The spotlight may have been on Bethpage Black, where Luke Donald secured his place among Europe’s finest Ryder Cup captains, but the echoes of his triumph reached far beyond the greens of New York, all the way to the Vietnam Golf Coast, home to his very first golf course design, Ba Na Hills Golf Club.

Donald’s back-to-back Ryder Cup victories have only reinforced his image as a leader defined by careful planning, quiet confidence, and sharp tactical sense, the same qualities that shape every contour and bunker at Ba Na Hills.

“I’ve always believed that strategy is the heart of golf, whether you’re leading a team or designing a course,” said Donald. “At Ba Na Hills, the goal was to create a layout that rewards patience, creativity, and precision. It’s not about power; it’s about smart decisions.”

Located in the scenic foothills west of Danang, Ba Na Hills Golf Club is a masterpiece that mirrors Donald’s thoughtful playing style. Designed in collaboration with IMG, the 18-hole course embraces the region’s natural beauty, with mountains, ravines, and streams shaping its layout. Each hole carries a distinct personality, offering players both challenge and reward.

Donald describes Vietnam’s landscape as “unbelievable,” noting how “you’ve got mountains, forests, and the ocean all within reach, the land gives you so much to work with.” The result is a course that feels like a journey, where every round tells its own story.

Highlights include the par-3 8th, a serene short hole surrounded by forest, and a dramatic finish with an island-green 16th and a water-guarded 17th, providing a thrilling end against the backdrop of Vietnam’s highlands.

Simon Mees, General Manager at Ba Na Hills Golf Club, said, “Luke’s design philosophy is about intelligence and restraint. Like his Ryder Cup leadership, it’s about smart choices and the long game. You can sense that same calm control in his design.”

Since its opening, Ba Na Hills Golf Club has been a key highlight of Central Vietnam’s rise as a premier golf destination, drawing players from across Asia and beyond. Together with other courses along the Vietnam Golf Coast, it continues to strengthen the region’s position as one of the world’s most exciting golf and leisure destinations.

Reflecting on the project, Donald said, “There’s something special about Ba Na Hills. When I see players from around the world enjoying the course, testing their patience and creativity, it feels like a reflection of everything I love about golf.”

Atmosphere Core, a fast-growing international hospitality company, in partnership with the Amagi Group, is set to make its debut in Sri Lanka with a new boutique resort in Tangalle. A part of the award-winning Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts brand, AMAGI SECRET by Atmosphere Tangalle is scheduled to open in the last quarter of 2026, blending soulful Sri Lankan heritage with crafted indulgence.

“Sri Lanka is a land of stories, rhythms and rich heritage, and with AMAGI SECRET by Atmosphere Tangalle we intend to honour and celebrate those stories,” said Salil Panigrahi, Cofounder and Managing Director of Atmosphere Core. “This resort is not simply a destination, it is an immersion. With our expansion across India, the Maldives, and Italy, and now this important step into Sri Lanka, we are placing thoughtfully curated, distinctive landscapes on the global tourism map.”

Spread across 11 acres around a serene natural lake and located near Sri Lanka’s golden southern coastline, the resort will feature 33 private pool villas, including six 40 sqm lake view villas perched over the water, 23 one-bedroom pool villas of 60 sqm, and four two-bedroom family villas spanning 111 sqm.

Designed with mud-plastered walls, clay-tiled roofs, and locally inspired landscaping, the property immerses guests in the island’s natural rhythm. Curated comforts provide a seamless blend of tradition and elegance, offering a setting that reflects the spirit of Sri Lanka.

The resort will house an all-day dining restaurant, a poolside bar, and a signature restaurant celebrating Sri Lankan flavours. Guests can also rejuvenate through ayurvedic treatments, yoga, and meditation at the ELE│NA Ayur Spa and Wellness Centre.

Mr. S. Ganeshanathan, Chairman of the Amagi Group, shared,

“From our early days in seafood export we have always regarded Sri Lanka’s natural resources and human craftsmanship as our foundation. With a hospitality background myself, I have long valued the art of service and the pursuit of excellence in guest experience. Partnering with the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts brand enables us to bring forward a property that respects and elevates those foundations, where sustainability, culture, and community are as central as international luxury hospitality standards.”

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is witnessing a strong revival, with rising international arrivals and increased visitor spending. Simplified visa access and renewed global interest are contributing to its position as one of Asia’s leading experiential travel destinations.

Set against this vibrant backdrop, AMAGI SECRET by Atmosphere Tangalle will invite travellers to slow down and connect deeply with the island’s culture and nature. By blending luxury with authenticity, the resort aims to set a new benchmark for immersive, sustainable hospitality in Sri Lanka.

In a bold move to make sustainability effortless and engaging for travelers, SAii Hotels & Resorts, part of S Hotels & Resorts PCL, has launched the Green Button – a new feature on the SAii mobile app that transforms guest actions into tangible environmental impact.

Already live at SAii Phi Phi Island Village, SAii Laguna Phuket, and SAii Lagoon Maldives, with SAii Koh Samui Villas joining in December, the initiative combines smart digital innovation with real-world conservation.

With just a tap, guests can now choose to skip daily linen refreshes, and that single choice directly supports tree planting efforts at Singha Park Chiang Rai under Singha Estate Group’s “Pleuk Pa Duay Plai New” (Million Trees for Tomorrow) programme.

So far, the initiative has contributed to the reforestation of over 1,000,000 sqm of land over the past three years, planting native species like Rain Tree, Indian Cork, and Gurjan Tree to restore biodiversity and strengthen local ecosystems.

What makes the Green Button stand out is its transparency and interactivity, guests can track their real-time impact, including water and energy savings and contributions to biodiversity. It’s sustainability made simple, measurable, and meaningful.

“Sustainability should be simple, engaging and rewarding,” said Michael Marshall, CEO of S Hotels & Resorts. “The Green Button gives our guests a direct way to make a positive impact from conserving resources during their stay to planting trees that will thrive for generations. It’s a small click with a big impact.”

The initiative aligns with S Hotels & Resorts’ long-term sustainability vision, which targets carbon neutrality and a 30% biodiversity uplift by 2030.

Through its Green Button project, SAii Hotels & Resorts continues to bridge technology, guest engagement, and environmental stewardship — redefining what responsible travel can look like in today’s luxury hospitality landscape.

About SAii Hotels & Resorts

A lifestyle brand under S Hotels & Resorts PCL, SAii Hotels & Resorts redefines affordable luxury with nature-inspired design, heartfelt service, and sustainability at its core. The brand operates distinctive resorts across Thailand and the Maldives and is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme.
Learn more at saiiresorts.com.