New life for a long-time Bangkok favourite

A popular Bangkok hotel over several decades has been re-styled and given new branding. 

 
Radisson Hotel Group has unveiled the new-look Radisson Hotel Chateau de Bangkok, which it describes as "a stunning reinvention of one of the city's most storied landmarks". 

Nestled in the upmarket Ploen Chit district - home to major shopping malls, hotels and office towers - the hotel now offers 178 rooms, three dining destinations and versatile event spaces.

 

Radisson says the revamped property offers an "exceptional stay for both business and leisure guests seeking comfort, style, and convenience in Thailand’s vibrant capital".

Savvy guests will request a room offering panoramic views of Bangkok's dramatic skyline. 

Tim Cordon, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group, says: "Thailand is one of our key markets in south-east Asia, and we are delighted to strengthen our portfolio with the opening of Radisson Hotel Chateau de Bangkok. 

"This property has a special legacy in the city, and its reintroduction under the Radisson brand reflects both our growth ambitions and our commitment to creating memorable stays for our guests."



Guests can start the day at Larder & Lounge, a café serving artisanal coffee and locally inspired bites, indulge in Thai-French fusion at Château Botanique or enjoy cocktails and light refreshments at View Pool Bar on the 12th floor, while enjoying panoramic city views from the rooftop oasis.

Wellness also takes centre stage on the 12th floor. Guests can work out in the fitness centre, re-charge in the spa room, or enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool. 

Event venues can cater for up to 250 guests. 

"We are thrilled to welcome guests back to the Chateau, now part of Radisson Hotel Group," says GM Jean Pascal Bernet. 

"Our team looks forward to delivering the personalised service and warm hospitality that this property has been known for, while offering a refreshed experience that reflects the energy of modern Bangkok."

The hotel is a 40-minute drive from Suvarnabhumi International Airport and 30 minutes from Don Mueang International Airport (if traffic is kind). 

The BTS Skytrain Ploenchit station is 400 meters from the hotel. 

For more info click here.

AlUla stakes a claim as an arts and cultural centre

 

Saudi Arabia has never been a major travel drawcard for Australians but the go-ahead AlUla precinct is aiming to make a global impact.

With a wide range of events and drawcards, AlUla, is an ancient Arabian oasis city 350 kilometres north-west of the city of Medina and 1,100 km from Riyadh. 

The area is also known for its striking landscape of rocks, canyons, and wadis, which contrast with the city's palm-filled oases. 

The Royal Commission for al-Ula (RCU) envisages making it a global destination for culture and tourism. 

The AlUla Arts Festival returns for its fifth edition later this month, transforming the ancient city into a stage for contemporary art, design and culture. 

Running from January 16 to February 14, the festival features new art commissions as part of the fourth edition of Desert X AlUla. 

It also includes a major art exhibition, a collaboration between the contemporary art museum in AlUla - as part of its pre-opening programme - and Paris's Centre Pompidou. There will also be a Design Space AlUla exhibition spotlighting Saudi and international talents. 

Visitors will also enjoy live music and immersive performances.

AlUla is seeking to solidifying its position as a year-round global hub for creativity with festival part of AlUla Moments 2025-2026 Calendar. 

“AlUla Arts Festival is the contemporary expression of ancient traditions of creativity and cultural exchange in AlUla," said Hamad Alhomiedan, director of arts and creative industries for RCU. 

"With this year’s diverse program, AlUla becomes a canvas for creative dialogue and a catalyst for conversations in the Kingdom and beyond. We are proud to showcase ambitious works by some of Saudi Arabia’s most celebrated artists alongside internationally renowned pioneers, all inspired by the unique culture and landscapes of AlUla."

Desert X AlUla 2026 (January 16-February 28) will presenting 10 new site-specific artworks inspired by the poetry of Kahlil Gibran. 

Other upcoming festivals include Arduna (February 1-April 15) with many of the highlights in the 

AlJadidah Arts District.

 

For more info see https://www.experiencealula.com/en 

New Melbourne party space is up in the clouds

Melbourne has a new premium events space inside one of its leading boutique hotels.

Shadow Play Melbourne by Peppers this week introduces Eden, a venue on Level 46 of the Southbank hotel.

The space has been transformed into an intimate, design-led spot for hosting parties, events and media launches.

With panoramic views across the Melbourne CBD, contemporary interiors and premium furnishings, Eden is designed to cater across the product launches, private dinners, weddings and social events.

The space accommodates up to 120 guests standing, or 60 seated.



“Eden represents an exciting new chapter for events at Shadow Play by Peppers," said acting GM Nico Macintosh.

"We're thrilled to bring this distinctive Melbourne venue that combines beautifully curated spaces, three-bedroom penthouses and sweeping city views, creating an unforgettable setting for events.”

Catering at Eden will be by Southbank neighbour Edwin Wine Bar & Cellar, offering bespoke options including tailored canapés, multi-course dining and wines and cocktails.

A defining feature of Eden is the ability to extend the experience across a private two-level precinct. Level 46 houses Eden and three additional event spaces, while Level 45 below offers five three-bedroom penthouses "ideal for VIP stays".

Sounds like there might be a party, or two,  coming on.

Eden at Shadow Play Melbourne by Peppers is now open. For reservations and further details, visit ALL.com.

Why Vancouver might just be the most appealing World Cup host city

With the dawn of 2026 we are close to the latest edition of the FIFA World Cup finals.

This time around the competition is more bloated than ever and hosting duties will be shared by Canada, Mexico and the US.

I've covered four of these tournaments in the past: in Spain, Mexico, Italy and France, but am now happy to watch a few games on TV.

Given the ongoing madness in the US, if I were planning a visit the I'd be tempted by a few games in Vancouver, British Colombia, a delightful city in a sane country that I have been fortunate enough to visit a few times.

The World Cup arrives in BC for seven matches between June 13 and July 7 with games taking place on the traditional territories of the three host First Nations: xʷməθkʷəyəm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh).

Local tourism organisations hope the event will spotlight the cultures, voices, and communities of Indigenous peoples and diverse cultures that call this part of Canada home.

Outside the stadium lies a province as immense as it is diverse: nearly four times the size of the UK and Ireland combined.

BC Place Stadium in downtown Vancouver is a key venue for FIFA World Cup 26 with its seven games including two featuring Canada's national team, one starring Australia and two showcasing New Zealand.


Here's the full match schedule at BC Place:
Australia v Kosovo/Romania/Slovakia/Türkiye | Group D | June 13
Canada v Qatar | Group B | June 18
New Zealand v Egypt | Group G | June 21
Switzerland v Canada | Group B | June 24
New Zealand v. Belgium | Group G | June 26
Match 85 | Round of 32 | July 2
Match 96 | Round of 16 | July 7

Vancouver is a city worth several days of anyone's time, World Cup or not.


It is gorgeous urban area, framed by mountains, temperate rainforest, and Pacific coastline - with the ski resort of Whistler not far away.


National Geographic recently named Vancouver among its Best of the World 2026 list.


The downtown area is home to beaches, ocean views, and 27 kilometres of forested trails.


Visual highlights include Grouse Mountain with city-to-sea views and its new Grouse Bike Park, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Squamish Canyon.


Whales splashing off Vancouver's coast - Orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, and bald eagles - turn the Salish Sea into their arena, Tours depart from Granville Island in Vancouver, also home to one of the best produce markets in the world (below).



Hungry fans will be well catered for: from street food to fine dining, from historic Gastown to leafy Stanley Park.


Pan-Asian flavours rule at the Richmond Night Market, one of the largest in North America, while in the Okanagan wine valley Kelowna was recently named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, the first in Canada.

Visitors can experience Salmon n' Bannock, the only First Nations restaurant in Vancouver, showcasing local Indigenous ingredients with a modern twist.


This multi-cultural city is also home to Little Italy, an eight-block stretch along Commercial Drive in Vancouver and the Punjabi Market, a three-block area in the Sunset neighbourhood - home to one of the largest south Asian communities in Canada.


Here is a BC Fact Sheet to explore quick facts and key context about British Columbia, provided by Destination BC/Destination Vancouver.


See https://www.destinationbc.ca/ and https://www.destinationvancouver.com/

Discover walking tours designed with seniors in mind

A growing number of senior travellers are enjoying multi-day walks designed for the less mobile. 

Active travel company UTracks says it has developed a collection of itineraries for senior travellers, with an emphasis on manageable walking distances, optional rest days and comfortable, pre-booked accommodation. 

Daily luggage transfers mean walkers can explore without carrying unnecessary weight, allowing them to travel in a way that suits their energy levels and interests.

Detailed route notes, an easy to use navigation app and reliable on-ground support aim to take the stress out of day-to-day logistics, UTracks says. 

"This allows travellers to focus on the scenery, historic villages and local food. Options range from short highlight walks to complete route itineraries, self-guided journeys or guided small group tours."

Among the destinations on offer are Britain’s national trails, France’s alpine passes and the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage paths.

Popular UTracks senior-friendly walking tours include: 

Hadrian’s Wall Walk: 10 days
Follow in the footsteps of ancient Romans along one of the UK’s great trails, stretching 133km across open countryside, forest and moorland.  UTracks offers several different itineraries along the Hadrian's Wall path, including a 10-day Rambler from Whitley Bay and one from Carlisle.
https://www.utracks.com/United-Kingdom/Self-Guided-Walking/Hadrians-Wall-Walk-From-Whitley-Bay-10-Days

Mont Blanc Guided Rambler: 7 days
Enjoy the Tour du Mont Blanc through France, Switzerland and Italy at a slower pace, with the added benefit of small-groups and support from an experienced guide.
https://www.utracks.com/France/Alpine-Hiking/Mont-Blanc-Rambler-Guided-Hike

Guided Camino Walking Tour for Senior Travellers: 12 days
A relaxed guided walk covering the final 115km of the Camino Francés. Daily distances range from 10–18km, with honey and cheese tastings and optional church visits. Comfortable hotels and guesthouses round out the experience.
https://www.utracks.com/Spain/Guided-Walking/Guided-Camino-Walk-for-Senior-Travellers

There are also a range of walking tour for seniors devoted to exploring local cuisine. 

For more info see www.utracks.com 

Leading airline celebrates its 100th birthday

 

Aviation pioneer Lufthansa celebrates its 100th birthday this week. 

The first “Luft Hansa” was founded on January 6, 1926 and had its maiden flight four months later. 

The now global powerhouse was created through a merger of Junkers Luftverkehr and Deutsche Aero Lloyd, the foundation for a success story in international aviation that continues to this day. 

The darkest chapter in Lufthansa’s history was during the Nazi era, when the airline became part of the Nazi regime and played an active role within it. 

Lufthansa is using its 100th anniversary as an opportunity to critically examine its involvement during this time and further address it based on historical research. 

With the re-establishment of the “second Lufthansa” in 1953, the legal foundation of today’s airline group was created. 

In 1955, flight operations resumed, and the journey of the newly founded Deutsche Lufthansa AG began.

"The 100th anniversary of Lufthansa is a moment of pride and reflection," the airline said in a statement. "At the same time, it represents a bold look into the future and the beginning of the company’s second century."

Throughout the anniversary year, Lufthansa will organize a variety of activities and events to honour the history and future of the aviation group.

These include a permanent exhibition at the Lufthansa Group Hangar One at Frankfurt Airport, dedicated 100-year airline liveries, special events, a history book, film and video productions, employee celebrations, customer events, as well as marketing and product campaigns.

The special “100 Years of Lufthansa” emblem will appear on boarding passes, at airports, and onboard Lufthansa flights in many places. 

Outside of airports – including in city centres – a poster campaign will tell Lufthansa’s story.

Besides operating flights under its own brand Lufthansa Airlines, the Lufthansa Group also owns several other airlines, including Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, Eurowings, ITA Airways and Swiss International Air Lines. 

It is the fourth-largest airline in the world by revenue. 

See https://www.lufthansa.com/