Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh has unveiled an elegant revival of its famed Writers Bar, introducing thoughtfully curated new menus and a refined setting that honours the spirit of great writers and storytellers from around the world.

Nestled beside the grand lobby of this 96-year-old heritage hotel, the Writers Bar pays tribute to the literary icons who found inspiration in Southeast Asia’s rich culture and timeless beauty. Following a graceful refurbishment, both the lobby and the bar now reflect an elevated blend of nostalgia and modern sophistication.

“Writers Bar at Raffles Hotel Le Royal is more than just a cocktail bar. It is an ode to the art of storytelling, the romance of travel, and the spirit of those who have shaped history with their words,” shared Dagmar Lyons, General Manager of Raffles Hotel Le Royal.

The bar’s new menu offerings are steeped in creativity and elegance. The ‘Signature Cocktails from the Pages of History’ menu brings to life iconic books, films, and literary figures through thoughtfully crafted drinks. Coffee lovers can explore the ‘Espresso Martini Collection’, a series of regional variations honouring the bond between writers and their favourite fuel, coffee. For wine enthusiasts, the ‘Wine Library’ presents a handpicked collection of premium international vintages tied to literary heritage. The menu also introduces ‘Signature Champagne Cocktails’, each blend designed to reflect the charm and indulgence of the literary world.

Guests can also enjoy ‘Champagne O’Clock’ from 5pm to 7pm daily, featuring a special offer of ‘buy one, get one’ on Champagne by the glass.

The newly designed space transports guests to the golden age of writing, with vintage typewriters, classic books, and a setting that welcomes book launches, poetry readings, author meetups, and storytelling evenings.

Opened in 1929 and meticulously restored in 2019, Raffles Hotel Le Royal combines French colonial, Khmer, and Art Deco influences across its 175 rooms and suites. Recognised by Travel + Leisure as the best city hotel in Cambodia and listed among the world’s best by Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, the hotel continues to be a symbol of elegance and culture in the heart of Phnom Penh.

Meliá Pattaya Hotel has unveiled its show-stopping rooftop dining venue, Yitong Chinese Restaurant & Sky Bar, now open on the 12th floor and offering guests dramatic coastal views paired with health-conscious cuisine rooted in Chinese culinary traditions.

Located in the heart of Pattaya on Second Road, the newly launched venue greets diners with a striking ribbon-like ceiling sculpture, inspired by the flowing strokes of Chinese calligraphy. Accents of gold, black, and crimson run through the interiors, creating a rich and elegant space illuminated by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.

Yitong’s main dining area is designed with soft lighting and earthy textures inspired by Chonburi’s natural landscapes, while its rooftop bar space features lush greenery and tranquil "wellness alcoves" for quiet, intimate moments. Named “Yitong”, which translates to “together”, the restaurant celebrates shared meals, with family-style dining that pays homage to Chonburi’s Chinese communities.

The menu blends Cantonese and Sichuan influences with a strong focus on wellness and sustainability. Fresh seafood from Chonburi’s fishermen and organic vegetables from the Royal Project farms in Northern Thailand support both local livelihoods and clean eating. Signature dishes include steamed Chonburi fish with ginger and lime, double-boiled herbal soup with ginseng and goji berries, and five-spice tofu stir-fried with Royal Project vegetables. Other highlights include Mala chicken salad with peppercorn dressing and the "Longevity" noodles with prawns and local greens.

“Wellness is at the heart of every meal at Yitong,” said Javier Gimeno, General Manager of Meliá Pattaya Hotel. “We focus on providing nourishing experiences while preserving the integrity of ingredients through methods like steaming and stir-frying that support health.”

Yitong also brings innovation to its beverage offerings. Signature cocktails such as "Kuaile De" (gin, goji berry, lemon, cava) and "Tian De" (Campari, ginseng, Chinese liquor) showcase traditional ingredients with a creative twist. For non-alcoholic options, mocktails like "Year of the Snake" with kiwi, ginger, and pear juice, and "Chinese NY Rita" with yuzu and goji berry syrup offer refreshing wellness-focused alternatives.

With its fusion of mindful dining, visual elegance, and panoramic views, Yitong is set to become a new culinary highlight in Pattaya’s vibrant hospitality scene.

Atmosphere Core continues its international expansion with the signing of its first resort in Nepal, Aarunya Nature Resort by Atmosphere, located in the peaceful valleys of Banepa, just outside Kathmandu. This move strengthens the group's vision of becoming a leading brand in the niche ‘inspiring destinations’ segment and marks another milestone in its growing global footprint.

Set to open in Q4 2025, Aarunya Nature Resort is being developed in partnership with Lost Horizon Jungle Resort Limited. The resort will reflect Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts' philosophy of heartfelt hospitality and curated brand experiences in one of South Asia’s most beautiful landscapes. Perched at 5,000 feet above sea level, Banepa is an ancient town in Nepal’s Bagmati Province, surrounded by misty hills, sacred trails, and offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including glimpses of Mount Everest on clear days.

Commenting on the expansion, Mr. Salil Panigrahi, Group Managing Director of Atmosphere Core, said, “Nepal is fast emerging as a key destination in South Asia’s luxury hospitality landscape, and travellers are increasingly seeking immersive, offbeat destinations. With properties coming up in Maldives, India, and Sri Lanka, Aarunya Nature Resort is a natural next step. Our distinctive Holiday Plan concept opens up destinations once reserved for the global elite. It’s about making these spaces more accessible without compromising on authenticity. Aarunya Nature Resort by Atmosphere is more than a resort, it’s a way to truly experience Nepal, its stories, its rituals, its generous spirit.”

The 25-acre resort will feature 51 thoughtfully designed cottages and suites, each offering panoramic Himalayan views through expansive windows and warm, inviting interiors. Every aspect, from the architecture to the locally inspired menus, will reflect the rich character of the Kathmandu Valley. Guests will have access to curated dining options across two restaurants, including an all-day dining venue with alfresco spaces and a specialty restaurant highlighting Asian and Nepali cuisine.

The resort will also house a wellness sanctuary by ELE|NA, Atmosphere Core’s award-winning wellness brand. Designed as a peaceful space for rest and renewal, it will offer a blend of traditional therapies and modern wellness practices amidst the quiet beauty of the valley. Guests can explore a wide range of recreational experiences such as nature walks, cultural immersions, and family-friendly activities. A swimming pool and a dedicated kids’ club will also be part of the amenities, ensuring memorable stays for families, solo travellers, and groups alike.

Mr. Gyanendra Lal Pradhan, Chairman of Lost Horizon Jungle Resort Limited, shared, “Partnering with Atmosphere Core is a natural fit. Their approach to hospitality is both grounded in global service standards and elevated by unique experiences – exactly what we envisioned for Aarunya. Surrounded by cultural treasures and iconic trails, like the path to the Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery in Namobuddha, Banepa is emerging as a mindful luxury destination. It blends history, spirituality, and natural beauty in a way that few places can. We’re proud to be shaping something special here, together.”