Meliá Pattaya Hotel has unveiled its show-stopping rooftop dining venue, Yitong Chinese Restaurant & Sky Bar, now open on the 12th floor and offering guests dramatic coastal views paired with health-conscious cuisine rooted in Chinese culinary traditions.

Located in the heart of Pattaya on Second Road, the newly launched venue greets diners with a striking ribbon-like ceiling sculpture, inspired by the flowing strokes of Chinese calligraphy. Accents of gold, black, and crimson run through the interiors, creating a rich and elegant space illuminated by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.

Yitong’s main dining area is designed with soft lighting and earthy textures inspired by Chonburi’s natural landscapes, while its rooftop bar space features lush greenery and tranquil "wellness alcoves" for quiet, intimate moments. Named “Yitong”, which translates to “together”, the restaurant celebrates shared meals, with family-style dining that pays homage to Chonburi’s Chinese communities.

The menu blends Cantonese and Sichuan influences with a strong focus on wellness and sustainability. Fresh seafood from Chonburi’s fishermen and organic vegetables from the Royal Project farms in Northern Thailand support both local livelihoods and clean eating. Signature dishes include steamed Chonburi fish with ginger and lime, double-boiled herbal soup with ginseng and goji berries, and five-spice tofu stir-fried with Royal Project vegetables. Other highlights include Mala chicken salad with peppercorn dressing and the "Longevity" noodles with prawns and local greens.

“Wellness is at the heart of every meal at Yitong,” said Javier Gimeno, General Manager of Meliá Pattaya Hotel. “We focus on providing nourishing experiences while preserving the integrity of ingredients through methods like steaming and stir-frying that support health.”

Yitong also brings innovation to its beverage offerings. Signature cocktails such as "Kuaile De" (gin, goji berry, lemon, cava) and "Tian De" (Campari, ginseng, Chinese liquor) showcase traditional ingredients with a creative twist. For non-alcoholic options, mocktails like "Year of the Snake" with kiwi, ginger, and pear juice, and "Chinese NY Rita" with yuzu and goji berry syrup offer refreshing wellness-focused alternatives.

With its fusion of mindful dining, visual elegance, and panoramic views, Yitong is set to become a new culinary highlight in Pattaya’s vibrant hospitality scene.

Atmosphere Core continues its international expansion with the signing of its first resort in Nepal, Aarunya Nature Resort by Atmosphere, located in the peaceful valleys of Banepa, just outside Kathmandu. This move strengthens the group's vision of becoming a leading brand in the niche ‘inspiring destinations’ segment and marks another milestone in its growing global footprint.

Set to open in Q4 2025, Aarunya Nature Resort is being developed in partnership with Lost Horizon Jungle Resort Limited. The resort will reflect Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts' philosophy of heartfelt hospitality and curated brand experiences in one of South Asia’s most beautiful landscapes. Perched at 5,000 feet above sea level, Banepa is an ancient town in Nepal’s Bagmati Province, surrounded by misty hills, sacred trails, and offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including glimpses of Mount Everest on clear days.

Commenting on the expansion, Mr. Salil Panigrahi, Group Managing Director of Atmosphere Core, said, “Nepal is fast emerging as a key destination in South Asia’s luxury hospitality landscape, and travellers are increasingly seeking immersive, offbeat destinations. With properties coming up in Maldives, India, and Sri Lanka, Aarunya Nature Resort is a natural next step. Our distinctive Holiday Plan concept opens up destinations once reserved for the global elite. It’s about making these spaces more accessible without compromising on authenticity. Aarunya Nature Resort by Atmosphere is more than a resort, it’s a way to truly experience Nepal, its stories, its rituals, its generous spirit.”

The 25-acre resort will feature 51 thoughtfully designed cottages and suites, each offering panoramic Himalayan views through expansive windows and warm, inviting interiors. Every aspect, from the architecture to the locally inspired menus, will reflect the rich character of the Kathmandu Valley. Guests will have access to curated dining options across two restaurants, including an all-day dining venue with alfresco spaces and a specialty restaurant highlighting Asian and Nepali cuisine.

The resort will also house a wellness sanctuary by ELE|NA, Atmosphere Core’s award-winning wellness brand. Designed as a peaceful space for rest and renewal, it will offer a blend of traditional therapies and modern wellness practices amidst the quiet beauty of the valley. Guests can explore a wide range of recreational experiences such as nature walks, cultural immersions, and family-friendly activities. A swimming pool and a dedicated kids’ club will also be part of the amenities, ensuring memorable stays for families, solo travellers, and groups alike.

Mr. Gyanendra Lal Pradhan, Chairman of Lost Horizon Jungle Resort Limited, shared, “Partnering with Atmosphere Core is a natural fit. Their approach to hospitality is both grounded in global service standards and elevated by unique experiences – exactly what we envisioned for Aarunya. Surrounded by cultural treasures and iconic trails, like the path to the Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery in Namobuddha, Banepa is emerging as a mindful luxury destination. It blends history, spirituality, and natural beauty in a way that few places can. We’re proud to be shaping something special here, together.”

In March 2010, an injured Olive Ridley turtle named Oceane sparked the beginning of an extraordinary journey of conservation at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives. This turtle’s rescue and rehabilitation marked the inception of one of the longest and most successful turtle rehabilitation programs in the Indian Ocean.

The journey began with the simple yet impactful act of providing care for Oceane, a female turtle found in urgent need of help. Her recovery was made possible with the limited resources available at the time, but soon after, the success of the program encouraged further developments. In 2011, thanks to a generous donation from a guest, a dedicated turtle pool was built, and in collaboration with the Reefscapers organization, the Maldivian Sea Turtle Conservation Programme (MSTCP) was established, marking the opening of the first turtle rehabilitation center at Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru.

Over the past 15 years, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives has rehabilitated more than 500 sea turtles, releasing over 280 back into the wild. Significant advancements during this time include the creation of an ocean enclosure, the development of prosthetic flippers, the introduction of satellite tagging, and the arrival of on-site veterinarians and upgraded medical facilities. Today, the program has a specialized team capable of performing complex surgeries with the help of cutting-edge technology like endoscopes, underwater ultrasound scanners, and laser therapy machines.

Highlights of the 15-Year Turtle Rehabilitation Program:

The Flying Turtles

In 2016, the “Flying Turtles” program was introduced to provide a permanent home for turtles that couldn’t be released due to injuries, such as missing flippers or buoyancy problems. Six turtles have been rehomed to international oceanariums and marine centers where they serve as ambassadors for their species. One notable story is that of Peggy, an amputee turtle who learned to dive again while living in an oceanarium in Belgium. In 2019, Peggy made a remarkable 5,700 km journey back to the Maldives, ultimately returning to her native grounds in India.

Innovative Educational Programs

Four Seasons Resorts Maldives is committed to inspiring the next generation of marine conservationists. At Kuda Huraa, the Junior Marine Savers initiative allows young adventurers to assist with turtle care and learn about global conservation efforts. Additionally, Landaa Giraavaru offers a Marine Biology internship and a Trainee Marine Biologist program that introduces teenagers to the world of marine life through hands-on experiences. Many of the program's participants have gone on to pursue biology at university.

Prosthetic Limbs for Trooper

In February 2018, a juvenile Olive Ridley turtle named Trooper was rescued after being severely injured by ghost nets. After losing both front flippers, Trooper was fitted with innovative 3D-printed prosthetic flippers, thanks to a groundbreaking collaboration between marine conservationists and technology experts. Trooper’s story became a symbol of hope for the future of turtle prosthetics, even though he passed away in 2019 despite the best efforts of the care team.

Armando Kraenzlin, Regional Vice President and General Manager at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives, shares his thoughts: “It’s been an incredible fifteen years of turtle-based learning, growth, and unforgettable moments. We’re excited to continue collaborating with international oceanariums and marine centers to raise awareness and help give turtles who cannot be released a place to call home. Our Flying Turtles serve as ambassadors for the ocean, spreading a message of hope worldwide.”

For those inspired to take action, the Turtle Team at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives advocates for simple lifestyle changes, such as avoiding single-use plastics and choosing sustainable seafood. Ghost nets, which drift into the Maldives from other countries, remain one of the biggest threats to turtles, making advocacy for sustainably caught fish essential in protecting sea turtles everywhere.