Luxperience 2026: Sydney Becomes the Meeting Place for Luxury Travel

Luxperience

From 17 to 20 November 2026, Sydney will become a global meeting point for luxury travel professionals when Luxperience returns for four days of curated connections, inspiring experiences and meaningful business opportunities.

Held in Sydney, Australia, Luxperience 2026 is designed for the high-end and experiential travel sector, bringing together luxury travel advisors, buyers, media and an international collection of specialist travel suppliers. The event is built around a simple idea: in luxury travel, meaningful relationships matter more than the number of people met.

A Global Showcase of Luxury Travel

Luxperience 2026 is set to feature more than 200 carefully selected partners, with the event's most diverse partner cohort to date representing destinations and luxury travel experiences across six continents. New participants include tourism organisations, luxury hotels, private villas, expedition operators, cultural experiences and specialist destination management companies.

The extensive partner line-up includes names such as Aman Resorts, Aqua Expeditions, Ananda in the Himalayas, Aurora Expeditions, Beachcomber Resorts and Hotels and Tourism-focused operators from destinations including Sri Lanka, Japan, New Zealand, Africa and South America.

Where Luxury Travel Connections Become Business

Luxperience

At the heart of Luxperience is its curated appointment program. Qualified buyers are matched with relevant suppliers, creating focused one-to-one meetings rather than relying on conventional trade-show foot traffic.

The 2026 program features pre-scheduled appointments across three exhibition days, supported by networking opportunities designed to encourage genuine relationships between luxury travel professionals. Hosted buyer participants can also access accommodation, event activities and opportunities for familiarisation experiences, subject to program conditions.

For travel advisors and luxury travel buyers, this creates an efficient way to discover new destinations, hotels, resorts, cruises, private touring experiences, wellness retreats and adventure products for discerning travellers.

Four Days of Inspiration in Sydney

The program begins on Tuesday 17 November with The Inner Circle and an opening cocktail event. The following three days combine business appointments, industry sessions and networking, concluding on Friday 20 November with a farewell soiree.

The new Inner Circle forum will explore major trends and forces shaping the future of luxury travel, while the Indulge and Inspire sessions will provide additional opportunities for education, discussion and creative thinking.

Luxury Travel with a More Personal Touch

Luxperience

Luxperience reflects an important evolution in luxury tourism. Today's premium traveller increasingly seeks authentic experiences, personal connections, wellness, cultural discovery and memorable journeys rather than simply traditional luxury.

The event's focus on curated introductions allows suppliers and travel professionals to explore these changing expectations together, helping shape the next generation of high-end travel experiences.

For anyone involved in luxury tourism, experiential travel, premium hospitality or MICE, Luxperience 2026 offers an important opportunity to discover what is next for the industry while building valuable relationships in one of Australia's most dynamic international cities.

Luxperience 

Website: www.luxperience.com.au
Email: info@luxperience.com.au
Phone: +61 403 844 543
Address: Sydney, Australia
Event dates: 17–20 November 2026.

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Explore Northern Vietnam: A 15-Day Adventure Through Landscapes, Culture and History

Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam offers travellers an extraordinary combination of dramatic mountains, peaceful lakes, ancient caves, colourful ethnic cultures and fascinating history. The 15-day North Vietnam Adventure Tour is an immersive journey from Hanoi into some of the country's most spectacular and culturally significant destinations.

From the Vietnamese capital to the limestone landscapes of Cao Bang, the terraced hills of Sapa and the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay, this adventure reveals a side of Vietnam where nature and culture remain closely connected.

Hanoi Begins the Northern Vietnam Adventure

The journey begins in Hanoi, Vietnam's captivating capital, before heading north towards Ba Be, around 240 kilometres from Hanoi. Known as a natural treasure of Bac Kan province, Ba Be National Park is a remarkable wilderness of mountains, forests, waterfalls, caves and tranquil waterways.

Ba Be Lake provides an opportunity to relax among spectacular scenery while breathing in the fresh mountain air. The area's rich biodiversity and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal introduction to Northern Vietnam's natural beauty.

Discover Cao Bang and Ban Gioc Waterfall

Northern Vietnam

The adventure continues to Cao Bang, a mountainous province renowned for spectacular landscapes and cultural heritage. One of the region's highlights is Nguom Ngao Cave, a 2,144-metre-long limestone cave featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years.

Nearby, Ban Gioc Waterfall is one of Northern Vietnam's most breathtaking natural attractions. The broad cascade, surrounded by green rivers, limestone cliffs, forests and rice fields, creates a spectacular landscape that has become an unforgettable highlight for visitors to Cao Bang.

Sapa and Vietnam's Mountain Cultures

Travelling onwards through Lang Son, the journey reveals more of Vietnam's fascinating history before reaching Sapa. Famous for its cooler climate, mountain scenery and terraced rice fields, Sapa is also home to diverse ethnic minority communities.

A four-hour trek provides an opportunity to experience the region at a slower pace, walking through spectacular countryside and discovering villages where traditional ways of life remain an important part of everyday culture.

From Lai Chau to Mai Chau

The journey continues through Lai Chau, Son La, Moc Chau and Mai Chau, showcasing an ever-changing landscape of mountains, valleys, forests and agricultural areas.

Along the way, travellers encounter diverse ethnic communities and gain insights into local traditions, lifestyles and cultures. These experiences create meaningful connections between the traveller and the people who call Northern Vietnam home.

Return to Hanoi and Cruise Ha Long Bay

After exploring the northern mountains, the adventure returns to Hanoi for an opportunity to discover the capital's celebrated landmarks, history and cultural character.

The final stage takes travellers to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam's most iconic destinations. A leisurely cruise among towering limestone islands and enchanting caves provides a peaceful conclusion to the expedition.

The combination of emerald waters, dramatic mountains and traditional coastal communities creates an unforgettable setting. Travellers can enjoy water-based activities and opportunities to interact with local fishing communities before completing their Northern Vietnam adventure.

A Journey Through the Heart of Northern Vietnam

The North Vietnam Adventure Tour offers far more than sightseeing. Over 15 days, travellers journey through spectacular landscapes, explore remarkable natural attractions, encounter diverse ethnic cultures and discover chapters of Vietnam's history.

For travellers seeking an authentic Northern Vietnam itinerary combining adventure, nature, culture and history, this journey provides an inspiring way to experience the extraordinary diversity of Vietnam.

Trip code: ADV0006VN15D
Destination: Vietnam
Places visited: Hanoi, Ba Be, Cao Bang, Lang Son, Sapa, Lai Chau, Son La, Moc Chau, Mai Chau and Northern Vietnam.

Explore Real Asia Co., Ltd

Address: #34, Lot 7, Den Lu 1, Tuong Mai ward, Hanoi, Vietnam, 100000

Website: https://explorerealasia.com/premade-tours/adventure-tours/the-north-vietnam-adventure-tour.html

Email: contact@explorerealasia.com
Phone: +84 90 341 1916
Hotline: +84 90 341 1916

Melbourne Takes Flight as Host of ACI Airport Experience Summit 2027

Melbourne

Melbourne has been selected to host the ACI Airport Experience Summit 2027, bringing one of the aviation industry’s leading global gatherings for customer and employee experience to Victoria.

The summit will unite airport executives, customer experience specialists, technology innovators and aviation industry partners from around the world to examine how airports are transforming the passenger journey and creating better experiences for travellers and employees.

The event is expected to attract more than 800 delegates to Victoria and generate an estimated $5 million in economic contribution to the state’s visitor economy.

A Global Aviation Showcase for Melbourne

The ACI Airport Experience Summit provides an international platform for airport leaders to discuss emerging aviation trends, operational challenges and the future of passenger experience.

Delegates will explore developments in technology, airport operations, customer service, accessibility, sustainability and airport design, while sharing ideas about how airports can respond to changing traveller expectations.

As Australia’s busiest 24-hour airport, Melbourne Airport provides a fitting backdrop for an event focused on the future of airport experiences.

Melbourne Airport Preparing for the Future

Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport is undergoing an ambitious program of infrastructure development as Victoria prepares for continued growth in air travel.

Future projects include a new runway, an expanded international terminal and new ground transport facilities. These developments are designed to increase capacity and improve the overall airport experience as passenger numbers grow.

The airport is also recognised for its focus on accessibility, customer service, digital transformation and sustainability, making Melbourne a natural location for international aviation leaders to exchange ideas and examine innovative approaches.

Business Events Delivering Economic Impact

The successful bid was led by the Melbourne Convention Bureau in partnership with Melbourne Airport, with support from the Victorian State Government and Tourism Australia.

The summit strengthens Melbourne’s reputation as an international business events destination and reinforces Victoria’s position as a hub for global conferences and industry gatherings.

For Melbourne, the benefits extend beyond the conference itself. International delegates are expected to stay in local hotels, dine in restaurants, explore attractions and experience the city and wider Victorian tourism offering.

The event also creates opportunities for international aviation relationships, knowledge exchange and potential long-term business connections.

Connecting Aviation Leaders with Melbourne

Julia Swanson

Melbourne’s combination of international air connectivity, sophisticated conference facilities, innovation capability and established events expertise makes it well suited to hosting a major global aviation summit.

Melbourne Convention Bureau Chief Executive Julia Swanson said the event would provide an opportunity to showcase Melbourne and Victoria to influential aviation leaders while delivering lasting economic and industry benefits.

Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer Lorie Argus welcomed the opportunity to host the summit, highlighting the airport’s major expansion program and its focus on accessibility and customer service.

Minister for Major Events Anthony Carbines also highlighted Melbourne’s globally connected airport and investment in future infrastructure as key strengths for hosting the international gathering.

Melbourne Welcomes the World of Aviation

The ACI Airport Experience Summit 2027 will provide more than a meeting place for airport professionals. It will give Melbourne an international stage on which to demonstrate its approach to aviation, innovation, infrastructure and visitor experience.

With hundreds of international delegates expected to attend, the summit will further strengthen Melbourne’s position as one of Australia’s leading destinations for global business events and international industry conferences.

Melbourne Convention Bureau

Website: https://www.melbournecb.com.au/

Melbourne Airport

Website: https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/
Address: Melbourne Airport, Victoria, Australia

Tourism Australia

Website: https://www.australia.com/

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

A Stone Road Marker Tells the Story of Sydney’s Colonial Past

The historic Croydon milestone

Along Liverpool Road near Badminton Road in Croydon, Sydney, stands a remarkably modest piece of history: a sandstone milestone that once helped travellers find their way long before street directories, GPS navigation and modern road signs.

The historic Croydon milestone is officially listed as a local heritage item by Inner West Council. Its position is recorded as Liverpool Road, near the corner of Badminton Road, in the road reserve.

For today's motorists it may appear to be little more than an old stone beside a busy suburban road. Look closer, however, and its inscriptions reveal a fascinating story about early roads, transportation and life in colonial New South Wales.

A Road Guide from Another Era

The sandstone marker is a single block with a square plan, tapered sides and a chamfered top. It stands approximately 750 millimetres high, tapering from about 420 millimetres at its base to 370 millimetres at the top.

Carved into its faces are the Roman numerals that provided essential information to travellers. One side reads “SYDNEY VII”, indicating seven miles to Sydney, while the opposite face reads “LIVERPOOL XIV”, indicating fourteen miles to Liverpool.

The marker is a surviving reminder of a time when distances were measured in miles and travellers depended on physical landmarks rather than digital navigation.

Milestones and Convict-Built Roads

The milestone belongs to the history of the Great South Road, today's Liverpool Road, which was commissioned during the governorship of Lachlan Macquarie in the early nineteenth century.

Sandstone milestones were installed along important roads to identify distances between settlements. Historical research records that milestones were placed along the Parramatta, Liverpool and South Head roads during the early 1800s.

Edward Cureton is credited with producing an early group of milestones in the colony in 1814. According to historical accounts, he was paid £40 and 10 shillings for 54 milestones.

These simple stone markers formed part of an emerging road system that was transforming travel around the colony.

Even Milestones Suffered Vandalism

Interestingly, vandalism is hardly a modern problem.

Historical records indicate that milestones along the new roads were regularly defaced. A notice published in the Sydney Gazette in October 1816 warned that people damaging or defacing milestones could be prosecuted.

By 1846, some milestones along the Parramatta and Liverpool roads had deteriorated or disappeared. Tenders were subsequently called for replacement milestones, including their lettering and installation at positions selected by the road surveyor.

The story demonstrates just how important these apparently humble stones were to the road network.

A Heritage Landmark in Modern Sydney

Today, the Croydon milestone survives among the traffic and development of modern Sydney. It is easy to pass without noticing, yet its carved Roman numerals connect the present-day suburb with a period when journeys were measured in miles and roads were still being established across the colony.

The milestone is one of several historic markers associated with the old road system. Another surviving milestone is listed on Parramatta Road near Cheltenham Road in Croydon.

For visitors interested in Sydney history, the Croydon milestone provides a fascinating example of how small heritage objects can reveal stories about transportation, engineering and everyday life in nineteenth-century New South Wales.

Inner West Council

Website: www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au
Email: council@innerwest.nsw.gov.au
Phone: 02 9392 5000
Address: 2–14 Fisher Street, Petersham NSW 2049, Australia

For community history and heritage enquiries, Inner West Council also provides a dedicated history service at history@innerwest.nsw.gov.au.

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

Dinosaur World Live Brings Prehistoric Adventure to Newcastle

Dinosaur World Live

Get ready for a prehistoric adventure when the Olivier Award-winning Dinosaur World Live stomps into Newcastle in January 2027, bringing remarkably lifelike dinosaurs and an exciting family adventure to Civic Theatre Newcastle.

Families, dinosaur enthusiasts and young explorers can come face-to-face with an impressive cast of prehistoric creatures, including the mighty T-Rex, in a theatrical experience designed to bring the ancient world spectacularly to life.

With its combination of live theatre, puppetry, adventure and audience interaction, Dinosaur World Live is set to be a popular school holiday attraction and an entertaining addition to Newcastle's summer events calendar.

Meet the Dinosaurs

Dinosaur World Live invites audiences to enter a world where dinosaurs are no longer confined to museums and history books.

The production features remarkably lifelike dinosaurs, allowing children and adults to encounter these prehistoric creatures at close range. From the mighty T-Rex to other fascinating dinosaurs, the show creates an exciting journey into a world that existed millions of years ago.

The realistic dinosaur puppets are central to the experience, creating an immersive theatrical adventure that encourages audiences to imagine what it might have been like to encounter these extraordinary creatures.

An Olivier Award-Winning Family Adventure

Dinosaur World Live

Dinosaur World Live has earned an Olivier Award, one of the most prestigious honours in British theatre, adding to the production's appeal for families searching for quality entertainment.

The show combines storytelling, theatre and spectacular puppetry to create an experience suitable for families and dinosaur fans.

For Newcastle visitors, it is an opportunity to enjoy a major touring production while discovering the city's attractions, waterfront, restaurants and cultural experiences.

A Special Post-Show Dinosaur Encounter

One of the highlights for young audience members is the special post-show meet and greet.

Following the performance, audiences have the opportunity to meet some of the dinosaurs, providing an extra memorable element to the experience.

For children fascinated by dinosaurs, this personal encounter can turn a theatre visit into a holiday highlight and create plenty of family memories.

A Great Newcastle School Holiday Experience

Dinosaur World Live

Dinosaur World Live arrives during the January school holiday period, making it an ideal activity for families visiting Newcastle or looking for something special to do locally.

Newcastle offers plenty to complement a theatre outing, including beautiful beaches, the harbour and foreshore, historic buildings, family attractions, cafés and restaurants.

Families can make a day of their visit by exploring Newcastle before heading to the Civic Theatre for this prehistoric theatrical adventure.

Dinosaur World Live Newcastle

Dates: Tuesday 19 January and Wednesday 20 January 2027
Venue: Civic Theatre Newcastle
Address: 375 Hunter Street, Newcastle NSW 2300, Australia
The production features remarkably lifelike dinosaurs, including the mighty T-Rex, and includes a special post-show meet and greet.
Tickets: Book through Civic Theatre Newcastle

Civic Theatre Newcastle

Website: www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au
Email: civicticketoffice@ncc.nsw.gov.au
Phone: (02) 4929 1977
Address: 375 Hunter Street, Newcastle NSW 2300, Australia

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

Los Angeles Through Time: From Ancient Tar Pits to a Historic California City

Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo

Los Angeles is famous today for Hollywood, beaches, entertainment and world-class attractions, but the story of the City of Angels stretches back tens of thousands of years. Long before skyscrapers, movie studios and freeways transformed the landscape, the Los Angeles Basin was home to ancient peoples, Ice Age animals and Indigenous communities.

This fascinating historical timeline reveals how Los Angeles developed from an extraordinary prehistoric landscape into an important settlement by 1800.

Circa 38,000 BC: The Ancient Landscape of Los Angeles

Long before Los Angeles became a city, the region was already attracting life. The La Brea Tar Pits preserve an extraordinary record of Ice Age animals that lived in the Los Angeles Basin. Fossils discovered at the site include mammoths, mastodons, saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, birds and countless smaller organisms.

The Tar Pits preserve evidence from approximately the last 50,000 years, providing scientists with an extraordinary window into ancient Los Angeles.

Circa 8,000 BC to 500 AD: Indigenous Los Angeles

Thousands of years ago, Indigenous peoples established communities throughout the Los Angeles Basin. The Chumash occupied parts of the region, while the Tataviam later inhabited areas including the San Fernando Valley.

By around 500 AD, the Tongva had established communities in the Los Angeles Basin. Their principal village, Yang-Na, was located close to what is now Downtown Los Angeles. These Indigenous cultures developed deep connections with the area's rivers, coastline, mountains and natural resources.

1542 to 1771: European Exploration Begins

In 1542, Portuguese explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo navigated the California coast and described present-day San Pedro Bay as the "Bay of Smokes."

Spanish explorer Sebastián Vizcaíno explored the coast in 1602. More than a century later, in 1769, Gaspar de Portolá led an expedition through the region while seeking a land route to Monterey. The expedition recorded the area's famous natural asphalt seeps, now associated with the La Brea Tar Pits.

In 1771, Father Junípero Serra established Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, an important early Spanish settlement in Southern California.

1781: The Birth of Los Angeles

September 4, 1781, is one of the most important dates in Los Angeles history. Forty-four settlers of Native American, African and European heritage established a farming community near the Los Angeles River after travelling more than 1,000 miles from present-day northern Mexico.

The settlement was named El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula. This small agricultural community eventually developed into the enormous multicultural metropolis known today as Los Angeles.

Today, El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument preserves the birthplace of the city, with historic buildings, museums and the famous Olvera Street marketplace.

1797: Mission San Fernando

Father Fermín Francisco de Lasuén

In 1797, Father Fermín Francisco de Lasuén founded Mission San Fernando Rey de España. The mission became an important centre of agriculture and livestock, adding another chapter to the rapidly developing history of Southern California.

By 1800, Los Angeles had already passed through thousands of years of Indigenous history, Spanish exploration and settlement. Its transformation into a major American city was only beginning.

Discover the History of Los Angeles Today

For today's traveller, exploring Los Angeles means travelling through layers of history. From the ancient fossils of the La Brea Tar Pits to the historic birthplace preserved at El Pueblo, visitors can discover a Los Angeles that existed long before Hollywood.

The city's remarkable past remains one of its greatest attractions, offering travellers an opportunity to experience the cultures, people and landscapes that shaped the City of Angels.

Discover Los Angeles

Website: www.discoverlosangeles.com
Email: info@discoverlosangeles.com
Phone: 213-624-7300
Address: 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071, USA

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

WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026: Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Transformation Takes Centre Stage

Riyadh

Riyadh is set to become a global meeting point for the travel industry when WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026 makes its debut from 8 to 10 September at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre. The inaugural event will connect Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving tourism sector with international destinations, travel businesses, buyers, innovators and industry leaders.

A New Spotlight on Saudi Tourism

WTM Spotlight Riyadh has been created to connect the world to Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabia to the world, providing a dedicated platform for deeper business relationships and industry insight.

The three-day conference programme will explore the opportunities emerging from the Kingdom’s ambitious tourism transformation, with discussions spanning Vision 2030, outbound travel, destination development, technology, mobility, luxury, sports and religious tourism.

The official WTM programme describes the event as a platform for practical insights and strategies supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 tourism ambitions.

Driving Growth Through Vision 2030

The opening day, themed Driving Growth for Vision 2030, will examine how tourism growth can deliver long-term economic, environmental and social benefits.

UN Tourism will explore the role tourism can play in regional development, while a community tourism session will examine how locally rooted experiences can generate economic opportunities while protecting culture and nature.

Tourism economics will also be under the spotlight, with analysis of visitor demand, spending and emerging high-value opportunities across inbound and domestic tourism.

A senior industry panel featuring leaders from Almosafer, Cruise Saudi and flyadeal will examine resilience and adaptability across tourism, aviation and hospitality.

The Growing Power of Saudi Outbound Travel

Riyadh

The second day turns attention to Outbound Demand and Market Access, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s increasing importance as an international source market.

A major session, The $35BN Opportunity – How and Where to Capture Outbound Demand, will examine how destinations and travel brands can attract Saudi travellers and convert outbound demand into sustainable tourism growth.

Luxury and MICE travel will also feature prominently, alongside discussions about wellness tourism and the growing Chinese visitor opportunity following Saudi Arabia’s Approved Destination Status.

Innovation will be another major theme, with a startup showcase examining how the Kingdom is developing an ambitious tourism ecosystem and how investment can support the future of travel.

Connected Destinations and Elevated Experiences

The final day, themed Elevated Experiences and Connected Destinations, will focus on turning major tourism investment and infrastructure into memorable visitor experiences.

Sessions will examine how aviation, cruise, rail and road connections can create integrated tourism corridors. Sports tourism will explore ways major events can generate year-round visitation, while religious tourism discussions will consider the continuing evolution of Umrah and pilgrimage experiences.

Artificial intelligence will also take centre stage, with discussion around how agentic AI could transform travel planning, personalised recommendations and the visitor journey.

A Major New Meeting Place for Travel Professionals

Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre

Beyond the conference programme, WTM Spotlight Riyadh will bring together destinations, hotels, airlines, attractions, travel technology companies, buyers and consumers.

The official event describes the show as a platform spanning travel products, regional and international professionals, industry leaders and innovators, with opportunities to connect across inbound and outbound tourism.

For travel professionals interested in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East and the future of global tourism, WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026 represents an important new opportunity to discover partnerships, market trends and the ideas shaping the Kingdom’s tourism future.

Contact Details

WTM Spotlight Riyadh
Website: WTM Spotlight Riyadh official website
Address: Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre, Airport Road, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre
Website: Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre
Phone: +966 11 290 9400
Address: Airport Road, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

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

The Individuals Who Quietly Reshape How We See the World

Yamabushi

Some of the most memorable experiences in travel are not found in guidebooks or scheduled attractions. They happen unexpectedly, through encounters with people whose lives are deeply connected to the traditions, landscapes and beliefs of their homeland.

Across Asia, remarkable men and women continue to preserve ancient knowledge, spiritual traditions, craftsmanship and ways of living that have been passed from generation to generation. They are not performing their culture for visitors. They simply live it, often with a quiet authenticity that can offer travellers a deeper understanding of a destination.

The People Behind the Places

A fisherman preparing his nets before sunrise, an elder quietly tending a sacred temple, a tea harvester selecting morning leaves or a spiritual practitioner following an ancient ritual can reveal a side of Asia that cannot be experienced through conventional sightseeing.

Secret Retreats invites travellers to discover these individuals through a series exploring The Ones Who Believe, The Ones Who Know and The Ones Who Make.

The journey begins with The Ones Who Believe, meeting people whose lives are shaped by faith, nature, ritual and an enduring connection to the places they call home.

Among the most extraordinary examples are the Yamabushi of Dewa Sanzan in northern Japan.

The Yamabushi of Dewa Sanzan, Japan

Deep in Yamagata Prefecture, ancient cedar forests surround the three sacred mountains of Dewa Sanzan: Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan and Mount Yudono.

For more than a thousand years, mountain ascetics known as Yamabushi have followed Shugendo, a spiritual tradition incorporating elements of mountain worship, Shinto and esoteric Buddhism.

For the Yamabushi, these mountains are far more than a dramatic natural landscape. They are sacred places where spiritual transformation takes place.

The three mountains traditionally represent the present, past and future, creating a pilgrimage that is both physical and deeply symbolic.

The Path of Rebirth

The Yamabushi undertake demanding mountain practices involving pilgrimage, meditation, prayer, purification and other ascetic disciplines. Waterfalls, forests, rocks and mountain trails become part of a spiritual journey in which the natural world is experienced as a living temple.

At the heart of the Yamabushi philosophy is Uketamo, a phrase commonly understood as “I humbly accept”.

This simple expression carries a profound message. Rather than constantly fighting against circumstances, the Yamabushi embrace acceptance, humility and perseverance.

Through their demanding practices, worldly attachments are symbolically left behind. The journey through the sacred mountains becomes a process of spiritual death and rebirth, with the pilgrim emerging renewed.

Learning From the Sacred Peaks

Yamabushi reset training

For today's traveller, discovering the Yamabushi tradition offers an opportunity to look beyond Japan's famous cities, temples and cultural attractions.

The quiet forests of Dewa Sanzan encourage a slower form of travel, where reflection and connection become as important as sightseeing. The experience can prompt visitors to consider resilience, simplicity and our relationship with nature.

The Yamabushi remind us that some of the most powerful travel experiences come not from seeing more, but from understanding more deeply.

Their philosophy offers a timeless lesson: resilience may not always mean resisting life's storms. Sometimes it means accepting them, enduring them and continuing forward with grace.

Secret Retreats

Website: https://secret-retreats.com/
Email: reservations@secret-retreats.com
Phone: +66 2 821 8878
Address: Bangkok, Thailand.

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

Junction Arts Festival 2026: Where Launceston Becomes a Stage

Junction Arts Festival

Launceston will come alive with creativity, performance and unexpected experiences when the Junction Arts Festival returns from 17–20 September 2026.

Now in its 16th year, the four-day Junction Arts Festival transforms the city into an open-air celebration of contemporary art, live music and performance. Streets, public spaces, historic buildings and unusual locations become stages and galleries, offering visitors an opportunity to discover Launceston from an entirely different perspective.

Held around the spring equinox, Junction is one of Northern Tasmania’s distinctive cultural events, bringing together Tasmanian and visiting artists for a program designed to surprise, challenge and entertain audiences.

A Festival That Takes Art Beyond the Gallery

Junction Arts Festival is not a conventional arts festival. Rather than confining creativity to theatres and galleries, the event takes contemporary art into the streets and unexpected corners of Launceston.

The 2026 program spans live music, visual art, theatre, dance, circus, cabaret, comedy, family entertainment and large-scale installations. This combination creates a festival atmosphere where visitors can move around the city, encounter performances and discover artistic experiences they may not have expected.

For travellers, this makes Junction an excellent reason to explore Launceston on foot, with the city itself becoming part of the festival experience.

Launceston Transformed for Spring

Junction Arts Festival

Spring provides a fitting backdrop for Junction Arts Festival, with the city emerging from winter and the festival celebrating renewal, creativity and new possibilities.

Prince’s Square serves as the Festival Hub, with performances and free activities bringing audiences together in the heart of Launceston. The 2026 program also reaches venues throughout the city, including creative spaces, performance venues, hospitality locations and distinctive buildings.

Some experiences are free, while others require tickets, giving visitors flexibility to create a festival itinerary that suits their interests and budget.

Music, Performance and Unexpected Experiences

Music remains an important part of Junction, with the 2026 program featuring Tasmanian artists and performers alongside a diverse range of entertainment.

The festival program includes free live music at the Festival Hub, while other performances explore everything from contemporary theatre and dance to circus and cabaret. Junction also continues its tradition of placing artists in unusual settings, including intimate spaces and locations that visitors might not normally associate with live performance.

The result is a festival that encourages audiences to be curious and adventurous rather than simply following a traditional theatre schedule.

A Cultural Experience for Visitors to Tasmania

Junction Arts Festival

Junction Arts Festival provides another compelling reason to visit Launceston during spring. The festival can be combined with the city’s historic architecture, food and wine experiences, galleries, museums and the wider attractions of Northern Tasmania.

Visitors can spend the day discovering Launceston before joining the festival in the evening, or build an entire weekend around Junction’s program. With family-friendly activities, free events and ticketed performances, the festival offers experiences for a broad range of ages and interests.

Junction is also a not-for-profit organisation, with its program supported by government, funding bodies, sponsors and local businesses.

Plan Your Junction Arts Festival Visit

Whether discovering contemporary art, listening to Tasmanian musicians, watching a performance in an unexpected venue or simply wandering through Launceston as the city celebrates spring, Junction Arts Festival offers a distinctive way to experience Northern Tasmania.

From 17–20 September 2026, Launceston becomes more than a destination. It becomes a stage, meeting place and creative playground where art, performance and music collide.

Junction Arts Festival

Website: junctionartsfestival.com.au
Email: info@junctionartsfestival.com.au
Phone: 0422 762 197
Address: 28 Frederick Street, Launceston TAS 7250, Australia

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

The St. Regis Singapore Unveils a Reimagined Presidential Suite

The St. Regis Singapore

The St. Regis Singapore has unveiled its newly reimagined Presidential Suite, introducing an exceptional new expression of contemporary luxury residential living in the heart of Singapore.

Perched on the hotel's top floor, the 335-square-metre Presidential Suite combines biophilic design, bespoke artistry, sustainable innovation and the personalised service of St. Regis Butler Service.

Inspired by the organic beauty and botanical richness of the nearby Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the newly transformed suite has been designed as an exclusive private sanctuary for discerning luxury travellers.

A New Vision of Modern Luxury

The St. Regis Singapore

The Presidential Suite represents the final chapter of The St. Regis Singapore's comprehensive guestroom transformation.

Designed by acclaimed design firm FBEYE International, the residence expands on the hotel's biophilic residential concept, introducing richer colours, layered textures and custom architectural details on a grander scale.

Bi-fold louvred doors create a sense of fluidity between the living, dining and study areas, allowing the residence to adapt effortlessly from a private retreat to an entertaining space for intimate gatherings and celebrations.

A Dramatic Entrance

The experience begins in the foyer, where a custom illuminated installation inspired by cascading flowers creates an atmospheric welcome.

Textured glass craftsmanship combined with integrated lighting produces a soft glow reminiscent of a botanical garden surrounded by morning mist.

The design establishes the suite's central connection with nature before guests enter its expansive living spaces.

Living, Dining and Entertaining

The St. Regis Singapore

The Living Salon forms the social heart of the Presidential Suite, linking the Dining Room, Media Room and private balcony through an open-plan design.

A textured glass chandelier provides a striking centrepiece, while sculptural contemporary furniture introduces tactile finishes and comfort. A baby grand piano adds an artistic focal point.

The suite also reflects the St. Regis legacy of art and culture through lithographs by acclaimed twentieth-century artists including Sam Francis, Marc Chagall and Mark Tobey.

The Dining Room has been designed for both intimate meals and grand entertaining, centred around a bespoke Palissandro marble dining table. A custom bar trolley provides flexibility, allowing cocktails to be served throughout the residence.

A Private Master Retreat

The Master Retreat provides a tranquil space separated from the suite's entertaining areas.

A king-sized bed is framed by a custom bedhead inspired by the graceful form of the willow tree, creating a cocoon-like atmosphere for relaxation.

A spacious walk-in wardrobe connects the bedroom with the Master Bath, which has been transformed into a private wellness sanctuary featuring a Jacuzzi soaking tub, double vanity, glass-enclosed shower and distinctive botanical detailing.

Luxury with a Sustainable Approach

The St. Regis Singapore

Sustainability has been incorporated throughout the Presidential Suite without compromising its luxury character.

Motion-activated technology automatically places air-conditioning and lighting into energy-saving mode when the suite is unoccupied. Eco-certified materials and low-VOC finishes support indoor air quality, while responsibly selected timber and certified carpets contribute to the suite's environmental approach.

In the Master Bath, existing Breche de Benou marble has been preserved and combined with a curved thermoformable engineered feature wall, reducing material waste while retaining elements of the property's heritage.

A New Presidential Address in Singapore

The newly reimagined Presidential Suite offers luxury travellers an expansive private residence combining sophisticated design, art, wellness and personalised hospitality.

With its nature-inspired interiors, sustainable innovations and signature St. Regis Butler Service, the suite provides a distinctive base from which to experience Singapore.

Rates for the Presidential Suite start from SGD 12,000 per night.

The St. Regis Singapore

Website: www.stregissingapore.com
Phone: +65 6506 6888
Address: 29 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247911

Reservations for the Presidential Suite are available through The St. Regis Singapore.

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