Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has unveiled its 2025 mooncake collection just in time for the Mid-Autumn Festival, and it’s nothing short of a cinematic experience.

Drawing inspiration from a historic moment in 1916, when the very first film screening in Hanoi took place at the Metropole itself, this year’s theme, “Metropole Cinema: Hanoi through Film” captures the soul of the city in a nostalgic, artistic light.

These hand-baked mooncakes, crafted with no preservatives and filled with both classic and creative flavours, reflect the refined legacy of the hotel.

The collection includes varieties like Red Bean & Pistachios, Lotus Seeds & Macadamia Nuts, Green Bean & Date, Traditional Mix, Green Bean with Apricot & Salted Egg, and Black Sesame with Sunflower Seeds. Each one is prepared by Metropole’s culinary experts and is available in both traditional baked and snowskin styles.

The mooncake boxes are a visual treat too, designed with care and an eye for Hanoi’s past, echoing the city’s old cinematic vibe.

There are special deals too: early birds who place their orders before September 26 can grab one complimentary six-piece Heritage Box for every eight boxes purchased. Orders of 15, 30 or more boxes qualify for up to 15% off, and Accor Plus members, companies and agencies get an extra 10% discount. These discounts apply to single invoices and not across multiple orders. Note that promotional rates are not available for the two-piece, lacquer, or Super VIP boxes.

Tet Trung Thu, or Mid-Autumn Festival, is a time for families in Vietnam to reconnect, share mooncakes, sip tea, and wish for a prosperous future. Metropole’s 2025 mooncake range is more than just a seasonal delight, it’s a journey back in time, rich in memory and elegance.

To order or learn more, visit the Metropole website or contact their team at 0243 826 6919 (ext. 8200) or via email at Bang.Au@sofitel.com or visit https://www.sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com/dining/metropole-2025-legendary-mooncakes/.

Sofitel Legend is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,500 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL - Accor Live Limitless  a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.

Russia’s flagship carrier, Aeroflot, faced a significant operational setback as it cancelled more than 40 flights on Monday following a failure in its information systems. The disruption impacted domestic routes within Russia as well as international flights to Minsk and Yerevan, leaving passengers stranded and confused at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport. The airline acknowledged the issue but did not disclose the cause of the failure or an estimated resolution time.

The scenes at Sheremetyevo were described as chaotic, with long queues forming and passengers being advised to collect their luggage and exit the airport. Aeroflot stated that its specialists are working to minimise the impact on the schedule and restore normal operations as quickly as possible.

Although flight disruptions have become more common in Russia since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, they have mostly been linked to temporary closures due to drone threats. However, this incident appears to be rooted in a major technical breakdown, adding a fresh layer of challenges to the nation’s already limited air connectivity.

Despite international sanctions and limited routes, Aeroflot continues to rank among the world’s top 20 airlines in terms of passenger traffic. According to the airline's 2024 data, it carried 55.3 million passengers under the Aeroflot Group banner, highlighting its significant role in Russian and global aviation.

This incident not only disrupted travel plans but also raised concerns about the reliability of infrastructure supporting major airline operations in the current geopolitical environment.

Pattaya’s coastal charm just got an upgrade with the grand opening of LAY Beach Club, a sun-drenched Mediterranean-inspired venue located on Beach Road, offering breathtaking ocean views, dramatic entertainment, and a standout “hydro bar” experience.

The newly opened club, managed by Meliá Pattaya Hotel, is already creating buzz as the hottest new address for beachfront indulgence.

At the heart of the club is its hydro bar—a one-of-a-kind cocktail pool designed to blur the line between land and sea. Surrounded by sunken loungers, white sand, circular sofas, and shaded cabanas, this water-lounge offers a surreal backdrop where guests can sip creative cocktails while soaking in the seascape.

The venue caters to nearly 250 guests across its beachside deck, lounge, and bar. An elegant rooftop accommodates over 100 seated or 300 standing guests for sunset cocktails and private events, with panoramic vistas of Pattaya Beach.

Mediterranean Meets Asia on the Plate

The à la carte menu fuses Mediterranean and Asian flavors with flair—offering over-the-top favorites like:

• Seafood Paella Rice with prawn, mussel, squid, and clam

• Hand-Shucked Oysters with shallot mignonette and salsa verde

• Sicily Cannoli with orange mascarpone and pistachio

• Artisanal wraps, fresh seafood, pasta, and more

Cocktails with Coastal Drama

Drinks here are not just beverages—they’re theatrical creations. Highlights include:

• Blue Tides: Vodka, pandan, coconut juice and milk, topped with blue coconut foam

• The Wave Rider: Gin, Lillet Rosé, rose syrup, aloe vera juice, lime, and egg white

• Sriracha Spark: A bold take on a Bloody Mary with Sriracha, clarified vodka, tomato juice, and green olive brine

“Our goal was to bring the energy and elegance of iconic Mediterranean beach clubs to Pattaya,” said Javier Gimeno, General Manager, Meliá Pattaya Hotel. “LAY Beach Club flows from daytime leisure into vibrant nightlife, with DJs, LED visuals, and live fire shows setting the tone after sunset.”

Nightlife Comes Alive

As the sun dips, the club transforms into a high-octane venue with resident DJs, LED screen visuals, and a 20-minute fire performance choreographed to ignite the evening.

Open daily from 11 AM to midnight, LAY Beach Club is also available for private parties, celebrations, and curated group experiences.

For reservations, call +66 33 168 599.