AYANA Bali Unveils Renovated Villas and Resort Rooms

AYANA Bali Unveils Renovated Villas and Resort Rooms

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 13, 2025

AYANA Bali, the renowned integrated resort perched on the scenic Jimbaran Bay, is set to redefine luxury with an extensive renovation of its iconic villas and resort rooms. Known for its seamless blend of Balinese heritage and world-class hospitality, AYANA is elevating its guest experience by incorporating modern designs and eco-conscious elements.

The renovation focuses on AYANA Villas, including the One-Bedroom Ocean Front Cliff Villa, One-Bedroom Ocean View Cliff Villa, and One-Bedroom Ocean View Villa. Tokyo-based SPIN Design Studio spearheads the redesign, introducing interiors inspired by Balinese traditions while incorporating contemporary aesthetics. Key features include locally sourced materials, such as repurposed stone and wood carvings, to preserve cultural authenticity.

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A major highlight is the enhancement of the Cliff Villas, where traditional windows are being replaced with sliding doors, improving airflow and reducing reliance on artificial cooling systems. This thoughtful design aligns with AYANA’s commitment to sustainability.

The resort rooms are also undergoing a phased renovation. The West Building is scheduled for completion by December 2024, while the East Building is expected to be finished by March 2025.

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Giordano Faggioli, General Manager of AYANA Bali, commented on the transformation, stating, “AYANA Villas and AYANA Resort are entering an exciting new chapter, where timeless Balinese charm meets contemporary innovation. By reimagining our spaces, we’re creating an exquisite journey for our guests, one that harmonises luxury, sustainability, and our breathtaking natural surroundings.”

With this renovation, AYANA Bali reaffirms its dedication to delivering unparalleled luxury while embracing sustainability and paying homage to the cultural richness of Bali. Guests can look forward to an enhanced stay that combines modern comfort with the island’s natural beauty.


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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