wttc2

Doha, Qatar, October 13, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Art Basel Qatar will feature 84 artist presentations by 87 galleries when the fair debuts in Doha next February. Presented in partnership with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) and QC+, the fair – Art Basel’s fifth globally – will be held from 5-7 February 2026 (with Preview Days 3-4 February). The 87 participants span 31 countries and territories, and 16 galleries will be showing with Art Basel for the first time – bringing new voices and perspectives onto our global platform.

Conceived under the curatorial direction of Egyptian-born artist Wael Shawky, Art Basel Qatar’s first edition departs from the traditional booth model to present an open-format exhibition in which artist presentations respond to a central curatorial theme of Becoming. A meditation on humanity’s constant transformation and the systems that shape how we live, believe, and create meaning, it will unfold across two key venues – M7 and the Doha Design District – as well as selected public sites in Msheireb Downtown Doha, the city’s creative and cultural heart. Both the format and curatorial direction will foreground storytelling and dialogue, offering new ways for galleries, artists, and collectors to engage while maintaining strong market relevance.

Art Basel Qatar – with Visit Qatar as the fair’s Lead Partner – will highlight the vitality of artistic production and the expanding gallery landscape across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. The strength of the regional presence in our first edition affirms Doha’s position as a vibrant hub for cultural exchange, while linking the fair to Art Basel’s global network of galleries, artists, and collectors.

• More than half of the artists presented in this first edition hail from the region, including Etel Adnan, Ali Banisadr, Simone Fattal, Ali Cherri, Meriem Bennani and Iman Issa.
• Galleries from across the region will participate, including those with locations in the Gulf (Qatar, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia), the wider Middle East (Lebanon, Turkey), North Africa (Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia), and South Asia (India).
• Homegrown galleries from the region that are participating in their first Art Basel fair include Hafez Gallery (Jeddah, Riyadh), Gallery Misr (Cairo), Le Violon Bleu (Tunis), Saleh Barakat Gallery (Beirut), and Tabari Artspace (Dubai).
• International galleries from across Europe, the Americas, and Asia will participate, including Acquavella Galleries, Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth, Pace Gallery, David Zwirner and White Cube.

Noah Horowitz, CEO of Art Basel, said: “With Art Basel Qatar, we are furthering our mission to be a catalyst for cultural exchange and market growth. Our gallery line-up for year one is thrilling – welcoming diverse new voices to our platform and deepening our engagement with new geographies, while also creating opportunities across our network of existing clients and established partners. This new venture is only possible thanks to the long-term commitment of our partners, Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) and QC+, and I’m excited for the impact our collaboration will have over the coming years.”

Vincenzo de Bellis, Chief Artistic Officer and Global Director of Fairs for Art Basel, said: “We are delighted with the response to Art Basel Qatar, which has brought together an exceptional roster of leading galleries for our inaugural edition. The breadth and quality of participation speaks to the strength of the project and the excitement it has generated both regionally and internationally. Working with Wael Shawky has been deeply energizing and rewarding: his vision has inspired outstanding presentations shaped around the theme of Becoming.”

Wael Shawky, Artistic Director, said: “The theme ‘Becoming‘ is a meditation on change, on how humanity reshapes the ways we live, believe, and create meaning. The Gulf lies at the heart of this story, where oral traditions flow into digital networks and ancient trade routes return as new pathways of culture and exchange. Here, art is not only a witness to history but a force that shapes how we imagine and reimagine identity. My hope is that the first edition of Art Basel Qatar becomes a space for these stories to surface. The additional commissioned public projects will extend this spirit, giving greater voice to artists from the region and allowing their perspectives to echo far beyond it. Their full scope will be unveiled in the weeks ahead, inviting audiences to anticipate what is still becoming.”

Artist & Gallery Highlights

More than half of the 84 artists represented in this first edition hail from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, affirming Art Basel Qatar as a new flagship for the region. Participating in partnership with galleries both within the region and globally, presentations selected include Etel Adnan with Anthony Meier (Mill Valley) in collaboration with Waddington Custot (London, Dubai), Ali Banisadr with Perrotin (Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, Seoul, Dubai ), Ali Cherri with Almine Rech (Paris, Brussels, New York, Shanghai, Monaco, Gstaad ), Ahmed Mater with Athr Gallery (Jeddah, Riyadh, AlUla), Mona Hatoum with Galerie Chantal Crousel (Paris), Iman Issa with Sylvia Kouvali (London, Athens), Mohammed Monaiseer with Gyspum Gallery (Cairo), Hassan Sharif with Gallery Isabelle (Dubai), Simone Fattal with Karma International (Zurich), Shirin Neshat with Lia Rumma (Milan, Naples), MARWAN with Sfeir-Semler Gallery (Beirut, Hamburg), Sophia Al-Maria with The Third Line (Dubai), and Meriem Bennani with François Ghebaly (Los Angeles, New York) in collaboration with Lodovico Corsini (Brussels).

The region’s burgeoning gallery ecosystem will be central to this inaugural edition. In addition to those listed above, galleries from the Gulf – including al markhiya gallery (Doha), showing Bouthayna Al Muftah; Hafez Gallery (Jeddah, Riyadh), showing Lina Gazzaz; Green Art Gallery (Dubai), showing Maryam Hoseini; Lawrie Shabibi (Dubai), showing Amir Nour; and Tabari Artspace (Dubai), showing Hazem Harb – will be presented alongside participants from the wider Middle East. These include Marfa’ Projects (Beirut), showing Caline Aoun, and Galerie Tanit (Beirut, Munich), showing Adel Abidin, as well as Pilot Galeri (Istanbul), showing Halil Altindere. From North Africa, highlights include ArtTalks Kanafani Gallery (Cairo), showing Ahmed Morsi; Gallery Misr (Cairo) showing Souad Abdelrasoul; Loft Art Gallery (Casablanca, Marrakech) showing Mustapha Azeroual, and Le Violon Bleu (Tunis), showing Farid Belkahia. From India, participants include Chemould Prescott Road (Mumbai), showing Rashid Rana.

They will sit in dialogue with international galleries from across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. These include: Acquavella Galleries (New York, Palm Beach), showing Jean-Michel Basquiat; Galleria Continua (San Gimignano, São Paulo, Beijing, Havana, Boissy-le-Châtel, Paris, Rome), showing Pascale Marthine Tayou; Gagosian (New York, Beverly Hills, London, Paris, Le Bourget, Basel, Gstaad, Rome, Athens, Hong Kong), showing Christo; Gladstone Gallery (New York, Brussels, Seoul), showing Alex Katz; Gray (Chicago, New York), showing Torkwase Dyson; Hauser & Wirth (Zurich, New York, Paris, Hong Kong, Monaco, Ciutadella de Menorca, Basel, Gstaad, St. Moritz, London, Somerset, Los Angeles, West Hollywood), showing Philip Guston; Sean Kelly (New York, Los Angeles), showing Hugo McCloud; kurimanzutto (Mexico City, New York), showing Gabriel Orozco; Lisson Gallery (London, Los Angeles, New York, Shanghai), showing Olga de Amaral; Luxembourg + Co. (London, New York), showing Katsumi Nakai; Pace Gallery (New York, Los Angeles, London, Geneva, Berlin, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo), showing Lynda Benglis; Sprüth Magers (Berlin, London, Los Angeles, New York), showing Otto Piene; Tornabuoni Art (Florence, Milan, Forte dei Marmi, Crans Montana, Paris, Rome), showing Alighiero Boetti; Michael Werner Gallery (New York, London, Beverly Hills, Berlin), showing Issy Wood; White Cube (London, Hong Kong, Paris, New York, Seoul), showing Georg Baselitz; and David Zwirner (New York, Los Angeles, London, Hong Kong, Paris), showing Marlene Dumas.

Source

Bangkok, Thailand, October 13, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Anne-Sophie Pic, the world’s most Michelin-starred French female chef, ushers in a new chapter of culinary excellence in Bangkok.

Anne-Sophie Pic is renowned for her bold vision and pioneering approach to gastronomy. Guided by her philosophy of Suffusion, a style that reveals itself through delicate aromatic layers and profound connections between ingredients, she has brought a fresh perspective to French cuisine for a new era.

At Restaurant Pic in Valence, honoured with three Michelin stars every year since 2007, she continues the legacy of her father Jacques Pic and her grandfather André Pic, both three-Michelin-starred chefs. The restaurant was also named Best Restaurant in the World by Tripadvisor in its 2024 Best of the Best ranking, a distinction that reflects her enduring influence on the culinary world.

HONOURING THE PAST, EMBRACING THE FUTURE

First opened in 1958 atop the Tower Wing, then one of Thailand’s tallest buildings, Le Normandie was the country’s first French fine dining restaurant and has long been cherished by discerning guests and world travellers. It is also the first French restaurant in Thailand to be recognised by Les Grandes Tables du Monde.

The arrival of Anne-Sophie Pic marks the continuation of a story rooted in personal ties and lasting impressions. Her connection with Thailand has deepened over decades. In 1998 she cooked at Le Normandie for the first time during a gastronomic week that left an indelible mark. There she discovered not only a restaurant steeped in history but also one that her father Jacques Pic had admired forty years earlier.

Today that connection comes full circle as she returns to write a new chapter in its legacy. “I firmly believe that cuisine is a universal language, a space where cultures meet. Opening a new chapter at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, an iconic institution that embodies elegance and refinement, is an adventure that truly excites me. I look forward to creating an experience where French gastronomy engages in a dialogue with the vibrant energy of Thai culture.” — Anne-Sophie Pic

ANNE-SOPHIE PIC’S CREATIVE CUISINE: SUFFUSION

Anne-Sophie Pic’s cuisine is defined by quiet elegance and a devotion to awakening the senses. Nature is her constant muse, where every ingredient — particularly the vegetal world — becomes a source of inspiration, guiding her towards creations both delicate and bold.

At the heart of her artistry lies the philosophy of Suffusion. It is not a technique but a way of thinking, an aromatic framework where flavours blossom through marination, infusion, maceration and smoking. Layer by layer, aromas unfold and intertwine in subtle harmony, revealing compositions that are at once surprising and deeply evocative.

For Bangkok, Anne-Sophie Pic has chosen to showcase some of her emblematic creations, like Hokkaido Sea Urchin, Chocolate Alveole or the celebrated Les Berlingots ©ASP, imagined here with a delicate filling of Camembert, saffron, chamomile and slightly sour tomatoes. The Brittany Blue Lobster with red fruits dashi, proposed with seaweed, reflects her enduring admiration for Asia. Another highlight, Wild Sea Bass and Caviar, pays tribute to the legendary dish created by Jacques Pic, elevating the hot and cold contrast of sea bass and caviar with the refinement of champagne sauce.

From the land, Anne-Sophie Pic presents a Charolais Beef Fillet infused with Thai black garlic and smoked vanilla, a dish of profound depth and subtle spice.

To close, a refined sweet note: White Lotus Millefeuille. This reinterpretation of her classic millefeuille blossoms like a lotus flower. Its rose petal tuiles, vanilla and jasmine flower cloud-like cream are delicately accented with Thai ginger flower. A dessert that beautifully bridges French artistry and Thai symbolism.

Upon arrival at the restaurant, guests are invited to discover these creations at the bar, where they may savour cocktails while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Chao Phraya River.

The Creative Beverage Menu, available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic selections, offers drinks meticulously crafted to capture the essence of each ingredient, harmonising colours and aromas in perfect balance. Among the signatures is Brume, a blend of Calvados and osmanthus with a subtle coffee note, and the Genmaicha Collins, which layers roasted green tea with lemongrass, kaffir lime and matcha for a vegetal, lightly spicy character.

Pairings extend to the menu itself: roasted green tea with kombu cordial and sakura leaves accompanies Hokkaido Sea Urchin, while oolong and chamomile are matched with Les Berlingots ©ASP.

A REIMAGINED SPACE: DIALOGUE OF HERITAGE AND MODERNITY

Anne-Sophie Pic at Le Normandie has been entrusted to Humbert & Poyet, the celebrated architectural duo whose work has redefined spaces across the world. For the first time they turn their gaze to fine dining, a commission that unites one of France’s most visionary chefs with one of Asia’s most legendary hotels. Their task was as ambitious as it was delicate: to preserve the soul of a place steeped in history while imagining a future where heritage and modernity converse with ease. The result is a setting that feels both familiar and surprising, intimate yet expansive, respectful of its past and alive with new possibilities.

French elegance and Thai cultural richness meet in an architectural language that is refined, discreet and deeply contemporary. The design celebrates noble materials and local artistry, from fabrics by Jim Thompson that echo centuries of Thai weaving to sculptural furnishings framed by lacquered wood arches. A palette of soft beige and golden tones creates a warm glow, while peony embroideries, a tribute to Chef Pic’s favourite flower, mirror a sculpted plaster bas-relief, their details unfolding slowly like the layers of a story.

Textures, patterns and materials are orchestrated with precision, giving the restaurant a quiet energy that reveals itself gradually rather than at first glance.

By day, the bar opens onto sweeping views of the Chao Phraya River, alive with brightness and movement. By night, the same space transforms into a cocoon of shadows and reflections, an atmosphere that invites guests to linger. Anchoring it all is a striking sculpture by Maxime Lhermet, a work that speaks to Anne-Sophie Pic’s creative spirit, the identity of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, and the richness of Thai culture.

Lighting, designed as a play between organic and mineral forms, extends this dialogue into every corner, ensuring the journey is as much felt as it is seen.

“In Bangkok I am surrounded by a team whose journey has been deeply intertwined with my own. Tamaki Kobayashi, who has stood by my side for nearly 14 years, now leads the kitchen at Anne-Sophie Pic at Le Normandie with a brilliance I have long trusted. Alongside her, Edwin Cochet, Head Sommelier, brings a thoughtful vision of wine that enriches the dialogue of every dish. I am also delighted to welcome Yuko Kuwayama, Pastry Chef, whose artistry carries both delicacy and precision.” — Anne-Sophie Pic

A BRIGADE OF EXCELLENCE

TAMAKI KOBAYASHI CHEF DE CUISINE

Tamaki Kobayashi’s culinary journey began in Japan at the Tsuji Culinary Institute, before she travelled to France to deepen her training. It was there that she joined Maison Pic in Valence and discovered her affinity for Anne-Sophie Pic’s philosophy of balance and aromatic layering. Her path then led her to Joël Robuchon in Tokyo and later to Lausanne, where she contributed to the opening of Pic au Beau Rivage Palace in 2009.

In 2020 she returned to Valence, taking her place once more at the heart of the three-Michelin-starred Maison Pic. Known for her precision, quiet strength and dedication to the craft of French cuisine, she rose steadily within the team. Today, as Chef at Anne-Sophie Pic at Le Normandie, she brings this depth of experience to Bangkok, where she executes Anne-Sophie Pic’s cuisine, shaping a dining experience defined by refinement, artistry and rhythm.

Opening Hours
Wednesday to Sunday
Lunch 12 to 3:30 PM
Dinner 6:30 to 11:30 PM

Menu Selections
À La Carte
Lunch Menu – 3 Courses
Voyage Menu – 7 Courses

Source

Bangkok, Thailand, October 13, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Jim Thompson X Baan Krua Collection honors the legacy of Jim Thompson, paying tribute to its historic relationship with the Baan Krua weaving community in Bangkok that has been at the heart of the Jim Thompson story since the 1950s. Created in collaboration with Niphon Manuthas, the third-generation owner of the last remaining weaving house in Baan Krua, the collection reflects his dedication to preserving the rich heritage of traditional silk weaving. The return of this collaboration, after almost five decades, reaffirms Jim Thompson’s enduring role as a custodian of Thailand’s silk heritage.

The collection derives from the brand’s long-term collaboration with Thai silk artisans, reinterpreting the traditional ‘Pakaoma’ stripes and showcasing the original pattern through four signature pieces: women’s fisherman pants, handwoven silk scarves, men’s pocket squares, and neckties. The contemporary fashionwear range presents four distinctive patterns and four colorways – Pakaoma Rose Pink, Border Stripes Blue, Horizontal Stripes Beige, and Border Stripes Pink– each highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship of the Baan Krua community.

Drawing inspiration from archived patterns and weaving techniques passed down through generations, the collection blends the rich heritage of Thai silk with modern design sensibilities, connecting the brand’s rich history with today’s global fashion audience.

Baan Krua is a historic community along Bangkok’s Saen Saep Canal, directly opposite the Jim Thompson House Museum. Renowned for its silk-weaving heritage, the neighborhood has been producing sarongs and loincloths or Pakaoma for more than 130 years. In 1951, American entrepreneur Jim Thompson recognized their artistry and began working with the weavers through his newly founded Thai Silk Company. Jim Thompson introduced new dyeing techniques that produced vivid shades and personally designed fabric patterns. These innovations brought Thai silk onto the international stage, where it was celebrated for its novel motifs, bright pigments, and distinctive designs. His vision and success in popularizing Thai silk in the United States earned him the title of Thailand’s ‘Silk King’.

Following his mysterious disappearance, the community continued weaving for another decade to complete outstanding orders before many skilled artisans later joined the Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company factory.

Today, this legacy continues at Jim Thompson’s weaving studio in northeastern Thailand, where the brand continues to use the same kind of traditional handlooms once employed by the Baan Krua weavers. Today, approximately 60 local artisans are skillfully working, preserving a timeless link between heritage and the present. These silks are available exclusively through Jim Thompson retail stores.

Mr. Niphon Manuthas, the 77-year-old owner of the last remaining Baan Krua weaving business, commented, “My mother started our silk business in 1927. Jim Thompson visited our community every morning to support our work, guiding us with patterns, colors, and weaving techniques. It is such a delight to see the new collection, which draws inspiration from our original collaboration, and preserves my family’s long tradition in textiles.”

“The Jim Thompson X Baan Krua Collection celebrates our brand’s rich heritage by reimagining our earliest Pakaoma stripes design into a contemporary style,” added Nunnapat Verojanavat, Marketing Director of Jim Thompson. “This historic collaboration with the Baan Krua weaving community not only preserves an iconic Thai craft, but also brings these timeless designs to a global audience through versatile fashion pieces.”

To celebrate this collaboration, the collection – together with archival materials and photographs documenting its history – will be showcased at the Jim Thompson House Museum from 1 October 2025 to 4 January 2026, as part of the museum’s special exhibition program. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the evolution of the brand’s iconic silk patterns and witness the artistry and dedication of the Baan Krua community, honoring the enduring legacy of Jim Thompson and the timeless beauty of Thai silk.

The Jim Thompson X Baan Krua Collection is available exclusively at the Jim Thompson Iconic Store within the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter.

Source

Guilin, China, October 12, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The 19th UN Tourism/PATA Forum on Tourism Trends and Outlook gathered key sector stakeholders from governmental institutions, private sector and academia to explore the need for research and data driven policies to build a smart and sustainable tourism ecosystem.

Organized by UN Tourism and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) in collaboration with the Guilin Municipal People’s Government and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Forum welcomed over 230 participants from 30 countries, showcasing the potential of this annual regional event to become an international platform to learn from the latest global tourism trends and outlook.

Asia-Pacific Destinations Post Strong Numbers

UN Tourism set the scene by presenting its latest data on tourism trends, destinations and source markets from its World Tourism Barometer. The year 2024 saw international tourism achieve full recovery of pre-pandemic levels and projections for 2025 point to continued growth.

Following a period of rapid growth, Asia and the Pacific suffered the deepest impact on its tourism industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, the region’s recovery for international tourism arrivals is catching up with the rest of the world thanks to relaxed visa policies and improved air connectivity. Asia and the Pacific exceeded the world average in the first half of 2025, with an 11% increase in international tourist arrivals over the same period in 2024, though still 8% below 2019 levels. North-East Asia led the recovery in the region with 20% tourism growth in January-June 2025 (compared with 2024), hinting at the important influence of China as the world’s largest tourism source market.

For its 19th edition, the Forum focused on the power of data to build a smart and sustainable tourism ecosystem, and the possible synergies across tourisms sectors to bring that ecosystem to life. The technical sessions brought together governmental representatives and tourism industry experts from Australia, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Spain, Republic of Korea and Vietnam to explore governance and policies backed by innovative data and intelligence systems, as well as the role of awareness raising, collaboration and engagement with all relevant stakeholders at the local and governmental level.

The importance of capitalisation on young talent educated on the importance of data and research was presented by renowned Chinese academia and industry representatives, while lessons for the MICE sector from China, Greece and the Republic of Korea highlighted untapped opportunities in investing in market intelligence practices to identify the most suitable innovative technological resources and potential cross-border partnerships.

The concept of Smart Destinations and Platforms were explored by Saudi Arabia, Republic of Korea and Spain, offering a unique gateway to assess opportunities and challenges of the complex processes that led these destinations to embrace digitalization for enhanced visitor experience, tackle pressing challenges, reinforce collaboration among tourism stakeholders and contribute to the well-being of local communities. The Forum was further enriched by keynote speeches from Fliggy and TUI, respectively UN Tourism partner and Affiliate Member, who provided more insights from their own company’s data on European markets to Asia and the Pacific, and on Chinese tourism trends and the rise of digitalisation in the Chinese tourism sector.

Next year, UN Tourism, PATA, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the Guilin Municipal People’s Government will be collaborating for the 20th edition of the Forum.

Source

Madrid, Spain, October 12, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) is set to establish a Tourism Law Observatory for the Middle East. This pioneering initiative will support the development and harmonization of legal and regulatory frameworks for tourism across the region.

Strengthening Legal Frameworks for Tourism

The Tourism Law Observatory for the Middle East will serve as a knowledge hub and digital platform that systematically collects, organizes, analyses, updates and disseminates tourism-related laws and regulations in the region, with the support of a network of individual experts and academic collaborators. It will also issue publications, recommendations, and organize conferences and seminars on topics of special interest.

The initiative aligns with the broader mandate of UN Tourism’s Tourism Law Observatories, a flagship initiative endorsed by the 25th General Assembly. These Observatories represent a long-term, large-scale initiative led by UN Tourism to be developed across its five different regions, with a view to fostering the progressive harmonization of Tourism Law at the international level, thus enhancing legal security and benefiting all tourism operators.

Key Objectives

As the first of its kind in the region, the Tourism Law Observatory represents a milestone for UN Tourism, reflecting its commitment to support Member States of the Middle East in addressing key challenges and complexities of tourism legislation. Key objectives will include:

• Development and Improvement of Legal Frameworks: To optimize legal and regulatory frameworks applicable to tourism, encouraging progressive regulatory harmonization in areas requiring supranational intervention.
• Fostering Regional Regulatory Cooperation: To foster effective communication among all tourism stakeholders, by providing a platform for regional dialogue and allowing countries to share experiences, learn from each other, and collectively address common challenges.
• Optimization of Governance Models: To optimize governance models of the tourism sector, by promoting the active participation of various stakeholders throughout the regulatory process.

A Regional Milestone

Following the successful launch of the first Tourism Law Observatory for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)—a collaborative effort with the Inter-American Development Bank and currently operating in the UN Tourism’s Thematic Office hosted in Montevideo, Uruguay—UN Tourism is now advancing similar efforts in the Middle East.

The new Observatory will be established through the UN Tourism’s Regional Office for the Middle East. Once operational, it will mark a significant step toward replicating the Observatory’s model across all regions, supporting the long-term vision of a more harmonized legal framework on Tourism Law.

Source

Bangkok, Thailand, October 10, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Bangkok has long established itself as a serious player on the global culinary stage, but the week of September 22–28, 2025, elevated the city to unprecedented heights. The 25th Annual World Gourmet Festival at Anantara Siam Bangkok wasn’t merely an event; it was a unique moment that will be remembered as a spectacular celebration of gastronomy.

This silver jubilee edition transcended every expectation, and, over seven extraordinary days, heritage met innovation, and the world’s most celebrated chefs converged to create memorable magic.

An Unprecedented Assembly of Culinary Giants
The numbers tell a remarkable story: 16 Michelin-starred restaurants representing a combined 22 stars, four Green Star honorees championing sustainable gastronomy, seven establishments from The World’s 50 Best and Asia’s 50 Best lists, and multiple recipients of the industry’s most prestigious individual accolades.

This edition achieved something rare: a seamless narrative arc that honored the festival’s quarter-century legacy while boldly charting new territory. The organizer’s genius lay in orchestrating not just meals, but meaningful dialogues between culinary philosophies, creating bridges between continents and generations.

Opening Night: A Prelude to Greatness
The opening party set an exhilarating tone for the week ahead. Held in the hotel’s resplendent ballroom, the evening brought together a unique constellation of talent. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as chefs, partners, sponsors, and guests mingled amid an ambiance that perfectly balanced sophistication with genuine warmth, a hallmark of Thai hospitality that Anantara Siam has perfected over the years.

What struck the most was the palpable sense of camaraderie among these culinary legends. Despite their individual achievements and competitive spirits, there was a collective understanding that they were participating in something significant. The collaborative spirit would define the entire festival, resulting in partnerships that pushed creative boundaries and produced dishes that none could have achieved alone.

The Festival’s Format: A Masterclass in Programming
The festival’s signature three-tiered approach; Gourmet Discovery, Gourmet Encounters, and Gourmet Icons, proved brilliantly orchestrated. Each format offered distinct but equally compelling experiences.

Gourmet Discovery delivered on its promise of once-in-a-lifetime collaborations. The rare six-hands dinner featuring Eric Vildgaard of three-Michelin-star Jordnær alongside the brothers Mathias and Thomas Sühring of two-Michelin-star Sühring at Spice Market was transcendent. Watching these Nordic-influenced masters navigate Thai ingredients and flavors in that nostalgic setting created dishes that were both intellectually stimulating and deeply satisfying. It was fusion without compromise, respect without restraint.

Gourmet Encounters brilliantly showcased the dialogue between international luminaries and Thailand’s own culinary champions. The pairing of Dave Pynt from Singapore’s legendary Burnt Ends with Bangkok’s Prin Polsuk of Samrub Samrub Thai at Madison was a masterclass in fire and finesse. Both chefs share an obsession with technique and ingredient integrity, yet their approaches diverge beautifully, Pynt’s muscular, smoke-kissed creations finding harmony with Polsuk’s refined exploration of royal Thai cuisine.

Equally memorable was the collaboration between Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn and New Zealand’s rising star Vaughan Mabee. Ton’s sophisticated understanding of Thai terroir, honed through his work at Le Du and Nusara, met Mabee’s bold, ingredient-driven New Zealand sensibility. The result was a menu that felt both grounded and adventurous, familiar and revelatory.

Gourmet Icons allowed individual masters to present their complete culinary vision. These solo performances were intimate revelations, offering rare access to the minds of chefs whose restaurants often require months of advance booking. Each tasting menu was a journey through technique, philosophy, and personal history.

Anantara Siam’s Restaurants Transformed
The festival maximized every corner of Anantara Siam’s exceptional dining portfolio, with each venue providing the perfect stage for its assigned culinary drama.

– Madison, the hotel’s sophisticated steakhouse, set the stage for unparalleled gourmet discoveries and the most-anticipated dinner of the festival; a bold Nordic-Southern Hemisphere culinary exchange, where Chef Eric Vildgaard and Chef Vaughan Mabee crafted a one-night-only tasting menu celebrating terroir, technique, and primal creativity. Under the leadership of Chef Jaime Fernando Rojas Lopez, Chef de Cuisine, the restaurant’s team executed the experience with flawless precision and emotional warmth.

– Biscotti, the hotel’s iconic Italian institution, was brilliantly reimagined with avant-garde menus from Grégoire Berger of Dubai’s underwater restaurant Ossiano, Francesco Stara of Sardinia’s Fradis Minoris, and Bangkok’s own Pichaya “Pam” Soontornyanakij from Potong. Chef Giuseppe Bonura, Chef de Cuisine, and his dedicated brigade supported these collaborations, blending authentic Italian soul with global creativity.

– Shintaro, the intimate Japanese dining room, hosted refined menus from Choi Ming Fai Jan of Hong Kong’s MORA, Jimmy Ophorst from Phuket’s sustainability-focused PRU, Peter Cường Franklin of Ho Chi Minh City’s Anan, and Chef Sachin Poorjary of Indee Bangkok. The precision and restraint of Japanese aesthetics provided an ideal framework for these chefs’ meticulous approaches.

– Guilty, the stylish Peruvian-inspired hotspot, showcased the vibrant energy of Latin American cooking through the talents of Paco Méndez from Barcelona’s COME, Francisco Araya, and Santiago Fernandez from Japan’s MAZ. The daring crossovers with Bangkok’s DK Khosla of Haoma and Chudaree “Tam” Debhakam of Baan Tepa created explosive flavor combinations that celebrated both tradition and experimentation. Chef Axel Javier Correa Mancera, Chef de Cuisine of Guilty, played a key role in bridging Latin and Asian influences, bringing the restaurant’s signature high-energy flair to every service.

– Spice Market, with its nostalgic Thai ambiance, became the spiritual heart of the festival, particularly during that unforgettable six-hands dinner that married Nordic precision with Thai soul. Chef Akkawin Pitrachart, Chef de Cuisine, ensured that every detail reflected Thai authenticity and hospitality, anchoring the festival’s sense of place and tradition.

The Sweet Crescendo: Janice Wong’s Artistry
No discussion of the festival would be complete without acknowledging the extraordinary contribution of Janice Wong. Asia’s leading dessert visionary transformed The Lobby Lounge into what can only be described as a temple of edible art. Her afternoon tea service and evening presentations blurred every conventional boundary between pastry and sculpture, flavor and emotion.

Working alongside Janice Wong, Chef Anupong Nualchawee, Executive Pastry Chef of Anantara Siam Bangkok, added his signature talent and technical mastery. His collaboration ensured the festival’s sweet finale harmonized the artistry of form with the warmth of Thai hospitality, a perfect close to seven days of global culinary brilliance.

Janice Wong proved once again why she stands tall in her field, creating experiences that linger in memory as much as any savory course.

Beyond the Plate: Daytime Programming That Inspired
The festival’s commitment to education and industry development distinguished it from mere hedonistic celebration. Panel discussions brought together chefs, sommeliers, and food thinkers to explore pressing issues facing modern gastronomy, from sustainability practices to the evolving role of regional cuisines on the global stage.

Masterclasses offered invaluable insights into technique and philosophy. Watching these masters work in intimate settings, explaining their thought processes and demonstrating skills honed over decades, provided lessons that extended far beyond the kitchen. The wine and mixology experiences, meanwhile, demonstrated the crucial role beverages play in elevating culinary experiences.

These daytime sessions underscored the festival’s mission to support Thailand’s next generation of culinary professionals. By creating accessible touchpoints with some of the world’s best chefs, the festival invested in the future of Thai gastronomy.

Accessibility Meets Excellence
One of the festival’s most commendable achievements was its commitment to accessibility without compromising quality. With programming spanning from THB 1,800 to THB 18,500, the festival opened its doors to a broader audience than ever before. This democratization of fine dining is precisely what the industry needs, opportunities for passionate food lovers at various financial levels to experience world-class gastronomy and develop more sophisticated palates.

This approach reflects a mature understanding that cultivating future generations of discerning diners requires exposure and education, not exclusivity for its own sake.

Sustainability Takes Center Stage
The presence of four Green Star chefs was more than symbolic. Their menus spotlighted innovative approaches to sustainable gastronomy, proving that environmental responsibility and culinary excellence are not opposing forces but complementary values. From nose-to-tail butchery to hyper-local sourcing and zero-waste techniques, these chefs demonstrated that the future of fine dining must be sustainable.

Jimmy Ophorst’s work at PRU in Phuket, with its farm-to-table philosophy and focus on indigenous ingredients, exemplified this commitment. His participation in the festival brought crucial attention to the fact that luxury and sustainability can, and must, coexist.

The Anantara Siam Difference
While the chefs deservedly claimed the spotlight, the flawless execution of such an ambitious festival reflects the visionary leadership of Executive Chef Justin Baziuk and Executive Assistant Manager-Operations Rémy Mezino, whose coordination, and strategic planning elevated this 25th edition to what many are calling the best World Gourmet Festival yet.

Their combined expertise reimagined the festival’s format and event offerings, seamlessly integrating international collaborations with Anantara Siam’s in-house culinary excellence. Every dinner, masterclass, and partnership bore their signature precision, creativity, and dedication to guest experience. Through their leadership, the festival achieved a rare harmony, a celebration of global gastronomy orchestrated with Thai hospitality at its finest.

A Closing Brunch to Remember
The festival’s conclusion with the Day 7 closing brunch at Parichart Court was pitch-perfect. Rather than an anticlimactic wind-down, it became a joyous celebration of the week’s achievements. The collaborative spirit that had defined the entire festival reached its apex as chefs, guests, and the Anantara team gathered to toast the memories created and the bonds formed.

The brunch format allowed for a more relaxed, convivial atmosphere, a collective exhale after a week of culinary intensity. Watching chefs who had been intensely focused all week now laughing and sharing stories with guests underscored the human connections that food uniquely enables.

Bangkok’s Continued Ascent
For more than two decades, the World Gourmet Festival has welcomed over 150 Michelin-starred chefs to Bangkok, playing a pivotal role in establishing the city as a global gastronomic capital. This 25th edition didn’t just continue that tradition, it dramatically accelerated Bangkok’s trajectory.

The city has evolved from an emerging dining destination to a culinary powerhouse that can host, inspire, and collaborate with the world’s best. Thailand’s homegrown talent, represented brilliantly by chefs like Ton Tassanakajohn, Prin Polsuk, DK Khosla, Tam Debhakam, Pam Soontornyanakij, and others, now stands confidently alongside international legends, contributing unique perspectives rooted in Thai culinary heritage but unbound by convention.

The Partnership Ecosystem
The festival’s success was made possible through thoughtful partnerships with The Tourism Authority of Thailand, United Overseas Bank, Chang, Diageo, Turkish Airlines, and Maserati Thailand. These collaborations demonstrated how luxury brands and institutions can meaningfully support cultural events that elevate entire destinations. Rather than mere sponsorship, these were genuine partnerships that enhanced the festival experience while aligning brands with culinary excellence and cultural sophistication.

A New Benchmark
Without hesitation that the 25th World Gourmet Festival set a new benchmark. What distinguished this event was not merely the concentration of talent, though that was unprecedented, but the thoughtful curation, execution, and genuine spirit of collaboration that infused every element.

The festival achieved something increasingly rare in our social media-obsessed, experience-collecting culture: it created moments of genuine connection. Connection between chefs discovering new ingredients and techniques. Connection between diners and the stories behind their meals. Connection between traditions and innovations. Connection between Bangkok and the wider culinary world.

This landmark edition stands as a testament to Chef Justin Baziuk and Executive Assistant Manager-Operations Rémy Mezino, whose vision, innovation, and tireless coordination brought together over 150 international and local chefs, partners, and sponsors. Their efforts ensured that the 25th World Gourmet Festival not only celebrated Anantara Siam’s legacy but also set a new benchmark for culinary excellence in Bangkok and beyond.

The Legacy Continues
As the 25th edition concluded, it was clear that this was not an end but a new start. The festival has set a formidable standard for its future editions while cementing Bangkok’s position at the pinnacle of global gastronomy. The relationships forged, techniques shared, and creative sparks ignited during this week will ripple outward, influencing menus and inspiring innovation in kitchens across continents.

For those fortunate enough to participate, whether as diners, chefs, or industry observers, the 25th World Gourmet Festival will be remembered as a defining moment. It was a week when Bangkok reminded the culinary world why it matters, when legendary chefs reminded us why we love food, and when Anantara Siam Bangkok demonstrated why it remains one of Asia’s most distinguished hospitality landmarks.

The memories created during those seven days in September will be savored for years to come. Here’s to the next quarter century of culinary excellence, and to many more celebrations that bring the world to Bangkok’s table.

The 25th Annual World Gourmet Festival was held September 22–28, 2025, at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.

Source

Cam Ranh, Vietnam, October 9, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Alma, the family-friendly beachfront resort in southern Vietnam, recently introduced Alma Discovery Camp, a new recreation and educational facility designed to connect children with nature, farm animals and sustainable agriculture.

Located near the award-winning resort’s Nursery Garden, the camp, which is aimed at kids between ages 4-14, offers hands-on learning through interactive farm visits and a dedicated museum, helping to foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Children can explore the farm’s habitat, petting and feeding animals such as cows, goats, chickens, ducks, and rabbits. All animals are regularly vaccinated and certificates are provided. The farm is also home to a colourful array of birds.

The camp’s “Little Farmers’ Discovery Hall” museum features interactive exhibits on agricultural products like coconut, coffee, fish, mango, pepper, rice, salt and tea, showcasing real-life farm tools, products and educational boards that detail their history and production processes.

Each tour concludes with a Certificate of Completion for every child, a quiz game to recap the learning journey, and a special Super Farm Explorer Certificate for the quiz champion.

“We are thrilled to launch Alma Discovery Camp, where kids can engage with nature and learn about sustainable farming in a fun and interactive way,” said Alma Resort Managing Director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler. “Our new experience nurtures curiosity and environmental awareness while creating lasting memories for young visitors.”

Alma Discovery Camp welcomes guests seven days a week with guided tours during morning sessions from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and afternoon sessions from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Priced at VND 500,000 per person, each tour provides a comprehensive experience that includes aprons and hats for all participants, as well as animal feed for hands-on feeding activities.

Throughout the guided journey, guests will enjoy food sampling across different sections of the museum, featuring authentic Vietnamese delicacies such as dried mangoes, mango candy, Vietnamese coffee and tea, coconut cookies, traditional rice cakes, dried fish and other local specialties. As a memorable keepsake, children will take home a traditional Vietnamese conical hat and a personalized completion certificate signed by our Chief Gardener.

The new Alma Farm complements the resort’s awe-inspiring array of family-friendly facilities, ranging from the Alma Technology Experience Center, kids club and youth club, to a 75-seat cinema and a 6,000sqm water park replete with a lazy river, wave pool, slides and kids pool. Alma offers a host of activities for all ages such as cupcake-, fruit shake- and pizza-making workshops, kite-flying competitions, tree planting and virtual reality golf.

The resort also organizes the “Hotelier Pastry Tour” program to inspire interest and creativity in baking. The program takes children to visit the bakery, learn about the baking process and try the cakes that Alma Resort’s talented chefs craft for diners.

Other popular kids’ activities include VR games in the Youth Club and kids’ water scooters.

Earlier this year, Alma also introduced new “Kids’ Themed Rooms,” including optional boys’ and girls’ playful room set-ups that bring a riot of colour to any of Alma’s oversized suites and pavilions. Kids are greeted in their themed room with a personalised card, welcome board, cookies, colourful pillows, towel art, themed kids bedding and a kiddie float for the pool.

Alma was named “Vietnam’s Best Family Resort” in the Australian magazine Holidays with Kids 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. The resort was also recently called out as the No. 1 resort in Southeast Asia, the No. 2 resort in Asia and No. 9 resort worldwide in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards in 2024.

Source

Danang, Vietnam, October 29, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The cheers may have echoed loudest at Bethpage Black, where Luke Donald cemented his legacy as one of Europe’s greatest-ever Ryder Cup captains.

But reverberations from Team Europe’s historic 15-13 triumph over the United States were felt thousands of miles away on the Vietnam Golf Coast, home to Ba Na Hills Golf Club, Donald’s first and only golf course design.

Donald’s consecutive Ryder Cup victories have underlined his reputation for meticulous preparation, tactical clarity, and quiet authority. Those same hallmarks define his work as a designer, most notably at Ba Na Hills Golf Club, where every fairway and green reveals a measured balance of challenge and beauty.

“I’ve always believed that strategy is the heart of golf whether you’re leading twelve players into battle or designing a course that tests decision-making on every shot,” said Donald. “At Ba Na Hills, the idea was to create a layout that rewards patience, creativity, and precision. It’s not about power, it’s about thinking your way around the course.”

Across the golf world, Donald’s leadership has drawn universal praise. Members of his own team hailed his preparation and calm authority, while opposing captain Keegan Bradley went so far as to call him “probably the best European captain ever.” Analysts and players alike have lauded his ability to blend composure, emotional intelligence, and tactical genius, qualities that have redefined modern team golf.

Nestled in the lush foothills west of Danang, Ba Na Hills Golf Club unfolds across dramatic terrain shaped by mountains, ravines, and streams. Designed in collaboration with IMG, it reflects Donald’s cerebral playing style: elegant, strategic, and quietly fierce.

“The topography of Vietnam is just unbelievable,” said Donald. “You’ve got mountains, forests, and ocean all within an hour’s drive. The land gives you so much to work with, and at Ba Na Hills we tried to make every hole feel distinctive, every round feel like a journey.”

The par-3 8th, a downhill short hole framed by forest, is one of many highlights, while the closing stretch — including the island-green 16th and water-guarded dogleg 17th — delivers a thrilling finale amid sweeping highland views.

“Luke’s design philosophy is all about intelligence and restraint,” said Simon Mees, General Manager at Ba Na Hills Golf Club. “Like his Ryder Cup leadership, it’s about making smart choices and playing the long game. You see the same calm control and tactical awareness that made him such a brilliant captain.”

Since opening, Ba Na Hills Golf Club has been a cornerstone of Central Vietnam’s rise as a world-class golf destination, attracting players from across Asia and beyond. Together with other acclaimed courses along the coast, it has helped cement the region’s reputation as one of the most compelling golf and leisure hubs in the world.

Donald said the project remains one of the most satisfying achievements of his career.

“There’s something very special about Ba Na Hills,” he said. “When I see people from all over the world come to play it, to test themselves on a course that asks them to think, to adapt, to stay patient, it feels like a small reflection of what I love about the game.”

Source

Bangkok, Thailand, October 9, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Le Du Kaan, Bangkok’s first rooftop Thai restaurant, which is perched on the 56th floor of EA Rooftop at The Empire, is inviting couples, families and friends to enjoy an evening of spooky fun and festivities this October, as it elevates the annual Halloween celebrations to new heights of eerie excitement!

Halloween is the night of the year when people around the world decide whether to choose “trick or treat”! To capture this spirit of jeopardy, Le Du Kaan will dare its guests to take part in a series of spine-tingling tasting challenges that also pay homage to the rich culinary traditions of Thailand.

Trick or Treat! Do You Dare Take the Creepy Crawly Challenge?

Throughout history, rural communities have enjoyed protein-rich insects as part of their diet. Diners can now test their courage by eating a selection of creepy crawlies – for the chance to win free drinks! Brave souls who choose to gobble a red palm weevil – a native beetle that lives in the trunks of palm trees and can grow up to 4cm long – will be rewarded with a cool cocktail, while those who choose to chomp on an Asian forest scorpion – a black, venomous species which can grow up to 12cm in length – will win a free bottle of wine.

For the ultimate Halloween dare, visitors can choose to munch on a zebra leg tarantula, a huge spider which lives in the jungles of Southeast Asia and can reach up to 15cm! Anyone who completes this fearsome feat will deservedly receive a free cocktail and a bottle of wine. For adventurous guests who want to enjoy a creepy casual snack, Le Du Kaan will also be serving bowls of silk moth larvae, black crickets, and small sun-dried frogs, all carefully prepared by the restaurant’s talented Thai chefs.

Spooky Cocktails Infused with the Spirit of Thai Tradition

A series of Halloween-inspired cocktails will be available for guests to sip and savor, including Eclipse (Mekhong Thai whiskey, strawberry and sesame cordial, ginger ale), Gaze (tequila, Prakaan peated malt whiskey, sweet vermouth, lychee, coriander), and Pha Sam Si (Siam Lanna gin, apple juice, kaffir lime cordial, roasted rice), an elegant taste of Thai tradition which features three symbolic shades – red, yellow, and green – to represent the three-colored silk fabric used to adorn sacred bodhi trees or shrines. To help the occasion go with a swing, all ages can play temple fair games, such as balloon darts, and a popcorn cart will be wheeled around the restaurant to delight diners.

And of course, everyone can treat their taste buds to Le Du Kaan’s original style of Thai cuisine, which blends the finest produce with a rich storytelling narrative. Guided by Chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn, the Michelin-starred culinary maestro and the only Thai chef to have two entries on the “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants” list, this spectacular rooftop restaurant blends world-class gastronomy with unparalleled views across the Thai capital’s sparkling skyline.

Don’t miss the chance to celebrate a spooktacular Halloween with all-new taste sensations at Le Du Kaan. This fun, festive event will be staged for one night only, on October 31, 2025.

Source

Krabi, Thailand, October 8, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the ultra-luxurious seafront sanctuary in Southern Thailand’s Krabi province, will glow pink this October as it marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month by transforming into a sanctuary of solidarity and showcasing a series of inspiring activities dedicated to the promotion of women’s health.

This ultra-luxurious sanctuary in Krabi reveals a full month of activities to enhance women’s health, including Ayurvedic wellness journeys with Dr. Shagnika Pradhan.

Staged every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international campaign which strives to increase understanding and reduce the risk of breast cancer, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide. In a bold commitment to the cause, Phulay Bay will become a beacon of hope as Sala Srichan, the resort’s elegant Thai pavilion, is illuminated in a soothing yet striking pink hue for the entire month – taking its place alongside iconic global landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building, and Sydney Opera House. Reinforcing this important message, the resort’s restaurants and bars will also present a dedicated selection of “Pink at Phulay Bay” dishes and drinks.

Phulay Bay is also delighted to welcome Dr. Shagnika Pradhan to host a full month of customized wellness programs dedicated to women’s health. A naturopathy and yogic science specialist with seven years of experience, Dr. Shagnika is an expert in areas such as pain and stress management, traditional Chinese medicines, herbal remedies, nutrition, healing, lifestyle, and yoga. Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she will invite men and women to embark on holistic wellness journeys that connect them with the five Ayurvedic elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space.

Earth (or “prithvi”) programs are rooted in natural nourishment with yogic postures, nutrition, self massage demonstrations and cooling clay packs to help guests feel fully grounded, while Water (“jal”) sessions promote spiritual cleansing, with open chest poses, hot & cold compression, breathing practices, and cooling techniques to enhance the flow of energy. Fire (“agni”) is dedicated to boosting immunity and vitality with abdominal yoga postures, a castor oil pack, herbal tea making, and chakra meditation, and Air (“vayu”) focuses on breathing work and energy flow with respiration exercises, aromatherapy, and self acupressure techniques to target the body’s qi flow and meridians. Finally, Space (“akash”) promotes awareness and encourages healing with heart chakra meditation, mantra chanting, singing bowls, and gratitude rituals.

As part of The Ritz-Carlton’s “Community Footprints” initiative, the resort will extend its duty of care to its associates – its treasured ladies and gentlemen. Phulay Bay has collaborated with Wattanapat International Hospital, whose medical experts will visit the resort to offer breast cancer awareness training, which could prove vital in helping to identify the disease at its early stages.

“At Phulay Bay, we care deeply for the health and wellbeing of all our ladies, gentlemen, and cherished guests. As the world marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, we want to make a meaningful impact by encouraging all women to gain a greater understanding of this awful disease. By combining the striking symbolism of our bright pink sala with fundraising initiatives, and expert-led wellness sessions by Dr. Shagnika Pradhan, we are striving to make a real difference to the lives of women,” said Mr. Vidya Sagar, the resort’s General Manager.

For more information and to start planning your wellness escape on Krabi’s pure shores at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, please click here: www.phulaybay.com

Source