The Hari Art Prize Hong Kong Edition Reveals Remarkable Finalists

Banyan Tree Spa Krabi, recently lauded by the MICHELIN Guide as one of the seven “most luxurious” spas in Thailand, is floating a new idea to guests — complimentary weightless therapy classes. Photo credits: Banyan Tree Spa Krabi Weightless therapy is a holistic technique that involves floating in water, whereby the buoyancy helps alleviate pain and stress. Also known as flotation therapy, this sensory deprivation treatment is renowned for inducing a state of deep relaxation. At Banyan Tree Spa Krabi, Wellbeing Practitioner Dr. Subhash Shanbhag and his team guide and glide their clients gently upon the water in one-on-one sessions lasting one hour. Guests are offered the choice of a “Wave Stretch” session, which combines a rhythmic flow of water combined with gentle tension-point massage, or a “One Weightless” treatment, a fully immersive experience in a zero-gravity environment. Both private and complimentary group classes are available. “Weightless therapy is an alternative way to heal your body and mind,” said Banyan Tree Spa Krabi Manager Ms Montira Vichiankoo. “The meditative state obtained by floating in the water helps us relax as well as exercising muscles, joints and bones.” Photo credits: Banyan Tree Spa Krabi The weightless therapy experience is just one of several innovations at the award-winning spa, a “Sanctuary for the Senses” that offers massage and wellbeing treatments, including traditional Thai and oil massages such as the Restorative Detox massage, a deep tissue technique designed to stimulate the body’s circulatory system. Banyan Tree Spa Krabi’s signature experience is the Rainforest, the region’s leading luxury hydrotherapy facility, described by the MICHELIN Guide as a place “where tropical serenity meets holistic wellness”. “Dive into a luxurious hydrothermal circuit featuring a Rain Walk, Steam Room, Sauna, Ice Fountain, Vitality Pool, Outdoor Cold and Hot Plunge Pools, Jet Pool, and Heated Bed,” the MICHELIN Guide said. As a signature massage treatment, Banyan Tree Spa Krabi presents “Sense of Place - Krabi Tranquility”, a 150-minute treatment including skin polishing with jasmine and sky flower leaf, followed by a Naka Fusion stone massage and a Naka head massage. The soothing treatment is rounded off with an aromatic coconut milk bath. Alternatively, the Sleep Essentials massage is a unique ritual that brings the mind and body to a deep state of rest. One of the most popular innovations is the spa’s Tropical Rainmist treatment, where guests unwind face down under the gentle drizzle of a rain shower before an invigorating body scrub is applied to purify the skin. The experience culminates with the therapist kneading away all tension with a Thai massage. Spa therapists at the resort undergo an intensive course at the Banyan Spa & Wellbeing Academy, which is hosted in Phuket, and involves extensive training in anatomy, massage techniques and spa treatments, with advancing students also able to receive accredited certifications in Thai massage and aromatherapy. “Have you tried a zero-gravity environment, so you can truly disconnect from the outside world and fully immerse yourself with a sense of deep relaxation and relief from anxiety and stress?” asked Dr. Subhash, an Ayurvedic doctor who has lived in Thailand for 13 years. “This is a unique opportunity to leave all the worries and stress of daily life behind, and embark on a journey towards restorative health and maximum relaxation.” The Resort Located on a tranquil beachfront, and tiered into a lush hillside facing westward towards the Andaman Sea and the sunset, Banyan Tree Krabi has 72 pool suites and villas, among them seven two-bedroom options, one three-bedroom villa, and a majestic seven-bedroom beachfront Presidential Villa. Facilities include two restaurants and a beach bar, a beach club, a kids’ club, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and the aforementioned rainforest-themed spa. In a recent announcement by the MICHELIN Guide, Banyan Tree Krabi was among a handful of top luxury resorts in Thailand awarded Two Keys - marking it as an “exceptional stay”. Banyan Tree Krabi was also recognised in this year’s prestigious Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, voted No 4 resort in Thailand. For more information or reservations, contact +66 075 811 888 or email krabi@banyantree.com.

Throughout April, Chiva-Som, the acclaimed wellness brand that has led the field in holistic wellness since opening in Thailand in 1995, is marking its 30th anniversary with a curated array of wellbeing immersions and celebrations. Blending the practices found at its flagship in Hua Hin Thailand and its latest destination, Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som in Qatar, activities will immerse guests in the warm hospitality and leading wellness offerings Chiva-Som has been renowned for over the past three decades. Photo credits: Chiva-Som As part of the year-long anniversary celebrations, April's complimentary programme for guests will see a special dinner combining the approaches of Chiva-Som Hua Hin and Zulal Wellness Resort, multi-sensory classes with artist Notep, and an array of visiting consultants and cultural connections. 30th Anniversary Dinner – Saturday 19 April A highlight of the celebrations, Chiva-Som Hua Hin will host a special 30th Anniversary Dinner on Saturday 19 April at its tranquil beachside restaurant, Taste of Siam. Chiva-Som Hua Hin's Executive Chef Sinchai and Executive Chef Mayssam Abdulkhalek of Zulal Wellness Resort will team up to present a delectable array of dishes. The menu will combine the cuisine of both resorts, from the Thai and international gastronomy of the Hua Hin flagship to Middle Eastern cuisine rooted in Zulal Wellness Resort's Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) ethos. Immersing guests in local culture as well as its sustainability and community outreach initiatives, activities on 19 April will encompass tree planting at the resort, the Chiva-Som exhibition, and classic Khon masked theatre performances during dinner. Students who have been supported by Chiva-Som in their learning journey will share the culture and art of classical Thai and Khon performance, while a special draw will offer guests the opportunity to win exclusive Chiva-Som Hua Hin and Zulal Wellness Resort prizes. Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som at Chiva-Som Hua Hin Celebrations will see the family wellness and Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) principles of Zulal Wellness Resort, Chiva-Som's second destination and the first resort in the world to offer dedicated family wellness retreats and programmes, brought to Hua Hin. Guests embarking on a retreat during the month of April can further deepen their family wellness through a complimentary online consultation with Zulal Wellness Resort's Health & Wellness Advisor. Offering tailored, in-depth insights into healthy habits and approaches for the entire family, consultations aim to encourage all ages to embrace a culture of wellbeing and heathy living. On 16 and 17 April, Zulal Wellness Resort's Executive Chef Mayssam will present a sumptuous TAIM inspired wellness cuisine menu, featuring wild mushroom soup; TAIM chickpeas garden; and pumpkin texture at Chiva-Som Hua Hin's revered formal fine dining restaurant, The Emerald Room. Ammar Samad, General Manager of Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, comments, “I'm delighted Zulal Wellness Resort is joining Chiva-Som's celebrations of its exceptional three decades of leading wellness journeys. As Chiva-Som's first destination outside of Thailand, we're thrilled to be bringing our resort's TAIM philosophy and dedicated family wellness expertise to esteemed guests at the Hua Hin flagship.” “Embracing individual wellness alongside that of the community and planet has always been at the heart of Chiva-Som and at Zulal Wellness Resort, and we're honoured to be a part of its inspired journey to showcase how living well can transform lives.” Photo credits: Chiva-Som Breath, Sound and The Sea with esteemed artist Notep – 22 to 25 April Chiva-Som Hua Hin welcomes Notep—a multifaceted artist, musician and environmentalist—for an immersive journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation. This transformative activity weaves together the sanctuary of the resort with the power of breath, sound, and a deep connection to the sea, inviting guests to embrace the wisdom of the ocean and flow with its rhythms. Rooted in Chiva-Som's and Notep's shared philosophy of blending traditional and modern practices, this exclusive multi-sensory experience integrates sound healing, meditation, breathwork, and creative workshops — guiding guests toward a deeper connection with themselves, nature, and the world around them. Throughout April On 13 April, Chiva-Som Hua Hin will bring the charm of Songkran, Thailand's traditional New Year celebration, to guests with a colourful parade and special BBQ dinner menu at its Taste of Siam restaurant overlooking the beach. Throughout April, esteemed visiting consultants Jill Banwell and Masa Sugiyama will host a selection of complimentary wellness sessions, further elevating guests' wellbeing journeys. Renowned holistic wellness expert and founder of the pioneering Masa Methode®, Masa Sugiyama will lead weekly classes on Anti-Ageing Face & Neck Sculpting Exercises and Facial Shaping with Posture Correction. Acclaimed healing specialist Jill Banwell will lead a twice-weekly Chakra Balancing Meditation and weekly class guiding guests on The Power of Positive Affirmations. Supporting mind-muscle connection whilst improving movement quality by addressing muscular imbalances, Chiva-Som's physiotherapy experts will lead complimentary Neuromuscular Exercise Classes, each Sunday throughout April, supporting guests to improve flexibility, muscle strength and joint stabilisation. Helping guests deepen relaxation, reduce stress and connect with their inner selves, on 14 April the resort's expert holistic therapist will offer a complimentary Tibetan Bowls Sound Bath. Elevating guests' understanding of hormonal and gender lifecycles, alongside how wellness habits can support an individual's wellbeing and hormonal balance, Chiva-Som's Dr Joe M.D will lead complimentary Men's and Women's Health talks on 17 April. A class on adopting 'micro-habits' with the resort's Naturopath Doctor, Patience Sangwa, on 26 April is aimed at busy Gen Zillennials and will guide guests on creating small yet practical, sustainable and impactful changes to their daily lives to yield significant wellbeing benefits. On the celebrations, Vaipanya Kongkwanyuen, General Manager, Chiva-Som Hua Hin comments, “April will be a true highlight of the year of anniversary celebrations at Chiva-Som Hua Hin. Throughout our three decades, Chiva-Som has stayed true to our core philosophy of holistic wellbeing, while being consistently committed to innovation and evolution to truly support individuals, community and planet. We're delighted to welcome guests, both returning and new, to join us for this special celebration.” Over the past three decades, Chiva-Som Hua Hin has continually evolved its specialised retreats, programmes and treatments to support guests in reaching optimal health, while tackling life-disrupting health issues. As the resort celebrates its 30-year anniversary, it continues to look to the future, launching new programmes and retreats, ensuring that the best in wellness is still yet to come. For further information on Chiva-Som, please visit www.chivasom.com. Email: reservations@chivasom.com Phone: +66 32 536 536 | WhatsApp +66 82 796 7689 Facebook and Instagram: @chivasominternational

Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group that owns and operates over 560 hotels in 58 countries in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe and the Americas, announces it is bringing its NH Collection brand to Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. Slated to launch in early 2028, the announcement about the 156-key NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel & Apartments was made during a ceremony at THINC Middle East. Photo credits: Minor Hotels The new hotel will be located on Al Marjan Island in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, one of the premier and rapidly growing travel destinations in the UAE. Just one hour from Dubai International Airport and a 30-minute drive from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, the property will feature 120 beach-facing guest rooms and suites, in addition to 36 branded serviced apartments. Facilities will include four restaurants and bars, a gym and an outdoor swimming pool, a kids club and games room, a retail shop and a co-working space. The property is owned by RRS International Development FZ-LLC, a premier real estate developer with over two decades of experience in the UAE's high-end real estate market. RRS has a dedicated focus on Ras Al Khaimah's fast-growing real estate sector and with Minor Hotels plans to develop this new NH Collection property on Al Marjan Island, one of the hottest destinations in the region, with major upcoming developments including the UAE's first integrated resort. As one of the pioneering forces behind the branded residences concept, this latest announcement by Minor Hotels demonstrates the company's continued commitment to growing through mixed use properties with a residential component. It also showcases Minor Hotels continued commitment to growth in the region, including in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, where it already operates the Anantara in Mina Al Arab and the upcoming Anantara Residences. Photo credits: Minor Hotels Dillip Rajakarier, CEO Minor Hotels and Group CEO of parent company Minor International, commented, “We are excited to announce the continued expansion of our NH Collection brand, both within the Middle East region and also as part of the brand's overall growth beyond its traditional areas of operation in Europe and the Americas. RRS International Development have a deep understanding of the nuances of real estate within the region and we look forward to working with them as valued partners during the development of this exciting new property.” “We are incredibly proud to announce our first boutique hotel on Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah. This landmark development branded by NH Collection will seamlessly blend style, functionality, and exceptional value, setting new standards. We are thrilled to be part of the Minor Hotels family and to align with the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and look forward to contributing to the growth and prestige of this incredible destination,” commented Mr. Sanjay Narayandas Dhawan, RRS International Development FZ-LLC. “With Al Marjan Island set to become a premier destination for five-star resort hotels, our mission goes beyond. We are committed to creating exclusive, world-class developments in the UAE offering excellence at an attainable value,” commented Mr. Rakesh Mirchandani, RRS International Development FZ-LLC. Commenting on Minor Hotels' upcoming debut on Al Marjan Island, Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, Chief Executive Officer, Marjan, said; “Our vision to transform Al Marjan Island into a vibrant branded tourism destination gets a further boost with the upcoming launch of the exclusive NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel & Apartments. Their focus on elevating hospitality standards of service and comfort matches our commitment to curating premier lifestyle offerings that add to the overall appeal of Ras Al Khaimah. We are confident RRS International Development FZ-LLC's expertise in the regional high-end real estate market will serve to enhance it further.” Minor Hotels currently operates 17 properties in the UAE across four of its brands, including Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort which launched in the emirate at the start of 2024. The NH Collection brand made its debut in the country with the opening of NH Collection Dubai The Palm in February 2023, which also represented the brand's first property outside of Europe and the Americas. NH Collection has since launched in Asia and the Indian Ocean, with further properties under development including in Africa.