Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Krabi, has introduced two refreshed spaces that bring new energy to the region’s dining and bar scene. The resort has reimagined its signature Thai restaurant, Sri Trang, and opened Pirom Bar, a stylish gin and whiskey lounge set against the Andaman Sea.

Sri Trang now welcomes guests with a warm and contemporary look after a detailed renovation. Its new interiors blend elegant design, custom-made furniture and a homely feel that complements the restaurant’s calm atmosphere. Alongside the refreshed space, Chef Aong has curated a new Southern Thai menu shaped by the coastal character of Krabi. Her dishes take inspiration from local produce like coconuts, herbs, palm sugar, shrimp paste and sustainably sourced seafood. Each recipe reflects flavours from her childhood and highlights traditional preparations that are rarely found beyond this region.

Pirom Bar adds a contrasting mood with its intimate setting on the 2nd floor between Sri Trang and Jampoon. The bar is designed to mirror the shift from day to night, offering a relaxed space for sunset cocktails and slow evenings. Guests can enjoy gin and whiskey creations, handcrafted cocktails and fine Champagnes, many of them infused with Thai herbs and spices. True to its name, Pirom,  which means “supreme joy" , aims to spark connection, comfort and memorable conversations.

Phulay Bay will also host an exclusive Four Hands Dinner featuring Christian Herrgesell and Syrco Bakker at Lae Lay, the resort’s seafood restaurant. The special evening will present a six-course menu inspired by Chef Syrco’s Dutch-Indonesian roots and rare ingredients, offering a unique dining moment for guests. More updates will follow from the resort.

“Southern Thailand is one of the world’s great culinary destinations – a vibrant melting pot where cultures converge and fresh produce thrives. We are delighted to invite our discerning clientele to savor the authentic flavors of Krabi and its surrounding provinces with reimagined dining experiences at Sri Trang, and innovative mixology at Pirom Bar. Our new venues will further underscore Phulay Bay’s vision of creating guest journeys that stimulate the senses and evoke the essence of this idyllic, intriguing region,” said Mr. Vidya Sagar, the resort’s General Manager.

Alma Resort on the Cam Ranh Peninsula has been named the Best Family Hotel in Vietnam by Little Steps Asia in its annual travel awards for 2025–26. The popular parenting publication praised the resort for its family-focused experiences, highlighting its 12 swimming pools, 14 dining venues, and ocean-view suites. The editors also appreciated the resort’s extensive recreational options, calling its waterpark one of the most exciting in the country.

Spread across 300,000 square metres, Alma has built its reputation as a destination designed for togetherness and memorable family time. Herbert Laubichler-Pichler, the resort’s Managing Director, expressed gratitude to the team and said that the resort continues to evolve to meet the needs of modern family travellers.

The award comes at a time when Alma has introduced the Alma Discovery Camp, an engaging facility that connects children with nature, farm animals, and sustainable living. The camp offers interactive farm visits where children can explore habitats, learn through touch-and-feel experiences, and interact with animals such as cows, goats, chickens, ducks, and rabbits.

Along with the farm, Alma features a wide range of family-friendly amenities including the Alma Technology Experience Center, kids club, youth club, cinema, and a large water park with a lazy river, slides, wave pool, and kids pool. The resort also conducts activities for all ages such as cooking workshops, kite-flying competitions, tree planting, and virtual reality golf.

To inspire young bakers, the resort organises a Hotelier Pastry Tour that takes children behind the scenes to the resort’s bakery, giving them a closer look at the baking process and allowing them to try freshly made treats. Kids can also enjoy themed room setups that add a colourful and personalised touch to their stay, complete with welcome cards, pillows, towel art, themed bedding, and fun pool accessories.

This recognition from Little Steps Asia adds to Alma’s list of recent honours. The resort was earlier named Vietnam’s Best Family Resort by Holidays with Kids magazine and was featured among the top resorts in Southeast Asia, Asia, and the world in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards.

For more information, visit alma-resort.com.

Dwarika’s Sanctuary in Nepal has opened a new chapter in Himalayan wellness with its renewed vision and all-inclusive retreat experience. Formerly known as Dwarika’s Resort, the property has been renamed to reflect a deeper commitment to wellbeing inspired by the philosophies of the Himalayas. This transformation has already earned the prestigious 2025 Michelin Key, recognising its excellence, authenticity, and distinct identity in hospitality. The Sanctuary will introduce its minimum three-night, all-inclusive concept from January 2026, bringing a richer, more immersive approach to holistic living.

The retreat’s new direction is rooted in the ancient wisdom of Buddhist and Vedic medicine, offering guests an experience that is personal, exclusive, and focused on profound renewal. Every aspect is designed to bring balance to the body, mind, and spirit, making it ideal for travellers seeking a meaningful and restorative escape. Nestled in the peaceful Dhulikhel hills, the Sanctuary spans 22 acres of natural beauty with panoramic Himalayan views. Its 40 residential suites reflect traditional Nepali village life, blending woodland trails, terraced farms, and serene glades into a harmonious landscape. Each suite features natural materials, soft textures, and unobstructed views that help guests feel connected to nature throughout their stay.

Guests begin their journey with a personalised Ayurvedic consultation with the resident doctor to understand their unique constitution. Daily activities include breathwork at the Himalayan Rock Salt House, guided meditation at the Himalayan Rock Crystal Chamber, Shiva linga maze meditation walks, open-air yoga, nine planet balancing sessions, singing bowl therapy, and a spiritual blessing ceremony. The Pancha Kosha Spa further supports holistic healing with treatments inspired by the five layers of being, including one signature massage per three nights of stay. Nourishing cuisine made from local, organic produce grown on the Sanctuary’s farms is served along with wellness-focused beverages to support inner balance.

For guests interested in cultural exploration and the outdoors, the Sanctuary offers curated experiences such as monastery visits and guided hikes to Dwarika’s Organic Farm, ending with a farm-fresh meal prepared by local farmers. Each element is thoughtfully designed to help guests reconnect with themselves, nature, and the spiritual traditions of the region.

“Dwarika’s Sanctuary is more than a destination, it is an inward journey for travellers seeking not just rest, but a profound renewal of body, mind, and spirit,” shares René Vijay Shrestha, CEO of Dwarika’s Collection. “Rooted in the ancient philosophies of the Himalayas, our immersive wellbeing experiences are both exclusive and deeply personal, inviting each guest to reconnect with themselves and with nature in a truly transformative way.”

Easily accessible with a 45-minute road journey from Kathmandu airport and no visa requirements for Indian travellers, Dwarika’s Sanctuary offers a convenient yet deeply rejuvenating getaway for anyone seeking a quick detox and reset.