Celebrated by an estimate of 1 billion people around the world in its thirteenth year, Global Wellness Day reconnected people with nature to live a healthier and happier life in body, mind and soul.
Taking place in one of the city’s most iconic venues, the hotel invited in-house guests and members of the community to partake in a unique blend of health and wellness activities in conjunction with Global Wellness Day on 8 June.
Qatar Tourism participated in ITB China 2024 this month from May 27 to 29 in Shanghai, to highlight the new offerings, to promote Qatar as a leading tourist destination, and to attract investment in the travel and tourism sectors. Qatar Tourism spearheaded a delegation of 16 hospitality and travel partners. ITB China is a B2B-exclusive trade show that focuses on the Chinese Travel Market, bringing together leading professionals in the trade industry from around the world. With discussions, fruitful exchanges, and networking events, ITB China facilitates discourses between figures and institutions to maximize business opportunities. This year, ITB China took place at Shanghai World Expo and Exhibition Center.
Commenting on this occasion, Mr. Omar Al Jaber, Acting Chief of the Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, said: “Through its participation at ITB China 2024, Qatar Tourism showcased the country’s recent developments, achievements, and advancements in travel and tourism sectors to industry leaders from around the world. Qatar Tourism is dedicated to improving visitors’ tourism experience. Exhibitions such as ITB China provide a platform for Qatar Tourism to attract investors and highlight Qatar’s best touristic offerings.”
ITB China 2024
ITB China serves as a platform to highlight Chinese travel market trends to investors and stakeholders from around the world to further enhance the Chinese tourism market in the upcoming years. China is one of the 15 priority source markets for Qatar Tourism, making ITB China an important event to showcase Qatar’s offerings in the Chinese and international market.
Earlier this year in March, Qatar Tourism participated at ITB Berlin 2024 where they discussed the launch of the ‘Double the Discovery’ initiative in collaboration with Saudi Tourism Authority, to provide visitors the chance to explore cultural landmarks and historical sites in the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in one single trip. Qatar Tourism also discussed the Stopover Packages, in partnership with Qatar Airways, for visitors who have limited time to visit Qatar.
Chef Nicolas Isnard, who has honed his distinctive culinary approach at multiple Michelin-starred restaurants around France and elsewhere, will prepare a series of exclusive meals at Raffles Hotel Le Royal later this month.
The iconic luxury hotel will offer special set dinners and lunches featuring Chef Nicolas’ culinary creations on April 24, 25 and 26, as it continues to elevate fine dining in the Cambodian capital.
Born in the south of France, Chef Nicolas brings Gallic sensibilities to his inventive cuisine while drawing on a gastronomic journey that has taken him around the world. He has served in acclaimed French restaurants Auberge du Vieux Puits (today 3 Michelin stars), La Rotonde (2 Michelin stars) and Le Vieux Logis (1 Michelin star), among others, and he has prepared celebrated meals in Dubai, Beijing, Moscow, Singapore, Macao, Casablanca and elsewhere.
At Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s signature fine-dining venue Restaurant Le Royal, Chef Nicolas will serve two exclusive dining options daily, including a sumptuous dinner set (priced at $92++) and a lunch set (priced at $42++), with optional wine pairings in addition to a special Louis XIII tasting. Dinner will be served between 6:30pm and 9:30pm, and lunch between 12pm and 3pm.
Highlights of his culinary repertoire include Rose de Champignons & Saint Jacques Sauce Tom Kah featuring fresh mushrooms in a delectable Thai-inspired sauce; Pigeon, Mais, Ail Noir, Passion & Sauce Cacahuetes made with pigeon, black garlic, passionfruit and peanut sauce; Pot Au Pho de Foie Gras, a dish inspired by the beloved Vietnamese noodle dish with foie gras; and Rouget, Safran & Aubergines, spotlighting fresh red mullet fish, saffron and eggplant.
Chef Nicolas’ upcoming meals are the latest in Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s exclusive culinary series. They follow an appearance in March by Chef Martin Simolka from the 5-star Le Scribe in Paris Opéra. Last year, French Chef Pascal Favre d’Anne, the recipient of 1 Michelin star, and Chef Patrice Hardy of Le Palme d'Or (2 Michelin stars) in Cannes and La Brettonnière (1 Michelin star) in Boulogne-Billancourt also served meals at the hotel. The 2-Michelin-star Chef Thierry Drapeau and Vietnam Iron Chef winner Chef Sakal Phoeung also prepared a series of “four-hands” dining experiences.
Photo credits: Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment and NEON have announced that Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), Singapore, will host the Asia Premiere with the largest-ever engagement of Harry Potter: Visions of Magic. This unique multimedia spectacle will be shown within RWS beginning in Fall of 2024.
This summer, The Nautilus Maldives, invites guests to explore the sparkling seas and embark on an unforgettable journey with distinguished diving experts Jeff and Sarah Milisen from Hawaii. The Nautilus Ocean Discovery Week is taking place from July 24th to 31st, marking the debut of this exciting annual event.
The Nautilus lies in the Maldives renowed Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, boasting over 40 dive sites teeming with incredible marine life. Divers and snorkellers can immerse themselves in the tranquility of these waters, enhanced by the enchanting spectacle of the starlit sky. As daylight fades, guests can witness the ocean transform into a mesmerising realm illuminated by bioluminescent organisms and the gentle glow of underwater torches.
Jeff Milisen, a distinguished marine biology scientist and celebrated blackwater photographer, unveils the mysteries of nocturnal marine life. Renowned for his captivating imagery capturing elusive species, Jeff’s expertise has garned international acclaim, including 14 prestigious contest wins. Jeff’s book “A Field Guide to Blackwater Diving in Hawaii”, published in 2020, is used to train dive professionals and scientists worldwide. Complementing Jeff’s passion, Sarah Milisen, Director of Education at a 5-Star PADI Dive Center in Hawaii, channels her extensive in-water experience of 23 years into nurturing environmentally conscious ocean stewards.
Throughout The Nautilus Ocean Discovery Week, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of the ocean through guided night snorkelling and diving experiences. Led by knowledgeable guides Jeff and Sarah, participants will delve into the captivating realm of nocturnal marine life. They'll be treated to a mesmerising display of fluorescent corals, and the intricate patterns of nocturnal fish, offering a unique perspective on the underwater world after dark.
As part of the week's activities, guests will also have the exclusive opportunity to embark on an excursion to Hanifaru Bay, renowned as one of the world's premier manta ray feeding grounds and accessible via a luxurious speedboat journey just 30 minutes from The Nautilus. Here, they can witness the awe-inspiring sight of these majestic creatures as they glide through the water in their timeless and mesmerising dance. Before venturing out on the private guided manta experience, guests will have the privilege of learning from The Nautilus's resident marine biologist, gaining insights into the fascinating behaviour and ecology of manta rays.
Guests can venture beyond the ocean’s embrace and indulge in a myriad of activities to suit every adventurer’s palate. From exhilarating water sports such as Seabob or E-foil expeditions to mindful and tranquil excapes at Solasta Spa, where guests can experience unique in-water relaxation techniques including floating yoga, breathwork and meditation in the overwater pavilion, and water sound healing.
Young wonderers and teenagers are invited to participate in a marine biologist workshop, Bubble Maker courses, an underwater treasure hunt, a watercolour art workshop, a mocktail making class, and an engaging blackwater photo exhibition hosted by Jeff. Aspiring underwater photographers will have the exclusive opportunity to learn the art of underwater photography from Jeff, who generously shares his professional insights and techniques.
Gastronomic connoisseurs can indulge in a journey of flavour and sophistication unlike any other, with The Nautilus’s award-winning culinary and mixology team as they celebrate the theme with a tantalising array of aqua-inspired cocktail creations and meticulously curated dining experiences.
Tourism Fiji is thrilled to announce its partnership with the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) to host the inaugural AdventureNEXT Fiji event from November 20th to 22nd, 2024.
ATTA, a global organization committed to fostering responsible and sustainable adventure travel and trade, serves as a collaborative platform for businesses, destinations, and individuals in the adventure tourism sector. AdventureNEXT Fiji aims to spotlight Fiji as a burgeoning adventure travel destination while providing a platform for local operators to engage with international stakeholders.
Tourism Fiji CEO, Brent Hill expressed his enthusiasm stating, “Tourism Fiji is excited to be partnering with ATTA to bring the first AdventureNEXT event to Fiji in November this year. AdventureNEXT is where Fiji can position its adventure tourism experiences to a large audience of between 250-300 international buyers and media, who will in turn then spread the word about Fiji’s natural, cultural and adventure tourism activities to their audiences. While accommodation investment is vital, so too is enriching tourism experiences, particularly in adventure tourism, aligning with Fiji's offerings and opening opportunities for local entrepreneurs."
Shannon Stowell, ATTA CEO said, “Tourism Fiji sees a chance to enhance adventure tourism, tapping into a $300 billion market set to grow by 17% in the next 8 years.” “Having our first major event in the South Pacific is exciting and the fact that Fiji is taking such a leadership role by hosting is powerful. Fiji offers such amazing experiences and culture, and the ATTA cannot wait to put on AdventureNEXT. It’s even more special for me personally as Fiji was my first international travel experience back in 1986. I’ve had to wait almost 40 years to return and am really anticipating visiting Fiji again.”
With a diverse attendance including adventure tour operators, travel agents, and media representatives, AdventureNEXT Fiji will feature famils, keynote speakers, and workshops, enriching the experience for all participants and contributing over $1 million to Fiji's visitor economy.
With daily direct flights from London to Dubrovnik opening up on 31st of March, Dubrovnik and its region are set to be a must go destination this spring. Immersed in rich culture, gorgeous gastronomy, events and endless activities for all of the family, Dubrovnik makes for the perfect gateway.
1. A playground for outdoor adventurersSpring is the perfect season to visit Dubrovnik and its surroundings, allowing visitors to make the most of the outdoorsy activities the region offers. Families, couples or solo travellers will enjoy kayaking on the island of Lokrum lying just off Dubrovnik, soaring down the two breath-taking zip-lines with stunning views of the Dubrovnik Old Town and the Adriatic or participating in the Run The Wall challenge - literally running on Dubrovnik’s Old Town walls on the 27th April 2024 around the medieval walls, with their 1080 steps and1940 meters of history. 2. Dubrovnik’s classical music sceneRuning from the end of April through June, Dubrovnik Musical Spring is a series of classical music concerts performed by the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra. With carefully selected programs taking place in historical locations in Dubrovnik such as the 13th century Franciscan church and the Rector's Palace, the Dubrovnik Musical Spring has hosted more than 30 renowned artists, soloists, and conductors, emphasising the importance of music and its traditions in Dubrovnik.
3. Get your art fixImmerse into Croatian culture by meeting local and national artists with the Hotel Supetar Cavtat SupetART artist-in-residence program. From May 2024, Romana Milutin Fabris will debut their latest collection, transforming the hotel’s communal spaces into a month-long interactive pop-up gallery. Known for her vivid and colourful works, Romana’s works are characterised by frequent symbolism. In her paintings, the City pulses, lives, and dances in colours depending on her mood. 4. Expect gastronomy galoreEpicureans will be able to discover the local specialties, feasting in Michelin-recommended hotspots or nibbling at food markets including the street food festival Bavarin. Held in early May each year offering delicious Croatian food specialities, culinary workshops, live performances and more. Vapor Restaurant at Hotel Bellevue with striking sea views over the Dalmatian coastline and Michelin Guide noteworthy, guests can enjoy contemporary takes on signature dishes including lobster tail and lamb rump steak. 5. Beyond Dubrovnik's walls, explore CavtatBuilt by refugees from Roman Epidaurum, Cavtat is a coastal town and cultural haven. Delve into its past through the 15th-century monastery within St. Nicholas church, the Renaissance mansion that displays the manuscripts of scientist Baltazar Bogišić, and the home of Croatian painter Vlaho Bukovac. For a unique experience, head to the cloister of Cavtat's Franciscan monastery and church established in 1484 for musical concerts amid lofty surroundings before walking the promenades and pebble beaches along the shoreline where fishing boats idle on the deep-blue Adriatic.
Luxury hotels in Dubrovnik welcoming discerning guests
Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
With its prestigious location just steps from the UNESCO Old City of Dubrovnik, Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik is an historic villa built in 1913 and taking full advantage of gorgeous west-facing views of the glorious Old Town. Hotel Excelsior offers the most enviable location of any hotel in the city – just a five-minute walk from the medieval fortress walls. Feast at Sensus Restaurant and enjoy unconventional and creative dishes, made from fresh local delicacies and carefully paired with finest Croatian wines. Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik features three restaurants all offering spectacular views of the Adriatic, an indoor swimming pool, a spa, and a fitness centre.
Hotel Supetar Cavtat
Hotel Excelsior’s sister property, Hotel Supetar, has 16 spacious, elegant and custom-designed rooms in a unique Mediterranean style with private gardens, enchanting sea views and spacious outdoor areas. Housed in an original three-storey private villa dating back to the 1920s, built on the remains of the ancient settlement of Epidaurum, Hotel Supetar has become, after a complete renovation, one of the most exceptional boutique retreats in Cavtat. Situated between the picturesque streets of the small historic town of Cavtat and the uninterrupted blue of the Adriatic Sea, Hotel Supetar boasts a perfect location just a few steps away from Cavtat's charming promenade. Gastronomists will savour Mediterranean cuisine in the hotel’s gourmet restaurant where authentic delicacies are served on a romantic outdoor terrace with panoramic views of the bay of Cavtat and the Adriatic Sea on the horizon.
Hero image: Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
January 30th is World Croissant Day. The perfect occasion for Sofitel to launch its Haute Croissanterie concept, which invites chefs around the world to reinvent the delicious French breakfast icon.
One of the most delicious French symbols of them all. A crisp, flaky and piping hot croissant, straight from the oven. A distinctive pastry reinterpreted worldwide in the Sofitel hotels as the brand celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.
Where croissants become Haute Couture
An iconic French pastry treat, the butter croissant continues to delight anyone and everyone with a sweet or savory tooth – everywhere in the world. On January 30th, World Croissant Day, Sofitel unveils its brand-new concept: the Haute Croissanterie. Initially, this unprecedented experience is launched by ambassadors from three hotels of the brand: Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk in the United Arab Emirates, Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel in South Korea, and Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo in Panama. Together, they perfected the recipe of their Pur Beurre croissant promising the best croissants in town. The ambassadors have collectively trained other pastry chefs in their region to spread their excellence and savoir-faire during a dedicated week in Dubai. Thanks to these 3 ambassadors, 30 Sofitel properties will launch Haute Croissanterie. These emblematic destinations will introduce their local creations named “cultural link” croissants, to represent Sofitel, defined by its logo that is a symbol of the bond that connects cultures around the world.
Sofitel’s consultant chef at Sofitel, Anne-Cécile Degenne, who has trained all over the planet, came up with this original concept. A devotee of upscale establishments, she searches out high-quality products and enhances them with her unique savoir-faire. In recent months, she worked closely with the kitchen staff of three hotels selected to showcase the Haute Croissanterie. Together, these culinary teams developed new sweet and savory recipes that will be available in our pastry shops from the end of January.
Anne-Cécile Degenne states: "Fascinated by French pastry since forever, it's a dream to deploy a concept internationally that unites the brigades of Sofitel hotels, turning the art of cooking into a universal language. Through our Haute Croissanterie concept, we've managed to bring together a community of passionate pastry chefs from around the world, who have enjoyed competing creatively together to surprise and delight our customers by reimagining the universal emblem of the French breakfast."
Where chefs become ambassadors
At Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, chef Romain Castet (finalist in the Gault&Millau Pastry Chef of the Year contest) will propose his Green Goat, a version with avocado and local goat's cheese, at Bijou Pâtisserie.
At Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo (Panama), chef John Moreno elevated the Vera Café menu with its Zesty Symphony croissant, with delicious lemony notes.
Finally, at the Jardin d’Hiver café in the Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel (South Korea), chef Henry Kim has created a Spicy Gochujang Galore croissant, a fusion of Korean spices and French finesse.
Nicolas Gronier, Vice President of Global Marketing for Sofitel, explains: "As the first international hotel brand originating from France, with more than 265 restaurants and bars in 120 hotels worldwide, Sofitel is a global ambassador of what we love to call 'French zest.' Therefore, on the eve of the brand's 60th anniversary, we have chosen to highlight the iconic indulgence of French pastry: the croissant. By tapping into the creativity and unique expertise of our chefs, we aim to take our customers on a unique culinary and cultural journey worldwide, seamlessly combining French excellence with the incredible local flavors unique to each culture."
Where gifts have never been more appetizing
On January 30th, the three pastry shops of these hotels will give 60 croissants to 60 lucky aesthetes – a nod to Sofitel hotels, which are celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. These guests will get a scrumptious glimpse of a diverse culinary palette and a little taste of the French art of living.
Where the Haute Croissanterie can be enjoyed all year long
This exciting new concept is here to stay. Seasonally, our chef ambassadors will reveal new croissant recipes. And, thanks to monthly breakfast events, the Haute Croissanterie is sure to leave a lasting – and delicious – impression.
Photo credits: Accor
