Novotel Nara Brings Modern Comfort to Japan's Historic Capital

Novotel Nara Brings Modern Comfort to Japan's Historic Capital

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 8, 2024

Novotel, a global brand under Accor, has opened its newest property, Novotel Nara, in Japan. Located along the scenic Saho River, the hotel is just minutes away from Shin-Omiya and Nara Stations, providing a peaceful base for visitors exploring the city's cultural heritage.

The hotel offers 264 guest rooms, including executive suites, blending European modernity with traditional Japanese aesthetics. This combination creates a welcoming space for both business and leisure travelers to rejuvenate while experiencing Nara’s rich history.

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Novotel Nara acts as a bridge between tourists and the local community. Its prime location allows easy access to UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, offering guests both relaxation and cultural exploration. The hotel aims to connect visitors with Nara’s hidden charms and historical sites, away from the busy city atmosphere.

For dining, guests can enjoy Trattoria Ponte Nara, an all-day restaurant featuring a "slow food" philosophy. The restaurant serves authentic Italian dishes made with local ingredients from Nara, including pizzas crafted with spelt flour from Katsuragi City. Guests can dine in an open-air setting, enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms in spring.

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Novotel Nara also provides several leisure spaces, such as the Social Lounge, designed for teatime and socializing. The Rooftop Terrace offers seasonal activities with stunning views of cherry blossoms in spring or the Wakakusa Yamayaki fire in winter. Modern conference facilities and banquet rooms make it an ideal venue for meetings and events.

The hotel emphasizes wellness with a fully equipped fitness center, a public bath, and a wellness lounge that includes a children’s area, ensuring guests of all ages can relax and enjoy their stay.

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As part of the Novotel Oceans Initiative, a partnership with WWF, the hotel is committed to sustainability. It aims to reduce plastic use, carbon emissions, and promote sustainable food choices. This initiative highlights Novotel Nara’s dedication to protecting the environment and contributing positively to both the local community and the planet.

Garth Simmons, Accor’s COO in Asia, commented “The opening of Novotel Nara marks a significant milestone for Accor as we continue to expand our footprint in Japan, a country with a rich heritage and a growing demand for quality accommodations. Nara, with its historical significance and cultural depth, is an ideal location for Novotel to provide an experience that combines modern comfort with a deep respect for local traditions. This opening underscores our commitment to contributing to the growth of Japan's tourism sector and offering memorable stays to travellers from around the world.”


Shamal Holding Launches Naïa Island Dubai, Redefining Ultra-Luxury Coastal Living

Shamal Holding Launches Naïa Island Dubai, Redefining Ultra-Luxury Coastal Living

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 11, 2025

Shamal Holding, the Dubai-based diversified investment firm, has officially introduced Naïa Island Dubai, an exclusive private estate that’s set to redefine the standards of ultra-luxury living in the region.

At the heart of this sophisticated island destination will be the Middle East’s first Cheval Blanc maison, an iconic milestone for luxury hospitality. The maison will offer a curated collection of private villas and elegant suites, reflecting Cheval Blanc’s signature of serene, emotional luxury. Additionally, a select number of branded beachfront residences and estate plots will be made available, each with direct private beach access, providing a rare opportunity to live in harmony with nature and refined design.

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Perfectly positioned just off the Jumeirah coastline, Naïa Island is seamlessly connected to Dubai’s major roads. Designed as a resort masterplan, the island features low-lying architecture that blends with the natural coastal landscape while offering spectacular views of Dubai’s iconic skyline and the open sea.

With a strong focus on privacy and harmony, the island will integrate every detail, from dining experiences and spa services to wellness spaces and a private marina into a seamless living experience. The design philosophy nurtures a sense of calm and connection with the surroundings.

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Abdulla Binhabtoor, CEO of Shamal Holding, remarked, “This marks a defining chapter in our vision to create meaningful experiences, and an exciting step forward for Shamal as we continue to curate pioneering firsts that reinforce Dubai's position as a global benchmark for exceptional, world-class living. Naïa Island Dubai offers an enduring address, one that invites presence and lives beautifully over time.”

With early works now in motion, Naïa Island Dubai is poised to become one of the most sought-after coastal addresses in the region, an intimate haven for a discerning few.

About Shamal Holding

Shamal is a Dubai-born investment firm with a diverse portfolio spanning real estate, hospitality, leisure, and entertainment. From landmark developments like Dubai Harbour and Nad Al Sheba Gardens to global hospitality names like Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Hart Shoreditch Hotel London, and Baccarat Hotel & Residences Dubai, Shamal is committed to cultivating exceptional experiences that reflect the vision and energy of Dubai.


Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair 2025 Returns for Its 19th Edition — Accessible Globally Online

Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair 2025 Returns for Its 19th Edition — Accessible Globally Online

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 11, 2025

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) returns for its 19th year, bringing together more than 1,500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from over 79 Art Centres across Australia. From August 8–10, 2025, DAAF Online invites global audiences to explore and purchase exquisite, ethically sourced First Nations artworks, direct from the source.

Hosted on Larrakia Country in Darwin, and now fully accessible via the DAAF online platform, the event is a powerful celebration of Australia’s oldest living cultures, rooted in over 65,000 years of storytelling, creativity, and connection to Country.

A Marketplace for Culture, Connection, and Creativity

DAAF Online has evolved into a global destination for collectors, curators, and first-time buyers, offering a rare opportunity to purchase artworks directly from Indigenous communities with 100% of sales going back to the artists and their Art Centres.

Whether it’s etched aluminium pieces from Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka in Arnhem Land or earth-pigment canvases from Jilamara Arts in the Tiwi Islands, each piece tells a unique story, shaped by land, language, tradition, and innovation.

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“Buying First Nations art is more than a transaction, it’s a powerful act of connection,” says Adam Boyd of Moa Arts. “It offers a unique view of the Country and the people that keep it alive.”

Global Spotlight on DAAF Artists

DAAF 2025 also celebrates the rising international recognition of First Nations artists:

  • Buku‑Larrŋgay Mulka Centre: Featured in the ongoing Madayin exhibition (2023–25) touring the U.S., with bark paintings co-curated by Yolŋu leaders.

  • Warlukurlangu Artists: Participated in Revisions (UK, July–Oct 2025), merging Warlpiri perspectives with colonial maps to reassert cultural sovereignty.

  • Jilamara Arts: Artist Johnathon World Peace Bush held a solo exhibition at Frieze No. 9 Cork Street, London in March 2025.

  • Upcoming Blockbuster: The Stars We Do Not See launches October 2025 at the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, spotlighting over 130 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, many of whom are part of DAAF 2025.

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More Than an Art Fair

According to Claire Summers, Executive Director of the DAAF Foundation:

“DAAF is more than a marketplace. It’s a movement grounded in Indigenous agency, cultural pride, and global connection. We’re proud to offer a platform where artists are front and centre, and where every sale supports community-led futures.”

With millions of dollars in sales annually and a growing international collector base, DAAF’s impact continues to deepen. The 2025 edition offers a seamless digital experience to browse, shop, and support some of the world’s most exciting contemporary Indigenous artists.

How to Attend

What to Expect:

  • 100% ethical purchases

  • 1,500+ artists

  • 79 Indigenous Art Centres

  • Paintings, sculpture, textiles, jewellery, and more

  • Live talks and cultural storytelling events

Explore. Connect. Collect. Support.

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair 2025 is your gateway to bold, authentic art and timeless cultural narratives. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, now’s the time to shop with purpose and celebrate Indigenous excellence.


Kuwait Launches ‘Visit Kuwait’ – A Comprehensive Hub for Tourism, Culture, and E-Visas

Kuwait Launches ‘Visit Kuwait’ – A Comprehensive Hub for Tourism, Culture, and E-Visas

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 10, 2025

Kuwait has launched its new national tourism portal, ‘Visit Kuwait,’ offering a seamless gateway for travelers seeking visas, cultural insights, and curated travel plans, all in one place. This digital platform is a key part of Kuwait’s Vision 2035 strategy, designed to enhance the country’s tourism experience and expand its global reach.

The portal simplifies the visa process with a fully online system for tourist, business, family, and official visas, eliminating the need for embassy visits. At the same time, it brings together a rich collection of travel tools, destination guides, cultural calendars, event updates, and practical travel tips, to help visitors explore Kuwait with ease.

Beyond its functional features, Visit Kuwait also acts as a cultural showcase. Users can dive into Kuwait’s unique offerings, from modern landmarks like Kuwait Towers and the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Centre to vibrant souks, festivals, and historic museums.

The initiative is more than just a convenience, it plays a vital role in Kuwait’s economic transformation. As part of the Vision 2035 agenda, the portal supports the government’s aim to reduce oil dependency by strengthening the tourism sector. With a unified, digital-first approach, Kuwait is stepping into the global tourism spotlight, ready to welcome the world with open arms.

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