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All-star karst: InterContinental set to open in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Set to open in summer 2025, InterContinental Halong Bay Resort will be situated at the gateway to Ha Long City, in the exclusive Ha Long Marina Urban Area.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay takes its name from Vietnamese legend, with Hạ Long meaning the “descending dragon”. According to myth, a mother dragon and her children descended from the heavens to protect the Vietnamese people from invaders. As they soared across the sky, they released jewels and emeralds into the sea, which are said to have shaped the bay’s captivating landscape, forming the towering limestone karsts like sentries today.
The resort’s architecture, led by WATG, reflects the heritage and vibrancy of the region, weaving together narratives from ancient folklore and celebrating the dramatic interplay of land, sea, islands and inlets that define Ha Long Bay’s natural beauty. With interiors by P49Deesign, the resort’s lobby takes inspiration from Vietnam’s traditional bamboo basket boats, while guest rooms highlight the striking colours of land and sea – with turquoise blue upholstery, brass accents, and playful textures reminiscent of fish scales, rippling waters, or iridescent pearls throughout.
The resort will feature 174 guest rooms and suites, 60 residences and 41 private villas, along with six eclectic dining venues that will take guests on a culinary journey of regional and international flavours.
Good fortune: new boutique hotel in Sydney’s oldest pub
Sydney’s oldest pub, the Fortune of War, is expanding with a 60-seat bistro and is reopening its boutique hotel following a complete renovation.
Located in the heart of The Rocks, the city’s oldest, continuously licensed public hotel will welcome Bistro 1828 – named for the year it was built by former convict Samuel Terry – featuring high ceilings and original windows overlooking George St and cobblestone Globe St.
The kitchen will be run by Mark Williamson (ex-Bistro Moncur). “We want this to be a true representation of a classic Aussie pub,” he says. “Classics and Fortune of War’s signature dishes like the fish ‘n’ chips and beef and Guinness stew will still take pride of place, but we’re also going to slightly elevate the menu.”
The original pub is getting an uplifted look, with new carpet, paint and the careful restoration of the 100-year-old, red oak bar. The Russell Boutique Hotel will have 28 rooms with their own unique, Australiana feel, with many also offering partial views of Sydney Harbour.
“We’re a country pub in the heart of the city. Everything from the service to the style and character is reminiscent of what you’d find in a regional area,” says WDS Hotels owner Steve ‘Speedy’ Speed. “It’s one of our core values and when we open the hotel, it will operate in the same way – you’ll still be able to open the windows.”
Look who’s coming to Dinner: Perth chef takes the reigns of Heston Blumenthal restaurant in Dubai
Feted Perth chef Chris Malone has been appointed the role of chef de cuisine at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai.
Chris has won several prestigious Australian and international competitions, building his skills in some of Western Australia’s finest restaurants, including the two-hatted Clarkes of North Beach in Perth. He also earned accolades such as the ACF National Apprentice of the Year and The West Australian Good Food Guide Young Chef of the Year.
“With Chris’s skill and creativity at the helm, the restaurant is going to go from strength to strength,” said Heston Blumenthal. “Which is very exciting because Dinner by Heston Blumenthal Dubai is the first step in our ambition to set up more Dinner restaurants around the world.”
Chris will lead a talented team of 32, overseeing all aspects of the restaurant’s operations. Working closely with Heston and James ‘Jocky’ Petrie, Group Culinary Director of The Fat Duck Group, he will play a key role in refining the restaurant’s menu, ensuring it stays true to Heston Blumenthal’s unique vision while incorporating his own vibrant approach to cuisine.
A star is born: Hôtel Martinez restaurant at Cannes get first Michelin nod
Less than a year after its reopening under Chef Jean Imbert’s leadership, La Palme d’Or at Hôtel Martinez in Cannes has received its first Michelin Star. The restaurant was part of a multi-million-dollar refurbishment of the famous hotel that is situated on the Croisette and is named after the top prize at the annual Cannes Film Festival.
Designed by Rémi Tessier, La Palme d’Or resembles a vintage boat featuring cinematic influences woven throughout the restaurant experience: the menu resembles a film script, dishes are presented like storyboards, coat-check receipts look like old-fashioned movie tickets, and the dessert menu is designed like a call sheet. The restaurant also features an array of objects to form a cinematic cabinet of curiosities: old movie posters, relics, and scripts with handwritten notes from silver-screen legends.
Hôtel Martinez has a unique relationship with the Cannes Film Festival, with La Palme d’Or hosting the annual jury dinner every year. Set upon a terrace with panoramic views of the French Riviera, the culinary theme of La Palme d’Or is centred on fish and seafood alongside other delicacies from the Mediterranean Sea with locally sourced ingredients.
Tuning in: new Cremorne coffee shop celebrates Melbourne’s music culture
OnAir, a new coffee-shop and music brand, has opened in Cremorne in Melbourne. Celebrating music, creativity and Melbourne’s café culture, the new opening extends beyond the coffee with co-founders, Francesca Poci and Deyon Murphy (Selfless Events), creating a venue as a response to the cultural shift within the music industry; a decline in “club-culture” coinciding with a lack of spaces to experience house and electronic music.
“OnAir has been our passion project for the past nine months, bought with the purpose of creating a unique coffee and music experience, and to bridge the gap between traditional music venues and everyday spaces,” says Francesca Poci. “Music is the driving force of OnAir, from the bespoke Pitt & Giblin sound system to our curated in-house radio channels; we’re providing a platform for artists to reach new audiences, whilst championing diverse voices and artistic expression.”
The café is part of a rising global trend of coffee-shop-DJ-sets and the appetite for alternative environments to consume music in is burgeoning. On Air and Selfless Events will host regular “Espresso Sessions”, showcasing top talent from across Australia and overseas.
Paradise found: oneworld welcomes Fiji Airways to global alliance
Fiji Airways has joined the oneworld alliance as the newest member airline from April 2025.
“The introduction of Fiji Airways marks an important strategic step for our alliance as we connect even more people, places and experiences than ever before,” said Nat Pieper, CEO of oneworld. “Fiji Airways customers will benefit from oneworld’s global reach of more than 900 destinations, priority services and premium lounge access, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to the oneworld family.”
Fiji Airways, with its hub at Nadi International Airport, serves 25 destinations in 14 countries and territories globally, including oneworld hubs in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney and its newest global destination, Dallas-Fort Worth, further connecting the airline into the oneworld network.
“Becoming a full member of the oneworld alliance is a proud and momentous milestone for Fiji Airways,” said Andre Viljoen, Managing Director and CEO of Fiji Airways. “This achievement reflects our commitment to providing world-class service and expanding our global reach, while showcasing the warmth and hospitality of Fiji to the world.”
Oneworld brings together 14 world-class airlines – Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines, and more than 20 of their affiliates.
Fit for royalty: Brisbane’s new Queens Wharf Residences opens
Queen’s Wharf Residences has opened in Brisbane’s latest tourism, leisure and entertainment hub, Queen’s Wharf. Located within the tallest tower in the precinct, Queen’s Wharf Residences boasts over 170 keys operated by Minor Hotels Australasia, offering a selection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments with open-plan layouts for a relaxed and contemporary feel.
Each residence features a private balcony, providing stunning views of the Brisbane River, Botanical Gardens, or the city skyline.
“As Australians increasingly embrace mixed-use precincts for their convenience and lifestyle benefits, Brisbane’s rapid economic growth – projected at 68 per cent by 2041 – reinforces the need for developments that cater to its expanding business, tourism, and events sectors,” said Craig Hooley, Chief Operating Officer for Minor Hotels Australasia.
“Every detail of the Queen’s Wharf Residences is designed around the guest experience.”
Queen’s Wharf Tower blends sleek design with natural elements. Its curved glass exterior makes a bold mark on the city skyline, and greenery is woven into the façade, softening the structure and creating a connection to nature.
This natural aesthetic continues inside, with each apartment featuring subtle colours and natural materials. The apartments also provide close access to the precinct’s vibrant entertainment, and exceptional dining experiences including HUA, Black Hide Steak & Seafood by Gambaro and Sokyo.
Return to Hong Kong: destination sees surge in Australian visitors
Australian travellers are rediscovering their love for Hong Kong with a steady increase of Australian arrivals throughout 2024, with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) recording a 32 per cent year-on-year increase in Australian visitation.
The rise is driven by an exciting calendar of citywide events, with Hong Kong recently wrapping up “Super March”, a month-long celebration featuring key events like LIV Golf, Art Basel Hong Kong and the iconic Hong Kong Sevens – staged for the first time at the spectacular new Kai Tak Sports Park.
“We’re thrilled to see such strong momentum from the Australian market,” said Karen Macmillan, Director, Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific. “Hong Kong is back in a big way, from world-class events to exciting new infrastructure, and Aussies are clearly embracing the energy, flavour and spirit of the city once again.”
Visitation is currently outpacing direct air capacity, further highlighting the demand for the dynamic destination. But in other good news, air capacity is also on an upward trajectory. Hong Kong Airlines is entering the market ex Sydney with a daily service from 21 June 2025 bringing more competition to the popular route.
Setting sail: Jesse Martin OAM joins Portland Roads in the Whitsundays
From this April, those who book ‘The Lionheart Experience’ with Portland – which includes a self-skippered experience on-board SV Portland Roads, a high-end catamaran – will get to chat with legendary sailor and adventurer Jesse Martin before their sailing holiday.
Jesse Martin OAM shot to fame in 1999 as the world’s youngest sailor to circumnavigate the globe – solo, unassisted and non-stop. Now, the legendary adventurer and his brother Beau are encouraging all Australians to try bareboating – chartering a boat without a crew.
The pair have partnered exclusively with award-winning bareboat charter operator, Portland Roads – Sailing the Whitsundays. Guests will also get tips from the Martin brothers about their personal ‘passage plans’ through Ancient Ngaro Sea Country. The brothers will share their favourite anchorages and secret spots in the protected waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
“My experience on-board [his boat] Lionheart taught me lifelong lessons I simply could not have learned on land,” says Jesse. “My sailing experience prior to Lionheart was not extensive by any means; and my message to Australians is that you can do it too.”
The offering also includes a personal message and signed copy of Jesse’s bestselling book, Lionheart: A Journey of the Human Spirit. A signed copy of 100 Magic Miles of the Great Barrier Reef – considered ‘the bible’ of The Whitsundays – by David Colfelt, can also be ordered as a memento.
