Dinosaurs will soon roam the misty landscapes in the Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay, with Jurassic World: The Experience opening on May 29. The exhibition will feature life-sized animatronic and sculpted dinosaurs set amid the foliage of Cloud Forest, bringing elements of the Jurassic World film franchise to life.
Visitors will be able to explore various zones, including an 8.5m tall Brachiosaurus at the entrance, a close encounter with a Tyrannosaurus rex, interactions with baby dinosaurs in the Petting Zoo area, and the chance to spot small Composognathus, or “Compys,” hidden along garden pathways.
Brachiosaurus Falls features a duo of brachiosauruses, their calls echoing through the forest and waterfalls; photo by NEON
The Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay mirrors the cool, moist climate of Tropical Montane regions found 1,000m to 3,500m above sea level. It is home to over 72,000 plants, including more than 50 species from the Jurassic period, such as ferns, cycads, and conifers. These plants once grew alongside dinosaurs and were a food source for them. Visitors can learn how these plants still thrive today and how past and present ecosystems are connected.
An exclusive experience in Cloud Forest is Evolution Walk, where visitors can explore ancient plant species that existed before dinosaurs and learn how plants evolved. The walk features reconstructions of extinct plants, showcasing their development over time. Fans of the Jurassic World films will also enjoy seeing iconic moments brought to life through animatronics and interactive exhibits, offering a close encounter with lifelike dinosaurs.
Conrad Singapore Orchard has appointed Thomas Hoeborn as its new general manager.
With over four decades of global experience, he brings expertise in luxury hospitality operations, talent development, and guest experience management.
Most recently, Hoeborn led operations at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. His experience also includes senior roles overseeing multi-property portfolios across China, South-east Asia, and Japan.
Banyan Tree introduces a new private well-being immersion for two, combining movement, mindfulness, and shared rituals to nurture both relationships and inner well-being.
The Banyan Tree Connections programme will launch next month at four selected locations: Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru (Maldives), Banyan Tree Phuket (Thailand), Banyan Tree Mayakoba (Mexico), and Banyan Tree Anji (China).
Banyan Tree Connections will offer experiences that nurture relationships, well-being, and shared renewal in unique settings
Each destination offers unique experiences that reflect its natural and cultural essence. Guests will enjoy a private well-being immersion for two, starting with a personalised consultation, followed by a series of experiences based on Banyan Group’s 8 Pillars of Wellbeing, designed to foster shared moments of connection for partners, friends, and family.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Maldives (available from May) offers a two- to three-night programme with Yoga Duo, Breathwork & Sound Meditation, Lagoon Floating Therapy, and a Holistic Wellbeing Treatment. It also includes a Maldivian Cooking Class, Private Sunset Cruise, and Bonding Destination Dining.
Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand (available from June) features a two-night programme with Sound Healing Meditation, Private Yoga Duo, Herbal Oil & Reflexology Workshop, and a Time Together Spa Treatment. Guests can also enjoy a Private Lagoon Kayak tour and a sharing-style Japanese dinner at Hojo.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Mexico (available from July) offers two- to three-night experiences with Private Yoga Duo, Mangrove Movement, Drum Breathwork Meditation, and a Temazcal ritual. Additional activities include a Herbal Oil & Reflexology Workshop, Time Together Spa Treatment, private mangrove kayaking, and a La Copa Mexican dinner.
Banyan Tree Anji, China (available from August) provides a two-night programme with Private Duo Stretch, Sound Healing Meditation, and a Time Together Spa Treatment. Guests can also enjoy a guided hike through Lingfeng Mountain, a White Tea Aroma Bath Bomb workshop, and a sharing-style Saffron Thai dinner.
The Banyan Tree Connections programme is now available as a supplementary booking to room reservations at all four resorts.
InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping has appointed Adnan Yücel as its new general manager.
In this role, he will oversee all aspects of hotel operations, ensuring guests experience exceptional service while embracing the charm and rich culture of Chiang Mai. His leadership will further enhance the hotel’s offerings, including the recently launched spa and Club InterContinental.
With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Yücel brings a wealth of experience to this position, having most recently served as general manager at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.
The Thai capital is experiencing a luxury renaissance, recently receiving its first Ritz-Carlton hotel and its first three-star Michelin restaurant, Sorn – the world’s first restaurant serving Thai cuisine to attain the accolade. Other high-profile openings such as Nobu Bangkok, the Okura Cruise, and new ventures by Gordon Ramsay have solidified Bangkok’s reputation as a fine-dining capital. Indeed, Michelin’s 2025 Guide recognises nearly 500 restaurants in 13 provinces across the country.
The hospitality sector is keeping pace, with long-anticipated luxury developments like Dusit Central Park – the brand’s redeveloped flagship showcasing the height of Thai-inspired luxury architecture – and Aman Nai Lert Park hitting the capital, while Andaz, Nobu, Plaza Athénée, Six Senses and The Langham are all set to make their mark in Bangkok by 2026.
Vertigo Rooftop Restaurant and Moon Bar are among the best rooftops in Bangkok
Designer brands are also embracing the trend, with LV The Place Bangkok and Dior’s Gold House being unveiled last year.
Meanwhile, the hit series The White Lotus, whose third season debuted in February on HBO Max, has captured the allure of jet-setting glamour under the Thai sun, enticing its fanbase to visit filming locations at ultra-luxury resorts like Four Seasons Koh Samui, and three Anantara properties by Minor International in Phuket and Samui.
In a nod to the series, the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River has even introduced a White Lotus-themed afternoon tea.
Antonio Saponara, general manager of Capella Bangkok, whose F&B outlet Côte by Mauro Colagreco earned an additional Michelin star – making it the one venue to rise to two stars in the latest guide – emphasises the importance of quality and personalisation. These elements, which are integrated in the hotel’s Capella Curates programme, play a key role in shaping Thailand’s luxury appeal.
“The exceptional quality of offerings across Thailand’s luxury sector – hospitality, retail, and experiences – has led to a surge in interest from affluent travellers, bolstered by the strategic efforts of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in attracting luxury travellers,” Saponara noted.
He pointed to the “very high rate of returning clientele” as a testament to Thailand’s enduring draw.
Capella Bangkok itself has acquired a loyal following in shorthaul markets with a rising affluent demographic, such as Singapore, South Korea and Hong Kong, while Saponara said longhaul markets, particularly in Europe and the Americas, are increasingly drawn to Thailand’s luxury sector.
Daniel Fraser, co-founder and CEO of Smiling Albino, said the influx of world-class dining and hospitality brands is a catalyst for positioning Thailand as a top choice for high-end travelers.
“While luxury itself may not be the sole driver, we’ve seen a significant uptick in requests for high-profile restaurants and hotels in Bangkok and Phuket. This past festive season, we arranged numerous reservations at places like Sorn, Nobu, and other exciting new venues,” Fraser told TTG Asia.
Beyond five-star accommodation and Michelin-starred dining, Fraser observed a growing appetite for deeply personalised experiences.
“Travellers today want more than just a premium hotel stay – they’re seeking exclusive access to cultural touchpoints that can’t simply be booked online,” he said.
Andre van der Marck, founder and managing director of Travel Exclusive Asia, echoed this sentiment, emphasising that high-end tourists increasingly favour depth over breadth.
“Luxury travellers prefer fewer destinations with in-depth, private experiences rather than packed itineraries. Exclusive options, such as private jet-skiing on the Mekong or after-hours visits to the Grand Palace, are in high demand,” he explained, adding that sustainability has also become a core expectation, with eco-conscious travel emerging as a crucial factor in decision-making.
It is no surprise that the rise in luxury travel demand has attracted new players to the market. Earlier this year, Elevate DMC opened its first office in Bangkok, a testament to the city’s evolution as a premier luxury destination.
“When I first moved to Thailand in 2006, Bangkok still felt very much like a Thai city. Today, it’s an international standard destination, on par with places like Hong Kong and Singapore. The overall service levels across Thailand have risen to meet global luxury benchmarks,” reflects Georgie Walsh, general manager of Elevate DMC.
With better infrastructure for premium experiences, Walsh sees more creative freedom for DMCs.
She stated: “We can now offer a broader range of independent experiences outside of luxury hotels for high-end travellers.”
Walsh also noted that the quality and availability of services in Thailand made it “easier to craft bespoke journeys,” extending trips beyond Bangkok and into lesser-known but equally refined destinations.
While luxury properties, fine dining venues, and designer brands flourish, there remains a stark disconnect between private investment and public infrastructure development.
“Thailand is full of luxury developments – malls, hotels, villas – but the public sector hasn’t kept pace,” van der Marck pointed out.
“Traffic congestion, waste management issues, and overcrowding detract from the exclusivity of Thailand’s luxury offerings. Ultra-high-net-worth travellers often reconsider destinations like Phuket due to infrastructure concerns,” he added.
Moreover, the influx of mass-market tourism, particularly from China, Russia, and India, presents another challenge. While these travellers contribute significantly to overall arrivals, they often gravitate toward mainstream attractions, creating a perception of over-tourism that high-end clientele seek to avoid.
“Some affluent travellers are opting for more secluded, under-the-radar destinations rather than traditional luxury hubs like Phuket,” van der Marck said.
That said, some industry players see this as an opportunity to redefine luxury beyond opulence.
Fraser believes that Thailand’s true competitive edge lies in offering “high-value experiences for discerning travellers” rather than being driven purely by “luxury.”
“The real opportunity is in positioning Thailand as a place where travellers can access world-class experiences – whether in fine dining, wellness, or high-end accommodation – at a fraction of the cost they’d pay in Europe, Japan, or the US,” he opined, summarising that what will set Thailand apart is the ability to pair these premium offerings with authentic, meaningful and even life-changing cultural experiences.
The Government of Arunachal Pradesh officially launched its new tourism policy on April 2, with a vision to position the north-eastern state as a world-class tourism destination while preserving its pristine landscapes, rich tribal culture, and unique biodiversity. The policy also aims to promote sustainable tourism and encourage community empowerment.
Alongside this policy, the state has also revealed a new logo and brand identity – Arunachal: Beyond Myths and Mountains.
The new tourism policy focuses on sustainability and experiential tourism, highlighting farm, spiritual, adventure, eco, tribal, and border tourism
Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Manjunath R, director of the department of tourism, government of Arunachal Pradesh, said: “The new tourism policy places a significant emphasis on experiential tourism with key areas of focus including farm tourism, spiritual tourism, adventure tourism, eco-tourism, tribal tourism and border tourism. Arunachal Pradesh, which shares borders with Tibet, Bhutan and Myanmar as well as Indian states Assam and Nagaland offers vast opportunities for border tourism. Adventure enthusiasts can explore a range of activities, from hiking and mountain terrain biking to jungle safaris.”
A major focus of the policy is improving infrastructure and accessibility. The government is prioritising upgrades to road and air connectivity, wayside amenities, transport facilities and tourist signage to enhance visitor experiences. Additionally, the state aims to expand its accommodation capacity by 50 per cent.
Currently, Arunachal Pradesh has 793 registered home stays and 237 registered hotels, and the department of tourism is in talks to collaborate with major aggregators like Airbnb and MakeMyTrip to promote its home stays and farm stays in both domestic and international markets.
The state is also looking to learn from global best practices in ecotourism.
“We are planning to visit Costa Rica next month to study its model for promoting biodiversity. Arunachal Pradesh boasts 14 wildlife sanctuaries, three tiger reserves, four national parks and one biosphere reserve. We are also collaborating with overseas tour operators to market our diverse tourism products and experiences internationally,” stated Pasang Dorjee Sona, minister for tourism, government of Arunachal Pradesh.
The tourism sector in Arunachal Pradesh has seen impressive growth in recent years. In 2023, foreign tourist arrivals surged by 300 per cent to 4,496 visitors, while domestic tourist footfalls saw a 368.91 per cent increase, reaching 1.04 million compared to the previous year.
With the introduction of the new tourism policy, the state aims to double domestic tourist arrivals and increase inbound tourism tenfold.
Air France’s La Première experience; photo by Air France
Air France unveils its new La Première experience Air France is reimagining the travel experience in its most exclusive cabin, La Première.
With an adaptable suite design, it offers passengers personalised service and comfort, from a seat that adjusts for different flight phases to a chaise longue that transforms into a full bed. The suite provides privacy, with a floor-to-ceiling curtain and optional sliding partitions, and features five windows exclusive to the side suites. Each suite is designed to create a private environment, with space and details for a comfortable travel experience.
Exclusively for La Première guests, this private cabin at the front of the aircraft offers premium materials and enhanced space. Floor-level storage replaces overhead compartments, with a sliding drawer for luggage and a personal compartment with a backlit mirror. Five windows offer natural light, with electric shades for privacy, and adjustable lamps with ambient lighting for each flight phase.
Each La Première suite features two 32-inch 4K screens with over 1,500 hours of entertainment, noise-cancelling headphones, and Bluetooth connectivity. The suite includes outlets, USB ports, wireless charging, Wi-Fi, and a tablet for control.
Four suites will be introduced on select Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, starting with Épernay to New York-JFK in spring 2025. La Première is available on select routes from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Singapore.
Thai AirAsia
Thai AirAsia introduces two new routes to Japan and Vietnam Thai AirAsia has launched two new routes – a daily flight from Chiang Mai to Taipei and onto Sapporo, Japan, starting on June 15, and a new direct route from Bangkok-Don Mueang to Hai Phong, Vietnam, launching on July 16.
The Chiang Mai service will include a stopover in Taipei, picking up and dropping off passengers before continuing to Sapporo. The Hai Phong route will operate four times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday), offering access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay.
Thai AirAsia currently operates direct flights from Bangkok to six cities in Vietnam, including Hanoi (21 flights per week), Ho Chi Minh City (21 flights per week), Danang (21 flights per week), Nha Trang (seven flights per week), Phu Quoc (seven flights per week), and now Hai Phong (four flights per week).
Cathay Group
Cathay Group boosts summer flights between Hong Kong and mainland China The Cathay Group is increasing flight frequencies between Hong Kong and mainland China this summer, with nearly 300 return flights per week during the peak period. Focused on the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and Yangtze River Delta regions, Cathay is increasing capacity and providing more frequent flights to Beijing and Shanghai. Flight frequencies to other key mainland cities have also been increased to accommodate leisure and business travel.
To Beijing, the airline will operate seven daily return flights to Beijing Capital International Airport, plus one daily flight to Beijing Daxing International Airport with HK Express, bringing the total to 56 return flights per week. In Shanghai, there will be eight daily return flights to Pudong International Airport and 11 return flights per week to Hongqiao International Airport, resulting in 67 return flights per week between Hong Kong and Shanghai. Flights to Zhengzhou, Ningbo, Haikou, and Chongqing will increase from four return flights per week to daily flights, with HK Express also adding daily flights to Ningbo this summer. Additionally, flights to Hangzhou will increase to four return flights per day, Nanjing to twice per day, Wenzhou to 10 per week, and Wuhan to 12 per week.
In addition, Cathay Pacific will begin direct flights to Urumqi from April 28 and is adding 13 new destinations this year, including Hyderabad, Dallas, Rome, Munich, and Brussels, with plans to reach 100 destinations by 2025.
Hong Kong Airlines
Hong Kong Airlines launches direct service to Hulunbuir Hong Kong Airlines’ new flight route connecting Hong Kong and Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, will begin operations on April 29, offering travellers from Hong Kong and nearby areas a convenient option to reach Hulunbuir.
The new service is expected to strengthen connections between Hong Kong and cities along the Belt and Road Initiative and support business exchanges, particularly in agriculture, energy, and cultural tourism, between Hong Kong and Inner Mongolia.
Hong Kong Airlines has also launched new routes to Dunhuang, Xining, Vientiane (Laos), and Danang (Vietnam).
Thai luxury resort Trisara has unveiled five new F&B concepts that will not only bring it closer to its goal of becoming the leading culinary destination in Phuket but also provide a platform to nurture local Thai culinary talents.
Each concept offers a distinctive gastronomic journey, ranging from the flavours of the French Riviera to the rich traditions of Southern Thai cuisine and Silk Road-inspired creations.
From left: Chefs Notty, Beam and Oat
Speaking to TTG Asia, general manager Claudia Schwarze said such diversity in the resort’s F&B offering acts as a magnet to keep guests on property throughout their stay while drawing members of the public to Trisara for a high quality dining experience.
Among the new dining draws are 7.8° North Bar, an intimate-sized bar, boasting ocean and sunset views, with an ambition of becoming “a classical icon in Phuket’s cocktail scene”; Thai Library, a stylish and cosy restaurant showcasing Southern Thai cuisine, as well as the multifaceted “Portuguese, Chinese, and Malay influences in Thai dishes”; La Crique, an elegant French restaurant with a menu that fuses “beautiful French provincial food” with locally-sourced Thai ingredients and “a Thai soul”; Cielo & Spice, a family-friendly venue serving up dishes and flavours picked up along the ancient Silk Road; and Noé on the Beach, a beach club with a “South of France vibe”.
To mark the occasion, the resort will launch the Trisara Culinary Experience on April 6, which includes one night in a private pool villa or suite, daily breakfast, roundtrip private airport transfers, a curated lunch or dinner at either La Crique or Thai Library, and other perks such as nightly F&B credit.
A common thread in all five dining concepts, according to Schwarze, is Trisara’s commitment to nurturing Thai culinary talents and demonstrating to its international clientele that locals can also do wonders in the F&B field.
She said: “Our sommelier, Sarawut “Bow” Sriket, is the only one in Thailand to pass Level Three of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust global exam. To achieve this, one has to have the most amazing palette, precise sense of smell, and ability to articulate (the characteristics of wine and spirit).
“La Crique is fronted by chef Notty, who has been with Trisara for many years and whom we will be sending to France this summer to expand his skillset. Chef Beam, who leads Cielo & Spice, is half-Indian, half-Thai, and we want to showcase his talent and culinary heritage. Chef Oat, who is so warm and enthusiastic, takes Thai Library as his kingdom, where he brings all the Thai flavours and recipes to life.”
Schwarze said support for local talents is possible because of “amazing owners” who believe in doing so.
Trisara is owned and managed by Montara Hospitality Group, which also operates a sustainable farm in Phuket and two properties in Bangkok.
“Montara abides by nam jai (literally water from the heart), which is about the spirit of generosity. In all that we do, we do it with generosity towards our guests and staff,” she added.
“I believe that by uplifting our local culinary talents and building their confidence to interact with guests about their food philosophy and heritage, we are also creating an opportunity for our guests to gain deeper insights into the food they are enjoying at Trisara,” said Schwarze.
Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa, India
Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa is located in Uttarakhand, near Jim Corbett National Park and the Kosi River, which is easily accessible by road, 145km from Bareilly Airport and 270km from Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The resort offers 99 rooms with views of the Malani Range and Kosi River, as well as culinary experiences like the all-day dining restaurant The Corbett Kitchen, and speciality restaurant Malani Grill. The Greatroom serves as a space to relax with teas, coffees, and seasonal cocktails, while Sal Bar serves cocktails, spirits, wines, and small plates with local and international flavours.
The resort provides recreational activities such as a kids’ club, entertainment zone, gaming arcade, golf simulator, spa, and fitness centre. It also boasts 5,068m² of event space, including the largest pillarless ballroom in Jim Corbett. The 2,100m² central lawn by the pool and 2,400m² riverside lawn with a wooden deck are suitable for weddings.
Capella Taipei
Capella Taipei, China
Located in the Dunhua North Road district, Capella Taipei allows easy access to the city’s business hub, shopping areas, and cultural sites. The 86-room hotel includes eight suites and 78 rooms, with six exclusive accommodations featuring private pool terraces.
Guests can enjoy five distinct dining venues and a main pool terrace on the 14th level, offering panoramic views of the city. The 228m² Capella Suite offers luxury with views of the Taipei 101 skyscraper. For events, the hotel provides four versatile venues.
Capella Taipei also has personalised service and experiences that highlight the city’s heritage. The Living Room is a guest lounge where Capella Culturists arrange activities, while Capella Curates connects guests with local artisans, chefs, and historical sites.
Courtyard by Marriott Ranchi
Courtyard by Marriott Ranchi, India
Courtyard by Marriott Ranchi features 111 guestrooms boasting views of the Kanke Dam or the gardens. Facilities comprise dining venues, swimming pool, rooftop bar, café, fitness centre, and event spaces.
Situated just 35 minutes from Birsa Munda Airport and 30 minutes from The Ranchi Junction and Hatia Railway Stations, the property is next to Nucleus Mall, with easy access to Rock Garden and Kanke Dam. Other attractions include Hundru, Dassam, and Jonha Falls, Jagannath Temple and Pahari Mandir.
Wenlan Hotel Northern Hangzhou
Wenlan Hotel Northern Hangzhou, China
Located in the city’s Gongshu district, near historical streets and China’s Grand Canal, Wenlan Hotel Northern Hangzhou is just a five-minute walk from the Joy City retail complex, close to museums and historical streets, and only steps away from the Grand Canal.
The hotel features 295 rooms and suites, including a 138m² Presidential Suite, restaurants, lobby lounge, and event venues.
Well connected to the city, the hotel is 11km from Hangzhou Railway Station, 39km from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, and within walking distance of Beida Bridge Metro Station.
Most recently, Hoeborn led operations at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. His experience also includes senior roles overseeing multi-property portfolios across China, South-east Asia, and Japan.
With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Yücel brings a wealth of experience to this position, having most recently served as general manager at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.
His experience and understanding of the market position him to lead the company through its next phase of growth.
