If you love travelling (like we do), we’re sure you still like looking at new hotels or destinations – even while you wait. The good news? There are plenty of new resorts and hotel updates to check out for your future getaways! And, of course, there are some great hotel deals right here in Singapore, with staycations and walking tours to explore too!
Taiwan Beckons
With the easing measures, there’s no better time to plan a trip to dazzling Taiwan! The Taiwan Tourism Bureau has just released a great new video titled “We are ready!” that aims to inspire travellers from Singapore to visit. You can also take part in online travel experience webinars; through these unique sessions, you’ll be able to experience a bicycle ride in Taitung, a cultural and food tour in Chiayi, learn the art of forest bathing in the mountains, take a tour of flower farms and experience a rail tour. You can find the sessions here. In addition, new travel experiences like fruit-picking and island-hopping are in the works! For updates, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Dive Wakatobi
With Indonesia eliminating quarantine for arriving international travellers and reinstating its Visa On Arrival programme, Wakatobi Resort can once again offer private guest charter flights directly from Bali to the resort. Wakatobi’s management team has been hard at work during the downtime, continuing to fund reef patrols and social programmes. They’ve also continued to make lease payments to nearby villages to ensure no-take agreements are honoured and the nearby reefs remain in prime condition. The closure also gave them a chance to refresh the property and update the dive boats. So, everything’s in tip-top shape for your next dive and snorkel adventure!
Cruise News
Indoor Skydiving
Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise liner Spectrum of The Seas offers some highoctane activities including bumper cars, virtual reality bungee jumping and even indoor skydiving! RipCord by iFLY is the perfect activity for adrenaline junkies looking for something more exciting on their cruise. After a quick, easy-to-follow course, you’ll don a snazzy jumpsuit and hop into a vertical wind-tunnel with an experienced instructor to feel the rush of the wind and the experience of floating. The best part? Royal Caribbean is currently offering 30 percent off sailings, with kids travelling for free.
Solo Cruising
There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a cruise on your own! Food- and destination-focused Oceania Cruises has added dozens of dedicated staterooms for solo travellers, with its four ships set to feature 14 Solo Oceanview Staterooms by October this year. It’s also unveiled two new series of offshore tours – a total of 150 unique experiences across the destinations. “Go Green” tours allow travellers to engage with residents and businesses about conservation and sustainable practices, including visits to vineyards and hydroponic farms, while “Beyond Blueprints” tours provide an in-depth architectural look at iconic landmarks like The Royal Library and The Blue Planet aquarium in Denmark.
A Night with the Birds
Want to get closer to nature? Jurong Bird Park is offering a one-night staycation in a tranquil furnished bell tent that allows you to experience close encounters with the park’s feathered friends. You’ll meet birds of prey at the Kings of the Skies animal presentation and get acquainted with colourful African birds in a feeding session at the African Treetops; there’s also the High Flyers animal presentation, introducing a “mystery avian star”! The highlight of the experience is waking up to a flock of flamingos, just in time to feed them brekkie. “Staycation with the Flamingos” runs from June to August 2022.
mandai.com/en/jurong-bird-park
Mountain Views
Set in the heart of Thailand’s mountainous Chiang Mai, the five-star Meliá Chiang Mai is an ideal base for exploring the city and area. It’s set along buzzy Charoen Prathet Road, making it easy to visit nearby landmarks like the Old Town, Night Market and Wat Chiang Man. One of the hotel’s standout features is the 360-degree rooftop bar on the 22nd floor. Mai The Sky Bar comprises two bars connected by a stunning glass bridge that offers views of the River Ping and the Doi Suthep Temple.
Mediterranean Luxury
With direct flights now operating between Singapore and Barcelona, there’s no better time to plan a Spanish sojourn. Newly opened in the vibrant Spanish city is Hotel Arts Barcelona. Parked along the waterfront and towering 44 floors above the Mediterranean Sea, this contemporary hotel merges culinary, wellness and art experiences. Among the five restaurants is two-Michelin-starred Enoteca Paco Perez, and the hotel is also home to the only spa in Barcelona with sea views.
Keen for a Game-cation?
Long neglected by the travel market, gamers finally have a holiday destination that caters to their rather specific needs! Artotel Sanur Bali has just launched its new Gamer Asylum concept that features complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and a souped-up gaming PC with popular preloaded games, gaming chair and a headset. The rooms can also be personalised to guests’ liking. Could gaming on a holiday be a brand new niche market?
artotelgroup.com/hotels/artotel/sanur-bali
Like this? Read more in our Travel section.
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