TRAVEL NEWS + DEALS
Heritage dip on Bangkok's river and a Bhutan escape
A Bangkok riverside landmark is being carefully restored for a late 2026 unveiling while in Bhutan, a slice of satori with tours and wellness awaits.
Back in time on a storied river
Opening late 2026 on Bangkok's storied Chaophraya River is a promised gem — The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok (www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/bangkok/). This eye-catching architectural confection dating to 1888 is being carefully restored and will include a re-imagined post office in space-age contemporary mode where the 75 rooms will be housed. The L:angham group as had several forays into heritage conservation and this will be a prime focus of the development, combining modern accommodations with living history. The Custom House is a prime landmark along the river's shoreline in Bang Rak district.
Park Hyatt Tokyo(above left, park-hyatt-tokyo) returned, pennants flying, end 2025 after a 19-month top-to-toe revamp. All 171 rooms have a fresh new look with Japanese art and accents. Also find an Alain Ducasse French diner, an upscale grill and gussied up wellness treatments at the 2,100sq m big-view Club on the Park. The pool is open to those above 16 years. A 'Welcome Home Opening Offer' (book by 30 April 2026) with a gourmet breakfast at Girandole by Alain Ducasse. AT Jumeirah Bali (jumeirah-bali) almost 25% off on a four-night stay with complimentary breakfast for two, a one hour massage treatment for a couple (till 30 March 2026), yoga, meditation, fitness, and the Peafowl Kids' Club for the youngest guests. Enjoy a secluded location on Uluwatu with big views and excellent service.
Bhutan luxe wellness, satori
JUST 15 minutes from Paro Airport the locally inspired wellness retreat Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary (bhutanspiritsanctuary.com) is offering a six-day five-night 'Glimpses of Bhutan' package, an all-inclusive luxury escape blending restorative treatments and consultation with a traditional Bhutanese medicine practitioner with hikes and explorations — think the imposing Punakha Dzong, Tiger's Nest, prayer flag rituals at Chele La Pass, Thimpu cultural tour, plus other monastery visits and interaction with monks. This is a deep dive relaxing getaway in an authentic setting. All meals, wellness and guided excursions are covered. This all inclusive deal starting at US$5,133 for two is available for stays until 31 December 2026.
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Until October 25, 2025, from the beautifully restored Azerai La Residence, Hue (above left, azerai.com) an intriguing stay and pray offer that combines this nostalgia retreat with trips to sacred sites. The two-night minimum 'Ancient Capital Pilgrimage Package' includes daily breakfast, cocktails, room upgrades with meditative spiritual tours to Kim Dai Pagoda, Khai Dinh Mausoleum, Hon Chen Temple and the Nam Giao Esplanade, a place where former Nguyen Dynasty emperors performed 'Heaven and Earth' rituals. On the storied River Kwai in Thailand's western jungles, try an unusual eco stay on a floating hotel (above right) at the River Kwai Jungle Rafts Resort (riverkwaijunglerafts.com). Moored on River Kwai Noi, the snaking raft hotel is a sustainable resort that does not use electricity and tries to keep its carbon footprint small. At night, read in the glow of a kerosene lamp if you must or simply watch the stars. River excursions and trips to Mon villages are available.
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