As Vietnam and Mexico mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has added a meaningful tribute to their shared history. On May 30, the iconic Hanoi hotel unveiled a commemorative plaque to honor its role as the site of Mexico’s first embassy in Vietnam between 1976 and the early 1980s.

The plaque was installed at Room 215, the former location of the Mexican Embassy, during a special ceremony attended by dignitaries and representatives from both nations. This unveiling is part of a broader initiative by the Mexican Embassy in Vietnam to strengthen cultural diplomacy and friendship.

“This gesture not only celebrates the past but also reaffirms our shared values of respect, collaboration and cultural understanding,” said George Koumendakos, General Manager of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.

“It reflects the early presence of Mexican diplomacy in Hanoi and the values of friendship, solidarity and mutual respect that have guided our relationship ever since,” added Ambassador Alejandro Negrin of Mexico to Vietnam.

The hotel, which was then known as the Reunification Hotel, served as the diplomatic home for Mexico during a formative time in bilateral relations. The occasion serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted connections between the two nations and Metropole’s unique role in history.

To celebrate this legacy, the hotel has also revived its “Mexican Culinary Fiesta” at angelina, its signature cocktail bar and restaurant. Running from May 16 to June 15, this food and beverage experience brings a taste of Mexico to Hanoi with authentic cuisine, UNESCO-recognized culinary traditions, and bespoke tequila cocktails created by in-house mixologists.

Located in the heart of Hanoi since 1901, the Metropole is no stranger to history. The hotel has long hosted luminaries, statesmen, and cultural icons, and its 358 rooms—across the Heritage Wing and Opera Wing—combine French elegance with Vietnamese charm. Dining experiences here span from fine French fare at Le Beaulieu to local flavors at Spice Garden, Parisian street vibes at La Terrasse, and indulgent cocktails at Le Club Bar and Bamboo Bar.

This commemorative gesture and cultural celebration continue to highlight Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi’s role as a living symbol of international friendship and refined hospitality.

Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives has partnered with Essens Spa to introduce a transformative wellness sanctuary designed for guests of all ages. Nestled among lush tropical greenery and serene beachfront surroundings, the newly launched Essens Spa brings together Maldivian healing traditions and modern wellness techniques to offer a rejuvenating experience for adults, teens, and children alike.

The spa features a variety of holistic treatments that nourish the mind, body, and soul. From signature spa rituals and detox sessions to yoga, salon services, and therapies for young guests, every element is thoughtfully curated for a complete wellness journey.

“We are thrilled to partner with Essens Spa to enhance the wellness experience for our guests,” said Ram Bhoyroo, General Manager of Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives. “Essens Spa brings together family-friendly treatments, modern techniques, and the timeless beauty of Maldivian wellness, offering something for everyone—from adults seeking relaxation to teens and children discovering the joys of wellbeing.”

The spa's signature experience, the Essens Spa Journey, is a 150-minute indulgence that includes a coconut scrub, full-body massage, traditional haircare ritual, and a coconut milk bath, all using locally sourced ingredients. For children, the Kids Spa Experience introduces wellness in a playful, soothing environment, while teen treatments focus on youthful skin, body development, and emotional balance.

Essens Spa also stands out as the only spa in the Maldives' premium segment to offer ELEMIS BIOTEC facials, incorporating advanced skincare technology like ultrasonic peels, microcurrent sculpting, and LED light therapy.

In addition to these, the spa provides Ayurvedic therapies, couples’ massages, and salon services such as haircuts, styling, and nourishing hair treatments. A highlight among its offerings is the Healing Touch Massage, which uses warm Maldivian sand compresses for a deeply restorative experience.

With its family-friendly philosophy, innovative services, and soulful hospitality, Essens Spa is more than just a spa—it’s a serene retreat that helps guests reconnect with themselves and nature, offering beauty, balance, and wellbeing for everyone.

In a bold step toward environmental protection, Hawaii’s governor Josh Green has signed a new legislation introducing a climate change tax on hotel rooms and vacation rentals. Effective from January 1, the additional tax aims to generate nearly $100 million annually to support efforts like shoreline protection, wildfire prevention, and reducing tourism’s impact on the environment.

This makes Hawaii the first U.S. state to implement a tax specifically for addressing the effects of climate change. The move follows the devastating Maui wildfire nearly two years ago that claimed 102 lives and destroyed most of Lahaina town.

The new law will add 0.75% to the existing 10.25% tax on short-term accommodations, bringing the total to 11%. Combined with other state and county taxes, tourists could pay up to 19% in accommodation taxes—among the highest in the country. Additionally, starting July 2026, cruise ships will face a new 11% tax, prorated by their stay in Hawaii ports.

Funds collected will be used for crucial projects such as replenishing Waikiki’s eroding beaches, promoting safer infrastructure with hurricane clips, and removing flammable invasive grasses. The money will also support protecting native forests and enhancing climate resilience.

Governor Green emphasized that more firebreaks and a newly created fire marshal position are needed as part of Hawaii’s climate response. “There will be no way to deal with these crises without some forward-thinking mechanism,” he said.

Though the original proposal sought a dedicated climate fund, lawmakers agreed to place the money in the state’s general fund, with a commitment that it will be allocated toward key environmental and tourism-related initiatives.

State Rep. Adrian Tam, chair of the House tourism committee, highlighted the urgency: “The visitor industry will struggle if we do not take action now. There will be nothing left for them to showcase to the rest of the world if our beaches are decimated, wildfires have taken over our towns and hikes left unmanaged.”

Despite the higher costs for travelers, Hawaii’s hotel industry supported the tax, recognizing its long-term value for both the environment and the overall visitor experience.