Industry News

The hotly anticipated new hotel from the family hoteliers behind Vista Como and Vista Verona will open in one of Italy’s best-kept secrets, Ostuni  

From curious locals to international travellers and influencers, everyone who visits Krabi these days seems to want to make a booking at Banyan Tree’s iconic Bird’s Nest. The three pods command spectacular views overlooking the Andaman Sea and the distant uninhabited islands of a national marine park. Photo credits: Banyan Tree Attached by a short walkway to Banyan Tree Krabi’s signature Thai restaurant, Saffron, which is in turn accessible from the resort by a short ride in an electric funicular, the panoramic trio of Bird’s Eye tables are one of the most outstanding and photogenic features at the award-winning resort. “Our Bird’s Nest is unique and unlike anything else in Krabi,” said Thai Sous Chef Koranat Wiwatthanachot, known affectionately at the resort by his nickname, Day. “These tables offer diners a wonderful atmosphere that is quite nostalgic, especially during the last rays of the sun. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy afternoon tea or a sunset cocktail followed by the unique menus that we have created specifically for this intimate experience.” Bird’s Nest features four new set menus, each reflective of local produce and culinary traditions, with every dish carefully refined into intricate recipes and presented in exquisite style. “By Land” is the theme of the “Tantalizing Turf” four-course menu, a veritable feast of flavours, starting with an appetiser choice of either Spicy Lemongrass Salad with Tiger Prawn Mousse or Banana Flower Steamed Bun with Grilled Chicken & Fried Local Vegetables. The second course is a spicy Thai soup (southern Thai cuisine is often said to be the spiciest in Thailand) with sea bass. The main course is a mouthwatering Sous Vide Lamb with A-Jad Pineapple, and a dessert and sorbet will round off a delicious dining sensation. Photo credits: Banyan Tree Chef Day likes to call the “By Sea” menu his “Symphony of the Sea”, and you can hear a maritime melody in his latest creation, the Baked Lobster with Panang Curry Fruit Sauce, an aromatic but delicately light entrée. The third Bird’s Nest menu is the vegetarian “Garden Delights”, starting with Dumplings Stuffed with Grains and Mango Passion Fruit Sauce. Perhaps emblematic of the Banyan Tree Group’s reputation for and commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness, is the menu’s main course, Grilled Soybean Tofu, Sweet Peas with Green Curry Sauce, which is created from organic ingredients purchased from the local Krabi area. Bird’s Nest guests’ have a fourth set menu to choose from — titled “A Touch of Opulence”. Like the other menus, it offers a choice of appetizer and a spicy soup, but as a main, Chef Day has called on a favourite Chiang Mai dish, the ever-popular coconut milk-based curry khao soi. Chef’s original Beef Khao Soi and Lap Pu Croquettes with Plant-Based Sausages is as lip-smacking as it sounds. While Banyan Tree Krabi may have its “roots” in Southern Thai cuisine and international fine dining, there’s no doubt that it is “branching” out with its Bird’s Nest and reaching new heights.

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and Italy’s Arsenale Group announced completing the final designs by Aline Asmar d’Amman for the “Dream of the Desert” luxury train, the first five-start train in the Middle East. The train, to operate on the North Train Network route starting from Riyadh, is comprised of 14 carriages including 34 luxury suites. According to SAR, the “Dream of the Desert” train is scheduled to start operations by the end of Q3 2026. The booking mechanism and special offers will be announced shortly on the train’s website. According to data available to Argaam, SAR signed, on Jan. 25, 2024 a 25-year agreement with Italy’s Arsenale Group to launch the “Dream of the Desert” luxury train, with an investment of SAR 200 million. Train trips will start in the fourth quarter of 2025. The first stage of the route will be from the Al-Shamal train station in Riyadh, passing through Hail and ending at Al-Qurayyat train station. Aline Asmar d’Amman also designed the interiors for Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel (Paris).

Experience the Perfect Family Getaway with 'Kids Stay Free' this Summer

Building on a track record of remarkable achievements, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) reports its strongest year ever, welcoming a record-high 1.28 million overnight arrivals in 2024, marking 12% growth in tourism revenues and a notable 15% rise in MICE visitors. This success is a testament to the Emirate's strategic and sustainable growth vision to attract over 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030. Photo credits: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority Commenting on the Emirate's achievements, Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “2024 was a milestone year for Ras Al Khaimah, showcasing our commitment to sustainability, enhanced connectivity, and diverse experiences tailored to every traveller. Looking ahead, our vision extends beyond attracting more visitors; we aim to position Ras Al Khaimah as a destination of the future. With significant investments, world-class events, and groundbreaking developments on the horizon, 2025 is set to be another remarkable year." Several factors contributed to this robust performance in 2024, including the opening new hotels and resorts, a growing calendar of international events, increased connectivity to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, best-in-class marketing campaigns and over 2,200 international activities and market engagements across 70 cities. Ras Al Khaimah's key achievements in 2024 include: Record-breaking visitor numbers:28 million overnight arrivals, marking 12% growth of tourism revenues and 15% rise in MICE visitors. Global recognition for sustainability: RAKTDA's sustainability programme was named the 'Middle East's Most Sustainable Project' at the Forbes Middle East 2024 Sustainability Leaders' Summit. This recognition underscores its status as the region's first destination to earn the EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations Silver Certification and its leadership in sustainable tourism through initiatives like Responsible RAK, its own certification programme for hotels and tourism business. Enhanced connectivity: Boosted accessibility to the Emirate with the introduction of new direct flights from key cities in Poland, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Romania, Czech Republic, Russia, Saudi Arabia and India, enhancing connectivity through Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. Expanded hospitality offerings: The opening of Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort and Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort introduced new luxury experiences, including the Emirate's first overwater villas. Exceptional events: From the third HIGHLANDER Adventure hiking challenge and Ras Al Khaimah Golf Championship to the Arab Aviation Summit and Global Citizen Forum held for four consecutive years, Ras Al Khaimah continues to host world-class events. Highlights also include the 16th Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, the HUAWEI AppGallery Gamers Cup, and the launch of the Seven Wonders experiential concert series. Record-breaking New Year's Eve celebrations: The emirate ushered in 2025 with a spectacular fireworks and drone display, setting two new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ titles: 'Largest aerial display of a tree formed by multi-rotor drones' and 'Largest aerial image of a seashell formed by drone'. Workplace excellence: For the fourth consecutive year, RAKTDA was certified as a Great Place to Work®, recognised in multiple categories: 'Best Workplaces in the Middle East', 'Best Workplaces in Hospitality™ in the GCC', and 'Best Workplaces for Women in the GCC'. Empowering local talent: RAKTDA's inaugural Emirati Hospitality Programme, in partnership with Career Lab and the Swiss University of Les Roches, graduated 18 Emirati youth, equipping them for leadership roles in the tourism sector, supporting nationalization efforts in the hospitality industry. Driving growth in key markets Ras Al Khaimah continues to diversify and expand its reach in both established and emerging markets, with the CIS, GCC, Europe, India and China remaining core to its strategy. In 2024, the Emirate achieved new milestones in market engagement, further solidifying its position as a global tourism destination. New direct flights introduced enhanced connectivity to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport from nine cities including Moscow, Russia; Bucharest, Romania; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Prague, Czech Republic; Warsaw and Katowice, Poland; Almaty, Kazakhstan; and Hyderabad, India. China has also emerged as a significant growth market. In 2024, RAKTDA boosted visibility in China through strategic initiatives including collaborations with Huawei Group and prominent Chinese travel platform Trip.com plus establishing a robust presence on Chinese social media platforms such as WeChat, Red, and Douyin. These efforts have earned RAKTDA notable recognitions, including Best Global Partner and Outstanding Strategic Partner of the Year by Trip.com, as well as the title of Fastest-Growing Tourism Destination from Huawei Petal Ads, reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah's position as a rising destination for Chinese travelers. Expanding hospitality portfolio Ras Al Khaimah's flourishing tourism sector is underpinned by its strategic focus on building a diverse hospitality portfolio with a well-balanced mix of internationally branded luxury hotels and family-friendly resorts. In 2024, the Emirate welcomed two new luxury properties, further establishing its reputation as a destination of choice. Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort, featuring the Emirate's first overwater villas, and the Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort opened their doors, adding to Ras Al Khaimah's world-class hospitality portfolio. Additionally, existing properties underwent transformative enhancements. Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Pullman Marjan Island were rebranded and upgraded to meet the highest standards of hospitality, offering visitors elevated experiences. A world-class destination for events In 2024, Ras Al Khaimah experienced a remarkable 15% year-over-year growth in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) visitor numbers, reinforcing its status as a premier MICE destination. This success is attributed to several strategic initiatives by RAKTDA, including over 80 international MICE activities and market engagements across 20 markets. Key initiatives include a comprehensive MICE and Wedding incentive programs, the launch of an online training platform for MICE agents and Wedding Planners, and the introduction of the MICE playbook. The free visa initiative has also facilitated easier access for Indian MICE groups and wedding celebrations. Additionally, strategic partnerships with international Professional Congress Organizers (PCOs), Incentive Houses, Associations, Wedding Planners, and corporate travel agencies have been instrumental in this achievement. Events tourism was another key pillar of Ras Al Khaimah's 2024 success. The Emirate hosted several internationally acclaimed events such as the third HIGHLANDER long-distance hiking challenge, the 16th Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, the third Ras Al Khaimah Golf Championship, the fourth Global Citizen Forum and Arab Aviation Summit, the HUAWEI AppGallery Gamers Cup, and the launch event of the Seven Wonders experiential concert series, headlined by world-renowned DJ Armin Van Buuren. Building on this success, 2025 will see the Seven Wonders concert series continue, featuring seven international acts who will perform across seven iconic Ras Al Khaimah destinations over seven weeks. The immersive audio and visual platform will provide an experience unlike any other, further cementing Ras Al Khaimah status as a global events destination. The year concluded with a spectacular New Year's Eve celebration, earning two GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ titles for its breathtaking fireworks and drone display: 'Largest aerial display of a tree formed by multi-rotor drones' and 'Largest aerial image of a seashell formed by drone'. Building a sustainable future In 2024, RAKTDA's initiatives earned the title of 'Middle East's Most Sustainable Project' at the Forbes Middle East Sustainability Leaders' Summit, highlighting the destination's achievement of the Middle East's first Silver Certification by EarthCheck and the Authority's pioneering efforts in responsible tourism. Sustainability efforts extend to cultural preservation, with RAKTDA building its Cultural and Heritage Vision in 2024 – a road map that will preserve 20 of the Emirate's 80+ historical and archaeological sites that date back as far as the Bronze Age. By developing these sites as key attractions to provide more authentic experiences for visitors and empowering Emiratis to actively participate in tourism, Ras Al Khaimah will ensure its unique heritage is preserved for future generations. Another focus area was accessible tourism with RAKTDA setting sights on ensuring Ras Al Khaimah becomes a truly accessible destination. The Authority partnered with Sage Inclusion, a global accessible travel expert, to undertake the largest accessibility assessment of its kind in the Middle East. A comprehensive 12-week audit took place end of 2024, covering over 40 hotels, 10 attractions, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, and ground transportation, evaluating accessibility across various disability categories including mobility, vision, hearing, cognitive and allergy. The initiative aims to elevate Ras Al Khaimah as a flagship destination for accessible tourism, ensuring that every visitor can fully enjoy and explore the emirate.  Live, work, thrive: a holistic destination Beyond attracting visitors, Ras Al Khaimah is committed to becoming an exceptional place to live and thrive. The Emirate's balanced approach to sustainable tourism ensures that growth is achieved without compromising its unique culture. This vision has already garnered global recognition, with Ras Al Khaimah ranked among the top ten cities for expats in the InterNations City Ranking 2024. It was also named the world's best city for expats to get started abroad, second for working overseas, and fifth for ease of settling in. RAKTDA was also certified as a Great Place to Work® for the fourth consecutive year, with accolades in the categories of Best Workplaces in the Middle East, Best Workplaces in Hospitality™ in the GCC, and Best Workplaces for Women in the GCC. The success of its inaugural Emirati Hospitality Programme, in partnership with Career Lab and Les Roches University, which graduated 18 local talents, underscores the Emirate's dedication to nurturing future leaders in tourism.

Integrated resort positions itself as a gateway of choice in province during National Tourism Year  

“Live Like a Local” Experience Reveals Vibrant Neighbourhood’s Hidden Gems  

From southern Thai islands to coastal Vietnam, and from the Indonesian archipelago to the cultural heart of Cambodia, Southeast Asia is home to some of the world’s most celebrated travel destinations. Luxury resorts in the region increasingly entice travelers with exclusive private villas offering unparalleled opulence and seclusion. Here is a look at some of Southeast Asia’s most distinctive private villas. Photo credits: Balcony Media Group A Presidential Beachfront Pool Villa Used recently as the location for a finale of US hit TV show The Bachelor, this majestic villa enjoys pride of place directly in front of tranquil Tubkaek Beach, some 30 minutes’ drive from the popular town of Krabi. It can be reserved as a three-bedroom unit or combined with two adjoining family beachfront villas to create a 7-bedroom wonderland of saltwater pools, canals, and balconies. Designed as a retreat for multigenerational family vacations and intimate wedding celebrations, Banyan Tree Krabi’s Presidential villa commands no less than 466 sqm and a palatial 1,240 sqm as a seven-bedroom arrangement. Among the additional amenities, guests will find four Smart TVs, a fully equipped kitchenette, a Nespresso coffee machine, a safety box, a Bluetooth clock radio, pillow menu, wine fridge, private pool and jet pool, as well as private gardens, terraces and balconies galore. Among several luxury options for guests - a private barbecue on the terrace of the beachfront villa with one’s own chef! Photo credits: Balcony Media Group The Ultimate in Privacy in Southern Vietnam Azerai Ke Ga Bay, an elegant and sophisticated beachfront resort in southern Vietnam, offers three extraordinary private villa options for guests. The 130sqm Pool Villas and 145sqm Pool Deluxe Villas feature private plunge pools (larger in the Pool Deluxe Villa), writing desks and spacious bathrooms with views to a private garden and a tub for soaking. The spacious Ke Ga Bay Villa is the ultimate couples retreat, boasting 185sqm of space with a master bedroom upstairs with ocean glimpses and multiple relaxation areas below including a large pool and terrace. The tasteful décor of the villas display a muted color palette of whites and granites echoing the shades of local sand and stone of the bay. Azerai Ke Ga Bay, situated 2.5 hours drive from Ho Chi Minh City, overlooks an expansive 5km stretch of white sand along the East Sea. This lush and private resort is nestled in 4.5 hectares of verdant gardens and its distinctive location provides a tranquil setting, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation. Photo credits: Balcony Media Group French-Cambodian Style, Luxuriously Updated for Modern Tastes The two-bedroom Royal Villa at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor offers the ultimate in residential luxury, with a butler, pool access, master king and twin bedrooms, a spacious living and dining room and private terrace, three bathrooms, and a kitchen with views of the landscaped gardens at the historic heritage hotels’s iconic swimming pool. The 318sqm villa can accommodate up to six guests and, like all of the rooms and suites at the hotel, it is elegantly decorated in the French-Cambodian style of a bygone era, luxuriously updated for modern tastes. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor was named one of the world’s “500 Best Hotels” by the industry-leading Travel + Leisure magazine in April for a third straight year. Originally opened in 1932, the hotel was built as a rest stop for archeologists and adventurers seeking to explore the ancient kingdom of Angkor Wat, which is today one of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Photo credits: Balcony Media Group Spacious Oceanfront Luxury Villas in Da Nang, Vietnam Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang launched earlier this year in central Vietnam. The spacious beachfront resort overlooking the East Sea is spread across more than 15 hectares, with the palatial Five Bedroom Beachfront Pool Villa standing as the epitome of coastal bliss. Spanning an expansive 717sqm of indoor space, the villa comprises a majestic two-story main house featuring four king-size ensuite bedrooms and a twin room, complemented by large dining and living areas. The villa also offers a 150sqm private lounging area and pool, providing the utmost in tranquility on Non Nuoc Beach. Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang offers 85 upscale private villas in addition to a 157-key hotel tower. Photo credits: Balcony Media Group Paradisiacal Privacy in Phuket One of Phuket’s most desirable properties, Trisara is renowned for its paradisiacal privacy. Its collection of residences perched directly over the resort’s bay — which range in size from two-bed units to multi-bedroom configurations—rank among the most spectacular in Thailand. The pick of the residences is Villa Sawan, an eight-bedroom “resort within a resort”. Home to ocean-facing views, lush gardens, and use of a cove with a private beach at the foot of the property, Villa Sawan is the ultimate exclusive escape. Guests can take a dip in the Andaman Sea or unwind by swimming laps in the 25-metre swimming pool. Staff are available and on-call throughout the stay. The villa also features a home cinema, a well-equipped gym, and spa facilities. Expansive suites, sea-facing verandahs, and extensive swimming pools are prominent in all the residences’ blend of indoor and outdoor spaces that lend themselves to intimate gatherings. Adding lustre to the proceedings is the fact that all the villas are catered for by a dedicated maid and chef who prepares home-cooked Thai and Western dishes on demand and by request. With privacy guaranteed, the residences are also perfect for special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, marriage proposals or celebrations with extended family or with groups of friends. Photo credits: Balcony Media Group Infinity-Edge Pools With Mesmerizing Sea Views Laguna Lang Co has burnished its status as one of Vietnam’s most alluring integrated destinations courtesy of its recently launched three-bedroom Banyan Tree Seaview Pool Villas. Laid out along a jungle-clad mountainside at the northern end of the property and perched at an altitude of 45 to 75 meters above sea level, the ultra-luxe villas rank among the most desirable accommodations in the nation. The villas, each of which spans an expansive 260sqm, offer three bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass that optimizes the mesmerizing sea view. Private living spaces feature tasteful, contemporary furnishings, carefully chosen artworks and subtle exterior and interior design influenced by the traditional architecture of Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital, which is an hour’s drive north of Lang Co. Each unit has its own outdoor heated infinity-edge pool. Long views over the ocean towards Laguna’s 3km-long stretch of private beach are arguably the most outstanding feature of the villas. Photo credits: Balcony Media Group A Famous Indonesian Architect’s Former Abode in Ubud Once the private retreat of one of Indonesia’s foremost designer-architects, the Hadiprana Estate at Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, is a sanctuary within a sanctuary. The 570-square-meter (6,135-square-feet), two-bedroom villa features private en-suites, with the master bath anchored by a secluded, sunken outdoor Jacuzzi. A spacious deck and bale surrounds a 10-meter long swimming pool. A museum-worthy collection of art and artifacts, collected by the late Hendra Hadiprana himself, graces the white-washed brick walls and complement the modern Balinese furnishings of this completely private residence. Photo credits: Balcony Media Group Multigenerational Travel a Breeze at Cavernous Oceanfront Pavilion Alma’s crisp and contemporary three-bedroom oceanfront pool pavilions each command some 224sqm on the buttermilk sands on Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula. The luxurious pavilions each afford a private pool with an infinity edge, four bathrooms, a vast living room and kitchen just a few steps from Long Beach’s aquamarine waters with islands strewn offshore. The design of the oversized accommodations caters to multigenerational travel for up to four generations; there’s a bathroom and toilet each for the children, the parents, the grandparents and either the great-grandparents or the in-laws. A big fold-out sofa and a large table in the living room encourage families to come together to talk, share a meal and play board games. Photo credits: Balcony Media Group Dreamy Villas For The Honeymooners The Anam Cam Ranh, a luxurious 12-hectare resort overlooking Long Beach on Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula, is home to two exquisite villas just for honeymooners, each replete with a private pool, jacuzzi, steam and sauna room and daily afternoon tea. With a design inspired by Vietnam’s Indochine era, the 180-square-metre ‘Honeymoon Villas’ are both set on 400 square metres of lush hillside land located adjacent to the grounds of the resort’s tranquil 10-treatment room spa. The picture-perfect one-bedroom villas each feature a separate living room, jacuzzi, steam and sauna room and private terrace with sun loungers overlooking a glassy-surfaced 40-square-metre private pool. The villas’ romantic appeal draws on the Indochine period with the likes of imperial style roofs, big-bellied water vases, lanterns, and customized mosaic tiles.    

Through a collective vision and a range of collaborative initiatives, the Greek island safeguards a viable and sustainable destination for future generations. Additionally, the destination celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Enfield 8000, an electric car built on the island

Immerse with Marine Exploration and Eco-Conscious Adventure in Paradise

Carbis Bay Estate are delighted to announce the launch of POD St Ives, a new luxury glamping offering set amidst the scenic beauty of St Ives and Carbis Bay defining 'The Art of Glamping.' Photo credits: Carbis Bay Estate POD St Ives offers a range of five glamping pods, from quirky one-bedroom mezzanine boltholes with outdoor bathtubs to expansive two-bedroom lodges with private hot tubs. The PODS start from £295 per night and there are three styles to choose from: SPA POD: Sleeps 4 in two large ensuite bedrooms with cosy, comfortable beds and soft fluffy duvets and pillows, a living space flooded with light in which to relax and unwind by the fire, and fully fitted kitchens with a stunning breakfast bar and seating provide the perfect perch for gathering while cooking or entertaining. Outside is a snug covered decking area with snuggle-up sofas for evening star gazing, and steps leading to the enclosed Cornish walled garden where a hot tub, outdoor shower and woodstove can be found. FAMILY POD: Sleeps 4 in two bedrooms, one double and one cosy twin with comfortable beds, home-from-home styling, fully fitted kitchen and open plan living space with TV, sofas and a feature fire. An enclosed Cornish walled garden with hot tub, outdoor kitchen and terrace. MEZZANINE POD: Quirky and packed with comfort and style, one-bed glamping pods, perfect for a couple's bolthole, feature a mezzanine level which offers a magical glamping experience with a quirky twisting wooden tree-shaped spiral staircase leading to the raised sleeping area. Outside, a decked area with sofa seating leads to the enclosed garden with a copper bathtub and shower for a soak under the stars. Stays all include a continental breakfast delivered to your door each morning, and whilst guests are welcome to enjoy the restaurants and deli café at Carbis Bay, the Concierge team can also arrange to stock their larder with food and drinks, and any treats for their stay. There is also a delivery menu of grazing boards and handmade pizzas available for 'Pod-service'. Photo credits: Carbis Bay Estate All PODS have parking and private enclosed gardens and are dog friendly. Guests can also enjoy access to soon-to-launch "Nest Spa Garden," featuring a treatment room, a sauna cabin, relaxing spa seating and an ice bath for those brave enough for a dip! All guests of POD St Ives also receive complimentary access to the C Bay Spa at Carbis Bay Estate to use the facilities including a heated outdoor swimming pool, hydro pool, sauna cabin, fitness suite, and a yoga room. Spa treatments can also be booked in the privacy of your own pod. Owner of Carbis Bay Estate Stephen Baker said “We are proud to introduce POD St Ives, part of the Carbis Bay Collection, an innovative glamping experience that combines luxury with the natural beauty of Cornwall's coastline. Our aim is to offer guests an immersive retreat where they can unwind and reconnect with nature, while enjoying the exceptional amenities and comfort that define Carbis Bay Estate. POD St Ives represents our commitment to creating unforgettable, sustainable travel experiences in this incredible location." POD St Ives provides an oasis of tranquillity in which to reconnect with nature all year round. Located close to the towns of St Ives and Carbis Bay with their many beaches, POD St Ives is perfectly placed to explore the local walks on the doorstep, activities, restaurants, bars, and local events.

Japanese traditions have always heavily inspired global wellness trends - from shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) and qi spots to Kon Mari. Here ways of mindful living and longevity are passed down the generations through a combination of unmodified foods, being out in nature and, of course, an ancient Onsen culture. Visitors to the Setouchi region can explore this proactive approach to preventative wellness on a bike trail spanning approximately 70 km between the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, at Japan’s oldest hot spring resort and by ‘brewing’ themselves in an historic sake-factory turned-guesthouse.  Photo credits: Setouchi Travel Be yourself and brew yourself in Mitoyo City  Mitoyo City in Setouchi’s Kagawa prefecture is home to all kinds of reflective and rejuvenating experiences. Chichibugahama Beach is a popular bathing spot but is also known for a natural phenomenon, the Mirror of the Heavens. Occurring at low tide when the shallow tide pools along the wide sandy beach seamlessly reflect the sky it’s best experienced at sunset on a still evening. Climbing to 352 metres above sea-level offers another perspective of the water from the top of Mt Shiude. The summit provides views of the Seto Inland Sea and its islands to the north, east and west and an ascent surrounded by hydrangeas in summer and cherry blossoms in the spring. For a unique cultural immersion book a stay at the Mitoyotsuru TOJI, a private guesthouse in a Sake Brewery that was founded in 1877.  Guests are invited to ‘Brew a New You’ following a wellness ritual that mimics the sake-making process and utilises the old equipment. The experience includes husking (undressing), rinsing in a steaming bath, fermenting in bath salts made from sake lees in the Grand Brewing Bath that’s still fed by the same mountain-sourced groundwater, soaking in converted barrels, relaxing in the sauna, and then aging, or getting a good night’s sleep! Guests can also sample various sakes during their stay.   Rates at Mitoyotsuru TOJI start from 29,700 Yen (£151pp) per night (correct as of September 2024), check in 4 pm, check out at 10 am. The inn offers shared sleeping space for up to 11 guests.  Photo credits: Setouchi Travel Rejuvenate at Dogo Onsen, Japan’s oldest hot spring resort  Following the completion in July of a five-year restoration project, Dogo Onsen Honkan in Matsuyama once again offers a place to experience the sacred atmosphere of Japan. This symbolic bathhouse, the main attraction of the wider Dogo Onsen, has a history dating back around 3,000 years and is mentioned in Japanese mythology. Nearby are two additional bathhouses, Emmanji Temple and Hogonji Temple, a Sky Walk where visitors can enjoy a foot bath with a view, and the ruins of an historic castle built in the 14th century. In 1994 the Dogo Onsen Honkan was designated a National Important Cultural Property.  The bathing experience here is fed by 18 naturally flowing hot springs whose soothing alkaline waters are ideal for skin care, alongside the many other therapeutic benefits of balneotherapy. In this main bathhouse there are two public bath options - the main Kami no Yu (Bath of the Gods) and the smaller Tama no Yu (Bath of the Spirits), with four bathing courses to follow in separate male and female areas.  On the upper floors of the building are relaxation spaces where visitors can relax in a traditional yukata robe, take a tour of Yushinden, the Japanese Imperial Family’s private bathroom, and, if the timing’s right,  hear the sounds of the drums. This sound was first struck to signal the time, and has been the signature sound of Dogo Onsen Honkan since 1894.  Dogo Onsen Honkan is open between 6 am and 11 pm daily (last admission at 10.30 pm). It is open year-round except for year-end cleaning. Entry fees range from Yen 700pp (£3.50) to Yen 2500pp (£13.50) depending on access and duration. A guided tour of the Emperor’s bathing facilities cost Yen 500pp (£2.70). All prices are correct as of September 2024.   Photo credits: Setouchi Travel Cycle the 70km Setouchi Shimanami Kaido sea road  The Shimanami Kaido is a scenic cycle route that opened in 1999 connecting Onomichi city in Hiroshima prefecture and Imabari in Ehime, and has been cited as one of the best cycling spots in the world. The route traverses more than six islands in the Seto Inland Sea, including Mukojima, Innoshima, Ikuchijima,  Omishima, Hakatajima and Oshima, with seven connecting bridges. The 4,100-metre Kurushima Kaikyo  Bridge between Oshima and Imabari was the world’s first triple-suspension bridge. The islands are known for their Mediterranean climate, quiet fishing villages and temples, and the Shimanami Kaido connects the different attractions of each island - from the area’s storied pirate history and the 700 Buddha statues on Innoshima, to Ikuchijima’s lemon groves and the fruit-forward craft beers and thalassotherapy of  Omishima. Bicycles can be rented on both sides of the Shimanami Kaido - in Onomichi City (Hiroshima side) at Shimanami Rental Cycles and in Imabari City (Ehime side) at the Imabari Central Cycling Terminal,  allowing visitors to enjoy the route in either direction. There are also additional rental locations along the way as well as around 140 cycle oases offering rest stops, guest houses and bicycle maintenance bases with facilities such as air pumps and bike stands. For experienced cyclists the whole route can be completed in around four hours but most people take at least two days to fully enjoy the route. There are cycle ships that operate between the islands so cyclists can return to their starting point by ferry.  Alternatively, they can take advantage of the Cycling Without Baggage service offered by participating hotels, hostels and ryokans which takes care of transporting luggage between accommodation stops along the route so guests can cycle freely and then continue on their way.  Onomichi Port is open between 7 am-7 pm (March to November) and 8 am-6 pm (December to February). Imabari Central Cycling Terminal (Sunrise Itoyama) is open between 8 am-8 pm (March to November) and 8 am-6 pm (December to February).   All these experiences are part of Setouchi Journeys, a series of 23 carefully curated tours through the Setouchi region that last between three and five days. For more information visit www.setouchi.travel/en/setouchi-journeys   The Setouchi Region is located in western Japan and surrounds Japan’s largest inland sea. To access the region from the UK there are direct flights to Tokyo from London Heathrow with British Airways and Japan Airlines, from there it is a 4.5 - 5-hour journey via Shinkansen to stations in the region including Shin-Kobe, Himeji, Okayama, Hiroshima and Shin-Yamaguchi.