Boutique Group Shines: Dazzling Saudi Luxury Debuts at ILTM Cannes

Boutique Group Shines: Dazzling Saudi Luxury Debuts at ILTM Cannes

By Author

Published on December 2, 2023

In a significant move to highlight Saudi Arabia's burgeoning ultra-luxury hospitality sector, Boutique Group, the first ultra-luxury hospitality group in the Kingdom, announces its participation at the prestigious International Luxury Travel Market Cannes (ILTM Cannes). Scheduled from December 4 to 7, 2023, this flagship luxury travel trade show is a vital platform for the industry's top players.

Owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Boutique Group aligns with the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Culture's objectives to develop and promote the nation's tourism industry. The group specializes in transforming historic and cultural palaces into ultra-luxury boutique hotels, setting new industry benchmarks and redefining luxury hospitality in the Kingdom. These developments offer both domestic and international travelers an immersive experience into a modern Saudi Arabia, deeply rooted in tradition.

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Boutique Group's portfolio features historically significant properties, including Riyadh’s Red Palace, Jeddah's Al Hamra Palace, and the Aga Khan Award-winning Tuwaiq Palace, each a symbol of architectural and cultural prestige. The renovation of these palaces into luxurious accommodations provides guests with an experience that honors local history and culture, offering unparalleled service standards, cultural immersion, and modern comforts.

With private luxury villas and suites, Boutique Group emphasizes personalized services, including dedicated personal assistants, high-end dining options, and private spa facilities. These iconic palaces represent the epitome of Saudi hospitality and generosity.

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As Boutique Group prepares to showcase its unique brand at ILTM Cannes, the world’s most exclusive luxury travel event, it aims to introduce its offerings to leading travel agents, curators, and advisors. ILTM Cannes is renowned for bringing together top hospitality brands and travel designers, with last year’s event attracting over 3,600 professionals from 77 countries.

Mark De Cocinis, CEO of Boutique Group, expressed excitement about participating in ILTM Cannes, emphasizing Saudi Arabia's deep-rooted tradition of hospitality and the Group’s mission to offer a distinct ultra-luxury hospitality experience. He highlighted the significant investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia's travel and tourism sector, with the Ministry of Tourism expecting $6 trillion in investments by 2030. As the hospitality sector rapidly expands, Boutique Group aims to engage with global industry peers at ILTM Cannes and contribute to the Kingdom’s growing prominence in the luxury travel market.


Swap Monsoon Grey for Starry Nights Under the Milky Way

Swap Monsoon Grey for Starry Nights Under the Milky Way

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 16, 2025

Tired of cloudy skies during the Indian monsoon? This season, swap the grey for clear, starry nights and watch the Milky Way unfold above you. Across the world, there are destinations where light pollution is minimal, skies are pristine, and the galaxy shines in its full brilliance. All you need is a curious mind and a bit of warmth in your backpack.

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

The northernmost Emirate is a magical stage for stargazing, with the Al Wadi Desert and Hajar Mountains offering some of the region’s darkest skies. Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, provides an incredible vantage point where the Milky Way’s galactic core is visible between May and October. Guided astronomy sessions at the Jebel Jais Observation Deck and luxury desert resorts make the experience even more memorable.

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Mahé & La Digue, Seychelles

Beyond its turquoise waters and palm-fringed shores, Seychelles transforms into a natural planetarium between May and October. On Mahé, Anse Intendance Beach and Morne Seychellois National Park are perfect dark spots. On La Digue, Grand Anse offers uninterrupted views of the galaxy. With just a pair of binoculars, you can glimpse constellations and even the hidden heart of our galaxy.

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Azerbaijan

The Caucasus nation is a rising star for astronomy lovers. The Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory, the largest in the region, hosts guided telescope sessions. In the Shahdag Mountains and remote highlands, summer nights from June to September reveal the Milky Way in sweeping clarity. It’s a unique blend of science, tradition, and unspoiled nature.

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Kenya

Kenya is as spectacular by night as it is by day. With its equatorial location, both northern and southern constellations are visible. Regions like Turkana, Laikipia, Samburu, and Amboseli offer skies almost untouched by light pollution. Pair this with safaris, astro-camping, and Maasai star lore, and you have a celestial safari unlike any other.

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Qatar

In Qatar, deserts transform into stargazers’ sanctuaries. The Zekreet Peninsula, Al Aamriya, Dukhan, and Sealine Beach deliver dark skies from March to October. Visitors can join Bedouin-style stargazing safaris or simply spread a blanket and watch the Milky Way emerge. With a cup of hot karak in hand, it’s a desert night of silence, wonder, and whispered shooting stars.

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Negev, Israel

Mitzpe Ramon and the vast Ramon Crater in Israel’s Negev Desert have been recognized as an official Dark Sky Park. From April to October, the galaxy appears in stunning detail across the desert. Guided astronomy tours and the sheer silence of the landscape make it one of the world’s most authentic stargazing experiences.

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The Milky Way reminds us that the best souvenirs from travel are often not tangible but moments etched in memory and stars captured in our cameras.


Wynn Brings Back Signature Hypercar Exhibition 2025 with Luxury Collaborations

Wynn Brings Back Signature Hypercar Exhibition 2025 with Luxury Collaborations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 15, 2025

Wynn is set to redefine the luxury auto exhibition experience with the return of the “Wynn Signature – 2025 Hypercar Exhibition.” Now in its third edition, the exhibition will run from September 29 to November 16 across Wynn Palace and Wynn Macau, coinciding with the prestigious Macau Grand Prix. Visitors can look forward to a spectacular celebration of speed, craftsmanship, and luxury, featuring over 20 of the world’s most coveted hypercars alongside innovative collaborations between leading automotive names and luxury brands.

At Wynn Palace, the highlight will be the Macao premiere of a Formula 1 car, showcasing a striking monogram design created in collaboration with a global fashion house. Other notable debuts include the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 in Roger Dubuis colors, the Huracán in A BATHING APE’s signature camouflage, and the Pagani Utopia with a BAPE crossover design, blending Italian artistry with Japanese street fashion. The vintage Mercedes 300SL Gullwing is also on display, paired with exclusive creations from Swiss jeweler Chopard.

At Wynn Macau, an innovative display by Wristcheck presents limited-edition timepieces in futuristic capsules alongside the Aston Martin Valkyrie Spider, creating a seamless blend of horology and automotive engineering. The exhibition also highlights China’s electric supercar future, showcasing cutting-edge EV hypercars with fast-charging capabilities and sustainable technologies.

Adding to the excitement, Swiss artist Saiff Vasarhelyi will transform a McLaren 600LT through a live spray-paint performance, displayed alongside HUBLOT’s street-art watch collection. Visitors can also take part in professional-grade Formula 1 simulators that replicate world-famous circuits, with hourly competitions rewarding winners with exclusive caps designed by Vasarhelyi. Entry to the competition is available with same-day purchases from Wynn retail or dining outlets.

Exclusive pop-ups further elevate the experience. The “Hyper Shop” offers rare F1 merchandise, LEGO  builds, collectible helmets, and Amalgam models, while the BAPE pop-up presents Asia’s first exclusive Pagani crossover collection.

With free admission open to the public, the “Wynn Signature – 2025 Hypercar Exhibition” cements Macao’s position as a hub for global luxury experiences. By aligning with the Macau Grand Prix, Wynn continues its tradition of creating unforgettable #OnlyAtWynn moments that combine automotive innovation, high fashion, and luxury lifestyle.


Nepal eases visa and exit rules for stranded foreign nationals amid curfew

Nepal eases visa and exit rules for stranded foreign nationals amid curfew

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 14, 2025

Nepal authorities have announced temporary relief measures for foreign nationals stranded in the Kathmandu Valley due to the ongoing curfew. The initiative aims to ease travel disruptions and ensure smooth departures for international visitors.

According to immigration officials, international travellers whose visas were valid through September 8 can now obtain exit permits and regularise their visas without paying extra charges. The facility will be available at immigration offices as well as departure points.

Authorities have also made arrangements for visa transfers in cases where passports were lost during the disturbances. Travellers carrying emergency passports or other travel documents issued by their respective embassies will be able to transfer their visas to the new documents under existing rules.

Officials assured that these measures would provide stranded visitors with a streamlined process and reduce difficulties caused by the current situation.

A prohibitory order is currently in place in Kathmandu from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Additionally, a night curfew is being enforced from 7:00 pm Friday to 6:00 am Saturday, which will continue throughout the night.

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