Shipleys: New Zealand Event Technology Expertise Built on Nearly a Century of Experience

Shipleys

For business events where technology, creativity and reliable delivery matter, Christchurch-based Shipleys brings almost a century of experience to the table.

A family-owned New Zealand company established in 1926, Shipleys has evolved alongside the rapidly changing world of audiovisual technology. Today, its specialist teams provide event technology, audiovisual services, videography, production, hybrid event solutions and technology integration throughout New Zealand.

Shipleys was one of the exhibitors at MEETINGS 2026, New Zealand's leading business events trade show, where its expertise in event technology and production was showcased to the business events industry.

Creating Professional Corporate Events

Shipleys works with organisations delivering conferences, meetings, award dinners, networking events, product launches and large-scale productions.

Its corporate event services bring together sound, vision, lighting, technical direction and videography, allowing event organisers to concentrate on their delegates and objectives while the technical team manages the production requirements.

The company can work across events of different sizes and formats, providing solutions tailored to the venue, audience and event objectives.

Hybrid Events That Connect Audiences

Shipleys

Hybrid events have become an important part of the business events landscape, connecting people attending in person with participants joining remotely.

Shipleys has more than a decade of experience in hybrid events and provides broadcast-quality solutions designed to make online participation feel naturally connected to the live event.

Its services include hybrid conferences, live streaming, interactive webinars and video conferencing solutions, enabling presenters and delegates to participate from different locations.

From Event Videography to Promotional Content

An event can generate valuable content long after the final delegate has left the venue.

Shipleys' Production team provides event videography, live streaming, video editing, promotional videos and creative content. Event recap videos, speaker clips, social media reels and other content can help organisations promote future events and extend the life of their investment.

The company's history in visual storytelling stretches back decades. In 1952, Shipleys demonstrated a television broadcast at the Christchurch Industries Fair, years before television officially launched in New Zealand.

Technology Supporting New Zealand Business Events

Shipleys

Beyond individual events, Shipleys provides audiovisual system design and installation for corporate environments, hotels, hospitality venues, theatres, education facilities, government and other organisations.

Its services can include networked audiovisual technology, room control systems and integrated solutions designed to make modern workplaces and event spaces easier to operate.

With its combination of event technology, production and audiovisual expertise, Shipleys continues a family-owned New Zealand business tradition that began in 1926 while embracing the technologies shaping the future of business events.

Shipleys 

Contact: Glenyss Whitnall
Christchurch Office: 48B Wordsworth Street, Sydenham, Christchurch, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 379 5166 or 0800 624 624
Email: hello@shipleys.co.nz
Website: www.shipleys.co.nz

For more travel, tourism and business events news from around the world, visit the daily online edition of The Holiday and Travel Magazine at https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Another 5 Things to Do This Fall in New York State

Old Fort Niagara

Autumn in New York State is the perfect season to combine colourful scenery with history, outdoor adventure, art and unforgettable attractions. From exploring America's 250th anniversary heritage to paddling the Erie Canal, visiting magnificent castles and casting a line in legendary fishing waters, there are plenty of reasons to plan a New York fall getaway.

1) Follow New York's Path Through History

History comes alive across New York State through 13 Path Through History themes covering everything from the Revolutionary War to the state's role in advancing civil rights.

Olana State Historic Site

Visit Old Fort Niagara, one of North America's oldest continuously occupied military sites, or explore Olana State Historic Site, the remarkable former home and artistic masterpiece of Frederic Edwin Church. In Jamestown, the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum celebrates the life and career of the legendary star of I Love Lucy.

October is New York State History Month, making it an ideal time to explore historic destinations. Path Through History Weekend, held October 10-12, 2026, offers another opportunity to discover the state's heritage.

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, visitors can explore Revolutionary War sites, attend historical reenactments and follow America 250-themed road trips across New York.

2) Cycle, Paddle and Cruise the Erie Canal

The Erie Canal

The Erie Canal is a spectacular destination in autumn when the surrounding landscape bursts into shades of red, orange and gold.

Travellers can explore the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor by boat, with cruises such as Sam Patch and Erie Canal Cruises providing a relaxing way to experience the scenery.

For a more active adventure, hire a bicycle or take a golden-hour paddle along the waterway. Charming canal communities including Lockport, Fairport and Pittsford provide opportunities to stop, explore local attractions and enjoy seasonal dining.

3) Discover Art in the Great Outdoors

Adonai, Storm King Art Center

New York's autumn scenery creates a spectacular backdrop for outdoor art.

In the Hudson Valley, Storm King Art Center stretches across 500 acres, combining monumental sculpture with rolling landscapes and mountain views. Art Omi in Ghent features sculpture, architecture, paintings and drawings across more than 100 acres.

Griffis Sculpture Park in Western New York is another extraordinary destination. One of America's oldest and largest sculpture parks, it offers a dramatic autumn experience, including the Night Lights event, when theatrical lighting transforms the landscape after dark.

4) Step Inside New York's Magnificent Castles

Boldt Castle

For a fairytale-style autumn experience, explore New York State's impressive castles and historic estates.

Singer Castle on Dark Island in the Thousand Islands features elaborate architecture, historic furnishings and secret passageways. Nearby Boldt Castle on Heart Island provides another spectacular island attraction with tours available through October 12.

In the Hudson Valley, Bannerman Castle offers guided and self-guided tours through October, while Long Island's OHEKA Castle is a grand French Chateau-style mansion where visitors can tour the estate and gardens or stay overnight.

5) Go Fishing in New York State

Autumn is also an excellent season for a fishing adventure, with opportunities ranging from deep-sea fishing off Long Island to freshwater angling in northern New York.

The St. Lawrence River is renowned for bass fishing, while the Catskills are famous for fly fishing. The Beaverkill River is a legendary trout stream stocked annually with more than 18,000 brown trout.

Visitors interested in the history and traditions of fly fishing can also visit the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum.

Plan Your New York Fall Adventure

From historic landmarks and scenic waterways to outdoor art, castles and world-class fishing, New York State offers countless ways to experience autumn beyond the traditional fall foliage tour.

I LOVE NY

Website: https://www.iloveny.com/
Phone: 1-800-CALL-NYS
Address: Empire State Development, 633 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017, USA

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Four More Captivating Landscapes in Inland NSW You Need to See

Mungo National Park

Inland New South Wales is filled with extraordinary landscapes that can seem almost otherworldly. From ancient lakes and vast desert plains to dramatic mining landscapes and prehistoric rainforest, these four destinations reveal another side of NSW waiting to be explored.

1) Mungo National Park, Outback NSW

One of Australia's most extraordinary landscapes, Mungo National Park combines vast dry plains with the spectacular Walls of China, a series of towering sand formations creating a lunar-like landscape.

Part of the World Heritage-listed Willandra Lakes Region, the park is home to abundant wildlife including red kangaroos, emus and numerous bird species. It is also a place of profound Aboriginal heritage, with the remains of Mungo Man and Mungo Woman discovered here.

Where to stay: Camp in the park, stay at Mungo Shearers' Quarters or choose Mungo Lodge, which offers guided tours of the landscape during daylight, sunset and full moon.

2) Menindee Lakes, Menindee

Menindee Lakes

On the edge of the outback, Menindee Lakes create a remarkable contrast between desert country and shimmering water. The interconnected lakes can attract thousands of waterbirds, including pelicans, ducks, swans, cormorants and spoonbills.

Located about an hour from Broken Hill, Menindee is also an important stop along the Darling River Run, one of Australia's iconic outback road trips.

Where to stay: Camp beside the Darling River at Nelia Gaari Station or head to Broken Hill and experience the colourful heritage of the Palace Hotel.

3) Fort Bourke Hill, Cobar

Fort Bourke Hill Lookout

The vast outback landscape around Cobar proves that even a working open-cut mine can create spectacular scenery. From Fort Bourke Hill Lookout, visitors can look down upon the New Cobar Open Cut Gold Mine, where enormous circular terraces form a striking geometric pattern in the earth.

Visit around sunset when the changing light transforms the mine and surrounding outback landscape into a spectacular scene.

Where to stay: Meralda Station offers off-grid camping, retro caravans and a rustic outdoor bathhouse. While in Cobar, visit the extraordinary Cobar Sound Chapel.

4) Gibraltar Range National Park, Glen Innes

Gibraltar Range National Park

Travel north to Gibraltar Range National Park to discover a dramatically different inland NSW landscape. Ancient rainforest, granite formations, waterfalls and dense forest form part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.

The park offers opportunities for bushwalking, camping and exploring its remote wilderness. Boundary Falls Campground provides a peaceful place to stay beside the cascading waterfall.

Where to stay: For a more comfortable experience, Ben's Falls Retreat offers a luxurious tiny-house stay on an 800-hectare property beside the Severn River.

Discover Inland NSW

From the desert-like formations of Mungo to the bird-filled Menindee Lakes, the geometric mine landscape of Cobar and ancient rainforest of Gibraltar Range, these four destinations demonstrate the remarkable diversity of inland NSW.

Destination NSW

Website: https://www.visitnsw.com/
Phone: 1800 002 234
Address: 35 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Gusheng Village: Where Rural Tourism and Erhai Lake Conservation Grow Together

Gusheng Village in Dali

Gusheng Village in Dali, Yunnan Province, China, is demonstrating how rural tourism, environmental conservation and modern technology can work together to create a more sustainable future for local communities.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, the traditional village combines its natural environment, Bai ethnic culture and agricultural heritage with innovative approaches to rural tourism and ecological protection.

Recognised as a traditional Chinese village and a key national village for rural tourism, Gusheng Village has placed protection of Erhai Lake at the centre of its development.

Protecting Erhai Lake Through Green Agriculture

Gusheng Village has been working to reduce agricultural pollution entering the Erhai Lake basin while maintaining productive farming communities.

A major development came in 2022, when China Agricultural University, Yunnan Agricultural University and the Dali Prefecture Government jointly established the Erhai Lake Basin Agricultural Green Development Research Institute and a science and technology courtyard.

The initiative has introduced technologies including water-saving irrigation, integrated water and fertiliser management, ecological drainage improvements, reservoirs and wetlands to reduce pollutants entering the lake.

A smart nutrient management platform has also been introduced, linking fertiliser purchasing and delivery with precision application and monitoring. The system records information including individual plots, crops, fertiliser use and soil nutrients, helping reduce nitrogen and phosphorus discharge into Erhai Lake.

Rural Tourism Creates New Opportunities

Gusheng Village in Dali

As the village environment has improved, rural tourism has become an increasingly important part of the local economy.

Homestays have expanded from only a few properties to dozens, supported by infrastructure improvements, policy guidance and practical training. In October 2024, a Farmers' Skills Training Base was established in partnership with Dali Prefecture Finance and Trade School.

The training program has delivered 40 courses and 80 class hours covering homestay services, guest reception and traditional cultural experiences. More than 4,600 villagers have been trained, helping local accommodation businesses develop from basic lodging into more specialised and branded tourism experiences.

Digital commerce is also connecting local agricultural products with wider markets while supporting related businesses including restaurants, handicrafts and travel photography.

Bai Culture Meets Modern Tourism

Gusheng Village's rural tourism development also places strong emphasis on protecting its distinctive Bai ethnic heritage.

The science and technology courtyard helped develop plans for protecting Bai residential architecture and assisted with improvements to the courtyards of 70 households. Traditional Bai homes featuring the distinctive “three courtyards and one screen wall” design are being preserved alongside the village's natural environment.

Homestays are also being encouraged to incorporate Bai culture into visitor experiences, turning accommodation into places where travellers can discover local traditions and community stories.

A Model for Sustainable Rural Tourism

Gusheng Village in Dali

Gusheng Village offers an example of how rural tourism can develop without sacrificing environmental protection.

Its approach connects ecological conservation, green agriculture, tourism, technology, skills training and cultural heritage. More than 40 research teams have been stationed in the village, while university researchers and students have worked alongside residents on projects and educational activities.

For travellers seeking authentic rural experiences in Yunnan, Gusheng Village provides an opportunity to see how a traditional community is combining its relationship with Erhai Lake, Bai culture and agriculture with a new generation of sustainable tourism.

Dali Tourism

Website: https://www.chinahighlights.com/dali/
Address: Dali City, Yunnan Province, China

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Auckland’s Big Finish: Four Unique Dinner Venues for Large Business Events

NZICC

Auckland offers business event organisers an impressive choice of venues for a spectacular final night. When hundreds or thousands of delegates come together for a gala dinner, awards evening or conference celebration, the venue needs more than capacity. Production access, staging, audio visual facilities, catering, logistics and the ability to move large groups efficiently all become important.

Auckland Convention Bureau, one of the exhibitors at MEETINGS 2026, showcased Auckland as a major destination for conferences, incentives and business events. MEETINGS 2026 was held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre in June 2026. I was fortunate to attend MEETINGS 2026.

New Zealand International Convention Centre

NZICC

For conferences already taking place at NZICC, holding the gala dinner in the same venue can simplify the final evening. The purpose-built convention centre offers flexible spaces, sophisticated event infrastructure and extensive back-of-house capabilities.

Its large-scale spaces can accommodate major banquets, while its retractable theatre seating and flexible halls allow the venue to be transformed for different event formats. NZICC can host international congresses of up to 4,500 people.

Spark Arena

Spark Arena

For an event with entertainment at its heart, Spark Arena can bring a concert-scale atmosphere to a corporate gala dinner or awards programme.

Located close to Auckland's central city, the arena can host gala dinners for up to 1,600 guests and offers production capabilities suited to major events. Corporate functions, conferences, gala dinners and awards evenings are among the events supported by the venue.

Viaduct Events Centre

Viaduct Events Centre

At Wynyard Quarter, Viaduct Events Centre places large events beside Auckland's Waitematā Harbour. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls, waterfront views and flexible spaces create a distinctive backdrop for gala dinners, awards ceremonies and conference celebrations.

The Waiheke 1 and 2 spaces together can accommodate up to 1,200 banquet guests and 2,800 for cocktails. The venue also provides on-site audio visual technicians and dedicated event coordination.

The Cloud

The Cloud 

Located on Queens Wharf beside Auckland's waterfront, The Cloud combines a large pillar-free floor with harbour views and easy access to central Auckland transport.

Its main exhibition floor has capacity for up to 1,500 banquet guests and 2,000 for cocktails, making it suitable for large gala dinners, awards programmes and conference finales requiring substantial staging and production.

Auckland Convention Bureau

Contact: Ken Pereira, Head of Business Events
Phone: +64 21 142 2245
Email: meet@aucklandnz.com
Website: https://aucklandconventionbureau.com/

New Zealand International Convention Centre

NZICC

Contact: Jessica Carlson, Sales Manager – Australia
Email: jessica.carlson@nzicc.co.nz
Phone: +64 9 366 9122
Website: https://nzicc.co.nz/

Spark Arena

Contact: Bookings Team
Phone: +64 9 358 1250
Email: info@sparkarena.co.nz
Website: https://www.sparkarena.co.nz/

Viaduct Events Centre

Viaduct Events Centre

Contact: Auckland Conventions, Venues & Events
Phone: +64 9 309 2677
Email: events@aucklandconventions.co.nz
Website: https://www.aucklandconventions.co.nz/

The Cloud

Contact: Auckland Conventions, Venues & Events
Phone: +64 9 309 2677Email: events@aucklandconventions.co.nz
Website: https://www.aucklandlive.co.nz/venue/the-cloud-queens-wharf

For more travel, tourism and business events news from around the world, visit the daily online edition of The Holiday and Travel Magazine at https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/.

Entre Cielos Mendoza: Sleep Among the Vines in Argentina's Wine Country

Entre Cielos Mendoza

For travellers seeking a truly unique hotel in Argentina, Entre Cielos Wine & Wellness Hotel offers an extraordinary combination of modern architecture, luxury accommodation, Malbec vineyards and Andean scenery.

Set in Luján de Cuyo, one of Mendoza's most celebrated wine regions, this stylish retreat provides an unforgettable base for discovering Argentine wine while enjoying a peaceful wellness escape surrounded by vineyards.

A Modern Hotel in a Malbec Vineyard

Entre Cielos Mendoza

Unlike traditional wine-country hotels that often rely on rustic architecture, Entre Cielos takes a strikingly contemporary approach.

The low-slung modernist hotel sits within a working Malbec vineyard, with clean architectural lines, concrete surfaces and sophisticated interiors creating a dramatic contrast with the surrounding vines.

The hotel features 24 rooms, many with private terraces overlooking the vineyards and the distant Andes. However, the most unusual accommodation is found in the minimalist suites elevated above the vines, offering guests an especially memorable way to experience Mendoza's wine country.

Wine, Wellness and Relaxation

Entre Cielos Mendoza

Entre Cielos combines the pleasures of wine country with a strong focus on wellness. Guests can spend their days exploring Mendoza's vineyards before returning to the hotel for relaxing treatments and wellness experiences.

The hotel's wine setting makes it particularly appealing to travellers who want to discover Argentina's famous Malbec while staying somewhere that feels intimate and distinctive.

The combination of vineyard views, contemporary design and wellness facilities creates a different style of Mendoza accommodation, away from the traditional luxury estancia.

Discover Mendoza's Famous Wine Region

Entre Cielos Mendoza

A stay at Entre Cielos provides easy access to some of Mendoza's most celebrated wineries.

Catena Zapata is one of Argentina's best-known wineries and is an important destination for wine enthusiasts visiting the region. Its distinctive architecture, wine heritage and culinary experiences make it a popular addition to a Mendoza itinerary.

Travellers can also explore the Luján de Cuyo wine route by guided bicycle tour. Cycling between wineries provides an enjoyable way to see the vineyards while avoiding the need to drive after wine tastings.

The surrounding region offers opportunities to discover Mendoza's restaurants, wineries and spectacular landscapes, with the Andes providing a dramatic backdrop.

Experience Mendoza's Grape Harvest

Entre Cielos Mendoza

March is an especially exciting time to visit because Mendoza celebrates the annual Vendimia grape harvest festival.

The festival brings together wine, music, performances, parades and celebrations throughout the region, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience one of Argentina's most important cultural traditions.

For travellers interested in wine tourism, visiting during harvest season can add another memorable dimension to a stay at Entre Cielos.

When to Stay at Entre Cielos

March to May is an excellent period to visit Mendoza, particularly for travellers interested in wine, comfortable temperatures and the region's spectacular autumn colours.

Located around 20 to 30 minutes by car from Mendoza's El Plumerillo Airport, Entre Cielos is easily reached after arriving in the city.

For a luxury hotel experience that combines Argentine Malbec, contemporary architecture, wellness and vineyard views, Entre Cielos offers a unique way to experience Mendoza.

Entre Cielos Wine & Wellness Hotel

Website: www.entrecielos.com
Email: reservations@entrecielos.com
Phone: +54 261 498 3377
Address: Guardia Vieja 1998, Vistalba, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Win the Ultimate Brisbane Weekend Away with José Carreras and Friends

Music lovers have the chance to win an unforgettable Brisbane weekend for five, featuring flights, accommodation, dining and tickets to one of Queensland's major music events of 2026.

Virgin Australia is offering one lucky winner and four friends the opportunity to experience José Carreras and Friends, a spectacular one-night concert at The Gabba on Saturday 5 December 2026. The event brings legendary Spanish tenor José Carreras together with Robbie Williams, The Corrs, Ronan Keating, Natalie Imbruglia and an impressive line-up of international and Australian performers.

Win a Brisbane Music Weekend for Five

The competition prize is designed as a complete Brisbane getaway.

The winner will receive five return economy flights to Brisbane with Virgin Australia from an eligible Australian domestic port, together with two nights' accommodation for five people at Avani Living Queen's Wharf Residences.

The prize also includes a $250 Visa card for breakfast and a $500 dining voucher for Howard Smith Wharves, providing the winning group with an opportunity to enjoy one of Brisbane's popular riverside dining precincts.

Experience José Carreras and Friends

The centrepiece of the prize is five tickets to José Carreras and Friends at The Gabba.

The concert is being presented as a one-night-only Queensland event and will combine opera, pop, rock and contemporary music. José Carreras will perform alongside artists including Robbie Williams, The Corrs, Ronan Keating, Natalie Imbruglia, Darren Hayes, Katherine Jenkins, Ann Wilson, Sheppard and Mark Vincent.

The concert will also feature the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and choir, creating a large-scale musical production inspired by the famous Pavarotti and Friends concerts.

The prize tickets include soundcheck access, Legends Room entry, a $150 food and drink voucher for each person, an official programme and an event hoodie.

How to Enter

Ultimate Brisbane Weekend Away

Entrants must be Australian residents aged 18 or over and can enter by completing the competition form and answering the question in 25 words or less:

"If your group of 5 had a band, what would it be called?"

The competition is a game of skill, with entries judged on originality, creative merit and relevance to the question. There is one grand prize and entries are limited to one per person.

Entries close at 11:59pm AEST on 18 October 2026, with judging scheduled for 20 October 2026. The prize must be taken from 4 to 6 December 2026.

Virgin Australia Competition

Business: Virgin Australia
Website: https://www.virginaustralia.com/
Competition website: https://competitions.virginaustralia.com/competition/win-night-of-music-BNE
Email: campaigns@virginaustralia.com
Phone: 13 67 89
Address: 275 Grey Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia

For full eligibility requirements, prize conditions and entry information, entrants should read the official competition terms and conditions before entering.

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

SkyCity Hotel: Auckland Accommodation Where Everything Is Right Here

Auckland

For travellers seeking modern Auckland accommodation in the heart of the city, SkyCity Hotel combines genuine Kiwi hospitality, spacious rooms and direct access to one of Auckland’s most exciting entertainment precincts.

Located on the corner of Victoria and Federal Streets in Auckland CBD, the Qualmark-rated hotel places guests close to the Sky Tower, restaurants, bars, theatres and the SkyCity entertainment complex. SkyCity Hotel was also one of the exhibitors at MEETINGS 2026, highlighting its appeal to New Zealand’s business events industry.

Modern Accommodation in Auckland CBD

SkyCity Hotel offers 323 rooms and suites, providing a choice of accommodation for leisure travellers, couples, families and business visitors. Rooms are designed to be modern and spacious, with Premium King, Twin, Courtyard and suite options available.

Premium rooms are approximately 32 square metres and feature comfortable bedding, designer bathrooms, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, in-room dining and other guest amenities. Suites provide additional space for travellers seeking a more expansive stay.

Stay in the Heart of Auckland

SkyCity Hotel 

Location is one of SkyCity Hotel’s major advantages. Guests can step outside and explore central Auckland, with the iconic Sky Tower immediately nearby and Federal Street offering a variety of dining experiences.

The hotel is also within walking distance of Britomart and Auckland’s central transport connections, while Auckland Airport can be reached by road in around 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Dining, Entertainment and Relaxation

Staying at SkyCity Hotel provides access to a broad selection of dining and entertainment within the SkyCity precinct. Guests can choose from restaurants, cafes and bars, while the Sky Tower provides panoramic Auckland views.

For relaxation, guests can access East Day Spa within The Grand by SkyCity, while the hotel also has a well-appointed fitness centre. The combination of accommodation, dining, entertainment and wellness makes it possible to enjoy much of Auckland without travelling far.

Auckland Hotel for Business Travellers

SkyCity Hotel 

SkyCity Hotel is also positioned for business travellers and conference delegates, with the New Zealand International Convention Centre just a few minutes' walk away. BEIA lists the property as an accommodation, activity and venue supplier, with a meeting space accommodating up to 240 guests in its largest listed configuration.

For visitors attending conferences, exhibitions or corporate events in Auckland, the combination of central accommodation, transport access, dining and entertainment makes SkyCity Hotel a practical base for experiencing the city.

SkyCity Hotel

Contact Person: Danielle Ouwejan
Website: SkyCity Hotel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkyCityHotelAuckland/
Email: hotelreservations@skycity.co.nz
Phone: +64 9 363 6000
Mobile: +64 21 222 8529
Address: Corner Victoria and Federal Streets, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

For more travel, tourism and business events news from around the world, visit the daily online edition of The Holiday and Travel Magazine at The Holiday and Travel Magazine.

Shangri-La Phnom Penh: Discover a Capital Worth Staying For

Shangri-La Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh Deserves More Than a Day

The arrival says something about Phnom Penh’s new confidence.

A polished Rolls-Royce at the entrance of Shangri-La Phnom Penh is an appropriate introduction to a hotel that has brought a new level of international luxury to Cambodia’s capital. But it is the view from above that makes the lasting impression.

Rising 54 floors above the rapidly developing Koh Pich, or Diamond Island, district, Shangri-La Phnom Penh commands spectacular views across the city and the rivers that define it. Opened in December 2024, the hotel has 303 rooms and suites, combining contemporary comfort with French Art Deco influences and Khmer-inspired details.

A New Era of Confidence in Phnom Penh

Shangri-La Phnom Penh

From Level 54, the Mekong, Tonlé Sap and Tonlé Bassac rivers form a shimmering network through the urban landscape, while old neighbourhoods, new towers and a rapidly expanding skyline reveal a city balancing its heritage with an ambitious future.

The rooftop infinity pool shares this spectacular setting, while Altitude, the Level 54 rooftop bar, provides one of Cambodia’s highest vantage points. The hotel also offers a spa, restaurants, lounges and extensive meeting facilities.

Its spacious rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping city views, while warm materials, natural light and Cambodian touches create a distinctly local sense of place.

For travellers, Shangri-La provides an ideal base for discovering a capital that deserves considerably more than a brief stopover.

For years, Phnom Penh was treated by many visitors as little more than a gateway to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. That is increasingly difficult to justify.

A City of Rivers, History and Culture

Phnom Penh combines French colonial architecture, Khmer heritage, traditional markets, modern shopping centres, contemporary restaurants and an increasingly impressive skyline.

The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda provide an introduction to Cambodia’s royal heritage, while the National Museum of Cambodia houses more than 14,000 objects spanning centuries of Khmer art and culture. Wat Phnom offers a spiritual connection to the city’s origins, while Sisowath Quay comes alive in the evening as families, visitors, cafés and river boats share the waterfront.

The Central Market, or Phsar Thmey, is another Phnom Penh landmark. Its distinctive 1937 Art Deco building surrounds a huge central dome and contains stalls selling jewellery, clothing, food, souvenirs and local products. The Russian Market provides another lively shopping experience. For visitors, exploring these markets is an easy way to experience the everyday rhythm and flavours of Phnom Penh.

The Central Market

Modern Phnom Penh is equally visible in developments such as Koh Pich and AEON Mall, reflecting the city’s rapidly changing lifestyle.

Yet the old Phnom Penh is never far away. Around the next corner, glass towers can give way to a food stall, temple or colonial façade.

Understanding Cambodia’s Past

Visitors should also make time for the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the former S-21 prison, and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, commonly known as the Killing Fields. These confronting sites document the atrocities committed under the Khmer Rouge between 1975 and 1979 and provide important context for understanding modern Cambodia and its remarkable resilience.

Phnom Penh After Dark

Phnom Penh after dark

As temperatures fall, Phnom Penh becomes a city of restaurants, cafés, bars and rooftop venues. Traditional Cambodian dishes such as fish amok sit alongside French, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese and international cuisine.

The riverside remains popular, while areas such as Bassac Lane and BKK1 have developed into lively dining and entertainment districts.

At Shangri-La, Altitude offers an especially memorable evening experience, combining panoramic views with sunset dining high above the city.

A Capital Worth Staying to Discover

Techo International Airport

The most fascinating aspect of Phnom Penh is its mixture. Khmer tradition exists alongside glass towers; monks and motorbikes share the streets with luxury vehicles; traditional markets operate beneath a modern skyline.

The opening of Techo International Airport in 2025, replacing the former Phnom Penh International Airport, is another sign of Cambodia’s growing ambitions and makes the capital increasingly accessible to international visitors.

Phnom Penh remains busy and sometimes chaotic, but that is part of its character. It is a city in motion, modernising rapidly while retaining its history, culture and distinctive Cambodian identity.

Shangri-La Phnom Penh reflects that transformation. Guests are warmly welcomed by veteran General Manager Ody Odayappan and his professional and knowledgeable team.

Toum Tiou 2

The hotel is also an ideal base before or after experiencing the New Discovery Tour on the Mekong aboard the 14-cabin Toum Tiou 2, with discounts available for 2026/27 cruises.

For travellers seeking a luxurious base from which to explore Cambodia’s capital and the Mekong, Shangri-La Phnom Penh offers a compelling reason to stay longer.

Phnom Penh is no longer simply somewhere to pass through.

It is somewhere to stay.

Shangri-La Phnom Penh

www.shangri-la.com/phnompenh/shangrila/

CF Mekong Cruises

www.cfmekong.com

*Written by John Savage and Grahame Cox

For more travel inspiration read the daily online “The Holiday and Travel Magazine” https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

HOSHINOYA Asuka: A New Luxury Retreat in Japan’s Ancient Capital

The "Terraced Garden" sprawling at the center of the grounds,

expressing the beauty of Asuka Village's rice terraces

A New Chapter in Luxury Travel in Japan

A new luxury accommodation experience is coming to one of Japan’s most historic destinations, with HOSHINOYA Asuka scheduled to open on July 22, 2027, in Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture.

The 10th property in the HOSHINOYA portfolio, HOSHINOYA Asuka will offer travellers an opportunity to stay in the landscape of Asuka, an ancient centre of Japanese history recently inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara. Reservations officially opened on September 25, 2026.

A Sanctuary of Stillness at Japan’s Origin

HOSHINOYA Asuka has been created around the concept “A Sanctuary of Stillness at Japan’s Origin”, reflecting the peaceful countryside, ancient heritage and natural beauty of Asuka Village.

Asuka was home to Asuka-kyo, one of Japan’s earliest capital cities, more than 1,400 years ago. Today, the area retains an unusually tranquil rural character, surrounded by archaeological sites, temples, ancient tombs and agricultural landscapes.

The new retreat is the result of a decade-long collaboration between Hoshino Resorts and the local community, beginning with a corporate location agreement in 2016 and continuing through regional revitalisation partnerships.

A Terraced Garden Inspired by Asuka’s Rice Fields

Scenery from the large guest room windows

At the heart of HOSHINOYA Asuka will be a landscaped Terraced Garden inspired by the stepped rice terraces found throughout the region.

Rice paddies, meadows, crop fields and walking paths will create a changing landscape through the seasons. Guests will be able to experience the garden from their rooms or relax in gazebos positioned around the grounds.

The low-rise design has been carefully created to complement Asuka’s protected landscape, with tiled roofs and stone-inspired architectural details reflecting the area's traditional scenery.

35 Luxury Suites in a Historic Landscape

HOSHINOYA Asuka will feature 35 detached, single-storey all-suite accommodations across four room types. The suites range from approximately 70 square metres to 260 square metres, with high ceilings reaching around four metres.

The Akane suites will feature distinctive stone-chamber baths, with stone covering an entire wall to create a strong connection with the area's ancient stone monuments.

Large windows will bring views of the surrounding garden and countryside into the accommodation, creating a seamless relationship between interior spaces and nature.

Discovering Asuka’s Ancient Heritage

High ceilings up to roughly 4 meters

The new resort provides a base for exploring some of Japan’s most significant historic sites, including Asuka-dera Temple and the Ishibutai Mounded Tomb.

In July 2026, UNESCO inscribed the Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara on the World Heritage List. The serial World Heritage property includes 19 component parts associated with two early Japanese capitals and their role in the development of centralised states in East Asia.

For travellers seeking a different side of Japan beyond Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, Asuka offers an opportunity to discover an ancient landscape where history, nature and traditional rural life remain closely connected.

HOSHINOYA Asuka

Website: https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/brands/hoshinoya/
Email: Contact via the HOSHINOYA reservation service
Phone: +81-50-3134-8096
Address: Oaza Mayumi, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara 634-0137, Japan
Opening: July 22, 2027
Reservations: Open from September 25, 2026
Accommodation: 35 suites
Rates: From JPY 193,000 per room per night, including tax and service charge, excluding meals

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