Travel bites
AYANA KOMODO RESORT, WAECICU BEACH
Officially opening tomorrow, the new five-star sister resort of renowned Balinese luxury retreat Ayana Resort and Spa is offering eco-travellers a chance to explore the town of Labuan Bajo (from $369 to $705 a night), an idyllic haven nestled in the region of Flores.
Highlights include diving with manta rays and photographing Komodo dragons in their natural habitat, island-hopping around Labuan Bajo, walking on the sands of the Pink Beach and visiting Komodo National Park's Underwater World - all while staying in a green hotel such as the Ayana Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach.
As a pre-opening offer, enjoy 20 per cent off and complimentary two-way airport transfer.
And under the Stay Longer For Less package, book two nights and get one extra night free, or book four nights and get two extra nights free (from $356 to $587 a night).
The booking period is from now to end-March, for stays from tomorrow to March 31.
GENTING CRUISE LINES
The Hong Kong cruise operator celebrated the keel laying for Dream Cruises' first Global Class flagship at the MV Werften shipyard in Rostock, Germany, on Sept 11.
At 204,000 gross tons, housing 2,500 suites and cabins and featuring the most advanced digital technology, it will be the largest cruise ship ever built in Germany.
Genting Cruise Lines also announced its latest addition: Explorer Dream, a 75,338 gross ton, 1,870-passenger cruise ship that will join the fleet in spring next year.
Formerly the SuperStar Virgo of sister brand Star Cruises, Explorer Dream will undergo a US$30 million (S$41 million) transformation in March next year that will incorporate exquisite new facilities including The Palace, Dream Cruises' signature luxury private enclave.
The ship will be homeported in Shanghai and Tianjin during spring/summer 2019 with a selection of voyages of various durations from Shanghai or Tianjin to Japan, Russia, Hong Kong and the Philippines.
In autumn/winter 2019, Explorer Dream will homeport in Sydney and Auckland, where it will embark on 21 seven-night weekly itineraries.
QATAR AIRWAYS
From now till Sept 18, take advantage of the attractive fares on Qatar's national carrier for your next trip.
Enjoy promotional fares to many of the airline's destinations, starting from $809 to Munich, $1,199 to Paris and $1,169 to London.
Additional offers that are part of the ongoing sale, including special rates on hotels, car rentals and Al Maha meet-and-greet services, are available for bookings on qatarairways.com/sg.
Privilege Club members will earn up to triple Qmiles when they book online and register for the offer.
LINE VILLAGE BANGKOK
The world's first Line Village has opened as a 500 million baht (S$21 million), 1,500 sq m themed attraction, bringing to life digital adventures of the beloved sticker characters from Asian mobile messenger phenomenon Line.
Visitors can interact with Brown and his friends Cony, Moon, James, Boss and Choco as they pass through a tunnel into a mystical realm of more than 20 virtual reality encounters and photo zones over three levels of the Thai capital's downtown shopping mall Siam Square One. These include a dazzling LED corridor, jungle, storybooks, camping, ice cave and VR roller-coaster experience.
Tickets are priced at 990 baht (adults) and 790 baht (children above 90cm and seniors). Children below 90cm enjoy free entry.
ACCORHOTELS
The French multinational hospitality company has opened its first Pullman hotel in Luang Prabang, Laos.
The 16ha resort overlooks lush greenery with a backdrop of beautiful mountain views and paddy fields along meandering streams and ponds in the rustic countryside.
It features 123 guest rooms, suites and a two-bedroom villa scattered among infinity pools, watercourses and tumbling streams.
In line with AccorHotels' Planet 21 initiatives, Pullman Luang Prabang is committed to supporting the local children's hospital, wildlife conservation efforts and local handicrafts, and preserving traditions including strict guidelines for alms-giving to monks.
From now to Sept 30, enjoy a weekend getaway at US$88 (S$120) a night (usual rate US$135) in a deluxe room with breakfast for two.
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