A Season Worth Planning Around

The centerpiece of Golden Week is the Mekong Heritage Buffet Gala Dinner on Sunday, 4 October: an unlimited spread of lobster, oyster, and crab paired with a traditional live instrumental performance. For a livelier evening, the Beachside Barbecue & Bonfire returns on 2 and 6 October, combining open-fire grilling on the sand with a crackling bonfire and live music.

Inside the resort’s Bill Bensley–designed Pink Pearl mansion, Chef Olivier Elzer, a French chef with 30 Michelin stars earned over 16 consecutive years across France and Hong Kong, leads a nightly tasting menu inspired by the Riviera, featuring caviar, abalone, and A5 wagyu. Offering an ultra-luxury, intimate dining experience with strictly limited seating, the venue delivers unparalleled exclusivity. On 26 September and 3 October, the experience extends into the Madame Pearl Soirée, an adults-only evening inside Pink Pearl’s ten-seater private wine cellar with rare wine discoveries and a live singer.

Elsewhere, Tempus Fugit offers a nightly hands-on Crab Feast for two throughout the full period while Department of Chemistry Bar, the resort’s theatrical “bar chemist” cocktail bar, hosts Jazz Nights on 5 and 7 October. French & Co., the resort’s signature bakery and café, serves the Flavors of Vietnam Afternoon Tea throughout the season. This savory-and-sweet afternoon tea puts Vietnamese ingredients center stage: think Phu Quoc crab, Bac Giang lychee, and Hoa Loc mango, reimagined in classic afternoon tea form and served with your choice of tea, coffee, coconut coffee, or mango smoothie.

A Mid-Autumn of Their Own for Younger Guests

On Thursday, 25 September, children take center stage with A Little Explorer’s Mid-Autumn: a full day of festival-themed crafts at Kids Club, including paper cup lantern-making, cotton bunny crafts, and mask making. Ending the meaningful day with A Magical Moonlit Night, an evening lantern parade led by Chị Hằng (Lady of the Moon) and Chú Cuội (the Man in the Moon), complete with a mini lion dance and mooncake tasting under the stars.

For more details and reservations, please discover more HERE
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Address: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, Khem Beach, An Thới, Phú Quốc, Kiên Giang

922280, Vietnam | Phone: +84 297 3779 999 | Website: jwmarriottphuquoc.com |
Email: mhrs.pqcjw.ays@marriott.com | Instagram: @jwmarriottphuquoc |
Facebook: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa

The ultra-luxury line introduces a range of innovations, including its first-ever in-suite gym, first-ever salt room, an exclusive range of AI-based Technogym design equipment, and a significantly expanded longevity-focused spa menu.

SINGAPORE, 3 September, 2026: Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, the world’s leading ultra-luxury cruise line, has unveiled its largest-ever wellness offering aboard Seven Seas PrestigeTM, the line’s first new ship class in a decade, featuring the fleet’s largest Serene Spa & Wellness® space, Regent’s first-ever salt room, first-ever in-suite gym and an expanded menu of longevity-focused treatments when the ship debuts in December 2026.

Found on deck 4 and representing Regent’s most ambitious wellness investment to date, Seven Seas Prestige will feature the largest Serene Spa & Wellness facility in the fleet’s history, complete with wall-to-wall Technogym equipment from the brand’s new Sand Stone Collection, making it one of the first ships in the world to showcase this new collection aimed at defining a new level of wellness luxury living. The offering also includes an expanded menu of advanced wellness and longevity treatments, as well as Regent’s first-ever private in-suite fitness studio within the Skyview Regent Suite. Building on the active lifestyle offerings of the ship’s recently revealed Solara Sports Deck, these enhancements create Regent’s most comprehensive fitness, spa and wellness experience at sea.

“Wellness has become a cornerstone of the Regent experience for many of our guests, and our Serene Spa & Wellness offering aboard Seven Seas Prestige has been designed to honor this evolving trend,” said Wesley D’Silva, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “Every detail, from the technology guiding a single treatment to the philosophy behind the space itself, has been considered to help our guests feel truly restored and leave feeling renewed, refreshed and better than when they arrived.”

Serene Spa & Wellness Spa Offerings

The ship’s Serene Spa & Wellness facilities aboard Seven Seas Prestige will feature a total of 10 treatment rooms, including one acupuncture room, one medi spa room, and one couple’s treatment room. A relaxing and complimentary thermal suite will be home to the line’s inaugural salt room and also offer saunas, steam rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, aroma room, snow room, experience showers and heated loungers.

Rounding off a space truly built with wellness in mind, the salon will feature three hair stations, one barber station, and two pedicure and manicure stations. Treatments and services in the Serene Spa & Wellness will come at additional cost.

The ship’s Spa space has also been elevated for Seven Seas Prestige, with the fleet’s most advanced treatment menu to date. Designed as a sanctuary for relaxation, rejuvenation and discovery, the Serene Spa & Wellness experience combines globally inspired therapies, restorative thermal experiences and personalised wellness journeys. Drawing inspiration from wellness traditions around the world, guests can enjoy signature experiences including the Around the World Massage, Brazilian Bamboo Massage, and Mediterranean Seaweed Wrap, alongside an extensive menu of massages, facials, body therapies and beauty services.

The expansion builds on Regent’s ongoing partnership with ELEMIS®, including the recently announced 2027 Seven Seas Prestige Spotlight on Wellness & Longevity with ELEMIS voyage, and now extending to the introduction of Cryotighten + Firm by ELEMIS®, an innovative cooling-and-warming body treatment, alongside ELEMIS® Red Light Face Mask Therapy.

For guests seeking more advanced wellness and longevity-focused services, Seven Seas Prestige will also debut Regent’s most extensive Medi-Spa offering to date. With significantly expanded Medi-Spa offerings, guests can now experience clinical-grade dermal analysis alongside advanced aesthetic enhancements onboard. Those on a Seven Seas Prestige voyage can also indulge in sophisticated skin-tightening and body-contouring via Thermage® FLX and truSculpt® technologies, while a refined salon programme introduces premium Keratin hair therapy and bespoke brow and lash artistry from Nouveau®.

New additions also include the Niagen® NAD+ Longevity IV, LED-enhanced acupuncture, and the exclusive Plated® Exosomes Serum, together placing Serene Spa & Wellness at the forefront of wellness innovation at sea. Also elevating the wellness journey, Seven Seas Prestige introduces the NEXATM portable skin imaging system, an advanced diagnostic tool providing clinical-grade analysis of both surface and sub-surface dermal health, complemented by bespoke, aesthetician-led consultations.

The Serene Spa & Wellness Fitness Centre

At 6,006 sq ft, the Serene Spa & Wellness Fitness Centre will be the largest gym in Regent’s history, underscoring the line’s continued investment in expansive wellness spaces. Seven Seas Prestige will also be one of the first ships in the world to feature Technogym’s new Sand Stone Collection wall-to-wall throughout the space, bringing the warmth of Mediterranean sandstone together with cutting-edge fitness technology across cardio, strength, functional training, and wellness equipment.

The gym also introduces Mywellness by Technogym to the Regent fleet, the revolutionary digital platform integrated within the Technogym Ecosystem, giving guests access to customised training programmes, progress tracking and on-demand video classes. The Serene Spa & Wellness Fitness Centre has dedicated areas for yoga, Pilates, stretching and cycling classes, as well as dedicated cardio and strength training spaces featuring treadmills, dumbbells and more.

The Skyview Regent Suite: In-Suite Spa and Gym Services

Regent guests can now access a complete gym setup without ever leaving their suite. The Skyview Regent Suite, the world’s largest all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise ship suite in history, introduces a dedicated 161 sq ft private gym, outfitted with a curated selection of Technogym’s most advanced wellness equipment, including the Technogym Bike Personal Live, designed by Antonio Citterio; the Kinesis Personal Vision, offering more than 200 exercises through its patented FullGravity Technology; the Technogym Bench, a compact functional training station; and the Technogym Visio, the gym display delivering guided, on-demand training.

The addition transforms the Skyview Regent Suite into the most exclusive address at sea, pairing its in-suite gym with an in-suite spa programme offering two complimentary Serene Spa & Wellness services per day, available in the Skyview Regent Suite or at the spa itself.

Luxury travellers can experience the new Serene Spa & Wellness offering when Seven Seas Prestige launches on her maiden voyage on 13 December, 2026.

For more information about Seven Seas Prestige or to book a voyage, please visit RSSC.com/Ships/Seven_Seas_Prestige, call +65 31 651 679 (Singapore) / +852 800-930222 (Hong Kong and rest of Asia), or contact a professional Travel Advisor.

About Seven Seas Prestige

Seven Seas Prestige will be 40 percent larger than previous Regent ships yet accommodates only 10 percent more guests, delivering truly Unrivalled Space at Sea®. At 77,000 tons with just 411 suites and 630 dedicated crew members, the ship offers one of the highest space-to-guest and crew-to-guest ratios in the cruise industry.

Beautifully appointed all-balcony suites usher in a new era of ultra-luxury accommodation with 12 distinctive categories, including four all-new suite types, among them the largest all-inclusive, ultra luxury cruise ship suite in history: the Skyview Regent Suite. Elegant public spaces are thoughtfully designed from the sophisticated, light-filled Starlight Atrium to the art-inspired Galileo’s Bar.

Offering Regent guests the chance to indulge in Epicurean PerfectionTM like never before, Seven Seas Prestige provides a curated culinary journey across 11 dining experiences with a further brand-new dining venue being revealed at a later date. These include Azure, a new mezze-style Mediterranean concept, and signature favourites like Chartreuse, Prime 7, and Pacific Rim.

Seven Seas Prestige’s inaugural season will explore iconic destinations across the Caribbean and Europe with 13 immersive voyages. Her maiden sailing departs 13 December, 2026, on a festive 14-night transatlantic journey from Barcelona to Miami. From there, guests can discover the sun-soaked charm of the Eastern and Western Caribbean, and the marvels of the Panama Canal, with embarkation ports in Miami, Florida; Los Angeles, California; and New York. The season culminates with elegant sailings along the Iberian Peninsula and the coast of France, including multiple overnight stays. With up to 97 included shore excursions per voyage and calls to boutique ports such as St. Lucia, Cartagena, and Bordeaux, the season offers the perfect blend of vibrant exploration and all-inclusive indulgence.

About Regent Seven Seas Cruises®

Regent Seven Seas Cruises® is the world’s leading ultra-luxurycruise line, inviting guests to Experience the Unrivalled® since 1992. With a maximum of only 411 suites, the line’s perfectly sized ships – Seven Seas Explorer®, Seven Seas Grandeur®, Seven Seas Mariner®, Seven Seas Navigator®, Seven Seas Splendor®, Seven Seas Voyager®, and Seven Seas PrestigeTM, which is scheduled to be delivered in 2026 – form The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet®. Offering immersive exploration in more than 550 destinations across seven continents, guests travel the world in luxurious space featuring sumptuous all-suite accommodations, nearly all with private balconies, which are among the largest at sea. Regent’s heartfelt personalised service can be found throughout lavish public areas and expansive outdoor spaces, or while savouring incomparable culinary experiences in a range of speciality restaurants and al-fresco dining venues. Guests Cruise In All-Inclusive, Unrivalled LuxuryTM as part of Regent’s All-Inclusive Cruise Fares, offering amenities such as unlimited shore excursions, exquisite cuisine, beverages including fine wines and spirits, entertainment, Starlink Wi-Fi, free valet laundry, gratuities, a one-night, pre-cruise hotel package for guests staying in Concierge-level suites and higher, and more. For more information, please visit RSSC.com, call +65 31 651 679 (Singapore) / +852 800-930222

(Hong Kong and rest of Asia), or contact a professional travel advisor. Regent Seven Seas Cruises® is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH). To learn more, visit www.nclhltd.com.

North America: Seychelles and Kenya Airways are strengthening their partnership to promote twin-centre holidays combining Kenya and Seychelles, giving travellers from North America the opportunity to experience two distinctive sides of Africa in a single journey.

The joint initiative will leverage Kenya Airways’ non-stop New York–Nairobi service and onward connections to Seychelles, creating a compelling itinerary that combines Kenya’s renowned wildlife and safari experiences with the beaches, biodiversity and unique island culture of Seychelles.

The collaboration is designed to encourage travellers already considering an African safari to extend their journey with a stay in Seychelles, positioning the islands as a natural beach and island extension to a Kenya itinerary.

Building the Safari-and-Island Proposition

The initiative was recently discussed by David Germain, Seychelles Tourism Board Dedicated Representative for the Americas, and Anthony Brinn, Kenya Airways Commercial Manager for the USA, as both organisations explored joint campaigns and opportunities to generate additional business for the airline and destination.

Twin-centre travel has long been identified as an important opportunity for Seychelles in the North American market. Over the years, Mr Germain has worked closely with tour operators across the region to develop and promote safari-and-island combinations, and the latest collaboration builds on these efforts.

The discussions also looked at changing travel patterns and recent disruptions in the Middle East, which have contributed to increased interest in alternative routes and hubs, including those connecting travellers through East Africa.

Commenting on the opportunity, David Germain, Seychelles Tourism Board Dedicated Representative for the Americas, said:

“An African safari in Kenya followed by a holiday in Seychelles brings together some of the best that Africa has to offer – from exceptional wildlife to iconic beaches and the remarkable natural beauty of the Seychelles Islands.”

“Kenya Airways’ non-stop connection between New York and Nairobi, together with its onward service to Seychelles, provides a strong platform for growing Seychelles’ share of this market.”

Strengthening Connectivity and Choice

STB Chief Executive Vesna Rakić welcomed the initiative, highlighting the importance of partnerships that create greater accessibility and broaden the destination’s market opportunities.

“We greatly value our long-standing partnership with Kenya Airways and welcome this opportunity to strengthen twin-centre travel between Kenya and Seychelles. It also supports our direction to diversify access and markets for the destination.”

Kenya Airways currently operates four weekly flights between Nairobi and Seychelles, with additional frequency planned from September 2026.

The collaboration will support joint promotional activity targeting the North American travel trade and travellers, with a focus on showcasing the ease and appeal of combining a Kenyan safari with a Seychelles island holiday.

Two Destinations, One African Journey

For North American travellers, the proposition offers an opportunity to experience two contrasting yet complementary destinations within one trip — from the wildlife and landscapes of Kenya to the turquoise waters, beaches and distinctive island experiences of Seychelles.

Through the partnership, Seychelles and Kenya Airways aim to strengthen the destination’s visibility across North America while positioning the islands as an ideal extension to an East African safari.

About Tourism Seychelles

Tourism Seychelles is the official destination marketing organisation for the Seychelles Islands. Committed to showcasing the islands’ unique natural beauty, cultural heritage and distinctive travel experiences, Tourism Seychelles plays a pivotal role in promoting Seychelles as a premier destination for travellers worldwide.

#SeychellesIslands

Mumbai, 21 August 2026: The Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) has appointed Intrepid Marketing & Communications as its Official Trade Representation Partner in India, strengthening the Kingdom’s focus on one of its key international source markets.

Under the new mandate, Intrepid Marketing & Communications will lead BTEA’s trade representation, market outreach and strategic partnerships across India, with the objective of increasing awareness of Bahrain and driving visitor arrivals from the Indian market.

The partnership will focus on key segments including leisure tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), destination weddings and bespoke group travel, while deepening engagement with India’s travel trade and wider travel ecosystem.

India continues to be an important market for Bahrain, supported by increasing outbound travel, air connectivity and growing interest among Indian travellers in experiential, premium and short-haul international destinations.

As part of its mandate, Intrepid Marketing & Communications will work closely with travel agents, tour operators, corporate travel decision-makers, wedding planners, event organisers and other key industry stakeholders across India. The partnership will focus on building stronger trade relationships, creating destination awareness and identifying new opportunities to position Bahrain among Indian travellers and businesses.

Strengthening Bahrain’s Presence in India

Commenting on the appointment, Ms. Dana Osama AlSaad, Deputy CEO for Projects and Resources, Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority, said:

“India remains one of Bahrain’s most high-potential source markets, and we are delighted to appoint Intrepid Marketing & Communications as our representative in the country. Their strong understanding of the shifting Indian travel landscape, extensive industry relationships and proven destination marketing expertise make them an ideal partner as we continue to expand our footprint. Together, we’ll reinforce Bahrain’s tourism appeal amongst Indian leisure travellers, event organisers, wedding planners and corporate groups across India.”

Speaking on the renewed partnership, Sunil Mathapati, Director, Intrepid Marketing & Communications, said:

“Having had the privilege of working with the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority for over six years, it is truly a pleasure to be back representing a destination that we know and believe in. Over the years, we have built a strong relationship with the BTEA team, founded on shared values, mutual trust and a common vision for tourism growth.”

“We look forward to deepening our engagement with the travel trade and unlocking new opportunities across leisure tourism, MICE and destination weddings. This renewed partnership gives Intrepid another opportunity to raise the bar and create new benchmarks in Indian visitor arrivals to the Kingdom of Bahrain.”

Positioning Bahrain for the Indian Traveller

With its combination of rich cultural heritage, vibrant culinary experiences, luxury hospitality and modern event infrastructure, Bahrain offers a diverse proposition for the Indian market.

The destination is increasingly well positioned for travellers looking for premium short-haul international holidays and authentic cultural experiences, while its infrastructure and hospitality offering also make it relevant for incentive travel, international conferences, corporate groups and destination weddings.

Through its partnership with Intrepid Marketing & Communications, BTEA aims to further strengthen Bahrain’s visibility within India’s travel trade and corporate ecosystem, while creating greater opportunities for Indian travellers to discover the Kingdom.

On the grounds of the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, in the dry heat of southern Sri Lanka, a young elephant calf named Kalo is slowly learning to trust again.

Found alone and separated from her herd at an age when she should still have been protected by her mother, Kalo is now being cared for with support from Sun Siyam Pasikudah through the KALO Project, funded by the Sun Siyam Cares Fund.

The contribution supports the day-to-day costs of raising an orphaned calf, including milk formula, veterinary care and daily upkeep, until Kalo is strong enough to return to the wild. Her rehabilitation is expected to take several years.

As Sri Lanka marks World Elephant Day on 12 August, Kalo’s story offers a glimpse into a broader philosophy taking shape at Sun Siyam Pasikudah: that luxury hospitality can be deeply connected to the wellbeing of the destination itself.

Luxury With a Sense of Place

Part of the Sun Siyam Privé Collection, Sun Siyam Pasikudah sits on Sri Lanka’s east coast, along a quieter and less-developed stretch of coastline.

The setting is defined by long stretches of sand and a calm, reef-sheltered lagoon, with marine life ranging from reef fish to occasional turtles. During the season, guests can also head further offshore for whale and dolphin watching.

But the resort’s connection to its surroundings goes beyond its location. Its architecture, cuisine and cultural programming draw from the traditions of Sri Lanka’s East Coast, while guest experiences are designed to encourage a closer relationship with the communities and environment around the resort.

For guests, that can mean seafood sourced from local boats, spa treatments using locally grown ingredients and excursions that take them through fishing villages rather than simply around them.

The idea is simple: responsible tourism should not feel like an additional feature of a holiday. It should be part of the experience itself.

A Commitment That Goes Beyond Conservation

That philosophy is reinforced by Sun Siyam Pasikudah’s recently renewed Travelife Gold Certification.

Travelife is an international sustainability certification programme for hotels, with Gold status requiring independent assessment across areas including environmental management, social practices, employee welfare and community support. The certification provides an external benchmark for the work already taking place at the resort.

The commitment is also visible in the resort’s approach to employment and sourcing.

Every member of the Sun Siyam Pasikudah team is Sri Lankan, helping channel employment and income directly into communities along the East Coast. The resort also prioritises local suppliers wherever possible, including fishermen who supply its kitchens and craftspeople involved in its architecture and cultural programming.

In this sense, sustainability is not confined to environmental initiatives. It becomes part of the way the resort operates and interacts with the destination.

Why Kalo’s Story Matters

For Arshed Refai, General Manager of Sun Siyam Pasikudah, Kalo’s rehabilitation represents the larger responsibility the resort feels towards the country it calls home.

“Kalo’s story reminds us why this work matters. Sri Lanka’s wildlife, culture, and communities are what make this island extraordinary, and we feel a responsibility to protect all of it, not just for our guests, but for the country itself.”

He adds that while the Travelife Gold Certification provides an important standard to work towards, it is the everyday impact of initiatives such as Kalo’s rehabilitation that gives that commitment meaning. Kalo still has a long road ahead.

According to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, her recovery is expected to continue for another two to three years before she can potentially be reintroduced to a wild herd. Sun Siyam Pasikudah says its support will continue throughout that journey.

For a resort on the other side of the island, it may seem like a small contribution. But perhaps that is precisely the point.

The future of responsible luxury is unlikely to be defined by grand statements alone. It will be shaped by the smaller, sustained choices that hotels make, the communities they employ, the suppliers they support, the environments they protect and the stories they choose to become part of.

At Sun Siyam Pasikudah, one of those stories belongs to a young elephant named Kalo.

And her slow journey back to the wild is a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful luxury is leaving a destination better cared for than you found it.

One of Japan’s most compelling year-round destinations, Sapporo draws travelers from Japan and around the world with its celebrated culinary scene, abundant natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Well connected to destinations across Hokkaido, the city also serves as a gateway to the region’s renowned ski resorts, rejuvenating hot springs, national parks and dramatic mountain landscapes.

Located on the first floor and floors 17–26 of Urban Net Sapporo Link Tower, Hyatt Centric Sapporo offers a prime location for exploring the city. The hotel is approximately a 10-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station via an underground pedestrian passage and within walking distance of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (Red Brick Building) and Odori Park.

The hotel will feature 216 spacious guestrooms, including nine suites, each offering panoramic views of Sapporo. Designed as the perfect launchpad for exploration, Hyatt Centric Sapporo will connect guests with the city’s vibrant culture through its team of  knowledgeable Local Insiders who will introduce visitors to seasonal experiences, neighborhood favorites and hidden gems unique to Sapporo.

That connection to the destination will extend throughout the hotel. Through collaborations with local artists, makers and the community, Hyatt Centric Sapporo will celebrate Sapporo’s distinctive culinary traditions, culture and art. The hotel’s social spaces are designed to inspire connection, spark conversation and encourage guests to discover something new while exploring Sapporo.

Guestrooms (Floors 19–26)

Located on floors 19 through 26, the hotel’s 216 spacious guestrooms each offer at least 36 square meters (388 square feet) of space. Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the rooms with natural light, while two View Room categories showcase views of the Red Brick Building and the mountain ranges beyond.

Designed for comfort and convenience, guestrooms feature digital key access, complimentary Wi-Fi, Smart TVs, Nespresso coffee machines, and bathrooms equipped with both bathtubs and rain showers.

The hotel’s nine suites offer an elevated stay experience, including the Centric Suite on the 19th floor, featuring a private terrace, and the Sapporo Suite on the top (26th) floor, offering panoramic views of the Historic Hokkaido Government Office Building. Combining refined interiors with thoughtfully designed living spaces, each suite offers a relaxing and memorable stay.

Restaurants, Lounge and Bar (1st and 17th Floors)

Located on the 17th-floor lobby level, guests can enjoy panoramic views of Sapporo that change beautifully throughout the day and across the seasons.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, Matsu Grill & Bar, will offer a refined yet welcoming dining experience centered on Hokkaido’s seasonal ingredients and shaped by wood-fired grilling and French culinary techniques. Adjacent to the restaurant, the bar showcases interiors inspired by traditional horse tack, straw artwork and natural wood elements, while the lounge offers a dramatic double-height space anchored by a fireplace. Inspired by Hokkaido’s rich natural landscapes and culinary heritage, the restaurant, bar and lounge combine distinctive design and panoramic views to create a destination suited for both special occasions and everyday gatherings.

On the first floor, Mr. Fish by Hyatt Centric Sapporo will serve authentic fish and chips prepared with fresh seafood and Hokkaido-grown potatoes, paired with a selection of local craft beers for a casual dining experience. The venue is also designed to serve as a welcoming neighborhood destination where local residents can stop by after work for a casual meal or drink.

Fitness Center (19th Floor)

The 24-hour Fitness Center is equipped with state-of-the-art cardio and strength-training equipment, as well as core fitness balls and yoga mats, allowing guests to maintain their fitness routines while away from home. The interior design pays tribute to Hokkaido’s renowned winter sports culture, with suspended skis integrated into the ceiling as a nod to the region’s winter sports heritage.

About Hyatt Centric

Hyatt Centric is a brand of full-service modern boutique hotels located in prime destinations. Created to connect guests to the heart of the action, Hyatt Centric hotels are thoughtfully designed to enable exploration and discovery so they never miss a moment of adventure. Each hotel offers social spaces to connect with others in the lobby, meanwhile the bar and restaurant are local hot spots where great conversations, locally inspired food and signature cocktails can be enjoyed. Streamlined contemporary rooms focus on delivering everything guests want and nothing they don’t. A passionately engaged team is there to provide local expertise on the best food, nightlife and activities the destination has to offer. For more information, please visit hyattcentric.com. Follow @HyattCentric on Facebook and Instagram, and tag photos with #HyattCentric.

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Here’s what many don’t realize: if you’re entering Denmark via the Schengen visa requirement, travel insurance with minimum €30,000 medical coverage is mandatory. Even if you’re visa-exempt, this protection matters. A single medical emergency in Denmark can cost €5,000–€15,000 or more, with ambulance services alone running €500–€1,000. Travel insurance fills that gap, covering everything from urgent care to emergency evacuation.

Understanding Travel Insurance Requirements for Denmark

Denmark is part of the Schengen Area, a 27-country zone allowing visa-free travel for many nationalities. However, Schengen entry requirements include travel insurance—and it’s not optional. The minimum threshold is €30,000 in medical coverage, designed to protect both travellers and European healthcare systems from unplanned expenses.

Who needs it? If your passport allows visa-free entry to Schengen, travel insurance is still strongly recommended (and often checked by border officials). If you require a Schengen visa, the insurance is mandatory—your visa application will be rejected without proof of coverage.

What Danish healthcare costs (and why insurance matters)

Denmark has excellent public healthcare, but tourists cannot access it for free. Here’s what you might face:

• Doctor’s visit: €100–€150 for same-day consultation
• Emergency room visit: €300–€500 without treatment
• Ambulance service: €500–€1,200
• Hospital stay (per night): €800–€2,000
• Emergency dental work: €150–€400

A routine appendectomy could exceed €8,000. A medevac flight to your home country: €10,000–€25,000. Travel insurance covers these costs, preventing a medical crisis from becoming a financial catastrophe.

Top Travel Insurance Providers for Denmark Trips

1. World Nomads

Best for: Adventure travellers and active explorers

Coverage: €500,000 medical, trip cancellation, baggage delay, emergency evacuation. Sports and adventure activities included (hiking, kayaking, rock climbing).

Cost: €2.50–€4.50 per day for EU trips (Denmark included)

Why it works: Designed for travellers doing more than sightseeing. Claims are processed online within days. Mobile app lets you file claims on-the-go.

2. Allianz Global

Best for: Comprehensive, no-frills protection

Coverage: €100,000–€1,000,000 medical options, trip cancellation, baggage loss, 24/7 emergency hotline. Pre-existing condition coverage available (with declaration).

Cost: €8–€25 per trip, depending on duration and coverage tier

3. InterGlobal

Best for: Frequent travellers and annual multi-trip needs

Coverage: €1,000,000 medical, cancellation, evacuation, winter sports (optional add-on)

Cost: €99–€199 annually for unlimited trips up to 90 days

How to Choose the Right Policy for Your Denmark Trip

Step 1: Assess your trip profile

Start by answering these questions:

• Trip length? 3 days, 2 weeks, or 3 months?
• Solo, couple, or family? Family policies offer better value than individual coverage.
• Activities planned? Quiet city exploration, or active outdoor pursuits?
• Budget for accommodation and activities? Higher spends justify higher trip cancellation coverage.

Step 2: Identify non-negotiable coverage

Every policy should include:

• Medical: €30,000 minimum (Schengen requirement), preferably €100,000+
• Emergency evacuation: At least €250,000
• Trip cancellation: Match this to your total trip cost
• 24/7 assistance: Non-negotiable for emergencies

Essential Features and Add-Ons Explained

Medical Coverage: €30,000–€100,000 for routine care; €500,000–€1,000,000 if you have high-risk activities or need evacuation.

Trip Cancellation: Covers prepaid costs (flights, hotels) if you cancel before travel. Coverage is typically 70–100% of trip cost.

Emergency Evacuation: Critical if injured and needing transport to your home country. Costs €15,000–€50,000; essential in policies.

Baggage Coverage: Reimburses lost luggage (typically €1,000–€2,500 per item, with a total limit).

Optional add-ons worth considering

Adventure Activity Coverage: Includes skiing, mountaineering, water sports. Adds €1–€3 per day but essential if your Denmark trip includes coastal kayaking or summer hiking.

Cancellation for Any Reason: Offers 50–75% refund even if you cancel for non-covered reasons. Adds €2–€5 per day but valuable for expensive trips.

Final Thoughts

Choosing travel insurance for Denmark requires balancing cost, coverage, and peace of mind. The €30,000 Schengen minimum is a floor, not a ceiling—comprehensive policies offering €100,000+ medical, full trip cancellation, and emergency evacuation provide real protection against realistic risks.

Your best option depends on trip length, planned activities, and frequency of travel. One-off visitors benefit from per-trip policies like World Nomads or Allianz. Frequent Schengen travellers save money with annual multi-trip policies like InterGlobal. The most important step: compare multiple quotes, read exclusions carefully, and purchase before departure.

Singapore (17 August, 2026) – JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa has opened Duc de Praslin Chocolaterie Boutique & Atelier, Southern Thailand’s first on-site bean-to-bar chocolate factory and boutique, dedicated to the journey of locally grown Phang Nga cacao, from pod to praline, right at the resort.

Cacao is indigenous to the inland hills of Phang Nga, one of Thailand’s most promising cacao-growing regions, and the new on-site factory and boutique were developed in partnership with Duc de Praslin, a Thai chocolatier founded and helmed by Belgian chocolate-makers. The concept debuted at last week’s JW Marriott Summer Garden Party, themed “Rooted in Chocolate”, a JW Marriott tradition celebrating the JW Garden philosophy through seasonal cuisine and mindful dining.

“This resort has always been built on a simple idea, that luxury means very little if it isn’t rooted in something real, in this land, in this community, in the people who make this place what it is,” said Abhimanyu Singh, Area General Manager, Southern Thailand and General Manager, JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa. “Rooted in Chocolate is exactly that idea, brought to life.”

The new on-site factory, boutique and atelier invites guests to explore the craftsmanship behind every bar through year-round workshops, tastings and chocolate-themed menus designed for families and chocolate lovers alike, spotlighting the Phang Nga farmers who make it possible.

Developed with Duc de Praslin, a Thai chocolatier founded and helmed by Belgian chocolate-makers, the concept pairs
generations of Belgian chocolate-making expertise with cacao grown in the inland hills of Phang Nga, one of Thailand’s
most promising cacao-growing regions. At least 85% of the cacao used at the resort’s on-site Duc de Praslin bean-to-bar
factory is sourced from Phang Nga through standing monthly orders with local farmer cooperatives at fixed prices, with 1.6
tons of locally sourced cacao purchased to date. Plans are underway to grow that volume and extend sourcing to other Thai regions.

The resort’s whole-ingredient approach extends into the kitchen, with cacao husks, nibs and pulp put to use rather than
discarded, while garden trimmings are composted.

“It’s a core shared objective to source our cacao as close as possible to our place of production, and to sell it to consumers in that same area,” said Jean-Louis Graindorge, owner of Duc de Praslin Chocolaterie. “This way, we generate business within the local community and minimise transportation, making the process as sustainable as possible. Working directly with Phang Nga’s farming cooperatives on standing monthly orders at fixed prices gives farmers a stable, predictable income they can plan around. This project was designed to help their livelihoods grow, so that as demand for our chocolate grows, so does the benefit to the community that grows the cacao.”

At the atelier, signature experiences include interactive Pod to Bar workshops, where guests trace the origins of Thai cacao
through taste, touch and aroma before crafting and personalising their own chocolate bars to take home. Looking ahead, the boutique will expand its calendar with family-friendly chocolate-making classes, tastings and seasonal chocolate-themed menus across the resort’s restaurants, alongside cacao tree plantings and harvest activities in the resort’s 27-acre JW Garden, where herbs, edible flowers and fruits are cultivated alongside newly planted cacao trees to inspire the culinary offerings across the resort. Beyond the boutique, the JW Garden anchors a wider calendar of guest experiences, from guided garden walks and herb-picking sessions to farm-to-table dining and seasonal harvest activities, reflecting the resort’s belief that memorable dining begins with a meaningful connection to nature.

The boutique’s debut was marked at the resort’s Summer Garden Party on 6 August, which brought cacao-infused welcome
cocktails, personalised Cacao Passports guiding guests through tasting stations, a Pod to Bar workshop and the official
ribbon-cutting for the new boutique, followed by a JW Garden tour where guests planted cacao trees. The evening closed
with a shared-table chocolate-inspired dinner – bread and butter, a family-style three-dish entrée, a three-dish main with a
shared side, and dessert – set with lit butter candles and menus printed on plantable seed paper inspired by Alice Marriott’s
love of flowers, paired with Thai rum and handcrafted chocolates.

“I had no idea cacao was grown in Phang Nga. I discovered it almost by accident, riding around the province on a rented
motorbike. Being Belgian, the connection with chocolate came naturally,” said Mathieu Sneyers, Director of Marketing
Communications, JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa. “And now we are opening a Chocolate Boutique & Atelier here at
the resort, in collaboration with Duc de Praslin and with Phang Nga cacao at the heart of it all.”

For more information, please visit JW Marriott Khao Lak.
For high-resolution images, please click here.

About JW Marriott

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. JW Marriott is a tribute to the founder of Marriott International, J. Willard “J.W.” Marriott, who prioritized his own wellbeing so that he could take better care of others. Inspired by his approach to life and rooted in holistic well-being, JW Marriott properties offer a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together and experience every moment to the fullest. Today there are more than 125 JW Marriott hotels in 40 countries and territories worldwide that cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers who come seeking experiences that help them be fully present, foster meaningful connections and feed the soul. Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy®

Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with more than 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About JW Garden

Inspired by our founders – J. Willard Marriott and Alice Marriott’s love for the outdoors, JW Marriott believes that a connection to the natural environment is a necessary part of nourishing one’s soul. From sourcing fresh ingredients to guiding explorations of the landscape, we strive to honor the natural environment, and to bring the outside into each hotel. JW Garden is a signature element of the JW Marriott experience focused on creating sensory connections with the natural world. This rooted approach to enlivening one’s spirit enables our guests to appreciate our practices and feel rejuvenated by all that we harvest. There are elements of the JW Garden that connect to all three of the brand pillars: Be Mindful & Present, Be Nourished, and Be Together.

About Duc de Praslin

Duc de Praslin is Thailand’s original Belgian chocolaterie, founded in Bangkok in 1993 by Paul Graindorge and his son, Jean-Louis Graindorge. Both apprenticed under the founder of the original Duc de Praslin Belgium and earned the honor of carrying its name and legacy forward worldwide. They brought that legacy to Thailand with a vision to share the artistry and craftsmanship of Belgian chocolate.

Today, Duc de Praslin offers a refined selection of pralines, truffles, single-origin chocolates, macarons, pastries, and beverages, welcoming guests at its flagship boutique in the RSU Building, Sukhumvit Soi 31, and its newly opened boutique at JW Marriott Khao Lak.

Duc de Praslin products are handcrafted in Thailand, combining traditional Belgian techniques with the finest Thai-grown ingredients, including coffee, macadamia, and tropical fruit, in addition to Thai cacao. Guided by its commitment to sustainability, Duc de Praslin partners directly with local farming communities, ensuring exceptional quality while directly supporting the farmers behind every harvest.

For more information, visit ducdepraslin.co.th.

One Elephant, One Island, One Commitment

On the grounds of the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, in the dry heat of Sri Lanka’s south, a young elephant calf named Kalo is slowly learning to trust again. She was found alone, without her herd, at an age when a calf should still be walking beneath her mother’s shadow, shielded from the wild.

Her recovery is being supported by Sun Siyam Pasikudah, a resort on the opposite side of the island, through the KALO Project, funded by the Sun Siyam Cares Fund. The contribution covers the day to day costs of raising an orphaned calf, milk formula, veterinary care, and the daily upkeep required until she is strong enough to be reintroduced to a wild herd, a process that typically takes several years.

This World Elephant Day, marked globally on the twelfth of August, Kalo’s story is being told not as an isolated gesture. It reflects a philosophy that runs through the wider Sun Siyam group, and through the Sun Siyam Privé Collection in particular, the tier of properties, including Pasikudah, built around the idea of curated luxury with purpose.

Across the Sun Siyam Privé Collection, luxury is defined not only by exceptional experiences, but by a deep connection to place. At Sun Siyam Pasikudah, that commitment extends from protecting Sri Lanka’s wildlife to supporting local communities and preserving the island’s cultural heritage. It is a philosophy that treats a resort’s responsibility to a destination as inseparable from the experience it offers guests, one where funding an elephant’s rehabilitation and shaping a menu around a local fisherman’s catch come from the same instinct.

That instinct is easiest to see on the ground at Pasikudah itself. Set on Sri Lanka’s east coast, the resort sits along one of the island’s most untouched stretches of coastline, a quieter, less developed alternative to the more heavily trafficked beaches of the south. The waters here are known for a calm, reef sheltered lagoon, a rarity on Sri Lanka’s coastline, and for marine life that draws divers and snorkellers throughout the season, from reef fish to the occasional passing turtle, alongside whale and dolphin watching excursions further offshore during season.

Guests arrive less for spectacle and more for space, long stretches of empty sand, slower mornings, and a coastline that still feels genuinely undiscovered compared to its southern counterparts. That sense of place carries into the resort’s cultural programming too, architecture, cuisine, and performances shaped by the East Coast’s own traditions rather than a generic tropical template.

For guests, it amounts to a specific kind of holiday, one where responsible luxury is not a marketing line but something felt in the food, the setting, and the stories the resort chooses to tell, including Kalo’s. It shows up in smaller ways too, seafood sourced that morning from local boats, spa treatments built around ingredients grown nearby, and excursions that route guests through fishing villages rather than around them. None of it is presented as an add on to the stay, it is treated as the substance of it.

That same philosophy is what the resort’s recently renewed Travelife Gold Certification exists to validate. Travelife is one of the world’s leading sustainability certification programmes for hotels, and Gold status requires an independent audit across environmental and social practices, from energy and water use to employee welfare and community support. The certification does not create the commitment, it confirms one that was already there.

That commitment is visible in the resort’s everyday choices. Every member of the Sun Siyam Pasikudah team is Sri Lankan, channelling employment and income directly into surrounding east coast communities. The resort prioritises local suppliers wherever possible, from the fishermen who supply its kitchens to the craftspeople behind its architecture and cultural programming.

Arshed Refai, General Manager of Sun Siyam Pasikudah, said the resort views its work, from Kalo’s care to its renewed certification, as part of the same commitment to the island itself.

“Kalo’s story reminds us why this work matters. Sri Lanka’s wildlife, culture, and communities are what make this island extraordinary, and we feel a responsibility to protect all of it, not just for our guests, but for the country itself. Our Gold Certification tells us we are holding ourselves to the right standard, but it’s stories like Kalo’s, and the everyday choices we make here at Pasikudah, that tell us why that standard matters in the first place.”

Kalo is not yet ready to return to the wild. Officers at Udawalawe expect her recovery to continue for another two to three years before she can be reintroduced to a herd. Sun Siyam Pasikudah says its support will continue for as long as that takes, one small part of what it means to offer guests a stay defined by more than the view from their room. For a resort built on the idea that luxury and responsibility are not in tension, a young elephant’s slow recovery on the other side of the island is not a distraction from that story. It is the story, told in its smallest and most patient form.

At Cover Page Media, we love to explore the stories behind pop/music sensations and how they affect the travel industry in various ways. Let’s dove into this story!

Here is another useful and easier way to understand the true scale of the “BTS effect” on global travel. Coachella, which is one of the world’s most recognised annual music festivals. When the tour was announced on January 13th, 2026, it generated roughly half as many web searches as the BTS ticket announcement in the same period. Isn’t that mind-boggling?

The BTS Arirang World Tour is the group’s most ambitious undertaking to date. As mentioned above it features 82 performances across 34 cities. These cities are spanning across Asia, North and South America, Europe, Australia, and extending into the Middle East later in 2027. The tour takes its unique name from Arirang, the group’s fifth studio album released March 20th, 2026. This is their first album as a complete group since Proof in 2022. All seven members: RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook are to perform at every show.

The New Shape of Concert Tourism- BTS Are Shaking The Industry

Concert tourism is fast becoming a new trend in the travel industry, we seen this first happen at scale with Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. And BTS is following suite but with bigger numbers. There was a concentrated surge in searches for three and four-star hotels close to BTS concert venues across all the host cities. Now this detail is commercially important as BTS fans are not ticking off this list of booking the cheapest available option or booking luxury properties. No, their focus is proximity. All the mid-market hotels within walking distance of the venue. What this does is it creates a highly localised demand spike that benefits a specific tier of accommodation very specifically. Not the fancy, bougie hotels, the local ones. According to CNBC

As a result of this surge, some hotels are already adjusting to cater this section of concert tourists. In Spain, Palace Hotel Madrid has prepared concierge teams. These teams are to support transportation planning and dining options before and after concerts.

This is not all, the fan travel pattern is also a bit more layered than a standard event trip. Fans are planning longer, multi-day trips, in order to take full advantage of flying to a specific place. This new trend is leading to surges in hotel, flight, and experience bookings. And guess what? The local economies are seeing immediate tourism benefits. Industry consultant Prudence Lai of Euromonitor International comments, “concertgoers who extend their stays are behaving similarly to business travelers adding a leisure component, purposeful, organised, and spending consistently across accommodation, dining, and local experiences.” According to Skift

South Korea: The Permanent Beneficiary Of The BTS Phenomenon

This comes as no surprise that no destination in the world benefits from BTS more durably and consistently than South Korea itself. BTS has been placed on the very top amongst Korean personalities who have helped boost the country’s international image, according to South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism’s 2025 National Image Survey.

And as a result of the spill-over effect we spoke about above, fans arriving from Japan, Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe are actively extending their stays to visit other popular destinations like Seoul, Busan, and the cultural landmarks associated with the group. This is a pattern the Korea Tourism Organisation has been strategically amplifying through BTS-linked destination marketing.

The Arirang Tour and this story is not simply about the biggest concert tourism piece of 2026. It is also a live demonstration of how a just one cultural event, at sufficient scale and with more than sufficient audience loyalty, can reshape everything from aviation routes, hotel markets, and destination economics across literally five continents all at once.

Editorial Disclaimer: All travel demand data, booking statistics, and economic figures cited in this article are sourced from Hotels.com, Booking.com, Agoda, Skift, CNBC, Nation Thailand, Bread Financial, and Tourism Economics. Cover Page Media has not independently verified all figures. Tour dates and cities are subject to change — readers should confirm current schedules at bighitmusic.com.