VGC Tickles Tastebuds as Central Vietnam Gains Global Foodie Recognition

VGC Tickles Tastebuds as Central Vietnam Gains Global Foodie Recognition

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 21, 2025

Central Vietnam is cooking up a storm in the global culinary scene, and Vietnam Golf Coast (VGC) clubs are at the heart of the action. With the arrival of MICHELIN Guide inspectors in Da Nang, the region has officially joined Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City as one of Vietnam’s premier gourmet hubs.

Long known for its diverse culinary offerings, Central Vietnam tempts visitors with an irresistible mix of iconic Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh mi, alongside regional specialties such as mi Quang (turmeric rice noodles with shrimp and pork), bun cha ca (fishcake noodle soup), banh xeo (Vietnamese crepe), and congee with braised duck. Fresh seafood, sourced daily from local waters, remains a standout attraction for food lovers.

Adding a touch of fine dining excellence to the mix is La Maison 1888, a one-Michelin-starred French restaurant in Da Nang that continues to attract gourmands from across the world.

Gourmet Experiences at Vietnam Golf Coast Clubs

VGC clubs have embraced this culinary renaissance, ensuring visitors enjoy a world-class golf and dining experience.

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  • Laguna Golf Lang Co offers ten diverse restaurants, ranging from Mediterranean delights at Azura to traditional Vietnamese flavors at The Water Court and refined Thai cuisine at Saffron, perched on a hilltop with panoramic sea views. The resort’s 67 Bar, located within an alfresco clubhouse, provides the perfect spot to unwind post-game with crafted cocktails and stunning golf course views.

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  • Montgomerie Links elevates the golf experience with Birdies, an acclaimed restaurant blending East-meets-West flavors. The menu features seasonal dishes crafted with the finest local ingredients, ensuring every visit is a fresh and exciting culinary journey.

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  • Ba Na Hills Golf Club takes pride in its clubhouse restaurant, serving everything from Vietnamese specialties to Korean and Western dishes, catering to international visitors. The club’s culinary reputation was cemented when it won the 2024 Vietnam Golf & Leisure Award for Best F&B Course. Located near the renowned BaNa Brewhouse, golfers can enjoy a refreshing SunKraftbeer after a round.

Beyond the Golf Clubs: A Culinary Odyssey

The culinary magic extends to the region’s historical cities as well. In Hoi An, visitors can indulge in cao lau and white rose dumplings, while Hue’s imperial cuisine, featuring bun bo Hue, reflects its royal heritage. These flavors, steeped in tradition yet evolving with modern influences, ensure that Central Vietnam remains a dream destination for food lovers and golf enthusiasts alike.

With MICHELIN recognition, world-class dining, and elite golf facilities, Central Vietnam is teeing up an experience that’s as delicious as it is unforgettable.


Canberra: A Slow, Family-First Escape for Indian Travellers

Canberra: A Slow, Family-First Escape for Indian Travellers

By Hariharan U

Published on January 23, 2026

As Indian travellers move away from hurried itineraries and packed sightseeing schedules, destinations that offer space, calm and shared experiences are gaining popularity. Canberra, recently ranked among the world’s most relaxing cities to live in for 2026, fits seamlessly into this evolving travel mindset. Known for its unhurried rhythm, clean spaces and easy navigation, the city offers Indian families the chance to slow down and truly reconnect.

Multi-generational travel is fast becoming a defining trend for Indian holidays. Parents, grandparents and children are now travelling together, seeking destinations that balance comfort, safety and meaningful engagement. With a growing number of Indian millennials choosing family trips and skip-generation holidays on the rise, the need for inclusive destinations has never been stronger. Canberra stands out by offering exactly that balance.

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Blending culture, nature and accessibility, Canberra welcomes visitors of all ages. Iconic landmarks such as the Australian Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia and the National Museum of Australia provide enriching experiences without the rush of crowded tourist hubs. Open spaces like the Australian National Botanical Gardens and the National Arboretum Canberra offer peaceful settings for relaxed walks and family picnics.

Nature lovers can explore Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Namadgi National Park, where gentle trails, wildlife spotting and scenic drives cater to different energy levels. While grandparents enjoy lakeside strolls and quiet moments, children can run free in green parks or engage with nearby interactive spaces.

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For young explorers, Canberra offers playful learning experiences that keep curiosity alive. Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre features over 200 hands-on exhibits, making science engaging for all ages. Cockington Green Gardens adds charm with its miniature landmarks and steam train rides, while the National Zoo & Aquarium offers close encounters with wildlife. Lake Burley Griffin remains a favourite for families, whether through relaxed boating, paddleboarding or simply soaking in the scenery.

Couples seeking a quieter, romantic escape also find Canberra appealing. From sunrise balloon flights to leisurely lakeside walks, the city encourages unhurried moments. Café hopping, gallery visits and award-winning dining experiences at places like Pialligo Estate, Beltana Farm and Lunetta add to the city’s understated charm. Evenings often end with intimate conversations over a drink at cosy bars such as Molly or Bar Rochford.

Whether it is a child’s first international holiday, a relaxed trip for grandparents, or a couple’s slow travel escape, Canberra adapts effortlessly to every phase of life. Its welcoming atmosphere, thoughtful infrastructure and gentle pace make it especially appealing to Indian families seeking comfort and connection.

As multi-generational travel continues to shape Indian tourism choices, Canberra is steadily emerging as a destination that feels both refreshing and familiar, a city designed for every generation.


The Hari Hong Kong Marks Valentine’s Day with ‘The Love Chapter’

The Hari Hong Kong Marks Valentine’s Day with ‘The Love Chapter’

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 23, 2026

The Hari Hong Kong is set to welcome Valentine’s Day with ‘The Love Chapter’, a specially designed romantic experience that brings together elegant stays, curated dining, and meaningful moments for couples. Located on Lockhart Road in the vibrant neighbourhood of Wan Chai, the 30-storey hotel offers a refined yet intimate setting for celebrating love.

At the centre of the experience is ‘The Love Chapter’ stay package, which includes accommodation in one of the hotel’s luxurious rooms or suites along with daily breakfast for two. Couples are welcomed with a bottle of Prosecco and a chocolate strawberry bouquet, setting the tone for a relaxed and romantic stay. The package also features The Hari Afternoon Tea for two at The Lounge or The Terrace, an hour-long couple’s yoga session at The Terrace on February 15 this year, a 15% F&B discount at Lucciola and Zoku & Terrace, as well as early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability.

Available for stays from February 10-14, 2026, the package is offered at a special price per night. Guests can enjoy rooms and suites designed by renowned interior designer Tara Bernerd, with sweeping views of Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, The Peak, and Victoria Harbour. The interiors blend warmth and elegance through timber panelling, natural linen wallpaper, plush velvet upholstery, and distinctive art pieces. Bedrooms are thoughtfully separated from marble bathrooms by brass Crittall doors, adding a refined touch to the overall experience.

Dining plays a key role in The Hari Hong Kong’s Valentine’s Day celebrations. Authentic Italian ristorante Lucciola and contemporary Japanese restaurant Zoku will each host Valentine’s Day dinners on Saturday February 14, with two intimate seatings from 6-8pm and 8:30-10:30pm. The Terrace, an alfresco terrace bar framed by greenery, and The Lounge, a relaxed sitting area filled with art and books, will also present Valentine’s Day menus.

Lucciola’s Valentine’s Day set dinner menus begin with a ‘Crudo di Mare’ starter featuring freshly shucked oyster, tiger prawn, Alaskan king crab leg, black mussels, and veraci clam. Main course options include dishes such as ‘Il Filetto di Manzo al Pepe Verde’ with Australian beef tenderloin, mash potato, caramelized onions, Madagascar green pepper sauce, and rose petals, as well as ‘Carnaroli Risotto Rucola, Fragole e Balsamico’ prepared with seven-year-aged Carnaroli risotto, Modena aged balsamic vinegar, daisy flowers, and strawberries. The experience concludes with a blackberry lavender cheesecake, with the set menus available at a special price and inclusive of coffee or tea.

Zoku’s Valentine’s Day menus open with a moriwase sashimi platter showcasing premium seasonal fish and seafood, with an optional half dozen fresh seasonal oysters available at an additional price. Appetiser choices include ‘sous-vide monkfish liver, hana hojiso’ or ‘snow crab, uni and tofu’. For mains, diners can choose from five options such as ‘Uroko yaki’ featuring grilled amadai, cauliflower, sweet potato, yuzu espuma, and kiku flower, or ‘Yuzu Kousho Butaniku’ with pork pluma, bell pepper, morel mushroom, and rose flower. The set menus, inclusive of coffee or tea, finish with a dark chocolate mousse cake accented with blackberry and daisy flower.

The Terrace and The Lounge will also serve indulgent Valentine’s Day treats described as “guilty pleasures”, including blueberry and lavender cheesecake, along with a white and dark chocolate strawberry bouquet paired with a glass of Perrier Jouet Grand Brut Champagne. Across all four dining venues, guests can enjoy a wide selection of cocktails, wines, sweet wines, and bubbles.

With ‘The Love Chapter’, The Hari Hong Kong brings together thoughtful hospitality, elegant dining, and calm experiences, offering couples a well-rounded and memorable way to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

For more information and bookings, visit https://www.thehari.com/hong-kong/.


A Second ‘I Do’ in Paradise: THE OZEN COLLECTION Celebrates Love This Valentine’s Day

A Second ‘I Do’ in Paradise: THE OZEN COLLECTION Celebrates Love This Valentine’s Day

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 22, 2026

Among the most sought-after destinations of 2026, the Maldives continues to hold a special place for couples drawn to privacy, natural beauty, and moments that feel deeply personal. For many Indian travellers, it has long symbolised romance and the joy of celebrating life’s most meaningful milestones. This Valentine’s Day, THE OZEN COLLECTION invites couples to honour love through intimate vow renewal ceremonies and bespoke romantic experiences across its island resorts.

Designed as a heartfelt reaffirmation of commitment and togetherness, these experiences allow couples to turn a holiday into a lasting memory. From a Vow Renewal Ceremony by the shore at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI to a Private Beach Proposal at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, each moment is thoughtfully created to feel unhurried and personal, set against the natural beauty of the Maldives.

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At OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, romance is redefined through secluded settings and carefully curated details. Couples can renew their vows at the overwater Wedding Pavilion or along the shoreline, accompanied by the gentle rhythm of Bodu beru drums. The ceremony is followed by a cake-cutting ritual and a champagne toast, allowing couples to savour the moment. Beyond the ceremony, the experience extends to in-villa floating breakfasts, private sunset yacht cruises with champagne and canapés, and Dine by Design evenings, whether under the stars or through a curated set menu. Reservations can be made via reservations@ozenreserve-bolifushi.com.

At OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, vow renewals unfold beneath a handcrafted palm arch adorned with tropical blooms, set to Bodu beru rhythms as the sun sets over the shore. Celebrations continue with a champagne toast and cake-cutting ceremony, followed by options such as a four-course beach dinner, a villa bubble bath, or a Valentine’s gala dinner at THE PALMS. For a more intimate experience, M6M offers a limited five-course dining experience for select couples, complete with thoughtful surprises.

The resort also caters to couples ready to take the next step with a private beach proposal experience. Set beneath a starlit sky, the evening features exclusive beachfront dining in a secluded location, enhanced by sunken seating and soft ambient lighting. Reservations can be made via reservations@ozen-maadhoo.com.

For travellers seeking a meaningful way to celebrate love, the Maldives remains an enduring favourite. This Valentine’s Day, THE OZEN COLLECTION offers couples the chance to quietly reaffirm their bond in settings designed for moments that truly matter.

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