OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi is reshaping the traditional Maldivian holiday by offering a vibrant island experience that goes beyond romance and relaxation. Designed for today's travellers, the resort combines stunning natural surroundings with entertainment, interactive experiences and lively social spaces, creating a destination where guests can connect, celebrate and make lasting memories.

At the heart of the resort's lively atmosphere is X360 Bar, where picturesque sunsets transition into evenings filled with music, DJ performances, poolside entertainment, foam parties and interactive experiences. The venue brings a fresh energy to the island, making it an ideal gathering place for guests looking to enjoy the Maldives in a more social setting.

The resort's dining experiences are equally diverse, offering something for every palate. Guests can enjoy international cuisine at Element X, grilled favourites at Copper Pot Food Truck, handcrafted coffees and sweet treats at La Promenade, or indulge in a unique dining experience at Only BLU, the Maldives' largest under ocean restaurant. Surrounded by marine life, Only BLU adds a distinctive culinary highlight that complements the resort's focus on shared experiences.

OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi also caters to families and travellers seeking active leisure. One of the largest kids' clubs in the Maldives keeps younger guests entertained, while adults can explore a range of activities including water sports, snorkelling excursions, fitness facilities and relaxing moments by the turquoise lagoon.

With a strong focus on entertainment, adventure and togetherness, the resort welcomes couples, families, groups of friends and celebration travellers alike. Its flexible and inclusive approach reflects the changing preferences of modern travellers who are looking for experiences that extend beyond scenic landscapes.

By combining vibrant entertainment, diverse dining, family-friendly facilities and the natural beauty of the Maldives, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi offers a refreshing take on the island getaway, one that is centred on connection, discovery and unforgettable shared experiences.

The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok has officially opened reservations for stays beginning 20 December, marking a major milestone ahead of its highly anticipated debut. Located along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok's Bang Rak District, the luxury hotel brings new life to the city's historic Custom House, a landmark established in 1888 during the reign of King Rama V and once recognised as Thailand's gateway to the world.

Managed by Langham Hospitality Group, the 75-key property has been designed as a peaceful urban retreat that combines understated luxury with the rich heritage of its riverside location.

The hotel features 60 guestrooms and 15 suites, housed in a contemporary building beside the restored Custom House. Designed by renowned Thai architect Smith Obayawat, Founder and Principal of OBA, the curving structure draws inspiration from the flow of the river while complementing the historic building. The design honours the site's legacy without replicating its past, creating a thoughtful balance between heritage and modern architecture.

Inside, the guestrooms and suites offer residential-style elegance with natural textures, soft lighting and subtle Siamese influences. Guests can enjoy views of landscaped courtyards, the Bangkok skyline or the Chao Phraya River, while carefully curated interiors blend traditional inspiration with contemporary comfort.

The hotel's design also reflects Thailand's cultural heritage through sculptural bathtubs inspired by symbols of prestige from the era of King Rama V, geometric patterns influenced by traditional Thai architecture, and bespoke lighting that reinterprets royal emblems. These design elements become even more prominent in the suites, creating an elevated sense of luxury while maintaining The Langham's signature style.

Adding to its wellness offerings, the property will feature a Chuan Spa and a state-of-the-art fitness centre equipped with Technogym's luxury Sandstone collection, marking the first installation of its kind in Asia.

The restored Custom House and adjoining heritage buildings will serve as vibrant public spaces, bringing together a collection of dining, drinking and lifestyle experiences that will be announced in the coming months.

Commenting on the opening, Bob van den Oord, CEO of Langham Hospitality Group, said:

“For generations, Custom House served as Thailand’s gateway to the world, and we are proud to see it preparing to welcome the world again as part of The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok. The hotel’s guestrooms and suites, together with its world-class amenities, will offer an intimate and highly considered expression of luxury that reflects both the character of its remarkable site and The Langham’s distinctive approach to hospitality.”

The hotel also offers easy access to several of Bangkok's iconic attractions, including Asiatique The Riverfront, ICONSIAM, Chinatown, and the vibrant Charoen Krung neighbourhood. Guests can further enhance their stay with bespoke experiences such as private river cruises and chauffeured Bentley transfers, complementing the property's blend of heritage, culture and luxury.

The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the Singapore-headquartered hospitality company wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment (CLI), has strengthened its presence in Vietnam by signing management agreements for nine new properties in the first half of 2026. The latest additions, comprising more than 3,200 units, represent Ascott's fastest expansion in the country to date and increase its Vietnam portfolio by over 30%.

With these signings, Ascott's portfolio in Vietnam now stands at approximately 12,000 units across 42 operational and pipeline properties in 14 cities, making Vietnam its third-largest pipeline market in Asia. The newly signed properties are expected to open progressively from 2028.

The expansion includes four projects with long-term partner Sun Group and five projects with new property owners, reflecting growing confidence in Ascott's asset-light hospitality management model.

Commenting on the expansion, Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer, Ascott, said, "Vietnam is one of the most exciting hospitality growth stories in Asia. Demand is rising in the cities, along the coast and across traveller segments, and our flex-hybrid model gives us the versatility to capture it through asset-light growth. Property owners value that our platform can serve both long and short stays, and operate formats as diverse as serviced residences, hotels, resorts and social living properties."

He added that the latest signings strengthen Ascott's leadership in the serviced residence and extended-stay segment while expanding into luxury and leisure destinations.

Expansion Across Key Cities and Emerging Destinations

The new projects strengthen Ascott's footprint in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong, while expanding into coastal leisure destinations including Da Nang, Phu Quoc and Quy Nhon.

A key milestone is the debut of The Crest Collection brand in Vietnam through two properties located in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The remaining projects span several of Ascott's brands, including Ascott, Citadines, Somerset, Oakwood, lyf and Harris.

Among the notable developments is Diamond Crown Westlake by The Crest Collection in Hanoi, located on the Quang An Peninsula overlooking West Lake. The luxury property will feature one- to four-bedroom residences, suites and duplex units. Another addition, Citadines Riverside Hai Phong, will cater to extended-stay travellers with studios and apartments situated within the Hoang Huy Green River urban development in northern Vietnam.

On the central coast, Somerset Non Nuoc Da Nang Resort will offer serviced apartments and villas along Non Nuoc Beach, while Citadines Quy Nhon Resort marks Ascott's entry into Quy Nhon, an emerging tourism destination gaining popularity due to infrastructure development and increasing visitor arrivals.

Strengthening Partnership with Sun Group

Ascott has further expanded its collaboration with Sun Group by signing four new projects. Three of these developments are located within a single integrated township in Phu Quoc, comprising an Ascott-branded serviced residence, a lyf social living property and a Harris family-friendly resort. Together, they will offer nearly 1,400 units and cater to different traveller segments ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting scheduled in Phu Quoc in 2027. The fourth project introduces The Crest Collection to Ho Chi Minh City's central luxury district, targeting business travellers, affluent leisure guests and long-stay residents.

New Partnerships Drive Growth

Ascott has also entered into partnerships with several new property owners across Vietnam. DOJI Group will develop Diamond Crown Westlake by The Crest Collection in Hanoi, while Intertruck Co., Ltd will bring Citadines Riverside Hai Phong to the city's growing administrative district.

Additional projects include Oakwood Thao Dien in Ho Chi Minh City, Somerset Non Nuoc Da Nang Resort and Citadines Quy Nhon Resort, further diversifying Ascott's presence across business, leisure and extended-stay segments.

Commenting on the company's growth strategy, Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer, Ascott, said, "Vietnam's hotel development pipeline is moving quickly into construction, particularly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and owners are selecting their operating partners now. Ascott's operating track record in extended stay is a clear differentiator, while our multi-brand strategy enables us to match the right brand with each opportunity."

She added that Ascott expects the strong signing momentum to continue during the second half of 2026.

Upcoming Openings Strengthen Vietnam Portfolio

Ascott currently operates 16 properties across seven cities in Vietnam and has a strong development pipeline. Upcoming openings include Harris Resort Cam Ranh, scheduled for the first quarter of 2027, followed by Citadines Selavia Phu Quoc in the third quarter of 2027. The company is also preparing for the phased opening of Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi, which will feature 1,165 guestrooms, multiple dining concepts and one of Hanoi's largest convention and wedding centres.

David Cumming, Regional General Manager, Indochina, Ascott, said the company has evolved from being an investor in Vietnam to becoming a leading asset-light hospitality operator.

"We share our local expertise with property owners, enabling us to identify opportunities early and respond quickly. As Vietnam continues its growth journey, Ascott is committed to delivering high-performing properties while expanding our operational capabilities across the country," he said.

The Vietnam expansion follows Ascott's record performance across Southeast Asia, where the company signed more than 7,300 units in 2025, reinforcing its position among the region's leading hospitality operators.