Galentine’s, Rewritten: Five Trips, Five Moods, One Unbreakable Girl Code

Galentine’s, Rewritten: Five Trips, Five Moods, One Unbreakable Girl Code

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 14, 2026

Flowers wilt. Chocolates disappear. But the friendships that have survived bad haircuts, questionable exes and group chats that should never see daylight? Those deserve something bigger. This is Galentine’s with altitude, adrenaline, spa robes and shared stories you’ll retell for years. Here are five destinations, five moods and one unbreakable girl code.

Ras Al Khaimah: For the Friends Who Push You to New Heights

For the thrill-seekers in the group, Ras Al Khaimah is pure playground energy. Start at Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, where crisp air and sweeping views set the tone. Then comes the ultimate bonding test, the world’s longest zipline, where you’ll soar at speeds of nearly 120 km/h, screaming, laughing and questioning your life choices together.

After the adrenaline rush, refuel at 1484 by Puro, the UAE’s highest restaurant. Share plates, replay the zipline footage in slow motion and collectively agree that yes, you were incredibly brave.

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Galentine’s takeaway: Trust is letting your best friend strap you into a harness and promising it’s safe.

Phulay Bay, Krabi: A Vow Renewal, But Make It Friendship

At Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, stillness becomes the shared language. Begin mornings with sunrise yoga overlooking the Andaman Sea. Spend afternoons drifting between spa rituals and barefoot beach picnics. Snorkel over coral gardens or simply exist in that rare, peaceful silence only true friendship allows.

As dusk falls, gather for a candlelit dinner by the ocean. No grand declarations required, just a quiet promise to keep choosing each other, no matter where life leads.

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Galentine’s takeaway: Romance is optional. Loyalty is not.

Tokyo Skytree: Because You’ve Come Too Far to Stay Grounded

Some friendships are built on ambition and evolution. At Tokyo Skytree, ascend above the city and watch Tokyo stretch endlessly below. It’s the kind of place that invites reflection, on hostel dorm days, first jobs and every chaotic chapter in between.

Mark the moment with dinner at Sky Restaurant 634 (Musashi). Raise a toast to growth, grit and the women who have witnessed every version of you and stayed.

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Galentine’s takeaway: Elevation hits differently when shared.

Kenya: The OG Crew and the Big Five

For the friends who’ve known you since before the glow-ups, Kenya offers something raw and unforgettable. Picture sunrise game drives in Maasai Mara, scanning the horizon for lions, wrapped in blankets and disbelief. In Amboseli National Park, elephants cross your path with Mount Kilimanjaro standing impossibly still behind them.

Mornings begin with strong Kenyan coffee. Afternoons dissolve into bush lunches and golden-hour sundowners. Safari strips away distractions, it’s just land, sky and the women who’ve seen every version of you.

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Galentine’s takeaway: The real luxury isn’t the lodge. It’s the history you share.

Seychelles: Soft Life, Strong Friendships

For the beach-loving crew, Seychelles is pure soft life energy. Lounge on Anse Lazio or Anse Intendance, where powdery sand meets impossibly blue waters. Wander through Vallée de Mai beneath ancient palms and discover the iconic Coco de Mer.

Snorkel at Anse Source d'Argent, hop on a catamaran between islands and end the day with barefoot dinners under the stars. No emails. No rush. Just time, the rarest luxury of all.

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Galentine’s takeaway: Some friendships don’t need adventure. They just need turquoise water and time.

The Twist

Galentine’s isn’t about replacing romance, it’s about honouring the friendships that often last the longest. These trips are affirmations: of bravery, of loyalty, of choosing each other again and again.

This year, skip the clichés. Book the flight. Plan the adventure. Order the extra dessert.

Because girl code? That’s forever.


Argentina Survive Cape Verde Scare as ZEE Warns Hotels Against Unauthorized FIFA World Cup Screenings

Argentina Survive Cape Verde Scare as ZEE Warns Hotels Against Unauthorized FIFA World Cup Screenings

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 5, 2026

Defending champions Argentina survived one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup history, defeating World Cup debutants Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in a thrilling Round of 32 encounter.

Played under the lights in Miami, the match turned into an unforgettable contest as Cape Verde matched Argentina's quality with determination and flair. Lionel Messi gave Argentina the lead in the first half with a clinical finish, but Cape Verde refused to back down. Deroy Duarte brought the Blue Sharks level in the second half with a well-taken goal, sending the match into extra time.

Argentina eventually found the breakthrough to seal a hard-fought 3-2 victory, ending the remarkable World Cup journey of a spirited Cape Verde side that earned admiration for pushing the defending champions to the limit.

Elsewhere in the Round of 32, Australia suffered heartbreak after losing its first-ever FIFA World Cup penalty shootout. The Socceroos and Egypt finished level at 1-1 after regular and extra time before Egypt secured a 4-2 victory in the shootout. Colombia also advanced to the Round of 16 with a narrow 1-0 win over Ghana.

Amid the excitement surrounding the tournament, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited has issued a strict compliance advisory to hotels, restaurants, pubs, and other commercial establishments across India regarding the unauthorized public screening of FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.

The advisory warns businesses against streaming matches without proper authorization and against using FIFA intellectual property in promotional activities. The move is expected to significantly impact event-led promotions across the hospitality, food and beverage, and retail sectors, where major sporting events are often used to attract customers.

ZEE holds the exclusive media and broadcasting rights for 39 FIFA competitions in India from 2026 to 2034, including the FIFA World Cup 2026, the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027, and the FIFA World Cup 2030.

In its advisory, the broadcaster emphasized that the terms "FIFA" and "World Cup 2026," along with all associated logos and branding, are protected trademarks.

"Unauthorized usage, reproduction, or display of these terms, marks, or logos in any form, including promotional materials, advertisements, or commercial communication is strictly prohibited," the network stated, adding that only officially licensed partners are permitted to use FIFA branding.

As the FIFA World Cup progresses, commercial establishments planning match screenings or promotional campaigns are expected to ensure full compliance with broadcasting and trademark regulations.


Turkish Airlines Restores Middle East Network, Doubles Dubai Flights

Turkish Airlines Restores Middle East Network, Doubles Dubai Flights

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 5, 2026

Turkish Airlines has resumed flights to Abu Dhabi as part of its phased restoration of services across the Middle East following a temporary suspension. The Istanbul-based carrier restarted its Abu Dhabi operations on July 1 and has announced that flights to Dammam will resume on July 10, Kuwait on July 11, and Bahrain on July 16.

The airline had already restarted flights to Dubai on June 9, giving travellers from the UAE more opportunities to connect through Istanbul to its extensive global network.

As part of the expansion, Turkish Airlines has doubled its Dubai operations from seven to 14 weekly flights, effective June 25. It has also increased the frequency of flights to Amman from 14 to 21 weekly services from June 19, while Beirut services have grown from 21 to 28 weekly flights from July 1.

The airline said these resumptions and additional frequencies will strengthen connectivity between the Middle East and its global network. Turkish Airlines currently flies to more than 350 destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas.

The Abu Dhabi service operates as flight TK 868, departing Istanbul at 6:45 pm and arriving in Abu Dhabi at 12:25 am on selected days. The return flight, TK 869, departs Abu Dhabi at 1:30 am and reaches Istanbul at 5:25 am.

The resumed Dammam service will depart Istanbul at 8:15 pm and arrive at 12:15 am, with the return flight leaving Dammam at 1:15 am and arriving in Istanbul at 5:30 am.

Flights to Kuwait will depart Istanbul at 2:00 am and arrive at 5:40 am, while the return service leaves Kuwait at 6:35 am and reaches Istanbul at 10:25 am. Bahrain services will depart Istanbul at 8:15 pm and arrive at 12:10 am, with the return flight leaving Bahrain at 1:15 am and arriving in Istanbul at 5:30 am.

Passengers are advised to check the latest flight schedules and travel requirements through Turkish Airlines' official channels before planning their journey.


Portugal Advances as Mexico City Stadium Shines with New Hospitality Experience at FIFA World Cup 2026

Portugal Advances as Mexico City Stadium Shines with New Hospitality Experience at FIFA World Cup 2026

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 4, 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 continued to deliver exciting action as Portugal booked its place in the Round of 16 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in the Round of 32. Portugal came from behind to seal the win and will now face Spain in the next stage of the tournament. 

In other Round of 32 fixtures, Spain produced a commanding 3-0 win over Austria, while the USA defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 to progress. Switzerland also secured a 2-0 victory over Algeria, completing another successful day of knockout football. 

Away from the action on the pitch, the Mexico City Stadium has become one of the standout attractions of the tournament following the completion of an extensive renovation of its hospitality and food and beverage spaces. The historic venue, famous for hosting the 1968 Olympics and the 1970 and 1986 FIFA World Cups, has been transformed through a 15,000-square-metre interior redevelopment led by a team of Mexican design studios. 

The renovation has been guided by three key principles: preserving the stadium's historic identity, reinterpreting Mexican modernist design, and creating a unified design language through collaboration among the participating architects.

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Across the hospitality areas, visitors are welcomed into interiors organised with a colour palette of green, terracotta, blue, and yellow, helping guests navigate different zones. The upgraded spaces include new reception areas, lounges, bars, premium suites, and enhanced food and beverage outlets. Materials such as wood, steel, and carefully designed ceiling systems create a modern atmosphere while respecting the stadium's rich heritage.

The project reflects how iconic sporting venues can embrace modern hospitality without losing their historical character. As the FIFA World Cup continues across North America, the renovated Mexico City Stadium stands as a strong example of how infrastructure upgrades can improve the fan experience while preserving the legacy of one of football's most celebrated stadiums. 

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