The post Birkin International Hotel opens in Melaka appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Birkin International Hotel officially opened its doors in Melaka, Malaysia on Wednesday, 9th July.

This new landmark in sustainable luxury welcomed guests via a grand celebration officiated by Melaka governor Haji Mohd Ali bin Mohd Rustam and chief minister Seri Utama Ab Rauf bin Yusoh. 

The opening of the new hotel signifies a milestone for the Malaysian tourism industry; a bold step toward positioning Melaka as a premier destination for eco-conscious, high-value travellers.

Leading the launch were Yao Lien Ti, president of Taiwan-based developer YeaShin International Development Co Ltd, and hotel general manager Simon Tan. 

Their shared vision was clear: to create a destination where luxury, sustainability, and culture intersect.

An exquisite new resort

Worth US$235 million, the resort-style development is nestled along the pristine shoreline of Klebang beach, just 12 kilometres from Melaka International Airport. 

Boasting of 526 elegant all-suite rooms, each suite comes with a private balcony offering sweeping views of the legendary Straits of Malacca, setting the stage for an unforgettable escape steeped in both sophistication and serenity.

Birkin International Hotel is more than just a place to stay: it’s an experience designed with the mindful modern traveller in mind.

That said, it offers a peaceful retreat that blends timeless heritage with contemporary design. 

The property is purposefully situated away from the bustle of city life, offering an atmosphere of calm, connection, and discovery just minutes away from Melaka’s UNESCO heritage treasures like Jonker Street, A Famosa, and Stadthuys.

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The post Minor Hotels expands portfolio with four new brands appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Global hotel operator Minor Hotels announced the strategic expansion of its brand portfolio with the addition of four new hotel brands, including the group’s first soft brands. 

The newly launched brands will support Minor Hotels’ continued growth by enabling it to expand into new markets and provide distinctive hospitality offerings across the luxury, premium and select segments. 

These brands will  join Minor Hotels’ existing portfolio of hotel brands which currently consist of Anantara, Elewana Collection, Tivoli, NH Collection, Avani, nhow, NH, and Oaks.

Likewise, these will reflect the group’s commitment to offering its partners and guests a broader range of brand propositions, particularly in the fast-growing soft brand segment. 

New to the Minor Hotels portfolio

• The Wolseley Hotels     Rooted in the heritage of the iconic Piccadilly restaurant, The Wolseley Hotels is a luxury brand that blends British elegance with European flair and global influence. Each hotel is a timeless sanctuary where rituals are refined, stories are bespoke, and indulgence is offered with sincerity and grace. With unerring attention to detail and design, The Wolseley Hotels create elegant, immersive spaces that hum with the rhythm of cosmopolitan life;
• Minor Reserve Collection     A luxury soft brand, Minor Reserve Collection is for travellers who seek extraordinary stays that celebrate personal expression and refined distinction. Each property is a world of its own, chosen for its rarity and ability to offer something singular that guests cannot find elsewhere. Minor Reserve Collection properties elevate every guest’s journey by crafting thoughtful, tailored stays that balance innovation and time-honoured hospitality;
• Colbert Collection     Colbert Collection, a soft brand in the premium segment, will encompass a global collection of independent hotels designed for those fuelled by a passion for culinary excellence and genuine social connection. Each hotel expresses its individuality through curated experiences, from insider-led itineraries to story-rich dining and gatherings that bring people together; and
• iStay Hotels     iStay, a select segment brand, offers stays that are fun and affordable, comfortable and convenient, delivered with minimal fuss. Guests can expect a refreshing, budget-friendly hotel experience with seamless service, a good night’s sleep, and the latest tech in the world’s most loved cities. 

Ongoing evolution

The expansion of Minor Hotels’ brand portfolio follows the evolution of the Minor Hotels masterbrand in March 2025. 

The launch of the umbrella brand platform is accompanied by significant investment in the group’s digital infrastructure and distribution strategies, as well as a simplified loyalty proposition under a single Minor DISCOVERY programme. 

Today, the Minor Hotels consumer-facing masterbrand provides the group a stronger foundation to introduce new brands, enhance owner value, and deliver seamless experiences for its guests globally.

According to chief commercial officer Ian Di Tullio: “We have meticulously crafted each new brand to capture specific opportunities in the market, enabling us to meet the evolving needs of modern travellers and owners alike. By expanding our brand offering to address new segments, we are empowering our partners, delighting our guests, and accelerating our global growth strategy. These additional brands are instrumental in helping us reach our growth target of 850 properties by the end of 2027.”

At present, Minor Hotels is also in active discussions regarding development opportunities for each of its brands. 

The first property announcements for The Wolseley Hotels, Minor Reserve Collection, Colbert Collection, and iStay are expected in the coming months.

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The post Natalie Dau and Dawn Sim to hold wellness programme at Chiva-Som Hua Hin appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

As it marks its 30th year of promoting holistic wellness, award-winning Thai wellness destination Chiva-Som Hua Hin announced an exclusive collaboration with Guinness World Record-holder and ultra-marathon champ Natalie Dau and acclaimed yoga practitioner Dawn Sim.

These renowned experts will be heading a complimentary four-day wellness programme for guests at the resort from the 26th to the 29th August.

This comprehensive wellness programme will consist of strength training, functional fitness, yoga, immersive sound healing, breathwork and empowering wellness discussions, inviting guests to explore their own personal path to physical resilience, vitality and longevity.

With only a limited number of spaces available, this complimentary programme offers rare access to leading fitness and wellbeing visionaries in an intimate wellness sanctuary

The art of maturing with grace

This integrative collaboration focuses on women’s health, particularly through life transitions such as perimenopause and menopause.

During the event, Dau and Sim will lead a joint panel alongside Chiva-Som’s naturopath, Patience Sangwa, to explore women’s health across various life stages, offering practical, empowering tools for the body and mind. 

Their combined experience ensures every movement, every breath, every workshop will help women walk away feeling empowered and educated, physically, mentally and emotionally.

Whether through mindful movement or energising workouts, this unique joint approach ignites a lifelong commitment to self-care and self-belief. 

Meet the mentors

Returning to Chiva-Som Hua Hin for her third stint, Dau has inspired women around the world to reclaim their strength through movement. 

She guides women over 40 through power-charged strength training, functional fitness workshops and more to support and empower their evolving wellness journeys.

Sim, on the other hand, makes her debut at Chiva-Som Hua Hin during this particular event.

She is a seasoned yoga practitioner, sound healer and breathwork coach with over two decades of experience in emotional wellbeing and integrative healing. 

Her sessions are curated to promote mental clarity, emotional balance and self-awareness. 

With her nurturing presence, Sim creates a space for deep relaxation and mindful movement.

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The post South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao to showcase synthesis of Boholano culture and nature appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Accor Philippines’ newest property South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection is all set to open its doors on 8th August.

The new resort is slated to usher a new era of luxury hospitality and local storytelling to Bohol, the biologically diverse and heritage-rich island province in the Southern Philippines.

With its blend of tropical scenery, cultural charm, and natural wonders that include vibrant coral reefs, the mysterious UNESCO-listed Chocolate Hills, and a tarsier conservation sanctuary, Bohol has the potential to become Southeast Asia’s next dream destination. 

This makes it the perfect location for the newest addition to the MGallery Collection, which strives to tell intriguing stories in one-of-a-kind locations. 

According to resort general manager Danish Khan: “South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection is more than just a destination; it’s a living narrative. We offer signature experiences that bring the story of Bohol to every guest journey. We have created a place where local culture comes alive, where nature and luxury exist in harmony, and where guests can create meaningful connections that transform every stay into a personal story.”

A luxe getaway inspired by nature

Nestled on Bohol’s most beautiful beach, less than 5km from Bohol-Panglao International Airport, South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection lets guests explore the exotic wonders of this idyllic island, above and beneath the waves.

Inspired by the legend of Sirenna, the spirit of the sea and guardian of Bohol, South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection captures the cultural essence of this aquatic wonderland. 

The waters beyond the beach are crystal-clear, and guests can swim out among tropical fish and colourful corals that shimmer in the sunlight. 

Then, a mysterious sunken plane rests peacefully on the seabed, one that Boholano lore says is guarded by local spirits. 

Moved by these myths and legends, industry-leading architects and interior artists, including Patricia Ho of White Jacket, Philip Pond of Atelier Pond, and Patrick Keane of Enter Projects Asia, came together to craft a captivating design concept that tells the story of Bohol’s time-honoured traditions, folk tales, tribal roots, and agricultural heritage.

Having entered through a dramatic archway of entwined vines and branches, visitors are greeted in a light-filled lobby in the shade of a majestic banyan tree. 

Every low-rise building is crafted to respect traditional architecture, using locally sourced materials, flowing shapes and indigenous designs that blur the boundaries with nature. 

The iconic Walk Bridge is a spiralled walkway, while the heady fragrance of the lemongrass garden floats throughout the open-planned resort. 

Each of the 188 rooms and suites is a luxurious sanctuary, rooted in biophilic design and Boholano storytelling, with rustic-chic interiors that feature handwoven headboards, bamboo accents, rattan lighting, and coconut wood furnishings.

A local feast for the senses

Guests may embark on meaningful, low-impact journeys infused with the spirit of Bohol. Reef snorkelling, diving at the nearby plane-wreck, serene spa treatments, family activities, and authentic rituals are all enriched with the personal warmth of Filipino hospitality. 

Just 1km from the resort, the working farm lets eco-conscious explorers embrace the art of sustainable island living, with animal feeding and workshops, and close encounters with friendly carabao (local water buffalo). 

Diverse dining experiences are on the menu at four restaurants & bars, young guests can enjoy fun-filled days at a colourful kids’ club, and a striking pavilion and alfresco lawn set the stage for exceptional events, including weddings.

Under MGallery’s signature M Moments experiences, which are designed to provide a connection with the artisan traditions of each destination, guests can discover asin tibuok, The Timeless Crystal of Bohol: a rare type of sea salt that is only found in this part of the Philippines. 

An exclusive excursion transports guests through the time-honoured process of producing this unique product.

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The post SriLankan Cargo nominated for Airline of the Year – Asia at World Air Cargo Awards appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

SriLankan Airlines’ cargo carrier SriLankan Cargo has been named a finalist for Airline of the Year – Asia at the prestigious World Air Cargo Awards 2025.

Awarding was recently held during the air cargo Europe trade fair in Messe München, Munich, Germany. 

Airline cargo head Chaminda Perera said of this: “It is a significant achievement for SriLankan Cargo, underscoring our service standards and the trust we have earned among industry leaders. We see this as a testament to our commitment to providing reliable air cargo services. We will continue to take every step to offer our customers an efficient gateway between East and West.”

Nominees for this year’s World Air Cargo Awards were selected by an international, independent panel of judges, with finalists determined through a transparent industry voting process. 

The awards set the benchmark for recognising excellence across the global air cargo community, with SriLankan Cargo once again demonstrating its position as one of the region’s best.

Seamless solutions for global cargo

Operationally, SriLankan Cargo maintains a guaranteed uplift rate of 93 percent and ensures seamless air freight solutions, with recorded minimum connecting times as short as 40 minutes for transit cargo and fast deliveries. 

The airline is also dedicated to delivering customers a streamlined experience, supported by best-in-class technology and strategic partnerships with digital distribution platforms that enable quick access to online bookings.

As the sole air cargo ground handler at Bandaranaike International Airport, safety and compliance are central to SriLankan Cargo’s operations. 

The airline is certified by several key regulatory bodies, including the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO), and the IATA CEIV Lithium Batteries certification.

SriLankan Cargo has been providing connectivity for shipments across the Middle East, Europe, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Far East and Australia, with an online network of over 30 destinations in 21 countries and an offline network that extends to hundreds more global cities. 

Leveraging on road and partner networks, SriLankan Cargo is able to provide customers the flexibility to move cargo beyond the points which SriLankan Airlines directly serves. 

With top-notch storage facilities and cargo handling equipment to manage customers every requirement, SriLankan Cargo is a one-stop solution for any type of consignment. 

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The post Beats, Bund, and Beyond: Tomorrowland to Make China Debut, Turning Up Volume on Music Tourism in Asia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Tomorrowland is going East and indoors. If you’re a globetrotting music lover chasing festivals across continents, November 2025 just got a lot more interesting. For the first time ever, Tomorrowland, the world-famous Belgian electronic music festival, is heading to China — and bringing with it a new era of destination music travel.

Set for November 22, The Magic of Tomorrowland will take place at Hero Dome, right on Shanghai’s iconic Bund waterfront. This marks the festival’s first indoor showcase globally — and its China debut, fusing beats with breathtaking visuals and immersive storytelling.

From festival backpacker to luxury event-hopper, music tourism is hitting its crescendo. The global music tourism market is expected to grow from roughly USD 6 billion in 2023 to over USD 6.5 billion in 2025 and this is just the beginning. In the U.S. alone, the music tourism market is projected to reach USD 31.6 billion in 2025. Hence, Tomorrowland entering China will be a significant milestone in this direction.

Built around the theme ‘Paperworld,’ the experience promises all the Tomorrowland hallmarks: massive stage designs, sensory theatrics, and a stellar lineup of global headliners and China’s rising stars. It’s not just a music event — it’s a ticket to a different world, wrapped in the vibrancy of one of Asia’s most dynamic cities. “This won’t be a traditional outdoor festival,” said Clinton Lau, Head of Music at INS Land. “It’s been built from the ground up to create intimacy, intensity, and impact — bringing the magic of Tomorrowland to China, reimagined through a local lens.”

The festival is a collaboration between Hero Esports, INS Land, Budweiser, and Tomorrowland’s One World Artist agency. Organisers are betting big on cross-cultural exchange, aiming to introduce Chinese artists to the world and bring international talent into China’s buzzing music scene. Dino Ying, Chairman of Hero Esports and INS Land, summed it up: “We’re not just hosting a festival — we’re building a cultural bridge. The Magic of Tomorrowland will set new standards for immersive entertainment in Asia.”

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The post From Dammam to Big Ben: Saudia’s New Direct Route Takes Off in November appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Saudia will launch direct flights between Dammam and London Heathrow in November 2025, expanding air connectivity between the UK and Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. The move is part of a broader strategy by the Saudi Air Connectivity Program, working in close partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority, Dammam Airports Company, and the Sharqia Development Authority (SDA) to promote international tourism to the Kingdom.

The route will be operated three times a week in both directions, offering greater access for British travellers to the Eastern Province, a region that has remained relatively underexplored compared to Riyadh or Jeddah. For travellers from Saudi Arabia, the direct link adds convenience for business, leisure, and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) travel.

The launch is timed strategically to tap into winter tourism traffic, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing campaigns to attract European visitors seeking cultural experiences, Red Sea adventures, and mild desert weather.

Supporting Saudi Vision 2030

The Dammam–London route is part of a larger national effort to grow Saudi Arabia’s international route network in line with Vision 2030. This route, in particular, is designed to elevate the profile of Dammam as both a tourism and economic hub, highlighting its potential to host international events, promote coastal tourism, and support the country’s logistics and energy sectors.

Officials from the Air Connectivity Program noted that including Dammam in overseas tourism marketing campaigns — especially in the UK — would help generate inbound interest beyond the traditional tourism centres.

With this new route, Saudia is not only expanding access to one of Europe’s busiest airports, but also reinforcing the Kingdom’s ambition to become a top-tier global tourism destination by opening new gateways for travellers.

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The post Rosewood Doha has landed — And it’s serving skyline drama, starchitect dreams, and star-powered cuisine appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Marking a striking new chapter in Qatar’s luxury hospitality scene, Rosewood Doha has opened its doors this week. Situated at the forefront of Lusail, the country’s planned city of the future, the property introduces a lifestyle concept that is both immersive and emotionally intelligent. With 155 rooms and suites, 162 apartments, and 276 residences, Rosewood Doha aims to deliver a lived-in sense of elegance anchored in place, memory, and design.

Betting big on Qatari identity and shaped by organic architectural cues, the hotel is envisioned not merely as a building but as an emotional experience. Inspired by coral formations and the flowing traditions of pearl diving, Rosewood Doha’s architecture reflects Qatar’s intimate relationship with nature. The design draws from the idea that physical space can shape inner state — a philosophy that carries through from its fluid exteriors to its intricately designed interiors.

Collaborations with Qatari artists bring the concept to life, infusing the hotel with layers of narrative and heritage. Artworks featured throughout rooms, residences, and shared spaces serve not as decoration but as conversation — reflecting Doha’s evolving identity and celebrating the textures of local culture.

A culinary destination in its own right

The property’s food and beverage offerings are no less poetic. Mila, a 24-hour Levantine brasserie, reimagines Middle Eastern comfort food in a sleek setting. Asaya Kitchen leans into a wellness-forward Mediterranean approach, with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients guiding its menu. Koo Madame, inspired by 1920s Shanghai and the enigmatic Madame Wellington Koo, brings Chinese cuisine to life with theatrical flair, while Stoke & Stoker and Sikar offer refined settings for cocktails and cigars respectively. The Butterfly Room, delicate and luminous, is designed for leisurely lunches, elegant teas, and evening gatherings — a space where time softens.

A personal rhythm of wellness and reflection

At the heart of Rosewood Doha is Asaya, the brand’s signature social wellness club and its first in the country. The events space unfold across over 3,400 square metres, including a grand ballroom, bespoke Events Studio, and a serene Bridal House — each designed to marry Qatari elegance with contemporary functionality and personalised storytelling.

“With Rosewood Doha, we had an extraordinary opportunity to express not just the future of luxury hospitality, but the emotional texture of Qatar. Every space was designed to feel purposeful and personal,” said Juan Samso, Managing Director. By anchoring global design in local identity and offering curated experiences that reflect the spirit of Qatar, Rosewood Doha is positioning itself as more than just a hotel — it’s a cultural destination, a lived experience, and a love letter to the soul of Doha.

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The post DHS to End ‘Shoes-Off’ Travel Policy for domestic airports appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

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The post IndiGo and Kotak Mahindra Bank Forge Partnership appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Over the last three years, IndiGo has pursued a multi-pronged growth strategy, aimed at evolving from a domestic low-cost airline to a global player, with a carefully crafted service offering suited to the needs of today’s aspirational traveller. The pursuit of this strategy has seen IndiGo push for international expansion, fleet diversification, launch a tailor-made business product- IndiGoStretch, and forge multiple global partnerships.

As part of execution of this growth strategy, IndiGo BluChip was launched last year, as a free to join loyalty program, with easy to earn points (“BluChips”) which are redeemable on any IndiGo flight, without any blackout dates. The response to IndiGo BluChip program has been extraordinary, with already 3.5 million registered members in the short period since launch.

Aimed at elevating the travel and lifestyle experience of IndiGo customers, the new co-branded credit cards enable members to accelerate earning IndiGo BluChips through everyday purchases and other expenses and allow seamless redemption on IndiGo flights.

Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo said: “Through IndiGo BluChip, we strive to offer unmatched loyalty benefits to our loyal customers and this partnership with Kotak Mahindra Bank is an integral part of our endeavour. This partnership empowers our customers to earn IndiGo BluChips on their everyday spending and redeem them seamlessly on flights across our domestic and international network. As IndiGo spreads its wings across the globe, we are sure that customers appreciate and enjoy the benefits of these credit cards as they travel across the globe with us.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Ashok Vaswani, MD & CEO at Kotak Mahindra Bank said: “At Kotak, we are proud to deepen our long-standing partnership with IndiGo, an airline that has redefined travel for millions of Indians. This collaboration is built around a shared vision, to make everyday banking more rewarding and travel more accessible. Through these co-branded credit cards, we are giving our customers a simple, powerful way to turn daily spends into memorable journeys.”

Two Cards for Every Kind of Traveller

From a regular flyer to a savvy shopper planning their next vacation, customers will be able to benefit from a credit card that matches their requirements:

• IndiGo Kotak Credit Card: This card is designed for those who want travel benefits along with everyday convenience. Card holders can earn over 30,000 IndiGo BluChips on spending INR 6 lakhs annually across categories like travel, dining, entertainment and more, turning everyday expenses into future travel opportunities.
• IndiGo Kotak Premium Credit Card: Crafted for frequent flyers looking to elevate their travel experience, this card offers over 70,000 IndiGo BluChips on annual spends over INR 12 lakhs, turning daily spends into return tickets.

Key Benefits

IndiGo Kotak Premium Credit Card	IndiGo Kotak Credit Card
Up to 21 BluChips / ₹100 spent on 6E channels	Up to 19 BluChips / ₹100 spent on 6E channels
Earn 3 BluChips on dining and entertainment	Earn 2 BluChips on dining and entertainment
4,000 BluChips on each card anniversary	2,500 BluChips on each card anniversary
Annual milestones of up to 16,000 BluChips	Annual milestones of up to 7,500 BluChips

 

Key Benefits of the IndiGo Kotak Premium Credit Card:

• Earn up to 21 IndiGo BluChips for every ₹100 spent on flight bookings on IndiGo web and mobile app.
• Accelerated 3 IndiGo BluChips on dining and entertainment, and 2 IndiGo BluChips on all other spends for every ₹100 spent
• Welcome Benefit of up to 4,000 IndiGo BluChips and a 6E Eats voucher
• Milestone vouchers worth 16,000 IndiGo BluChips on spends of INR 12 Lakhs annually. Also, 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits annually, enhancing user’s travel comfort and convenience.

 

 

 

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