region: Asia

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.

Stay at the hotels used for season 3 of The White Lotus

If you thought the drama of The White Lotus couldn’t get any juicier, wait until you hear where they’re filming Season 3. Well, you don’t have to wait because we’re about to tell you.

The lush, tropical landscapes of Thailand have become the perfect backdrop for the show’s signature plot twists, scandalous characters, and social satire. Three jaw-dropping Anantara resorts have officially been confirmed as key filming locations, and trust us, you’ll want to pack your bags (or at least your TV remote) to see it all unfold.

First up, we have Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, a beachfront paradise where the show will feature iconic spots like the Thai-style lobby and the resort’s jewellery store. With its lotus ponds and spa garden, this place oozes charm, and we’re guessing it’ll serve up plenty of drama too. Whether you’re lounging by the tree-lined entrance or sneaking around the employee parking lot, Anantara Bophut is the ultimate tropical playground for all things scandalous.

Next, Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort brings The White Lotus to new heights (literally). The show’s key bar scene takes place in the resort’s Singing Bird Lounge, a stunning treehouse-style bar perched above the island. As you sip handcrafted cocktails with panoramic ocean views, you can almost hear the whispers of the island’s famous bird-singing contests, perfect for the show’s plot of chaotic beauty and wild melodrama.

Finally, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas is where the true luxury and intrigue happen. With its Wellness Sanctuary, spa, and even Belinda’s room (get ready for some intense personal drama), this hidden gem on Phuket’s coastline provides the ultimate backdrop for privacy, sophistication, and plenty of messy moments.

If you’re ready to live out your ‘White Lotus’ fantasy, you can book the Lotus Awakening Escape Package, which includes experiences across all three resorts. Pack your bags (or at least your imaginary drama) and get ready for some serious fun in the Thai sun. Maybe with a side of chaos.

Travel to Japan for cherry blossom season

You, a flurry of pink petals, and landscapes so breathtaking they look straight out of your fav anime; that’s Japan during cherry blossom season. But cherry blossom season isn’t just a time of the year, it’s a whole mood. And if you want to experience it without elbowing through crowds in Kyoto, Shizuoka is the place to be.

Just a 45-minute bullet train ride from Tokyo, Shizuoka’s cherry blossoms are serious overachievers, blooming before the rest of the country’s blossoms even wake up. But where exactly is the best place to see ‘em?

There’s the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival in February, where the vibrant pink beauties last longer than your average cherry blossom, making them the ultimate floral flex (and the festival one of the best places to see them). You can wander along the river, soak in the view, and bask in that early-blooming glory.

But if you want even more exclusivity, the Atami Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off in late January – yes January- so you can claim those Insta-worthy shots before the masses start planning their trips. Delicate blossoms line the Itokawa River like nature’s VIP section; trust us, you don’t want to miss it.

And for the grand finale, the Minami-Izu Cherry Blossom and Rapeseed Flower Festival throws in a sea of bright yellow rapeseed flowers alongside the pink sakura. It’s a full on colour explosion, running from early February to March.

So, book your trip, grab a matcha latte, and the let the petals work their magic.

Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur

There’s no shortage of spectacular places to stay in Jaipur, but the newly opened Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur might just take the gulab jamun at the top of the cake.

Named after the “garden of jewels” that is Rajasthan, this place looks like it was plucked straight out of a fairy tale. Only, instead of glass slippers, you’ll be sporting a bathing suit and sunnies because the two swimming pools this resort boasts are where you’re gonna want to spend all of your time – that is, when you’re not out exploring the Pink City.

Which you might not have to do when the property you’re staying at is this gorgeous – think grand arches, stunning jharokhas (those classic bay windows), and enough intricate design details to make you feel like completely re-doing your house’s décor when you get home.

And we haven’t even mentioned the interior yet. Each room blends together hand-carved woodwork, golden leafing, and local tikri glasswork (basically, the lovechild of Indian heritage and modern elegance) to create an enticing space you’ll never want to leave.

But if you’re lucky enough to experience the Jewel Bagh One-Bedroom Suite, a plush hideaway awaits with a living room, cosy window beds, and a terrace that practically begs you to sip a cocktail while soaking up panoramic views. Talk about living inside a dream.

Speaking of cocktails, Anantara’s Sheesh Mahal restaurant is your ticket to indulge your inner foodie. From dishes that are a marriage of Rajasthan’s heritage and modern flair to cocktails that’ll satisfy even the toughest tastebuds (trust us, they’re that good), every meal is a celebration.

SkyCity’s new glass waterslide

Brace yourself (and your stomach) because Malaysia’s new 600-metre glass slide at SkyCity in Selangor is about to turn our idea of ‘fun’ upside down – and sideways, and straight down, and then to the left.

Located at the top of a 60-metre architectural marvel, this attraction isn’t your average playground slide. It’s an adrenaline-packed descent through the clouds. Oh, and it’s also filled with water.

You step into a transparent glass tube aboard your little floating raft thingy (feeling like you’ve just entered the future), and then…whoosh. Down you go. You glide across the slide’s watery surface, but because it’s also glass, you can see the entire world beneath you. Okay, maybe not the entire world. Just the very tiny, ant-like people of Selangor, going about their daily business while you’re fighting your terrifying acrophobia (fear of heights).

No big deal, right?

As you speed down at a heart-racing pace, you’ll notice your view shifting from vertigo-inducing heights to sprawling landscapes. It’s like a rollercoaster but with an Instagram-worthy panoramic view of Shah Alam’s stunning skyline. Especially when the sun goes down and SkyCity’s LED lights come on.

You can’t help but laugh, scream, and maybe even throw in a little prayer as the ground drops away beneath you. But don’t worry; the slide is as safe as it is exhilarating, and if you’ve survived that first drop with your dinner still firmly in your stomach (IYKYK), the rest of the slide will be a piece of tapioca cake.

The Hari Hong Kong presents its new audio guide

Forget generic guidebooks and overly enthusiastic tour guides that talk quicker than you can get your heard around what they’re actually saying, there’s a new audio walking tour in town and it’s all thanks to The Hari Hong Kong’s Live like a Local experience.

Now you can explore trendy neighbourhood Wan Chai with insider knowledge (sans tour group in tow) and be guided through the district’s coolest nooks and crannnies. From the hidden temples tucked between skyscrapers to the cha chaan teng (local diners) serving milk tea that promise to cure your soul, every stop along the way is dripping in authentic Hong Kong flavour.

This neighbourhood is a blend of the old and the new; think vintage teahouses rubbing shoulders with swanky bars. You’ll learn where to slurp noodles like a pro and hear facts about Hong Kong’s history that aren’t in any of the textbooks you had to buy in high school.

The Hari’s user-friendly app has interactive features that make it super easy to get around, and it even has narration of seven of the district’s hidden gems. Want the lowdown on where to get the crispiest egg tarts? Or the story behind those quirky street art murals? Maybe you want to visit an appointment-only gallery that was once a private rooftop clubhouse in the 1970s?

Wherever you choose to explore, the app has got you covered. It’s time to lace up those comfy walking shoes…

Sip on sustainability at Scribe

We reckon nothing tastes stronger than a cocktail with a side of conscience and lucky for everyone, the geniuses over at FCC Angkor by Avani and Herbal Kulen Gin have come up with a bottle that’s as good for the planet as it is for your palette.

It’s at Scribe Bar, a place where you can easily embark on a sensory journey while also immersing yourself in the rich, diverse and downright mouthwatering flavours of Cambodia.

But Herbal Kulen Gin is no ordinary gin. Crafted by the eco-visionary Unn “Pari” Sophary, this planet-saving spirit will only be produced in a small batch (we hear that, and we think exclusive) and offers sippers the chance to taste the soul of Cambodia – think lemongrass and citronella.

You might be thinking, ‘But where does sustainability come into this?’ and we’re so glad you asked. Pari has a deep commitment to reforesting the land at the foot of the Kulen Mountains, and so this special gin pays homage to the country’s vibrant ecosystem and sustainable practices. And now you get to taste that commitment in every cocktail at Scribe.

Try the Cambodian Negroni – a spicy, citrusy twist on the classic – or wet your lips with an Apsara Sour full of regional botanicals such as butterfly pea tea, lemongrass syrup and lime juice. No matter what drink you choose, this collaboration gives a whole new meaning to the term ‘responsible drinking’. We’ll cheers to that.

Party it up at SIN

Get ready to elevate your nights in Bangkok – literally. The newest, coolest, and one of the highest (26 floors high to be exact) rooftop bars is almost here and we simply can’t wait for its private lift doors to open in mid November.

SIN, perched atop the Avani + Riverside Bangkok Hotel, is a place where mischief meets a little magic, serving up jaw dropping 360-degree views of the pulsating city’s sparkling skyline and the nearby Chao Phraya River. But this isn’t your average rooftop lounge.

The vibe at SIN is equal parts glitz and grit with neon-lit corners, plush seating and an aesthetic that influencers will surely lust after. And we haven’t even mentioned the cocktails yet, although we’re sure they’ll end up on more than one said influencer’s Instagram feed.

Every cocktail is a masterpiece and has been expertly crafted by award-winning mixologist, Brian Gonzalez Fernandez. Forget espresso martinis and spicy margs, SIN promises alcoholic beverages inspired by themes of sin (go figure) and desire with a Thai twist.

Embracing your cravings is easy when you have a choice of 10 signature cocktails including ‘Forbidden Nectar’, a bourbon caramel delight, and the ‘Kiss of Euphoria’, a crafty concoction combining tequila with kiwi and Cointreau. And let’s not forget the curated menu of light, contemporary bites to ensure the drinks go down way easier than they should – think oysters served with wasabi mayonnaise and wagyu beef tartare.

But there’s a cherry on top (if you still have room). The bar will also play host to a number of regional and international DJs including British DJ of Thai descent, Tek Harrington, and techno mastermind, Sunday Sundae, to keep the place buzzing until the early hours. Bangkok’s really showing the world how to do rooftop bars properly with this one.

25,000 people expected in Lan Kwai Fong this Halloween

There’s street parties, and then there’s Lan Kwai Fong’s epic Halloween-themed street party in central Hong Kong. It’s the craziest spook-filled gathering of ghosts, ghouls and costumed revellers you’ve likely ever come across.

Yes, usually Lan Kwai Fong is a tame yet bustling maze of bars and eateries, but when October rolls around (and especially when Halloween hits), it transforms into an explosion of cobwebbed alleys where gory face painters dance to the sickest DJ beats echoing through the neon-lit streets (apparently we’re dressing up as poets this Halloween).

Wander through the cobbled lanes and you’ll be met with a bizarre lineup of activities: try to make it through the haunted houses without spilling your drink (talk about almost impossible), or watch the massive costume contest pick a winner between a nightmarish marionette doll and an instantly recognisable plague doctor. You can even catch a classic Hong Kong-style horror flick.

And when you get thirsty, there’s plenty of bars to choose from with each one rolling out a range of special options – think ‘Blood Punch’ and ‘Zombie Brain Shots’. To soak up all that mummifying alcohol, food stalls are on hand to satisfy your creepy cravings with everything from grilled skewers to sizzling dumplings on the menu.

But this place gets busy, like busy busy. Imagine shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of zombies, witches, and characters you can’t quite identify (is that a costume or your usual get up?) squished into streets definitely not meant for 25,000 people.

Local authorities are putting extra safety measures in place but keep your wits about you, prepare for the chaos, look out for others and hit up the Unholy Halloween Party (just a suggestion) for a hauntingly good time.