https://www.scmp.com/rss/516306/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Josh Sims Josh Sims For many would-be intergalactic tourists, space isn’t the final frontier – Earth is. Frankly, space tourism has, to date, been the preserve of pop stars and the billionaire class, and that’s even with the likes of Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic and SpaceX expanding access to space as never before. But what if there was a more affordable way of getting to space – or, at least, to the very edge of it? That’s the premise behind a number of companies now test-flying gigantic, football-field-sized... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/leisure/article/3353364/how-stratospheric-balloon-flights-could-be-about-redefine-space-tourism?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/leisure/article/3353364/how-stratospheric-balloon-flights-could-be-about-redefine-space-tourism?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 May 2026 12:00:07 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre Aoyama is undoubtedly Tokyo’s most fashionable neighbourhood. Nestled between Harajuku, Shibuya and Daikanyama, the area is the city’s epicentre of cool. Home to independent boutiques, curated multi-brand stores and buzzy cafes, Aoyama attracts fashionable locals and in-the-know travellers. The upscale area, however, has always lagged behind places such as Shinjuku and Ginza when it comes to luxury accommodation. This is set to change with the long-awaited arrival of Soho House Tokyo, at least... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3353347/luxury-private-club-soho-house-opens-aoyama-tokyos-trendiest-neighbourhood?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3353347/luxury-private-club-soho-house-opens-aoyama-tokyos-trendiest-neighbourhood?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 May 2026 07:00:06 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre In 2015, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts acquired a piece of prime real estate in the heart of Amsterdam. Located on the Prinsengracht in the city’s historic Canal District, the landmark building began its life as an orphanage in 1665, before becoming the Palace of Justice in the 1820s. After being vacated in 2010, it fell into disrepair and was occupied by squatters – but in 2015, the Hong Kong-based hospitality company became its new owner. It took almost 10 years to bring the neoclassical building... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3350317/rosewood-amsterdam-blends-luxury-and-heritage-heart-dutch-capital?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3350317/rosewood-amsterdam-blends-luxury-and-heritage-heart-dutch-capital?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2026 04:00:09 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre After an extensive renovation that took almost two years, Park Hyatt Tokyo – arguably the Japanese capital’s most iconic hotel – has changed very little, at least on the surface. That’s a very good thing, especially for those who over the years have had the privilege to call it their home away from home while visiting Tokyo. Famously immortalised in the Academy Award-winning film Lost in Translation (2003), in which it played as significant a role as its two main characters – an American actor... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3349585/park-hyatt-tokyos-reopening-brings-back-memories-lost-translation-and-bygone-era?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3349585/park-hyatt-tokyos-reopening-brings-back-memories-lost-translation-and-bygone-era?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 06:00:13 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre As a long-time fan of 1 Hotels – the US-based, sustainability-minded brand – I have been very much looking forward to the opening of 1 Hotel Tokyo, the chain’s only property in Asia-Pacific. Operated by Starwood, 1 Hotels has very little presence beyond the US – 1 Hotel Mayfair in London, 1 Hotel Copenhagen and 1 Hotel Melbourne are its only outposts outside the country – but it has already built a loyal following among luxury lovers who like to travel responsibly and stylishly. Located in... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3349531/1-hotel-tokyo-offers-green-focused-retreat-japanese-capital-bamford-spa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3349531/1-hotel-tokyo-offers-green-focused-retreat-japanese-capital-bamford-spa?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:00:09 +0000 Kee Foong Kee Foong On a windswept afternoon on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, I’m standing with arms outstretched on a stone platform beside the sea. A woman circles slowly, swirling a smoking chalice of fragrant copal resin as waves crash onto the shore just feet away from me. Incantations are offered to the four elements of air, water, earth and fire as we turn to face their cardinal directions. A drum beats. A conch shell sounds. Prayers are chanted to Father Sky, Mother Earth and the world in between. This... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3349461/wellness-retreats-mexicos-yucatan-peninsula-connect-cultural-traditions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3349461/wellness-retreats-mexicos-yucatan-peninsula-connect-cultural-traditions?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:00:08 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre In recent years, the popular beach enclave of Canggu has become Bali’s trendiest spot, dethroning places such as Ubud and Seminyak as the island’s most popular destination, at least if social media is any indication. A former fishing village, Canggu offers beautiful black-sand beaches, a lively night scene and cute independent boutiques, not to mention a Sunday market that’s hands down one of the best in Southeast Asia. The town – which attracts an eclectic crowd of surfers, digital nomads,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3348749/regent-bali-canggu-brings-coastal-luxury-islands-trendiest-beach-enclave?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3348749/regent-bali-canggu-brings-coastal-luxury-islands-trendiest-beach-enclave?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:00:08 +0000 Annie Brown Annie Brown It’s a Friday afternoon and I’m suspended in a warm tank of water. What’s slightly discombobulating is that I am completely dry. The dry float – you lie in a sort of inflatable cocoon – is just one of the “touchless” therapies on offer at the Mondrian Gold Coast’s Ciel Spa. I think I might be crying. The experience, with meditative music piping through headphones combined with the sensation of floating in warm water, is surprisingly emotional. The sense of peace captured in this moment is... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3348172/inside-mondrian-gold-coast-new-luxury-hotel-australia-stylish-pool-club-and-ocean-views?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3348172/inside-mondrian-gold-coast-new-luxury-hotel-australia-stylish-pool-club-and-ocean-views?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2026 04:00:17 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre The Bund – the waterfront area facing the Huangpu River – is home to some of Shanghai’s most prestigious hotels, including Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, housed in a heritage Renaissance-style structure dating back to the early 20th century. With its sweeping views of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline across the river and colonial buildings dotting its charming streets, the area is a popular place to stay, especially for first-time visitors to the city. It is also relatively close to the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3347788/waldorf-astoria-shanghai-qiantan-introduces-you-another-side-city-new-bund?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3347788/waldorf-astoria-shanghai-qiantan-introduces-you-another-side-city-new-bund?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 04:00:12 +0000 Gloria Tso Gloria Tso Significantly underrated compared with its Southeast Asian neighbours Vietnam and Thailand, Cambodia is a culture vulture’s paradise. Though the ancient temples of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap still attract millions of visitors every year, the city surroundings – as well as the country’s capital, Phnom Penh – are considerably less overrun with tourists than nearby megacities like Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. Here are some destinations worth checking out on your next visit to Cambodia, if you choose... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3346288/beyond-angkor-wats-allure-discovering-cambodias-hidden-gems-siem-reap-and-phnom-penh?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3346288/beyond-angkor-wats-allure-discovering-cambodias-hidden-gems-siem-reap-and-phnom-penh?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:00:14 +0000 SCMP Style Reporter SCMP Style Reporter Galaxy Macau, the resort complex in the Cotai district of the city, recently added another hotel to its portfolio: Capella at Galaxy Macau. The Singapore-based chain is known for its ultra-luxurious properties in cities such as Sydney and Bangkok. One of the highlights of the Macau outpost is Pony & Plume, its whisky bar. We recently checked out the bar and also got to experience the newly renovated suites at another Galaxy hotel: Hotel Okura Macau. Here’s what you need to know about both before... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3345209/whats-new-galaxy-macau-whisky-wonders-japanese-elegance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3345209/whats-new-galaxy-macau-whisky-wonders-japanese-elegance?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Mar 2026 04:00:14 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre The Anantara story didn’t begin in Phuket, Bangkok or Koh Samui – three of the most famous places in Thailand – but in the more low-key coastal town of Hua Hin. It was in Hua Hin that the Anantara brand was born in 2001 with the opening of Anantara Hua Hin Resort. Known as Thailand’s first beach holiday destination, Hua Hin became a popular vacation spot among well-to-do locals after King Rama VII chose it as the location of his summer palace in the 1920s. While its beaches are not comparable... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3344530/anantara-hua-hin-resort-celebrates-25-years-upgrades-blend-luxury-and-heritage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3344530/anantara-hua-hin-resort-celebrates-25-years-upgrades-blend-luxury-and-heritage?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Feb 2026 04:00:09 +0000 Divia Harilela Divia Harilela Not content with conquering land, luxury hoteliers have their eyes on much bigger territory as the quest continues to dominate the high seas. This year alone sees two hospitality behemoths – the Orient Express and Four Seasons – debut luxury superyachts, while Aman Resorts’ Amangati yacht is slated to launch in 2027. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, however, was ahead of the game when it unveiled its first luxury vessel Evrima in 2022, followed by Ilma in 2024. Last year it welcomed its... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3343415/luminara-ritz-carlton-yacht-collection-takes-luxury-cruising-whole-new-level?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3343415/luminara-ritz-carlton-yacht-collection-takes-luxury-cruising-whole-new-level?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Feb 2026 04:33:58 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre Marriott Bonvoy – the hospitality company behind brands such as St Regis, Westin and Ritz-Carlton – has recently taken over one of Los Angeles’ buzziest hotels, Thompson Hollywood, from Hyatt, rebranding it as The Hollywood Grande. The property is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, a portfolio of independent hotels with a boutique feel and a distinctive point of view that eschews the cookie-cutter approach of most chains. Not much has changed since the repositioning, which means that... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3342917/hollywood-grande-why-former-thompson-hollywood-hotel-such-chic-city-stay?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3342917/hollywood-grande-why-former-thompson-hollywood-hotel-such-chic-city-stay?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Feb 2026 04:00:09 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre All eyes are on Milan this January as it co-hosts, with Cortina d’Ampezzo, the 2026 Winter Olympics on February 6-22. The Paralympics then follows on March 6-15. If you are lucky enough to be attending the sporting spectacular, look out for these venues and happenings around the city. Where to eat: Rovello 18 Milan has its fair share of great restaurants – tried-and-tested classics like Langosteria and Il Baretto are both popular hang-outs among fashionable types. For something a bit more... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3341773/milan-it-hosts-winter-olympics-where-eat-shop-hang-out-and-be-pampered?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3341773/milan-it-hosts-winter-olympics-where-eat-shop-hang-out-and-be-pampered?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:38 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre Cortina d’Ampezzo may not be as well known as St Moritz, Courchevel, Gstaad, Vail or Aspen, but things are set to change soon as the ski resort in northern Italy is co-hosting the Winter Olympics, along with the Italian fashion capital Milan, this year. Part of the Dolomites, a mountain range in the northeast of the country, Cortina first held the Winter Olympics in 1956 and has since become a favourite destination among in-the-know Italians who flock there every year for their annual settimana... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/leisure/article/3341485/cortina-dampezzo-celebrated-new-book-assouline-ahead-2026-winter-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/leisure/article/3341485/cortina-dampezzo-celebrated-new-book-assouline-ahead-2026-winter-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Feb 2026 20:00:08 +0000 Gloria Tso Gloria Tso I never thought I’d confuse the South China Sea for the Mediterranean, but here we are, situated on a cosy strip of sand just outside the charming city of Nha Trang. Villa le Corail, A Gran Meliá Hotel – Spanish luxury hotel chain Gran Meliá’s first property in Asia – is Vietnam’s answer to a southern European escape. Think Mediterranean beach club vibes with local flair and a vibrant holiday experience as colourful as the quintessential Spanish holiday, complete with the unmistakable warmth of... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3340085/asian-charm-mediterranean-mood-greets-guests-vietnams-villa-le-corail-resort?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3340085/asian-charm-mediterranean-mood-greets-guests-vietnams-villa-le-corail-resort?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 Jan 2026 06:00:14 +0000 SCMP Style Reporter SCMP Style Reporter Whenever I visit a new destination, I am always in two minds when it comes to booking a hotel. On the one hand, I want the familiar – the unapologetically indulgent trappings of luxury travel. In my experience, that means a classically Western style. Give me the marble and brass, mahogany and velvet. After a long day spent exploring new lands, I yearn to return to the comfort of a timeless, brand-scented lobby. On the other hand, I want the property to belong to its address. I want the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3339854/how-osaka-and-kyoto-ritz-carltons-blend-classic-luxury-japanese-tradition?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3339854/how-osaka-and-kyoto-ritz-carltons-blend-classic-luxury-japanese-tradition?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:00:12 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre One of Singapore’s most beloved hotels has just reopened as Mett Singapore after a major renovation. Formerly the Hotel Fort Canning, Mett Singapore is the first property in Asia from the newly launched Mett Hotels & Resorts hospitality brand, which already has outposts in locations such as Barcelona, Bodrum and Marbella. Located in Fort Canning Park, smack in the heart of Singapore, the hotel is housed in a painstakingly restored building dating back to 1926. The charming colonial structure,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3338508/mett-singapore-secluded-retreat-right-heart-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3338508/mett-singapore-secluded-retreat-right-heart-city?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Jan 2026 05:00:17 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre When Merdeka 118 officially opened in Kuala Lumpur in 2024, it became Asia-Pacific’s tallest building, and the second tallest in the world after Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. Named after the Malay word for independence and the number of its floors, the striking structure – designed by Australian architecture firm Fender Katsalidis – stands out for its angular diamond-shaped facade. In August 2025, the mixed-use property welcomed as its main tenant Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, the first hotel from the luxury... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3338473/park-hyatt-kuala-lumpur-elegance-and-modernity-asia-pacifics-tallest-building?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3338473/park-hyatt-kuala-lumpur-elegance-and-modernity-asia-pacifics-tallest-building?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Jan 2026 22:00:10 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre When Eugene Tan and Rina Teoh opened The Edison George Town in 2016, the capital of Penang Island in Malaysia had yet to become the social media magnet it is today. The quaint and charming city, which in 2008 was named a Unesco World Heritage site, has always been a top destination among travellers to Southeast Asia, but in recent years it’s been attracting a new cohort of visitors looking for that perfect Instagram post. From the incredible variety of its food to its vibrant street art and long... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3338464/edison-george-town-old-world-charm-meets-modern-elegance-penangs-unesco-listed-capital?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3338464/edison-george-town-old-world-charm-meets-modern-elegance-penangs-unesco-listed-capital?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Jan 2026 05:00:11 +0000 Bloomberg Bloomberg The definition of “luxury travel” is changing. As hotels by big-name interior designers with outposts of renowned restaurants get copy-pasted all around the world, they’re coming off as overly predictable and even cookie-cutter. With demand at the top end of the luxury travel market higher than ever, hotels have to work harder to stand out. That means the most anticipated hotels for 2026 have one of two things in common: a true independent spirit or an ability to raise the bar in unquestionable... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3338293/four-seasons-aman-11-most-exciting-luxury-hotel-openings-2026?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3338293/four-seasons-aman-11-most-exciting-luxury-hotel-openings-2026?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Jan 2026 06:00:16 +0000 Divia Harilela Divia Harilela Ultra-high-net-worth individuals are becoming especially discerning when it comes to choosing hotels. While top-notch amenities, luxe accommodation and customised services are now a given, a sense of seclusion and exclusivity is becoming more important. Hoteliers have risen to the challenge by experimenting with strategies ranging from launching new “exclusive” spaces and brands, to simply increasing rates, but many properties still struggle to deliver when it comes to important intangibles like... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3337422/private-members-clubs-offering-luxury-accommodation-soho-house-saint-james?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3337422/private-members-clubs-offering-luxury-accommodation-soho-house-saint-james?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Dec 2025 23:00:08 +0000 Carla Thomas Carla Thomas Chengdu is a bucket-list destination for anyone exploring China. It’s often said that it’s a city of contrasts: where famously fiery Sichuan cuisine coexists with the placid rituals of teahouse culture; where thousand-year-old temples, alleyways and city walls sit steps away from glassy skyscrapers; and where the hum of traffic and packed shopping streets give way to one of the world’s leading panda conservation bases. It’s a city that truly has it all – and the same can be said for its hotels.... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3337329/6-best-hotels-chengdu-upper-house-and-shangri-la-crowne-plaza-ihg?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3337329/6-best-hotels-chengdu-upper-house-and-shangri-la-crowne-plaza-ihg?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Dec 2025 06:00:27 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre While discovering new places to stay is always a highlight of travelling, sometimes going back to a hotel you first fell in love with is just as rewarding. After a wonderful sojourn at Trisara back in 2011, it felt like another stay at one of Phuket’s most beautiful luxury resorts was long overdue. Located on the northern coast of Thailand’s most popular beach destination, Trisara is only a 20-minute drive from Phuket International Airport, and a world away from the tourist enclave of Laguna and... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3336566/trisara-resort-offers-rare-phuket-experience-opulent-thoughtful-and-quiet?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3336566/trisara-resort-offers-rare-phuket-experience-opulent-thoughtful-and-quiet?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Dec 2025 06:00:15 +0000 Gloria Tso Gloria Tso I am neither a gambler nor a golfer, but in my current environment, I learn quickly. Here at Hoiana Resort & Golf, a massive integrated resort covering nearly 1,000 hectares of land along the coast of central Vietnam, I find myself pursuing new activities at every corner – playing pickleball, cooking up salads and spring rolls, embracing all the whims of resort life and going with the flow with every step. Located a short drive away from the ancient town of Hoi An and just outside the beach... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3335770/vietnams-hoiana-resort-golf-perfect-seaside-escape-instagram-worthy-views?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3335770/vietnams-hoiana-resort-golf-perfect-seaside-escape-instagram-worthy-views?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Dec 2025 06:00:14 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre Few cities do Christmas like New York. If you’re a fan of the holiday season, you’d be hard pressed to find a better place to soak up the seasonal cheer than Midtown Manhattan and its main thoroughfare, Fifth Avenue. Come Thanksgiving weekend, the boulevard becomes Christmas Central. With the holiday windows of luxury department stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and ice rink, and not to mention the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and shows... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3335133/peninsula-new-york-brings-christmas-glittering-life-fifth-avenue?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3335133/peninsula-new-york-brings-christmas-glittering-life-fifth-avenue?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:00:14 +0000 Divia Harilela Divia Harilela I have never been to Mars, but I imagine this is what it would look like. It’s been a long, at times arduous journey but after a somewhat terrifying one-hour flight in a cramped four-seater propeller plane, I have arrived at a private airstrip surrounded by nothing except sand and craggy, granite mountains. We are on the eastern edge of the Namib Desert. It very much lives up to its name that in the local Nama language means “an area where there is nothing”. One of the world’s oldest, dating... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3332350/exploring-africas-extremes-luxury-safari-through-namibia-and-botswana?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3332350/exploring-africas-extremes-luxury-safari-through-namibia-and-botswana?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Nov 2025 02:00:17 +0000 Gloria Tso Gloria Tso Independently owned and operated by Vietnamese hotelier Pham Van Hien, The Anam Group still feels somewhat like an anomaly on the list of top luxury resorts in Vietnam – like much of Southeast Asia, the country has become a hotspot for international hotel chains. With two sprawling properties along Vietnam’s stunning southern coastline, the hotel group certainly seems to lean into the ethos of local charm with a luxury twist at every opportunity. Located about three hours east of Ho Chi Minh... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3332308/how-anams-resorts-deliver-truly-authentic-vietnam-experience-mui-ne-and-cam-ranh?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3332308/how-anams-resorts-deliver-truly-authentic-vietnam-experience-mui-ne-and-cam-ranh?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Nov 2025 08:14:15 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre While Rosewood Hong Kong is widely regarded as Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ flagship property – it was recently recognised as the No 1 hotel in the world by World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 – its sister property in Beijing was the company’s first to open in Greater China. Located in busy Chaoyang, just opposite one of the city’s architectural landmarks – the striking CCTV Headquarters designed by OMA’s Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren – the hotel opened in October 2014, five years before the arrival of... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3331603/rosewood-hong-kongs-sister-property-rosewood-beijing-culture-and-luxury-chinese-capital?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3331603/rosewood-hong-kongs-sister-property-rosewood-beijing-culture-and-luxury-chinese-capital?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Nov 2025 10:00:21 +0000 Salomé Grouard Salomé Grouard When Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour injected an estimated US$5 billion into the US economy, it showed how music can move markets – and China took note. Now the country’s tropical island of Hainan is testing its own version of the “Swift effect”. Over the past year, Hainan has quietly evolved from a laid-back beach retreat into a stage for hip-hop’s global elite. It began with Kanye West (aka Ye)’s headline-making performance last September, which was followed by Travis Scott’s explosive show this... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3331347/how-hainan-using-hip-hop-rebrand-luxury-china-help-kanye-west-travis-scott-and-maybe-cardi-b?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3331347/how-hainan-using-hip-hop-rebrand-luxury-china-help-kanye-west-travis-scott-and-maybe-cardi-b?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Nov 2025 06:00:10 +0000 Bloomberg Bloomberg In the US$6.3 trillion world of wellness, catering to women is the lowest-hanging fruit on the tree. Yet women’s wellness is an area that’s historically been underfunded and underserved. In the US, women were rarely included in clinical trials before 1993, and in 2020, only 5 per cent of global research and development funding was allocated to women’s health research. Even spokespeople for the Global Wellness Institute, the largest research organisation dedicated to tracking the industry,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3330642/why-canyon-ranch-opening-us500-million-resort-texas-focused-womens-wellness?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3330642/why-canyon-ranch-opening-us500-million-resort-texas-focused-womens-wellness?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Nov 2025 06:00:09 +0000 Divia Harilela Divia Harilela Austrians are passionate about many things, from mountains to music, but I was surprised to learn that Schloss Fuschl, a 15th-century hunting lodge turned luxury hotel, is also loved and revered by many. This iconic landmark holds cultural and emotional significance – it was featured in the popular Sissi films about Empress Elisabeth and boasts an idyllic location on one of the country’s most beautiful lakes, a place where many have fond memories of bathing in the turquoise waters surrounded by... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3331012/rosewood-schloss-fuschl-15th-century-austrian-castle-turned-luxury-lakeside-retreat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3331012/rosewood-schloss-fuschl-15th-century-austrian-castle-turned-luxury-lakeside-retreat?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Nov 2025 04:00:10 +0000 Divia Harilela Divia Harilela Had enough of swish but samey high-end hotel chains? These days it can be quite difficult to tell one stay from another, even at the luxury end of the market. Clearly enough people have noticed as there is now an increasing number of smaller chains whose properties reflect more local flavour, and who offer a homelier and more personal touch. If this sounds more your style, then look out for these names when booking your next getaway. Aethos Hotels Known for its mindful hospitality concept, this... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3330456/10-independent-luxury-hotel-chains-around-world-have-your-radar?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3330456/10-independent-luxury-hotel-chains-around-world-have-your-radar?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Oct 2025 10:00:10 +0000 Divia Harilela Divia Harilela When it comes to booking the ultimate luxury hotel stay, there is a list of go-to brands or hotel groups that seasoned travellers tend to look for, from Belmond and Four Seasons, to Mandarin Oriental, The Peninsula and Rosewood. These tried-and-tested names are popular for a reason and promise the best experience money can buy. While these hospitality behemoths continue to dominate the market, seasoned travellers sometimes yearn for more intimate, less cookie-cutter hotels that still feel... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/leisure/article/3327727/independent-luxury-hotels-offering-more-intimate-local-feel?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/leisure/article/3327727/independent-luxury-hotels-offering-more-intimate-local-feel?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Oct 2025 02:11:22 +0000 Sumnima Kandangwa Sumnima Kandangwa Moving away from traditional notions of luxury, Rosewood Hotel Group is shifting towards a stronger focus on cultural connection and personal, meaningful experiences. The revamp comes with a new visual identity that features a distinctive monogram and colour inspired by nature called “discovery green” that’s visible across its digital and physical spaces. The brand has long celebrated the uniqueness of each of its 41 (and counting) destinations, but the new direction further prioritises... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3329683/rosewood-launches-new-campaign-prioritise-bespoke-experiences?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3329683/rosewood-launches-new-campaign-prioritise-bespoke-experiences?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Oct 2025 04:00:10 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre To call The Manner happening would be an understatement. Since its opening less than a year ago, the hotel has become one of the hottest spots in Manhattan. Located on tree-lined Thompson Street in the heart of SoHo, The Manner is a new concept from Standard International, the company behind the famous Standard chain that was recently acquired by Hyatt Hotels. If you like a scene, The Manner is the place for you. The day I checked in, the likes of Dakota Johnson, Salma Hayek and Baz Luhrmann... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3326801/manner-new-yorks-new-design-led-hotel-sweeping-views-and-style-spare?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3326801/manner-new-yorks-new-design-led-hotel-sweeping-views-and-style-spare?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Sep 2025 02:00:10 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre In 2018 IHG Hotels & Resorts, the company behind chains such as InterContinental and the Holiday Inn, acquired a majority stake in Regent Hotels & Resorts with the aim of turning the company into a big player in the A-list luxury hospitality game. Before the IHG investment, the Regent brand – which at one point was part of the Four Seasons portfolio – had been a bit under the radar and gone through various ownerships (Taiwan-based Formosa International Hotels Corporation currently co-owns it... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3326800/regent-santa-monica-beach-luxury-redefined-southern-california?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3326800/regent-santa-monica-beach-luxury-redefined-southern-california?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Sep 2025 04:00:13 +0000 Sumnima Kandangwa Sumnima Kandangwa Luxury hospitality brand Raffles Hotels & Resorts has rolled out the second chapter of its witty global campaign The Butler Did It, this time setting the action at one of the brand’s newest properties, Raffles London at The OWO. A continuation of the story first set at Raffles Singapore last year – under the creative direction of Trey Laird, with photography by Dylan Don and styling by Robert Rabensteiner – the cinematic campaign once again stars model Tim Easton as Raffles’ “most charming... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3326799/raffles-butler-did-it-campaign-arrives-london-starring-crazy-rich-asians-henry-golding?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3326799/raffles-butler-did-it-campaign-arrives-london-starring-crazy-rich-asians-henry-golding?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Sep 2025 10:00:14 +0000 Divia Harilela Divia Harilela For many years, living in a five-star hotel was a privilege enjoyed by an elite few, including celebrities and jet-setters. Coco Chanel famously lived for over 30 years in a suite at the Ritz Paris, while Elizabeth Taylor was partial to long stays at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Even fashion designer Tory Burch has a private apartment at New York hotel The Pierre. While most of us can’t afford to live in a five-star property for extended periods, hoteliers have decided to cater to those who can by... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3326476/rise-branded-residences-four-seasons-aman-and-beyond?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3326476/rise-branded-residences-four-seasons-aman-and-beyond?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Sep 2025 09:00:11 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre Eight years – that’s how long it took to restore the Waldorf Astoria New York to a level of grandeur worthy of the hotel that Conrad Hilton, who acquired it in 1949, famously called “the greatest of them all”. Established in the late 19th century following a partnership between two of New York’s most legendary families – the Astors and the Waldorfs – the hotel moved to its current location on tony Park Avenue in 1931. Since then, the Waldorf, as it’s often called, has hosted every US president... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3326080/how-waldorf-astoria-new-york-has-revived-golden-age-travel-after-8-year-makeover?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3326080/how-waldorf-astoria-new-york-has-revived-golden-age-travel-after-8-year-makeover?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Sep 2025 04:00:10 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre Brentwood, the fancy neighbourhood on the west side of Los Angeles, has always been a celebrity magnet. A-listers like LeBron James, Gwyneth Paltrow, Arnold Schwarzenegger and even former US vice-president Kamala Harris are among its former and current residents. In spite of its cachet, however, it’s never been a place where visitors to Los Angeles tend to stay. Most travellers opt for more well-known areas such as Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, or beach enclaves like Santa Monica. Late last... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3325946/le-petit-pali-brentwood-offers-laid-back-charm-las-west-side?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3325946/le-petit-pali-brentwood-offers-laid-back-charm-las-west-side?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Sep 2025 02:00:11 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre Before travelling to Japan to discover the newly opened Fairmont Tokyo, I really didn’t know what to expect. Established in 1907 with the opening of Fairmont San Francisco, the chain is now part of the French group Accor, the company behind brands such as Raffles and Sofitel. While I was familiar with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and had the pleasure of staying at the group’s Manila outpost years ago, Fairmont has kept a relatively low profile in recent years, especially for Asia-based luxury... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3320756/fairmont-tokyo-luxury-chains-first-outpost-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3320756/fairmont-tokyo-luxury-chains-first-outpost-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Sep 2025 07:00:58 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre Visitors to Bangkok tend to fall into two categories: those who love the buzz of the city centre around the Siam area, or those who prefer the quiet of the Chao Phraya River. Already home to some of the city’s most prestigious hotels – including branches of Mandarin Oriental, The Peninsula and Shangri-La – the Chao Phraya riverfront has been revitalised with recent developments. Iconsiam, a gargantuan mall that has become a destination in its own right, along with the arrival of Capella Bangkok,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3323213/capella-bangkok-really-best-hotel-world?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3323213/capella-bangkok-really-best-hotel-world?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Aug 2025 05:00:13 +0000 Divia Harilela Divia Harilela The success of a wellness resort can be determined by several factors. But if repeat guests are anything to go by, then Chiva-Som wins in spades. It may be my first visit, but I realise that I’m outnumbered by loyal fans. This is not surprising seeing as it’s considered the OG and pioneer of wellness retreats, with celebrity fans such as Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham and Madonna. Located in the seaside town of Hua Hin, Thailand, it just celebrated its 30-year anniversary, and is still a family-run... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3321422/chiva-som-thai-wellness-resort-loved-kate-moss-and-madonna?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3321422/chiva-som-thai-wellness-resort-loved-kate-moss-and-madonna?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 Aug 2025 22:00:09 +0000 Leanne Mirandilla Leanne Mirandilla Our trip to Da Nang begins with a touch of drama. We narrowly avoid storm-induced delays as we depart Hong Kong, but when we touch down the sun is shining and a gentle breeze sweeps over the seaside Vietnamese town – a stark contrast to the torrent we left behind. We’re spending the weekend at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, and apparently we couldn’t have arrived soon enough. Stepping out of the airport, we settle into the cushy Mercedes-Benz sent to pick us up. The drive to... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3320911/coastal-luxury-and-fine-dining-vietnams-intercontinental-danang-sun-peninsula-resort?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3320911/coastal-luxury-and-fine-dining-vietnams-intercontinental-danang-sun-peninsula-resort?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:48:00 +0000 Karen Tee Karen Tee “If you get eaten by a croc,” our guide Dennis Miller says with a grin, “I’ll try to bring back what’s left of you.” In true Aussie fashion, he is only half joking. We are, after all, cruising the Yellow Water Billabong in Kakadu National Park, home to around 10,000 crocodiles – or 10 per cent of all the crocs in the Northern Territory. In the dry season from May to October, they sun themselves on the sandy banks. But now, in early April, as the last rains of the wet season linger, they slide... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3320378/how-do-you-kakadu-crocodile-cruises-and-safari-glamping-australias-northern-territory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3320378/how-do-you-kakadu-crocodile-cruises-and-safari-glamping-australias-northern-territory?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Aug 2025 02:00:13 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre As a long-time and frequent visitor to Paris, I’ve become a creature of habit. The first arrondissement, near the Palais Royal and Louvre Museum, is where I always stay. The area is ideal for exploring nearby neighbourhoods, such as the Marais and the Left Bank across the river. It also makes for a perfect base during busy fashion week. So the idea of staying near the Champs-Élysées – the touristy and often maligned shopping boulevard that runs from Place de la Concorde all the way to the Arc de... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3318714/paris-hotel-balzac-offers-old-world-french-glamour-newly-renovated-suites-japanese-inspired-spa-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3318714/paris-hotel-balzac-offers-old-world-french-glamour-newly-renovated-suites-japanese-inspired-spa-and?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Jul 2025 02:00:09 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre London is one of the few cities in the world to boast two Mandarin Oriental properties, and much like in the hotel chain’s hometown of Hong Kong, they complement each other. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park opened its doors 25 years ago and has built a loyal following among Asian, Middle Eastern and American clients who like its proximity to the green expanse and the luxury shops of Knightsbridge, including the legendary department stores Harrods and Harvey Nichols. The hotel, which underwent a... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3317875/looking-luxury-stays-london-mandarin-oriental-hyde-park-and-mandarin-oriental-mayfair-offer-unique?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3317875/looking-luxury-stays-london-mandarin-oriental-hyde-park-and-mandarin-oriental-mayfair-offer-unique?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 Jul 2025 06:00:10 +0000 Gloria Tso Gloria Tso When it comes to luxury travel right now, the prevailing attitude seems to indicate that more is more – sure, bigger is better, but have you also tried having state-of-the-art sound systems in your private suite, Michelin-starred chefs on every floor of your property, or perhaps a massive reflecting pool designed by a star architect in the heart of your lobby? (If not, best of luck to you.) Call it an oversaturated market or just basic economics – whatever the case, many hotels now seem to... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3317340/saii-hotels-resorts-phuket-proves-luxury-and-sustainability-can-work-together-create-compelling?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3317340/saii-hotels-resorts-phuket-proves-luxury-and-sustainability-can-work-together-create-compelling?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Jul 2025 06:07:33 +0000