Preparations on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi have moved into top gear with the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix programme now only days away. With Max Verstappen’s recent win and McLaren’s double disqualification in Las Vegas, the drivers' championship still holds excitement, making the finale at Yas Marina Circuit one of the most anticipated events of the season.

The race, scheduled to take place from December 4 to 7, marks the 24th and final race of the year. After months of planning, the finishing touches are now being added across the island as all 10 F1 teams and 20 drivers prepare to arrive directly after the Sunday race in Qatar.

Last year’s edition welcomed 192,000 spectators over four days, and organisers expect the 2025 event to surpass that number. Fans from 105 countries are travelling to Abu Dhabi, reflecting the global appeal of a race that has become a bucket-list experience for motorsport enthusiasts.

Saif Al Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, shared, “Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the most anticipated weekend on the region's sporting calendar and the one we prepare for the whole year. The 2025 event promises to be remarkable, with more fans, more racing, more entertainment, and exciting new experiences on and off the track. We cannot wait to welcome everyone in Abu Dhabi.”

Beyond the on-track action, the event is known for delivering one of the finest entertainment experiences in Formula 1. Concerts, afterparties and access to top attractions across the city make the weekend even more special.

This year, the Yasalam presented by e& programme is set to be the most ambitious in its history. Fans can look forward to four nights of After-Race concerts headlined by Benson Boone, Elyanna, Post Malone, Metallica and Katy Perry. The official After-Parties will feature international names like Calvin Harris, Idris Elba and Keinemusik.

David Powell, Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer at Ethara, said, “The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has become our region's Super Bowl. It is not only a season finale, it is an entertainment powerhouse. From concerts and parties to fashion and celebrities – it is the destination event that draws UAE residents and international visitors for an unforgettable weekend.”

With a potentially title-deciding battle and a world-class entertainment lineup, the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises an electrifying experience for fans from around the world.

Honeymoons are changing in a big way, and today’s couples want more than a single stop getaway. Instead of choosing one place and staying there, newlyweds now look for journeys that mix excitement with relaxation, discovery with comfort, and culture with quiet moments. This new travel mood has led to a rising trend called Double-Up Honeymoons.

Leading this shift is Alike through its Double Up Holidays, a concept that blends two contrasting experiences into one smooth itinerary. The idea lets couples enjoy the charm of a lively city while also soaking in the peace of an island or nature retreat, all in one thoughtfully planned trip.

Alike.io, known for curating personalised travel experiences, has been observing how Indian travellers prefer destinations that feel easy to reach yet full of memorable experiences. Their booking patterns show that young couples and families are picking places that balance convenience with something unique to explore.

For 2025–26, Alike’s list of Double-Up Honeymoon Destinations highlights the locations that reflect this new mix of energy and calm.

Krabi appeals to those who want hidden lagoons, private longtail rides, and dramatic scenery paired with quiet sunsets. Kuala Lumpur brings a different charm with sky-high date nights, colourful alleys, and modern spots that add a playful touch to city romance. Singapore blends futuristic design with cosy, intimate spaces, from poolside indulgence to hawker meals under warm lights.

Bangkok remains a favourite for couples who want a mix of temple visits, floating dinners, and soothing sunset cruises along the Chao Phraya. Phuket continues to evolve with its boutique villas, yacht experiences, and beachside evenings that feel both artistic and relaxing. Hanoi offers culture-rich strolls through its Old Quarter, creative workshops, and lakeside moments that feel timeless. Da Nang adds to the list with beach days, spa-led retreats, and a slow-paced coastal charm ideal for unwinding after wedding celebrations.

Internal insights from Alike show that multi-destination honeymoons have risen by nearly 30% year-on-year. More couples are choosing plans that pair urban adventures with peaceful escapes. The focus has shifted to personalised experiences, easy mobility, and deeper cultural moments rather than only luxury stays.

This change is largely influenced by younger, digital-first travellers who want authentic memories, light travel, and experiences that feel meaningful. For them, a honeymoon is less about formality and more about togetherness, exploration, and comfort.

As Double Up Holidays gain popularity, one thing becomes clear, the new luxury in romance travel lies in contrast. It’s the thrill of one place meeting the calm of another, giving couples a chance to fall in love twice: once with each other, and again with the world they explore together.

Banyan Group and Mandai Wildlife Group marked a major moment with the Grand Opening of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, celebrated with an event that brought together nature, design and community. The opening also marked Banyan Group’s 100th resort, making it a meaningful homecoming for the brand in Singapore.

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam officiated the launch, inaugurated the resort’s Wishing Wall and offered a first look at the Rainforest Festival, which opens to the public today. The event began with a musical prelude by young artists from the Wolfgang Violin Studio, followed by a guided walk through the resort showcasing its sustainable architecture, biodiversity corridors and nature-inspired guest experiences.

During the preview, guests explored highlights from the Discovery Trail, artisanal crafts from around the world at the Banyan Gallery Showcase and the GREEN-HOUSE HangOut weekend market. They also visited Curiosity Cove, Singapore’s largest indoor nature-themed playscape, located a short walk from the resort. Nearly 100 beneficiaries from President’s Challenge programmes attended the preview, with more than 2,000 expected through the festival week.

The celebrations continued with the premiere of The Journey, a short film tracing Banyan Group’s evolution from its beginnings in Phuket to its milestone 100th resort in Singapore. This was followed by an intimate In Conversation session with Founder and Executive Chairman Mr Ho Kwon Ping and Co-Founder and Senior Vice President Ms Claire Chiang.

The programme also featured a City in Nature dialogue introduced by Ho Ren Yung, Deputy CEO, Banyan Group. The discussion explored themes like regenerative design and nature-positive development, with speakers from conservation, architecture and design including Dr Cheng Wen-Haur, Dawn Lim and Wong Chiu Man. Dr Mark Watson, Group Director of Sustainability and Impact at Banyan Group, moderated the session.

The Grand Opening Day ended with an appreciation dinner for partners and collaborators, hosted by emcee Paul Foster. The evening included performances by Min Lee, talents from Wolfgang Violin Studio, singer-songwriter Shazza, vocal band MICappella and Cultural Medallion recipient Dick Lee, whose rendition of “Home” closed the night.

The Rainforest Festival runs from 27 November to 3 December 2025, offering discovery trails, craft showcases, wellbeing sessions, nature walks, creative workshops and family activities. Weekend highlights include the GREEN-HOUSE HangOut, bringing together sustainable homegrown brands and live performances by artists such as Joie Tan, MICappella and others. Beans & Beats takes over the stage on Sunday.

All festival ticket proceeds will support President’s Challenge 2025 and will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Banyan Group. An additional 20 per cent from paid experiences by Mandai Wildlife Group and the resort, along with SG60-exclusive merchandise sales at Banyan Gallery, will also be donated and matched under the SG60 Matching Grants.

To commemorate the opening and SG60, the resort has introduced a Silver Staycation weekday retreat for seniors aged 60 and above, available for stays until 30 April 2026. The offer includes daily breakfast for two, advance purchase savings and a complimentary Family Room upgrade for seniors travelling with grandchildren, subject to availability. Guests also receive a SG$100 nett resort credit redeemable across dining, spa treatments, in-resort activities and park admission arranged through the resort’s concierge team.