Mumbai-based cocktail bar Late Checkout has announced a landmark Southeast Asia tour, becoming one of the first independent Indian bars to take its cocktail identity across multiple countries through a structured multi-city takeover format.

Just over a year after opening in Mumbai, Late Checkout has already built a strong international footprint through collaborations with well-known global bars such as Paradiso Barcelona, Line Athens, Tayēr + Elementary London, and Sago House Singapore. The bar has also hosted guest shifts in New York at venues like Dear Irving and The Ned Nomad, steadily building its presence in the global cocktail community.

Now, the team is stepping into a larger international circuit with a Southeast Asia tour spanning 10 bars across 9 countries. The upcoming journey will include guest shifts and takeovers at some of the region’s most recognised cocktail destinations over the next few months.

The tour begins at Origin Bar, Singapore from May 11 to 14, followed by The Curator in Manila from May 14 to 17. The Japan leg includes Craftroom Osaka from May 22 to 24 and Bar Wakabayashi, Tokyo from May 25 to 27.

The circuit then moves to Hong Kong with takeovers at The Opposites and Peninsula from June 8 to 11, followed by Shoulders in Colombo on June 19. From June 24 to 27, the team will simultaneously collaborate with Southside Parlor in Seoul and Firefly in Bangkok. The tour will conclude its current run at Ne Cocktail Bar in Hanoi on July 19, with additional collaborations in Malaysia and Indonesia currently under discussion.

Several of the participating venues are globally recognised names in the cocktail industry, including Origin Bar Singapore, which is ranked No. 32 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024.

This initiative reflects a growing shift in the global cocktail landscape, where Indian bars are no longer just participants but active contributors shaping modern bar culture across regions.

Speaking about the tour, Pawan Shahri, Co-Founder of Chrome Asia Hospitality, said, “For the longest time, India consumed global cocktail culture. Today, we’re contributing to it. This tour is about taking the energy, creativity and identity of modern Indian bartending across Asia and showing the world that Indian bars are no longer emerging players, they are part of the global conversation. To collaborate with some of the region’s most respected bars across nine countries is not just a milestone for Late Checkout, but a moment of representation for Indian hospitality itself.”

Nikita Harisinghani, Co-Founder of Chrome Asia Hospitality, added, “When we started Late Checkout, we wanted to build a bar that could stand alongside some of the best programmes in the world while still feeling distinctly rooted in India. To be taking the bar across Asia within a year of opening feels incredibly exciting, but more importantly, it feels like a sign of where Indian cocktail culture is headed.”

In recent years, Indian bars have gained stronger international visibility through collaborations, guest shifts, and global recognition. Late Checkout’s Asia tour reflects this growing confidence, positioning Indian cocktail culture as an active and equal voice in the global hospitality scene.

CROSSROADS Maldives is all set to celebrate Eid Al-Adha with a vibrant mix of family-friendly experiences, beachside leisure, and festive entertainment across its destination. The celebrations will take place at SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, and The Marina at CROSSROADS Maldives, welcoming both in-house guests and local visitors.

Bringing together island-style relaxation, dining experiences, live entertainment, and community-focused activities, the destination aims to create a lively and inclusive Eid atmosphere for families, residents, and tourists.

A key highlight of the celebration is the newly refreshed SAii Beach Club at The Marina, which has introduced special Eid Al-Adha Family Packages available from 20th May to 31st May 2026. These offerings are designed to give families a complete seaside festive experience.

The Family Meal Package is priced at USD 130 net for two adults and two children. It includes meals at Beach Club outlets, soft beverages during meals, 30% savings on beverages and Gelato Bar, full access to Beach Club facilities such as the pool and changing rooms, recreational activities, beach games, kids’ activities, live entertainment, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

For guests who prefer a more flexible experience, the Family Beach Club Entrance Package is priced at USD 30 net for two adults and two children. It offers Beach Club access along with 30% savings on food and beverages, live entertainment, recreational activities, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the day.

Adding to the festive mood, Hard Rock Cafe Maldives at The Marina will host lively karaoke sessions and entertainment experiences. Known for its energetic ambience and waterfront location, the venue will offer Eid-themed activities perfect for families and groups of friends looking to celebrate in a relaxed and vibrant setting.

Across CROSSROADS Maldives, guests can also enjoy live music, beachside moments, interactive activities, and festive entertainment, creating a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere throughout the holiday period.

Speaking on the occasion, Alexander Traeger said, “We are delighted to welcome families, residents and visitors to celebrate Eid Al-Adha across Crossroads Maldives, where the spirit of togetherness comes alive through entertainment, dining and shared experiences. From family-friendly experiences at SAii Beach Club to vibrant Eid traditions, karaoke sessions and live entertainment across the destination, our aim is to create a festive and welcoming atmosphere that is accessible to both our resort guests and the local community, making CROSSROADS Maldives a place where everyone can come together and celebrate the joy of Eid.”

Located just 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, CROSSROADS Maldives continues to position itself as one of the most accessible lifestyle destinations in the Maldives, blending resorts, dining, entertainment, and family-friendly experiences within one connected space.

 The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Sphere Entertainment Co. have announced plans to develop Sphere Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, bringing the globally recognised entertainment concept outside the United States for the first time. The project will involve a construction investment of USD 1.7 billion and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2029.

The upcoming venue will be located between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, placing it within one of the emirate’s leading entertainment and tourism hubs. The addition is expected to further strengthen Yas Island’s position as a major destination for leisure, culture and large-scale events.

Designed to accommodate up to 20,000 guests depending on event requirements, Sphere Abu Dhabi will host a variety of experiences ranging from immersive entertainment productions and concert residencies to sporting events, conferences and brand-led showcases. The venue will also feature Sphere’s advanced technology-driven experiences designed to create highly engaging visual environments.

HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said: “Abu Dhabi has always built for the long term, and Sphere Abu Dhabi is a powerful demonstration of that commitment. In a region where the appetite for world-class experiences continues to grow, our USD 1.7 billion investment in its construction phase sends a clear signal: Abu Dhabi is open, ambitious, and unwavering in its direction.”

He further highlighted that the project would also create opportunities to showcase Emirati culture, storytelling and local talent through immersive productions and large-format visual experiences.

James L Dolan said: “Sphere Abu Dhabi is the first step in realising our vision for a global network of venues. Abu Dhabi is a premier international capital city, and its ambition, infrastructure, and position as a cultural crossroads make it a natural home for Sphere.”

The development marks another major addition to Abu Dhabi’s entertainment landscape and reflects the city’s ongoing investment in destination-led projects that blend tourism, culture and technology. Once operational, Sphere Abu Dhabi is expected to become a key attraction for international visitors and event audiences from around the world.