If you love travelling (like us!), you’ll love looking at new hotels or destinations in between trips. The good news? There are plenty of new resorts and hotel updates to check out for your next getaway. We also have hotel deals here in Singapore, for your next staycation fix!
3 Travel Insurance Tips
Whether you’re a traveller who plans every minute of a trip or someone who tends to go with the flow, you can’t rule out sudden mishaps or illness. In these moments (or for peace of mind), a comprehensive travel insurance plan is a must!
#1 Coverage
While policy details vary across plans, insurance should include travel cancellation insurance to protect you from financial loss, trip interruption coverage with reimbursement if sudden family issues or illnesses cut your trip short and medical insurance to cover your expenses for medical emergencies and illnesses during your time abroad. This extends to ensuring you have access to a global network of providers and healthcare services, emergency medical coverage and evacuation, trip cancellation, baggage delay and loss coverage.
#2 Comparing carriers
Aside from analysing the specific coverage, cost and benefits of the plan you’re interested in, you’ll want to make sure the insurance company can deliver you monetary protection if you were to need coverage for your travels. The best way to check this is through an AM Best ratings tool or asking an insurance broker’s professional opinion.
#3 Insurance brokers
When securing an insurance policy, there are two ways to do it: through an agent or through a broker like Pacific Prime. Going with a broker means you’re presented with a variety of insurance options to fit your needs and budget. An agent’s goal is to sell a package from their agency, however a broker’s aim is to help you secure the best insurance policy for your trip.
About Pacific Prime
Pacific Prime has over 20 years experience simplifying the insurance process and helping people compare options. With one of their insurance experts, you can get impartial advice about the insurance market and specific plans, and also assistance with any claims and administration issues. Book travel insurance before your trip and find out more at pacificprime.com.
A Sentosa Stay
If it’s been a while since your last visit to W Singapore – Sentosa Cove, now’s the ideal time to book a staycation, especially as the tropical island property has introduced new facilities and revamped spaces. WET Deck, for example, is now offering an exclusive day-pass-only area for guests – spend a sun-soaked day by the pool, grab a bite and sip on signature cocktails from morning till night. There will also be a line-up of live DJ performances, brand partnerships and exciting events to enjoy here.
The resort has also reopened its renowned restaurant SKIRT after an extensive renovation. Watch the chefs cook up a storm as you order premium cuts of meat, fresh seafood or wood-fired dishes from the new menu.
Finally, the resort’s main public space The Living Room has been transformed into the brand new luxury W Lounge. Relax in this bright space surrounded by nature-inspired design elements including eye-catching butterfly chandeliers or grab delicious coffee and pastries at the to-go counter.
Discover more about the resort’s spas, gyms and dining options at wsingaporesentosacove.com.
Amazing Adventures
If you love travel and nature, take a look at these upcoming intimate group tours by African Wildlife Safaris & Natural Focus, which delve into the most mesmerising places on our planet.
• In July 2024, explore Africa’s Okavango Delta by 4WD, enjoying traditional canoeing through sparkling waterways, a sunset cruise, elephant interactions and a visit to Victoria Falls. Each day you’ll return to a spacious luxury campsite.
• A tour to Zambia in August 2024 includes a safari during the peak wildlife viewing season where you’ll be off-the-beaten-track on game drives, walks and canoeing safaris to find lions, leopards, elephants, antelopes, hippos and crocodiles.
• Don’t miss a spot on a unique India tour in February 2025. This adventure mixes wildlife, history and culture as you search for the magnificent Bengal tiger in the wild. You’ll also visit the Taj Mahal, the pink city of Jaipur and more!
African Wildlife Safaris & Natural Focus offers a range of nature infused tours and tailor-made itineraries around the world. Find out more at africanwildlifesafaris.com.
Dreamy Japan
The new Nozo Hotel is officially fully open in Hokkaido’s powder-snow paradise of Furano. Offering Japanese hot baths and saunas, it’s just a three-minute walk from the famous skiing and snowboarding slopes in colder months, and picturesque biking, hiking and water-rafting spots for summer. There are bright, minimalist Superior and Deluxe rooms for two, and larger Family rooms and Junior suites, and you can enjoy Western, Japanese and local cuisines, a bakery, a bar and a social space with a large fireplace. Book three consecutive nights until 30 September 2024 and receive a 10 percent discount, or 20 percent off for five nights.
Party in a Highland Palace
In celebration of 100 years of hospitality, Scottish luxury hotel, spa and golfing destination Gleneagles has unveiled a series of glamorous events amid its rolling hills. For example, you can book for an elegant reception and ballet by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland over afternoon tea in June, or the One Hundred Year Ball in September, with a lobster and champagne dinner and live music. It’s also released a limited-edition jacket with British brand Barbour, a coffee table book charting the hotel’s history from the roaring twenties, and a new afternoon tea set with dishes the late Queen Elizabeth II enjoyed during her visit.
Anchors Away!
Guests of AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach can now enjoy a two-day sailing adventure aboard a 54-metre yacht, Lako Di’a, taking in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Komodo National Park. The vessel is a modern phinisi, a wooden sailing ship used by the seafaring people of South Sulawesi. It has nine airconditioned cabins with ensuites and balconies, and a master suite with an ocean view bathtub. There’s also a library, lounge, bar, indoor dining area and daybeds on the main deck. The experience mixes marine and land excursions, including thriving coral reefs, pink beaches and, of course, the famed Komodo dragons in the wild.
A Hotel with a love story
Hilton has opened a new property on Phu Quoc in Vietnam, inspired by the romantic encounter of a young artistic couple who met on the island and then travelled to Italy’s Amalfi Coast. La Festa Phu Quoc has 197 rooms and suites, with plenty of Italian touches in the décor and dining options. These include elevated Italian cuisine at Mare, espressos and pastries in the palazzo-style lobby bar II Salone, all-day dining at The Merchant and the relaxing La Capri Beach Club. There’s also a spa and a kids’ club for families on vacation.
hilton.com/en/hotels/pqcpqqq-la-festa-phu-quoc
New in Melaka
For something a little closer to home, the Parkroyal brand by Pan Pacific Hotels has opened a new resort in Melaka, Malaysia. This UNESCO World Heritage city has vibrant street art and a harmonious blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European heritage. Parkroyal A’Famosa Melaka Resort is inspired by this rich culture and is set within tropical gardens a short drive out of the centre, close to theme parks and a 27-hole golf course. Once you’ve done some exploring, you can unwind at the Suasana Spa, eat at Spice Brasserie or Ya Yuen Chinese restaurant, or grab something light at The Pool Lounge. There’s a dedicated kids’ pool and playroom for families, too.
panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pr-afamosa-melaka-resort.html
Discover the Beauty of Bologna
Getting hitched? Or looking to throw a big bash somewhere fancy in Europe? Palazzo di Varignana, a luxury Italian resort based in the Bolognese hills, has won the “Best for Weddings, Parties, and Celebrations” category at the renowned Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2024. The 150-room property has six opulent villas, a spa and lots of opportunities to explore the region – everything from vintage car tours and supercar drives, to horse riding, truffle hunting and hot-air ballooning. The resort also offers a slew of high-end dining options, wellness and sport facilities, nutritionist plans by the inhouse doctor, indoor pools, jacuzzi, saunas and more.
Like this? Read more in our Travel section.