Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass Wins Forbes Five-Star Awar

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass Earns Forbes Five-Star Honors for Kai and Aji Spa

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 24, 2025

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass continues to shine in the luxury hospitality scene, with both Kai Restaurant and Aji Spa receiving Forbes Travel Guide’s prestigious Five-Star rating in the 2025 Star Awards. The resort itself maintains its Recommended status, reaffirming its excellence in service and cultural authenticity.

This marks the 17th consecutive Five-Star win for Kai, solidifying its place as the only restaurant in Arizona with this distinction. Additionally, Aji Spa earns its sixth Five-Star rating, recognizing its commitment to providing a unique Native American-inspired wellness experience.

A Legacy of Excellence

Located on the Gila River Indian Community in Phoenix, Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is renowned for its deep connection to indigenous heritage. The resort’s recent multi-million-dollar renovation has further elevated its luxurious offerings, while maintaining its commitment to cultural authenticity.

Expressing his pride, Bunty Ahamed, General Manager, Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, shared:
"Receiving Five-Star recognition from Forbes Travel Guide once again for Aji Spa, and for the seventeenth consecutive year for Kai, is an incredible honor. Our commitment to providing every guest with a personalized and exceptional experience is unwavering, and these accolades are a testament to our team’s outstanding efforts."

Kai: Arizona’s Culinary Crown Jewel

With only 79 restaurants worldwide receiving a Five-Star rating this year, Kai’s achievement is particularly remarkable. A James Beard 2025 semifinalist in the Outstanding Hospitality category, Kai merges contemporary flavors with time-honored Native American culinary traditions, featuring locally farmed ingredients from the Gila River Indian Community.

Aji Spa: An Authentic Native Sanctuary

Aji Spa, meaning "sanctuary" in the Pima language, provides a holistic wellness experience deeply rooted in the traditions of the Pima and Maricopa tribes. Offering signature Indigenous treatments curated by Cultural Caretakers, the spa reflects the area’s rich history through art, architecture, and storytelling.

A Resort Steeped in Heritage

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is more than a luxury resort—it is a living representation of Native American culture, offering:

36 holes of championship golf at Whirlwind Golf Club
Guided equestrian experiences through the 1,000-acre Koli Equestrian Center
Four swimming pools and a waterslide inspired by ancient ruins
Water activities along the scenic Gila River

Maintaining its Recommended status in 2025, the resort meets Forbes’ rigorous 900-point evaluation, ensuring world-class service and hospitality.

As Forbes Travel Guide’s esteemed Five-Star list continues to set the global benchmark for luxury, Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass proudly represents Arizona with its unparalleled culinary, wellness, and cultural experiences.

Fusion Celebrates Vietnam’s National Day With Festive Experiences

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 25, 2026

Fusion Hotel Group is bringing together festive offers, wellness experiences and cultural activities to mark Vietnam’s National Day on Sept. 2, with celebrations planned across its properties in Southeast Asia.

Members of the Fusionlife loyalty program can enjoy up to 25% off accommodation, spa treatments and dining at participating properties across Da Nang, Hue, Quy Nhon, Cam Ranh, Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau and Binh Duong, along with hotels in Bangkok and Phuket. Travelers can register online for Fusionlife membership to access the benefits.

At Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang, guests can take part in wellness sessions including meditation, yoga and sound healing. At Char Grill House, the resort’s award-winning onsite restaurant, the beachside bar will offer a 1-for-1 cocktail promotion from 5pm to 6pm.

Families can also enjoy Vietnamese-themed activities for children aged 4 to 12. The program includes making paper flags, creating keychains inspired by the national flag, decorating traditional conical hats and flying kites by the beach. In Hue, guests can combine the National Day break with visits to the Imperial City and Thien Mu Pagoda. The city will also host the Hue Wonderverse Music Fest 2026 at the Central Sports Square from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1.

Guests staying at Grand Royal Riverside Hue – Fusion Collection can enjoy a BBQ buffet at The Garden Restaurant from 6:30pm to 9pm. Guests checking in on Sept. 2 will also receive a complimentary drink decorated with the Vietnamese national flag.

At Fusion Resort Cam Ranh, guests can explore Bai Dai Beach while enjoying the resort’s wellness experiences and all-day breakfast, served either by the pool or in the privacy of their villa. A visit to Fusion Farm also gives guests the chance to collect fresh eggs and harvest seasonal produce.

For the evening, the resort’s BBQ buffet brings together grilled seafood such as locally caught oysters, prawns and fish, along with traditional pastries filled with seafood. The menu combines international flavors with local specialities for a relaxed holiday dining experience. At The Ocean Resort by Fusion Quy Nhon, guests can enjoy the central pool and private beach from Aug. 29 to Sept. 3. Pool & Beach Sips will be available daily from 4pm to 6pm.

The Kids’ Club will also host activities on Sept. 2, including making cards for parents, coloring Vietnamese landmarks and creating red flags featuring the iconic yellow star. On August 31, MIXE Restaurant will host a buffet with a “Dine 4, Pay 3” offer. In Ho Chi Minh City, Fusion Original Saigon Centre provides a central base for travelers exploring the city during the National Day holiday. On Sept. 2, Miss Thu, the hotel’s refined restaurant on the 24th floor, will host “A Toast to Vietnam” from 7pm to 10pm. Guests can enjoy curated bites along with 15% off à la carte dishes.

At Fusion Suites Vung Tau, the “Proud to be Vietnamese” program will run from Aug. 29 to Sept. 2. Guests wearing clothing featuring the Vietnamese national flag can receive a complimentary pastry when purchasing any drink at ROAST Café.

Guests booking directly through the hotel website can also receive up to 35% off room rates, along with an additional 12% Fusionlife member benefit and exclusive privileges during their stay.

Meanwhile, HIIVE by fusion Binh Duong New City offers a relaxed stay surrounded by greenery, with an outdoor pool for guests to unwind. At Zest Restaurant, the new menu brings together Asian-inspired flavors with a fusion approach, including Singaporean and Malaysian-inspired dim sum alongside local favourites such as crab soup. With a mix of festive dining, wellness, family activities and local cultural experiences, Fusion’s National Day program offers travelers different ways to enjoy the holiday across Vietnam.

Singapore Plans Tax and Visa Incentives to Strengthen Fund Sector

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 24, 2026

Singapore is planning a fresh set of tax and visa incentives to strengthen its asset management industry and stay competitive with Hong Kong. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the finance ministry will introduce tax exemptions on investment profits earned by fund managers managing certain funds, including single family offices.

The government also plans to make it easier for investment professionals to access Singapore's Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass, which is valid for up to five years before renewal and allows holders to work for multiple companies.

More details on the planned tax measures are expected to be announced in the 2027 budget. MAS will also support hedge funds that are committed to establishing or expanding their presence in Singapore through an investment programme.

The move comes as competition between Singapore and Hong Kong, two of Asia's major financial centres, continues to grow. Hong Kong is also working on expanding tax-free carried-interest measures to a wider range of fund houses and individual fund managers, aiming to attract more investment funds and financial talent.

The developments have raised concerns among Singapore-based funds that the growing tax gap could make Hong Kong more attractive to investment professionals. The Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) had warned MAS in July that Hong Kong's proposed tax benefits for individual fund managers could increase its appeal.

National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat, who is also deputy chairman of MAS, said it was important to provide the industry with clarity on the government's plans as companies consider where to locate and expand their businesses.

Kher Sheng Lee, AIMA's Asia-Pacific co-head, said the speed of Singapore's response had caught the attention of investors and added that the measures could strengthen the country's position in attracting managers, talent and capital.

MAS has also held discussions with hedge funds in recent months to understand their requirements and preferred tax rates. Singapore's asset management industry has grown at an average rate of 7.5% annually over the past five years, reaching nearly S$7 trillion, according to MAS data. The latest measures highlight Singapore's efforts to remain an attractive base for fund managers and investment professionals as competition with Hong Kong intensifies.

Qatar Airways Expands Starlink Wi-Fi Across 150 Widebody Aircraft

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 23, 2026

Qatar Airways has reached a new milestone in its onboard connectivity programme with 150 Starlink-equipped widebody aircraft, including the world’s first Starlink-equipped Boeing 787-9.

The airline has also completed the Starlink rollout across its Boeing 787-8 sub-fleet in seven months, with more than half of its Boeing 787 fleet now equipped with the technology. Qatar Airways remains on track to complete the rollout across its Boeing 787 fleet by the end of 2026.

The latest milestone follows the airline’s earlier rollout across its Boeing 777 fleet in nine months and Airbus A350 fleet in eight months. Qatar Airways now operates Starlink-equipped Boeing 777, Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 fleets, making it the world’s first and largest Starlink-equipped widebody fleet.

Starlink Wi-Fi on Qatar Airways can offer speeds of up to 500 Mbps, allowing passengers to stay connected while travelling. The service gives travellers the option to work, stay in touch with family and friends or enjoy online entertainment during their journey.

Qatar Airways was also the first airline to offer Starlink connectivity on long-haul and ultra-long-haul routes across six continents. Complimentary gate-to-gate Starlink Wi-Fi is being made available across more journeys on the airline’s global network, covering destinations across the Americas, Australasia, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Since Starlink connectivity was introduced onboard in October 2024, more than 23 million passengers have used the service across over 86,000 Qatar Airways flights.

The airline’s Starlink installation programme has now crossed 83 per cent completion, with up to 323 Starlink-equipped flights operating daily. The expansion is aimed at making fast and reliable onboard connectivity a more regular part of the passenger experience. Passengers can access complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi throughout their journey through seamless Privilege Club membership authentication or enrolment.

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Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass Earns Forbes Five-Star Honors for Kai and Aji Spa

A Legacy of Excellence

Kai: Arizona’s Culinary Crown Jewel

Aji Spa: An Authentic Native Sanctuary

A Resort Steeped in Heritage

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Fusion Celebrates Vietnam’s National Day With Festive Experiences

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Singapore Plans Tax and Visa Incentives to Strengthen Fund Sector

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Qatar Airways Expands Starlink Wi-Fi Across 150 Widebody Aircraft

Most Read In News