Tourism royalty from across the globe convened in the Kingdom of Bahrain for the World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2025 to recognise the travel organisations pushing the boundaries of excellence and innovation.

Velassaru Maldives has officially opened Sora, a new overwater Japanese restaurant designed to enhance the resort's culinary offering with a dedicated teppanyaki counter, robata grill and sushi and sashimi bar. Suspended above the lagoon and built with clean, minimalist lines, Sora takes its name from the Japanese word for “sky” and offers diners uninterrupted ocean views from both the indoor open-plan dining area and the outdoor deck. At the heart of the restaurant's open-plan design lies the black-marble teppanyaki counter where guests can watch chefs preparing dishes to order. To one side sits a robata grill that adds a smoky depth to the menu, while the opposite counter houses a sushi and sashimi station. The interior design incorporates natural elements such as a thatched roof, rattan-strip ceilings and stone-patterned floors, paired with blonde wood furniture and folding doors that open to let in refreshing sea breezes, views of bright blue skies and colourful Maldivian sunsets.

This winter, Whistler’s most refined whisky experience returns as Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler reopens The Library by The Macallan for its third season. Guests are invited to embark on a journey through whisky artistry, celebrating more than two centuries of craftsmanship. The experience showcases a curated selection of The Macallan’s finest expressions, all framed by Whistler’s breathtaking winter wonderland. Upon its return, The Library introduces unique new elements designed to elevate this beloved alpine tradition.

Sardinian Places is delighted to announce that Capogiro, the signature restaurant of 7Pines Resort Sardinia, has been awarded its first Michelin Star. This prestigious recognition highlights the restaurant's exceptional approach to contemporary Italian cuisine and its dedication to Sardinia's culinary heritage. Led by Executive Chef Pasquale D'Ambrosio, Capogiro has quickly established itself as one of Italy's most exciting new culinary voices. Since the resort's opening, the restaurant has championed Sardinian ingredients, local producers, and sustainable practices, reflecting a deep commitment to the island's rich gastronomic identity.

Waldorf Astoria New York: A Grand Return to Park Avenue The iconic Waldorf Astoria New York has officially reopened following an unprecedented restoration led bySkidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and Pierre-Yves Rochon (PYR). Once described by Conrad Hilton as “The Greatest of Them All,” the landmark now re-emerges with:

SM Hotels & Conventions has been recognised with the title of World’s Leading Sustainable Circular Economy Initiative 2025 for its ‘Plate for the Planet’ program by voters at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA). The prize was revealed in front of hundreds of global leaders of sustainable tourism gathered in Dubai for the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025. The VIP ceremony was held at Terra, Expo City Dubai and recognised the individuals and organisations that are accelerating change in net positive tourism.