The opening of Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan marks the start of a new era for Waldorf Astoria in China, embodying the brand’s timeless elegance and the spirit of modern Shanghai. Artfully blending the brand’s heritage with the city’s forward-looking spirit, the refined retreat occupies a premier waterfront location in the vibrant Qiantan District of Pudong. ​​

The Other House, the pioneering group of Residents Clubs redefining hospitality for the modern traveller, has unveiled its new Autumn collection of uniforms created in collaboration with renowned British designer James Lakeland. The uniforms perfectly reflect The Other House ethos that its team should feel as beautifully dressed as their most stylish residents.

UAE-headquartered Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, has revealed how the world will travel in 2026, based on insights from members of its award-winning GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme, which now counts 32 million-plus travellers globally. Survey results point to a more intentional traveller, one who values connection, comfort and authenticity over excess. From the rise of discerning spending and lifestyle-based loyalty to Asia’s continued dominance as a dream destination, travel in 2026 will be smarter, slower, and more personal than ever before. Members in the UAE are among GHA’s most frequent business and luxury travellers. Around 68% prioritise high-end stays and exclusivity, with access and experience valued far more than discounts. They’re also deeply motivated by culture and cuisine abroad, with dining and local experiences ranking high on their travel wish lists for 2026. Here’s what the travel landscape will look like:

W Maldives celebrates significant moment with its first ever Green Globe certification, a recognition that reinforces the resort's long standing dedication to sustainability. The achievement reflects the team's work in building smarter, more responsible systems that support both exceptional guest experiences and the natural environment that surround the island.

Joan Templeman, the beloved wife of Sir Richard Branson, passed away peacefully at the age of 80, leaving behind a profound legacy of love, resilience, and quiet strength that shaped one of the world’s most recognisable entrepreneurial families. Known for her warmth and wit as much as her steadfast loyalty, Joan was the emotional anchor of the Branson household for nearly five decades — a grounding presence through triumphs, tragedies, and the extraordinary global expansion of the Virgin Group.

The Luxury Collection unveils its new global campaign starring Justin Theroux: I am The Luxury Collection. Created in partnership with Stept Studios, the campaign is a bold celebration of the beautiful dualities that define the brand – where heritage meets modernity, whimsy meets intention, and global sophistication meets deeply local character. Spanning more than 130 storied hotels and resorts across 40 countries, The Luxury Collection continues to invite travelers to explore the world’s most captivating destinations through a lens of timeless yet contemporary luxury.