The Luxe Lens

 The Hollywood film star Charlie Chaplin famously honeymooned at the Metropole in Hanoi with his wife, actress Paulette Goddard, in 1936. Now, Chaplin is making an encore of sorts. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, the iconic 124-year-old luxury hotel in Vietnam’s capital, has unveiled a new exhibition, “Charlie Chaplin: Echoes of a Legend,” featuring treasured items from the private collection of Australian collector Paddy Macdonald. The display includes a rare selection of film posters, original century-old sheet music and the July 6, 1925 edition of TIME Magazine, which marked the first time the influential U.S. publication featured an actor on its cover. The memorabilia were sourced from nearly 50 countries around the world, including Australia, the U.S., Ireland, France and Cuba, offering an intimate look into the life and legacy of the legendary actor and filmmaker. An opening event was held on June 24 at Metropole Hanoi, kicking off a month-long showcase in the hotel’s Heritag...

   Alma Resort Cam Ranh is poised to put scenic Cam Ranh on the cultural map with a new extravaganza celebrating Vietnam’s rich heritage, traditions and folklore with contemporary flair. From July 5 this year, Alma’s vast outdoor amphitheatre will host “The Stage – Alma Show”; “a cross-cultural collaboration between Vietnamese and Korean creatives” entailing four daily performances that each cater to up to 400 spectators. The 70-minute “Alma Show” makes for a visual marvel that pays homage to Vietnam’s “five elements of nature” earth, water, fire, wood and metal. The entertainment line-up features magicians, dancers, water puppetry, special effects, a flash mob, Ao Dai fashion show and more for all ages. The spectacle involves audience interaction and opens with dancers bringing the vanquished Champa Kingdom’s “Apsara” dance to life in tribute to the Cham people’s long history with the local area. The stories behind Vietnam’s five elements are told in short yet spectacular seg...

  Seafood on ice, lobster, Mediterranean mains, a ‘build you own’ egg station, Japanese corner, and chocolate fountain are among the broad spectrum of options at INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit’s new Saturday brunch. Situated in The Kites Eatery on the hotel’s 31st floor, the new brunch on the first Saturday of each month this year from 12-3pm features a live band. The brunch menu brims with delicacies, fashioned by executive chef Katisak ‘Note’ Pinkaew and his team at a series of stations, including Korean, Fine de Claire and Normandy oysters, as well as New Zealand mussels, blue mussels and cooked prawns. A half Canadian lobster, served with Spanish sauce, is available per diner. The ‘build your own’ egg station isn’t any mere egg station. Think eggs benedict on sourdough with smoked salmon and salmon roe, scrambled eggs on toast with caviar, salad, avocado, tomato and mushrooms, and butter pancakes with egg and smoked bacon. In addition to three kinds of salmon gravlax, the c...

  As incidents of phone theft continue to rise around the world, Samsung is calling on Galaxy users to activate the latest anti-theft features now available on their devices. These updates reflect Samsung’s commitment to delivering smarter, stronger protection – helping users safeguard their data and stay in control, even in high-risk situations. Samsung recently started rolling out One UI 7 with security updates to existing features, including additional theft protection and anti-robbery features. These will now also be available to even more devices, having started with the launch of the Galaxy S25 series in February, and now expanding across more Galaxy smartphones throughout the year. Samsung is introducing new security updates to better protect users in the event of phone theft. One major update is Theft Protection – a multi-layered suite of features developed to safeguard personal data, even in high-risk situations such as robbery. Theft Protection builds on standard Android ...

One of the country’s most illustrious beachfront resorts, Banyan Tree Krabi, has extended a helping hand to local artisans to promote high-quality handicrafts and products from the Krabi region and across Thailand. On arrival, hotel guests are presented with a handmade pouch made from upcycled waste washed up on local beaches thanks to a partnership with “Souvenirs from the Sea”, a local group founded by Ms Wiyada Kowsanti, who has lived her life beside the Andaman Sea and who presciently saw the value in the fishing nets, floats, sandals and other discarded items that washed ashore. Colourful tote bags, key chains and other products skillfully assembled by the Souvenirs from the Sea team are available at the resort’s Banyan Tree Gallery Krabi, alongside many other locally-sourced sustainable handcrafts underlining Banyan Tree’s longstanding commitment to supporting the communities in which they operate. Initiated by the hotel’s Thailand-based owning company, Asset World Corporation (A...

  The Hari Hong Kong has launched a cultural immersion experience that guides guests through the remarkable rota of art adorning its walls and Wan Chai neighbourhood’s exciting art scene. “The Hari Art Trail” is underpinned by a personalised art tour with the hotel’s in-house art ambassador, practicing artist Bibek Rai, who shares anecdotes behind the hotel’s eclectic art collection and contemporary design. Spanning a variety of mediums including installations, mixed media, surreal photographs, graphic paintings, three-dimensional images and digital film pieces, the art is curated by London-based art advisory A Space For Art, which also selects works for sister hotel The Hari London. Vast “The Monumental Melt” by Rado Kirov using mirrored stainless steel, Tseng Kwong Chi’s iconic black and white self-portrait series, and Lee Leenam’s mesmerising digital reinterpretation of the “New Kiss” are among standouts in The Hari Hong Kong’s permanent collection. The hotel’s rotating display ...

  Azerai La Residence, Hue, the luxury heritage hotel in central Vietnam, has won two top honors from Travel + Leisure magazine, including recognition as one of Vietnam’s best upcountry hotels and for having the best General Manager in all of Vietnam. Azerai La Residence, Hue General Manager Phan Trong Minh was presented with the honor at a ceremony for the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025 on June 18 in Bangkok. The property was recognized for a third straight year as one of Vietnam’s best upcountry hotels, including two previous No. 1 finishes. The magazine’s editors praised Minh, highlighting his 30 years of experience in hospitality, saying: “As GM of Azerai La Residence, Hue, he has driven cultural, environmental and wellness programs inspired by local tradition, and his dedication to authentic experiences and impeccable service has firmly positioned the imperial capital’s grande dame as a premier destination for travelers seeking a blend of worldly luxury and l...

 Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor was named Cambodia’s best city hotel and Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s General Manager Dagmar Lyons was hailed as the country’s best GM by leading international travel authority Travel + Leisure. The honours were presented at a ceremony for the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025 held on June 18 in Bangkok. Raffles Hotel Le Royal, which opened in 1929 in the capital, Phnom Penh, was also honoured as one of Cambodia’ top city hotels and both Raffles hotels in Cambodia were recognized for having some of the country’s best swimming pools. The industry-leading travel magazine’s prestigious annual Luxury Awards spotlight the very best in the region’s hospitality, from top city, beach, island and upcountry hotels to hotel pools, spas and general managers. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, open since 1932 and situated on the doorstep of ancient Khmer archeological sites, was praised by the editors of Travel + Leisure as “a timeless gem in the heart of Sie...

  Alma’s cascade of 12 swimming pools, managing director, and 13-treatment room spa have been lauded at this year’s prestigious ‘Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific’. Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong & Macau announced the winners at an awards party in Bangkok on June 18. Herbert Laubichler-Pichler, who was recognized as one of the five “Best General Managers in Vietnam”, said he and his team were “ecstatic” about Alma’s three wins. “To place in three of only four possible award categories in Vietnam is such an incredible achievement for our resort and our team,” said Laubichler-Pichler. “We are very grateful, particularly as these awards are on the heels of Alma’s global recognition with United States-based Travel + Leisure.” Alma’s 12 swimming pools, including a 75-metre-long pool, won kudos as one of the three “Best Hotel Pools in Vietnam”. The resort’s spa was called out as one of the top nine “Best Hotel ...

 In the peculiar world of the Hendrick’s Gin, cucumber is not merely a garnish. It is a celebrated symbol of the unusual, a curious twist that transforms the mundane into the marvellously unexpected. From 27 June to 3 July 2025, Hendrick’s Gin invites curious individuals across Malaysia to embrace their inner oddity as it brings back the Cucumber Currency Exchange - a refreshingly unconventional celebration that begins, quite literally, with a cucumber. Bring a cucumber. Receive a Hendrick’s Gin & Tonic. The currency? A humble cucumber. The reward? A refreshing Hendrick’s Gin & Tonic. With over 124 participating bars in Klang Valley, Penang, and Johor Bahru, guests are invited to exchange their cucumber for a perfectly crafted Hendrick’s Gin & Tonic. Simply present a cucumber of all shapes, lengths and types at any participating bar to receive a complimentary Hendrick’s Gin & Tonic in return! And if you’re caught cucumber-less? Fret not. Keep an eye out for the Hend...

Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O), the lifestyle property developer and hospitality group, today announced that The Lincoln Suites, its hospitality asset in Central London, has once again been recognised with the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, marking its third consecutive year among the top 10% of hotels globally. The accolade reflects consistently strong guest satisfaction, as measured through verified reviews, ratings, and saves on the world’s largest travel platform over a 12-month period. Dato’ Seri Tee Eng Ho, Executive Chairman of E&O Berhad said, “We are proud that E&O’s distinct brand of refined living, shaped by our heritage and vision as a Malaysian company, continues to earn international recognition. The Lincoln Suites’ success reflects our ability to compete on a global stage while staying true to the values that define E&O.” Located along Kingsway in London’s historic Midtown district, The Lincoln Suites is housed within a meticulously restored E...

  G-SHOCK, the iconic watch brand from Casio Computer Co., Ltd., raises the bar once again with the launch of its latest masterpiece — the GA-V01. Fusing futuristic design with unshakable durability, the GA-V01 is a fearless expression of G-SHOCK’s "Never Give Up" spirit, born from the original vision of its legendary creator, Mr. Kikuo Ibe. 🛠️ GA-V01: Where Innovation Meets Indestructibility Inspired by the story of Mr. Ibe dropping his first prototype from the lab window in the 1980s, the GA-V01 carries forward the legacy of building the unbreakable. Designed by Mr. Tomohiro Hamaue, the GA-V01 doesn’t just follow in the footsteps of G-SHOCK icons — it reshapes them entirely. This all-new model features a revolutionary construction with an integrated band and bezel for a seamless, organic shape. Sharp bumper-type indexes and side buttons emphasize strength, while the oversized, spherical-glass-covered face houses a unique analog-digital hybrid dial — an ultra-modern blend o...

  While people have long valued smartphones for their power, convenience and usability, they’ve also expected a mobile device that blends versatility with portability. At Samsung Electronics, our drive to deliver the ultimate mobile experience has always been guided by the needs of our users. This unwavering commitment to meeting their evolving needs has driven the development and ongoing refinement of innovative form factors that consistently redefine the parameters of mobile experiences.  Introduced in 2019, the first Galaxy Fold was a completely new form factor that combined the portability of a smartphone with the extensive productivity of a tablet — challenging conventional perceptions of what a smartphone could be. Driven by the bold vision that foldable phones could reconcile two seemingly conflicting demands—large screens and true portability—Samsung looked to other industries for inspiration, engineering a durable hinge and proving that smartphone displays, too, could...

 A seasoned hospitality professional with more than two decades’ experience working for some of the industry’s biggest names in the Middle East, Europe, Asia and the United States, has been appointed chief commercial officer at Alma Resort Cam Ranh. French national Frederic Savoye joins the award-winning 30-hectare beachfront resort on Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula after working in the Middle East as vice president of sales and marketing for Fairmont Raffles Hotels International in the Middle East, Africa and India, and Hilton Worldwide’s regional commercial director for both Western and Southern Europe as well as Eastern Europe, Russia and Turkey. He was Kempinski Hotels’ country director of sales and marketing for Egypt, and Sofitel Luxury Hotels’ vice president of sales, pricing, distribution and revenue for Northern, Central and Eastern Europe. Savoye studied an undergraduate degree in economy and management sciences and a master’s degree in finance, marketing and management sci...

As home kitchens continue to evolve into high-efficiency zones of creativity, one name is standing out by turning everyday cooking into an experience of convenience, health, and innovation: Ninja. With the launch of its latest appliance — the Ninja Double Stack XL 9.5L Air Fryer (SL451) — the beloved kitchen-tech brand is redefining what multitasking in the kitchen can look like.   Compact on your countertop, yet massive in capacity, the SL451 is designed for modern households looking for speed, flexibility, and versatility, all while promoting healthier cooking. Double the Layers, Double the Possibilities What makes this air fryer stand out? It’s all in the name: Double Stack. The innovative two-level cooking system offers 9.5 litres of capacity while saving 30% more space on your kitchen counter compared to traditional side-by-side dual drawers. You can now cook two full meals — mains and sides — in one go, without the need for batch cooking or multiple appliances. Or even...

 Meliá Pattaya Hotel has unveiled its YHI Spa with a menu affording an array of health benefits, such as improving metabolism and the nervous and lymphatic systems, to ease stress, anxiety, headaches and sleep problems. Featuring four treatment rooms and a Thai herbal sauna, the hotel’s spa is the fourth YHI Spa to open in Thailand. Meliá Hotels International’s signature spa debuted in Thailand at Meliá Koh Samui in 2020 before Meliá Phuket Mai Khao launched its spa in 2021 and Meliá Chiang Mai followed suit in 2022. Inspired by the goddess YHI, responsible for life and light and personified by the sun for the Karraur First Nations people in Australia, Meliá Pattaya Hotel’s spa uses ancient Asian healing wisdom combined with modern wellness techniques. Its broad spectrum of treatments include massages, body scrubs and wraps, facials, and hydrotherapy. Ideal for spa-goers with neck, shoulder and back tension seeking a firm, strong massage, YHI Spa’s 60-, 90- and 120-minute signature...

  Azerai Ke Ga Bay, an all-suites-and-villas oceanfront resort in southern Vietnam, overlooks a 5-kilometer stretch of sandy beach in a coastal area that’s renowned for its bustling little fishing port and fresh local seafood. In one of Azerai’s most distinctive new resort activities, guests are invited to learn how to “Fish Like a Local.” The experience begins with a detailed briefing on the regional fishing culture, and guests then learn from expert guides the technique of casting a large traditional Vietnamese fishing net directly from the shore into the bay and – with any luck – haul in a fresh catch of fish. For those wishing for an even more immersive fishing experience, the resort offers guests the opportunity to fish from a circular basket boat in the bay. Basket boats are an important part of the culture and tradition of coastal communities in southern Vietnam. Azerai Ke Ga Bay General Manager Julian Moore says, “We have created these activities for our guests to echo Azer...

 Hotel Sosei Sapporo – MGallery Collection, a post-industrial icon reborn for the 21st Century, has been selected as one of the projects on the “World’s Most Beautiful Hotels List 2025” by Prix Versailles, the highly prestigious architecture and design awards. Announced by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on 2nd June, the 2025 Prix Versailles awards celebrate 16 laureates, including Hotel Sosei Sapporo – MGallery Collection. These properties, all of them newly opened or reopened, are located in diverse parts of the globe, and each stands out for its superlative blend of heritage and innovation.  Jérôme Gouadain, Secretary General of the Prix Versailles, is thrilled with this year’s selection: “The common thread between these 16 extraordinary hotels is the fact that they all elevate expertise and local heritage. But more than that, they are all the fruit of extremely advanced design work, a reflection of clear, across-the-board colla...

  A 150-million-year-old cave in Vietnam’s north has become the extraordinary setting for an immersive theatrical show and a fine dining celebration of hyper-local Vietnamese cuisine. On May 30 this year, Asia Premier Cruises (APC) Corporation welcomed its first guests to the 2.5-hour cave dining and entertainment experience at the majestic 4000-square-metre Dragon Pearl Cave, about a 30-minute drive from Halong City. At 45 metres above sea level, Dragon Pearl Cave is one of the largest caves in the Bai Tu Long area of Vietnam’s Cam Pha district and is surrounded by the Ban Co mountain range. One of a complex of five caves in scenic Vung Duc, the cave overlooks Bai Tu Long Bay. Locals call the cave ‘a theatre inside a mountain’ because of its two chambers and myriad stalagmites and stalactites. The experience begins with a 45-minute cultural spectacle “The Quest for the Dragon Pearl” created by director Le Thanh Phong. With stalagmites setting the stage, the show’s performers harne...

 Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor will host an exclusive Father’s Day Brunch at Cafe d’Angkor featuring authentic Filipino cuisine prepared by Chef Maria Isabel Bernal Perez from the popular Siem Reap restaurant Mangan – Belle’s Kitchen. The sumptuous Sunday Brunch buffet on June 15 will be priced at $60++ per person, with an additional $35++ for unlimited Champagne, wine and mimosas, served from noon. Chef Isabel’s culinary approach is shaped by her global travels and rooted in her Filipino heritage, embracing soulful flavours and heartfelt purpose in every dish. The Father’s Day Brunch at Raffles will include her signature Pork Belly Lechon, slow-roasted and seasoned to perfection and served with home-cooked sides. A champion of mindful cooking, Chef Isabel extends her love for community and the environment by using eco-friendly palm leaf packaging that supports the local basket-making industry. “When you cook with love and intention, food becomes more than delicious – it becomes mag...

  For years, Samsung has listened to users asking for bigger screens, better cameras and new ways to connect and create. The demand is clear — an Ultra-experience that goes beyond a simple list of upgraded features in a smaller and more portable form factor. That's why Galaxy's next chapter is to provide an experience that seamlessly blends artistry and engineering to elevate everyday interactions. Squeeze onto a crowded subway train for your evening commute with the device folded in hand and use voice controls to have AI find you the perfect restaurant and text your dining companion. Finish off that unsent work email during the ride, then use the powerful camera to commemorate your night out. AI-powered tools enable all-day messaging, browsing and gaming on the go, so you can focus on your life—all without weighing you down. With industry-leading hardware, cutting-edge performance and seamless AI integration optimized for the foldable format, it’s what users have come to expec...