region: Asia

Desert Island Survival’s newest adventure is here

Sick of “holidays” where you lie by a pool pretending you’re not still checking work emails? Enter Desert Island Survival’s newest experience in the Maldives where the only infinity pool in sight is the ocean, and the Wi-Fi password is “how ‘bout you build your own fire.”

Let’s get one thing straight, this isn’t a relaxing holiday. Yes, you’ll spend 11 glorious days in a paradise people regularly dream about (just me?), bu you’ll also spend the same 11 glorious days learning how to do stuff you never thought you’d need, like making fires without a lighter, catching your dinner without crying, and building a shelter that doesn’t look like a sad blanket fort from your childhood.

But your first five day is strictly for training. You’ll learn jungle hacks from actual survival experts, then the real fun begins. You’re dropped off on another uninhabited island, sans guide, with only your newly acquired skills, a few supplies, and a can-do (read: mildly panicked) attitude.

Unlike every other sanitised, over-curated “adventure tour,” this one strips away all the comfortable fluff. No buffets. No butlers. Just you, your hammock (if you’re lucky), and your rapidly improving ability to open coconuts without chopping off a finger.

You may ask, “Why would I do this?”, and the answer’s pretty obvious. Because it’s the antidote to your screen-addicted, city-soft, soy-latte life (ouch). You’ll come back with calloused hands, crazy stories, and a weird pride in your ability to identify edible roots.

Trisara has dropped five new culinary bombshells

Just when we thought Trisara couldn’t get any fancier (Michelin stars, ocean views, sustainable everything), they’ve gone full culinary Taylor Swift and dropped five new restaurants. Because apparently, one can never have too much caviar… or goat satay.

The first one is La Crique, and if you’re imagining the French Riviera dressed up for a Thai beach holiday, then it’s exactly that. It’s all oysters, herb-crusted lamb, and millefeuille so delicate it needs its own ‘do not touch’ sign. Chef Notty (real name, serious talent) helms this seafood seduction station with the elegance of a man who’s seen PRU’s Michelin star and thought, “Sure, I can top that.”

Next is the Thai Library, which is pretty much the soul food sanctuary you didn’t know you needed. It’s home-style Southern Thai with a sexy twist. Think grandma’s recipes, but your grandma now has a tasting menu and uses sustainable goat. Highlights include tom som soup aged 100 years and crab so fresh it may still be able to pinch you.

Onto the next, NOÉ on the Beach is members-only meets “pass the rosé.” Exclusive to hotel guests, it’s where you go to sip ocean-inspired cocktails in your designer swimwear and pretend you don’t know how emails work.

7.8° North Bar is all shaken, stirred, and sultry. Italian charm, classic cocktails, and latitude references to impress your date.

And then there’s Cielo & Spice, a Silk Road fever dream serving tandoori chicken, river prawn pasta, and brunch with jazz hands. Literally. Live jazz. On a deck. Overlooking the Andaman.

Our pro tip? Pack your stretchy pants. Phuket’s new foodie paradise isn’t just a vibe, it’s five.

Embrace Hari Hong Kong’s ‘Retox’ experience

If you’re sick of juice cleanses, yoga retreats and kale in places kale has no right to be in (like the mac & cheese you just ordered), The Hari Hong Kong hears you. And then raises you a cigar, a double shot of gin, and a dessert platter so indulgent it might just make Willy Wonka weep.

Their new “Retox But Not Detox” package is a no-guilt, full-pleasure overnight stay that celebrates all the things wellness brochures warn you about. You’ll check into one of The Hari’s sexy, design-forward rooms – complete with velvet, marble and views that’ll make your IG followers irrationally jealous – and prepare for an evening of delicious debauchery.

And you have plenty of retox options. You’re either puffing on a Confidenciaal cigar paired with The Hari’s own citrus-spiced gin (silver medalist at the World Gin Awards, thank you very much), or you’re diving face-first into a trio of desserts: Amalfi lemon sponge, pistachio cannoli, and creamy panna cotta. And the whole sweet affair is served with a sparkling glass of Moscato.

But don’t worry, you’ll still get breakfast in the morning, plus early check-in and late check-out (because hangovers don’t wear watches). All this from AUD480+, available until September 30.

So, if you’ve ever muttered “life’s too short” while ignoring a salad, this is your sign. Book the Retox. Skip the boot camp. And let The Hari remind you that sometimes, the most nourishing thing you can do… is sip, smoke, and have dessert first.

Relax at the newly reimagined Tanjong Beach Club

Tired of dodging selfie sticks in Marina Bay and sweating through Orchard Road? Here’s a pro tip: hop in a cab, head to Sentosa, and make a beeline for the newly reimagined Tanjong Beach Club where island vibes, killer food, and beachside cocktails await.

Set on Singapore’s sexiest stretch of sand, this iconic beach club has had a glow-up, blending mid-century modernist flair with tropical sass. Picture checkerboard tiles, plush daybeds in spicy sunset tones, and palm trees for as far as the eye can see. It’s basically giving vintage glamour meets barefoot luxury.

And the food is outrageously good. Chef Mong Zhen Yew is serving up wood-fired coastal delights that’ll make your hotel breakfast look a bit sad. We’re talking smoky Hokkaido scallops with citrus zing, grilled barramundi that’s dry-aged like a fine steak, and a sticky date pudding with smoked milk ice cream (have you ever heard of such a thing?) Even the flatbread comes with n’duja, mussels, and enough stracciatella to warm your cheese loving heart.

And the drinks are just as good. Pop a magnum of Champagne (you’re on holiday, live a little), or sip on a “Tanjong Coast” – a guava-gin number made for all-day lounging. By night, the place transforms into a barefoot dance haven with a sexy new VIP lounge and impressive beachy beats even Calvin Harris would be jealous of.

So if you need a break from skyscrapers and hawker queues, trade pavement for paradise. Tanjong Beach Club is your passport to island escapism with better cocktails and way more attractive people (A.K.A you).

Nuanu Creative City opens Oshom Bali

Congratulations, your main character moment has arrived – and it takes place at Nuanu Creative City’s newly opening luxury boutique hotel, Oshom Bali. If you’re picturing a beachside jungle dreamland with a disco ball in the wardrobes and a massage table on every terrace then you’ve pretty much hit the nail on the head.

Perched on the black lava sands of Pantai Nyanyi, Oshom is where luxury meets “I might just stay forever” energy. With just 18 keys, including dreamy Ocean Suites and Treehouse Hideaways nestled in the mangroves, this isn’t your typical resort. It’s more like a serene fever dream curated by someone who really knows their way around a mood board.

Expect volcanic sand walls, reclaimed teakwood, bamboo nest lounges, and yes, disco balls in the walk-in wardrobes. The Indigo Dreams Suite comes with its own alfresco massage room, while The Artist’s Suite has a meditation dome and an indoor-outdoor bar. Because why choose one when you can have both?

And you’re gonna drool over the food; ocean-fresh, ever-changing, and best paired with a botanical cocktail as the sun dramatically disappears into the sea. The vibe? DJ sunsets, cacao ceremonies, and poolside lectures that may or may not lead to a deep personal revelation. And because it’s tucked inside Nuanu, you also get access to Bali’s first multimedia park, electric buggies, and a wellness complex that might just realign your chakras.

Oshom isn’t just where you stay, it’s where your alter ego comes out to play (we love when we can make a rhyme work). Think saltwater dips, a whole lot of sequins, and a delicious sense that you’ve landed somewhere seriously special.

Get a Sak Yant tattoo

Ever wanted to get a tattoo so exclusive, so spiritually powerful, that even Steven Seagal would nod in solemn approval? Well, Anantara Siam Bangkok has you covered, literally. The luxury hotel has teamed up with the legendary Arjan Neng, the go-to Sak Yant master for A-listers, to offer an experience that’ll leave you with a tattoo, an ancient blessing and some serious mystic coolness.

Forget your run-of-the-mill, “I got this in Khao San Road after way too many Singha’s” ink job. Sak Yant is the real deal: an ancient Thai tradition where sacred symbols are etched into your skin with a steel needle (Khem Sak, if you’re feeling fancy) while Buddhist prayers and mantras are chanted over you. Protection? Check. Good fortune? Double-check. A guaranteed icebreaker at parties? You bet.

Arjan Neng, whose past clientele includes Brooke Shields, Ryan Phillippe, and yes, the one and only Seagal, personally consults with each guest to determine which design best suits their spiritual needs.

Whether you opt for the classic inked Sak Yant, the invisible oil version (because stealth magic is a thing), or just a blessing without the commitment, this is more than just body art.
Starting at THB 20,000++, this exclusive experience is available by appointment only at Anantara Siam.

So, if you’ve ever wanted a tattoo that comes with divine backing, now’s your chance. Just be ready for the universe to take notice.

25Hours Hotel Jakarta The Oddbird opens its doors

If you thought the world couldn’t get any weirder, you’re wrong; things are about to get a little odd – Jakarta style. On April 25, 2025, 25hrs Hotel Jakarta The Oddbird will officially open its doors, shaking up the city’s hospitality scene like a well-mixed cocktail (which, by the way, they’ll probably serve).

But this place isn’t just for sleeping (if that’s what you thought, The Oddbird is here to prove you deeply mistaken).

Designed for rule-breakers, storytellers, and people who prefer their hotel stays with a side of whimsy, The Oddbird is a playground of eclectic design, immersive experiences, and just the right amount of organised chaos.

Nestled in District 8 of SCBD, the hotel takes inspiration from the number 8 itself – a symbol of eternal connections, infinite possibilities, and, let’s be real, a fancy way of saying ‘we’re all in this together’ (even if sometimes, like right now, we wish we weren’t).

For the rooms, expect garden and urban-themed spaces that channel classic Jakarta neighbourhoods; lush greenery meets retro, mid-century cool. And for the communal spaces, the vibe is vibrant, buzzing, and they’re guaranteed to be the perfect backdrop for your next great story (or at least a fire Instagram post).

But we can’t forget about the food. A riot of local and international flavours await that’ll make you reconsider every sad airport meal you’ve ever eaten.
But above all, The Oddbird embodies the ‘Come as you are’ spirit, so, whether you’re a business traveller, an artist, or someone who just appreciates a killer hotel bar (guilty), you’re welcome here. The Oddbird has definitely landed.

The new-look wellbeing sanctuary at Bawah Reserve

Bawah Reserve, the ultra-remote, eco-luxe paradise that’s only accessible by private seaplane (because of course it is), just got even more indulgent. Enter the newly expanded Aura Wellbeing Sanctuary, a jungle-hidden oasis where sweating, freezing, and feeling absolutely blissed-out are all on the itinerary.

This isn’t your average spa upgrade. It’s a full-blown contrast therapy playground, designed to have you alternating between fiery heat and ice-cold refreshment like a true wellness warrior. Start in the Red Salt Sauna, where temperatures climb to a toasty 82°C, melting away toxins and stress like butter on a Bawah beach. Or opt for the Steam Room, a pore-purifying, muscle-relaxing misty haven set at a gentle 38°C (that’s still hot to us) or a sweat-dripping 48°C for the hardcore detoxers.

Then, just when you’re feeling all warm and fuzzy, it’s time for the Polar Room; a brisk 16°C sensory jolt that wakes up circulation, tightens skin, and reminds you what being truly alive feels like. And if you want to take things to the next level, the Ice Plunge Pool at a frosty 12°C delivers the ultimate endorphin rush, soothing sore muscles and leaving you buzzing with post-chill euphoria.

With Bawah’s signature all-inclusive spa treatments already part of the package, the new Aura Sanctuary is just the cherry on top of an already ridiculously dreamy retreat. Detox, retox, repeat because sweating in paradise has never looked this good.

Enjoy a meal at Cavern Restaurant

If you’re ready to eat like you’ve never eaten before, then Singapore’s newest dining hotspot is literally taking things underground. Nestled within the lush greenery of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, this new cavern restaurant is not your average dining experience.

You’ll be seated in a cave-like space inspired by the Mulu Caves of Sarawak, surrounded by natural rock formations, with the soothing sounds of wildlife in the background. So, it’s basically like a date with Mother Nature, but with a ‘Stone Age burger’ or two.

But it’s the entire vibe of the place that makes it truly unique; a hidden gem (pun very much intended) in the heart of nature. You’re eating within the confines of a gigantic cavern, surrounded by epic rock walls that’ll make you feel like you’re dining in a secret lair.

Now, the food – oh boy. The menu is an impressive mix of local delicacies with an international twist, featuring everything from grilled meat skewers to decadent desserts. Each dish is designed to wow your taste buds and keep you coming back for more. Think sustainable, locally sourced ingredients plated with finesse (and a side of cave charm).

It’s not every day you get to dine in a space resembling cavern while sipping on a craft cocktail and wondering what the wild animals right outside the walls are doing. If you’re looking for something that’s equal parts “wow” and “yum,” this is your Singaporean spot.

 

Coral Gardeners launch new project in Thailand

Our good friends over at Coral Gardeners are diving headfirst into their biggest restoration mission yet, and this time, it’s in the stunning turquoise waters of Thailand. Recently launched, this dual-island project will see Koh Mak and Koh Kood get the VIP coral treatment, with thousands of baby corals already flexing their tiny polyps, ready to rebuild what has been lost.

But let’s talk about the real heroes here: an all-star team of eight trained Thai gardeners who will be getting their hands (and fins) dirty to restore reefs that have been through some serious battles – think dynamite and chemical fishing (yikes).

But with those destructive days firmly in the past, Coral Gardeners are rolling up their wetsuits to give these reefs the second chance they deserve (big yay).

Related: Adopt a coral with Coral Gardeners

So, what’s the plan? We’re sooo glad you asked. A network of nursery and restoration sites have been created, where these oceanic underdogs will grow, thrive, and hopefully throw the most spectacular underwater comeback party the Gulf of Thailand has ever seen (we want an invite asap).

Climate change may be the ocean’s toughest opponent, but if anyone can fight back with hope, science, and a splash of pure passion – it’s these coral crusaders. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of being part of a real-life ocean rescue mission, now’s your chance to support this fantastic organisation as they turn the tides in Thailand.