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TRAVEL NEWS + DEALS
Cultural extravaganzas in Macau + Bali and Tokyo deals
At the MGMs Macau, spectacular hi-tech shows and historic exhibitions for the family. And if you're one for slimmed down eco-stays, there's a floating raft hotel for you on the River Kwai.
Macau blends the past and future
At the MGM COTAI a groundbreaking hi-tech-and-culture futuristic stage extravaganza called Macau 2049 by celebrated director Zhang Yimou, now in residence at this mega integrated resort. Expect thrilling choreography matched by music, dance and special video-wall effects. It is an experience not to be missed at the MGM Theatre and one crafted for the entire family. Expect special deals for kids. At sister property MGM MACAU a no less spectacular exhibition at the East-meets-West POLY MGM MUSEUM, a wonderful repository and showcase of Macau history, craft and artistic discovery. Enjoy the "Silk Roads, Beyond Borders' exhibition with curated treasures from assorted museums, highlighting bronze artefacts, murals, pottery and statues. A centrepiece at the museum is a Gandhara Buddha statue on loan from the Hirayama Ikuo Silk Road Museum. The displays at this free-admission museum exemplify the Silk Road Spirit of cooperation, inclusiveness and learning.
Park Hyatt Tokyo(above left, park-hyatt-tokyo) returned, pennants flying, end 2025 after a 19-month top-to-toe revamp. All 171 rooms have a fresh new look with Japanese art and accents. Also find an Alain Ducasse French diner, an upscale grill and gussied up wellness treatments at the 2,100sq m big-view Club on the Park. The pool is open to those above 16 years. A 'Welcome Home Opening Offer' (book by 30 April 2026) with a gourmet breakfast at Girandole by Alain Ducasse. AT Jumeirah Bali (jumeirah-bali) almost 25% off on a four-night stay with complimentary breakfast for two, a one hour massage treatment for a couple (till 30 March 2026), yoga, meditation, fitness, and the Peafowl Kids' Club for the youngest guests. Enjoy a secluded location on Uluwatu with big views and excellent service.
Floating stays on the River Kwai
On the storied River Kwai in Thailand's western jungles, try an unusual eco stay on a floating hotel at the River Kwai Jungle Rafts Resort (riverkwaijunglerafts.com). Moored on River Kwai Noi, the snaking raft hotel is a sustainable resort that does not use electricity and tries to keep its carbon footprint small. At night, read in the glow of a kerosene lamp if you must or simply watch the stars. River excursions and trips to Mon villages are available. As the resort explains, here you are "disconnected from time... and surrounded by raw nature." Comfortable rattan weave and thatch accommodation includes ensuite bathrooms. A two night three day guided exploratory trip may be priced in the region of Bt12,550 (US$390). Take in long-tail boat rides and visit historic spots like the Thailand-Burma Railway Center, the War Cemetery where Allied prisoners are buried, the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, and the 'Death Railway'.
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Until October 25, 2025, from the beautifully restored Azerai La Residence, Hue (above left, azerai.com) an intriguing stay and pray offer that combines this nostalgia retreat with trips to sacred sites. The two-night minimum 'Ancient Capital Pilgrimage Package' includes daily breakfast, cocktails, room upgrades with meditative spiritual tours to Kim Dai Pagoda, Khai Dinh Mausoleum, Hon Chen Temple and the Nam Giao Esplanade, a place where former Nguyen Dynasty emperors performed 'Heaven and Earth' rituals. Meanwhile Cube Social @ Boat Quay (above right, cubehotels.com.sg) is Singapore's latest capsule hotel but with a difference. Expect elegant upscale slip-in sleeping with 300 thread count linen, luggage space, childproof adaptors, a safe, mirror, table, and reading light. Families can squeeze in with cube combinations (pick queen beds, single beds, or private room). For mixers there's a lively bar area, all this is in a trendy converted shophouse district on the river.
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