Vivid and vibrant, Sydney beckons you with its pulsating energy, burgeoning arts and cultural events, fine dining experiences, and a laid-back beach vibe. The New South Wales capital is Australia’s largest and oldest city with settlements taking you back to the colonial era.

While Darling Harbour with its iconic sights is the crown jewel of the city, you will find an array of swanky hotels, boutique retreats, heritage properties, and spa resorts vying with each other to offer the best in accommodation and showcase some of the best views. From six-star luxuriant havens to a palatial outpost of an international chain, here are some of the best hotels to stay in Sydney for your next holiday.

Best hotels in Sydney

Adelaide’s vivacious charm and lively spirit invite you to experience South Australian hospitality with vivid festivals, cultural events, music, wine, and cricket. The South Australian capital is more than just a colonial city of churches and is a gateway to the state which is known for its verdant wine regions, rugged coasts, captivating islands, and national parks teeming with wildlife.

Adelaide however is a destination by itself with little stories and secrets tucked away amidst quaint neighbourhoods and laid-back beaches. Plan your South Australian adventure with a vacation in the heritage land of the Kaurna People and here is a curated list of the best hotels in Adelaide from luxury and boutique properties to international outposts and stately heritage retreats.

Where to stay in Adelaide: A guide to the best hotels in the South Australian city

Pack your overnight bag and appetite as we explore four foodie destinations perfect for the ultimate food-lovers weekend. From the on-trend gastronomy of Melbourne to the flavourful fusion cuisine of Kandy, this guide has got you covered.

PREPARE TO TEMPT YOUR TASTEBUDS with mouthwatering local delicacies while staying in city centre luxury. When you’ve only planned a short weekend break, staying in the middle of the action is always the right choice.

In each of these cities, Radisson Hotel Group has a unique hotel that places you steps from the best places to fill your belly. 

Whether you love street food, fine dining or Instagrammable eats, you’ll find something to love in these hand-picked destinations.

Melbourne, Australia

Our first stop is the dynamic food and lifestyle of Melbourne, Australia. Every corner of this magnetic city is filled with food and culture to discover. 

Stay: Radisson Hotel on Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne

Nestled in Melbourne’s vibrant heart, Radisson Hotel on Flagstaff Gardens offers a haven for urban explorers and discerning gourmands. Sitting in the central business district, the hotel’s 184 stylish rooms and suites feature design infused with modern bursts of colour, ensuring a chic and comfortable stay.

With plush mattresses and an expansive pillow menu, you’ll love sleeping off every meal in supreme comfort. Guests who upgrade to a suite can enjoy a lounge area with city views. During your stay, enjoy skyline views from the rooftop spa and gym and enjoy round-the-clock room service.  

Eating at the hotel is a never-miss option, with a seasonal menu available all day at HQ’s on William. Settle in to caffeinate with the in-house barista-made coffee along with an extensive buffet spread every morning. With a menu dedicated to the delights of regional and seasonal dishes, expect all sorts from their signature wagyu beef burger, seafood linguine, fresh oysters and a wide selection of wine favourites. Savour artisanal cocktails and sample local recipes on the rooftop terrace overlooking the grand skyscrapers of A’Beckett Street.

If you need recommendations on where to eat, the hotel’s 24-hour concierge can offer local insight into the best restaurants, markets and casual bites. 

Eat 

The elegant hotel is just a stone’s throw from the iconic Queen Victoria Market – a bustling hub with a delectable array of artisanal treats around every corner.

Another must-visit spot for satisfying culinary cravings is Smith Street — hailed as the coolest street in the world by Time Out – and just a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Indulge in world-class people-watching as you soak up Melbourne’s coffee culture and sip a famous flat white at one of dozens of trendy cafes.

Explore

Melbourne’s cultural scene offers endless allure, with the legendary Docklands offering a huge variety of attractions — from public art installations to concerts and sporting events — and is located within a kilometre and a half of the hotel. 

To discover the charms of Fitzroy, venture beyond the beaten path and uncover a world of trendy shops and eclectic art displays. Don’t miss the Fitzroy Mills Market, where intriguing artwork beckons and the Brunswick Street Gallery, a haven for art lovers. 

Quezon City, Philippines

While Quezon City may not always be top of mind for weekend getaways — with many people considering nearby Manila the main attraction — this up-and-coming city is gaining traction with locals escaping the cheerful chaos of Manila as well as travellers from further afield.

Stay: Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA

Discover a world of contemporary comfort at Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA. Sitting in the midpoint of Quezon City, this vibrant hotel offers a respite from the busy city, allowing you to relax and recharge amidst modern design in spacious and well-appointed rooms that provide the ideal blend of comfort and style.

Onsite culinary delights blend international and local favourites to curb your every craving. Casa serves up full-service buffet breakfasts and all-day delights while guests in a hurry can get something nourishing to nosh at the newly revamped Dash Cafe. The latest collaboration offers Starbucks coffee to pair on your taste buds with the delectable assortment of pitch-perfect pastries and finger sandwiches. Terazza on 7 is the ideal place to unwind beside the pool with a refreshing cocktail and light meal. 

Once you step outside, a footbridge connects you directly to the extensive SM City North EDSA shopping complex, the second largest mall in the Philippines. From hypermarkets to cinema and from a bowling centre to an archery range, guests will never run out of fun activities in their free time. Home-grown and international brands shine in both shopping and dining options, offering plenty of options for food exploring and souvenir shopping. No other hotel in the ‘City of Stars’ comes close in convenience, location and comfort.

Eat

In the nearby Mother Ignacia neighbourhood, visitors can stroll through streets of affordable restaurants, bars, cafes and shops. The area is known for meat-centric Filipino restaurants and inspired takes on local cuisine.  

Tomas Morato Avenue shines for nightlife, offering many choices for comfort food, fusion dining and Italian fare. On Maginhawa Street, garden restaurants impress with chef-crafted Filipino fare, while provincial speciality eateries serve heirloom dishes. The nearby Timog Avenue is also a haven for food enthusiasts searching for hip cafes and fine-dining experiences. After dark, live music and entertainment make for an unforgettable evening.

Explore

There is lots to see and do in the city when you’re not eating. Quezon Memorial Circle sits near the hotel and offers gardens, museums, a shrine, and amusement for locals and visitors. 

Those who love nature will love immersing themselves in the local flora and fauna at Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Centre, which is easily reachable from the metro station just a few minutes away.

Kandy, Sri Lanka

Peaceful pleasure awaits in the lush embrace of Kandy’s hills. The laidback city is ringed by tea plantations and rainforests, making it rife with fresh, local ingredients to create incredible cuisine.

Stay: Radisson Hotel Kandy

Radisson Hotel Kandy enjoys a divine location between forest and lake, with rooms that meld modern amenities with Sri Lankan art and local touches. With 122 rooms evoking the country’s fascinating culture, guests enjoy it all in the heart of the charming destination. 

With a rooftop bar, meeting rooms, pool and fitness centre, every convenience is available. The hotel also offers Lake View suites with amazing panoramas to further enjoy the surrounds.

Dine is where your day of eating begins, with healthy buffet breakfasts and dinners as well as all-day dining on local and international dishes. After the sun goes down, enjoy views of Kandy by night at Bommu Rooftop Bar, where local cocktails are served with unforgettable plates. 

Dine

At the country’s culinary heart, Kandy’s cuisine fuses flavours from across Sri Lanka’s regions. Travellers can taste famed dishes like Jaffna crab curry and the Dutch-inspired lamprias, a full meal with two curries baked in a banana leaf.

Kandy is also renowned for local dishes such as sour fish curry Ambul Thiyal — a truly unusual experience for foreigners. Street food also abounds in this city , and guests regularly discover street foods of all kinds, known as “short eats,” from local vendors. Don’t skip the hot dosa washed down with a steaming cup of tea. 

As a centre of Buddhism and home to a large Sinhalese community, there are many options for vegans, while the region’s past as a British colony is still evident in high tea services and Western food offerings. 

Explore

Movie buffs will have fun searching out some of the iconic locations where “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” were filmed, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Dalada Maligawa, or Temple of the Sacred Tooth, houses a relic believed to be Buddha’s tooth and is not to be missed. 

Kandy is known as a starting point for charming train rides offering spectacular views, and Kandy Central Market is a prime place for sampling local fruits and snacks amongst locals. 

Bacolod City, Philippines

Travel to the centre of Negros Occidental to find the delicious wonders of Bacolod City, Philippines’ City of Smiles as well as the home of the country’s sweetest treats. 

Stay: Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod

Park Inn By Radisson Bacolod offers stays to remember in the best part of the burgeoning city. Each of its 150 spacious rooms and suites is finished with every modern convenience, and the location is nothing short of perfect. Step outside the hotel’s doors to find a direct connection to the SM City Bacolod shopping complex and SMX Convention Center Bacolod. This supermall has it all – renowned brands, restaurants, cinema, play areas for kids to enjoy while you shop and plenty of ongoing events and festivals that allow you to soak in the local atmosphere. You’ll never be short of fun and entertaining options while staying at the nearby Radisson Hotel. 

Inside the hotel are four stellar options for dining and drinking. Arima is your first daily stop for filling, seasonal breakfast buffets, and all-day a la carte dining. The Lobby Lounge and Dash are the places to stop for a convenient beverage, light meal or around-the-clock takeaway food as you head out to explore the city. For a more indulgent experience, visit Marapara Pool Bar for appetising light meals and drinks overlooking the pool. With great sunset views, it’s the perfect place to recharge after a day in the city.

Eat

Bacolod sits at the top of foodie bucket lists as one of the Philippines’ capitals of flavour. Once known as the nation’s dessert hub, the city still makes indulgent sweets — piaya and napoleon being the most famous — and is a true candy lover’s paradise. But it also offers much more.

Bacolod is also famed for inasal, the grilled and marinated chicken dish that manages to be both sweet and salty and has become a staple across the country. 

The best place to sample inasal is Manokan Country, a neighbourhood where chicken houses line the entire street and every table features pinakurat, a local vinegar, soy sauce and chicken oil. Birds are served with garlic rice, fresh calamari, hot chilli and plastic gloves to keep your hands clean.

Explore

Just a mere 10 minutes away, Nearby the hotel, guests can take a walk in Bacolod Public Plaza to mingle with locals or soak up local culture and take photos at the postcard-pretty San Sebastian Cathedral.

When you’ve had your fill of chicken, seafood and lavishly sweet desserts, be sure to visit The Ruins, a once-grand mansion that was owned by one of the city’s rich sugar makers that provides a perspective on the Bacolod City of old and provides insight into the destination’s storied history.

Using these insider tips from Radisson Hotels, foodies can embark on tasty city breaks that take them from Melbourne’s coffee culture to Quezon’s lively localities and from Kandy’s Buddhist history to Bacolod’s indulgent inasal. Stay centrally with Radisson Hotels and dine locally for a foodie weekend to remember.

In Australia, Sri Lanka and the Philippines, use these insider tips to enjoy your stay in Radisson hotels that put you in the heart of it all – coffee culture, heritage cuisine, fresh seafood and sweet treats that make these destinations a foodie’s dream.

Join as a member of Radisson Rewards to unlock instant benefits from day one, including exclusive member rates and flexible redemption.  Book your stay directly via www.radissonhotels.com or Radisson Hotels App for the latest special offers. 

Book and save more with Radisson Hotels App for hotels in South East Asia Pacific! 

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Article Sponsored by Radisson Hotels.
Images courtesy of Radisson Hotels and lede image courtesy of Tourism Australia, unless otherwise noted.

From ocean view suites to locally sourced feasts, The Langham, Gold Coast gets every wedding right. 

WHEN IT COMES TO ENCHANTINGLY luxurious weddings along Australia’s coveted Gold Coast, no one does it better than The Langham, Gold Coast. From opulent receptions in the Diamond Ballroom to chic beachfront weddings, the award-winning hotel is a hit with luxury-loving couples and guests, who love the convenient location between two international airports.

The destination hotel was honoured with an array of awards this year — including five top industry accolades highlighted by Australia’s Best Beach and Best Island Hotel. The country’s newest beachfront luxury destination won five ‘best of the best’ categories in the prestigious Queensland Hotel Australia (QHA) Awards for Excellence 2023 and Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023.

The QHA Awards for Excellence — the most prestigious awards in the hospitality industry throughout Queensland — recognised The Langham, Gold Coast as Best Deluxe Accommodation, Best Marketed Hotel – Accommodation Division, Best Suite / Apartment Hotel, and the highly coveted Overall Hotel of the Year – Accommodation for 2023.

Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023 named The Langham, Gold Coast the Best Beach or Island Hotel in Australia.

Read on to learn why The Langham, Gold Coast has gained so many fans and why it is the Gold Coast’s best luxury wedding destination.

Eleven Opulent Venues 

The Langham, Gold Coast is an unforgettable architectural marvel offering 11 venue choices to accommodate every style of special day, from intimate ceremonies to large-scale events. 

The Diamond Ballroom offers pure grandeur with soaring ceilings, textured walls and state-of-the-art integrated technology to enable the wedding of your dreams.

The hotel’s mezzanine level offers a variety of versatile spaces, perfect for small and medium weddings. The main tower’s Clarity room provides exclusive amenities for small weddings requiring a cocktail-style setting or elegant long-table dining. 

Luxurious Accommodations

Designed for modern and convivial coastal living with every possible amenity, The Langham, Gold Coast, offers 169 hotel rooms and 170 apartment-style accommodation options to suit your entire wedding party. Guests love returning to their perfectly appointed rooms to enjoy peaceful Pacific Ocean views of panoramic landscape views. 

The Chairman’s Suite can accommodate up to five guests and is popular with engaged couples, featuring two large en suite bedrooms, study, dining area, butler’s pantry and two lounges.

Innovative Wellness Facilities

The Langham, Gold Coast is dedicated to providing unique and holistic spa services to engaged couples, wedding parties, and all guests at Chuan Spa.

Taking its name from the Chinese word for flowing water, Chuan Spa is 5,300 square feet of holistic wellness spaces across eight treatment rooms, each designed to showcase the spa’s Five Elements ethos and take guests on indulgent spa journeys.

The spa’s tranquil ambience and specialised services, including Signature Escapes designed for jet lag recovery and full-body detox, have quickly developed a devoted following and won the spa two awards at the 2023 World Spa Awards. Chuan Spa took the top spot as Oceania’s Best Hotel Spa 2023 and Australia’s Best Hotel Spa 2023.

The spa’s massages, facials, wraps, scrubs, and more provide reinvigorating experiences guided by the Eastern principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Acclaimed Dining

With a focus on seasonal, local and inclusive flavours, The Langham, Gold Coast aims to offer a taste of the Gold Coast reimagined through a Langham lens and personalised to the tastes of your wedding party.

T’ang Court weaves Cantonese tastes into an Australian landscape sensibility, taking

inspiration from the Michelin-starred establishments across Asia that share its name. Guests dine on Eastern dishes in an opulent 80-seat dining room featuring abstract works by Australian-Chinese artist Lindi Li.

Akoya is where guests start the day, with hearty buffet breakfasts as well as lunch and dinner options with ocean views. The menu is based on coastal palettes — such as fresh oysters and lobster — and family-style dishes. All of its dishes incorporate local produce, and a signature buffet on weekend evenings offers the opportunity to watch the chefs create in a fully open kitchen.

No matter what kind of wedding you dream of, the team of experts at The Langham, Gold Coast can make your Australian beachfront wedding unforgettable for every guest. 

For more information about your beachfront wedding, please contact tlgdc.SocialEvents@langhamhotels.com or visit: www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/gold-coast/events/weddings/.

Article Sponsored by The Langham, Gold Coast.
Images courtesy of The Langham, Gold Coast.

The first Soho House in Australia will open at 256 Crown Street, promising to be a new dynamic creative hub. Here’s what we know so far.

Soho House to debut first Australian location in Sydney

The new House will be located at 256 Crown Street, between Darlinghurst and Surry Hills. Found a short walk away from Sydney’s Oxford Street, the location will be part of the area’s revival from a historic thoroughfare to an exciting cultural and creative hub. The building redevelopment itself looks to offer a variety of both indoor and outdoor spaces for members across five floors.

The new announcement comes as Soho House prepares a week-long residency at The Old Clare Hotel for SXSW Sydney. During the week, the club will occupy the ground floor bar, main restaurant, and rooftop pool, providing international and Cities Without Houses members events designed to recreate the full Soho House experience. Happenings at the hotel include a Secret Sounds performance, dinner with British Chef Darren Robertson, and an art installation with artist Paul Davies.

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Soho House will also be hosting a number of industry events and projects, including partnering with not-for-profit Women In Music Australia to bring its Soho Fellowship program to the coastal metropolis.

“It’s possibly one of the worst-kept secrets, but we’re so excited to confirm that we will be opening a Soho House in Sydney in the future,” writes Membership Director, Dominique Bellas. “While we don’t have more details to share at this time, we continue to grow our Cities Without Houses community in Australia and are looking forward to bringing our members a week-long Soho House experience for Sydney’s first South by South West”

Creatives currently residing in Sydney and Melbourne can apply for Cities Without Houses which allows members to make meaningful connections with each other in cities where there is no physical house. The membership will offer access to monthly local events hosted by Soho House as well as entry to Soho House locations globally. Soho House currently operates in 80 cities globally across North America, the UK, Europe, APAC, Africa, and Latin America.

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Related: These Are Australia’s Best Hotels, Spas, Pools and More in 2023

Eclectic and dynamic, Melbourne effortlessly blends in the old-world charm with a cosmopolitan vibe that has made it a tourist magnet. The cultural and creative spirit can be captured in the kaleidoscopic street art, the culinary flavours and the coffee culture.

Melbourne is vibrant, passionate about sports and loves to flaunt its arty aura. And for a city that is so diverse, the hospitality scene showcases a fascinating blend of expansive luxurious properties to quirky arty retreats.

Wake up to the panoramic views of the Yarra flowing through the sparkling skyline of the city or stay in the bohemian laneways and enjoy the hospitality of the Victorian capital. If you are planning a holiday to Melbourne, you are spoilt for choices when it comes to accommodation. Be it a local homegrown hotel or an outpost of an international chain, here are the ten best hotels in Melbourne for the discerning traveller.

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The best hotels in Melbourne for your next vacation to Australia

From city centre stays in Sydney to far-flung idylls in the Maldives, this list will have you dreaming about your next trip with Radisson Hotels.

THERE’S SO MUCH TO SEE IN THE WORLD, and the more you travel, the more places you yearn to visit.  Get ready to add to your travel bucket list again since the experts at Radisson Hotels have shared their top seven global destinations. These are the hot destinations that are on the radar for the upcoming year-end holidays.

These are the hot destinations that are on the radar for the upcoming year-end holidays. They are not only in prime locations, but also offer a  wide range of activities from leisure to adventure and wellness. Radisson Hotels are dedicated to offering you the most indulgent experiences in the planet’s top destinations to make the most of your travels without worry or stress. 

Read on to learn about the seven places you need to add to your travel bucket list.

MALDIVES, SOUTH ARI ATOLL: Radisson Blu Resort Maldives 

Nestled in the Indian Ocean, Radisson Blu Resort, Maldives, offers a secluded haven where you can retreat from the world and unwind in luxury. Situated on the private island, the hotel resort can be reached by a seaplane journey from which you can view the splendour of the Maldives from above — a once in a lifetime experience that everyone should enjoy.

On-staff experts arrange everything from transport to the hotel’s island to world-class snorkelling and diving outings where you can catch a glimpse of playful dolphins and the region’s famed whale sharks. The resort delivers feel-good hospitality to guests by arranging visits to local islands like Dhigurah or Maamigili or in-house service of champagne and floating breakfast to your villa’s private pool.

Blissful days on the beach turn into unforgettable nights thanks to the resort’s selection of eight dining options, serving both local and global cuisine. Dine at Japanese restaurant Kabuki for a one-of-a-kind culinary journey prepared with dramatic flair. Indulge in fusion dishes that blend South American and European ingredients prepared with Japanese techniques.

SYDNEY: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney

Featuring heritage architecture and a vintage sandstone facade, the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Sydney, offers an elegant base in the heart of the city. Once home to the Fairfax newspaper empire and the prestigious Bank of New South Wales, the historic building now accommodates guests from all over the world, just a short stroll from the area’s indulgent restaurants and bars, luxurious shopping, and iconic sites, including the Sydney Opera House, the Queen Victoria Building and Martin Place.

During your stay at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Sydney, you’ll be staying in the city’s prime location — just steps away from every attraction. On top of the helpful concierge team expert recommendations, this makes it possible to see the best of Sydney during short visits.

The hotel houses one of the best fine-dining restaurants in Sydney. Superstar chef-sommelier duo Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt are the creative team behind Bentley Restaurant & Bar, where they serve up inventive and eccentric dishes coupled with world-class wines.

The shared creation of Savage and Hildebrandt has become one of the most respected restaurants in Sydney, winning multiple distinctions, including “Best New Restaurant,” “Chef of the Year,” and “Sommelier of the Year” at The Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Food Guide Awards.

SRI LANKA: Radisson Blu Resort, Galle 

Sri Lanka carries a multitude of travel experiences. Located on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, Galle is a colourful destination teeming with historical sites and attractions to please every traveller. Explore Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO heritage site, where you can observe influences from Dutch, Portuguese, and British legacies.

Stroll through Galle’s historic centre to soak up laid-back seaside vibes and admire multicultural heritage. This UNESCO-recognised city is a joy to explore on foot, with traffic-free streets and impressive architecture.

Galle Fort, a 16th-century Portuguese and Dutch stronghold, is among the top historic sites in Asia. Begin your Galle journey by exploring urban attractions, stop and admire the sea views from the Japanese Peace Pagoda and leave footprints in the soft sand with your family and dip your toes at Unawatuna Beach.

Radisson Blu Resort, Galle features 172 stylish rooms, all featuring a private balcony or terrace and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean from the hotel’s beachfront location. It also has a daily activities programme for adults and kids at the beach, including Pilates, aqua fitness, beach foam parties, and more. Young guests will get to enjoy the resort’s sports competitions, sand castle building, spy quests and more. 

FIJI, DENARAU ISLAND: Radisson Blu Resort, Fiji Denarau Island

You won’t be short of things to do when you visit Fiji Denarau Island. From beachside fun to zip-lining and river cruises, beautiful Denarau Island offers something for every visitor. To enjoy Fiji’s beautiful outdoors, plan a diving excursion to the famous Malolo Barrier Reef or charter a cruise at Port Denarau. Take a river ride on the Sigatoka River Safari for a glimpse of island life. Looking for shopping or entertainment? Head to Denarau Port to shop or take in a show. From this stellar location, you’ll feel as if all of Fiji is at your fingertips

Radisson Blu Resort, Fiji Denarau Island, is situated amongst 10 acres of tropical gardens, picturesque waterfalls, and a private beach. Guests can enjoy a private car transfer from Nadi International Airport to the resort. Besides sun, sand, and spectacular ocean vistas, the resort offers easy access to shopping and businesses at Port Denarau, less than 10 minutes away, and Nadi, just 15 minutes away. 

The resort grounds offer plenty of island fun and relaxation.For parents that are looking for some alone time, there is an on-site daycare for kids where they can enjoy fun activities at the Kids’ Club. Meanwhile, you can practise your swing at Denarau Island Golf & Racquet Club, treat yourself to a relaxing massage at the resort spa or make a splash in four climate-controlled lagoon pools featuring a heart-stopping whitewater tunnel slide. Check out the six unique on-site restaurants offering delicious local and international cuisine throughout the day. 

DANANG, VIETNAM: Radisson Hotel Danang

Da Nang is one of Vietnam’s most popular destinations, and it’s easy to see why. A bustling city with a vibrant waterfront, Danang melds the best of city and beach destinations. It’s also near the iconic Ba Na Hills with its Instafamous Golden Bridge.

Spend a morning hiking in the legendary Marble Mountains amidst hidden temples and caves or visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site My Son Sanctuary before relaxing on the beach for the afternoon. 

Radisson Hotel Danang sits across the street from My Khe Beach, and each of its 182 rooms and suites offer panoramic views of the expansive beach, city skyline, peninsula and surrounding mountains.

At the hotel, treat yourself to a pampering spa day or swim in the rooftop infinity pool. At sunset, head to the 21st floor to toast the day’s end with a refreshing cocktail at Vivid Bar before choosing any of multiple dining options within steps of your room.

CEBU CITY: Radisson Blu Hotel, Cebu 

The first Spanish settlement in the Philippines, Cebu City is home to significant colonial landmarks like Magellan’s Cross. You can trace the fascinating history of the region in the Museo Sugbo, housed in a well-preserved Spanish Colonial building that once served as a jail. 

Experience the area’s natural beauty on excursions to nearby islands for snorkelling, wildlife spotting, or simply relaxing on pristine white-sand beaches. 

In the heart of the city, Radisson Blu Cebu provides five-star accommodations just minutes from the Mactan Channel and right next to Cebu International Port. Enjoy sweeping views of the channel and the city, as well as proximity to cultural attractions and beautiful white-sand beaches. 

Radisson Blu Cebu is ideally placed near area landmarks, Colon Street shops and markets, and nightlife at Mango Square. If you’re looking to pick up a souvenir, walk next door to the lively SM City Cebu Mall. Beach trips and diving expeditions are also a breeze, with several islands and marine sanctuaries close by. The hotel encompasses holistic wellness offerings, including a fitness centre, spa treatment and stunning outdoor pool where you can find refreshments at the Pool Bar. 

BANGKOK: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Bangkok

Enjoy an ideal location in the heart of Bangkok where transportation is never an issue. Located on Bangkok’s prestigious Sukhumvit Road, guests at the Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok can discover luxury shopping malls, historic temples and lush green parks just steps from the hotel. Spend the day popping into malls, including Terminal 21, EmQuartier and The Emporium. Or Board the Skytrain — just 450 metres from the hotel — to discover the Grand Palace Complex and Wat Pho. 

The Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok offers Thai and international therapies at Spa Esc and a refreshing rooftop swimming pool.

Find delight through dining experiences at three restaurants and five bars. Attico, on the 28th floor, offers Tuscan villa ambiance, Italian cuisine and skyline views. China Table, known throughout the city for its unmatched dim sum lunch, combines heritage and fusion to earn a top spot on TripAdvisor’s list of the best Chinese restaurants in Bangkok.

For a wide range of craft beers and ciders on tap, signature bar snacks, and spectacular rooftop views from the hotel’s 29th and 30th levels, make your way to Brewski, a destination bar that draws a friendly crowd of locals and hotel guests. 

No matter which location you book first, Radisson Hotels provides one-stop getaways that create memories of a lifetime for couples, families, and groups. 

Join as a member of Radisson Rewards to unlock instant benefits from day one, including exclusive member rates and flexible redemption.

Article Sponsored by Radisson Hotels.
Images courtesy of Radisson Hotels.

If you’re after an off-grid vacation, it doesn’t get more tropically remote than Palau. Starting in October, Four Seasons Explorer, the 10-cabin, 22-guest luxury catamaran, will make the Pacific Island nation its home base.

Palau comprises 340 islands — only nine of which are inhabited — and 193,000 square miles (4,99,867.70 square kilometres) of protected marine territory that includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site Rock Islands Southern Lagoon. As such, it’s a premier diving and snorkelling destination.

This floating resort will make Palau its home base!

Guests aboard Four Seasons Explorer can make good use of the PADI 5-Star Dive Centre while visiting such sites as Helmet Wreck, a World War II wreck; Clam City, home to 250-pound giant clams; and Peleliu Wall.

Guests can also take guided trips to some inland bodies of water like the iconic Jellyfish Lake.

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A trip aboard Four Seasons Explorer isn’t limited to marine exploration — with more than 4,000 years of Palauan history, there’s also plenty of culture to experience; historic sites to visit, including the ancient Badrulchau Stone Monoliths, the cave paintings of Ulong Island; and natural beauty to enjoy via hiking, birdwatching, and other excursions. On board, guests will enjoy programming like lectures and music performances by Palauans, local and international cuisine, and, of course, Four Seasons–quality spa treatments.

“The core Palauan value of omengull — respecting all and everything — deeply aligns with our values at Four Seasons,” said Armando Kraenzlin, Four Seasons’ regional vice president, in a statement sent to T+L. “Right from the Palauan Pledge that all visitors are asked to sign upon arrival, visitors are immersed in one of the world’s most unique cultures, founded on tradition and respect. It’s a thrilling paradise for anyone seeking harmony with nature, and the opportunity to learn and embrace the unique Palauan way of life.”

Full-board rates, including up to three dives per day, start at USD 3,300 per cabin per night; book now at fourseasons.com/explorerpalau.

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All currency conversions were done at the time of writing

Related: 29 Best Tropical Vacations Around The World

From free diving for Japanese delicacies to getting up close and personal with Hong Kong’s most talked-about artists, Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau has collected Asia-Pacific’s best experiences for you, our intrepid, indulgent, enthusiastic readers. 

WE HOPE THAT reading the articles on Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong & Macau offers an exciting fusion of luxurious daydreaming, holiday planning, and learning about what’s hot in travel. Now, feel like you’re stepping into our pages with a curated selection of experiences at Asia-Pacific’s best luxury destinations, hotels, resorts, and more. 

As we’ve watched the world of travel evolve over the years, we’ve seen travellers go from seeking out great hotels to searching for full-scale immersive activities that combine all-out luxury with cultural experiences that leave them richer, shaping how they see and traverse the globe. 

Travel + Leisure has always reported on the world’s most stunning resorts while digging deeper to discover and share what lies beneath the destinations to make them truly magical – and we’re passionate about taking readers on that journey with us.

Now, we’re thrilled to add a new dimension to our offerings with the launch of Travel + Leisure Experiences, a unique platform where our selected travel partners — many of them winners and nominees in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023 — offer bespoke bucket-list experiences directly to you.

We searched for companies providing experiences that reveal something new, make people feel something unforgettable, provide authentic cultural immersion, the opportunity to meet like-minded travel lovers and go behind the scenes to make incredible memories. 

Unforgettable Experiences

For our launch, we’re pairing with some of the most luxurious and exclusive hotels in the region, providing incredible access to rarely seen worlds.

From living a day in the life of Japanese ama divers — female free-divers who collect shellfish, seaweed, and sea urchin for delicacies — in Ise-Shima, to dragon boating in Guangzhou (the No. 1 Best Experience as voted by you in this year’s Luxury Awards), each included experience is an offering unlike any other.

Our initial class of hotel and resort partners is equally impressive. Raffles Hainan has created a program combining a helicopter ride, private yacht charter, and photoshoot at the botanical gardens, while Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is intent on introducing international audiences to its city’s impressive art scene via immersion into the city’s hidden creative gems and independent art spaces.

Travellers searching out wellness and spirituality will find their centre at Raffles Bali, where healer and medicine woman Ida Dayu Alit Sumiati guides journeys of rediscovery by harmoniously blending serenity rituals, ancient healing wisdom and local excursions. Visitors to Amankora in Bhutan will explore spirituality and community by visiting the world’s first retirement home for Buddhist monks and assisting in preserving their irreplaceable masks and scrolls.

Adventure aficionados will adore a sojourn to the Bill Bensley-designed tented camp Capella Ubud, where they will embark on a mystical journey from the jungle resort to the luxurious Kudanil Explorer yacht to visit the less-charted territories of Komodo National Park with iconic explorer Dr. Lawrence Blair.

Foodies can sink their teeth into an exquisite epicurean and sustainable encounter at Rosewood Phuket led by Little Bukit Farm owner Melinda Briend-Marchal and executive chef Luca De Negri — complete with bubbly and a seven-course degustation. Or set your sights on Rosewood Beijing, where you’ll get the secret recipe of Michelin-starred Country Kitchen’s Peking Roasted Duck, an imperial dish dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

These are just a few of the exciting offerings, and no matter which catches your fancy, be amongst the first to access the newest destination site for travel connoisseurs to book more adventurous, authentic, indulgent escapes than your bucket-list can handle: Travel + Leisure Experiences. 

JW Marriott Auckland’s revamped interior will offer respite from the city’s hectic CBD energy.

Travellers and Oceania natives heading to Auckland, New Zealand will get to enjoy the refreshed JW Marriott Auckland come mid-2024. Announced earlier today (June 7), the hotelier will commence the first stage of its NZD 25M (USD 1,55,81,809) refurbishment project, including new design concepts for the guest rooms.

Designed by Singapore-based global interior design studio O37, the rooms will feature a modern and sophisticated aesthetic that effortlessly blends the existing hotel’s features with JW Marriott’s signature luxury ethos, guided by the principle of mindfulness.

The soon-to-be-refreshed hotel is JW Marriott’s first property in New Zealand, located in Auckland’s CBD precinct. Its spacious rooms are known to feature natural sunlight while encouraging guests to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit with the five-star property’s full suite of wellness amenities alongside Auckland’s nature-centric attractions.

Behind the design inspiration of JW Marriott Auckland

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The design concept, inspired by the merging of old and new, revolves around the idea of “beautiful collisions,” where the weaving of opposite elements results in a harmonious and tranquil living space. Each room’s balance of raw and refined, rough and smooth textures — inspired by New Zealand nature — coexists harmoniously and offers guests a visually stunning and revitalising stay.

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Leonard Lee, Founder & Creative Director at O37 said, “The idea was sparked when I visited the hotel, and what came to mind was a story of a wandering poet who found her true love and a new beginning in Auckland. Just like her, our aim with the hotel was to capture the essence of this city’s nature, culture, art and music, and infuse it into every aspect of the property — capturing both the old and new with the ‘beautiful collisions’ concept.”

Currently, the luxury five-star hotel features 286 rooms in total. All of them will be outfitted with brand new JW signature beds and smart TVs with Chromecast, and 40 will be renovated to the new design by September with reservations opening thereafter.

Following this, the hotel will continue its transformation journey by renovating each floor at a time. The completion date of all rooms is set for mid-2024, alongside a full renovation of the all-day dining restaurant, meeting rooms, and lobby area, which has already undergone an initial renovation.

Other amenities offered by the hotel include a large fitness centre, spa, sauna, and indoor heated swimming pool on the top floor, which showcases the breathtaking views of the CBD and Auckland Harbour Bridge.

JW Marriott Auckland is located at 22-26 Albert Street, Auckland, New Zealand, 1010. Visit the hotel’s website here for more details.

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This story first appeared here.

(All images credit: JW Marriott Auckland)

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