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Bangkok, Thailand, November 07, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Minor Hotels is proud to announce its three honours from the 2026 Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Awards (ULTRAs). At the ceremony held in London on 1 October 2026, William E Heinecke, Founder & Chairman of Minor International, the parent company of Minor Hotels, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Anantara Hotels & Resorts, the group’s flagship experiential luxury brand, was named Luxury Hotel Brand of the Year, while Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas won Best New Hotel in the World.

Mr Heinecke’s hospitality career began in 1978 with the Royal Garden Resort in Pattaya, Thailand. From that first hotel, Minor Hotels has grown into a leading global hospitality company with more than 640 properties across 67 countries, operating under Minor Hotels’ 12 hotel brands including Anantara, Elewana Collection, The Wolseley Hotels, Tivoli, Minor Reserve Collection, NH Collection, nhow, Avani, Colbert Collection, NH, Oaks, and iStay, and complemented by a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars, travel experiences, and spa and wellness brands.

Anantara’s title as Luxury Hotel Brand of the Year arrives in a milestone year for the brand. Anantara Hotels & Resorts turns 25 in 2026, a quarter of a century after its first property opened in Hua Hin, Thailand. Anantara now shares its Thai-inspired hospitality across more than 50 properties in Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, Africa and Europe, with Australia and the Americas coming soon.

The brand’s Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas property was crowned Best New Hotel in the World and sits in Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi, on one of the country’s last unspoiled islands. Its 148 suites, including beachfront pool villas and sea-view penthouses, offer generous space along the shores of Koh Yao Yai.

Mr Heinecke commented on the ULTRAs honours: “Anantara began as a single property in Hua Hin and has become a way of travelling: unhurried, rooted in place and generous in spirit. Twenty-five years on, to be named Luxury Hotel Brand of the Year is a tribute to the team members who bring that spirit to life at more than 50 properties.”

The ULTRAs took place at the Tower of London, in the Jewel House and The White Tower. Nick Perry, Chairman of multi-media brand Ultratravel, organises the awards in partnership with Global Hotel Alliance, the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands and operator of the award-winning loyalty programme GHA DISCOVERY, through their long-standing joint venture, Ultratravel Collection. Ultratravel readers and GHA DISCOVERY members voted for this year’s 18 categories.

UK television presenters Natalie Pinkham and Gethin Jones hosted the evening, and guests included British actor Hugh Bonneville, Sky News presenter Sarah-Jane Mee and rugby legends Simon Shaw, Alun Wyn Jones, Serge Betsen and Andrew Mehrtens.

“The ULTRAs offer a powerful reflection of the standards and experiences that matter most to today’s luxury travellers, shaped by the views and preferences of Ultratravel magazine readers, as well as our GHA DISCOVERY members who voted for these awards,” said GHA CEO Chris Hartley. “Congratulations to all this year’s winners for raising the bar and demonstrating the very best of hospitality, aviation and travel.”

About Ultratravel Collection

Ultratravel Collection brings together hotels of distinction for the discerning traveller. Its membership includes only the finest hotels and resorts globally, delivering luxurious experiences and personalised service.

About GHA and GHA DISCOVERY

Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) is the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands with 60 brands and 1,000 hotels across 100 countries. Its award-winning loyalty programme – GHA DISCOVERY – provides 38 million members with recognition, D$ rewards and exclusive experiences across its hotels and partners, both with and without a stay.

Through membership in GHA, brands expand their global reach, drive incremental revenue and reduce dependence on third-party channels, all while maintaining management independence and individual positioning.

Bangkok, Thailand, November 07, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok will mark Loy Krathong on Tuesday, 24 November 2026, with a spectacular fireworks display over the Chao Phraya, riverside dining, Thai performances and live music.

The hotel’s riverfront places guests close to the tradition at the heart of the festival: floating candlelit krathongs on the water. Dining options include a Thai and international buffet at Riverside Terrace and special menus at Baan Phraya, Lord Jim’s and Anne-Sophie Pic at Le Normandie.

From 5:30 to 10:30pm, the celebration begins with a Loy Krathong parade and long drum procession, setting the agenda ahead of the evening reception at The Authors’ Lounge. As dinner unfolds along the river, Thai dancers take the stage, and puppeteers move among the tables. The Nai and Nang Noppamas contestants are introduced, with the winners announced later in the evening. Then Pure The Voice performs as fireworks illuminate the Chao Phraya – a moment guests will want to stay for.

At Riverside Terrace, the buffet brings together Thai and international cuisine, from a seafood tower, curries and sushi to Italian dishes. The extensive barbecue selection includes roasted prime beef ribs, whole roasted pig, grilled river prawns, sea bass and lamb chops. Thai desserts and a live mango sticky rice station complete the spread.

International Buffet at Riverside Terrace

THB 8,900 net per adult
THB 6,500 net per child (6–12 years)

To make their stay over Loy Krathong even more special, guests who have booked The Oriental 150th room package receive 50% off the Riverside Terrace buffet dinner.

Anne-Sophie Pic at Le Normandie

The seven-course menu includes cured Akashi sea bream with sake ice cream infused with pink peppercorn and jabara citrus, Pic’s signature Berlingots, Brittany blue lobster cooked over embers, and wagyu beef with mint, shiso and caraway. The meal concludes with Mont Blanc, featuring black fruit confit, whisky chestnut cream and meringue infused with Lapsang Souchong tea.

The menu is priced at THB 10,500 net per person.

Baan Phraya

The eight-course Thai set menu offers a journey through regional Thai flavours. Highlights by Chef Phatchara “Pom” Pirapk include tuna tartare with Isan herbs and roasted rice; Prachuap Khiri Khan squid in a galangal-infused coconut broth; marinated bamboo fish grilled in a coconut shell; grilled Surat Thani river prawn with its tomalley; and charred free-range Kao Yai duck with curry, sour grapes and pumpkin. Mango sticky rice with pandan ice cream follows for dessert.

The menu is priced at THB 5,500 net per person.

Lord Jim’s

Serves a six-course dinner, beginning with a tom kha gougère topped with Avruga caviar. It continues with hamachi, salmon and tuna ceviche in a charcoal coconut shell; lobster bisque infused with lemongrass and kaffir lime; grilled black grouper with Thai basil-Champagne sauce; and beef tenderloin massaman Wellington. Mango sticky rice with coconut ice cream completes the menu, followed by petits fours.

The menu is priced at THB 6,500 net per person.

The China House by Chef Fei

The restaurant will also welcome guests on Loy Krathong. The à la carte menu, a celebration of Cantonese cuisine, gives guests the freedom to shape their evening around Chef Fei’s signature dishes.

The Loy Krathong celebrations take place at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok on Tuesday, 24 November 2026. Advance reservations are recommended. For reservations and further information, please contact:

Bangkok, Thailand, November 06, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Minor Hotels, a leading global hotel owner and operator, has launched Life Longevity, a new wellness brand connecting its destinations, services and future developments within a single ecosystem. Bringing together clinical science, complementary medicine and Minor’s hospitality expertise, Life Longevity creates a continuous wellness experience that carries each guest’s care from one destination, and one season of life, to the next. The brand builds on Layan Life by Anantara at Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, with its first urban location, Bangkok Life at The St. Regis Bangkok, opening soon. From there, it is designed to expand into leading resort destinations and gateway cities around the world.

Longevity has become one of the defining conversations in wellness, and it is moving beyond the clinic into everyday life. According to Minor Hotels’ Travel Trends Report 2026, 44% of travellers plan to bring more wellness into their trips, rising to 73% among those already committed to wellness practices. Increasingly, they want the rigour of science and a stay that makes a lasting difference, without it feeling clinical.

Born in Thailand and shaped by more than four decades of Minor Hotels’ expertise, the brand takes three forms – resort, urban and residential – connected by one principle: Life Longevity gets to know each guest, and that understanding goes wherever they go. A resort stay offers dedicated time for deep transformation; an urban setting brings longevity into the rhythm of everyday city life; and residential Life, will build every detail of the home around a longevity-led lifestyle. Today, that means a morning in Bangkok picks up where a week in Phuket left off, and as the brand grows, the same continuity will follow guests to every new destination. The longer a guest is part of the Life Longevity journey, the more valuable the relationship becomes.

Circle of Life, an optional membership launching alongside the brand, turns Life Longevity into a continuing partnership: members stay connected to their care team between visits through regular expert check-ins and a personal digital record, with access that extends across Life Longevity locations worldwide. Every visit builds on the last, wherever in the world the next one takes place.

Every journey begins with understanding the guest, through consultation, lifestyle insight and diagnostics, with complementary medicine working alongside science from the outset. Each location then adds its own strengths, whether restorative therapies that help the body recover and recharge, movement and lifestyle guidance that builds long-term strength, or the people and shared moments that make the experience more rewarding. No two journeys look the same, yet every one is holistic by design. At Life, longevity feels less like a protocol and more like an intuitive way of living.

“Our ambition isn’t simply to take part in wellness, but to help raise its standard,” said Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International, the parent company of Minor Hotels. “Life Longevity gives that ambition a clear shape. Many places offer exceptional hospitality and advanced wellbeing. What sets Life Longevity apart is continuity: wherever guests find us, they are cared for by people who already know them, and whose care evolves as their needs do, for many years to come.”

At the heart of the brand is a belief that longevity is not measured in years alone, but in vitality, resilience and quality of life at every stage. Beyond any treatment or retreat, Life Longevity is a lifelong source of expert care and personal guidance, shaped around each individual.

Life today

Already welcoming guests at Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, Layan Life by Anantara is the brand’s flagship resort setting, where curated programming meets the joy of choice. On a signature journey, the guest chooses the goal and Layan Life designs the path; alternatively, guests can create their own with a practitioner’s guidance, while resort guests can simply drop in for a personalised treatment. Complementary medicine here is anchored in Traditional Thai Medicine, delivered alongside the full diagnostic and clinical offer. Once guests return home, Life After Layan, the resort’s follow-up care programme, keeps their care going between visits – an early expression of the continuity that will run across every Life location.

In the heart of the city and about to launch this autumn, Bangkok Life at The St. Regis Bangkok is the brand’s first urban site and its most clinical expression: a longevity and biohacking hub where advanced therapies and medical aesthetics are guided by the same diagnostic depth found across the ecosystem.

Life Longevity is set to become an international brand, with further urban, resort and residential locations in development for leading resort destinations and major gateway cities beyond Thailand, reflecting Minor Hotels’ long-term commitment to wellness-led growth.

About Life Longevity

Life Longevity is Minor Hotels’ dedicated wellness brand that is built around a relationship that grows with its guests. Spanning urban, resort and residential settings, it combines clinical diagnostics and advanced therapies with complementary medicine and exceptional hospitality, meeting guests at their current stage of life and carrying their care from one location to the next. Life currently operates at Anantara Layan Phuket Resort and The St. Regis Bangkok, with further sites in development globally.

Bangkok, Thailand, November 05, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Minor Hotels has announced the signing of Ampersand Beach House as part of Colbert Collection, an 111-key boutique lifestyle hotel that will mark the first purpose-built Colbert Collection property and the brand’s debut on Dubai Islands.

Scheduled to open in late 2029, the beachfront development brings Ampersand from London to Dubai. The Ampersand Hotel has been operational in London for over ten years, demonstrating excellence and earning the affection of its guests, and now brings that success to Dubai with the refined edge of coastal, barefoot luxury at Ampersand Beach House. The signing represents another milestone in Minor Hotels’ strategic growth in the UAE and reinforces the group’s commitment to expanding its portfolio of distinctive luxury and lifestyle brands across high-potential destinations.

Located on Dubai Islands, one of the United Arab Emirates’ most significant waterfront master developments, Ampersand Beach House will introduce an intimate, design-forward hospitality concept centred on personalised service, contemporary architecture and curated lifestyle experiences. The 111-key hotel will feature a collection of guestrooms and suites, including signature pool terrace suites, alongside destination dining venues, rooftop leisure experiences, wellness facilities and thoughtfully designed social spaces that appeal to both international travellers and Dubai residents.

The project team was handpicked to achieve the design ambitions of Ampersand Beach House and to ensure attention to every detail. NOUMA leads the project management, MIMAR is Lead Design Consultant for the architecture and engineering, and the interiors are by Sundukovy Sisters Design Studio, renowned across hospitality and F&B.

The signing reflects the continued evolution of Dubai’s luxury hospitality landscape, where demand for highly personalised, experience-led boutique hotels continues to grow alongside the city’s expanding portfolio of world-class leisure destinations.

“The UAE continues to present outstanding opportunities for thoughtful, design-led hospitality, and Dubai Islands is set to become one of the city’s defining leisure destinations. Ampersand Beach House perfectly captures the vision of Colbert Collection by delivering an intimate luxury experience centred on exceptional design, personalised service and a strong sense of character. We are delighted to welcome the Ampersand team as a valued partner and to continue expanding our luxury portfolio with projects that bring something truly distinctive to the market.”

– Amir Golbarg, Chief Operating Officer, Minor Hotels Middle East & Africa

“Exceptional hotels begin with a clear vision and the right operating partner. Minor Hotels’ experience in luxury hospitality, combined with the positioning of Colbert Collection, made them the natural choice for Ampersand Beach House. We wanted to deliver something that is not yet present in Dubai’s hotel scene: a hotel that lets guests step away from the typical bold luxury and into a refined world of barefoot luxury, with a feeling of peace, harmony and island holiday. Every decision on this project has been made with the guest experience in mind, and our focus now is on delivering a hotel that will become a landmark for visitors and residents alike.”

– Anton Fedun, Financial & Strategic Advisor, Ampersand Beach House

The signing marks another important step in the rollout of Colbert Collection in the UAE. Later this year, Dukes The Palm Dubai Hotel will join the collection following an extensive renovation and repositioning programme, creating the brand’s inaugural presence in Dubai ahead of the opening of Ampersand Beach House in 2029.

As Dubai Islands continues to develop into one of the city’s premier waterfront destinations through significant investment in hospitality, residential and leisure infrastructure, Ampersand Beach House is ideally positioned to meet the growing demand for luxury lifestyle experiences while further strengthening Minor Hotels’ long-term growth strategy across the Middle East.

Bangkok, Thailand, November 05, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Jim Thompson unveils Drop 2 of its 75th Anniversary Collection, introducing the “Silk & Story” print as the latest chapter in the brand’s celebration of Thai silk, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage. Inspired by the origins of the brand’s renowned silk production, the print features a historic wooden house scene depicting the traditional processes of silk-making. Bringing this rich heritage into the present, the new release reinterprets the artistry of Thai silk through a selection of contemporary fashion and lifestyle pieces.

Continuing the journey that began with the launch of Drop 1 in June 2026 in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the second release builds on the collection’s exploration of Thai heritage and craftsmanship. While the first drop introduced the “Celebration of Silk” print, bringing together iconic Jim Thompson fabrics and motifs in contemporary patchwork compositions, “Silk & Story” takes the narrative further by revisiting the traditional art of silk-making and the cultural stories behind the brand’s heritage.

Inspired by archive photos of the Baan Krua weaving community and the Jim Thompson House on Saen Saep Canal, the latest addition to the collection focuses on a single scene-based illustration. The scene reimagines an earlier time when quality thread, hand-operated wooden tools, and workers’ patience were the essential ingredients of silk craft. A traditional Thai wooden house is surrounded with dense tropical plants. A figure is seated in the garden tending and boiling silk cocoons in a basin. Following the stairs into the house, a woman kneels by a reeling frame, drawing the cocoons into raw silk thread. Across the veranda a second woman winds the small silk threads through a spinning wheel onto spools, ready to be loaded onto the loom for weaving. Intricate architectural details and decorative items placed around the house, a chandelier, table lamps, ceramic jars, and a pair of white cockatoos perched on the balcony are all reminiscent of Jim Thompson’s house and personal collection.

Nunnapat Verojanavat, Marketing Director of Jim Thompson, said, “Silk & Story continues our celebration of 75 years of Thai silk mastery, paying homage to Thai craftsmanship through a single iconic scene. Inspired from our photographic archive, the illustration represents the brand’s legacy from the 1950s, capturing the skill and patience involved in early textile production. The striking motifs in this collection keep the tradition alive, showing the beauty of Thai culture through our contemporary silk products.”

Silk & Story presents the design in a selection of styles and tones across a range of lifestyle and fashion items that capture an effortless sophistication with the comfort of modern relaxed living.  A warm sepia, caramel and cream palette adorns a 33” silk scarf and 13” pocket square, along with silk twill fisherman pants, a Capri tote bag, and travel clutch complete with a zip pouch. A larger 47” silk scarf takes on a cool teal, slate blue and sage palette for a more provocative, stand out statement.

This collection continues the brand’s anniversary theme of a journey through time, drawing on archive-inspired prints and patterns to keep the rich history of Thai craftsmanship at the forefront of textile design. Silk & Story, along with the complete Jim Thompson 75th Anniversary Collection, is available at all Jim Thompson stores and online.

Bangkok, Thailand, November 04, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / On the occasion of World Architecture Day, Minor Hotels highlights a selection of distinctive properties across Europe and the Middle East where architecture plays a central role in shaping the guest experience. Across its premium and lifestyle brands, including NH Collection Hotels & Resorts and nhow Hotels & Resorts, architecture is more than a visual statement. It reflects place, culture and identity, creating meaningful connections between travellers and the destinations they visit.

From meticulously restored historic landmarks to visionary contemporary icons, these properties exemplify how architecture can safeguard cultural heritage, enrich the guest experience and shape the identity of a destination. Together, they reflect Minor Hotels’ commitment to creating meaningful places where history, design and innovation coexist in harmony, celebrating the unique character and stories of each location.

On Venice’s iconic Murano Island, NH Collection Venezia Murano Villa has transformed a former glass factory into a sophisticated retreat that honours the island’s centuries-old artisanal legacy. While contemporary in style, the hotel retains the spirit of its industrial past, drawing inspiration from Murano’s world-famous glassmaking tradition and ensuring that the destination’s cultural heritage remains woven into every aspect of the guest experience.

A similarly immersive connection between architecture and place can be found at NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace, an extraordinary property that brings together centuries of Amsterdam’s architectural evolution under one roof. Comprising a collection of historic canal houses, a 15th-century chapel and carefully integrated contemporary elements, the hotel offers guests a living journey through the city’s rich urban history while preserving some of its most treasured architectural landmarks.

In Finland, NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa showcases a remarkable dialogue between heritage and contemporary Nordic design. Occupying two of Helsinki’s most celebrated historic buildings, the legendary Seurahuone Hotel and the distinguished New Student House, the property breathes new life into an important chapter of the Finnish capital’s architectural story. Defined by elegant Art Nouveau influences, locally crafted details and thoughtfully restored historical features, the hotel seamlessly blends cultural heritage with contemporary sophistication. More than a place to stay, it serves as a gateway to Helsinki’s identity, demonstrating how sensitive restoration can preserve the past while creating a vibrant destination for the future.

In Dubai, NH Collection Dubai Ibn Battuta celebrates architecture as a journey of discovery. Inspired by the legendary travels of explorer Ibn Battuta, the hotel brings together contemporary hospitality and design influences that evoke the cultures and destinations he encountered along his extraordinary journeys. Through its architecture and interiors, the property creates a distinctive sense of place, transforming the spirit of exploration into a sophisticated and immersive guest experience.

Contemporary architecture defining today’s skylines

For nhow Hotels & Resorts, architecture becomes a bold expression of creativity, culture and urban identity. Designed by renowned architect Reinier de Graaf (OMA), nhow Amsterdam RAI has become one of Amsterdam’s most recognisable contemporary landmarks. Its striking silhouette reflects the city’s dynamic, multicultural character while perfectly embodying the brand’s unconventional spirit.

In Rotterdam, nhow Rotterdam occupies a prominent position within De Rotterdam, the acclaimed mixed-use complex designed by Rem Koolhaas on the banks of the River Maas. Widely regarded as one of Europe’s most influential contemporary architectural projects, the building has become a destination, demonstrating how architecture can shape a city’s image and identity.

Design and reinvention are equally central to nhow Milano, housed in a former industrial building in the city’s vibrant Tortona district. Originally conceived by internationally acclaimed architect Matteo Thun, the property transformed a former factory into a creative hub where industrial heritage meets contemporary design, reflecting Milan’s status as a global capital of fashion, art and innovation. Meanwhile, nhow Berlin, designed by celebrated creative visionary Karim Rashid, stands out for its bold colours, playful aesthetic and futuristic interiors. Located on the banks of the River Spree, the hotel embodies the city’s avant-garde energy and artistic spirit, offering an immersive design experience that blurs the boundaries between hospitality, art and architecture.

Together, these properties showcase how nhow Hotels & Resorts reimagines iconic buildings and collaborates with some of the world’s most influential architects and designers to create hotels that are as much cultural and architectural destinations as they are places to stay.

As travellers increasingly seek authentic connections with the places they visit, architecture plays an essential role in defining those experiences. Whether through the restoration of historic buildings, the reinvention of industrial spaces or the creation of contemporary landmarks, Minor Hotels continues to champion design that enhances a sense of place while enriching the journey of every guest. This World Architecture Day, these properties stand as powerful examples of how architecture can preserve heritage, celebrate local identity and transform hotels into destinations.

Miami, Florida, November 04, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Global Wellness Summit (GWS), the foremost gathering of leaders in the global wellness economy, today released the full agenda for its historic 20th annual event taking place November 10-13 at the Angsana Laguna Phuket in Thailand.

The event will celebrate—and analyze lessons learned from—these last 20 years of extraordinary growth for the industry, while bringing together dozens of high-profile thinkers to predict what the next 20 years may bring. The expansive agenda, under the theme, “The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness,” illustrates that wellness is again at a pivotal moment.

Science and the new focus on longevity and healthspan have dominated the industry in recent years. Globally renowned doctors and researchers will discuss how longevity itself is now at a crossroads, with new demands for less hype and more evidence-based pathways. They will also forecast a future that is more integrative than solely clinical, more collective and accessible than individualistic and elitist.

If more scientific—and less science fiction—approaches to healthy longevity are firmly on the agenda, a powerful line-up of experts will discuss how the “art” and “soul” of wellness will have an equally forceful, fast-evolving future in the industry. Keynotes will explore how art, music, film and new models of immersive entertainment can be deployed to impact wellbeing. At the same time, high-profile designers and real estate developers will discuss innovations in how spaces, destinations, and even cities, can transform human wellbeing, whether environments purpose-built to drive connection or regulate our nervous systems.

Speakers will tackle how the “soul” of wellness—ancient wisdom systems, spirituality, purpose, deep human connection and nature—are not just resurgent in an era of clinical over-optimization, but getting a radical reimagining. Importantly, innovators will also share how the science, art and soul of wellness are finally converging in new concepts and destinations.

Each day, attendees will experience firsthand the art and soul of wellness—from the profound lessons of a revered Buddhist monk for the industry’s future, to a moving chanting ceremony from Thai schoolgirls, to film premieres from the BBC, ArtLink and Louie Schwartzberg, and new music from Myndstream. There will also be heartfelt tributes to Susie Ellis, who is stepping away from her role as GWS CEO, honoring her visionary role in shaping the modern wellness industry.

To set the momentous, inspiring tone, the Summit will be opened by Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, the Queen of Thailand.

“The agenda was designed as a deep immersion in the many ways that science, art and soul will reshape the future wellness industry,” said Nancy Davis, GWS chief creative officer and executive director. “But just as important was to create a meaningful, moving experience for attendees, through performance, music, film … and so many surprises. We’ve woven a tapestry of big thinkers and big moments.”

ON THE AGENDA:

The 2026 Summit has an especially strong focus on transformations underway in medical wellness, longevity and healthspan; hospitality and travel; and design, the arts and the built environment.

I) SCIENCE

Keynotes will lay out what evidence-based and women-inclusive pathways to healthy longevity look like; why more integrative medical wellness represents the future; and how a new focus on healthspan is disrupting everything from health insurance to workplace wellness.

Kenneth R. Pelletier, MD, PhD, clinical professor of medicine, University of California, San Francisco, and a longevity expert decades before it became an obsession: “Live Long & Prosper: Sorting Fact from Fantasy in Human Longevity”

Andrea Maier, MD, PHD, director of the NUS Academy for Healthy Longevity and leader of the team named one of 20 finalists for the $101 million XPRIZE Healthspan Competition: “Health Optimization: Integrating Consumer-Led Health and Precision Geromedicine”

John Schoonbee, MD, global chief medical officer, Swiss RE: “An Insurance Giant Bets on Wellness”

Tanupol Virunhagarun, MD, CEO of Group 8 (BDMS Wellness Clinic, BDMS Wellness Resort, BDMS Silver), Bangkok Dusit Medical Services: “Advancing Scientific Wellness in the New WellEra”

Christopher Asandra, MD, founder, chief medical officer, AsandraMD: “The Women’s Health Conversation Nobody Wants to Have”

Dan Buettner, founder, Blue Zones: “I Built It, Sold It, and Bought It Back … What’s Next?”

George Gaitanos, PhD, chief operating and scientific officer, Chenot: “Reframing Longevity: A Dynamic State of Everyday Health”

Anna Bjurstam, founder, Wahayla: “Beyond the Hype: Rethinking Longevity and the Business of Wellness”

Simone Gibertoni, CEO, Clinique La Prairie: “Authentic Expansion: Bringing Clinique La Prairie to Phuket”

Melody Nakhle, global chief marketing officer, Amway: “Beyond Longevity: Rethinking What It Means to Live Well”

Denise Bober, SVP of Human Resources, The Breakers, Palm Beach: “From Hire to Retire: Longevity in a Working Life”

Diego Carrete, chief wellness officer, First Abu Dhabi Bank: “Banking on Wellness”

Julie “DJ Hesta Prynn” Slavin, DJ and licensed clinical therapist, music connection therapy: “A Quiet Revolution: A Case for Putting Hearing on Your Longevity Playlist”

II) ART

Experts will delve into everything from cutting-edge, immersive “well-tainment” to a new global movement that places Indigenous cultures and crafts at the heart of wellbeing, as well as the eye-opening ways that architects, designers and developers are rethinking the built environment around human health.

Thomas Heatherwick, founder, design director, Heatherwick Studio: “The Architecture of Indifference: What Boring Buildings Are Doing to Us”

Deron Triff, founder, Project VELUM: “Immersive Entertainment: The Science-Backed Blueprint for the Next Frontier in Wellness”

Tal Danai, founder, creative director, ArtLink: Film Premiere—”Stories That Move Us”

Jonathan Emery, CEO, Aldar Development: “Building Cities, Caring for Individuals”

Bernhard Bohnenberger, co-founder, CEO, Discover Collection: “Can You Design a Place People Feel They Belong?”

David Delrahim, founder, COCUN Wellness Resorts and Communities, Proudputh Liptapanlop, executive director, Proud Real Estate, and Ari Peralta, director, Arigami, discuss: “Future Wellness Cities: Cultural Capital & Wellness-Led Urban Developments”

III) SOUL

A diverse slate of speakers will examine how ancient wellness, spirituality, purpose, human connection and nature are not just poised for a renaissance but a major reinvention.

Ho Kwon Ping, founder, executive chairman, Banyan Group: “From Paradise to Purpose: The Evolution of Wellness Hospitality”

Ajahn Jayasāro, Buddhist monk, spiritual teacher, author: “What Remains When We Stop Trying to Improve Ourselves”

Anna Bjurstam, with Ronald Akili, co-founder, Desa Potato Head (Bali) and Huy Hoang, founder, Shishi-Iwa House (Japan): “The Anti-Resort: Can Hospitality Have a Point of View?”

Lisa Von Tang, founder, creative director, Lisa Von Tang, with Colin Low, CEO of investment firm, Patience Lifestyle and Lexie Rodriguez, VP of Lifestyle, Capella Hotel Group: “Building Community: The New Currency of Hospitality Brands”

Krip Rojanastien, chairman, CEO, Chiva-Som International Health Resorts: “Can a Wellness Destination Keep Its Soul as It Scales?”

Neil Jacobs, founder, Wild Origins: “The Next Chapter in Global Hospitality”

Shunya, co-founder, Tianren Culture, Hong Kong: “The Inner World: The Spirit of Wellness”

Renee Moorefield, PhD, founder, CEO, Wisdom Works Group with Eva McLellan, global healthcare executive and co-founder of the Unlocking Eve Foundation: “Cultures That Flourish in a Fractured World”

Ramona Chiriac, VP, Global Impact, Therme Group: “Wellness for Millions, Not Millionaires”

Lindsay Madden-Nadeau, senior director wellness strategy & development, Red Sea Global, with choreographer, Bilal Allaf: “The Art of Living Well: Movement, Memory and the Wisdom of Place”

Marina Efraimoglou, owner, founder, Greece’s Euphoria Retreat: “Why Longevity Needs an Ithaka”

Jessica Jesse, founder and CEO, BuDhaGirl, founder, Zen Collective: “The Architecture of Intention”

SCIENCE+ART+SOUL: THE NEW CONVERGENCE

From new business models to new government policies, keynotes will explore the far more integrative future for wellness ahead.

June Cohen, author, media and technology pioneer: “The Great Remembering: How Powerful Ancient Practices Are Reinventing Modern Wellness”

Pongsadhorn Pokpermdee, MD, PhD, director general, Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ministry of Public Health: “Thailand’s Wellness Future: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Medicine”

William E. Heinecke, founder, chairman, Minor International: “The Hospitality Empire That Refuses to Stand Still”

Narong Pattamasaevi (father), founder, chairman, Montara Hospitality Group, Poonsri Pichayaphanich (mother) vice chair, Niyom Pattamasaevi Foundation and Kittisak Pattamasaevi (son) president, CEO, Montara Hospitality Group: “A Family’s Legacy of Care: Trisara, Tri Vananda & More”

Jiří Dvořák, MD, PhD, professor of neurology, Schulthess Clinic Zurich and BDMS Wellness Clinic: “Lifespan. Healthspan. Playspan”

THE BIG SHIFTS:

Keynotes will identify the powerful, “big picture” shifts unfolding in wellness.

B. Joseph Pine II, bestselling author, speaker, management advisor and co-founder, Strategic Horizons, will explain the rise of “The Transformation Economy and Its Impact on the Wellness Economy”

Ingo Schweder, founder, CEO, GOCO Hospitality, Rakesh Patel, CEO, founder, Alta Capital Real Estate and Professor Gerry Bodeker, member, Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, will tackle: “Beyond the Wellness Boom: Where Is the Industry Really Heading—and Who Will Shape Its Future?”

Dave McCaughan, founder, BIBLIOSEXUAL, will identify lessons learned from 20 years of advertising wellness, while Kelly Kovack, founder, CEO of BeautyMatter and Nick Vaus, founder, Free The Birds, will analyze the last 20 years of beauty and wellness, while making bold predictions for the next 20.

New Research: The Global Wellness Institute unveils the 2026 Global Wellness Economy Monitor, its most in-depth report ever, providing new data and insights on the global wellness market.

Unmatched Networking: From 160 “table topics” at lunch with industry leaders to expert-led after-dinner conversations to amazing open-air dinners and beachfront celebrations, the 2026 Summit offers delegates so many ways to connect.

About the Global Wellness Summit: The Global Wellness Summit brings together leaders and visionaries to positively shape the future of the $6.8 trillion global wellness economy. In addition to an annual conference held at a different location around the globe, GWS also hosts annual in-person events such as the Wellness Real Estate & Communities Symposium and the New York Media Event, where its Future of Wellness report is unveiled, a prediction of the top wellness trends for the year that is oft-quoted in the media. The GWS also hosts virtual gatherings, including Wellness Master Classes. The 20th annual Global Wellness Summit will be held in Phuket, Thailand, November 10-13, 2026.

Bangkok, Thailand, November 04, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala to the Kingdom of Thailand, in collaboration with All Around Holidays (AAH), will host an exclusive tourism showcase on Friday, 6 November 2026, under the theme “Discovering Guatemala: A Journey Beyond the Known.”

The event will bring together selected travel agencies, tourism professionals and media representatives to discover Guatemala’s rich cultural heritage, spectacular natural landscapes and distinctive travel experiences, while exploring opportunities to introduce this remarkable Central American destination to Thai travelers.

H.E. Ms. Shirley Dennise Aguilar Barrera, Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala to the Kingdom of Thailand, will welcome invited guests as part of the Embassy’s efforts to promote greater awareness of Guatemala and strengthen tourism connections between the two countries.

The program will feature a special destination presentation by the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT), offering insights into the country’s key attractions, cultural traditions and tourism opportunities.

All Around Holidays, represented by Mrs. Annabelle S. Daokaew, Executive Director, and Ms. Anamhrinn Daokaew, Deputy Managing Director, will present in conjunction with the local Guatemala travel partner, Guatemala’s travel highlights and opportunities for Thai travel agencies to develop customized journeys, private tours and group itineraries for their clients.

From the ancient Maya temples of Tikal and the colonial charm of Antigua Guatemala to the volcanic scenery of Lake Atitlán and the colorful traditions of Chichicastenango, Guatemala offers a captivating blend of history, culture, nature and authentic local experiences.

Beyond introducing a new destination, the showcase aims to encourage closer cooperation between the tourism industries of Guatemala and Thailand, creating opportunities for travel professionals to explore new products and experiences for the Thai market.

Through this collaboration, the Embassy of Guatemala and All Around Holidays seek to inspire greater interest in Guatemala and foster meaningful connections that support future tourism opportunities between the two countries.

Event Details

Event: Discovering Guatemala: A Journey Beyond the Known
Date: Friday, 6 November 2026
Format: Exclusive Tourism Breakfast & Destination Showcase
Hosted by: Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala to the Kingdom of Thailand, in collaboration with All Around Holidays

About Guatemala

Located in Central America, Guatemala is renowned for its ancient Maya heritage, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, colonial cities, dramatic volcanic landscapes and vibrant living traditions. The country offers diverse opportunities for cultural discovery, nature exploration and immersive travel experiences.

About All Around Holidays

All Around Holidays (AAH) is a Bangkok-based boutique travel company specializing in customized journeys, private tours, small-group travel and comprehensive travel arrangements in Thailand and worldwide.

With a focus on personalized service, cultural discovery and authentic local experiences, AAH develops thoughtfully curated travel programs for individual travelers, private groups and travel agency partners.

Through its growing international network, the company continues to introduce distinctive destinations and create new opportunities for Thai travelers to explore the world beyond familiar routes.

Bangkok, Thailand, November 03, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Baan Phraya at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok introduces a new winter tasting menu by Chef Phatchara ‘Pom’ Pirapak. Drawing on regional Thai recipes and ingredients sourced from across the country, the menu reflects her respect for traditional cooking and the house’s long history of welcoming guests to the table. A vegetarian tasting menu is also available.

Set beside the Chao Phraya River, the century-old residence was once the home of Phraya Mahai Savan and Khunying Luean Mahai Savan, whose gatherings brought Thai nobility and visiting dignitaries together over refined home-cooked feasts. Their generosity and appreciation of Thai cuisine continue to inform the experience at Baan Phraya, where original teakwood and intricate fretwork preserve the intimate character of the home.

Chef Pom carries this legacy into the kitchen through her careful handling of ingredients, balancing flavour, aroma and texture. Traditional techniques such as charcoal grilling and mortar pounding remain central to her cooking, alongside the use of fresh herbs.

“I wanted this menu to show the variety of flavours in Thai cooking,” says Chef Phatchara ‘Pom’ Pirapak. “Some dishes have a bright sourness, others are light and fragrant, and some are richer, like the river prawn and duck curry. I’ve taken the same approach with the vegetarian menu, thinking about how each dish tastes on its own and how it works with the rest of the meal.”

Dinner begins with a trio of small bites that introduce familiar Thai flavours. Ma hor combines a crispy pineapple wafer with toasted peanut and pickled radish, Khanom Dok Jok has a delicate honeycomb biscuit with tom yum flavour and somsaa, and Miang Samun Phrai offers a medley of herbs, chaya leaf and bilimbi in a crispy tartlet.

Among the seafood highlights, Saa Phu pairs blue swimming crab with Isan herbs and crab roe. Prachuap Khiri Khan squid features in Tom Som, a broth of garcinia, sweet basil and winter melon, while steamed red grouper and Andaman abalone are accompanied by Lao Phuan sauce. Surat Thani river prawn is served with tomalley, young tamarind jam and chilli relish. Khao Yai free-range duck follows in a wild basil curry with onion blossom and a pickled lime broth.

The vegetarian menu explores these regional flavours through fruit, vegetables and herbs. Highlights include Siam Ruby pomelo with Isan herbs and torch ginger, steamed cauliflower with Lao Phuan sauce, organic vegetable with young tamarind jam and chilli relish, and pumpkin and daikon in a wild basil curry. Both menus close with pandan custard and roselle, accompanied by coconut ice cream or coconut sorbet.

Herbs from the house garden and produce from trusted local growers reflect Chef Pom’s close connection to the ingredients she cooks with.

The winter tasting menu and vegetarian tasting menu are each priced at THB 3,800++ per person.

Bangkok, Thailand, November 03, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok welcomes Marco Dongi as Bamboo Bar Manager. His international career spans Michelin-starred restaurants in Milan, rooftop bars in Australia, a luxury resort in Mauritius and head bartender roles at Buddha Bar in Bodrum and Dubai, alongside experience in London and Saudi Arabia. He brings to the historic Bangkok bar an approach grounded in classic cocktails and warm, personal hospitality.

In his new role, Dongi will lead the bar team, develop the cocktail programme and guide day-to-day service.

His achievements include top-10 placements in World Class competitions in Italy and Dubai, recognition as the sixth-best Italian bartender under 30 in 2018, and an appointment as a Coca-Cola brand ambassador in 2020.

“Awards and recognition are wonderful, but what really matters to me is creating a place where people feel comfortable, enjoy themselves, and want to come back,” says Dongi.

At The Bamboo Bar, Dongi takes a modern approach rooted in classic cocktails, using local ingredients and flavours to give familiar drinks his own interpretation. He keeps the results balanced and approachable, using techniques that improve the drink rather than simply impress.

“I will continue to explore the balance between classic foundations and modern creativity. I also believe that elegance comes from simplicity,” he says. “You don’t always need many ingredients or complicated techniques to create something memorable.”

The Bamboo Bar’s history was an important part of his decision to join. From its beginnings in a small room in the hotel’s Authors’ Wing, it has grown into a Bangkok institution, known for its live jazz, cocktails and distinctive atmosphere. As Bangkok’s first jazz bar, it holds a particular place in the city’s musical and social life, welcoming generations of guests from Thailand and around the world.

Dongi was drawn to the bar’s strong identity and reputation for genuine hospitality, as well as the opportunity to learn from its team. His first priority is to get to know the bar and his colleagues while bringing his international experience and a touch of Italian hospitality to the role. He gives as much attention to the music, atmosphere and service as to the drinks themselves.

“What excites me most is the opportunity to respect the legacy of Bamboo Bar while helping it evolve, always keeping the guest experience at the centre of everything we do. For me, the real challenge is to preserve the soul of the place while writing its next chapter,” says Dongi.

Upcoming events at The Bamboo Bar include a masterclass, roundtable and guest shift with Bastien Ciocca of Hope & Sesame on 12 November, followed by a cocktail-pairing dinner in collaboration with Fenjiu on 13 November. On 1 December, former The Bamboo Bar manager Jamie Rhind returns for a guest shift.