Christmas Cheer Lights Up Asia’s Top Hotels This Festive Season

Christmas Cheer Lights Up Asia’s Top Hotels This Festive Season

By Hariharan U

Published on December 4, 2025

As the festive spirit starts to sparkle across Asia, hotels from Thailand to Japan and Vietnam are rolling out warm, colourful and indulgent Christmas experiences that feel straight out of a holiday postcard. Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical Christmas by the sea, a winter escape in Tokyo, or a cosy celebration with gourmet dining, this year’s festive offerings across Asia bring together food, music, lights and heartfelt traditions.

In Koh Samui, Banyan Tree Samui is turning the island into a tropical Christmas paradise. Across its three restaurants, the resort is hosting gala dinners, live music nights and chef-led festive menus from Dec 24–26. Guests can enjoy everything from seafood stations and carving counters to a MICHELIN-recognised Thai fine-dining experience at Saffron. For those who love celebrating right by the beach, their candlelit beachfront lunches and dinners featuring turkey, snowfish and prawns are perfect for a sunny Christmas in Thailand.

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Tokyo is shining brighter than ever with Palace Hotel Tokyo’s luxurious ‘A Tokyo Christmas’ package. Guests staying between Dec 20–25 can enjoy suite stays, a private car tour of Tokyo’s famous winter illuminations, an in-room Christmas tree, bubbly, festive treats and a special Christmas dinner. It’s a dreamy option for travellers looking to pair Japanese hospitality with the magic of holiday lights.

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Vietnam is embracing the season with a mix of cosy teas, gourmet spreads and family moments. At TIA Wellness Resort, guests can indulge in a Christmas-inspired afternoon tea, followed by a festive six-course Christmas Eve dinner with both plant-based and classic menus. Banyan Tree Krabi in Thailand is also going big this year with its Christmas Eve Gala Dinner featuring everything from truffle risotto and seafood ice stations to a fire show under the stars.

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Over in Cam Ranh, Alma Resort is creating a joyful wonderland with a gingerbread village, tree-lighting ceremonies, mulled wine counters and even daily advent activities for kids. Santa will also make appearances from Dec 23–25 for family photos. Nearby, Meliá Chiang Mai in Thailand is offering Spanish-inspired afternoon teas, festive buffets, rooftop parties and live music throughout the month.

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In Hong Kong, The Hari Hong Kong is celebrating the season with festive dining, a tree lighting ceremony and a charity Christmas market supporting the Hong Chi Association. Their holiday stay package includes luxurious rooms, special dining credits, breakfast, festive treats and celebratory menus across their popular restaurants.

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Bangkok is full of Spanish flair this Christmas as INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit serves weekly rotating festive Spanish menus at its stunning rooftop tapas bar. Guests can also enjoy a grand Christmas Eve buffet with seafood, sashimi, roasts, desserts and more at The Kites Eatery.

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Vietnam continues the celebrations with The Anam Cam Ranh and The Anam Mui Ne, both offering festive teas, Champagne evenings, Christmas tree lightings, BBQ buffets, nine-course fine-dining feasts, and kids’ activities on Christmas Day. Azerai Resorts, meanwhile, brings heartwarming traditions to Ke Ga Bay and Hue, including special breakfasts, Santa visits, limousine transfers to Christmas Mass, tea buffets and creative workshops for children.

Hanoi’s iconic Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has transformed into a “Luminescent Dreamscape,” with a full Christmas fair, gourmet bites, mulled wine, eggnog and a dazzling lighting ceremony that unveils its 15-metre Christmas tree. And across Vietnam and Thailand, Fusion Hotels is offering beach BBQs, festive buffets, spa treatments, onsen experiences and holiday-themed live music nights.

From gourmet feasts to glowing trees, festive teas and beachfront celebrations, Asia’s finest hotels are creating magical holiday moments that blend local flavours, global inspirations and the warm cheer of Christmas — perfect for travellers planning a cosy yet memorable festive getaway.


Chef Ravinder Singh Negi Joins The Imperia by Dhaba as Assistant Chef

Chef Ravinder Singh Negi Joins The Imperia by Dhaba as Assistant Chef

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 10, 2026

The Imperia by Dhaba, a well-known Indian fine-dining destination in New Jersey and part of a reputed family-owned restaurant group with a strong presence across New York City and New Jersey, has announced the appointment of Chef Ravinder Singh Negi as Assistant Chef.

In his new role, Chef Negi will focus on bringing out rich and traditional Indian flavours, with special attention to curry-based dishes and tandoor preparations. He will also take charge of menu development and culinary innovation, supporting the restaurant’s vision of offering an elevated dining experience that blends authenticity with a modern touch.

Chef Negi brings with him a strong professional background, having worked with several respected hospitality brands in India. He most recently served as Executive Chef at Sarpanch Bagh Restaurant, where he ensured high standards in food quality and safety, managed costs efficiently, and maintained strict hygiene practices. His experience in handling large-scale kitchen operations also contributed to the restaurant’s consistent performance.

Earlier in his career, he worked with Old World Hospitality (OWH) at the Commissary Kitchen in Okhla, New Delhi, as a Chef de Partie. He also held the role of Demi Chef de Partie at the India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, known for its cultural and culinary excellence. Additionally, he was associated with Chor Bizarre Restaurant in Noida, a brand recognised for its unique take on Indian heritage cuisine.

With experience across these well-known establishments, Chef Negi has developed strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of regional Indian cooking techniques, which he now brings to The Imperia by Dhaba.

Commenting on his appointment, Chef Ravinder Singh Negi said, “I am honored to join The Imperia by Dhaba. I look forward to bringing authentic Indian flavors to the forefront while creating memorable dining experiences for our guests through innovation and passion.”

The management of The Imperia by Dhaba shared that they are confident his experience and culinary expertise will further strengthen the restaurant’s offerings and enhance the overall guest experience.


Atmosphere Core Promotes Christopher Baker as Vice President Operations

Atmosphere Core Promotes Christopher Baker as Vice President Operations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 9, 2026

Atmosphere Core has announced the promotion of Christopher Baker as Vice President Operations – Atmosphere Hotels and Resorts. In his new role, he will oversee operational performance and support growth across the brand’s portfolio in India, Italy, Maldives, and Nepal.

He will also focus on improving efficiencies, raising service standards, and supporting the launch of key upcoming properties. These include BORGO MONCHIERO HERITAGE by Atmosphere in Langhe Piedmont, Italy; STILLWOOD RETREAT, a Signature Atmosphere property in Coorg, India; and AARUNYA NATURE RESORT by Atmosphere in Banepa, Nepal.

With over 30 years of experience in the global hospitality industry, Christopher brings strong expertise across luxury and lifestyle resorts. He has worked in senior roles with leading brands such as Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Resorts, and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. Over the years, he has built a reputation for driving financial performance, delivering quality guest experiences, and encouraging innovation. He has also been recognised across the industry, including being named among the Top 100 Hotel General Managers in the World 2024 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards.

Sharing his thoughts, Christopher Baker said, “From city hotels to quiet island resorts, one truth has followed me everywhere, that exceptional hospitality is never accidental. It grows from clear systems, smart planning, and teams that feel confident to own their work. I’m honoured by the trust placed in me by the Atmosphere Core leadership, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the company’s growth.”

Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer of Atmosphere Core, added, “At Atmosphere Core, our strategy is centred on nurturing talent and fostering growth from within the company. We’re proud to see Christopher evolve and grow with us, and with his proven expertise in operational excellence, team development, and guest-centric service, he is well positioned for success in this new role.”

This move reflects Atmosphere Core’s focus on strengthening leadership as it continues to expand its presence across international markets.


Outletcity Metzingen Retains Top Spot as Germany’s Leading Outlet Destination

Outletcity Metzingen Retains Top Spot as Germany’s Leading Outlet Destination

By Hariharan U

Published on April 8, 2026

Reinforcing its position at the forefront of European retail, Outletcity Metzingen has once again been ranked as Germany’s leading outlet centre in the Outlet Centre Performance Report Europe 2025.

Published by ecostra in collaboration with French research institute magdus, the report highlights Metzingen’s consistent performance and growing influence across the European outlet landscape.

A major highlight this year is the recognition of Outletcity AG as Europe’s best operator for the sixth time since the study began. The operator category evaluates management professionalism, brand attractiveness, and the strength of partnerships with tenants, making it one of the most respected benchmarks in the industry.

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Speaking on the achievement, CEO Regine Schöllkopf-Pinakidis noted that the recognition reflects a continued commitment to excellence in brand management, service quality, and destination development. The strong endorsement from international partners further underlines the trust placed in Metzingen as a long-term retail hub.

On a broader European scale, Outletcity Metzingen has also secured a place among the top ten in the category of “Most Economically Successful Outlet Centre in Europe 2025.” Based on tenant feedback, this ranking positions the destination among the continent’s most impactful retail centres.

Widely recognised as Europe’s largest outlet destination, Metzingen continues to set benchmarks in destination management. Its strong portfolio of premium and luxury brands, along with the presence of the world’s largest BOSS store, enhances its appeal as a global shopping hotspot.

The latest recognition reflects a long-term strategy focused on consistent quality, a strong brand mix, and innovation across both physical and digital retail experiences. The destination’s sustained leadership in Germany is particularly notable, with no other outlet centre achieving a similar level of engagement from international brands.

This continued dominance highlights Outletcity Metzingen’s economic strength, brand appeal, and future-ready positioning in an increasingly competitive retail environment.

About AVIAREPS:

AVIAREPS is a global leader in aviation, tourism, and hospitality representation, with a presence across 76 offices in 71 countries. Founded in Germany in 1994, the company supports over 250 clients worldwide with services spanning sales, marketing, public relations, digital strategy, and business development, helping brands expand across international markets.

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