Fusion Opens Grand Royal Riverside Hue and It Looks Like One of Vietnam's Most Beautiful New Hotels

Fusion Opens Grand Royal Riverside Hue and It Looks Like One of Vietnam's Most Beautiful New Hotels

By Hariharan U

Published on March 13, 2026

There are cities where history is a backdrop. And then there's Hue, where history is the whole point. It's a city that carries the weight of Vietnam's imperial past in its temples, its river, and its streets, and it demands a certain kind of hospitality in return. Fusion's newest property, Grand Royal Riverside Hue, seems to understand that perfectly.

The hotel opened on March 14th on the southern bank of the Huong River, right next to the iconic Truong Tien Bridge, in the heart of the UNESCO-recognized heritage landscape that defines Hue's identity. It's a location that doesn't just come with a great view. It comes with a story.

The property has 161 guestrooms spread across two towers, and the entire design concept is built around an idea called "A Tale of Two Times," blending the elegance of Hue's imperial past with the comfort and vibrancy of the present. The Huong River isn't just a backdrop here. It's the narrative thread that runs through the hotel's design, guest experience, and overall character.

Architecturally, the hotel draws from Indochine elegance, a style born out of the cultural exchange that shaped Hue's unique identity. Natural wood, locally inspired materials, and jade-toned interiors create a setting that feels calm and considered. It's a space that pays genuine homage to the city it sits in, without feeling like a museum.

Ms. Ha Tran, General Manager of the hotel, captured the intent well. "With Grand Royal Riverside Hue, we are proud to introduce a riverside retreat that honors the city's cultural legacy while embracing Fusion's wellness-led hospitality. From design inspired by the Huong River to Sả Spa and Wellness and thoughtfully curated dining experiences, our goal is to offer guests a refined stay that feels unmistakably Hue, calm, restorative and deeply connected to place."

Christopher Hur, CEO of Fusion Hotel Group, was equally direct about why Hue was a deliberate choice. "Hue is one of those rare cities where history isn't backdrop, it's the whole point. Opening here is a deliberate move: it rounds out our Vietnam portfolio in a destination that demands authenticity. We're not just adding keys; we're planting a flag at a moment when travelers are increasingly seeking meaning alongside comfort."

The hotel's food and wellness offerings are strong. Jade and Ginger Restaurant serves a daily breakfast buffet and all-day dining with authentic Vietnamese flavours including bun bo Hue, pho, and banh mi, alongside Hue specialties and selected European dishes. The Amber Lounge shifts from a tranquil daytime cafe serving artisanal teas and coffee to an elegant evening bar presenting curated wines, signature cocktails, and premium spirits.

On the wellness side, Fusion stays true to its core brand identity with Sả Spa (lemongrass) and Wellness, featuring four treatment rooms staffed by experienced therapists using locally sourced herbs and natural essential oils. A fitness centre, steam room, and skincare services round out a genuinely holistic wellness experience.

For events and corporate guests, the hotel has meeting and MICE facilities with a capacity of up to 370 guests, supported by flexible co-working spaces, lounges, and reception areas.

Room rates start from USD 130 per night, inclusive of breakfast for two. The hotel is currently offering 25% off stays until 31st May 2026 for direct bookings at fusion-collection.com/grandroyalriversidehue.


Banyan Tree Samui Named Thailand’s Best Spa Resort for 2026

Banyan Tree Samui Named Thailand’s Best Spa Resort for 2026

By Hariharan U

Published on April 2, 2026

In a significant recognition for luxury wellness hospitality, Banyan Tree Samui has been named the “Best Spa Resort – Thailand” at the Global Spa Awards 2026, presented by The Luxury Spa Edit.

The award reflects a combination of expert panel evaluations, insights from global travel journalists and sustainability specialists, and over 85,000 public votes, reinforcing the resort’s strong positioning in the global wellness space.

At the heart of this recognition is the resort’s integrated approach to holistic wellbeing. The spa experience at Banyan Tree Samui goes beyond traditional treatments, offering a thoughtfully curated journey rooted in its “8 Pillars of Wellbeing” philosophy, focusing on rest, nourishment, mindfulness, movement, and personal growth.

A standout feature is its signature hydrotherapy facility, The Rainforest, which takes guests through a multi-sensory circuit of water jets, saunas, steam rooms, ice fountains, and vitality pools. This immersive experience has become a defining element of the resort’s wellness offering.

Speaking on the achievement, Naphasawan Badklang, Spa & Gallery Manager, credited the team’s rigorous training at the Banyan Spa & Wellbeing Academy and their commitment to delivering personalised guest experiences. Each treatment begins with a detailed consultation, followed by customised herbal oils and signature rituals that include sound healing, breathwork, and traditional techniques.

The award also coincides with the rollout of Banyan Tree Spa 2.0, an evolved concept that blends ancient Asian healing practices with modern wellness techniques. From personalised therapies to curated closing rituals featuring herbal foot cleansing and tea ceremonies, the experience is designed to create a deeper sense of relaxation and renewal.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Koh Samui’s Lamai Bay, the resort’s 88 private pool villas further enhance the sense of seclusion and calm. Complemented by curated dining experiences, wellness programmes, and nature-integrated design, the property continues to offer a sanctuary for travellers seeking both luxury and restoration.

With this recognition, Banyan Tree Samui strengthens its reputation as one of Asia’s leading wellness destinations, setting new benchmarks for immersive and experience-driven hospitality.


The Leela Gandhinagar Marks Earth Hour with Sustainability Initiatives

The Leela Gandhinagar Marks Earth Hour with Sustainability Initiatives

By Hariharan U

Published on April 1, 2026

The Leela Gandhinagar marked Earth Hour 2026 with a focused set of sustainability-driven initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to responsible hospitality and environmental stewardship.

As part of the global movement, the hotel switched off non-essential lighting and reduced power consumption across key areas for 60 minutes, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The symbolic gesture reflected a collective effort towards climate awareness while maintaining the refined standards associated with luxury hospitality.

Beyond the hour, the initiative underscored the hotel’s broader sustainability philosophy. From energy-efficient systems to responsible resource management, environmentally conscious practices are integrated into its day-to-day operations, aligning with the evolving expectations of modern travellers.

Speaking on the occasion, Vikas Sood said, “Earth Hour reminds us that meaningful change begins with small yet consistent actions. At The Leela Gandhinagar, sustainability remains integral to how we operate and deliver thoughtful luxury experiences.”

Through its participation, the hotel continues to build on its commitment to sustainable hospitality, contributing to a more responsible and environmentally aware future.


Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle Marks Three Years of Hospitality and Guest Experiences

Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle Marks Three Years of Hospitality and Guest Experiences

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 31, 2026

Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle marked its third anniversary on 28th March, celebrating three years of hospitality, memorable guest experiences, and a growing presence in the city. Over this period, the hotel has welcomed guests from across India and abroad, hosted over 30 distinguished celebrities, and maintained a strong position among top properties on TripAdvisor since its opening.

While these milestones highlight its journey, the hotel places equal importance on the moments it has shared with its guests. Over the years, it has grown into more than just a place to stay, becoming a space where people come together for celebrations, conversations, and memorable experiences. The return of familiar faces and continued guest trust have played a key role in shaping its journey.

A key part of the hotel’s identity is its dining approach. Known for its 100% vegetarian, sattvic cuisine, the hotel focuses on meals that are prepared with care and authenticity, while also keeping well-being in mind. This thoughtful approach has helped create a strong connection with guests who value both taste and mindful dining.

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Speaking on the occasion, Ritesh Mudgal, General Manager, said:

"These three years have been incredibly special for us. Beyond numbers and milestones, it’s the relationships we’ve built and the memories we’ve been part of that truly define our journey. We are deeply grateful to our guests for their continued trust and support."

Looking ahead, Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle remains focused on growing further while continuing to offer experiences that reflect warmth, comfort, and flavour.

Three years. Countless memories. Infinite flavours.

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