Pullman Sydney Penrith is redefining luxury and business travel as Western Sydney’s first five-star hotel. Officially opened in August 2023, the AUD 110 million hotel and its adjoining Western Sydney Convention Centre (WSCC) are part of a major hospitality and infrastructure boom in Penrith, one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions. Strategically located just 21 minutes from the upcoming Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, the Pullman Sydney Penrith is poised to become a leading destination for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel’s unique offering includes 152 designer rooms, cutting-edge tech, wellness amenities, and two curated dining venues — Marcel Bar and Bistro and Tori.

The property offers a range of room categories including Superior, Deluxe and Junior Suites, with features such as floor-to-ceiling windows, full-sized fridges, microwaves, sitting areas, hair straighteners, plush robes, and slippers. Rooms also come equipped with Hunter Lab natural skincare products, Nespresso machines, and access to over 1,000 free movies via Foxtel Business IQ. Smart integrated controls and a digital compendium provide seamless guest experiences, with a unique Sleep Therapy Menu available at the touch of a button offering soothing teas, aromatherapy sprays, face masks, and an extensive pillow menu.

The hotel’s elite fitness and wellness centre, developed in collaboration with the Penrith Panthers’ High-Performance team, provides warm and cold sweat towels, premium workout equipment, and a custom 10-person sauna for detoxification and relaxation. Sustainability is a core focus, with the hotel operating free of single-use plastics, prioritising local and ethical sourcing, and offering EV charging stations for guests. Dining is at the heart of the Pullman experience with Marcel Bar and Bistro, a Bauhaus-inspired European restaurant helmed by Executive Chef John Giovanni Pugliano, who brings his international expertise including time at Nobu London. Tori, the stylish ground-floor lobby bar, serves locally roasted coffee, breakfast pastries, and light fare throughout the day. Both dining venues are named in tribute to the renowned architect Marcel Breuer, whose only Australian building is located in Penrith, designed in collaboration with Harry Seidler.

With the Western Sydney Convention Centre right next door, the hotel becomes an ideal location for conferences, exhibitions, and major corporate events, offering world-class service just minutes from a soon-to-open international airport. Whether travelling for business or leisure, Pullman Sydney Penrith offers a memorable and meaningful stay, blending world-class amenities, locally inspired design, and thoughtful experiences that set a new benchmark for hospitality in Western Sydney.

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, part of THE OZEN COLLECTION, has once again claimed the spotlight at the 2025 World Travel Awards, winning the coveted title of ‘Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa’ for the third consecutive year. The accolade celebrates the resort’s standout offering, the Royal RESERVE, as the epitome of luxury and bespoke hospitality in the Indian Ocean.

Spanning an expansive 3,000 square metres, the Royal RESERVE villa is a sanctuary of opulence, complete with a private beach, panoramic ocean views, and direct lagoon access. Guests enjoy full privacy and an all-encompassing luxury experience, from a dedicated spa treatment room with in-house therapists to a private chef and 24-hour butler service. The villa also features an in-house bar, private restaurant, and handcrafted design details that blend traditional Maldivian aesthetics with modern elegance.

This third straight win reaffirms the villa’s status as one of the world’s most desirable luxury accommodations. It follows a string of previous honours, including ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Resort’ and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Villa’, making OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI a consistent leader in premium hospitality.

“It is with heartfelt pride and deepest appreciation that we receive this coveted accolade from the World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year,” said Monica Coppetta, General Manager of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI. “This extraordinary distinction celebrates our passionate pursuit of crafting unforgettable journeys, where visionary design dances with gracious service amidst the Maldives’ breathtaking serenity.”

In addition to this prestigious win, the resort has also been nominated in the 2025 World Spa Awards as ‘Maldives' Best Wellness Retreat’ for its signature ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa. This wellness sanctuary combines nature-inspired therapies and modern techniques to deliver a truly rejuvenating experience.

At the heart of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI’s offering is its RESERVE Plan™ — a benchmark in luxury all-inclusive travel. Guests enjoy catamaran transfers, unlimited spa treatments, and gourmet dining across seven venues, along with premium Champagne, curated ocean excursions, and exclusive water sports with Best Dives.

From honeymooners to high-profile travellers seeking an escape into indulgent solitude, the Royal RESERVE is more than just a villa — it’s a celebration of abundant luxury, where every wish is anticipated and fulfilled with graceful precision.

With its growing list of accolades and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of hospitality, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI continues to set the gold standard for meaningful, immersive luxury in the Maldives.

Bangkok’s ICONSIAM, in a groundbreaking cultural collaboration with Shanghai Yuyuan Tourist Mart Group, has brought China’s most iconic lantern festival to Thailand for the very first time. The “Spirit of Mountains and Seas · Yuyuan Lantern Festival and 2025 China–Thailand Culture Month” is lighting up the Chao Phraya River until 15 August 2025, offering visitors a magical, light-filled experience that blends ancient Chinese folklore with modern artistic innovation.

Running daily from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM at River Park, G Floor, ICONSIAM, the event is open to the public free of charge, welcoming all to enjoy a visual and cultural spectacle unlike any other.

This historic debut in Thailand marks a significant milestone in cultural diplomacy, celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China. More than just a festival, this event underscores the growing bond between the two nations, using art and culture as a universal language to foster friendship and unity.

With a legacy of over a century, the Yuyuan Lantern Festival is one of China’s most cherished intangible cultural heritages. This year’s theme, “Spirit of Mountains and Seas”, draws inspiration from the ancient Chinese text Shan Hai Jing (Classic of Mountains and Seas), creating a fantastical realm called “Chao Phraya Island.” This imaginary floating island is brought to life through immersive lantern installations that combine light, shadow, and interactive technologies, portraying mythical creatures and landscapes that enchant visitors of all ages.

Guests can expect more than just mesmerising visuals. The festival also features:

• Traditional performances
  

• Local products market
  

• Themed cultural weeks
  

• An art exhibition
  

These activities aim to deepen cross-cultural exchange in art, food, and commerce, strengthening the bridge of collaboration between Thailand and China.

ICONSIAM, already a global destination on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, further cements its position as a hub for international arts and cultural exchange with this iconic event.

“This festival isn’t just about lanterns; it’s about lighting up connections,” remarked organisers from ICONSIAM. “It symbolises the warmth and depth of Thai–Chinese relations, and welcomes all communities to partake in this extraordinary celebration of friendship.”

Visitors are encouraged to explore the luminous wonders of Yuyuan Lantern Festival 2025, soaking in a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience right in the heart of Bangkok.