Arriva to deliver more options for European rail journeys

Train lovers will soon have more options in the Netherlands, Belgium and France with the imminent arrival of new services from continental heavyweight Arriva. 

The company is pressing ahead with plans to expand international rail services, unveiling proposals for new direct routes between the Netherlands, Belgium and Paris that could launch from February, 2028.

Arriva has businesses in 11 countries across Europe, including operating businesses in 10 countries and a rolling stock leasing company in Romania.

The operator has formally notified the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) of its intention to operate two additional international services linking The Hague and Amersfoort with Paris, news service Travel Mole reports. 

The filing is a required step before launching new open-access passenger rail services in the Netherlands.

If approved, the new routes would complement Arriva’s previously announced Groningen-Paris service, creating three direct rail links between the Netherlands and Paris.

The proposed The Hague-Paris service would operate three daily round trips. In the Netherlands, trains would call at Rotterdam and Roosendaal before crossing into Belgium. 

Stops would then include Antwerp, Brussels Airport, Brussels-South and Mons, before continuing to Paris.

A second route from Amersfoort would run twice daily via Utrecht, ‘s-Hertogenbosch and Breda. After entering Belgium, it would follow the same international corridor through Antwerp, Brussels Airport, Brussels-South and Mons before reaching Paris.

The services are planned to begin as soon as operational approvals, train paths and infrastructure access are secured.

The expansion is part of Arriva’s wider strategy to challenge incumbent international rail operators by offering more direct cross-border services. The company is positioning itself as an alternative to existing high-speed operators on one of Europe’s busiest international rail corridors.

Arriva is the largest competitor to Dutch state-owned rail operator NS in the regional rail market and has steadily expanded its international ambitions. 

The company already operates the Three Countries Train, linking Liège, Maastricht and Aachen, providing cross-border passenger services between Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

New Dalat hotel takes its cues from history

Dalat is different to the rest of Vietnam. Cooler and calmer.

The city is about to get a new hotel that pays tribute to the city's French colonial heritage and the unique character of Vietnam's Central Highlands. 

Grand Mercure Dalat Resort is being promoted by Grand Mercure Hotels & Resorts as a place "where  where modern flair meets enduring traditions". 

Located close to historic Dalat Railway Station and the city's former French Quarter, Grand Mercure Dalat Resort aims to reflect the charm of 1920s French colonial residences. 

Set among pine trees and landscaped gardens, the resort comprises 12 French colonial-inspired villa-style buildings arranged around courtyards, with interiors inspired by the impressionist art of Claude Monet.

The resort features 131 rooms and suites with windows or balconies overlooking the surrounding pine forests and gardens. Room categories range from superior rooms and family premium rooms to the Presidential Suite. 

Dining options at Grand Mercure Dalat Resort will include Deux Amants Restaurant, showcases farm-to-table cuisine crafted with seasonal local ingredients, while BAO Asian Cuisine celebrates the culinary traditions of Guangdong and Sichuan. 

The 1929 Lobby Bar will offer afternoon teas, while Fleurie Café serves locally sourced coffee with freshly baked French pastries. As day turns to evening, Moon Lounge offers cocktails inspired by regional ingredients. 

There is an outdoor swimming pool and La Maison Wellness Spa for relaxing. 

Grand Mercure Dalat Resort aims to capture weddings, social gatherings, meetings and events. 

Garth Simmons from Accor Asia said: “Travel should foster a meaningful connection with the destination, allowing guests to discover its culture and way of life through engaging experiences. 

"We are proud to bring Grand Mercure to Dalat, a city whose French colonial heritage continues to shape its identity today." 

For more info see https://www.grandmercuredalat.com/ 

Westin to debut on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is to gain another luxury hotel.

Marriott International has signed an agreement with Australian-based M Property for The Westin Gold Coast at Surfers Paradise, which will mark the brand's entry to the region. 

Expected to feature 138 keys, the new-build hotel is slated to open in late 2029.

Marriott already currently operates two resorts on the Gold Coast and has a further four properties in the pipeline. 

"The Westin Gold Coast represents a natural fit between brand and location, and we already see strong performance across our existing Westin portfolio, both in key domestic and international source markets for the Gold Coast," said Tristan Cooper, Marriott International's Director of Hotel Development, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific.

"We are excited to welcome Westin to the Gold Coast and introduce a genuine point of difference to the market." 

The hotel is expected to occupy levels one to 15 of the new-build mixed-use development, with 115 premium guest rooms and 23 suites offering views of the Pacific Ocean or Gold Coast hinterland. 

The hotel is expected to feature a signature restaurant and bar, conference and meeting facilities, an infinity pool and pool bar, a fitness studio and the brand’s signature Heavenly Spa by Westin. 

Discover Shanghai's new cultural landmark

Shanghai is preparing to unveil one of the world’s most ambitious new cultural landmarks with the Shanghai Grand Opera House to officially opens its doors on October 17, 2026.

Designed by Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta in partnership with the East China Architectural Design & Research Institute (ECADI), the striking waterfront venue is expected to become a centerpiece of Shanghai’s cultural tourism offering and a new architectural icon along the Huangpu River, news hub Travel Mole reports.

The opening marks the culmination of a decade-long project that began when Snøhetta won an international design competition in 2016.

The opera house has been conceived as much more than a performance venue. It combines world-class performing arts facilities with expansive public spaces, creating a civic destination that welcomes visitors throughout the year, whether or not they are attending a show.

At the heart of the building are three state-of-the-art auditoriums designed to accommodate productions of varying sizes and genres. 

The main auditorium seats 2,000 guests and is equipped to host grand opera, ballet, musicals and symphony concerts. It is complemented by a flexible 1,200-seat theatre and a 1,000-seat venue for experimental performances, chamber music and community events.

One of the building’s defining features is its dramatic spiral roof, which rises from the surrounding park to create a publicly accessible promenade. It will be open 24 hours a day year-round, so visitors can walk to the rooftop for sweeping views of the Huangpu River. 

A diverse program is expected to showcase opera, ballet, orchestral music, theatre and contemporary performing arts, with additional details to be announced closer to opening.

“It is incredibly rewarding to see this remarkable project approaching its opening,” said Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, founding partner of Snøhetta.

“Watching such an ambitious vision become reality has been special. Soon, the building will belong to the people of Shanghai and its visitors, whether they come to experience a performance or simply enjoy the building and its surrounding park. I hope it will become a place that inspires, brings people together, and stands as a new landmark for the city.“

Tamar Ridge/Pirie up the ante with new wine experiences

There is a new experience to welcome visitors to the Tamar Ridge/Pirie cellar door in Tasmania. 

The "elevated new visitor experience" celebrates a blend of cool-climate wines, thoughtful design and Tasmanian hospitality in the Tamar Valley.

Following a significant refurbishment, the revamped cellar door will offer a series of tailored tasting experiences overlooking one of the region's spectacular landscapes.

Completed in just eight weeks by local builder Zanetto, the transformation introduces a refined contemporary interior where bespoke Spiegelau crystal glassware, a striking double-sided fireplace and sweeping views across the Tamar River are combined. 

Guests can gather around a hand-crafted 12-seat Tasmanian oak table, relax by the fireplace or enjoy one of the intimate lounge spaces overlooking the vineyard. 

Luxury Portfolio manager Katherine Brown said the new cellar door reflected the evolution of both brands, while remaining true to their Tasmanian roots.

"It's incredibly exciting to welcome guests to a true brand home for Tamar Ridge and Pirie that reflects the quality, prestige and character of our wines," said Brown.

"Set high above the Tamar River, the cellar door enjoys one of the region's most spectacular outlooks, creating an extraordinary setting in which to experience our fine wines. 

"Whether you're relaxing beside the fireplace with a glass of Tamar Ridge Reserve Pinot Noir or enjoying a flute of Pirie Vintage sparkling overlooking the valley, we want every visit to feel memorable, considered and unmistakably Tasmanian."

Guests can choose from tasting experiences that range from introductory wine flights through to "refined hosted experiences".

Highlights include the Pirie Supreme Indulgence Experience, pairing prestige Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling wines with premium Oscietra sturgeon caviar, alongside the Ultimate Expressions of Pinot Noir , showcasing five of Tamar Ridge's premium pinot noirs, including limited Single Block releases.

Seasonal Tasmanian cheese platters and locally sourced small plates round out the offering. 

All tasting experiences can be booked online via tamarridge.com.au and pirietasmania.com.au.

The updated experiences are at 1A Waldhorn Drive, Rosevears - 20 minutes north of Launceston - daily from 10am–5pm. 

A taste of Singapore lands in Sydney

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney is to introduce guests to the vibrant flavours of Singaporean cuisine, a culinary tradition that blends Chinese and south-east Asian influences.

The Singapore Table will be the first in a series of exclusive cross-Fullerton property chef collaborations to be called The Table Series and hosted at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney in partnership with its iconic Singapore counterpart.

Senior sous chef Christopher Chia from The Fullerton Hotel Singapore will join the team in Sydney, introducing diners to some of Singapore's most beloved culinary traditions.

The Singapore Table will run from Friday, July 17, to Saturday, August 8 at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney's restaurant, The Place, for $69.95 per person.

Chef Chia will showcasing dishes from iconic hawker staples to elegant Singaporean classics.

“The Fullerton Hotels collection in Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney, are united by a respect for heritage and the unique stories each property carries," says John O'Shea, the Sydney GM. 

"Culinary history is such an important part of these stories, and this collaboration with our sister property in Singapore is a wonderful opportunity to share the rich culinary traditions of the city state with our Sydney guests.” 

Menu highlights will include Hainanese Chicken Rice, Char Kway Teow and Peppery Bak Kut Teh, along with Singapore Laksa and Chilli Crab Lala. 

There will be a daily lunch buffet, Monday to Saturday. For more info and book go here.

Image: Steven Woodburn