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By Nishang Narayan
Published on December 8, 2024
Jumeirah, a renowned leader in luxury hospitality and a member of Dubai Holding, has expanded its portfolio into Africa with two groundbreaking additions: Jumeirah Thanda Island in Tanzania and Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa. In collaboration with the Thanda Group, this move aligns with Jumeirah’s strategy to diversify its offerings while preserving local culture and ecosystems.
Situated within Tanzania’s protected Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, Jumeirah Thanda Island is a pristine, five-hectare retreat that redefines exclusivity. Accessible via a short helicopter ride or speedboat, this uninhabited island offers an extraordinary villa with five luxurious suites and two Swahili Bandas, blending comfort with local charm.
A private chef and a dedicated culinary team curate dining experiences that feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients, allowing guests to savor meals in intimate beachside settings. For adventure seekers, the island offers activities such as swimming with whale sharks, diving with turtles, sailing on traditional Arab Dhows, and exploring nearby Chole Island.
In addition to luxury, the island emphasizes conservation. Guests can witness coral reef restoration projects, participate in efforts to protect endangered sea turtles, and engage with Star for Life, an initiative empowering local youth through education and skill development.
Located in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, Jumeirah Thanda Safari spans a vast 16,500-hectare private game reserve, home to the Big Five and rich Zulu cultural heritage. The property includes the Royal Thanda Club, a private lifestyle club offering exclusive access to secure wilderness areas, as well as the opulent Jumeirah Residences, which combine adventure with unmatched luxury.
Guests can immerse themselves in curated safari experiences like guided bush walks, game drives, and cultural programs that celebrate Zulu traditions. Activities for younger guests, such as a junior ranger course, ensure that families enjoy an enriching experience. Future plans include a new lodge and an ultra-luxury tented camp by 2027.
Aligned with Jumeirah’s values, the property supports critical conservation efforts, such as Project Rhino KZN and the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project. These initiatives, combined with Thanda Group’s Star for Life program, highlight a commitment to preserving natural heritage and uplifting local communities.
Thomas Meier, Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO at Jumeirah, described the move as a significant step in the brand's mission to create culturally connected, sustainable guest experiences. “Jumeirah Thanda Island and Jumeirah Thanda Safari epitomize our commitment to crafting meaningful moments rooted in culture, conservation, and luxury,” he said.
Pierre Delvaux, CEO of Thanda Group, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the partnership's shared ethos of philanthropy and environmental stewardship. “This collaboration represents a perfect alignment of values, combining luxury with impactful conservation and community support.”
Both Jumeirah Thanda Island and Jumeirah Thanda Safari will open for bookings in December 2024. These destinations offer an unparalleled blend of exclusivity, cultural immersion, and sustainability, making them a remarkable addition to Jumeirah's global portfolio.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on February 28, 2026
All Nippon Airways (ANA) has teamed up once again with The Pokémon Company to introduce three brand-new Pokémon Jets in 2026. The move celebrates the 30th anniversary of the globally loved Pokémon brand and continues a partnership that has been running for nearly three decades.
The collaboration first took flight in 1998 with the launch of the world’s first Pokémon Jet. Since then, ANA has steadily expanded the concept through its Pokémon Air Adventures project, which focuses on bringing people and communities closer through travel. At present, ANA operates the “Pikachu Jet NH” and “Eevee Jet NH,” and with the upcoming additions, a total of eight aircraft will have featured special Pokémon-themed liveries.
The three new aircrafts will be rolled out one after another throughout 2026, giving fans and passengers something new to look forward to across the year.
“This project goes beyond just a livery; it’s about creating an immersive world that sparks imagination, inspires curiosity and brings the joy of discovery to our passengers throughout their journey,” said Keiji Omae, Executive Vice President of Customer Experience at ANA. “Whether you first began your journey on a Game Boy screen decades ago, or are currently exploring new regions through your mobile apps, we invite you to take your next 'adventure' into the real world with ANA. Many of our passengers flying with us today were the kids who marveled at our first Pokémon Jet in 1998. We are honored to be the wings that carry not just passengers, but also their cherished memories and future adventures.”
The year 2026 holds special meaning for both partners. It marks 30 years since the release of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green on Feb. 27, 1996, and also celebrates the 40th anniversary of ANA’s first international flight.
ANA sees this shared milestone as a chance to thank fans around the world while creating fresh experiences for a new generation of travellers. The collaboration is guided by a simple idea: "Experience the Excitement and Fun of the Journey with Pokémon."
The three newly commissioned Pokémon Jets take inspiration from the original Pokémon Red, Green and Blue games. Each aircraft will play a part in a larger, connected story through its design.
・Pokémon Jet Red (Boeing 787-8): Scheduled Service: Domestic Routes・Pokémon Jet Green (Boeing 787-9): Scheduled Service: International Routes・Pokémon Jet Blue (Boeing 737-800): Scheduled Service: Domestic Routes
While each jet will carry its own theme, the designs are meant to come together as one cohesive narrative linked to the classic games. ANA has confirmed that detailed livery visuals and exact launch dates will be shared in May.
Beyond the aircraft designs, the project will also feature special campaigns aimed at letting passengers fully step into the combined world of ANA and Pokémon. Further updates will be made available on the ANA website.
With the return of the Pokémon Jets, the ANA Group says it will continue its mission of being “wings of the heart,” connecting people across the globe while sharing the joy and excitement of travel.
Published on February 25, 2026
As Japan gears up for its much-awaited cherry blossom season, Tobu Tower Skytree Co., Ltd. has announced a special spring programme titled “THE Sakura SKYTREE – Going to Meet the Cherry Blossoms Above the Clouds” at TOKYO SKYTREE. The limited-period experience will run from February 26 to April 14, 2026, offering visitors a fresh way to enjoy sakura from 350 metres above ground.
Designed as an alternative to traditional park hanami, the event brings cherry blossom viewing into an urban, elevated setting. Located on the Tembo Deck at Floors 350 and 340, the experience blends sakura-inspired installations with wide, uninterrupted views of Tokyo, allowing visitors to enjoy spring scenery from above the city skyline.
Built around the theme “Sky × Sakura,” the Tembo Deck will be transformed with cherry blossom décor and Japanese-style photo installations. The setting reflects the fleeting beauty of sakura while creating striking visual moments for visitors. With the Tokyo skyline as a backdrop, the space offers a modern interpretation of spring that combines tradition with a sense of scale and spectacle.
For evening visitors, a key attraction will be the seasonal showcase at the SKYTREE ROUND THEATER® on Floor 350. The observatory’s large windows will turn into a panoramic screen for a three-minute visual presentation capturing the delicate and short-lived nature of cherry blossoms. Using 24 projectors and surround sound from 13 speakers, the experience adds a cinematic layer to hanami, bringing together culture, technology, and storytelling.
Adding to the seasonal feel, the SKYTREE CAFE on Floor 350 will launch a limited-edition cherry blossom-themed menu. The offerings will include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, along with spring-inspired sweets. Highlights include donuts in “Sakura Mochi” and “Sakura Sky Vanilla” flavours, made as 100% plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free options. The menu is designed to be visually appealing and easy to share, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
The spring theme will also extend to the W1SH RIBBON monument on the Tembo Deck, where limited-edition pink ribbons will be available during the event period. Visitors can tie their wishes onto the softly lit pink installation, reflecting themes of renewal and fresh beginnings associated with the season. The monument lighting will also shift to pink to match the overall décor.
On selected evenings, TOKYO SKYTREE itself will light up in special spring illumination called “Sakura SKY (Sakura-Sora).” Inspired by cherry blossoms set against a spring sky, gentle pink beams will represent petals floating in the wind, turning the tower into a seasonal highlight visible across the city.
With immersive décor, visual storytelling, seasonal food, and special lighting, “THE Sakura SKYTREE” positions TOKYO SKYTREE as a standout attraction during spring. By presenting the cherry blossom season from 350 metres above ground, the event offers visitors an experience that feels modern, memorable, and uniquely Tokyo.
TIYA, a Michelin Guide-recognized restaurant, has announced the appointment of Chef Bobby as its new Sous Chef. The move underlines the restaurant’s continued focus on quality, innovation, and refined modern Indian cuisine in the heart of San Francisco.
In his new role, Chef Bobby will oversee day-to-day kitchen operations at TIYA. His responsibilities include ensuring smooth service, refined plating presentation, well-balanced flavours, and consistent portion control. Through his leadership, the restaurant aims to further strengthen its position as a premium modern Indian dining destination known for creativity, precision, and memorable guest experiences.
Before joining TIYA, Chef Bobby worked as Sous Chef at Madras Group Inc., located at 1177 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. There, he supported the Executive Chef in running high-performing kitchen operations. His role included supervising and training culinary teams, maintaining HACCP and ServSafe food safety standards, handling inventory and supplier coordination, and contributing to cost control and menu innovation. His involvement in recipe development and tasting menu execution played a key role in maintaining high dining standards.
Earlier in his career, Chef Bobby gained valuable experience as a Demi Chef de Partie at The Quorum, Two Horizon Center, Golf Course Road, and as a Commi at Hotel Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar. He began his professional journey at Aamod Resorts, Kandaghat, District Solan, Himachal Pradesh, where he built a strong foundation in kitchen operations and hospitality discipline.
Speaking on his appointment, Chef Bobby said, “Joining TIYA, a Michelin Guide restaurant, as Sous Chef is an exciting milestone in my culinary journey. The brand’s vision of redefining modern Indian cuisine resonates deeply with my passion for innovation and excellence. I look forward to contributing to TIYA’s continued growth and delivering memorable dining experiences to our guests.”
With experience across well-known hospitality brands in both India and the United States, Chef Bobby’s appointment marks a meaningful step forward for TIYA as it continues to raise the bar for modern Indian fine dining in San Francisco.
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