Resorts World One has arrived in Dubai and commenced her first sailing from November 1 – the 1800-passenger cruise ship will depart from the Port Rashid Cruise Terminal 2 in Dubai three times a week to the Gulf destinations.
This milestone event was celebrated with a special port-stay event that featured a series of presentations for invitees, including live onboard performances, a diverse selection of cuisines, and a guided tour of the ship’s accommodation, facilities, and offerings.
Resorts World One showcased a series of exciting and colourful performances for the port-stay celebration event
Both the three-night Oman Cruise and the two-night Qatar Cruise offer special added-value promotions like complimentary F&B Onboard Credits for sailings in November. Resorts World One will also provide new vacation options from Dubai for the weekend with the two-night Sir Bani Yas Weekend Cruise departing Fridays, the two-night Doha (Qatar) Cruise departing Wednesdays, and the three-night Muscat-Khasab (Oman) Cruise departing Sundays. Guests may combine the itineraries for longer cruises.
The ship serves certified halal cuisines, including vegetarian/Jain cuisine, as well as Muslim-friendly onboard offerings.
Location
Occupying a former colonial building that served as the premises for the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company, QT Singapore retains its neoclassical exterior – a contrasting sight amid the sleek office towers in the heart of Singapore’s CBD.
Location-wise, it is hard to beat, being next door to the famous Lau Pa Sat hawker centre and in between three MRT stations.
The QT brand is known for its quirky and playful design style, and upon arriving, I saw that the interior of the hotel lobby was fun and modern, yet displayed some of the building’s heritage – from the black framing to the intricate scenes of Singapore on sliding panels and on wall photos. My favourite was the 3D-like graphics of the floor tiles, which called to mind Dutch artist Maurits Cornelis Escher’s surrealist style of art.
Accommodation
QT offers 134 rooms and suites that range from 44m² to 90m². We stayed in a deluxe king room. Upon entering, the first feature that demanded attention was the bar, set into the wall, with a beautiful illustration of leaves. It certainly called to the cocktail aficionados with a selection of spirits and even a cocktail shaker for guests to make their own drinks.
Besides the bar, the room itself was spacious, and tastefully decorated with the Escher-style carpet, and touches of bold red and black.
Everything was designed with comfort and convenience in mind. The bathroom was luxurious with a separate bath and rain shower area, while the Kevin Murphy toiletries and Dyson hair dryer made getting clean that much more enjoyable.
A tablet by the bedside lets guests connect their own streaming service to the TV, while music can be streamed via the Bose bluetooth speaker on the table – both of which I made full use of for a restful evening indoors after a tiring week.
QT Singapore
1 of 4
Deluxe King
Rooftop pool
Steak at Cygnet by Sean Connolly
Devilled eggs at Cygnet by Sean Connolly
Facilities The rooftop pool and bar is a welcome sight on a sweltering day. The bold blocks on the floor of the pool, together with the lively house music in the background as guests chatted away, all added to the lively atmosphere.
F&B
I liked that the rooftop bar provides some simple food too, which included a small selection of tacos, oysters and simple bar bites. What stood out were the mezcal and agave choices amid the extensive alcohol selection.
For an afternoon tipple, indulge at the first floor Cygnet bar. Designed in an art deco style, the bar also features rattan-backed chairs and palm leaf motifs that are a nod to its Asian location. Staff were friendly enough to make cocktail recommendations from the Manhattan-inspired menu.
I was looking forward to dinner at Cygnet by Sean Connolly, the hotel’s New York-style steakhouse helmed by the Australian chef that it is named after. Also decorated in the same art deco style with dark tones, the venue was refined, sophisticated and great for enjoying a dinner with friends, family or a partner.
The menu, I felt, had just the right number of items, and featured a variety of appetisers, entrées, mains that included pasta, seafood and meat, and dessert. There is also an extensive wine list.
Naturally, we had to go for the steaks. My eye fillet was cooked to perfection, as were my partner’s steak frites. Special mention goes to the fries which were thinly sliced, crisp and most likely cooked in some oil or fat that made them extra flavourful.
We did not start with the steaks of course. The devilled egg we had, served in a small cup with a webbed foot, was slightly grisly but it was a tongue-in-cheek nod to the restaurant name, as cygnet means baby swan.
We saw that the neighbouring table had ordered what looked like a feast – the waiter had come up with a loaded trolley of food, explained to them the ingredients on display, and went on to prepare the dish in front of them – a nice bit of personal touch.
Service
All the staff were friendly and greeted us with a smile. You could tell that thought went behind their uniforms too, with plush velvet blazers for those in the restaurant and lobby, while the rooftop bar staff had on colourful Hawaiian style shirts to match the vibe of the respective venues.
Verdict
While it may be in the CBD, QT is far from your standard business hotel. It’s playful, quirky, modern and provides a comfortable and convenient stay, with a generous dose of style and personality.
From November 16 to December 31, DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru invites families to have a fun getaway filled with curated activities and experiences that promise to delight both the young and young-at-heart.
Upon arrival, families can breeze through check-in with ease, as kids receive special welcome packs designed to keep them entertained from the moment they arrive. Parents can enrol their kids for the Sweet Sprinkles Baking Academy, where they can create their own cookies or decorate cupcakes in weekday classes at 14.00.
Families can enjoy a fun getaway filled with activities and experiences at DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru
For young culinary enthusiasts, they can sign up for the Little Chefs’ Pizza Workshop at Tosca, which offers a fun, hands-on pizza-making experience every day during lunch hours.
Kids can also participate in daily Poolside Fun in the Sun mini-games.
The hotel offers confirmed connecting rooms upon booking through the Hilton Honors app.
Dining at the hotel is also a treat for all ages, with a dedicated Kids Corner at Makan Kitchen offering child-friendly delights during breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet hours.
For families eager to explore beyond the hotel, there is a complimentary shuttle bus service to popular shopping destinations like Mid Valley Southkey and Johor Premium Outlet.
Kandima Maldives has launched Fast Track, the Maldives’ first-ever professional-grade electric go-kart track which is set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean.
Officially opening on November 15, Kandima’s Fast Track is the first and the longest asphalt track in the Maldives, offering speeds soaring up to 80km/h, 12 hair-raising turns, and an eco-conscious electric kart system on its 500m track.
Fast Track is the Maldives’ first eco-conscious electric kart system with a 500m track
Kandima’s specially designed karts are eco-friendly with zero-emission, and feature adjustable seating, safety barriers, full seat belts, and are equipped with adjustable speed settings, making them suitable for juniors, families, and thrill-seekers. There are also three marshal posts strategically positioned around the track to ensure the safety of all racers.
For those craving a more immersive experience, Kandima is set to offer a Mini Grand Prix and Grand Prix packages that include qualifying rounds, gridding, and a full race experience. A full safety briefing is provided before every session, and a friendly team offers all racers expert guidance on kart handling, track navigation, and driving techniques to ensure an exhilarating and safe ride from start to finish.
The go-karting fun starts at just 2,740 rupiah (US$0.17) for a 10-minute session, with exclusive packages available for couples, families, and groups.
The Lux Collective has appointed Paul Mulcahy as its chief commercial officer, based in Mauritius.
He has over two decades of extensive leadership experience in commercial strategy and business transformation, with an acute business acumen and keen ability to develop and lead innovative commercial and operational strategies that deliver results.
Mulcahy joins The Lux Collective from RCI – part of Travel + Leisure Co. – where he served as managing director North America.
The Maldives’ government has made a significant advancement in marine conservation with Regulation No. 2024/R-96, designed to enhance interactions with whale sharks – this regulation is the seventh amendment to the Protected Species Regulation (2021/R-25), updating the Code of Conduct for the Protection and Conservation of Whale Sharks, which was first established in 2009.
This new policy is set to enhance the experience for tourists interacting with whale sharks in the Maldives while also safeguarding the vital ecosystem that supports whale sharks in their natural habitat. With this regulation, the Maldives continues to lead by example in marine conservation efforts, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the beauty of these gentle giants.
The new policy enhances tourist interactions with whale sharks while protecting their vital ecosystem
Key provisions include maintaining a minimum distance of three metres from the body and four metres from the tail of whale sharks. Touching or swimming alongside them while holding on is strictly prohibited.
Additionally, interactions must be approached calmly and quietly, with movement limited to the sides of the whale sharks to avoid chasing or obstructing their natural path.
The regulation also prohibits feeding whale sharks and restricts the use of flash photography, selfie sticks, and bright lights during interactions. Aerial photography guidelines dictate that drones must be operated at least 30m above sea level and within the operator’s line of sight. It also designates a 250m contact zone around whale sharks, allowing only three vessels at a time, enforcing a speed limit of five knots per hour, and reducing to two knots within 50m of the whale shark.
Emergency protocols are established for vessels, ensuring that whale sharks are not obstructed or disturbed during their natural behaviours.
In the event of encountering an injured or entangled whale shark, the regulation provides clear directives to follow, including notifying the Environment Protection Agency and ensuring the whale shark’s safe release.
The Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) and Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) have joined forces to help provinces that were hit hardest by the tropical storm Trami (named Kristine in the Philippines).
Both will continue to raise funds and accept contributions of essential items like non-perishable food, rice, medicines, blankets, diapers and drinking water for families in the Bicol Region and Batangas province.
PTAA and PHILTOA will collect contributions to help provinces that were hit hardest by the tropical storm
The two areas were hit hardest by Trami, which has claimed over 130 lives and over 30 still missing and destroying agricultural crops, houses and infrastructure worth billions of pesos.
On November 3, PTAA and PHILTOA members will be in Agoncillo, Talisay and Laurel in the province of Batangas for the distribution of the relief goods. They have already visited several areas in the Bicol Region where, in Naga City alone, 500 individuals were given assistance.
The first 25hours Hotel will debut in Asia with the 25hours Hotel The Oddbird Jakarta, scheduled to open November 22.
The 25hours Hotel brand originates from Hamburg, Germany, and the Jakarta premium property will stay true to the brand’s DNA, boasting an eccentric design filled with unique stories while embracing the Come As You Are philosophy.
25hours Hotel The Oddbird Jakarta opens later this month
Located within District 8 at the Sudirman CBD, the 25hours Hotel The Oddbird Jakarta rises 38 stories above Ashta Mall, one of the city’s premium business and lifestyle destinations.
Drawing inspiration from the neighbourhood’s original concept as a garden city within a city, the hotel offers 210 rooms and 135 serviced apartments.
The hotel rooms are divided into two themes – Garden and Retro Urban rooms – each furnished with original vintage mid-century pieces and curated local and international art. It also offers co-working spaces with a bar, along with themed meeting rooms. All public areas will be furnished with an eclectic mix of original mid-century modern furniture.
Speaking at the press conference, Jesper Soerensen, general manager of the hotel, remarked: “We want to be a second home for cultural chameleons who blend business and leisure, providing freedom and a place where the odd is beautiful. We also plan to bring joy through collaborations, installations, pop-ups, and partnerships.”
Other facilities include a spa and outdoor infinity pool, the 25hours Things Shop with direct access to Ashta mall, as well as two F&B outlets with another two concepts to open on the hotel’s rooftop. More details will be announced in 1Q2025.
When asked the 25hours Hotel brand was chosen, Alexander Kusuma, CEO of Agung Sedayu Retail Indonesia (ASRI), District 8 and hotel owner, said that in each location, ASRI provides a unique hospitality and retail concept tailored to the surrounding community.
He explained that in the area facing the business district and Senayan, they offer The Langham, Jakarta; while 25hours Hotel The Oddbird Jakarta on the other side, which is mainly residential and entertainment, matches the vibrant and relaxing atmosphere.
In addition to being a quirky and unique property, ASRI aims to create a market rather than target specific groups.
To this, Soerensen added: “Our target market is everyone. We start with a broad ‘hello, here we are’, welcoming anyone attracted to our services and offerings. From that, we focus on building repeat customers.”
PATA has renewed its partnership with OAG for another three years, reaffirming the company as the PATA’s preferred partner and exclusive aviation data provider.
As part of the renewed agreement, OAG’s Schedules Analyser – a platform with comprehensive OAG’s airline schedules database and analytic tools – is available through PATAmPOWER, granting PATA members access to vital flight frequency and seating data for personal and internal business purposes, helping to optimise destination management, refine marketing strategies, and enhance the overall visitor experience.
PATA’s extended collaboration with OAG will benefit its members
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid stated: “This extended collaboration will greatly benefit PATA members, providing them with essential aviation data to monitor flight capacity and identify emerging trends shaping the tourism industry. With OAG’s world-class aviation data, our members are well-equipped to make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving landscape.”
“This collaboration marks a significant step forward in advancing data-driven insights for travel and tourism in Asia-Pacific. By combining OAG data and expertise with PATA’s in-depth regional knowledge, the partnership will empower stakeholders with actionable intelligence that will foster innovation and growth in the travel and tourism sectors,” added Mayur Patel, head of Asia, OAG.
Accor and Perth Airport will introduce the first hotel on the airport estate under the Pullman Hotels & Resorts brand, set to open in 2027.
Pullman Perth Airport will feature 240 rooms and suites across eight floors, a rooftop restaurant and bar, lobby lounge café, gym, sauna, meeting facilities, and co-working spaces.
Artist’s impression of the Pullman Perth Airport, which will open in 2027
With more than 20 hotels and resorts across Australia and New Zealand, Pullman Perth Airport will be the fourth Pullman airport hotel in the Pacific, joining Pullman Sydney Airport, Pullman Brisbane Airport, and Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport Hotel (which opened in December 2023).
Accor Pacific COO PM&E Division, Adrian Williams, said the expansion of the group’s airport hotel network highlighted the evolution of airport precincts into major commercial and service centres.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Perth Airport to deliver Pullman Perth Airport. Given the hotel’s unrivalled location and exceptional facilities, we anticipate strong interest and demand for Pullman Perth Airport from both business and leisure travellers alike,” said Williams.
Perth Airport’s chief property officer Dan Sweet commented: “The new Pullman Perth Airport hotel will be a world-class facility located at the front door to our major terminals. It will make it even more convenient for international and interstate visitors, providing a place to stay and relax during connections.
Mulcahy joins The Lux Collective from RCI – part of Travel + Leisure Co. – where he served as managing director North America.
