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!
Adventures by Train
Railbookers has created new rail adventures for 2025! The Grand Alaska Adventure goes through mountain ranges, glaciers and Denali National Park over 10 days. Or try the Queensland Adventure, which is an eight-day exploration of Australia’s tropical coast including the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Brisbane and Sydney. Then there’s the Grand Tour Scotland from London, 10 days into the highlands for history, landscapes and music. And, if Europe is on the cards for 2025, check out medieval towns, picturesque hilltop castles and wine regions on the Porto, Coimbra and Lisbon rail tour.
Thinking about Travel Insurance?
If you’ve recently moved to Singapore or you’re a frequent traveller looking into medical insurance options, you’ll want to consider getting International Healthcare for Individuals in Singapore by Allianz.
These insurance plans are notable as they provide 24/7 support, global coverage and flexibility for those travelling to different countries. So you can take your insurance with you on your next posting, holiday or business trip!
The core plans cover in-patient and day-care treatments and most plans also provide cover for chronic medical conditions, congenital conditions and medical evacuation cover, just in case. This can be particularly useful if you’re travelling and require medical attention from another country – some travel insurance options won’t cover this layer of cover. If you choose to travel to another country in your area of cover for treatment, you may also be eligible to be reimbursed for the medical costs incurred within the terms of your policy.
For peace of mind there’s also an option to add on a dental plan, maternity plan and repatriation plan.
While these plans mean you’re free to choose a healthcare professional you feel comfortable with, if you need some help you can use the MyHealth app – it can connect you to telehealth services, an expat assistance programme, the Wysa mind coaching app, digital check-ups and more.
Find out more at bit.ly/allianzhealthinsurance or by calling 6395 3844.
Take Me to Thailand!
The first Autograph Collection Hotel in Phuket is set to open along the coastline and near the island’s old town. The design concept behind Veranda Resort Phuket has been inspired by the Sino-Portuguese architecture found in the area. There are 159 rooms, suites and pool villas, some with a private terrace, direct access to the resort pool or a beachfront perspective. There are multi-room option for families, too. Take an excursion to Phuket Town, or stay for a spa session, a cocktail and a view of the sunset across the Andaman Sea.
A Century in Paris
Born amidst the Roaring Twenties and the Art Deco movement, Le Bristol Paris is one of the last family-owned grand hotels in the world. To celebrate 100 years in 2025, the property is putting on a range of festivities but also making some subtle in-house changes. For example, there’s a new custom fragrance for the hotel, music to celebrate each decade and a menu revamp at Epicure. Two of the hotel’s most iconic suites have been completely renovated, too – including the Signature Honeymoon Suite, which has a view of the Eiffel Tower.
oetkercollection.com/hotels/le-bristol-paris
Rugby World Cup 2027
Just to get you well ahead of the game, we’re bringing you the news that Australia will be hosting the RWC from 1 October to 13 November 2027. Pool matches in the 24-team tournament will be played in Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth and Townsville, with the semifinals and final to be played in Sydney. Could be the perfect time for a trip Down Under.
Sri Lanka’s South Coast
Explore the historic city of Galle while you stay in the new Radisson Collection Resort, Galle. Located on Sri Lanka’s south coast, here you can wander along Unawatuna Beach, explore the 17th-century Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, visit a sea turtle hatchery, go on a forest safari and explore ancient temples and colonial architecture. The 70 guest rooms and 36 suites have panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, while the spectacular 1,200-square metre Grand Penthouse comes with five bedrooms, a spiral staircase and an infinity pool. The resort also has a beachfront pool, kids’ club, beach club and different dining options.
2024 Changi Airport Wrapped
A fact file from last year at Singapore’s international airport:
- Changi Airport handled 67.7 million passengers
- By year’s end, airport passenger movement was back at pre-COVID levels
- Busiest day: 21 December 2024 (the Saturday before Christmas), with 226,000 passengers passing through
- Busiest routes: Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, Denpasar (Bali) and Hong Kong
- Changi welcomed eight new passenger airlines – Aero Dili, AirAsia Cambodia, Air Canada, Air Japan, Loong Air, Peach Aviation, Tianjin Airlines and West Air
Like this? See our Travel section for stories on destinations in the region and beyond.
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