrant Náplavka riverbank. The opening of Sir Prague marks a significant milestone for Sir Hotels as the brand continues to expand its presence in Europe's key cultural cities. Already known for its distinctive design, personalised service, and commitment to showcasing the essence of each destination, Sir Hotels is excited to bring its signature hospitality to Prague. Christine Vespermann, General Manager of Sir Prague, expressed her enthusiasm for the hotel's debut: “Prague is a city with a soul unlike any other, and we couldn't be more thrilled to become part of its dynamic hospitality landscape. With its historic charm and vibrant energy, the city is the perfect match for Sir Hotels' philosophy of creating meaningful and unforgettable experiences. We look forward to welcoming guests to a space that beautifully merges Prague's rich traditions with modern luxury.” For more information, please visit sirhotels.com.