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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.
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.
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.
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.”
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on June 9, 2026
Four Seasons Resorts Maldives has announced the launch of Learn with Legends, a new family-focused summer camp designed to combine learning, adventure and island experiences. Running from July 20 to August 31, 2026, the complimentary programme will take place across Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa.
Bringing together globally recognised athletes, coaches, explorers and storytellers, the initiative offers guests an opportunity to learn directly from experts while enjoying a memorable island holiday. The programme includes workshops, coaching sessions and guided adventures that encourage skill-building, personal growth and meaningful family experiences.
At Landaa Giraavaru, football enthusiasts can train with former German captain Arne Friedrich, former England captain Casey Stoney, England centurion Jill Scott and former Premier League midfielder Steve Sidwell. At Kuda Huraa, surfing sessions will be led by former elite professional surfer and coach Ross Williams alongside former Championship Tour surfer Travis Logie.
The programme also features martial arts and wellness experiences. Angela Lee Pucci, former six-time world champion and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and coach Bruno Pucci will lead sessions at Landaa Giraavaru. At Kuda Huraa, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pioneer and multiple-time world champion Leo Vieira will conduct training sessions. Indian Shaolin monk and Kung Fu master Hurssh Verma and national Kungfu champion Guo Jing will offer classes across both resorts.
Adding a focus on exploration and conservation, award-winning filmmaker and ocean storyteller Craig Foster, known for My Octopus Teacher, will join world-record explorer Ash Dykes to lead immersive storytelling and discovery experiences. Guests at Landaa Giraavaru will also have the opportunity to learn from oceanographer Dr Phil Hosegood through marine science and ocean-focused activities.
The complimentary programme includes a variety of workshops and activities, although selected experiences will be offered in limited numbers and subject to availability. Families can take part in football coaching, surfing lessons, martial arts training and conservation-focused adventures led by experts in their respective fields.
For guests looking for a more personalised experience, private one-to-one coaching sessions will also be available at an additional cost and subject to availability.
Commenting on the initiative, Armando Kraenzlin, Regional Vice President of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives, said:
"Learn with Legends offers a fresh perspective in luxury family travel, where world-class talent, meaningful experiences and exceptional surroundings come together to create something truly transformative. What makes this program so powerful is the human connection: guests aren't simply learning skills and participating in activities. They are engaging with some of the world's leading figures in their fields and accessing high-level inspiration that will resonate well beyond their stay."
To complement the summer programme, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives is also offering its Stay Longer package at both Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa. Families booking four consecutive paid nights will receive a complimentary fifth night, daily breakfast for two, one dinner for two at selected restaurants, and a shared island experience such as a Dolphin Cruise or Sunset Fishing excursion.
With a blend of sport, adventure, conservation and personal development, Learn with Legends aims to offer families a unique summer experience where learning and leisure come together in one of the world's most sought-after island destinations.
Published on June 7, 2026
American Airlines has announced the temporary suspension of select routes during August and September as rising jet fuel costs continue to impact airline operations. The carrier said the schedule adjustments are a response to elevated operating expenses and broader challenges affecting the aviation industry.
In a statement, the airline confirmed that passengers impacted by the route suspensions will be offered alternative travel arrangements or refunds. American Airlines also clarified that the affected services are being suspended temporarily and that no routes are being permanently removed from its network.
The airline noted that the decision reflects wider industry trends as carriers worldwide face increasing pressure from higher fuel prices and operational costs. Despite the temporary changes, American Airlines said it remains committed to offering one of the largest flight networks in the United States.
The increase in jet fuel costs has become a major concern for airlines, with fuel accounting for a significant share of operating expenses. Industry data indicates that jet fuel prices have risen sharply in recent months amid disruptions in global oil supplies and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The situation has been further affected by reduced traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil transit routes. Continued disruptions have contributed to supply concerns, leading to higher energy prices across several sectors.
As airlines adjust to these conditions, many carriers have introduced schedule reductions, revised flight frequencies and implemented cost-saving measures. Some airlines have also increased fees and reduced certain customer benefits to offset rising operational expenses.
The impact is being felt beyond the aviation sector, with higher fuel costs contributing to increased prices for transportation, food and other essential goods. Travellers may also face fewer flight options and higher airfares as airlines continue to navigate the challenging operating environment.
American Airlines has not yet provided a detailed list of the affected routes. However, reports indicate that six routes, primarily involving services from Los Angeles and other destinations across North America, could be impacted by the temporary suspensions.
The airline said it will continue monitoring market conditions and operational costs while making adjustments aimed at maintaining network efficiency and service reliability.
LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar, the rooftop dining destination at INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, has unveiled a new menu that celebrates the rich and diverse flavours of Spain. Located on the 33rd floor and overlooking Bangkok’s skyline, the venue brings together authentic Spanish cuisine and a unique dining experience beneath the transparent base of the hotel's infinity pool.
The new menu has been crafted by the hotel's Spanish chef de cuisine, Juan Ignacio Garcia Racionero, popularly known as Chef Nacho. Originally from Madrid, Chef Nacho has built his culinary expertise in some of Spain’s leading kitchens and has designed the menu to showcase flavours from different regions across the country.
Drawing inspiration from Spain’s varied gastronomic traditions, the menu features everything from San Sebastian-style pintxos and Basque-influenced dishes to Madrid street-food favourites, Andalusian seafood specialities, and traditional rice and fideuà dishes associated with Spain’s eastern coastal regions.
Among the signature offerings are Steak tartar y Gilda San Sebastian, which combines Wagyu tenderloin tartare with brown and white anchovies and Spanish pickles on ciabatta, and Tacos de Rabo de Toro, featuring braised oxtail, roasted piquillo peppers and smoked Idiazabal cheese served in homemade corn tacos.
Seafood takes centre stage across the menu with dishes such as Carpaccio de Gamba Roja, a red prawn carpaccio finished with espelette pepper and extra virgin olive oil, and Lomo de Corvina al Pil Pil de Azafran y Aji Amarillo, a croaker dish paired with saffron-infused pil-pil sauce, yellow chilli and fish collagen.
Other highlights include Pulpo Frito served with mashed potato and paprika oil, black squid-ink fideuà with red prawns and octopus, and a seafood paella prepared with clams, mussels and squid.
The dessert selection continues the Spanish theme with a burnt Basque chocolate cheesecake served alongside white chocolate ice cream, warm chocolate fondant with vanilla custard, and creamy rice pudding topped with confit strawberries.
"This menu is very personal to me because it draws on the different regions and flavours I grew up with in Spain," said Chef Nacho. "Spanish cuisine changes dramatically from one region to another, and I wanted the menu to encapsulate that diversity and match the energy of LUZ's, with dishes designed to be shared over cocktails and incredible views of Bangkok".
LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar welcomes guests daily from 4pm until midnight, offering an elevated dining experience that combines Spanish culinary traditions with panoramic views of Bangkok.
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