Achieving an outstanding score of 97.92 by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler, the luxury beachfront sanctuary ranks #13 among the World’s Top Destination Spa Resorts. Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang was last week lauded with double recognition in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, marking another remarkable milestone in its journey to redefine luxury wellness hospitality in Vietnam. The resort secured 13th place in the World’s Top Destination Spa Resorts, achieving an impressive 97.92 out of 100, while also earning 23rd place in Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Spa Resorts in the US & Around the World. These distinctions place Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang among an exceptional collection of internationally acclaimed wellness destinations, reflecting the resort’s dedication to holistic well-being, personalised experiences and heartfelt hospitality. Now in its 39th year, the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are among the travel industry’s most recognised annual honours, celebrating the world’s finest destinations and travel experiences through the voices of travellers themselves. For the 2026 edition, Condé Nast Traveler accumulated an extraordinary 798,867 votes from its readers, who shared their experiences and preferences across categories including hotels, resorts, spas, destinations, airlines and cruises. The recognition also highlights the growing prominence of Vietnam’s central coast on the international luxury wellness map, as travellers increasingly seek destinations that combine restorative experiences, natural beauty and a genuine sense of place. As Vietnam’s first WITT-Certified (Wellness in Travel & Tourism) resort, Fusion offers a holistic wellness ecosystem designed to help guests relax, renew and revitalise. At the heart of the resort is the award-winning Maia Spa & Wellness Center, featuring 26 treatment rooms, the Redwell Therapy Room, an indoor heated saltwater pool, infrared saunas, herbal steam rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and a dedicated wellness lounge. Guests can also enjoy a curated programme of daily wellness activities, guided by experienced wellness specialists. Beyond the resort experience, Fusion extends its wellness philosophy to the local community through Maia Wellness Club Da Nang, a growing platform created to connect wellness lovers through movement, mindfulness and meaningful experiences. “To be recognised among the world’s finest wellness destinations by Condé Nast Traveler readers is an extraordinary honour, and one that holds special meaning for all of us at Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang,” said General Manager Mario Mendis. “Our vision has always been to create more than a luxury beachfront resort — a sanctuary where wellness is not simply an experience, but a way of life. I am immensely proud of our team, whose genuine care and dedication transform our Wellness-Inclusive philosophy into meaningful moments for every guest.” About Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang is an award-winning beachfront wellness resort located on the tranquil shores of Non Nuoc Beach, just minutes from Da Nang city and Hoi An Ancient Town. Renowned for its Wellness Inclusive concept, the resort combines luxurious all-suite and villa accommodation with immersive wellness experiences, award-winning spa facilities, mindful dining, championship golf access, and personalised service. As Vietnam’s first WITT-Certified resort and home to the award-winning Maia Spa & Wellness Center, Fusion continues to redefine luxury travel through wellbeing, helping every guest leave feeling healthier, happier, and more connected than when they arrived.

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As part of its 125th anniversary celebrations, the landmark Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has acquired a curated set of 16 signed, limited-edition photographic prints by British photographer Andy Soloman. The works will be known as The Soloman Metropole Collection. The exhibition “Hanoi: Traces of Time” will run at the hotel from Oct. 9 to Dec. 9 and forms part of the Metropole’s ongoing commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Hanoi by collecting and sharing significant artistic perspectives on Vietnam. The Soloman Metropole Collection offers a distinctive visual record of everyday life in Hanoi, with photographs capturing streets, markets, schools, factories and the rhythms of daily life. Each work is printed on Ilford Galerie Gold Fibre Pearl archival photographic paper, mounted, framed, signed and individually editioned, underscoring the collection’s importance within the Metropole’s permanent holdings. Soloman will host a complimentary artist talk on Oct. 10 at the Metropole, sharing stories of his travels in Vietnam in 1992–93 and his subsequent quest to reconnect with people more than three decades later. Reservations can be made via Eventbrite. “Vietnam has been central to my photography for many years, and the images in this collection come from encounters and moments that have stayed with me,” Soloman said. “I’m delighted that Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has acquired the collection and is exhibiting it as part of the hotel’s 125th anniversary celebrations. It’s a privilege for these works to have found a permanent home at the Metropole while being shared with guests.” George Koumendakos, General Manager of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, said: “As we mark our 125th anniversary, we are deepening our engagement with art and Hanoi’s cultural heritage. Acquiring and exhibiting the Andy Soloman collection is an important part of this journey. These photographs capture the character and rhythm of life in Hanoi with great sensitivity, and they enrich both our art collection and the experience of our guests during this milestone year and beyond.” The collection features images such as Early Morning Exercise (1992); Mid-Autumn Festival Vendor (1997); Cyclo Drivers in Hanoi’s Old Quarter (1992); Vietnamese Heroic Mothers (1997); Dong Xuan Market (1992); and Bia Hoi Delivery by Cyclo (1997). Together they form a coherent body of work that speaks to memory, place, cultural heritage and everyday experience in Vietnam. For more information on the hotel and its “125 Years of a Legend” programme, please contact Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi at +84 24 3826 6919, email metropolehanoi.info@sofitel.com or visit https://www.sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com/125th-anniversary/

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Foie gras phở consommé, chargrilled abalone and pan-seared turbot with lotus-seed purée are among highlights of The Anam Mui Ne‘s new fine-dining pop-up, where just eight guests take their seats of an evening. Launched at The Indochine Restaurant, the intimate experience is staged every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-10pm in a private space adjoining the restaurant’s outdoor terrace. With just four tables accommodating a maximum of eight guests, the setting gives the resort’s chefs a stage for more ambitious and experimental cooking in an unusually intimate alternative to traditional resort dining. At the helm is Chef Le Huu Nghia, who has crafted two five-course tasting menus, based on seasonal ingredients, by coupling European techniques with Asian influences. The menus unfold as a progression of contrasting flavours, textures and temperatures, with optional curated wine pairings accompanying the journey. Tuesday’s menu begins with a nori tart with salmon belly tartare, salmon roe, gherkin, shallot, sesame, ginger and wasabi mayonnaise before moving to chargrilled abalone with homemade oyster sauce and pickled kombu. After a daisy soup with vegetable broth and bonito flakes, and pan-seared foie gras is paired with fig, apple purée, pistachio and candied ginger, a grilled filet mignon with red wine sauce, carrot purée, mushrooms and baby broccoli forms the heart of the menu. Petit fours send the dinner on a sweet note. Thursday’s menu starts out with a shrimp-wrapped scallop with caviar and coriander aioli and pickled shallots before a beef filet mignon tartare accompanied with ginger jam, nori and lemon mayonnaise. Among the menu’s most distinct creations is Chef Nghia’s foie gras phở consommé with shiitake mushrooms and truffle oil, followed by chargrilled hamachi crudo with ponzu reduction, pickled jalapeño and guacamole. Pan-seared turbot with lemon-ginger sauce, lotus-seed purée, pickled coconut tubers and ikura anchors the Thursday menu before a strawberry mille-feuille with goat’s cheese mousse provides its finale. For The Anam Mui Ne, the concept is as much about intimacy as gastronomy. “Keeping the experience deliberately small allows us to be even more creative and more personal,” said Chef Nghia. “With only eight guests, we can give each plate and each table an unsurpassed level of attention.” “We wanted to create something guests have to seek out rather than simply stumble across,” added The Anam Group General Manager Laurent Myter. “With four tables and eight seats, it feels closer to being invited to a private dinner than visiting a restaurant. That intimacy gives our chefs the freedom to be adventurous and this results in a very personal experience for our guests.” For further information or to make a booking at The Anam Mui Ne, visit www.theanam.com, email info.mn@theanam.com, or telephone +(84) 252 628 4868. Pop-Up Fine Dining is available every Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm to 10pm at The Indochine Restaurant, The Anam Mui Ne. The experience is limited to eight guests per evening and reservations must be made at least 12 hours in advance.

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Fusion Hotel Group has signed a long-term hotel management agreement with Han Spaces to develop Fusion Resort Tuyen Lam Lake Da Lat, a new wellness-led resort overlooking Tuyen Lam Lake in Da Lat, recently named by Travel + Leisure as Asia’s “New Retreat Capital.” Set across 11 acres at the foot of a lush hillside, surrounded by pine forest and overlooking Tuyen Lam Lake, the resort will comprise 15 villas and a 90-room hotel. Facilities will include all-day dining and specialty restaurants and bars, meeting and event spaces, a kids’ club, swimming pool, yoga and fitness center, and Fusion’s signature Maia Spa featuring 14 treatment rooms. The resort will bring Fusion’s signature all-spa-inclusive wellness concept to Vietnam’s Central Highlands, complemented by the brand’s “breakfast anywhere, anytime” offering and personalized service from its “Fusionistas,” who combine the roles of personal host, lifestyle concierge and local guide. Scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2027, Fusion Resort Tuyen Lam Lake Da Lat will be designed as a destination for wellness and leisure travel, as well as events and international gatherings, offering guests an experience shaped by the natural surroundings and distinctive character of Da Lat. At the signing ceremony on Sept. 29, Mr. Tommy Tran, Co-Founder of Han Spaces, said: “This partnership reflects a growing interest not only in preserving Da Lat’s pristine natural environment, but also in its potential as a destination for wellness, restoration and meaningful connection with nature. Increasingly, the city is attracting those seeking to slow down, recharge and find a deeper sense of balance, making it an ideal setting for the development of high-quality wellness retreats. Both parties are united by a commitment to quality, sustainability and the creation of lasting added value for the project.” Mr. Christopher Hur, Chief Executive Officer of Fusion Hotel Group, added: “Da Lat marks an important first for Fusion, our first resort in the Highlands of Vietnam. With its mountains, pine forests, cooler climate and growing reputation as a retreat destination, we believe Da Lat is a natural fit for Fusion and our wellness-led approach to hospitality. “We are delighted to partner with Han Spaces to create a resort that feels genuinely connected to Tuyen Lam Lake and its surroundings, while delivering the distinctive wellness experiences and personalized service for which Fusion is known.” Da Lat has become increasingly accessible to domestic and international travelers, with daily connections to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Kuala Lumpur. Flights connecting Da Lat with Singapore’s Changi Airport are expected to launch in December 2026.

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Da Nang sits in a strange sweet spot on Vietnam‘s coast — too interesting to treat as a one-night layover between Hoi An and Hue, but not so sprawling that it demands two weeks of exploring. Figuring out how long to spend there depends less on the city’s size and more on what you actually want out of the trip: beach time, day trips, food, or a mix of all three. Here’s how to think through the decision instead of guessing. The Short Answer: 3 to 5 Days For most travelers, three to five days in Da Nang hits the right balance. That’s enough time to settle into the beach, eat through the local food scene, visit the Marble Mountains, and still have a day or two left for a side trip to Hoi An or the Ba Na Hills cable car. Fewer than three days feels rushed, since travel time in and out eats into the schedule. More than five, and you’ll likely find yourself repeating activities unless you’re using the city as a base for wider exploration. This range also matches how most flights and travel patterns work. Da Nang’s airport is a major gateway for central Vietnam, so plenty of visitors fly in, spend a handful of days there, then bus or train out to nearby towns. Treating it as a hub rather than a single destination often makes the most sense. What Two or Three Days Actually Covers A tight two-to-three-day visit works if Da Nang is one stop on a longer Vietnam itinerary. In that window, you can realistically fit in a morning at My Khe Beach, an afternoon exploring the Marble Mountains and Non Nuoc stone village, and an evening walking around the Dragon Bridge and the riverside night market. Add one more day and you can squeeze in Ba Na Hills, though it’s a full-day commitment given the drive and the size of the park. This shorter stay is common among travelers connecting Hue and Hoi An, using Da Nang mainly for its airport and a quick taste of the coast. It’s a reasonable approach if beach relaxation isn’t the priority and the goal is broader sightseeing across the region. Why Five to Seven Days Suits Many Travelers Extending the stay to five, six, or even seven days changes the pace entirely. Instead of checking off sights, you get to actually use the beach — mornings swimming, afternoons at a café, evenings at seafood restaurants along the water. Da Nang’s coastline is long and mostly uncrowded compared to other Southeast Asian beach cities, so there’s real value in slowing down rather than rushing through it. This longer window also allows for day trips without feeling rushed. Hoi An’s Ancient Town is about 45 minutes away and worth a full day, ideally two if you want to see it during the day and again at night when the lanterns come out. The Marble Mountains, Son Tra Peninsula, and the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills can each take up a separate day rather than being crammed into one itinerary. If choosing where to stay, look for accommodation near My Khe Beach or the Han River, since both areas put you within easy reach of restaurants, markets, and transport. Several well-located Hotels in Da Nang offer beach access and river views without the higher prices found in more tourist-heavy parts of Vietnam, which makes a longer stay easier to justify financially. Reasons to Stay Longer Some travelers end up staying a week or more, and it’s usually for one of a few reasons. Digital nomads and remote workers are drawn to Da Nang’s combination of affordable long-term rentals, decent internet, and a growing café culture suited to working outside a hotel room. Others simply prefer a slower travel pace and use Da Nang as a base for exploring central Vietnam over ten days or two weeks, taking single-day or overnight trips to Hue, Hoi An, and even the Phong Nha cave systems further north. Families also tend to benefit from a longer stay, since young kids don’t always handle back-to-back travel days well. Splitting a week between the beach and short, low-key excursions tends to work better than a packed schedule. When Shorter Is the Right Call If the itinerary already includes extended time in Hoi An or Hue, or if the trip is part of a broader Southeast Asia route with limited days overall, two to three days in Da Nang is genuinely enough. The city rewards longer stays, but it doesn’t punish shorter ones — the main sights are compact and easy to reach without a car. Finding the Right Length for the Trip The real question isn’t how many days Da Nang “deserves,” but what kind of trip is being planned around it. Travelers chasing a broad Vietnam itinerary should treat it as a two-to-three-day stop with easy connections onward. Those wanting a slower, beach-centered break should plan for five days or more, giving enough time to enjoy the coastline without feeling like every day needs a destination on it.

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LÈGACY Hanoi – A Fusion Original, a stylish 218-room hotel and wellness sanctuary, offering spectacular views of the city and West Lake, is opening its doors to guests this month in the heart of the Vietnamese capital. The new hotel marks the latest chapter in the Fusion Hotel Group’s expansion and reinforces its leadership role in Vietnam’s dynamic wellness-inspired hospitality landscape. Located in the city’s historic Ngoc Ha ward, LÈGACY Hanoi pays tribute to Hanoi’s rich heritage with design elements inspired by the historic O Quan Chuong Gate, the Red River, and the iconic five-petal peach blossom. Here, guests can enjoy a curated selection of experiences, from cutting-edge dining and bar concepts to restorative spa treatments and wellness rituals. “Hanoi has an extraordinary sense of history, culture and identity. Our ambition with LÈGACY was to create a destination that feels truly connected to Hanoi — one that respects the character and heritage of the city while offering a fresh and contemporary hospitality experience,” Christopher Hur, CEO of Fusion Hotel Group, said during the Grand Opening Ceremony on September 16. “This opening is also a testament to the vision, dedication and trust of our ownership partners. Bringing a hotel of this scale and ambition to life requires tremendous commitment and collaboration, and we are grateful for the confidence they have placed in Fusion. Today is not the end of a project. It is the beginning of a new chapter — for this hotel, for our partnership with the ownership team, and for Fusion here in Hanoi.” A Heritage Escape That Feels Like Home Upon arrival, guests will be captivated by a grand interpretation of the legendary chim hac (crane), gliding above the shimmering reception space. Throughout the lobby, abstract patterns and textures offer timeless Vietnamese cultural references with an elevated, artistic touch. Guest experience is further enhanced by a complimentary refreshments service in the main lobby – Sparkling Moments – that encourages social interaction and adds a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. The new hotel deploys 133 serviced apartments on floors 9-13 and 19-21, and 85 hotel rooms on floors 14-18. The eight room types range from studios to one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, with floor plans ranging from 37sqm to 105sqm. The hotel options include 20 Original Rooms, 45 Deluxe Suites, 5 Premium Deluxe Suites, and 15 Executive Suites. Each has a private balcony framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, a choice of twin or double beds, and a vintage record player with a selection of vinyl classics. The apartments have a distinctly Vietnamese heritage-inspired design, with warm wooden tones combined with indigo blue and terracotta accents. As each hotel room and suite is situated on a high floor, they offer natural light and panoramic views. YÊN Spa Inspired by the Vietnamese word “yên”, meaning peace, YÊN Spa is a sanctuary of quiet elegance and balance. Guided by a philosophy that blends cultural ritual with contemporary wellbeing, YÊN Spa will offer guests a variety of Vietnamese-based therapies, massage and beauty treatments, as well as an onsen — a serene environment with hot and cold pools, a sauna, steam room and relaxation lounge. Dining and Savor the View Perched on the 24th floor and commanding majestic panoramic vistas across the city, the all-day MỘC LOFT restaurant presents a thoughtfully curated menu that reimagines the true taste of Northern Vietnam through a modern fusion lens. Additionally, 24 Social and Terrace is the venue’s rooftop bar and the hotel’s creative playground — a chic, open-air setting providing mixology, music and a photogenic city-skyline background, a refined atmosphere ideal for golden-hour sunsets and evening gatherings. Reflecting on “The Original” spirit at LÈGACY Hanoi, newly appointed General Manager Mr. Ngo Anh Doan emphasized that the true value of hospitality lies not only in comfort, but in the emotional connections a place creates with its city and people. “Creativity doesn’t erase tradition,” he said. “It breathes new life into it, making heritage resonate with today.” Rooms at LÈGACY Hanoi – A Fusion Original start from US$210. To mark the hotel’s grand opening, a 30% discount applies, alongside exclusive perks including room upgrades, flexible check-in or check-out, and 20% off at Yên Spa and MỘC Loft Restaurant. Valid for stays until 31 December 2026. Discover more: https://fusionoriginals.com/hanoi. ABOUT FUSION Founded in 2008, Fusion Hotel Group is a leading wellness-focused hospitality platform with 26 operating properties and eight brands across Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia. Renowned for its innovative wellness and lifestyle concepts, Fusion provides end-to-end hospitality capabilities, from concept development and brand creation to hotel operations. In addition to hotel management, Fusion has also developed and operated branded residences, a fast-growing segment across Asia-Pacific.

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December might just be the best month of the year to travel. Bold statement? Perhaps. But consider. For one month every year, the entire planet goes into slo-motion, cities wrap themselves in twinkling lights, and half the world simultaneously takes vacation days. No other month compares to December. The problem is choice. Snow or sand? Christmas markets or deserted beaches? Long haul adventure or a quickie somewhere sunny? Most of us agonise about our winter breaks so much that we end up fearing booking something safe and dull THREE WEEKS before we travel. That’s a waste of a very good month. Here’s how to do it properly… Inside this guide: Why December Travel Is Booming Warm-Weather Escapes Worth The Flight Festive Cities That Do December Better Quiet Spots Nobody Talks About Booking Moves That Save Real Money Why December Travel Is Booming December travel isn’t a tiny niche. It’s the year’s largest travel crush; just look at the numbers. AAA estimated that 122.4 million Americans would travel 50 miles or more from home during a recent 13-day year-end holiday season. Approximately 89% of travelers drove. Slightly more than 8 million went by domestic flight. The same can be said for international travel worldwide. According to UN Tourism, there were 1.52 billion international tourists globally in 2025. Europe welcomed 793 million international visitors alone. So the question was never whether to go somewhere this December. It’s where. Begin by narrowing down the best countries to visit in December based on weather, prices and expected tourism levels and plan accordingly. Rewarding yourself with a December vacation pays off because December cleanly divides the earth into two hemispheres: Those in their dry season and those in the heart of winter. The biggest travel letdown is usually related to seasonal vacations. Get that order right and everything else falls into place. Warm-Weather Escapes Worth The Flight Some people don’t want a white Christmas. They’d rather exchange grey skies and heating bills for sunburn, seafood and a hammock. The best news of all. December sweetens up for the majority of the tropics. Southeast Asia December is Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia‘s dry season peak. Awesome weather with clear skies, low humidity and flat seas awaits you for island hopping. Climate is only part of the attraction though. Food, transport and accommodation remain inexpensive by comparison to almost anywhere else on this list, so you can spend two weeks here for the price of a long weekend in Western Europe. Book flights early. Everybody else has worked this out too. Mexico and the Caribbean A short hop with huge rewards. December falls in peak season weather windows for the Yucatán, Oaxaca and the Pacific coast, and they’re close enough that flying from North America won’t break the bank. A little FYI: the last week of December is by far the busiest/most expensive week of the year here. Book the first two weeks of the month and prices plummet. East Africa and the Indian Ocean Zanzibar also has beautiful weather in December. Same goes for Seychelles and Mauritius. Kenya and Tanzania have a brief dry season this month as well, making it a great safari window and avoiding the high prices of peak season (July and August). Pretty tempting, right? Festive Cities That Do December Better Now for the other side of the coin. A few places hardly register on the radar most of the year and then explode with life in December. If it’s atmosphere you’re after instead of a tan, consider one of these. Central Europe Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Strasbourg and Tallinn essentially construct their December personalities around Christmas markets. Wooden chalets, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, choirs singing in town squares. It’s cold. Good and proper cold. But that’s what you want, isn’t it – the coldness. That’s what makes the market feel like a market, rather than a carpark draped with fairy lights. Markets tend to close around the 23rd or 24th of December, so time it accordingly rather than thinking they may be open all December. The Nordics and Lapland This is when December stops being about holidays and starts being a bucket-list experience. December in northern Finland, Sweden and Norway offers: Northern lights on clear nights Husky sledding and reindeer farms Ice hotels and glass igloos Barely four hours of daylight, which sounds strange until you see it It’s not an inexpensive trip. It is also the type of trip you reminisce about for twenty years. Japan Whisper quiet you’re looking at one of the best December releases of all time. Illuminations are happening in every major city across Japan, ski season has started in Hokkaido and Nagano and the onsen towns are simply outstanding when it’s snowing outside. Crowds are lighter than cherry blossom season. Prices are lower too. Quiet Spots Nobody Talks About Here’s something most travellers overlook… Somewhere. Everywhere. December is off-season somewhere. Off-season travel is where the magic’s at. A few worth considering: Portugal and southern Spain — mild, cheap and virtually deserted outside of holiday week. Morocco — comfortable daytime temperatures and desert nights without the summer heat Argentina and Chile — Their seasons are in early summer in the southern hemisphere. Patagonia opens during this time. South Africa — beaches, wine country and safari all in one trip Sri Lanka — the west and south coasts enter their dry season The sacrifice is typically shorter days or the occasional rainy afternoon. Hotels are half the price of peak season and famous attractions are actually walkable. That’s a trade worth making. Booking Moves That Save Real Money The destination matters. So does the way it gets booked. A few rules that consistently work: Don’t travel on 20–27 December if possible. Simply moving your trip out by 7 days can reduce the price of a flight by 50%. Fly on the holiday itself. Christmas Day and New Year’s Day have the lightest travel volume of the entire season. Book your hotel ahead of time for trips during peak...

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Asia’s leading architecture, design and hospitality awards were staged inside a 150-million-year-old cave in northern Vietnam on June 26, creating what organisers believe is the world’s first international awards ceremony staged in a natural cave. The 2026 Asia Architecture Design Awards (AADA) and Asia Hospitality Awards (AHA) Winners’ Night was held inside Dragon Pearl Cave in Quang Ninh Province, about 30 minutes from Halong City. Towering stalactites and vast limestone chambers provided an extraordinary backdrop for recognising the region’s top architects, designers, developers, hotels and tourism operators. Coastal Quảng Ngãi – A Community by HAUS was recognised for its climate-responsive urban planning. Picture Book Dream Maru in South Korea was honoured for transforming a former underground reservoir into a vibrant cultural destination. Japan’s AMAMI HOUSE received recognition for its off-grid residential design. HAUS Da Lat was celebrated for integrating hospitality, wellness and environmental conservation within a forest setting. Other notable winners included Sola Peninsula and One Central Saigon by Masterise Homes, Thailand’s NEXUS by Synthesis Ark and Indonesia’s Pejeng Ubud. Ascott Orchard Singapore was honoured for blending serviced residences with contemporary lifestyle experiences. Varana Krabi Hotel – The Wellcation Experience received recognition for its wellness-focused tourism offering. Vietnamese chef Nguyen Gia Thien, of Viet Deli Group, received the Asia Special Achievement for Executive Chef award for his contribution to contemporary Vietnamese cuisine celebrating the country’s culinary heritage. “The diversity of this year’s winners is remarkable,” said jury chairman Tan Quee Peng. “From adaptive reuse in South Korea and off-grid homes in Japan to regenerative resorts in Bali and Vietnamese chef Nguyen Gia Thien’s celebration of local culinary heritage, they encapsulate the creativity and innovation behind Asia’s compelling built environment and visitor experiences.” “Hosting such a prestigious event in this natural wonder underscored our vision of making the cave a symbol of Vietnam’s heritage and a leading destination for world-class cultural and business events in Asia,” added Mr. Nguyen Hong Nhat, general director of APC Corporation, the operator of Dragon Pearl Cave. The 2026 awards were presented under the theme Influential Asia, recognising projects and organisations contributing to the future of architecture and hospitality. The organisation also announced the launch of its 2027 awards under the theme Visionary Asia. From next year, both award programmes will adopt a rolling evaluation model, with winners recognised throughout the year ahead of the 2027 Winners’ Night in Bangkok. The largest natural cave in northern Vietnam, spanning some 4000 square metres, Dragon Pearl Cave opened to visitors in 2025. Asia Premier Cruises (APC) Corporation, also behind the boutique cruise line Ambassador Cruise, hosts an immersive multi-sensory cultural show and fine dining at the cave, as well as corporate and cultural events. For a complete list of 2026 winners and event highlights, visit https://aadawards.com and https://ahawards.co/, or contact info@asiaawards.co. For more information about APC Corporation’s cave dining and entertainment experience, visit https://dragonpearlcave.com/

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Vietnam Golf Coast clubs are gearing up for one of their strongest seasons yet as Danang enjoys record tourism growth and prepares to welcome even more international visitors in the months ahead. The city welcomed a record 7.74 million overnight visitors during the first five months of 2026, a 20.9% increase year on year. International arrivals climbed 23.6% to 4.18 million, while domestic visitors rose 17.9% to 3.55 million. The recent rollout of Vietnam‘s digital arrival card in Da Nang is expected to build further on that momentum by making travel to Central Vietnam even more seamless for overseas visitors. For golfers, the timing could hardly be better. Few destinations in Asia combine such a concentration of championship golf with beaches, luxury resorts, UNESCO World Heritage sites and an acclaimed culinary scene. Within a little more than an hour’s drive, visitors can play courses designed by Colin Montgomerie, Luke Donald, Greg Norman, Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones Jr. As the region enters its peak playing season, Vietnam Golf Coast clubs are unveiling major tournaments, enhanced playing experiences and compelling seasonal offers designed to build on growing international demand. At Ba Na Hills Golf Club, Night Golf continues to gain popularity, giving golfers the chance to experience the Luke Donald-designed championship course under floodlights every Wednesday and Friday. Available over both 09 and 18 holes, the experience combines cooler evening conditions with a post-round food and beverage offering. The course has also returned to peak condition following its annual coring and summer maintenance programme, setting the stage for the busiest months of the golfing calendar. Attention is now turning to the prestigious IMG Trophy Tournament 2026 in September, when 132 golfers will compete in one of the club’s flagship annual events. “Our course has recovered exceptionally well and is in outstanding condition heading into our busiest period of the year,” said Andrew McGregor, General Manager of Ba Na Hills Golf Club. “Night Golf has become one of our defining experiences, while the IMG Trophy Tournament 2026 showcases the quality of golf and hospitality that golfers can expect when they visit Central Vietnam.” Meanwhile, Montgomerie Links Golf Club will host its 16th Club Championships on 22 August 2026, bringing together members and guests for one of the highlights of the club’s annual calendar. Beyond celebrating the spirit of golf, the Club Championships also reflect Montgomerie Links’ ongoing commitment to the community through its Green Hope CSR projects. This year, the tournament will raise funds to support underprivileged students in Da Nang, helping them pursue their educational dreams. “Our Club Championships have become about much more than competition,” said Le Vo Hoang Van, Club Manager of Montgomerie Links Golf Club. “They bring golfers together, showcase everything that makes Central Vietnam such a rewarding golf destination and continue to support an initiative that is making a real difference in our local community.” Golfers visiting during the season can also take advantage of Twilight Golf from just VND750,000, offering outstanding value on the acclaimed Colin Montgomerie-designed layout.

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Vietnam Golf Coast clubs are bringing the heat to Central Vietnam this summer, with a host of seasonal promotions, stay-and-play offers, and off-course attractions giving golfers added reasons to tee it up in one of Asia’s most compelling golf destinations. At Montgomerie Links, summer means bright skies, firm fairways, and cooling coastal breezes sweeping in from the East Sea. The course’s rolling terrain, casuarina pines, and proximity to Danang’s beaches give it a classic seaside character, while a new stay offer adds further incentive for golfers planning a longer escape. Guests can currently take advantage of a “Stay 1 night, get 1 complimentary night” promotion, with additional food and beverage credit enhancing the overall golf getaway experience. “Summer is a particularly rewarding time to experience Montgomerie Links,” said Club Manager Le Vo Hoang Van. “The sunshine, sea breezes, and relaxed coastal atmosphere combine to create the kind of golf holiday that feels distinctly Central Vietnamese.” The timing also coincides with one of Danang’s biggest annual draws. The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2026 runs from May 30 to July 11 under the theme “Da Nang – United Horizons.” The six-week event will bring 10 teams from nine countries to the Han River, with displays staged across five qualifying nights and a grand finale, alongside street performances, music, dancing, and riverfront festivities across the city. In the highlands west of Danang, Ba Na Hills Golf Club is carrying strong momentum into summer following its 10th anniversary celebrations. A special tournament on May 9 brought golfers, partners, and supporters together to mark a decade of growth for one of Vietnam’s most distinctive golf venues with its spectacular Luke Donald-designed layout. Set among pine forests and mountain air, Ba Na Hills Golf Club offers a cooler counterpoint to the coast. Its summer promotions lean into that advantage, with Twi-night Tee Off allowing golfers to start in the afternoon and play into the evening under lights. Prices start from VND 2,250,000 (USD90), with tee times available on selected weekdays. The club is also offering a same-day second-round promotion from VND1,290,000 (USD52), designed for golfers who want to extend their play while avoiding the hottest parts of the day. Young Talent Moments encourages junior participation on weekdays, while Sunday Swing combines an afternoon round with a food and beverage coupon for use in the clubhouse. For players seeking an added refreshment boost, Ba Na Hills has also introduced a Cooling Kit, priced at VND179,000 (USD7), featuring frozen mineral water, a chilled towel, and ice cream. “Summer golf is about timing, comfort, and atmosphere,” said Andrew McGregor, General Manager at Ba Na Hills Golf Club. “With mountain conditions, night golf, and offers for families and returning players, we are giving golfers more ways to enjoy the season.” Beyond the fairways, Central Vietnam continues to strengthen its appeal as a complete golf destination. Danang’s beaches, expanding dining scene, Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed ancient town, and major seasonal events such as DIFF all give golfers reasons to extend their stay. “With coastal play, mountain golf, strong-value promotions, and a packed summer events calendar, Vietnam Golf Coast is positioning the season as one of the most rewarding times of year to visit,” added Le Vo Hoang Van.

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Luxury beachfront resort The Anam Mui Ne has unveiled ‘Champa Journey’, a new collection of four spa rituals inspired by Mui Ne’s ties to the ancient Champa Kingdom and Vietnam’s herbal healing traditions. A Hindu-Buddhist civilisation that flourished along Vietnam’s central and southern coastline for more than a millennium, the Champa Kingdom remains an enduring part of the region’s cultural history. Contemporary in approach, The Anam Mui Ne’s new wellness collection draws inspiration from this legacy through native botanicals and therapies focused on calming the mind and body, and supporting circulation and natural energy flow. Many of the ingredients used in these 120-minute rituals — such as perilla leaves, lemongrass, pandan leaves, aloe vera, turmeric, pomelo leaves and sea salt — have long been used in traditional Vietnamese remedies. Perilla leaves are valued in Vietnamese herbal medicine for their warming and restorative qualities. Sea salt pays homage to Mui Ne’s littoral atmosphere. Rice, long renowned across Asia as a symbol of life and nourishment, features throughout the collection. Warm rice herbal compresses combine roasted rice with lemongrass, ginger, turmeric, perilla leaves and local herbs. Mineral-rich mud, inspired by the ancient Champa Kingdom’s connection to the earth and sea, features in facial rituals for its purifying and nourishing benefits to leave the skin radiant. ‘Champa Dawn Renewal’ begins with purifying steam therapy, followed by an Ayurvedic head message and herbal foot ritual to stimulate circulation and awaken the senses. A delicate rice body polish exfoliates the skin in readiness for a full-body massage to release tension and create a sense of lightness. Also starting out with a head massage and foot ritual, ‘Champa Sacred Earth’ centres on a herbal oil massage and a warm rice herbal compress massage to ground the body and quiet the mind. Designed to restore the body’s natural energy flow, ‘Champa Flow Within’ combines a wave-inspired massage with a herbal bath ritual. Undergirded by the healing power of flowers, ‘Champa Bloom Essence’ combines detoxifying steam therapy with a mineral-rich mud facial and a sound healing session to encourage a meditative state and restore emotional balance. Each ‘Champa Journey’ experience also includes light macrobiotic refreshments concocted from herbs, grains, seeds and native botanicals ranging from elixirs and tonics such as ‘Golden Spice Ginger Tonic’ and ‘Imperial Jasmine Infusion’, to dishes such as ‘Forest Essence Mushroom Congee’ and ‘Silken Tofu Serenity’. “We believe wellness should feel connected to where you are and the Champa Kingdom remains an important part of this region’s story,” said The Anam Mui Ne’s resort manager Peter Ye. “‘Champa Journey’ is our interpretation of that cultural connection through wellness, with treatments influenced by Vietnamese healing rituals and Mui Ne’s restorative beachfront setting.” For further information or to make a booking, visit www.theanam.com, email info.mn@theanam.com or telephone +(84) 252 6284 868.

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The Luxury Group by Marriott International is launching the third edition of its Luxury Dining Series, offering curated culinary journeys under the theme “Across the Table”. From August to October, the series will take place at luxury hotels including JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, and will conclude with an experience at sea with Luminara, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Each experience is thoughtfully curated to celebrate curiosity and connection, as chefs step beyond the kitchen to engage with guests. This year, key program moments have been identified across the series to facilitate authentic connections with the destinations, ingredients, and each other: Chefs [At The] Table, an intimate evening where renowned chefs sit among the guests and share personal stories The Grand Banquet, an immersive dinner celebration at iconic local sites celebrating heritage, culture and local rituals Heirloom AM/PM, highlights a single heirloom ingredient or technique through collaborative menus Page to Plate extends the journey with a curated collection of favorite recipes selected to deepen guests’ experiences beyond the table The Shared Memory Menu invites guests to explore mixology through flavors tied to memory and place Spirited Social brings the art of mixology to life with dynamic bar takeovers led by expert bartenders Journey To Exceptional Taste comprises chef-guided tours or masterclasses that uncover cultural exchanges and techniques, culminating in an intimate meal that brings those connections to life “This year, the focus of the Luxury Dining Series is to highlight the emotional heart of dining, exploring how stories unfold, flavors linger, and connections deepen when meals are shared,” says Oriol Montal, Regional Vice President of Luxury, Marriott International Asia Pacific excluding China, and Regional Vice President of Singapore. “Each destination in this year’s series is truly unique, with an incredible lineup of talent eager to create experiences that celebrate not only what is served, but what is shared. Our hope is that discerning travelers will be inspired to discover somewhere new, and in doing so, rediscover the art of gathering.” In collaboration with Moët Hennessy across participating destinations[1], this year’s “Across the Table” culinary experiences will unfold as follows: Vietnam, August 5th to 9th – JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa Chefs [At The] Table Rémy Gaulé’s Afternoon Tea at French & Co: a reimagination of French pastry through a distinctive Vietnamese lens Vietnamese Heritage Dinner with Madam Anh Tuyet & Chef Nguyen Hai Hung: an homage to Vietnamese home cooking Pink Pearl by Olivier Elzer & Summer Le: eight-course French and Vietnamese experience shaped by creativity, cultural exchange, and a shared respect for craftsmanship and place The Grand Banquet Vietnam in Celebration with Chef Olivier Elzer, Chef Summer Le & Chef Cuong Nguyen, complemented by a drinks program curated by Marco Dongi Heirloom AM   Vietnamese Heritage Breakfast at Tempus Fugit with Madam Anh Tuyet: an exploration of Vietnamese breakfast traditions Heirloom PM   Phu Quoc Seafood Lunch at Red Rum with Chef Cuong Nguyen & Chef Hai Hung celebrating the richness of Phu Quoc’s coastal waters The Shared Memory Menu Champagne with a Sommelier: uncovers the stories, terroir, and craftsmanship behind one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions Sunday Champagne Brunch by Olivier Elzer: a curated menu inspired by Phu Quoc’s seasonal produce, fresh seafood, and the balance of classical European technique with contemporary Asian influences Spirited Social   Marco Dongi Bar Takeover at Department of Chemistry: an exploration of the island’s tropical fruits, artisan flavors, and local botanicals through a menu of inventive cocktails Journey To Exceptional Taste   Bittersweet Chocolate Masterclass: explore a different side of Phu Quoc’s culinary identity through an intimate masterclass dedicated to the island’s emerging cacao culture Thailand, August 12th to 15th – The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket Chefs [At The] Table The Art of Omakase & Craft Brew Experience with Chef Agustin Balbi & Chef Joseph Talbot: an intimate culinary experience guided by seasonality and local ingredients Six-Hands Dinner at Veranda with Chef Arnaud Sauthier, Chef Joseph Talbot & Pastry Chef Sylvain Constans celebrating craftsmanship, seasonality, and the flavors of the Andaman coastline Eight-Hands Culinary Journey at Aiyara with Chef Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava, Chef Laongdao “Aong” Tohkhot, Chef Ratchanee “Kob” Nu-On, and bespoke cocktail pairings by Jane Kaew-Yod The Grand Banquet   Eight-Hands Dinner at The Beach Lawn with Chef Agustin Balbi, Chef Arnaud Sauthier, Chef Joseph Talbot & Pastry Chef Sylvain Constans The Shared Memory Menu   Sunset at Zbar with Bar Us bringing the signature philosophy of Bangkok’s celebrated bar to the shores of Naka Yai Island Spirited Social   Golden Hour Stories at Sea: handcrafted cocktails experience prepared by Adi Sukasta reflecting the aroma, colors and rhythm of the evening Golden Hour Cocktails at Zbar with Adi Sukasta, and Fransiska Siregar Journey To Exceptional Taste   Local Spirit, Refined Taste: a curated lunch pairing highlighting the natural abundance of Southern Thailand with selected craft spirits in collaboration with The Distillery Phuket – Home of Chalong Bay​ Natural Dye Textile Workshop: a hands-on workshop with Bang Wan Phatthana Women Farmers Community Enterprise to understand transformation of locally sourced botanicals into vibrant natural pigments Artisan Gin Blending with Kilo Spirits: an immersive gin workshop set against the secluded surroundings of The Naka Island and create your personalized bottle Maldives, August 26th to 30th – The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort Chefs [At The] Table An Evening with Chef Chan & Chef Abdo: a refined dialogue between elevated Cantonese cuisine and sophisticated pan-Asian flavors An Atelier with Chef Emmanuel Stroobant & Chef Ahmet: an intimate four-hands cooking atelier featuring creativity, craftsmanship, and conversation Curated Omakase Lunch at T.Pan with Chef Takato Kitano: a contemporary Japanese culinary journey ALBA Dining Experience with Chef Emmanuel Stroobant: a showcase of contemporary Mediterranean cuisine The Shared Memory Menu   Wine at Sunset with Master Sommeliers Thomas Ling and Kuday: an intimate wine tasting experience by the sea An Evening with Chef Taj & Brian Gonzalez: a curated menu with cocktail pairings exploring the connection between Indian culinary heritage...

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Fusion Hotel Group (FHG) and Hotel Management Japan (HMJ) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at shaping the next chapter of hospitality excellence in Asia. By bringing together Fusion’s innovative, wellness‑driven approach and strong presence in Vietnam and Southeast Asia with HMJ’s proven operational expertise in Japan, the collaboration lays the groundwork for greater scale, stronger brand impact, and accelerated regional growth. The partnership will focus on three core areas: Sales and Marketing, Brand and Design, and Human Resources. By aligning resources and expertise, both groups aim to expand market reach, elevate guest experience, and strengthen operational consistency across their combined portfolio. Key initiatives include sharing customer insights, harmonizing sales and marketing systems, integrating Fusion’s signature wellness‑driven brand elements into selected HMJ properties, and developing cross‑border training programs for employees in Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan. Junichi Araki, Chief Operating Officer of Hotel Management Japan, commented: “We are delighted to partner with Fusion Hotel Group. As a leading operator in Japan, HMJ sees tremendous potential in combining our operational strengths with Fusion’s growing influence in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. This collaboration enhances our collective scale and positions both organizations to pursue new opportunities across the region.” Christopher Hur, Chief Executive Officer of Fusion Hotel Group, added: “Japan is one of the most important markets in our regional vision, and HMJ has long been a benchmark for operational excellence in the country. By pairing HMJ’s scale and expertise with Fusion’s strong presence in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, we are creating a more robust regional platform with greater reach and capability. This partnership marks an important step in our long‑term strategy to expand our footprint and elevate hospitality standards across Asia.” About Fusion Hotel Group Fusion Hotel Group is a pioneering hospitality company known for its wellness‑inspired resorts, hotels, and serviced residences across Vietnam and Asia. With a focus on creativity, wellbeing, and exceptional guest experiences, Fusion continues to redefine modern hospitality through its diverse portfolio of brands. The group currently manages 19 hotels and resorts across Vietnam and Thailand, with a growing pipeline that reflects its commitment to innovative, guest‑centric hospitality. https://fusionhotelgroup.com/ About Hotel Management Japan (HMJ) Hotel Management Japan is one of the country’s leading hotel operators, overseeing a diverse portfolio of properties across major cities and destinations. The group currently manages 27 hotels throughout Japan under its two core brands, Oriental and Oriental Express, as well as several internationally recognized franchise brands including Hilton, Marriott, and Nikko. HMJ is known for its strong operational expertise and commitment to service excellence. https://www.oriental-hotels.com/

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From self-care to social-connection, TIA Wellness Resort in Vietnam is launching new social wellness experiences that bring guests together for healing and support. From a ‘Release and Renewal Fire Ceremony’ to ‘Sound and Stillness – A Collective Resonance Ritual’, TIA is creating spaces for connection that move beyond group classes. A 2025 report from the World Health Organization’s Commission on Social Connection highlighted how widespread and serious social isolation and loneliness is within society. The landmark report calls on all sectors to treat social health with the same level of importance as we do mental and physical health. “Our social wellness activities provide a container for people to gather, reflect and release,” explained Ramon Imper, general manager of TIA Wellness Resort. “The experiences may be rooted in inner reflection, but going through the process with others, and under the guidance of a facilitator provides a higher level of support and a feeling of community.” Held each week on Friday at 6pm, the 30-minute Release and Renewal Fire Ceremony invites guests to pause, reflect, and take part in a symbolic ritual of release. Guests think about what they are ready to release — any thoughts, emotions, or patterns that feel heavy or no longer serve them. They write them down and then place the paper into the fire, symbolically letting go. After that guests are invited to set a personal intention — something they wish to welcome, cultivate, or create in their lives. This intention is written down and also put in the fire, as guests engage in a ritual of transformation. “The fire serves as a visual and energetic focal point, supporting a sense of closure, clarity, and forward movement,” said Ramon. “This shared yet deeply personal experience fosters emotional release, intention setting, and a renewed sense of lightness, allowing guests to move through their TIA journey with greater awareness and presence.” Sound and Stillness – A Collective Resonance Ritual is a sensory-based experience that takes place in the garden of the Wellness Center. Fragrant rosewood, dense mangroves, towering ferns, taro, and vibrant parakeet flowers grow in abundance within the tropical garden. Nature is the backdrop for an immersive soundscape where wind chimes, singing bowls, and simple instruments are arranged to create sound stations. In the 30-minute session, held each Wednesday at 5pm, guests are first guided to pause, breathe, and settle into the moment, before choosing an intention or feeling that they wish to cultivate. They are then invited to play an instrument, allowing the sound and vibration to carry their intention into the shared space. “The key is minimal structure, no performance, no group timing — just a flowing, meditative soundscape created by guests,” added Ramon. “Studies have shown that sound healing helps reduce stress, tension and anxiety while improving spiritual wellbeing.” “We created these rituals in response to a growing need from our guests for acts of self-care that brought them together with others,” said Ramon. Eschewing quick fixes for long term change, over the last few years TIA has added more services that support guests once they leave the resort. In 2025 they launched WELL with TIA, a wellbeing YouTube channel with yoga, breathwork, and HIIT classes for use at home. The team have now also launched ‘Letters to Your Future Self,’ where guests come together to reflect and write a personal letter to themselves during their stay at TIA. The practice encourages guests to capture how they feel, what they are releasing, and what they wish to carry forward. During the half hour session, held each Sunday at 5pm, guests can come and go as they finish their reflection. Each letter is then collected and mailed to the guest after departure. “This serves as a meaningful reminder of their time at TIA and the intentions they set for themselves,” said Ramon. “This act creates a lasting emotional connection that extends the wellness journey beyond the stay.” The Release and Renewal Fire Ceremony, Sound and Stillness – A Collective Resonance Ritual, and Letters to Your Future Self are complimentary activities that have been added to the resort’s comprehensive activity schedule which includes creativity classes, HITT, yoga, and breathwork sessions. For more information visit: https://tiawellnessresort.com/

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As more guests wish to bring home a reminder of the wellbeing cultivated at TIA Wellness Resort, the Vietnamese property has expanded its lifestyle boutique, refreshing the array of goods available for purchase and re-opening in a larger, brighter space. The items now available range from tea to tableware, with some of the decorative elements in the rooms such as a small gong and curtain tassels inspired by mala beads, being among the most popular items with guests. Jewellery, notebooks, tote bags, pillowcases, beach and yoga mat bags with distinct TIA designs, and affirmation cards –based on TIA’s wellbeing principles–are also part of the cornucopia of TIA-designed goods. The black and white designs come in three patterns that match the property’s ethos: Mala – inspired by the meditation tool of a mala bead necklace that invites stillness and a calm mind Splash – bold calligraphy brush stroke patterns including the hand-drawn Zen circle that reflects the idea of being daring, creative and stepping into one’s power  TIA – a design that draws on the Vietnamese meaning of the property’s name “ray of light” for a design reminiscent of the sun’s rays, inspiring guests to shine, to take action. TIA recently created the TIA Signature Tea Collection, available in the store. The collection is inspired by the four pillars that guide the guest experience: Breathe, Flow, Nourish, and Create. Each blend is a thoughtful infusion of herbs and botanicals, chosen for their flavors, and therapeutic benefits. These teas are served daily at the Wellness Center, with selections changing throughout the week to support gentle detoxification, internal nourishment, and ritual enjoyment. Teas, which are available individually or as a collection, include: BREATHE, a soothing blend of chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, and passion flower, FLOW which brings together lemongrass, ginger, and licorice root to awaken digestion, NOURISH a comforting combination of peppermint, fennel, chamomile, and ginger, CREATE an uplifting blend of butterfly pea flower, mint, and stevia, and WELLNESS, a grounding mix of green tea, daisy flower, and jujube. While the expansion was born out of guest requests for many of the items encountered on property, it was important to the team that the goods could also act as a bridge to continue the TIA experience. “Last year we launched a YouTube channel so guests could continue with the practices they experienced at the resort once they were back home,” explained Ramon Imper, general manager of the resort. “Like the online channel, the goods we offer are another way to tap back into the feelings of a stay – whether it be a visual queue from our tableware,  the taste and ritual of drinking our tea, the scent of our essential oils, or the sound from our gong.” The new lifestyle boutique is now 25% bigger than the previous space and features a simple, calming design with crisp white walls and cool tiled floors, glass panels overlooking lush tropical gardens, and archways–a signature design element of the property.

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The iconic Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has once again been named one of the world’s “500 Best Hotels” by Travel + Leisure magazine, securing a place among the most elite properties in global hospitality for the sixth consecutive year. Celebrating its landmark 125th anniversary this year, the legendary Metropole Hanoi was one of only 12 hotels in Vietnam to appear on the 2026 list – and one of only two in the capital. The annual “World’s Best” awards, published in Travel + Leisure’s May 2026 issue, are among the most respected benchmarks in the international travel industry. “Being recognized in Travel + Leisure’s ‘500 Best Hotels’ is a tremendous honor. As we celebrate 125 years of legendary hospitality rooted in our extraordinary past, this award inspires us to continue crafting even more remarkable experiences for our esteemed guests and the Metropole,” said Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi General Manager George Koumendakos. The recognition comes on the heels of several other major international accolades for the luxury hotel. Metropole Hanoi was recently named one of the “100 Most Incredible Hotels in the World” for 2026 by Fodor’s, a leading international travel authority for more than 80 years. Last year, Metropole was awarded a coveted MICHELIN Key in the MICHELIN Guide’s inaugural edition in Vietnam. Business Traveller magazine named Metropole Hanoi one of the “Best Business Hotels in Asia-Pacific” for 2025, and Robb Report Hong Kong spotlighted Metropole in its “Best of the Best” for 2026. In June, the Metropole was named the best city hotel in Vietnam in the annual Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025. Condé Nast Traveler also recognized Metropole as one of the 72 best hotels and resorts in the world in the magazine’s prestigious Gold List 2025. For more information on Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, please call 0243 826 6919, email metropolehanoi.info@sofitel.com or visit www.sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com/.

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