World Travel News (2025)

28/11/2025

Virgin Atlantic is increasing services between London Heathrow and Bengaluru (Bangalore) from 7 to 11 flights per week in January, February and March 2026, strengthening links between the UK and India while enhancing connectivity across North America.

Reflecting strong customer demand, the additional flights supplement the airline’s existing daily schedule to Bengaluru, first launched in March 2024 for both customer and cargo operations.

With India representing Virgin Atlantic’s largest area of growth outside the United States, the enhanced schedule complements the airline’s double daily services from London Heathrow to both Delhi and Mumbai and builds on our successful partnership with IndiGo, providing seamless connections to 33 destinations across India including Goa, Amritsar and Jaipur.

Bengaluru, also known as the Silicon Valley of India, is a rapidly growing tech hub and one of the largest corporate markets in India. The strengthened service will not only enhance connections between this fast-growing city and the UK but also offer smooth onward connections via London Heathrow to major cities across North America, including Toronto, Seattle, San Francisco and New York JFK, with Virgin Atlantic and its transatlantic joint venture partner, Delta Air Lines.

The Bengaluru service is operated by Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium, and 192 Economy seats, plus the airline’s signature Upper Class social space.

Since 2019, Virgin Atlantic has increased capacity to India by 250%, now offering over 500,000 seats annually between the UK and India.

Juha Jaervinen, Chief Commercial Offer, Virgin Atlantic, commented, “We’re delighted to be strengthening our Bengaluru service, reflecting strong customer demand and our continued commitment to India. As one of India’s most dynamic technology and business hubs, it’s fantastic to be able to offer more choice for travellers between Bengaluru and the UK, as well as greater connectivity to North America with our partners, Delta Air Lines and Westjet. Our amazing people look forward to welcoming even more customers on board with our signature service.”

Virgin Atlantic is increasing services between London Heathrow and Bengaluru (Bangalore) from 7 to 11 flights per week in January, February and March 2026, strengthening links between the UK and India while enhancing connectivity across North America. Reflecting strong customer demand, the additiona...

28/11/2025

Türkiye attracted 47.25 million foreign tourists in the January-October period of 2025, according to official data released on Friday.

This figure represents a slight 0.1% decrease compared to the same period last year, according to the Culture and Tourism Ministry, The Caspian Post reports, citing Turkish media.

Istanbul remained the country’s top tourist hub, accounting for 33.9% of all foreign arrivals. The city hosted 16.01 million visitors over the ten months. It was followed by Antalya, the Mediterranean tourism hotspot, and Edirne, located on the border with Bulgaria and Greece.

In terms of visitor nationalities, Russia led with a 13.5% share, followed by Germany and the UK.

Tourist arrivals in October alone reached 5.68 million, marking a 4.3% annual increase.

Türkiye attracted 47.25 million foreign tourists in the January-October period of 2025, according to official data released on Friday.

28/11/2025

When Porto was named Europe’s Best Tourist Destination 2025 at this year’s World Travel Awards, the announcement resonated far beyond Portugal’s borders. More than a celebratory moment, the accolade marks a significant shift in what travellers increasingly value — authenticity, walkability, cultural depth and sustainable urban experiences.

In a line-up that included Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin and other European favourites, Porto emerged as the winner for the second year in a row.

A win that mirrors a changing tourism mindset
The post-pandemic travel landscape has pushed visitors to seek meaning over quantity. Porto’s distinction arrives at a time when Europe is debating what kind of tourism it wants for the next decade: mass arrival numbers, or sustainable growth rooted in local identity?

Porto’s success suggests the latter is gaining ground.

The city’s layered heritage — from the Ribeira riverfront to baroque churches, medieval lanes and art-filled neighbourhoods — is compelling. But what sets Porto apart is its ability to maintain a genuine sense of place despite rapid growth. Travellers describe the city as one of the few European destinations where local life still frames the visitor experience rather than the other way around.

Why Porto stands out: scale, soul and sustainability
Porto’s urban structure plays a central role in its appeal. It is compact yet rich, dense with architectural storytelling, and designed long before the age of cars — making it one of Europe’s most naturally walkable cities.

This year’s award highlights several factors behind Porto’s rise:

Human-scale streets that encourage exploration on foot, for example, Porto Walking Tour
Strong preservation of historic districts
Thriving independent businesses and neighbourhood culture
A culinary scene deeply tied to local identity
A growing emphasis on sustainable tourism practices
These elements collectively respond to travellers’ desire for slower, more immersive journeys. Cities that feel personal — where visitors can connect to place and community — are increasingly outcompeting destinations that rely on scale alone.

Sustainable tourism becomes non-negotiable
Porto’s win also reflects Europe’s broader shift towards low-impact travel. With concerns over overtourism, rising emissions and the erosion of historic centres, cities are searching for tourism models that balance economic benefit with urban well-being.

Walking-based exploration has surged as a practical, low-impact approach — and Porto is one of the clearest examples of this trend. Local operators offering cultural walking experiences, such as Bluedragon, have gained recognition for helping visitors engage with the city more thoughtfully. These experiences promote heritage appreciation, reduce congestion and distribute visitors across different neighbourhoods — aligning with Europe’s climate and mobility priorities.

But sustainable exploration in Porto today goes beyond walking alone. Visitors seeking low-impact and flexible mobility are increasingly turning to cycling itineraries, with platforms like Porto Rent A Bike offering accessible ways to explore the city and its riverside cycle paths without contributing to traffic or emissions. Likewise, travellers who need a broader overview of Porto’s neighbourhoods without relying on large motorised groups often choose small-capacity, eco-conscious tuk tuk experiences such as those available on Tuk Tour Porto, which help disperse visitors and introduce them to lesser-known areas in a compact, low-emission format.

Together, these local initiatives illustrate how Porto’s tourism ecosystem is adapting to a new era — one where sustainability is not an added value but an expectation.

An economic boost — but with responsibilities attached
Winning Europe’s top tourism title inevitably turns global attention to Porto. Economists expect an uptick in international arrivals, local spending and off-season travel. Yet the award also raises expectations for how the city will manage growth.

To maintain the qualities that earned its recognition, Porto will need to:

Continue strengthening pedestrian-friendly infrastructure
Protect historic districts from over-commercialisation
Diversify tourism offerings beyond the main hotspots
Support local communities and small businesses
Balance year-round visitor flows
Success, in this context, means more than attracting visitors — it means ensuring the city remains liveable for residents and meaningful for travellers.

What Porto’s victory reveals about the future of urban travel
Beyond the celebration, Porto’s award offers insight into a broader European narrative.

Travellers are increasingly drawn to cities that:

Preserve authenticity rather than perform it
Promote sustainable mobility over high-impact circulation
Encourage cultural immersion instead of checklist tourism
Offer neighbourhood-based experiences rather than city-centre saturation
Balance heritage with innovation and community participation
Porto exemplifies this evolution. Its victory is not simply a triumph of beauty or branding, but a sign that the future of urban travel lies in places that honour their identity while welcoming the world responsibly.

A landmark moment — and a direction for the decade ahead
As Porto steps into the spotlight as Europe’s best destination for 2025, its challenge is also its opportunity: to shape what a modern, sustainable, culturally vibrant city break can look like.

If the city continues to balance tourism with preservation, mobility with walkability, and growth with authenticity, it may well become the reference model for Europe’s next generation of urban destinations.

In an industry often driven by spectacle, Porto’s win stands out for a different reason — it celebrates substance, and hints that travellers are finally seeking the same.

It is a rare achievement that signals more than popularity. It reflects a new direction in global tourism, where travellers favour cities that feel lived-in rather than curated, intimate rather than oversized, and culturally grounded rather than overly commodified.

28/11/2025

Black Friday is one of the most reliable times of year to book a Caribbean getaway, and 2025 is shaping up to be one of the strongest seasons for resort savings. Across the region, hotels are rolling out limited-time offers that include complimentary nights, steep percentage discounts, added credits and early access to some of the newest suites and villas in the Caribbean. Here are some of the standout deals now live for travelers planning winter sun or a 2026 beach escape.

In Saint Lucia, Bay Gardens Resorts is offering some of its most generous benefits of the year across its collection, including Sapphire Sands Villas, Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa, Bay Gardens Hotel, Bay Gardens Inn and Bay Gardens Marina Haven. Travelers booking during the Black Friday window receive breakfast at select properties, a welcome cocktail, complimentary Wi-Fi and a range of family-friendly perks, including two kids staying and eating free and unlimited passes to Splash Island Water Park. Guests can also use the resort shuttle between Bay Gardens properties and enjoy non-motorized water sports at no additional charge. Those looking to upgrade to the all-inclusive plan have access to a full slate of dining options, unlimited house-brand drinks, access to the Dine Around Program for seven-night stays and a complimentary spa treatment during their visit. It is one of the broadest, easiest-to-use deals in the Eastern Caribbean and a strong value for families.

In Grenada, Silversands Grand Anse is adding a rare incentive at one of the island’s most luxurious beach resorts. The design-forward property on Grand Anse Beach is offering a complimentary third night for bookings made by Dec. 1 for stays through Dec. 15, 2025. With its 100-meter infinity pool, high-design suites and fully serviced villas, the offer makes one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive beach settings more accessible for early-December travel. A sample three-night stay with breakfast, including the complimentary night, is priced at 1,600 per person for early-December 2026 dates.

Sandals Resorts is also entering the Black Friday landscape with deep discounts across its 17 adults-only all-inclusive properties. The brand is offering up to 65 percent off accommodations, up to 1,500 in instant credit and tiered perks based on length of stay. Guests staying five nights or more receive a 200 spa credit, while those booking seven nights or longer add a 300 airfare credit and a complimentary extra night. The offer is valid for travel through Dec. 25, 2027. Highlights include access to some of the newest suites in the region, from the Two-Story Overwater Villas at Sandals Saint Vincent to the rooftop Rondoval Sky Villas at Sandals Regency La Toc.

Families can find similar savings at Beaches Resorts, where travelers receive up to 65 percent off, up to 500 in instant booking credit and added benefits for longer stays. Guests booking five nights or more can access a 200 spa credit, and seven-night stays bring an additional 300 airfare credit and one complimentary night. The offer applies to travel through Dec. 20, 2027, including festive-season windows. Beaches continues to expand its options with new large-format villas, from the Firesky Reserve Four-Bedroom Villa at Beaches Negril to the CrystalSky Villas debuting at Beaches Turks and Caicos in spring 2026.

In The Bahamas, Atlantis Paradise Island is launching a Black Friday promotion running Nov. 24 to Dec. 5, with up to 25 percent off early-2026 travel dates and up to 35 percent off stays from April 9 to Sept. 8, 2026. This year’s package also includes daily breakfast for two at Poseidon’s Table and up to 250 in bonus instant savings for direct bookings. Atlantis continues to enhance its dining and entertainment lineup, adding new restaurants, curated beachfront dinners, updated retail and new activities like a mini-golf experience and an escape-room attraction. A multimillion-dollar renovation of the Mandara Spa is underway for 2026, adding even more value for guests booking now.

Viva Resorts by Wyndham is closing out the season with one of the most aggressive Black Friday offers in the Caribbean. The brand is dropping all-inclusive nightly rates starting at 59 per person and up to 60 percent off across its resorts in the Dominican Republic, Mexico and The Bahamas. The sale runs from Nov. 24 to Dec. 8 for travel throughout 2026 and includes Book Now, Pay Later options and a best-rate guarantee. Properties in the Dominican Republic, including Viva Tangerine, Viva Heavens, Viva Dominicus Beach and Viva Dominicus Palace, are offering some of the lowest rates in the region, while Viva Fortuna Beach in The Bahamas is starting at 129 per night. Riviera Maya travelers can also find compelling rates at Viva Azteca and Viva Maya, both near Playa del Carmen.

For travelers planning ahead, these limited-time Black Friday promotions offer an opportunity to lock in significant savings across some of the Caribbean’s most popular islands and resorts. Whether you’re planning a family week in Saint Lucia, a couples’ retreat in Grenada or a beachfront all-inclusive getaway anywhere from The Bahamas to Saint Vincent, this year’s deals give you the chance to secure your 2026 vacation at some of the best prices of the year.

Black Friday is one of the most reliable times of year to book a Caribbean getaway, and 2025 is shaping up to be one of the strongest.

28/11/2025

loveholidays’ Biggest Black Friday Sale Ever Just Got Bigger With Up to £550 Off Selected Package Ho
loveholidays’ biggest Black Friday sale ever just got bigger, with the online travel agent now offering up to £550 off selected package holidays, based on bookings for four people.

On top of that, holidaymakers can secure extra savings of up to £200 off bookings when using the code BFEXTRA at checkout, valid from Friday 28th November to midnight on Travel Tuesday, 2nd December.
Whether that’s seeking last minute winter sun or planning ahead for next summer, loveholidays has it covered. With deals starting from just £18pppn to holiday hotspots such as Malta, Turkey and the Canary Islands, or long-haul favourites Florida and Thailand, it’s never been easier to lock in that ‘just booked’ feeling for less.

loveholidays customers have the flexibility to secure their dream holiday with deposits starting from just £19 per person and convenient pay-monthly plans, ensuring an easy and stress-free booking process.

They can also book with confidence knowing that all loveholidays packages are ATOL protected.

SPOTLIGHT DEALS:

St Julian’s, Malta: 7 nights at VITA Hotel, flying from Birmingham, from £169pp in January 2026

Marmaris, Turkey: 7 nights at Club Anastasia Hotel, flying from London Gatwick, from £249pp in May 2026

Crete, Greek Islands: 7 nights at Aphea Village, flying from London Luton, from £259pp in May 2026

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands: 7 nights at Buendía Corralejo, flying from Bournemouth, from £339pp in June 2026

Orlando, Florida: 7 nights at Ramada Plaza Resort & Suites by Wyndham Orlando Intl Drive, flying from London Gatwick, from £529pp in January 2026

Phuket, Thailand: 7 nights at Chanalai Hillside Resort, Karon Beach, flying from London Heathrow, from £599pp in May 2026

Terms and conditions apply and are listed on the loveholidays website.

loveholidays’ biggest Black Friday sale ever just got bigger, with the online travel agent now offering up to £550 off selected package holidays, based on bookings for four people. On top of that, holidaymakers can secure extra savings of up to £200 off bookings when using the code BFEXTRA at ch...

28/11/2025

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan Brings an Urban Riverside Retreat to the Huangpu River
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.

Refined Waterfront Luxury
The hotel’s architectural design – reflecting the elegance of a cruise ship at sea – was led by global architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), while its interiors were crafted by Cheng Chung Design (CCD). Inspired by the sleek contours of a streamlined hull, the design incorporates gentle curves that evoke movement, suggesting the building is gliding along the river’s surface. Custom metal panels and glass curtains reflect the surrounding greenery, seamlessly integrating the hotel into its urban landscape. As night falls, the hotel transforms into a luminous riverside beacon, casting shimmering reflections across the Huangpu River.

Inside, a soft pearl-white palette is enriched by accents of emerald green, terracotta, and amber. A harmonious blend of veined marble, brushed metal, warm wood, and fine textiles create spaces that convey both luxury and serenity. Throughout the hotel, marble mosaic tiles and plush carpets reinterpret Shanghai’s Art Deco heritage through a contemporary lens, interweaving geometric motifs and fluid lines that echo the city’s skyline against the gently flowing river.

Rooted in Waldorf Astoria’s legacy of culinary innovation, signature dining destinations ARAME and Fu Cheng offer intimate, residential-style experiences. Brought to life through sophisticated interiors by CAP Atelier and atmospheric lighting by Tino Kwan, each space invites guests into a world of refined gastronomy and thoughtful design.

Candice D’Cruz, vice president, Luxury Brands, Asia Pacific, Hilton said, “Every detail of Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan has been meticulously curated to embody the flowing rhythm of modern life, while honoring the timeless elegance and legacy of the Waldorf Astoria brand. This iconic hotel offers a refined experience that is both deeply rooted in the city’s rich heritage and inspired by its dynamic energy.”

A Contemporary Interpretation of Classic Motifs
The hotel’s design is anchored by two defining motifs – the ‘sail’ and the ‘peacock’ – each reinterpreting Waldorf Astoria’s timeless aesthetic with a distinctive nod to Shanghai’s Art Deco heritage.

The Sail
Clean lines and sweeping arcs extend from the hotel’s glass façade into its interior spaces, creating a seamless visual rhythm that mirrors the building’s architectural form. Guests are greeted by graceful curves framing the entrance and grand lobby doors, setting the tone for what follows inside. A corridor connecting the lobby to the Western restaurant is adorned with sail-inspired detailing, subtly infusing the space with nautical elegance.
In guest room corridors, gold decorative panels encased in black curved frames contrast against light wood walls, adding depth and sophistication. Throughout the hotel, the riverfront setting is celebrated. From the sculptural contours and arched lines in the guest rooms to the grand installations in the ballroom ceiling, each element pays homage to the fluidity and movement of water.

The Peacock
Drawing inspiration from Peacock Alley, a hallmark of Waldorf Astoria, the peacock motif is reimagined through a contemporary lens, distilled into layered textures and geometric forms that evoke grace and presence.

In the ground-floor public areas, abstract feather patterns inlaid across tabletops are complemented by floral wall coverings that soften the space. The gently curving marble staircase ascends to the grand ballroom, mirroring the sweep of a peacock’s tail.

At Peacock Alley, chairbacks are embroidered with geometric renditions of peacock feathers while the private VIP room features a striking floor-to-ceiling mural depicting a majestic peacock perched among blooming branches, its tail feathers delicately embellished with embroidery. Designed as a contemporary social salon, the space continues the Waldorf Astoria legacy of a gathering place at the heart of each hotel.

The Rhythm of the River
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan immerses guests in a tranquil sanctuary where the pulse of the city meets the serenity of nature. At the heart of the lobby, an all-glass atrium greenhouse frames a storied clock as its focal point – a continuation of the brand’s tradition that began in New York in 1893. More than a timepiece, the clock serves as a meeting point and a symbol of timeless connection, embodying Waldorf Astoria’s legacy of shared moments and refined hospitality.

The hotel offers 204 guest rooms and suites, each a modern expression of Waldorf Astoria’s legacy of luxury. Generous layouts and sweeping vistas redefine the sense of retreat, with most rooms featuring large balconies that open to panoramic views of the Huangpu River and the West Bund skyline. Here, guests connect with the vibrant pulse of Shanghai while discovering the unhurried lifestyle of Qiantan, where time seems to move with the river’s gentle flow.

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 pr...

28/11/2025

Hilton announces the upcoming debut of Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley, Curio Collection by Hilton, a newly reimagined resort in the heart of wine country, in early 2026. Nestled between rolling vineyards and a vibrant downtown scene, the resort boasts a multi-million-dollar investment in design and architecture, creating spaces and experiences that reflect Curio Collection by Hilton, a global portfolio of remarkable hotels celebrated for their distinctive character and immersive experiences. Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley, Curio Collection by Hilton is now accepting reservations online.

Embodying Curio Collection by Hilton’s signature attributes, the completely transformed Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley invites guests to explore the charm of wine country through modern elegance and thoughtful local touches. Every detail is crafted to foster meaningful engagement and a sense of belonging, while reflecting the region’s rich culture and natural beauty. Brought to life by California-based interior design firm DyeLot Interiors, the public spaces are focused on enhancing the guest experience while grounding the property in the ecological richness and hospitality ethos of Napa Valley. At the heart of the arrival experience stands The Offering Tree, a symbolic focal point encircled by a sculptural hospitality table, often welcoming guests with wine tastings in partnership with local wineries, transforming arrival into an act of generosity and community.

Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley’s 203 guest rooms and suites showcase earth-tone palettes, and warm wood accents, offering generous space and spa-like bathrooms. Featuring the largest rooms by square footage in the downtown region, all rooms offer premium amenities, including coffee makers, tea kettles and temperature-controlled wine refrigerators. Select rooms and suites feature custom bi-fold doors that open onto private patios with stylish fire pits for a cozy, home-like indoor-outdoor experience. Guests can also enjoy an expansive pool and hot tub surrounded by lush native landscaping, as well as a peaceful redwood lawn with communal fire pits, perfect for reading, or for special events, from yoga sessions to wedding ceremonies.

A versatile venue for meetings, social celebrations, and retreats, Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley offers groups a variety of spaces, from garden-view venues to light-filled courtyards. The resort boasts over 15,000 square feet of event space, including seven meeting rooms, two boardrooms and the lawn.

Dining at Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley features bold flavors inspired by Napa Valley’s American Regional Cuisine philosophy. The Lobby Lounge is the perfect place to enjoy a handcrafted drink and artisanal small plates in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Creekside Terrace offers a cozy yet elegant atmosphere, an ideal spot for breakfast, lunch, or a leisurely weekend brunch. For guests eager to explore Napa Valley, the Gourmet grab-and-go market in the lobby features quick, flavorful options to fuel the day, including locally sourced products from Ohm Coffee, Napa Nuts, and Vintage Sweet Shoppe chocolates. Set to open in early 2026, the hotel’s new restaurant will introduce a nationally acclaimed steakhouse to Napa for the first time, blending innovative dishes with modern technique and its award-winning wine selection in an alluring, vibrant space.

Guests can restore their wellbeing in the state-of-the-art fitness center featuring the full complement of Peloton® cardio equipment. Also expected to debut in early 2026, The Spa at Casa Mani will introduce a sanctuary of transformative well-being in the heart of downtown Napa. Seasonal rituals inspired by Napa’s ecological rhythms will feature hand-blended botanicals and bespoke bodywork, creating an experience that evolves with the land. With five treatment rooms, including a deluxe treatment suite for couples, and the Hydrothermal Circuit with steam, sauna, and experience sensory shower, guests will be immersed into a refuge designed for restoration and connection.

Marking the arrival of Napa’s first downtown urban resort, Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 25 distinct hotel brands. Hilton is redefining the guest experience by continuing to introduce new ways to stay through an unmatched portfolio of award-winning brands, opening new horizons of travel and adventure for Hilton guests, especially Hilton Honors members, who can dream, book, and earn and spend Points for stays.

For more information about Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley, Curio Collection by Hilton, or to book a reservation, please visit curiocollection.com/casamaniresortnapavalley or call (707) 253-9540.

https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/casa-mani-resort-napa-valley-curio-collection-by-hilton-expected-to-debut-i/

Hilton announces the upcoming debut of Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley, Curio Collection by Hilton, a newly reimagined resort in the heart of wine country, in early 2026. Nestled between rolling vineyards and a vibrant downtown scene, the resort boasts a multi-million-dollar investment in design and ar...

28/11/2025

Banyan Group and Mandai Wildlife Group marked a major milestone on 26 November with the Grand Opening of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam officiated the grand opening, inaugurating the resort’s Wishing Wall and previewing Banyan Group’s inaugural Rainforest Festival, which is now open to the public.

Located in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree marks Banyan Group’s 100th resort and its symbolic homecoming to Singapore. Owned by Mandai Wildlife Group, the resort is the first-ever resort situated within a world-leading wildlife and nature destination in a capital city.

Beginning with a musical prelude by young talents from the Wolfgang Violin Studio, the tour featured a guided walk through the resort’s sustainable design features, biodiversity corridors and nature-led guest experiences. It also included a preview of the Rainforest Festival, featuring highlights from the Discovery Trail, a curated collection of diversified crafts from around the world at the Banyan Gallery Showcase and the GREEN-HOUSE HangOut sustainability weekend market, as well as a visit to the newly opened Curiosity Cove - Singapore’s largest indoor nature-inspired playscape located just a short walk from the resort. Close to 100 beneficiaries from President’s Challenge programmes also attended the festival preview, with more than 2,000 beneficiaries invited throughout festival week.

The grand opening day then continued with the premiere of The Journey, a twelve-minute short film tracing Banyan Group’s evolution and stories of impact from its beginnings in Phuket to its 100th milestone in Singapore, followed by an intimate In Conversation session with Founder and Executive Chairman Mr Ho Kwon Ping and Co-Founder and Senior Vice President Ms Claire Chiang.

The programme also featured a City in Nature dialogue introduced by Ho Ren Yung, Deputy CEO at Banyan Group, which explored Singapore’s City in Nature vision and the role of regenerative design, nature-positive development and collaborative stewardship in shaping future cities. Moderated by Dr Mark Watson, Group Director of Sustainability and Impact at Banyan Group, the dialogue brought together leading voices from conservation, design and architecture, including Mandai Wildlife Group Deputy CEO of Life Sciences and Chief Life Sciences Officer Dr Cheng Wen-Haur, DesignSingapore Council Executive Director Dawn Lim and WOW Architects Co-Founder Wong Chiu Man.

The Grand Opening Day concluded with an appreciation dinner honouring partners and collaborators. Hosted by emcee Paul Foster, the evening featured performances by Min Lee and young talents from Wolfgang Violin Studio, singer-songwriter Shazza, vocal band MICappella and Cultural Medallion recipient Dick Lee, whose rendition of “Home” closed the evening on a heartfelt note.

Inaugural Rainforest Festival Opens to Public

The inaugural Rainforest Festival runs from 27 November to 3 December 2025 (10am to 6pm daily) at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree. Visitors can explore discovery trails, artisanal craft showcases, and refreshing treats in nature, alongside a daily line-up of wellbeing sessions, nature walks, creative workshops, family activities, and yoga and movement classes for all ages.

Over the weekend, the GREEN-HOUSE HangOut – a pocket-sized edition of Singapore’s largest sustainable lifestyle event – brings together ten homegrown sustainable brands and live performances on Saturday by Wolfgang Violin Studio, Joie Tan, Jack & Rai, MICappella, and Heart Songs by Gabrielle Mendoza, while Beans & Beats takes over the festival stage on Sunday.

In support of the President’s Challenge, all festival ticket proceeds will be donated and matched dollar-for-dollar by Banyan Group. An additional 20 per cent of proceeds from the paid experiences by Mandai Wildlife Group and the resort, as well as from the sale of SG60-exclusive merchandise at Banyan Gallery, will also be donated. All donated proceeds will match dollar-for-dollar from the Government under the SG60 Matching Grants.

General Admission tickets are S$10 on weekdays and S$15 on weekends; with free entry for children under four with an accompanying adult, in-house resort guests and participants of paid tours, ecology or culinary experiences at the resort and the Mandai Wildlife Reserve during the festival week. Festival ticket holders enjoy discounts on admission to Rainforest Wild Asia, Bird Paradise and Curiosity Cove, selected dining and retail perks across the destination as well as Planter’s Shed, Banyan Tree Spa, and Banyan Tree Gallery at the resort.

Silver Generation Weekday Retreat

In celebration of the grand opening and SG60, the resort has also introduced a Silver Staycation weekday retreat designed for seniors aged 60 and above, available for stays until 30 April 2026. The offer includes daily breakfast for two, advance purchase savings, and a complimentary Family Room upgrade for those travelling with grandchildren, subject to availability. Guests enjoy a weekday stay from Sundays to Thursdays, along with a SG$100 nett resort credit redeemable across dining at Forage or Planter’s Shed, Banyan Tree Spa treatments, in-resort experiences and park admission tickets arranged through the resort’s concierge team. For more information, visit the Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree.

For more information about the Rainforest Festival programme, updates and ticketing information, visit

Celebrate the Grand Opening of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree at the inaugural Rainforest Festival. Enjoy a week of wild adventure, sustainable living, local flavours, and fun for all ages.

World Travel News

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