Ensana Hotels, Europe’s leading health spa operator, is expanding to the Republic of Georgia, where it will take over the operation of the Sairme Resort complex next year. The New Sairme, Sairme Resort and Sairme Public Spa are located at over 900 metres above sea level in the unspoilt Caucasus Mountains and are considered among the region’s leading spa and wellness destinations. All three facilities are currently undergoing renovations and extensions and will reopen in the second quarter of 2026 under Ensana’s management.

The Sairme area is well known for its thermal waters, which are valued for their therapeutic benefits, especially for musculoskeletal treatments. The region’s carbonated mineral water, also sourced from Sairme, is used for drinking therapies that help support liver, urinary tract, kidney and gastrointestinal functions. Treatments using these waters will continue at The New Sairme and Sairme Resort, with both properties being redesigned to meet Ensana’s high brand standards. The brand places strong importance on a holistic and integrative medical approach, combining natural remedies with naturopathy and modern medical insights. Guests can enjoy these treatments along with experiences across the hotels and the surrounding mountainous landscapes.

Sairme is about a 3.5-hour drive west of Tbilisi and close to Kutaisi, the country’s third-largest city with an international airport, making travel easy for international visitors. “We are thrilled to bring Ensana to Georgia, an amazing country with incredibly warm and hospitable people,” emphasises Frank Halmos, CEO of Ensana. “Georgia has an immense potential, particularly in the area of health spa tourism, coupled with its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty which makes the country a perfect addition to our portfolio.”

“Ensana is an important and strategic partner for our properties in Sairme,” adds Temur Kokhodze, the owner of the Sairme resorts. “As a sign of our strong trust and belief in this cooperation, we are making a significant investment in the properties to target clients at different price points. At a later stage, we are planning to develop the destination even further. This cooperation will empower local communities to grow and foster new capabilities and create meaningful opportunities for people in the region.”

With its entry into Georgia, Ensana continues its strong expansion journey. The company recently announced its takeover of the Fürstenhof in Bad Griesbach, scheduled to reopen in mid-2026 after renovations. From the end of 2026, a new luxurious Ensana health resort will open in Montegrotto Terme, Italy, and a wellness resort is also under development in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Ensana’s existing locations include Marienbad in the Czech Republic, Piestany in Slovakia, Budapest in Hungary, Sovata in Romania, and the spa town of Sts. Constantine and Elena in Bulgaria.

Acclaimed Spanish chef Ángel León, celebrated globally as El Chef del Mar, will soon make his first visit to Asia to headline an exclusive culinary showcase titled “Stars of the Sea: A World Class Culinary Journey” at LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar, located at INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit. The event is being hosted by Meliá Hotels International and will offer a rare chance for diners to experience his innovative approach to sustainable marine gastronomy.

Chef León is known for transforming ocean-based ingredients into groundbreaking culinary creations at his renowned restaurant Aponiente in Cádiz, Spain, which has earned three Michelin Stars and a Michelin Green Star. His work focuses on discovering new sea ingredients, promoting sustainable food sources, and reducing reliance on conventional seafood without harming marine ecosystems.

The event will present three signature dishes by Chef León, paired with three tapas crafted by LUZ chef de cuisine Juan Ignacio “Nacho” García Racionero. Both chefs will share the stories behind their creations, offering guests an insight into unique techniques and experiments that redefine modern cuisine.

After the showcase, LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar will feature Chef León’s iconic “Plankton Rice” for a limited one-month period. This distinctive dish is made using pure marine phytoplankton, giving it a vivid emerald colour and a flavour reminiscent of the open sea. Marine phytoplankton is considered one of the most sustainable ocean ingredients and is known for its rich nutritional profile.

Chef León is also recognised for his pioneering research on eelgrass, a marine plant that produces small edible seeds similar to rice or quinoa. These seeds grow naturally underwater and require no freshwater, pesticides, or farmland, making them a promising solution for sustainable food production. Eelgrass meadows also help absorb carbon dioxide, supporting healthier marine environments.

Speaking about the event, Tarek Beheiry, General Manager of INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, said:
“It is an absolute honour to share with diners in Bangkok a glimpse into a future in which part of our food system could move from the land to the sea in a sustainable manner and reimagine how we feed the world. Chef León’s culinary talent marks uncharted territory, and how his innovation and creativity intersect with gastronomy and sustainability is an inspiration to all.”

With its blend of storytelling, culinary experimentation and a strong focus on sustainability, “Stars of the Sea” is set to be a memorable experience for food lovers, showcasing how modern gastronomy can inspire new pathways for a sustainable future.

Singapore Sports Hub has officially been renamed The Kallang, marking a major step towards creating more diverse and accessible experiences across sport, entertainment, lifestyle and community. The company that manages the precinct has rebranded itself as The Kallang Group, which will now lead the next phase of growth for this iconic destination.

The Kallang now represents a vibrant and emotional symbol of Singapore’s pride. It brings together all the existing infrastructure that was earlier known as the Sports Hub and aims to become a destination where memorable moments are created for people of all ages.

The new brand name was revealed by Keith Magnus, Chairman of The Kallang Group, and Quek Swee Kuan, CEO of The Kallang Group, in the presence of over 300 partners and stakeholders representing sport, entertainment, lifestyle and community.

Since the government takeover in 2022, The Kallang has recorded strong growth with more event days, higher attendance and a packed calendar of major global events. It has hosted top sporting championships and performances by international stars, strengthening its position as the excitement centre of Singapore. Alongside these, community events like the National School Games and GetActive! continue to bring people together and deepen their bond with the precinct.

Keith Magnus shared, “The launch of The Kallang marks an exciting new chapter for us. Over the past three years, this precinct has transformed into a dynamic hub for world-class sport, entertainment and community life, hosting over 4,000 event days and welcoming more than nine million visitors. The Kallang is a place where global acts, local heroes and everyday Singaporeans unite to share unforgettable experiences that strengthen our national fabric.”

The name “Kallang” carries emotional value in Singapore, as it has always been a space where people come together for celebrations, competitions and historic moments such as the famous “Kallang Roar”. The transition to The Kallang reflects the precinct’s evolution, honouring its sporting legacy while expanding its identity to welcome wider experiences.

The Kallang will continue to focus on delivering world-class events backed by its new tagline, “Feel Alive”. This identity stands on four values, Connection, Vibrancy, Excellence and Leadership. These values aim to build stronger community networks, energise the precinct, offer top-tier experiences and set new benchmarks in the region.

Athletes and global partners also praised the refreshed identity. Yip Pin Xiu, Singapore’s most decorated Paralympian, said that The Kallang will continue inspiring athletes and hosting iconic sporting moments. Industry leaders also highlighted how The Kallang’s capability and efficiency will elevate live event experiences for global audiences.

The Kallang Group also announced an exciting line-up for its annual signature event, Countdown 2026 at The Kallang. The celebration will feature performances, community activities across the precinct and Singapore’s longest countdown fireworks display. Attendees stand a chance to win the first-ever Kallang Pass, offering access to multiple events at the National Stadium and Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Several infrastructure upgrades have been planned to make The Kallang even more vibrant. Visitors can look forward to new alfresco dining concepts, a refreshed waterfront esplanade, upgraded family-friendly zones and Singapore’s first sheltered padel ecosystem. The popular Splash-N-Surf will be enhanced with more play zones, while the climbing walls in the mall will also be upgraded. These improvements will take place in phases while the mall remains operational.

The Kallang Group continues to focus on positive community impact by working with schools, partners and charities to make sports, entertainment and recreational activities more accessible. Since 2023, it has partnered with over 100 charities to create opportunities for beneficiaries to enjoy world-class experiences. The Group now aims to explore a philanthropic fund to further strengthen its community support.

As The Kallang enters this new phase, it remains committed to being a space where Singaporeans can connect, enjoy unforgettable experiences and celebrate moments that bring the nation together.