Celebrating Lunar New Year 2026: Luxury Destinations Across Asia Welcome the Year of the Horse

Celebrating Lunar New Year 2026: Luxury Destinations Across Asia Welcome the Year of the Horse

By Hariharan U

Published on February 5, 2026

The Lunar New Year ushers in a season of renewal, joy and togetherness across Asia. In 2026, the Year of the Horse—symbolising energy, freedom and forward momentum is being celebrated with thoughtfully curated experiences at luxury hotels and resorts, blending cultural traditions with contemporary hospitality.

Beachfront Feasts and Fire Shows in Thailand

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On Koh Samui, Banyan Tree Samui hosts a festive beachfront celebration on February 17, featuring a Mongolian-Chinese feast, international barbecue, live music and a fire show under the full moon. The evening promises a vibrant blend of flavour, performance and seaside ambience.

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Meanwhile, Banyan Tree Krabi offers a Chinese New Year BBQ Night on tranquil Tubkaek Beach, pairing live music and fire performances with sweeping views of the Andaman Sea, creating a relaxed yet celebratory atmosphere.

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In Chiang Mai, Meliá Chiang Mai’s Mai Restaurant & Bar welcomes the festive week with a Thai-Chinese a la carte menu served alongside Chinese teas and panoramic city views, celebrating cross-cultural flavours from February 17–23.

Tet Traditions Come Alive in Vietnam

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Across Vietnam, Tet celebrations take centre stage. The Anam Cam Ranh and The Anam Mui Ne mark the season with ceremonial Cay Neu bamboo planting, dragon dances, family-style Tet menus, calligraphy sessions, and cultural workshops ranging from Chung cake making to traditional crafts.

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On the Cam Ranh Peninsula, Alma Resort hosts a week-long programme of Tet festivities featuring cultural performances, wellness experiences, kids’ activities and festive dining, encouraging families to reconnect against the backdrop of Long Beach.

In Da Nang, TIA Wellness Resort embraces the reflective spirit of the New Year with workshops, lantern ceremonies, beach yoga, dragon dances and cultural sharing sessions, combining mindfulness with tradition.

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Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, a heritage icon, presents a rich Tet programme featuring lion dances, puppet shows, traditional art exhibitions and hands-on workshops, celebrating Vietnam’s cultural legacy through immersive experiences.

Wellness-led celebrations continue across Fusion Resorts and Hotels, where Tet-themed dining, family activities and special stay packages blend festive cheer with rejuvenation across multiple destinations in Vietnam.

Family-Focused Festivities in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, The Hari Hong Kong introduces its “Better Together Family Package,” offering family-friendly accommodations, creative in-room activities for children, flexible check-in privileges and curated touches designed to bring families closer during the Lunar New Year.

Timeless Luxury in Cambodia and Vietnam

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In Phnom Penh, Raffles Hotel Le Royal welcomes the Lunar New Year with a special stay package featuring exclusive privileges, dining credits and elegant Raffles-style hospitality.

Across Vietnam, Azerai Resorts celebrate Tet with understated elegance—offering yoga sessions, cultural workshops, festive dining, market excursions and family-friendly activities at Azerai Ke Ga Bay and Azerai La Residence, Hue.

As the Year of the Horse begins, these luxury destinations across Asia showcase how Lunar New Year celebrations continue to evolve—honouring heritage while creating meaningful, immersive experiences for modern travellers seeking culture, connection and renewal.


TOKYO SKYTREE Brings Cherry Blossom Season to New Heights with “THE Sakura SKYTREE”

TOKYO SKYTREE Brings Cherry Blossom Season to New Heights with “THE Sakura SKYTREE”

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 25, 2026

As Japan gears up for its much-awaited cherry blossom season, Tobu Tower Skytree Co., Ltd. has announced a special spring programme titled “THE Sakura SKYTREE – Going to Meet the Cherry Blossoms Above the Clouds” at TOKYO SKYTREE. The limited-period experience will run from February 26 to April 14, 2026, offering visitors a fresh way to enjoy sakura from 350 metres above ground.

Designed as an alternative to traditional park hanami, the event brings cherry blossom viewing into an urban, elevated setting. Located on the Tembo Deck at Floors 350 and 340, the experience blends sakura-inspired installations with wide, uninterrupted views of Tokyo, allowing visitors to enjoy spring scenery from above the city skyline.

Built around the theme “Sky × Sakura,” the Tembo Deck will be transformed with cherry blossom décor and Japanese-style photo installations. The setting reflects the fleeting beauty of sakura while creating striking visual moments for visitors. With the Tokyo skyline as a backdrop, the space offers a modern interpretation of spring that combines tradition with a sense of scale and spectacle.

For evening visitors, a key attraction will be the seasonal showcase at the SKYTREE ROUND THEATER® on Floor 350. The observatory’s large windows will turn into a panoramic screen for a three-minute visual presentation capturing the delicate and short-lived nature of cherry blossoms. Using 24 projectors and surround sound from 13 speakers, the experience adds a cinematic layer to hanami, bringing together culture, technology, and storytelling.

Adding to the seasonal feel, the SKYTREE CAFE on Floor 350 will launch a limited-edition cherry blossom-themed menu. The offerings will include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, along with spring-inspired sweets. Highlights include donuts in “Sakura Mochi” and “Sakura Sky Vanilla” flavours, made as 100% plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free options. The menu is designed to be visually appealing and easy to share, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The spring theme will also extend to the W1SH RIBBON monument on the Tembo Deck, where limited-edition pink ribbons will be available during the event period. Visitors can tie their wishes onto the softly lit pink installation, reflecting themes of renewal and fresh beginnings associated with the season. The monument lighting will also shift to pink to match the overall décor.

On selected evenings, TOKYO SKYTREE itself will light up in special spring illumination called “Sakura SKY (Sakura-Sora).” Inspired by cherry blossoms set against a spring sky, gentle pink beams will represent petals floating in the wind, turning the tower into a seasonal highlight visible across the city.

With immersive décor, visual storytelling, seasonal food, and special lighting, “THE Sakura SKYTREE” positions TOKYO SKYTREE as a standout attraction during spring. By presenting the cherry blossom season from 350 metres above ground, the event offers visitors an experience that feels modern, memorable, and uniquely Tokyo.


Chef Bobby Appointed Sous Chef at TIYA in San Francisco

Chef Bobby Appointed Sous Chef at TIYA in San Francisco

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 25, 2026

TIYA, a Michelin Guide-recognized restaurant, has announced the appointment of Chef Bobby as its new Sous Chef. The move underlines the restaurant’s continued focus on quality, innovation, and refined modern Indian cuisine in the heart of San Francisco.

In his new role, Chef Bobby will oversee day-to-day kitchen operations at TIYA. His responsibilities include ensuring smooth service, refined plating presentation, well-balanced flavours, and consistent portion control. Through his leadership, the restaurant aims to further strengthen its position as a premium modern Indian dining destination known for creativity, precision, and memorable guest experiences.

Before joining TIYA, Chef Bobby worked as Sous Chef at Madras Group Inc., located at 1177 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. There, he supported the Executive Chef in running high-performing kitchen operations. His role included supervising and training culinary teams, maintaining HACCP and ServSafe food safety standards, handling inventory and supplier coordination, and contributing to cost control and menu innovation. His involvement in recipe development and tasting menu execution played a key role in maintaining high dining standards.

Earlier in his career, Chef Bobby gained valuable experience as a Demi Chef de Partie at The Quorum, Two Horizon Center, Golf Course Road, and as a Commi at Hotel Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar. He began his professional journey at Aamod Resorts, Kandaghat, District Solan, Himachal Pradesh, where he built a strong foundation in kitchen operations and hospitality discipline.

Speaking on his appointment, Chef Bobby said, “Joining TIYA, a Michelin Guide restaurant, as Sous Chef is an exciting milestone in my culinary journey. The brand’s vision of redefining modern Indian cuisine resonates deeply with my passion for innovation and excellence. I look forward to contributing to TIYA’s continued growth and delivering memorable dining experiences to our guests.”

With experience across well-known hospitality brands in both India and the United States, Chef Bobby’s appointment marks a meaningful step forward for TIYA as it continues to raise the bar for modern Indian fine dining in San Francisco.


Unwind in the Sacred Spirit of Ramadan at Novotel Cairo Airport

Unwind in the Sacred Spirit of Ramadan at Novotel Cairo Airport

By Hariharan U

Published on February 24, 2026

As the holy month of Ramadan begins, Novotel Cairo Airport welcomes guests to experience the season in an atmosphere defined by serenity, reflection, and heartfelt hospitality. Designed for both Cairo residents seeking a peaceful retreat within the city and travellers exploring Egypt’s capital, the hotel offers a setting where the spirit of togetherness takes centre stage.

Ramadan at Novotel Cairo Airport focuses on creating meaningful moments. Guests can slow down, reconnect, and embrace the traditions of the holy month while enjoying a comfortable and relaxing stay. The property’s dining venues present thoughtfully curated Iftar and Sohour experiences, blending traditional Ramadan flavours with contemporary touches. Each meal is crafted to bring families, friends, couples, and colleagues together around the table in celebration.

For corporate guests, the hotel provides fully equipped banquet rooms and dedicated facilities suited for Iftars, Sohour gatherings, and Ramadan celebrations. The spaces are designed to encourage connection and appreciation, offering organisations a welcoming environment to host teams and partners during the blessed month.

A highlight of the season is the exclusive Ramadan dessert display, available throughout the day. Guests can indulge in a carefully selected assortment of oriental pastries, featuring both classic favourites and delicately crafted treats that reflect the flavours of Ramadan. Whether enjoyed on-site or taken home to share, the sweet offerings add a festive touch to the experience.

More than a destination to stay or dine, Novotel Cairo Airport positions itself as a place where Cairo’s Ramadan evenings come alive with warmth and community spirit. It is a space to unwind after a long day of fasting, reflect on the blessings of the season, and create lasting memories.

Part of the global Accor portfolio, Novotel operates over 590 hotels across more than 65 countries and participates in the ALL – Accor Live Limitless lifestyle loyalty programme, offering members access to rewards and exclusive experiences worldwide.

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