Accor to Introduce Sofitel, Novotel, and Novotel Living to Changzhou High Speed Rail New Town

Accor to Introduce Sofitel, Novotel, and Novotel Living to Changzhou High Speed Rail New Town

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 10, 2024

Accor Greater China, in collaboration with Changzhou High-Speed Railway Town and Changzhou High-Tech Group Co., Ltd., has announced a significant hospitality project in the burgeoning community of Changzhou High Speed Rail New Town. This ambitious development will see the introduction of three prominent Accor brands: Sofitel, Novotel, and Novotel Living, marking a major expansion in this key economic zone of Jiangsu province.

The new hospitality project aims to create a diverse and vibrant community in Changzhou High Speed Rail New Town, which is rapidly becoming one of the most crucial economic development zones in Changzhou. This area is strategically linked to the Yangtze River Delta Economic Zone and is known for its advancements in sustainable technology, artificial intelligence manufacturing, and various high-tech industries.

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Sofitel Changzhou will bring French luxury and sophistication to the heart of Star City, located next to Changzhou North Station. This hotel will feature 310 elegantly designed guest rooms, a luxurious spa and wellness center with a pool, an executive lounge, and a variety of dining options. Additionally, Sofitel Changzhou will offer extensive meeting facilities, including two elegant ballrooms ideal for weddings and special events. This establishment is set to become a beacon of luxury in an area surrounded by modern businesses, high-end offices, and tech enterprises.

In the nearby Changzhou International Talent Plaza, Accor will develop Novotel Changzhou and Novotel Living Changzhou. Novotel Changzhou will feature a 324-guestroom tower, providing a balanced and welcoming environment for travelers. The adjoining Novotel Living Changzhou will offer 223 rooms designed for extended stays, catering to the needs of modern travelers and young business professionals who prefer a home-like experience. Novotel Living is designed to offer comfortable, apartment-style accommodations, making it ideal for those who mix business with leisure and seek deeper connections with the local community.

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This project is part of Accor’s broader growth strategy in Greater China. The company recently celebrated the opening of its 700th hotel in the region, with plans to open more than 100 hotels by the end of the year and over 150 development projects currently underway. Gary Rosen, CEO of Accor Greater China, said “Accor is a market leader in matching the right brand with the right destination, in line with our partner’s development objectives. Working with Changzhou High-Tech Group, we have the ideal opportunity to create an inspired mix of luxury, midscale and extended stay hotels that we believe will be ideally suited to the vibrant and booming community of Changzhou High Speed Rail New Town.”

Ge Yafang, Secretary of the Party Committee and General Manager of Changzhou High-Speed Railway Town and Changzhou High-Tech Group, said “Accor is an obvious leader when it comes to offering a wide range of the world’s most renowned hospitality brands, such as Sofitel and Novotel, which we are excited to bring to the city of Changzhou. The addition of Novotel Living will add a modern and fresh spin on the hospitality experience, which is particularly important to the young business travelers who are increasingly traveling to Changzhou and wanting to connect with the local community.”

Accor’s entry into Changzhou High Speed Rail New Town with Sofitel, Novotel, and Novotel Living marks a pivotal moment in the area’s development. This project not only enhances the hospitality landscape but also supports the broader economic growth of this key region. 


A Second ‘I Do’ in Paradise: THE OZEN COLLECTION Celebrates Love This Valentine’s Day

A Second ‘I Do’ in Paradise: THE OZEN COLLECTION Celebrates Love This Valentine’s Day

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 22, 2026

Among the most sought-after destinations of 2026, the Maldives continues to hold a special place for couples drawn to privacy, natural beauty, and moments that feel deeply personal. For many Indian travellers, it has long symbolised romance and the joy of celebrating life’s most meaningful milestones. This Valentine’s Day, THE OZEN COLLECTION invites couples to honour love through intimate vow renewal ceremonies and bespoke romantic experiences across its island resorts.

Designed as a heartfelt reaffirmation of commitment and togetherness, these experiences allow couples to turn a holiday into a lasting memory. From a Vow Renewal Ceremony by the shore at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI to a Private Beach Proposal at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, each moment is thoughtfully created to feel unhurried and personal, set against the natural beauty of the Maldives.

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At OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, romance is redefined through secluded settings and carefully curated details. Couples can renew their vows at the overwater Wedding Pavilion or along the shoreline, accompanied by the gentle rhythm of Bodu beru drums. The ceremony is followed by a cake-cutting ritual and a champagne toast, allowing couples to savour the moment. Beyond the ceremony, the experience extends to in-villa floating breakfasts, private sunset yacht cruises with champagne and canapés, and Dine by Design evenings, whether under the stars or through a curated set menu. Reservations can be made via reservations@ozenreserve-bolifushi.com.

At OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, vow renewals unfold beneath a handcrafted palm arch adorned with tropical blooms, set to Bodu beru rhythms as the sun sets over the shore. Celebrations continue with a champagne toast and cake-cutting ceremony, followed by options such as a four-course beach dinner, a villa bubble bath, or a Valentine’s gala dinner at THE PALMS. For a more intimate experience, M6M offers a limited five-course dining experience for select couples, complete with thoughtful surprises.

The resort also caters to couples ready to take the next step with a private beach proposal experience. Set beneath a starlit sky, the evening features exclusive beachfront dining in a secluded location, enhanced by sunken seating and soft ambient lighting. Reservations can be made via reservations@ozen-maadhoo.com.

For travellers seeking a meaningful way to celebrate love, the Maldives remains an enduring favourite. This Valentine’s Day, THE OZEN COLLECTION offers couples the chance to quietly reaffirm their bond in settings designed for moments that truly matter.


A Postcard from the Clouds: The Unique Tokyo Skytree Experience You Can’t Miss

A Postcard from the Clouds: The Unique Tokyo Skytree Experience You Can’t Miss

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 22, 2026

There are travel moments that stay with you long after a journey ends, a view, a feeling, or a small ritual that feels deeply personal. At Tokyo Skytree, the city’s soaring 634 metre landmark, that moment takes the form of a postcard written far above the streets of Tokyo. Not in a café or station, but high in the sky, surrounded by the city’s layered geometry of neighbourhoods, waterways, and glowing grids.

At 345 metres on the Tembo Deck, visitors will find a bright red post box shaped like the tower itself, a charming detail that feels both nostalgic and unexpected. Here, guests can purchase exclusive Skytree postcards and stamps, write a message in the calm hum of the observation deck, and post it directly from the clouds. It is a simple act, yet one that blends whimsy, memory, and place in a way few attractions manage.

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The experience begins with the high-speed elevator ride, where softly lit interiors rise swiftly towards the sky. Within moments, Tokyo opens up below, revealing temples, parks, expressways, and tightly packed lanes stretching far into the distance. On clear days, Mt. Fuji appears on the horizon, quietly framing the city. Against this vast backdrop, choosing a postcard, selecting a stamp, and writing a note becomes a reflective pause, whether it is a memory, a wish, or a message for someone back home.

For families travelling with children, the experience feels especially magical. Spotting familiar landmarks from such a height sparks curiosity and excitement, and posting a card from “so high in the sky” feels like an adventure in itself. Children also enjoy the Tembo Galleria at 450 metres, where a spiralling glass walkway creates the sensation of walking among clouds.

Beyond the postcard ritual, the Tembo Deck invites visitors to linger. Floor-to-ceiling windows, angled viewpoints, and photo zones encourage guests to take their time, often staying to watch the city transition from daylight to dusk and finally to a sea of lights. Writing a postcard during sunset, as Tokyo turns golden and the sky softens into lavender hues, feels especially poetic.

A visit typically begins at the 4th floor of Skytree Town, where tickets are collected before ascending. Booking in advance is recommended, as online reservations offer better pricing and save time. From the deck, visitors can explore multiple levels before stopping by the Skytree Shop to find postcards and stamps.

When the postcard finally slips into the red post box, it becomes part of a quiet tradition. Each card carries a special Skytree postmark, transforming it into a keepsake. Once back on the ground, Skytree Town offers more to explore, from dining options to themed shops, along with nearby attractions such as the Sumida Aquarium and the Postal Museum. Tokyo Skytree is not just about height or views, but about moments that feel heartfelt, elevated, and uniquely your own.


Singapore in 2026: What’s New, What’s Next, What Not to Miss

Singapore in 2026: What’s New, What’s Next, What Not to Miss

By Hariharan U

Published on January 20, 2026

As Singapore wraps up its landmark 60th anniversary celebrations, the momentum continues into 2026 with a calendar that reflects the city-state’s cultural depth, global outlook and evolving lifestyle scene. For travellers from India and across the world, the year ahead offers a compelling mix of art, festivals, sport and hospitality-led experiences.

One of the most visible symbols of Singapore’s evolution remains Orchard Road. Stretching across 2.5 kilometres, the iconic boulevard mirrors the city’s own transformation, from spice plantations to a polished global hub. Adding fresh energy to this district is The Singapore EDITION, a design-led urban resort discreetly located off the west end of Upper Orchard Road. Entering 2026, the hotel introduces a refreshed rooftop experience centred around its infinity pool, alongside a vibrant brunch offering and a luxe new micro-club with a rotating calendar of events.

The hotel also caters well to family travellers, with Double Rooms featuring queen-sized twin beds that comfortably accommodate up to four guests. Its Bed & Breakfast package, starting from USD 464 per night for two adults, includes breakfast at FYSH, making it a practical yet indulgent base for exploring the city.

On the cultural front, the Singapore Biennale, running until 29 March, brings art into everyday spaces across the island. Installations are spread across historic landmarks, green spaces, residential neighbourhoods and shopping centres, allowing visitors to explore the city through self-guided routes, cycling trails or curated runs. The Biennale turns the city itself into a living gallery.

February ushers in the festive spirit of Lunar New Year, celebrated on a grand scale across Singapore. In 2026, the festivities fall on 17–18 February, with vibrant decorations, parades and food traditions filling Chinatown and beyond in the days leading up to the holiday. Seasonal favourites like yusheng salad, pineapple tarts and bak kwa take centre stage during this period.

Art lovers will find January especially rewarding with Singapore Art Week (22–31 January). As one of Asia’s key visual arts platforms, the city hosts over 100 programmes across museums, galleries and public spaces. During this time, The Singapore EDITION becomes a creative hub, hosting artist interactions, music-led evenings and large-scale installations, alongside Sotheby’s Modern & Contemporary Art Auction, where over 60 works by leading artists will be on public view.

Sport and entertainment also feature prominently in early 2026. HSBC SVNS Singapore, part of the global Rugby Sevens circuit, returns on 31 January and 1 February with fast-paced matches set against a carnival-style backdrop. Shortly after, from 6 February, Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA arrives at Singapore’s bayfront, bringing together high-energy acrobatics, striking visuals and family-friendly storytelling.

With its blend of global culture, cutting-edge hospitality and year-round events, Singapore in 2026 positions itself as a destination that feels both familiar and constantly new. For travellers seeking variety without compromise, the Lion City makes a strong case as a must-visit in the year ahead.

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