Set among the trees on the banks of the Zambezi, Tsowa River Spa is described by Paige Gehren, co-founder of Tsowa Safari Island, as “a place of energy and healing”. The launch comes as slow, restorative travel continues to grow, and as World Mental Health Day brings stress and burnout back into the headlines. Travel data shows how many people now go away simply to recover. In Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report, 56% of travellers named rest and recharging as their main reason for a leisure trip this year, and 57% of US respondents said they were interested in a quiet or silent retreat. The Global Wellness Summit’s 2026 forecast called nervous-system regulation “the next frontier” of wellness, alongside a growing backlash against tracking and optimising every hour of the day.

Norse Atlantic ASA has signed a landmark ACMI agreement with PIA, the largest and flag bearing airline of Pakistan, for two modern Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, accelerating PIA’s long-haul capacity between the UK and Pakistan to meet growing demand for direct, premium connectivity.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the luxury hotel on the doorstep of ancient Khmer archaeological sites, will host a special four-hands dinner on Oct. 16, uniting the talents of the hotel’s Executive Sous Chef Dorn Doeurt and guest Chef Seng Sothea. The two chefs are both proudly rooted in the cultural heart of Siem Reap and are coming together to celebrate the rich gastronomic heritage of Cambodia through their exceptional craftsmanship and artistry.

Icelandair, the flag carrier of Iceland, is adding two destinations to its route network next summer: nonstop service to St. Louis in the American Midwest and Madrid, the capital of Spain, which returns to the network. Flights to St. Louis will operate three to four times a week from May 14 through October 24, 2027, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The inaugural flight takes off just weeks before a milestone birthday: on June 3, 2027, Icelandair turns 90 years. What began in 1937 as Flugfélag Akureyrar, a one-plane seaplane operation on Iceland’s north coast, has grown into Iceland’s flag carrier, connecting North America and Europe for more than 75 years. St. Louis travelers aren’t just getting a new route – they’re getting an airline with nine decades of experience behind it.

On 25 September, THE HOTEL HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO TOKYU, A Pan Pacific Hotel, which is managed by TOKYU HOTELS & RESORTS CO., LTD. (THR), became the first THR property to obtain certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), an international non-profit organisation that establishes and manages sustainability standards worldwide. This is a third-party certification based on the GSTC Standards for sustainable tourism.

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is strengthening its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and engineering capabilities across the maintenance and supply chain operations through seven strategic partnerships with leading global aviation, engineering, technology and logistics companies. These partnerships will enhance fleet reliability, strengthen operational resilience and create a stronger foundation for long-term MRO growth.

International recognition may first bring a hotel to travellers’ attention, but earning that recognition year after year carries greater significance, particularly for those who value quality and consistency in every stay. ONYX Hospitality Group, a management company specialising in hotels, resorts, serviced apartments and residences across Asia-Pacific, announces that Oriental Residence Bangkok, a hotel under its management, has been awarded One MICHELIN Key for 2026, marking its third consecutive year of recognition since 2024. The achievement reflects the hotel’s commitment to maintaining high standards and consistently delivering an exceptional stay experience.