Industry News

Tanah Gajah’s new offering moves beyond the plate for a deep understanding of the island’s heritage.

The special event, in partnership with the acclaimed Mexican restaurant, runs throughout May.

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

The Island Spa at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa has enhanced its holistic wellness offerings with the launch of The Healing Tent: a dedicated 18-foot (5.5 metre) sanctuary for private wellbeing journeys that offer an intimate connection with nature, ancestral knowledge and one’s own core being. Revered across cultures for their grounding energy, healing tents are transformative havens where spiritual wisdom and self-awareness align.  The ground represents the earth; the canopy walls represent the sky – and the supporting poles connect the earth to the energetic realm. The Healing Tent Experience: Transform in Nature Within the cocooning embrace of The Healing Tent, visitors to The Island Spa can choose from four transformational experiences: The Healing Tent Ritual: A holistic blend of Reiki and sound healing followed by guided breathwork and ice bath therapy for complete rejuvenation. Breathwork and Ice Bath Therapy: Breathwork followed by an invigorating ice bath immersion to boost blood flow, immune system function, muscle recovery, stress relief and sleep quality. Chakra Meditation: A balancing experience featuring pranayama (breathwork) and meditative relaxation techniques, enriched by the warmth of energy crystals. Reiki Energy Healing: Therapeutic healing combined with energy crystals and powerful singing bowl therapy to align the chakras, reduce stress, and boost health and vitality. Commenting on the launch of The Healing Tent at The Island Spa, Luisa Anderson, Regional Director of Spa says: “Far from being just an uplifting treat, research increasingly shows that incorporating meaningful holistic practices into our lives has profound and lasting effects on our overall wellbeing, from reducing anxiety, depression and burnout to improving emotional regulation and self-awareness. With the launch of The Healing Tent, we hope to encourage more visitors to Kuda Huraa to take a proactive approach to their own wellbeing; it’s a beautiful way to boost physical and mental care in one.” Located on its own private island – just a minute's sail across the sparkling lagoon – The Island Spa is a sanctuary unto itself. Pioneering marine-based OSEA therapies and rituals draw on the healing properties of the ocean and the surrounding nature via three “depths” of treatment experience: Deep, Deeper and Deepest. Each treatment journey is designed to restore guests' primal connection to the natural sources of wellness and the essence of their true self.

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.

Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Maldives announces the operationalization of Maldives’ largest operational floating solar park. Executed in partnership with Swimsol, the global leader in offshore marine photovoltaics, the 1,080 kWp solar park is the largest operating Solar Sea system in the Maldives. Speaking on this occasion, Ms. Corinna Luebbe Cluster General Manager of Taj Maldives said, “Elevating its stance on sustainable luxury, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is now operating with one of the lowest carbon footprints in the Maldives. This initiative, in line with IHCL’s ESG+ framework – Paathya, is a reflection of our commitment towards energy conservation, minimisation of ecological impact and preserving the natural beauty of the Maldives.” The SolarSea system, in conjunction with a battery, will enable it to operate completely on renewable energy throughout the day. The largest operating Solar Sea system in the Maldives saves around 475,000 litres of diesel annually and reduces the resort’s carbon footprint by 1,200 tons each year. “This is a very proud moment for Swimsol,” said Martin Putschek, Managing Director of Swimsol. “It has been our goal since the establishment of our company to enable island resorts in Maldives to switch off gensets completely throughout the day and save a significant share of their diesel consumption, and Taj Exotica is amongst the first resorts in the Maldives to do so. The cooperation with the resort team has been excellent; we thank each and every one of them for the great support and trust.” Spread across Emboodhu Finolhu island, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is an environmentally responsible resort in the archipelago and is one of the only two properties in the Maldives to receive an EarthCheck Platinum certification.

A new campaign offers carefully curated packages to spotlight both Qatar and Saudi Arabia’s touristic landscapes

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

When envisioning the Maldives, one often conjures images of pristine white sands and luxurious resorts. However, beyond the typical tourist attractions lies a realm of adventure, cultural immersion, and natural wonders waiting to be explored. The Nautilus Maldives, an ultra-luxury private island hideaway, is crafting extraordinary journeys in the captivating Baa Atoll, inviting its guests to embrace escapism through immersive cultural experiences. Inspired by The Nautilus’s brand hallmarks of the Art of Bohemia and Free Spirited Adventures, guests are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and indulge in transformative experiences. Through encounters with local personalities, guests gain an insight into island life, delving into cultural roots, traditions, nature, language, cuisine, and more. The Nautilus prides itself on tailoring bespoke experiences to suit the unique preferences of its guests—whether adventurers, culture enthusiasts, or families seeking more than a beachside retreat. Guests embark on one of The Nautilus’s luxurious yachts, exploring treasured spots of the Atoll and creating unforgettable memories that will linger in their hearts long after their journey ends. Discover the roots at the Kendhoo Nestled in the northwest of the Baa Atoll, Kendhoo carries a rich tapestry of experiences weaving together history and culture. Once a vital hub along ancient maritime routes, Kendhoo’s vibrant cultural landscape is shaped by centuries of influences from Indian, Arab, and Southeast Asian merchants, as well colonial conquests. Guests can wander its streets, indulging in local culinary treats with distinct flavours, and exploring landmarks like the 800-year old house marking the place of prayers of Abdul Barakaath Yoosuf al Barbary, a renowned Islamic scholar. Weave your memories of the Maldives into art at Kihaadhoo On the beautiful island of Kihaadhoo, guests can immerse themselves in the therapeutic art of coconut leaf weaving, a cherished tradition passed down through generations. Through hands-on experiences with the island’s residents, guests can learn to create baskets, hats, and decorative pieces, fostering a sense of cultural identity and belonging. Traditional lacquer masters at Thulhaadhoo Venturing to the southern tip of Baa Atoll, guests discover Thulhaadhoo island, renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship in traditional lacquerware. Here, artisans share their secrets of this ancient art of decorating items with vibrant colours and intricate designs inspired by the Maldives’ marine life and lush tropics, which has been passed down through generations. Guests can even try their hand at creating these unique art pieces, serving as precious souvenir of their tropical getaway. Exploration of the Deep Blue Waters of Dhonfanu At Dhonfanu, one of Baa Atoll’s premier diving spots, vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life awaits beneath azure waters. In season, there’s also a high chance for guests to encounter graceful manta rays and majestic whale sharks, igniting the senses with excitement and awe. Delve into Poetic Ambiance of Dharavandhoo Guests can make a stop at Dharavandhoo island, which boasts a rich tradition of Maldivian poetry, where locals celebrate history and folklore through the art of storytelling, expressing emotions, beliefs, and aspirations in the most poetic ways. These enchanting verses, inspired by the islands’ natural beauty, love, nature, and daily island life, transport listeners to a world where ocean rhythms intertwine poetic imagery. Photo credits: The Nautilus Maldives

Pulse Hotels & Resorts, a leading and forward-thinking Maldives-based hospitality development company, has observed growing trends with GCC travellers in 2023, opting for extended stays at their Maldives resorts – Kandima Maldives, Nova Maldives and The Nautilus Maldives. This trend aligns with the principles of ‘slow travel’, allowing guests to indulge in a longer trip while experiencing a profound connection with the destination. It is anticipated to continue growing in 2024. A global surge in solo travel has also found a particularly strong footing with GCC-based travellers, with the Pulse Hotels & Resorts team witnessing a surge in popularity in 2023. Industry experts predict this trend will continue to dominate the travel landscape, with solo travellers seeking more immersive and authentic experiences in 2024. Kandima Maldives With an aim to align its latest resort developments to global travel trends, Pulse Hotels & Resorts launched Nova Maldives in 2022 with a modern take on all-inclusive with a vibrant ‘community’ concept, tailored to Millennials and solo travellers. Meanwhile it’s ‘time stands still – anytime, anywhere’ approach to experiences and unscripted dining at ultra-luxury private island resort The Nautilus, and the massive range of activities on offer at mega-resort Kandima, lend themselves to slow travel – with more to explore, at a traveller’s pace. Althaf Mohamed Ali, COO, Pulse Hotels & Resorts, commented: “One of the best things about slow travel is that it allows a guest to have time for all sorts of experiences, that make them feel a part of a destination. As an example of how we are adapting to this trend, we make sure that when a guest arrives at Nova, the new star among resorts in the Maldives, they are introduced to Holhuashi, a local tradition, and get a taste of the local culture, traditions and food. Our aim is to offer holistic and enriching experiences across our resorts that go beyond conventional tourist experiences.” Althaf Mohamed Ali “Solo travellers may have varied goals, whether it’s seeking speed, adventure, relaxation, rejuvenation or the beauty of the marine environment. Our offerings at our properties align with each of these pursuits to suit the need of our guests. This ranges from group exercising or community dining at Nova to foster connections between solo travellers, or the opportunity for some ‘me’ time at The Nautilus, the most bespoke private island experience in the Maldives where guests can create a world of their own making – with free-spirited experiences tailored to their every whim and experience fine dining anytime, anywhere.”   The Maldives is increasingly becoming a top choice for GCC travellers seeking not only relaxation, but a deeper connection with their surroundings, with wellness offerings at The Nautilus such as underwater meditation and moonlight breathwork sessions proving most popular with travellers from this part of the world. Such experiences provide an opportunity for individuals to reconnect with themselves and nature in the pristine setting of the picturesque Maldives. “This shift towards slow and solo travel experiences represents a significant evolution in travel preferences, with GCC travellers leading the way in embracing a more thoughtful and sustainable approach to exploring the Maldives, as they remain one of the top source markets for the destination at an easy four-hour flight time,” added Althaf Mohamed Ali. To find out more about Pulse Hotels & Resorts and its properties in the Maldives, access: www.pulseresorts.com.

Qatar has crossed four million visitors, exceeding annual visitor numbers of the past five years. Announced by Qatar Tourism, the latest figures highlight the positive momentum of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM and the country’s ongoing efforts and initiatives to promote its tourism sector. Earlier this year, Qatar announced the seamless operation of the Hayya platform to unify and simplify visa processes for travellers who require a visa to enter Qatar. These efforts complement Qatar’s already open travel policies which see 95 countries granted visa on arrival. In addition, Qatar’s year-long calendar of events and captivating marketing campaigns have supported the increased tourism figures. His Excellency, Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, said: “Qatar continues to demonstrate its appeal as a global tourism destination with its expanded tourism infrastructure, safety, and authentic Arabian hospitality. Qatar’s diverse tourism offering, with its 500km of pristine coastline, world-class museums, cultural and contemporary destinations, combine to make for a unique and compelling holiday that can be tailored to suit travellers from the region and internationally. New developments in Qatar’s tourism sector are ongoing, creating even further opportunities for growth.”  Since the beginning of 2023, leading Qatar’s tourism figures are visitors from Saudi Arabia (25.3% of total international arrivals), followed by India (10.4%), Germany (4.1%), UK (3.9%) and Kuwait (3.5%). To date, 85% of visitors chose to arrive by air, followed by land (14%), and sea (1%).  In October of last year, Qatar inaugurated the first international debut of the renowned Geneva international Motor Show, which saw 1,000 journalists and 180,000 visitors over 10 days. It also launched the 2023/24 cruise season which welcomed 81 cruises and 350,000 passengers, surpassing the 2022/23 cruise season which saw 54 cruises and a total of 253,191 visitors, making it the country’s biggest cruise season yet. Looking ahead in 2024, Qatar is set to host more than 80 unique events from sports championships, cultural events, world class exhibitions, shopping festivals and international summits.  Some of the biggest 2024 events are the AFC Asian Cup, Shop Qatar, Doha Jewellery and Exhibition, (DJWE), Katara International Arabian Horse Festival, Annual Qatar Economic Forum, Formula 1 Grand Prix 2024, Autonomous e-mobility Forum and the world’s biggest technology conference, Web Summit. For the full list of 2024 events please visit www.visitqatar.com. Photo credits: Qatar Tourism