The Luxe Lens

LARK Distilling Co. is strengthening its presence in travel retail with a new activation at Sydney Airport, inviting international travellers to explore its recently launched 700ml Single Malt Collection throughout May and June. The activation marks a significant moment for the Tasmanian whisky producer, not only as a showcase for its evolving portfolio, but also as a statement of intent within the premium travel retail space. Front and centre is a collection of three travel-exclusive Tasmanian single malt expressions — Cinder Forest No.168, Wild Haven No.172 and Ember Eclipse No.294 — presented alongside Devil’s Storm No.183 and Ruby Abyss No.285, which recently received World’s Best Design and Best Range Design at the World Whiskies Awards 2026 in London. For LARK, the airport activation represents more than a point-of-sale campaign. It is an opportunity to position the brand more firmly among both domestic and international whisky audiences, using one of Australia’s busiest tra...

 Samsung Electronics and Google today unveiled new intelligent eyewear  at Google I/O 2026 by giving a first look at two premium styles created with eyewear partners Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. Designed to work as a companion device to a mobile phone, the new eyewear enables users to access help through voice interaction and connect seamlessly to their phones, all through a familiar form factor.   Co-created with the eyewear partners, the intelligent eyewear combines breakthrough AI capabilities with comfort and style, merging Samsung’s leadership in hardware engineering and Google’s AI technology with premium eyewear design. Each eyewear brand brings a distinct design approach to the device. Renowned for their legacies in fashion eyewear, Gentle Monster presents styles with disruptive yet refined aesthetics, while Warby Parker showcases refined and timeless designs. Built to understand the world alongside users in real time, the new intelligent eyewear provides ever...

  A cool beach club in Vietnam’s most-happening destination has introduced a menu brimming with upscale takes on classic staples ranging from pizza and pasta to steaks, tiger prawns and salmon. Aptly called the Beach Club, the venue is perched on The Anam Cam Ranh’s particular stretch of Long Beach, where traditional sampans and coracles still ply coastal waters and picturesque islands loom just offshore. The new menu reimagines familiar favourites with premium ingredients and inventive techniques. Starters such as crispy Hyogo oysters paired with angel hair pasta and salmon roe, and charcoal-grilled Hokkaido scallops layered with umami bacon, corn pico de gallo and gochujang butter set the tone. Locally sourced seafood also takes centre stage, including spicy tiger prawns served with Greek yogurt and chilli herb oil, and charcoal-grilled squid enhanced with peri-peri emulsion. The menu extends into generous, sharing-style offerings such as the Beach Club Seafood Bowl packed with p...

The Emirates Group today released its 2025-26 Annual Report, achieving new record profit, revenue, and cash balance levels, despite a disruptive and challenging 12th month in its financial year. Emirates is the world’s most profitable airline in the 2025-26 reporting period. For the financial year ended 31 March 2026, the Emirates Group reported: • record profit before tax (PBT) of AED 24.4 billion (US$ 6.6 billion), up 7% from last year, and a PBT margin of 16.2% • record revenue of AED 150.5 billion (US$ 41.0 billion), up 3% over last year’s results • record level of cash assets at AED 59.6 billion (US$ 16.2 billion), up 12% from last year • EBITDA of AED 41.1 billion (US$ 11.2 billion), reflecting its strong operating profitability. Emirates retains its place as the world’s most profitable airline, reporting: • record profit before tax (PBT) of AED 22.8 billion (US$ 6.2 billion), up 7% from last year, and a PBT margin of 17.4% • record revenue of AED 130.9 billion (US$ 3...

 Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor has once again been named one of the world’s ‘500 Best Hotels’ by the influential U.S.-based travel magazine Travel + Leisure, earning the prestigious recognition for a fifth consecutive year. The 94-year-old hotel, located near Cambodia’s famed ancient Khmer archeological sites, received the honour in the magazine’s May edition. Travel + Leisure’s annual ‘500 Best Hotels’ is widely regarded as one of the most coveted distinctions in the global hospitality industry. “Being recognised by Travel + Leisure is a celebration not just of our hotel, but of the enduring spirit of Siem Reap. As custodians of this iconic landmark, we feel a deep responsibility to our community,” said Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor General Manager Joseph Colina. “Through initiatives like our ‘Grand Path of History’ and our newly launched book, A Tale of Two Hotels, we aim to bridge the gap between our guests and the true soul of Cambodia – ensuring that every visitor leaves with a ...

 Inspired by the quiet strength and nurturing spirit of motherhood, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur presents In Celebration of Her, Across the House of Astor—a refined tribute honoring the women who anchor our lives with grace, devotion, and unwavering love. Thoughtfully curated with the brand’s signature elegance, this year’s Mother’s Day experiences invite guests to celebrate through moments of indulgence, connection, and timeless ritual. From A Toast to Her: Sunday Brunch at The Brasserie to An Afternoon for Her at The Drawing Room, alongside A Barbecue Dinner for Her at Crystal and A Moment for Her at Iridium Spa, each experience is designed to evoke a true sense of occasion—where every detail is meticulously considered and every moment becomes a cherished memory. More than a tribute, In Celebration of Her, Across the House of Astor unfolds as a graceful expression of legacy, connection, and the women who shape life’s most beautiful moments. This Mother’s Day, create treasured memor...

 The iconic Raffles Hotel Le Royal unveils Mindy’s, a pop-up speakeasy inspired by the glamour and intrigue of 1920s-1940s New York. Bringing a touch of vintage sophistication to the heart of Phnom Penh, Mindy’s captures the spirit of a bygone era through an immersive setting of jazz, crafted cocktails and timeless style. The pop-up will operate from May 7-31, open Thursday to Sunday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tucked behind an unmarked door, Mindy’s evokes the discreet charm of a classic speakeasy. Guests can expect dim lighting, vintage-inspired decor, subtle gaming elements and charismatic bartenders who bring the experience to life. The atmosphere is enhanced by the smooth sounds of jazz and swing, while a dedicated cigar lounge adds an extra layer of refinement to the evening. “We are thrilled to bring the vibrant energy and timeless glamour of old New York to Raffles Hotel Le Royal with Mindy’s,” said General Manager Dagmar Lyons. “This immersive pop-up perfectly embodies Raffles’...

 Azerai La Residence, Hue, the historic hotel overlooking the fabled Perfume River in central Vietnam, has been named one of the world’s “500 Best Hotels” by the industry-leading, U.S.-based Travel + Leisure magazine. Azerai, part of legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha’s latest portfolio, is one of only 12 hotels in Vietnam to receive the honor – and the only one in the country’s former imperial capital. The “World’s Best” awards, which were announced in Travel + Leisure’s May 2026 issue, are among the most prestigious accolades in international travel. “Azerai believes a great hotel should do more than provide a place to stay. It should reshape how guests experience their destination,” said General Manager Minh Phan Trong. “That’s why our guiding philosophy is simple: The destination is just the beginning.” “Earning a spot on Travel + Leisure’s ‘500 Best Hotels’ for 2026 reaffirms that our approach resonates, and we are excited to welcome more travelers and help them feel genuinely at...

 Chow Tai Fook has unveiled its latest boutique at Siam Paragon, Bangkok, celebrating the occasion with a dazzling grand opening that reflects both the brand’s heritage and its expanding global vision. Situated within one of Southeast Asia’s most prestigious luxury retail destinations, the new store signals a significant step in Chow Tai Fook’s international growth strategy, strengthening its connection with a new generation of global clientele through refined craftsmanship and culturally inspired design. A Boutique That Reflects Heritage and Modern Luxury The Siam Paragon boutique is designed to embody Chow Tai Fook’s evolving identity—balancing tradition with contemporary sophistication. The façade is defined by finely ribbed laminated glass in the brand’s signature heritage red, creating a striking visual statement. Inside, a carefully curated palette of American black walnut and champagne-gold accents sets a warm, intimate tone, allowing each jewellery piece to take centre stag...

 The Lind Hotels is expanding beyond Boracay, with Coron set to open next year and Siargao to follow. The move marks a clear next phase for the independent Filipino brand, as it evolves from a single standout property into a carefully curated, multi-island portfolio shaped by a guest-first and adaptive approach. The Lind Boracay, set on the prime stretch of Station 1 White Beach on the Philippines’ most famous paradise island, has long been the foundation of the brand. The reputation of the property, which was the first MICHELIN Guide-listed hotel on Boracay, has been built not only on location, but on a way of thinking that places the guest at the centre of every decision. Indeed, the MICHELIN Guide recognition remains a meaningful milestone that continues to shape its positioning today. Rather than following the rigid frameworks of international operators, the hotel was conceived as a place its founders would want to stay in themselves—personal, considered, and constantly evolvin...

 Bell & Ross continues to refine its iconic square watch with the introduction of the BR-03 Green Steel—a timepiece that brings a fresh, contemporary edge to one of the brand’s most recognisable designs. In a collection historically defined by black, blue, and brown, the addition of green signals more than just a new colour—it represents a confident evolution of identity, blending technical precision with modern elegance. Green: A Colour That Defines Character Green has emerged in recent years as one of watchmaking’s most distinctive hues, prized for its versatility and depth. With the BR-03 Green Steel, Bell & Ross embraces this tone not as a passing trend, but as a statement of individuality. Evoking nature, vitality, and calm, the shade strikes a balance between bold presence and understated sophistication—making it instantly recognisable on the wrist. An Icon Rooted in Aviation The BR-03 collection remains deeply connected to Bell & Ross’s founding vision: translati...

 The iconic Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has once again been named one of the world’s “500 Best Hotels” by Travel + Leisure magazine, securing a place among the most elite properties in global hospitality for the sixth consecutive year. Celebrating its landmark 125th anniversary this year, the legendary Metropole Hanoi was one of only 12 hotels in Vietnam to appear on the 2026 list – and one of only two in the capital. The annual “World’s Best” awards, published in Travel + Leisure’s May 2026 issue, are among the most respected benchmarks in the international travel industry. “Being recognized in Travel + Leisure’s ‘500 Best Hotels’ is a tremendous honor. As we celebrate 125 years of legendary hospitality rooted in our extraordinary past, this award inspires us to continue crafting even more remarkable experiences for our esteemed guests and the Metropole,” said Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi General Manager George Koumendakos. The recognition comes on the heels of several other ...

A new expression of flavour unfolds at Horizon Grill, where elevated dining meets the allure of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline. Perched on Level 58 of Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, the restauran unveils a refreshed à la carte menu by Executive Sous Chef Francesco Fedrighi, inviting guests to rediscover its signature favourites alongside contemporary new highlights in a setting defined by elegance and view. At the core of the menu are Horizon Grill’s signature dishes, reintroduced with the precision and finesse that have come to define the experience. The Bone Marrow Steak Tartare, served over grilled bone marrow with shallots and nori chips, remains a distinctive favourite, while the Steak au Poivre Wagyu Sirloin continues to impress with its rich, balanced depth. Complementing these classics are new additions that bring a fresh perspective to the menu. The Hokkaido Scallops with piquillo purée, bagna cauda, capers and ikura offer a delicate interplay of flavours, while the Australian Rack of Lamb...