Zostel, India’s largest community-led backpacker hostel brand, has announced its entry into the international market with the launch of Zostel Phuket, Thailand, its 100th property and first overseas destination. This milestone marks a defining moment in the brand’s journey from a homegrown travel movement to a global hospitality player.

Since its inception, Zostel has been synonymous with social, affordable, and experience-led travel for young explorers. Its expansion into Thailand not only celebrates its numerical achievement but also reflects the brand’s evolving philosophy, that travel is about connection, community, and shared experiences.

Located in the heart of Phuket, the new hostel captures Zostel’s signature design ethos of fostering creativity and belonging. With vibrant lounges, a courtyard café, and relaxed social zones, Zostel Phuket invites travellers to mingle, collaborate, and discover while embracing the island’s laid-back tropical energy.

Speaking on the launch, Aviral Gupta, CEO at Zo World, said, “Zostel Phuket is not just our 100th property, it’s our first footprint in a world without borders. This milestone reflects our vision of uniting people and cultures through travel. Over the next 12 months, we’re excited to take this movement deeper into Southeast Asia, with new Zostels lined up across Thailand, including Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Koh Phangan and further expansions planned in Bali, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka.”

Zostel’s global push comes as part of the Zo World ecosystem, which is scaling across multiple travel and lifestyle verticals. Alongside Zostel’s hostels, the company is expanding Zo Trips across Europe and Asia, developing Zo House San Francisco in the United States, and growing Zo Villas across key leisure destinations.

These initiatives collectively aim to create a borderless travel network, connecting people, places, and cultures through purpose and community. For Zostel, reaching 100 hostels is not merely a number but a symbolic transformation, from being India’s backpacker pioneer to becoming a global connector of cultures.

As the festive spirit takes over, W Kuala Lumpur invites travellers to celebrate the magic of the season with ‘Made The List’, a curated collection of experiences designed to make every moment unforgettable. Perfectly located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur City Centre, the hotel offers postcard-perfect views of the Petronas Twin Towers, setting the stage for a year-end escape filled with indulgence and sophistication.

Crafted for the modern tastemaker, ‘Made The List’ goes beyond traditional getaways, blending luxury, culture, and creativity into every offering. From bold culinary journeys and inspired gifting to music-driven experiences and wellness indulgences, each detail reflects W’s signature blend of energy and elegance.

Guests can explore the Made The Guest List, which brings alive the festive vibe through a dynamic lineup of celebrations such as the lavish Sleigh The Eve Buffet and the indulgent Unwrapped Brunch. The Made The YEN List takes fine dining a step further, featuring Yum Cha at YEN, a curated weekend dim sum affair and XXO Indulgence, a private multi-course experience crafted by Chef Weng.

For those who seek rejuvenation, Made The Spa List at AWAY Spa and Made The Feel-Good List, offering a Hi-Tea edition and Café Pop-Up with Veuve Clicquot, promise a perfect balance of wellness and celebration. Meanwhile, Made The Gift List presents a handpicked range of festive treasures, ideal for thoughtful gifting or self-indulgence.

Speaking on the season’s offerings, Mr. Volker Burth, General Manager of W Kuala Lumpur, shared, “At W Kuala Lumpur, we design experiences that spark connection, celebration, and unforgettable moments. This festive season, we’re raising the bar with curated packages that blend bold luxury, cultural richness, and the electric energy W is known for. Inspired by the vibrant Indian spirit of togetherness and celebration, each experience is crafted to unite, delight, and immerse our guests in moments worth remembering.”

For nightlife enthusiasts, Made The It List brings high-energy music experiences and sound activations that define the city’s festive scene. Guests can also discover Made The Stay List, designed for those looking to celebrate in spectacular style. The Celebrate In Spectacular Style package includes a rejuvenating 60-minute treatment at AWAY Spa, cocktails and canapés at the Living Room, entry to signature festive celebrations, and access to the WET Deck Countdown Party. Each stay is complemented by an in-room turndown ritual featuring decadent desserts and W’s signature scent.

For those seeking a luxurious year-end reset, Sparkle In The Sky offers a 3-day, 2-night stay complete with daily breakfast for two, festive dining at FLOCK, access to the Festive Café at Living Room, and exclusive amenities that promise rejuvenation and renewal.

With Made The List, W Kuala Lumpur redefines the art of festive living, where every celebration feels extraordinary, every stay is boldly luxurious, and every guest leaves with memories that shine long after the season ends.

For reservations and enquiries, email reservations.wkualalumpur@whotels.com.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic luxury heritage hotels, is celebrating its 96th anniversary this month with a grand charity gala and an inspiring art exhibition that honours young Cambodian creativity.

The hotel will host a charity gala dinner and art auction on November 24 at its award-winning Restaurant Le Royal. The evening will feature a gourmet three-course dinner with fine wines and a live auction of artworks created by children from Sunrise Cambodia, a local non-profit organisation supporting underprivileged children. All proceeds from the event will contribute to Sunrise Cambodia’s educational and welfare initiatives. Tickets are priced at $96 for two persons, and the event begins at 6 p.m.

Earlier this month, Raffles Hotel Le Royal unveiled a heartfelt art exhibition titled “I Spy – The Magic of Raffles”, encouraging guests to explore the timeless beauty and cultural heritage of the hotel through the eyes of Cambodian youth. The exhibited artworks, created by the children of Sunrise Cambodia, will also be part of the upcoming auction.

Dagmar Lyons, General Manager of Raffles Hotel Le Royal, said, “Through the eyes of Cambodia’s youth, this unique art project captures not just the beauty of our historic hotel, but also the essence of heritage, imagination and hope.”

The initiative involved 25 children from Sunrise Cambodia who participated in an art competition under the guidance of celebrated Cambodian artist Chhim Sothy, with support from artists Li Ming Hang and Emmeline Mulder. Their creative expressions of “The Magic of Raffles” reflect both artistic curiosity and cultural pride. On Children’s Day, five of the best artworks were selected and turned into limited-edition postcards, available at the Raffles Boutique, with proceeds going to Sunrise Cambodia’s creative education programs.

The 96th anniversary celebrations also coincide with Raffles Hotel Le Royal receiving the Green Globe Certification for the second consecutive year, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable hospitality practices. The certification recognises the hotel’s excellence in energy efficiency, waste reduction, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

The Green Globe programme, founded after the 1992 United Nations Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, remains the world’s leading sustainability certification for tourism and hospitality. It evaluates hotels on 44 criteria across four categories, supported by over 380 indicators.

As Raffles Hotel Le Royal celebrates nearly a century of timeless elegance, community engagement, and sustainable innovation, it continues to serve as a beacon of Cambodia’s cultural and environmental legacy.