The Luxe Lens

 In the very heart of Central — just steps from Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong and nestled within ifc mall — an elegant pop‑up boutique invites guests to pause, indulge, and reconnect with simple pleasures. This pop‑up is a natural extension of the Hotel’s celebrated Cake Shop, bringing the craftsmanship of Executive Pastry Chef Ringo Chan and his team directly to the city’s bustling centre. Freshly baked daily in the Hotel’s pastry kitchen, the collection brings together exclusive pop‑up creations, and signature Cake Shop favourites, complemented by limited‑edition releases unveiled monthly. From morning grab‑and‑go selections for nearby office professionals to indulgent afternoon treats worth sharing, every piece is crafted with care and baked fresh each day. Address Kiosk LA15, Podium Level 1, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central Opening Hours From August 4, 2026 to February 14, 2027 Monday to Friday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Velv...

 The smartphone era forced humanity into a persistent downward gaze, tethering personal productivity to glass screens held in the palm. At Galaxy Unpacked in London, Samsung Electronics, alongside Google and Qualcomm, formally signaled the next major structural shift in mobile computing. By introducing its Intelligent Eyewear ecosystem—engineered in direct partnership with global eyewear innovators Gentle Monster and Warby Parker—Samsung is attempting to transition artificial intelligence from a device you consult into an ambient layer that passively interprets the physical world alongside you. The Architectural Blueprint: Android XR and Micro-Hardware Integration While the concept of camera-equipped glasses is not new, Samsung’s approach differentiates itself through deep platform-level integration and optimized silicon efficiency. Operating on the newly minted Android XR platform, the Intelligent Eyewear acts as a display-less, audio-first extension of the Galaxy ecosystem. Under...

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu welcomes the Mid-Autumn Festival with the launch of The Golden Bloom, its exclusive 2026 mooncake gift set that celebrates the timeless traditions of reunion, gratitude, and meaningful connections. Thoughtfully crafted for gifting and festive celebrations, The Golden Bloom features four timeless mooncakes flavours and premium tea leaves. Presented in an elegant multi-compartment keepsake box adorned in rich crimson and gold, the design draws inspiration from the enduring beauty of peonies and traditional craftsmanship, making it an expression of celebration and appreciation. Priced at MYR 268 nett per set, The Golden Bloom Mooncake Gift Set includes: Red Bean  A classic favourite with smooth, lightly sweetened red bean paste. Rich, comforting, and timeless. Pandan Lotus  Fragrant pandan-infused lotus seed paste offering a subtly sweet and creamy delight. Salted White Lotus with Single Yolk  Classic white lotus paste with a luscious salted egg yolk f...

 Emirates is revealing another world first in the sky, transforming journeys for Economy Class passengers with the introduction of the U-Dream Headrest - a game-changing new seat addition that enables Economy Class customers to experience a whole new level of support and comfort inflight. Backed by a significant investment, installation is already underway across Emirates’ fleet, reinforcing the airline's commitment to helping Economy Class customers fly better. The U-Dream is a multi-way adjustable headrest designed to provide full neck and head support during sleep or relaxation, which will be incorporated onto Emirates Economy Class seats across all Emirates A350’s and most of its Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s. As the first airline in the world to introduce it, the U-Dream headrest is already garnering outstanding praise from Emirates customers. As part of Emirates’ innovative Z400 seat by Safran Seats, the leather U-Dream headrest is padded and features flexible side wings that ...

 Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has unveiled an exquisite new mooncake collection ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival, as the Grande Dame of Hanoi celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. Under the theme “Metropole – A Tale of the Living Legend,” the collection transforms the traditional Mid-Autumn gift into a celebration of heritage, artistry and timeless elegance. Since opening its doors in 1901, the Metropole has embodied French art de vivre and upheld its enduring status as the Grande Dame in the heart of Hanoi. This year’s mooncakes invite guests to turn the pages of a special history book that pays tribute to the Metropole’s 125-year legacy across the eras through refined flavours and exquisite presentation. Handcrafted without preservatives by the Metropole’s culinary team, the mooncakes are available in both baked and snowskin varieties. Flavours include Traditional Mix; Mung Beans, Apricots and Salted Egg; Lotus Seeds and Macadamia Nuts; Black Sesame and Sunflower Seeds (b...

  As The Hari prepares to make its Singapore debut, Harilela Hotels has appointed seasoned hotelier Andreas Kraemer as General Manager to lead the opening of The Hari Singapore and establish the hotel as one of the city's distinctive lifestyle destinations. Opening in spring 2027, moments from Orchard Road and the historic Emerald Hill precinct, the 326-room property will become the third hotel under The Hari brand, joining its sister hotels in London and Hong Kong. Contemporary, design-led and deeply connected to its neighbourhood, The Hari Singapore will bring a fresh expression of hospitality to the heart of the city. Kraemer brings more than 30 years of international hospitality leadership across Europe and Asia. Most recently, he spent over five years as General Manager of InterContinental Singapore, where he led a significant period of strategic luxury repositioning, commercial growth and brand development. His international career has spanned senior leadership roles across S...

This Mid-Autumn Festival, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur presents Taste of Heritage, a thoughtfully curated mooncake collection that celebrates the traditions of the season through flavour, tradition, and refinement Available for pre-order from 17 August to September 2026, the collection celebrates the harmony between tradition and modern elegance through a selection of baked and snow skin mooncakes. Inspired by flavours that have long been enjoyed across generations, the collection brings together familiar customs and contemporary interpretations in celebration of reunion and gifting. Among the collection are white bean creations featuring Peach Tea and Cream Cheese, Black Tea Mochi, and Noble Delight with dragon fruit flavour. Traditional baked varieties are reimagined through flavours such as Black Tea Mung Bean, while the artisanal chocolate series introduces Milk Chocolate with Peanut Butter Crunch, and Calamansi. For those drawn to seasonal favourites, the snow skin collection includes ...

  Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has been voted one of Vietnam’s top two city hotels in the prestigious Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2026. The latest accolade adds to a remarkable run of honours. Condé Nast Traveler recently awarded the Metropole its “Triple Crown,” which the publication calls “the most definitive collection of the best hotels in the world,” while Travel + Leisure named it to its coveted global “500 Best Hotels” list for the sixth consecutive year. Le Spa du Metropole was also recently named Vietnam’s Best Hotel Spa at the Tatler Best of Vietnam 2026 awards. “We are deeply honoured by this latest recognition from Travel + Leisure, one of the world’s most influential voices in luxury travel,” said George Koumendakos, General Manager of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. “This award is especially meaningful as we celebrate our 125th anniversary. For over a century, the Metropole has been far more than a hotel. It has been a witness to history and a symbol...

  Azerai Ke Ga Bay, the tranquil bayside luxury resort in southern Vietnam, continues to elevate its highly regarded wellness offerings with the appointment of Praveen Subramanian as its new Spa Manager. Praveen brings extensive expertise in yoga and holistic health practices to the serene all-suites-and-villas resort. He will lead a variety of sessions including traditional yoga, elemental yoga, signature breathwork, ocean breath meditation, as well as specialized programs focused on anxiety and stress release and the art of massage. “Azerai Ke Ga Bay offers the perfect setting to reconnect with nature and oneself,” Praveen said. “We bring together healthy habits, mindful living, and inner balance to create true harmony. By tailoring personalized wellness experiences, we inspire sustainable wellbeing, vitality, and joyful living every day.” The resort’s popular outdoor yoga sessions are held against the natural backdrop and gentle breezes of the sea. Nestled amongst 4.5 hectares o...

 Emirates has reached a landmark 100 aircraft refurbished under its retrofit programme, the largest known undertaken by any airline globally. Since work began in November 2022, 47 Airbus A380s and 53 Boeing 777s have been given a complete nose-to-tail refresh at the Emirates Engineering hangars in Dubai. By the end of December 2026, around 20 additional aircraft will be upgraded, moving the airline significantly past the halfway point in its US$ 5 billion investment aimed at delivering a consistently elevated experience to customers. Over a period of 44 months, the Emirates Engineering team has deployed more than 400 engineers and technicians, investing a collective 4.4 million man hours to transform 100 aircraft and deliver a sophisticated upgrade across the cabin interiors of all the aircraft. Every aircraft was also fitted out with a new Premium Economy Cabin during the retrofit. More than 3,800 new Premium Economy seats have been installed in total as part of the initiative, ac...

  For the latest in its ‘Best of Japan’ series, Palace Hotel Tokyo is launching ‘Couture Tokyo: The Art of Japanese Fashion’, a stay package created to elevate travelers’ understanding of Japanese culture and aesthetics through the lens of fashion and textile artistry. Designed to highlight the substance and creativity behind Japanese fashion design and sensibilities, the experience is anchored by an insider’s introduction to some of Japan’s most exemplary brands with a selection of tours curated by Kaori Nakano, a scholar of fashion and luxury culture. The ‘Couture Tokyo: The Art of Japanese Fashion’ stay package includes: ·         Two nights of accommodation ·         Daily breakfast – choice of In-Room Dining or at Grand Kitchen ·         A special kaiseki course dinner at Wadakura inspired by fashion icon Kenzo Takada ·         An original Palace Hotel Tokyo tote bag by suzusan,...

  Dusit International, one of Thailand's leading hotel and property development companies, is expanding the domestic footprint of its distinctive lifestyle brand, ASAI Hotels, with the signing of hotel management agreements for two new properties in Southern Thailand: ASAI Hat Yai and ASAI Patong Phuket. Scheduled to open in 2028 and 2029 respectively, the new-build properties reflect Dusit's strategy to grow ASAI Hotels in destinations where culture, community, dining, and discovery come together to shape memorable stays. Created for curious travellers seeking authentic local connections, thoughtful design, and quality experiences at accessible rates, ASAI Hotels combines compact, intelligently designed rooms with vibrant communal spaces that encourage guests to eat, work, play, and connect. Each hotel is designed to integrate with its surrounding neighbourhood, working with local businesses, creators, and communities to help guests experience each destination from a fresh per...

 This summer, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong invites guests to embrace al fresco dining at its iconic outdoor terrace with the launch of a new Evening Snacks Menu at Pool Terrace, available daily from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Overlooking the glittering Victoria Harbour and framed by Central’s soaring skyline, the Pool Terrace sets the scene for relaxed sunset gatherings, after-work drinks, and romantic date nights — a refreshing new way to experience summer in the city. Summer Evenings by the Pool Terrace As golden hour fades into a mesmerizing skyline, the Pool Terrace transforms into one of the city’s most captivating outdoor terrace dining destinations. Overlooking Victoria Harbour and surrounded by Central’s illuminated towers, the open-air space offers a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere, ideal for lingering conversations under the stars. The newly launched evening menu features vibrant, shareable dishes crafted for summer enjoyment. Highlights include the Okonomiyaki Pancake (HKD 218*) wi...

 On 22 July 2026, Samsung Electronics will host Galaxy Unpacked in London, U.K. — a city that moves forward, not by chasing trends, but by setting them.  Join us as we unveil the newest additions to the Galaxy portfolio, which has defined the foldable category. Combining intelligent capabilities with innovative form factors, the next generation of Galaxy devices are set to deliver more personal and adaptive experiences and set a new standard for the AI era. The event will be streamed live on Samsung.com, Samsung Newsroom and Samsung’s YouTube channel beginning on 22 July, 9 p.m. Malaysia Time.   Stay tuned and register your interest here for the Next Galaxy Devices from 8 to 22 July 2026, to stand a chance to win prizes worth a total of up to RM62,944 and get an extra RM120 e-voucher when you complete your registration.    From 8 to 24 July 2026, customers can pay RM50 for a RM250 Samsung Reservation+ Voucher to use on their next Galaxy Foldable device as well. ...

  Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor and Raffles Makati are coming together for a special two-part bar takeover series, ‘Philippines to Cambodia x Cambodia to Philippines’. The exclusive events are being held in collaboration with Maison Ferrand, Moonshine Cambodia, Citadelle and Planteray. On July 18, Kristian Torres, head bartender at the legendary Long Bar at Raffles Makati, will take over Siem Reap’s iconic Elephant Bar at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor. Renowned for his technical precision and narrative-driven cocktails, Torres will reimagine classic drinks using vibrant Filipino flavours and Philippine-inspired ingredients. The exchange continues on Aug. 14 in Manila, where the Elephant Bar team will take over Long Bar at Raffles Makati. Leading the evening is Nisha, the dedicated Raffles Gin Butler at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor whose deep expertise in gin, creative mixology and passion for Cambodian heritage have earned her national recognition, including a finalist placement in t...

 Every remarkable chocolate begins with a story of Cacao. This July, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur invites guests to discover that story through The Journey of Malaysian Cacao, an exclusive five course pairing experience presented at Cacao Mixology & Chocolate. The evening explores Malaysian cacao beyond its familiar form, revealing the ingredient through contemporary pastry, thoughtfully curated wines and signature cocktails. While Malaysia has long been recognised for producing exceptional cacao, its story remains largely untold. Grown across regions including Sabah, Sarawak and Pahang, Malaysian cacao reflects the country’s diverse landscapes and growing craftsmanship. The Journey of Malaysian Cacao brings these origins into focus, celebrating one of the nation’s finest ingredients through an immersive dining experience that places cacao at the centre of every course. Guided by Executive Pastry Chef Holger Deh and the culinary team at Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, the experience unfold...

 Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a rich and varied programme of immersive experiences throughout 2026. The milestone honours a timeless heritage while embracing the future, reflecting the hotel’s enduring elegance, French art de vivre, and its iconic status as a living legend of Hanoi. Under the theme “125 Years of a Legend,” these celebrations blend culture, artistry, entertainment, gastronomy and hospitality to elevate experiential luxury in the capital. The Metropole’s “Live the Legend” experience features a series of curated stays, along with inspired gastronomic and wellness journeys, designed to immerse guests in the heritage and glamour of Hanoi’s Grande Dame. “We are thrilled to open a new chapter in the Metropole’s legendary story,” said George Koumendakos, General Manager of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. “For 125 years this hotel has been the beating heart of Hanoi — witnessing history, welcoming the world, and setting the standa...

 Dusit International, one of Thailand's leading hotel and property development companies, is continuing its strategic expansion in Japan with the opening of WE Hotel Toya, Dusit Collection, a serene lakeside retreat in Hokkaido designed by internationally acclaimed architecture studio Kengo Kuma & Associates. Each guestroom offers approximately 37 sq m of living space with sweeping views of Lake Tōya. Officially joining the Dusit Collection brand on 1 July 2026, WE Hotel Toya, Dusit Collection marks the first Dusit Collection hotel in Japan and Dusit's third hotel in the country, building on the momentum established by ASAI Kyoto Shijo, a neighbourhood-inspired lifestyle hotel, and Dusit Thani Kyoto, a Michelin-Key recognised luxury hotel inspired by Kyoto's rich cultural heritage. Dusit Collection is Dusit International's upper-upscale and luxury brand designed for distinctive hotels and resorts that celebrate individuality, local culture, thoughtful design, and a ...

 The House of Suntory, the founding house of Japanese whisky, officially launches Toki Suntory Whisky in Malaysia. A modern expression of Suntory’s house style, the  award-winning authentic Japanese whisky brings together Hakushu, Yamazaki, and Chita, into a harmonious whisky experience that emphasises approachability without compromise.  A VIVID BLEND, TIMELESSLY MADE  “Toki,” the Japanese word for “time,” reflects a cultural philosophy deeply rooted in Japan, a respect for heritage alongside a continuous drive for reinvention. This duality of tradition and innovation defines the House of Suntory’s approach to whisky making. WITH SIGNATURE BALANCE OF 50% MALT AND 50% GRAIN At its core, Toki is a refined expression of Suntory’s blending philosophy, crafted as a sipping whisky that reflects balance, precision, and accessibility. Rather than following conventional blending structures, it innovatively showcases a deliberate rethinking of hierarchy led by House of Suntor...