Vietnam races to prepare for Typhoon Wipha as Philippines suffers storm deaths
HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Vietnam braced for Typhoon Wipha on Monday as coastal provinces were placed on emergency alert and airlines canceled flights ahead of the storm's expected landfall early Tuesday.
The typhoon is forecast to bring powerful winds and heavy rainfall, raising the risk of flash floods and landslides in northern Vietnam's mountainous areas and flooding in urban centers, including Hanoi.
'This is a very strong storm, moving fast, with a wide and dangerous impact on both land and sea,' Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said in a directive to government agencies. He ordered all fishing boats, cargo ships and tourist vessels to return to shore and urged the evacuation of people in high-risk areas.
The storm has already proved deadly in the Philippines, where it intensified monsoon rains and killed at least three people over the weekend, including one who drowned and two others struck by falling trees. Philippine officials were checking reports of three more deaths, while seven people, including two children, remained missing. Floods, landslides and debris affected over 800,000 people, with about 90,000 forced to evacuate, authorities said.
Hundreds of cruise ships have anchored in Vietnam's Ha Long Bay after authorities suspended all tourist boat services due to the storm. A tourist boat capsized there during a thunderstorm over the weekend, ahead of the typhoon's arrival, killing at least 37 people. Ongoing bad weather is expected to complicate the search for the missing.
National carrier Vietnam Airlines and its affiliate Pacific Airlines canceled at least nine domestic flights on Monday, with more delays expected. Budget airline Vietjet canceled 12 flights including international routes to South Korea.
Local authorities have deployed rescue crews and stocked food and medical supplies while working to secure telecommunications infrastructure. State media reported nearly 150,000 hectares (370,658 acres) of aquaculture farms and more than 20,000 floating fish cages could be at risk from flooding and high winds.
Emergency warnings have been sent to millions of residents by text message. Forecasters expect Wipha to make landfall between Hai Phong and Thanh Hoa provinces early Tuesday, with wind gusts reaching up to 166 kilometers (103 miles) per hour.
Vietnam is no stranger to tropical storms. But climate experts said such storms were getting stronger due to global warming since warmer ocean waters provide more energy to fuel the storms. This results in increased wind speeds and heavier rainfall.
Last year, Typhoon Yagi killed about 300 people and caused $3.3 billion in damage, reducing GDP growth by 0.15%.
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Jim Gomez in Manila, Philippines, contributed to this report.
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Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receive support from several private foundations. See more about AP's climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
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Forbes
2 hours ago
- Forbes
The World's Best River Cruises 2025
The World's Best River Cruises 2025 getty G liding across the world's most scenic waterways, from emerald valleys of the Douro to floating markets of the Mekong, is an undeniable poetic journey where fairytale castles meet vine-draped cliffs, saffron-robed monks drift through incense-scented temples, and howler monkeys roar from the lush, steamy canopy of the Amazon . But with so many options, where to start? To help narrow your search, we spoke to the experts at to pin down the world's best river cruises for 2025—spanning the storybook rivers of Europe , the spiritual arteries of Asia , and the soulful currents of the Mississippi . The Nile getty Flowing over 4,100 miles from the heart of East Africa, the Nile marries ancient temples with sweeping desert sands, as Egyptian feluccas glide past palm-fringed villages and moonlit minarets. Typically cruising between Luxor and Aswan , you'll sail past the colossal columns of Karnak, the sphinx-lined avenue of Luxor Temple, and the haunting tombs of the Valley of the Kings, where Tutankhamun and Ramses II lie in eternal slumber. At Kom Ombo, a rare dual temple honors both Sobek (the crocodile god) and Horus (the falcon-headed deity), while Edfu's Temple stuns with its towering pylons and mythic carvings. South in Aswan, you'll see Nubian villages, slender papyrus boats bobbing in the shallows, and the Temple of Philae, devoted to Isis, rising from the water like a mirage. Pre and post-extensions also offer the opportunity for bucket-list ticking from the iconic Pyramids of Giza to the Valley of the Kings. Join Viking 's 11-night Pharaohs and Pyramids round-trip from Cairo, from $6,499 per person, including a pre-stay in Cairo, Luxor flights, all meals, wine, beer, and soft drinks (with lunch and dinner), and 11 guided tours led by a dedicated Egyptologist. To book, head to . For UK enquiries and fares, please call 0800 319 66 60. Forbes The World's Best River Cruise Lines, According To Globe Travel Awards By Lewis Nunn The Moselle getty Winding through Germany, France, and Luxembourg—the Moselle meanders past vine-laced hills and fairytale villages—each bend revealing half-timbered houses, sun-dappled vineyards, and medieval market squares. River cruises start in Koblenz before winding past picturesque towns like Cochem, watched over by the turreted Reichsburg Castle—and Bernkastell-Kues, a wine-lover's haven, home to the iconic Spitzhäuschen. In Trier, Germany's oldest city, Roman ruins, such as the Porta Nigra and imperial baths, blend seamlessly with baroque palaces and centuries-old scholarly libraries. While the Moselle Valley is also one of Europe's most celebrated Riesling regions—with steep slate-covered vineyards where you can sip crisp, golden-hued Riesling in candlelit cellars. Join Riverside Luxury Cruises' 13-day Moselle Mosaic with Middle & Upper Rhine , from $9,600 per person onboard Riverside Debussy in a Symphony Suite—including all meals and soft drinks. Alcoholic drinks packages, excursions, and transfers are not included. To book, visit 3. The Mekong The Mekong getty Winding nearly 3,000 miles from the Tibetan Plateau to the South China Sea, the mighty Mekong is Southeast Asia's lifeblood—a wild, ancient waterway that pulses through six countries: China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. A river cruise along its lush lower reaches, between Vietnam and Cambodia, unlocks a realm of floating villages, blessings from saffron-robed monks, and rice paddies that shimmer like mirrors. You'll glide past stilted bamboo homes, water buffaloes wallowing on muddy banks, and children waving from dugout canoes. In Phnom Penh, Cambodia's energetic capital, golden spires of the Royal Palace gleam above the river, while visits to the Killing Fields reveal the city's somber history. In Vietnam, the pace shifts—hop aboard a colorful xe-loi (trishaw), explore bustling silk-weaving workshops, and watch skilled locals craft rattan mats by hand. How To Do It Join Aqua Expedition's 4-night Aqua Mekong Explorer Cruise from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, from $6,200 per person, including all meals, selected premium wines and beer, and twice-daily excursions with local guides. To book, visit 4. The Douro The Douro getty Snaking 620 miles from Porto to the Spanish town of Duruelo de la Sierra—the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley offers graceful gliding through Portugal's most poetic landscapes of the 'River of Gold'—where terraced vineyards tumble down emerald hillsides and rabelo boats drift past sleepy villages wrapped in morning mist. Passing through five dramatic locks, you'll embark on a mighty Portuguese odyssey ticking off sights from the glorious Mateus Palace to the hilltop Castelo Rodrigo, slipping under the soaring iron arches of the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, and sampling some of Portugal's finest Port wines in their birthplace, at storied vineyards—or 'quintas'—like Sandeman-owned Quinta do Seixo . How To Do It Join Scenic 's eight-day Delightful Douro sailing from $4,495 per person, including airport transfers, Freechoice and Enrich excursions, butler service, WiFi, gratuities, all meals, and premium beverages. To book, visit Read More: Forbes Why A Douro River Cruise Is The Best Way To See Portugal By Lewis Nunn 5. The Mississippi French Quarter, New Orleans getty Flowing over 2,300 miles from the forested lakes of Minnesota to the jazz-fuelled streets of New Orleans, the Mississippi is America's greatest storyteller—cutting through ten states from Minnesota to Louisiana . It's a rich tapestry of Southern charm, where paddlewheelers glide past Civil War battlefields, antebellum mansions, and blues-soaked river towns. In the Upper Mississippi , expect eagle sightings and stops in cities like Hannibal—Mark Twain's boyhood home. Further south, however, the Lower Mississippi reveals the grandeur of Natchez with its columned mansions and the vibrant rhythms of Memphis, birthplace of rock 'n' roll and home of Graceland . River cruises typically begin or end in New Orleans—pulsing with live jazz spilling out from French Quarter balconies—meanwhile, along the way, you'll sip sweet tea beneath magnolia trees, watch the mist rise over the bayou at dawn, and visit solemn plantation estates for deep reflection. How To Do It Join American Cruise Lines ' 9-day Lower Mississippi River cruise between Memphis, Tennessee, and New Orleans, Louisiana, from $4,295 per person, including a pre-stay, all meals, all alcoholic drinks (including premium wines and beer), daily shore excursions, WiFi, and more. To book, visit 6. The Rhône The Rhône getty Carving a path through some of France's most evocative landscapes—the Rhône is where lavender becomes a brushstroke across undulating fields, vineyards cling to limestone hills, and Roman ruins rise from charming riverside towns. It's a journey through Provence's soul, sailing between Lyon and Avignon, as you pass medieval villages, Gothic cathedrals, and world-renowned wine regions like Châteauneuf-du-Pape . In Lyon, France's gastronomic capital, stroll down cobbled lanes to find bouchons serving rich coq au vin and creamy quenelles. Further south, Arles dazzles with its Roman amphitheatre—the same city where Van Gogh produced some of his most famous works, including Starry Night Over the Rhône and The Bedroom in Arles . Wildlife lovers? The Rhône spills into the wild Camargue delta, where white horses gallop through salt marshes, flamingos strike poses in pink lagoons, and black bulls roam freely beneath the vast Provençal sky. How To Do It Join CroisiEurope's 6-night Lyon to the Tip of Provence cruise, from $1,749 per person, including all meals, drinks, and excursions. To book, visit Read More: Forbes Is This The World's Most Expensive Cruise? By Lewis Nunn 7. The Ganges The Ganges getty From the icy reaches of the Himalayas to the palm-fringed shores of the Bay of Bengal, the Ganges puts you at the beating heart of India's spiritual soul. Revered as Ganga Mata (Mother Ganges), floating along this sacred river—particularly its Lower reaches near Kolkata—offers a rare window into India's layered past. You'll glide past faded colonial-era towns, crumbling terracotta temples, and pilgrim-packed ghats, where saffron-robed monks chant and families gather to cremate loved ones in hopes of moksha (spiritual liberation). In Kalna, rickshaw rides weave through narrow lanes to its famed 108 Shiva temples, while in Mayapur, the global headquarters of ISKCON (Hare Krishna) hums with chanting devotees and towering temple domes. Further upstream, in Murshidabad , you'll uncover the regal Hazarduari Palace and the historic Katra Mosque—or just sit back on deck and gaze at river dolphins, softshell turtles, and gharial crocodiles gliding silently along this uber-spiritual river. How To Do It Join Uniworld's 12-night India's Golden Triangle & The Sacred Ganges voyage from New Delhi to Kolkata, from $5,879 per person including all meals, unlimited beverages (including fine wines & spirits), daily excursions, airport transfers, and WiFi. To book, visit 8. The Seine The Seine in Paris getty Winding through the romantic heart of northern France, the Seine— from its crystalline source in Burgundy to its mouth at the English Channel —glides past sun-dappled apple orchards, dramatic chalk cliffs, and storybook half-timbered villages. Most Seine cruises begin in Paris, offering front-row access to world-famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral . Meanwhile, downstream, you'll meander through Normandy's rolling countryside with stops at Monet's dreamy gardens in Giverny, the cobbled medieval streets of Rouen, and the haunting D-Day beaches near C aen. You'll also pass Château Gaillard —Richard the Lionheart's craggy hilltop fortress and arrive in Honfleur, a harbor town known for its slate-roofed houses and café-lined quays— beloved by Impressionist painters like Boudin and Monet . How To Do It Join Viking's 7-night Paris & the Heart of Normandy voyage, from $2,799 per person, including all meals, WiFi, wine, beer, and soft drinks (with lunch and dinner) and six guided tours. To book, visit . For UK enquiries and fares, please call 0800 319 66 60. Read More: Forbes The World's Best Luxury Cruise Lines, According To Globe Travel Awards By Lewis Nunn 9. The Amazon The Amazon getty Stretching over 4,000 miles from the majestic Peruvian Andes to the Atlantic Ocean, the Amazon is a snaking lifeline through the world's largest rainforest—a labyrinth of gnarled vines, glittering oxbow lakes, and mirror-like lagoons. Here, pink river dolphins leap through blackwater tributaries, howler monkeys roar from the canopy, and giant water lilies unfurl like floating dinner plates beneath the jungle's cathedral-like trees. River cruises typically launch from Peru or Brazil, where sleek, low-slung river ships glide past floating villages, stilted huts, and wildlife-rich lagoons. Excursions? Think misty skiff rides at dawn, torchlit caiman spotting beneath star-strewn skies, jungle hikes led by indigenous guides, and adrenaline-tinged piranha fishing in secluded, root-wrapped creeks. Or, you might even encounter ribereños —the river's native communities—who share ancient medicinal plant wisdom passed down through generations. How To Do It Join G Adventures' 9-day Amazon Riverboat in Depth round-trip from Lima, from $3,799 per person, including daily excursions, internal flights, and most meals. International flights, drinks, and gratuities are not included. To book, visit 10. The Rhine The Rhine getty Flowing from the glacial peaks of the Swiss Alps to the windswept coastlines of the North Sea, the Rhine threads its way through storied medieval fortresses, vineyard-cloaked slopes, and majestic cathedral cities—carving six countries: Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Between Strasbourg and Koblenz, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers one of Europe's most cinematic stretches—where gothic castles perch above vine-streaked cliffs like stone crowns and the river curls beneath the fabled Lorelei Rock , home to age-old legends of treacherous sirens and shipwrecks. Opt for a river cruise here and you'll drift past Bacharach's turreted skyline, Rüdesheim's cobbled alleyways, and sweeping vineyards that birth Germany's most elegant Rieslings. How To Do It APT 8-day highlights of the Rhine and Main voyages start from $2,542—including all meals, an unlimited selection of cocktails, premium spirits, champagne, wine, beer, and soft drinks; experiences, transfers, and gratuities. For more information, visit Read More: Forbes The Ultimate Guide To South Africa Cruises By Lewis Nunn 11. The Chobe Chobe National Park in Botswana getty Along the remote border of Botswana and Namibia, the Chobe is one of Africa's most thrilling waterways—with a front-row seat to nature's grandest spectacles: think elephants bathing at sunset, hippos yawning in the shallows, and sleek crocodiles basking on golden sandbanks. Cruises typically begin near Kasane, gateway to Chobe National Park—home to one of the largest elephant populations on Earth—while on the river, you'll drift past floodplains teeming with buffalo, leaping antelope, and a kaleidoscope of over 450 bird species, from majestic African fish eagles to the mysterious Pel's fishing owl. Excursions? Think game drives, sunset cruises, and visits to gems like Impalila Island —where tribal traditions offer a glimpse into local life. Whether you're sipping a sundowner as elephants gracefully cross the river or spotting rare birds from a skiff at dawn, the Chobe is—simply put—a wildlife safari by water. How To Do It Join AmaWaterways' 9-night Discover Africa voyage, from $12,045 per person, with 3 nights in Cape Town, a 4-night Chobe River wildlife cruise, and 2 nights at Victoria Falls (including luxury lodges, game drives, and river safaris). This fare includes all meals, guided excursions, and internal flights. To book, visit 12. The Elbe The Elbe getty Stretching nearly 700 miles from the Czech Republic's mist-shrouded Krkonoše Mountains to the North Sea, the Elbe is less trafficked than its European siblings—offering a quieter journey through baroque cities, vineyard-cloaked hills, and fairytale fortresses. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve , it is home to white-tailed eagles, beavers, and migrating cranes, with floodplain meadows and wetlands in abundance. Cruising between Prague and Hamburg, you'll pass through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains—known as Saxon Switzerland —where jagged rock spires rise above pine forests and misty gorges. While stops include Dresden , once dubbed the 'Florence of the Elbe', with its rococo palaces and ornate domes, and Wittenberg , where you'll walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther. How To Do It Join VIVA Cruises' 7-night Adventcruise from Berlin to Prague, from $2,145 per person, including all meals, a selection of premium wines and beer, and one 'high tea' experience per trip. To book, head to 13. The Magdalena Magdalena getty Spilling northward for almost 950 miles from the misty Andean highlands to the sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean, the Magdalena is Colombia's ancient artery of trade. Departing from Cartagena or bustling Barranquilla, you'll glide past tangled mangrove forests and banana plantations, pausing in storied towns like Palenque , a UNESCO-recognized 'free town' founded by escaped slaves, and Mompox —where masterful filigree artisans craft intricate gold jewelry by hand. In El Banco, birthplace of jubilant cumbia music, you'll be serenaded by local performers in embroidered costumes, while in Nueva Venecia , you'll drift through a floating village where homes, schools, and churches rise on stilts above the water. The Magdalena is also a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike—so keep watch for scarlet ibises, river dolphins, and the elusive blue-billed curassow amid its thriving wetlands. How To Do It Join AmaWaterways' 7-night Wonders of Colombia River voyage along the Magdalena River, from $3,089 per person, including all meals, wine and beer (with lunch and dinner), a daily cocktail hour, and small-group excursions. To book, visit Read More: Forbes Meet The President Of AmaWaterways By Lewis Nunn 14. The Garonne and Dordogne Dordogne Valley getty In the heart of southwestern France, the Garonne and Dordogne form the majestic Gironde Estuary—dotted with fairytale châteaux aplenty, where UNESCO-listed towns unfold in slow, elegant succession. River cruises typically begin in Bordeaux , a city of neoclassical grandeur, with café-lined boulevards, leafy promenades, and 347 protected buildings, where the opulent Place de la Bourse shimmers and the Cité du Vin offers a deep dive into wine heritage. On the way, you'll glide past Cadillac's medieval streets, Blaye's formidable Vauban citadel, and the vineyard-laced slopes of Pauillac, home to legendary wine estates like Château Lafite Rothschild . Highlights? Think Sauternes for golden dessert wines, Arcachon Bay for oysters, and Saint-Émilion 's limestone catacombs. How To Do It Join Avalon Waterways' 8-day Bonjour Bordeaux: Chateaux Wineries and Charming Villages voyage, from $4209 per person, including all meals, regional wines and beers (at meal times—plus a daily 'happy hour'), and excursions. To book, visit 15. The Danube The Danube getty Flowing 1,770 miles from Germany's Black Forest to the Black Sea, the Danube is Central Europe's cultural spine—threading through ten countries and four historic capitals—Vienna ( Austria ), Bratislava ( Slovakia ), Budapest ( Hungary ), and Belgrade ( Serbia ). River cruises often start in Budapest, where the river splits the city in two— Buda and Pest —offering postcard-perfect views of the iconic Hungarian Parliament , Chain Bridge , and turreted Buda Castle . In Austria, however, the river glides through the Wachau Valley —a utopia of terraced vineyards, romantic hilltop castles, and blooming apricot orchards, where you can sip crisp Grüner Veltliner in candlelit cellars. In Germany, medieval towns like Regensburg and Passau brim with Gothic spires, storybook townhouses, and charming cobbled squares, while the grand Melk Abbey dazzles with its golden frescoes. Further east, you'll cut through the mighty Iron Gates Gorge , where towering limestone cliffs rise above swirling sapphire waters—one of the great wonders of the world. How To Do It Join Amadeus River Cruises' 7-night Classical Danube Cruise from Budapest to Passau, from $2,454 per person, including all meals, wine and beer (with lunch and dinner). To book, visit Read More: Forbes The Best Danube River Cruises For 2025, According To Experts By Lewis Nunn Forbes The World's Best River Cruise Lines, According To Globe Travel Awards By Lewis Nunn Forbes Why A Douro River Cruise Is The Best Way To See Portugal By Lewis Nunn Forbes Is This The World's Most Expensive Cruise? By Lewis Nunn Forbes The World's Best Luxury Cruise Lines, According To Globe Travel Awards By Lewis Nunn Forbes The Ultimate Guide To South Africa Cruises By Lewis Nunn Forbes Meet The President Of AmaWaterways By Lewis Nunn
Washington Post
6 hours ago
- Washington Post
U.S. drops to lowest ranking yet on index of most powerful passports
Americans once held the world's most powerful key to international travel, but in the latest edition of the Henley Passport Index released this week, U.S. passports dropped to their lowest position yet, outranked by affluent Asian countries that dominated the top of the list, European mainstays and others. According to the Henley ranking, which is based on the number of destinations a traveler can visit without needing a visa, the United States has fallen from seventh place last year to 10th place, continuing a downward trend. Now tied with Iceland and Lithuania, the U.S. last topped the list in 2014.
Forbes
7 hours ago
- Forbes
Hotels With Stories: Three Openings With Main Character Energy
These three new hotels and retreats give guests more than just a place to stay for the night. Immersing you in the heritage and culture of the destination, you'll leave with wonder for the world around you. Imperial Hotel, Kyoto and the restoration of Yasaka Kaikan. (Credit: Yasaka Nyokoba Gakuen) Opening in Spring 2026, Imperial Hotel, Kyoto, is the fourth property from Japan's esteemed hospitality brand, which is renowned for its hotels found in cultural landmarks. The first new Imperial Hotel to debut in three decades, it adds to the brand's portfolio of properties in Tokyo, Osaka and Kamikochi. The new hotel has been carved out of the historic Yasaka Kaikan, a 90-year-old former theater and community center, with architectural ties to Frank Lloyd Wright. A sensitive restoration has seen the heritage building reimagined for a modern day traveler with sustainable luxury at its heart. Interior design at The Imperial Hotel, Kyoto has been led by the New Material Research Laboratory. (Credit New Material Research Laboratory) Originally built in 1936, by renowned architect Tokusaburo Kimura, the Yasaka Kaikan has long served as a cultural gathering place in Kyoto's historic Gion district. Breathing new life into the building, the boutique hotel fuses historic preservation with modern elegance, whilst celebrating the cultural importance of Yasaka Kaikan. In a full-circle moment, the transformation, from cultural icon to characterful hotel, was overseen by the Obayashi Corporation, the same Japanese construction company that built the Yasaka Kaikan nearly 90 years ago in 1936. The restoration has preserved much of the building's original character, including 16,387 original exterior tiles. While traditional Japanese techniques, such as ikedori or 'live capture', where materials are carefully removed without damage for reuse, have been honored throughout the design. The meticulous restoration uses modern-day technology for accurate preservation. (Credit: Obayashi Corporation) 'Some parts retain their 88-year-old look, while others use 88-year-old preserved materials,' says Masahiro Inoue, executive manager of the Architectural Design Department at Obayashi Corporation. 'The building significantly weaves together an aesthetic integrity and preserved memories. That was our top priority.' The exterior renovation included salvaging approximately 10% of the original decorative tiles and reproducing fragile terracotta ornamentation, using 3D scanning for accurate surveying, to restore the original, enabling the hotel to maintain continuity with its cultural roots.' The hotel will offer guests a choice of 55 guestrooms and suites, with interiors designed by architect Tomoyuki Sakakida, director of New Material Research Laboratory, whose creative direction embraces the ethos of 'Old is New'. This philosophy reinterprets Japan's architectural past through a contemporary lens while honoring Kyoto's climate, materials, and traditional sensibility. The design features Japanese marble, Ōya stone, and Tamina-ishi, to give a nod to Japan's nature and the tactile elements of much of its architecture. The Kyoto Imperial Suite with views over the city. (Credit: New Material Research Laboratory) 'Kyoto cherishes old things but also embraces new culture,' said Sakakida. 'That contrast is the soul of this project. Since the Industrial Revolution, artistic and cultural shifts, such as the Arts and Crafts movement in the UK and the Mingei folk craft movement in Japan, have marked a return to hand craftsmanship,' he explained. 'Now, more than a century after the advent of Modernism, there seems to be a certain sense of stagnation in the air, and a renewed appreciation for the old is taking hold. That, I believe, is why the concept of 'Old Is New' is resonating with people.' Other design features are tied to Japanese ideas of wabi-sabi : understated beauty and impermanence—with natural Japanese tatami-mat flooring, minimalist furnishings and handcrafted textures in earth tones showcased in some of the bedrooms. Other rooms retain original beams, pillars and window frames of the Yasaka Kaikan—gently restored to show their age and patina, not conceal it. In several rooms, private balconies open onto the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo grounds, with guests able to hear the traditional melodies of shamisen and kouta music , creating an atmosphere of cinematic intimacy. These spaces are immersive by nature—giving guests the sensation of stepping into a story that began nearly a century ago. Imperial Hotel, Kyoto has retained a theater and community center. (Credit: Yasaka Nyokoba Gakuen) As well as a wellness offering, restaurants and a bar, the hotel is also committed to supporting local artisans and promoting immersive cultural experiences with its community centre and revamped theatre. It aims to contribute to Kyoto's tourism growth while mitigating environmental strain and overcrowding through sustainable practices. Penicuik House & Estate, Scotland Found on Penicuik Estate, one of Scotland's finest, rural landholdings, is Penicuik House, a historic house available for holidays and short-stays, due to open its doors next month. Just a 30-minute drive from Edinburgh, and set against the magnificent backdrop of the Pentland Hills, the estate's 400-hectare grounds were originally designed to inspire its visitors through the marriage of nature and architecture, becoming a hub of the Scottish Enlightenment during the 18th century. Penicuik House is an exclusive-use hire home in the middle of a vast Scottish estate. (Credit: Penicuik House) The main hub of the estate is Old Penicuik House. Built in 1760, it served as the family home until it burned down in 1899. After being left in ruins for over a century, it was saved from collapse through an eight-year conservation project. Completed in 2014, it is one of the largest projects of its kind in Scotland and has become a major heritage attraction with over 150,000 visitors a year. Having been under the stewardship of the same family since 1654, the estate is now entering a new chapter with the opening of its flagship property, Penicuik House, allowing visitors to be able to stay on the estate in glorious surrounds. There is also an initial collection of restored cottages and lodges, with many more planned over the next few years. The House is ideal for group gatherings, for weddings or special occasions. (Credit: Penicuik House) Carved out of the estate's stable block, Penicuik House sleeps 32 across 16 en suite bedrooms. Its characterful interiors have been overseen by designer, Charles Orchard, and feature antiques and art sourced from Old Penicuik House. Two grand reception rooms and a formal dining room make it perfect for special occasions, such as weddings or private events. Nearby is High Pond Reserve, a waterside location where guests can go wild swimming and use the 'natural sauna' which will include a sauna, cold plunge and hot tub. Smaller cottages offer cosy interiors. (Credit: Alexander Baxter) The collection of smaller cottages have interiors designed by Edinburgh studio Fantoush. Each property includes a state-of-the-art kitchen, sitting room with a wood burner and en suite bedrooms. Outside, there are private terraces with outdoor wood burners, Big Green Egg barbecues, and secluded cedar hot tubs. On offer are hand-delivered food services, including organic breakfast and BBQ hampers, and private chefs to prepare tailor-made meals in the houses. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, activities include 20 km of walking and cycling trails and hiking in the Pentland Hills. Colours in the cottages reflect the nature outside. (Credit: Alexander Baxter) Currently under development at the estate is also a range of nature and heritage-led experiences, including whisky and gin tasting with local distilleries, spa treatments, yoga classes, mountain biking, wild swimming, and private heritage tours around the estate, which will be available soon upon request. Ubuyu, A Banyan Tree Escape, Tanzania Opening at the end of this year is Obuyu, the first African safari park from hospitality group, Banyan Tree. Found at the heart of Tanzania's Ruaha National Park, a stay here allows guest to embrace the vast wilderness of Southern Tanzania. It is home to one of Africa's largest elephant populations, the world's highest concentration of lions, and one of the last refuges for the endangered African wild dog and more than 570 bird species. Ubuyu takes its name from the Swahili word for the fruit of the baobab tree, Africa's iconic Tree of Life, and the new outpost symbolically has baobab trees framing its entrance to greet you. Revered for its resilience and longevity, the baobab has offered shelter, nourishment and healing for generations. Ubuyu, A Banyan Tree Escape, Tanzania is the brand's frist African safari outpost. (Credit: Banyan Tree) Made up of six artisan-crafted villas, the hotel has been designed to blend into the surrounding terrain with sweeping views over the savannah. One- and two-bedroom villas draw inspiration from traditional Maasai circular dwellings, featuring open-air showers, private plunge pools and decks positioned to capture sunrise light and wildlife movement. The three-bedroom Retreat follows the organic curve of the Ruaha River and is centred around a firepit with a rooftop terrace designed for stargazing and storytelling. Each villa is solar-powered and constructed using natural materials including timber, thatch, clay and locally-carved Mninga wood furniture, crafted by local artisans. At the heart of the retreat lies the Living Room, a free-flowing communal space, while the Open Kitchen presents a plant-forward, zero-waste menu that celebrates seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms and villages. Above, the rooftop Mganga Bar serves elixirs infused with native botanicals, paired with sweeping views of the river and surrounding bushland. Set along the riverbank and open to the breeze, the Maji Spa invites restoration through rituals grounded in indigenous healing, using local oils and herbs to soothe, balance, and renew. Since it was founded in 1994, Banyan Group has long been a pioneer of sustainable, purpose-driven hospitality and the new opening looks set to continue that drive rooted in regenerative tourism.
