Faith and religious traditions have helped shape the identities of Phuket, Thailand, and George Town on the island of Penang, Malaysia. Their influence can be seen in places of worship, local customs and community life passed down through generations. Visiting these sacred sites offers an introduction to both destinations, while their historic neighbourhoods reveal architecture, food and everyday life shaped by a rich blend of cultures. Together, they offer stories to discover throughout the year.

From sparkling light displays and outdoor ice skating to festive dining, Christmas shopping and spectacular New Year celebrations, St. Louis, Missouri, comes alive during the holiday season. Home to an impressive array of free attractions, including the Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum and Missouri History Museum, the city offers an affordable festive escape for families, couples and friends alike. Whether visitors are looking for magical winter experiences, seasonal entertainment or a festive city break, St. Louis offers plenty of ways to celebrate Christmas and welcome 2027.

Sugee Group, a trusted international real estate developer with nearly four decades of experience, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, one the world’s largest hotel franchising companies, have announced a strategic partnership to develop the world’s first Vienna House Residences by Wyndham, bringing its global debut to the Middle East on Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah. This collaboration is not only a global expansion of the Vienna House brand into the Middle East for the first time; it also marks its new global chapter of residential hospitality.

Georgia is becoming a go-to destination for Gulf travellers who want more than a standard city break. Adventure in the mountains and restorative wellness retreats are leading the appeal, helped by short flight times and easy entry. The country recorded 145,513 visits from GCC countries in 2025, a 3.4% increase on the previous year. Momentum was stronger earlier in the year. Visits from Gulf countries reached a record 26,397 in the first half of 2026.

LÈGACY Hanoi – A Fusion Original, a stylish 218-room hotel and wellness sanctuary, offering spectacular views of the city and West Lake, is opening its doors to guests this month in the heart of the Vietnamese capital. The new hotel marks the latest chapter in the Fusion Hotel Group’s expansion and reinforces its leadership role in Vietnam’s dynamic wellness-inspired hospitality landscape.

Forget the all-you-can-eat buffet. Meliá Chiang Mai has unveiled a different kind of indulgence, beckoning spa-goers to feast on a selection of massages and treatments as part of its new Wellness Spa Buffet at YHI Spa. The wellness journey allows guests to mix and match treatments from a selection of seven popular therapies to create their own 120-minute spa experience, priced at THB 2,600 net per person and available until December 31, 2026 from 10am-10pm.

Blacklane, the global chauffeur service, has amplified its presence in the golden state of California by being available in Sacramento and Santa Barbara. These new cities broaden Blacklane’s coverage across the West Coast, giving guests a seamless way to move between key airports, business hubs, events and leisure destinations. The expansion also deepens the global chauffeur service’s California offering, including a direct Los Angeles to Santa Barbara route and broader regional coverage along the coast and in Sacramento, the state capital.