The Westin Nirup Island Resort & Spa, Batam – Exclusive Wellness Retreat in the Riau Archipelago
Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, proudly announces the opening of The Westin Nirup Island Resort & Spa, Batam, an oasis of well-being nestled on the breathtaking Nirup Island. Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Singapore’s Harbourfront Terminal or 40-minute away from Harbour Bay Batam, this wellness-focused sanctuary spans the entire private island, offering an immersive escape where guests can recharge and reconnect through transformative experiences. From nature walks to snorkelling, wellness workshops and more, guests can rejuvenate themselves amidst lush tropical landscapes and pristine coastal beauty. Guests can enjoy a seamless arrival and exclusive access with on-site customs and immigration facilities, along with…
Southeast Asia Endures Intensifying Heatwave Amidst Climate Crisis
Southeast Asia is grappling with an unprecedented heatwave, underscoring the escalating impacts of climate change on the region. Despite forecasts predicting relief from the La Niña phenomenon, the cooling effects were minimal, leaving countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam facing soaring temperatures earlier and more intensely than in previous years. Early Onset and Widespread Impact The heatwave commenced unusually early, with Jakarta and Manila experiencing prolonged high temperatures between December 2024 and February 2025. Scientists attribute the severity of these conditions to climate change, noting that approximately 70 out of the 90 days during this period were exacerbated by global warming. In the Philippines, the extreme heat…
Where Romance Comes Naturally
Imagine a moonlit beach at the edge of a lagoon with the soft glow of the tiki torches coupled with French elegance, top-notch chef-driven cuisine, and a DJ playing everyone’s favourite tunes under the stars. The Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort on the island of Moorea can plan and execute weddings for two to 100 guests. Just a seven-and-a-half-hour, direct, non-stop flight from Los Angeles and in the same time zone as Hawaii, the Islands of Tahiti are not only a paradise of clear blue lagoons, dramatic, majestic green mountains, lush gardens, and incredible Tahitian culture, but also a perfect place for a “closer than you think” destination wedding. From a romantic candlelight dinner…
KitKat® Showcases Borneo Single-Origin Dark Chocolate at International Cocoa Fair, Reaffirming Commitment to Malaysian Cocoa
Nestlé Malaysia brought the rich heritage of Malaysian cocoa to the global stage at the recent Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF) 2025, held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. As the Platinum Sponsor, Nestlé celebrated its cocoa journey, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and innovation in cocoa-based products, including KitKat® Dark Borneo – a single-origin chocolate made exclusively with cocoa beans from Sabah and Sarawak. As part of this journey, Nestlé aims to source 10,000 metric tonnes of cocoa from local Malaysian farms by 2034, in an effort to revitalise Malaysia’s cocoa farming industry. At the heart of this showcase was Nestlé’s partnership with the Malaysian…
Marriott International Celebrates 50 Years as A Hospitality Leader in Europe, Middle East & Africa
Marriott International, Inc. today celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel, the company’s first hotel in Europe and outside of North America. From a single Marriott Hotel in 1975, the company has grown tremendously in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region over the past 50 years. Today, Marriott has over 1,300 properties, 29 distinct brands, and a presence in 80 countries and territories across the region. Opened by J.W. Marriott, Jr., the company’s then Chief Executive Officer who now serves as Chairman Emeritus, the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel debuted in Europe, boasting an unparalleled city centre location. At the time of its construction, it was the city’s largest hotel with 396 rooms. Throughout its 50 years of…
