< Previous20 The city of Harbin transforms into a glittering wonderland of ice and snow with towering sculptures crafted from ice blocks which are then illuminated by colourful lights to make each one shine and sparkle against the frosty night sky. This spectacular event brings together ice sculptors from across the globe, The Holi Festival, also called the Festival of Colours, is an explosion of joy and vibrant hues that fills the streets of India, Nepal and parts of Pakistan. People of all ages gather to celebrate the arrival of spring, casting aside all barriers and painting one another with colourful powders in a jubilant display of unity CONCIERGE DATEBOOK FESTIVALS RIO CARNIVAL: RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL 28 February – 8 March The Rio Carnival is a non-stop, heart-pounding celebration like no other. Held in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, this carnival is a riot of samba rhythms, dazzling costumes and euphoric dancing that sweeps both participants and spectators into a frenzy of excitement. The parades, featuring elaborate floats and marching bands, take over the streets while street parties spill out into the lively city, creating a carnival atmosphere that is both contagious and unforgettable. If you’re planning to attend, book your accommodation early and don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes for dancing the nights away! HARBIN INTERNATIONAL ICE AND SNOW SCULPTURE FESTIVAL: HARBIN, CHINA 5 January – early March HOLI FESTIVAL: INDIA, NEPAL, PAKISTAN 14 – 15 March (varies) keen to showcase their skill in creating intricate and awe-inspiring sculptures. Be sure to bundle up—temperatures can plummet during this subzero time of the year—but the enchanting sights will make every chilly moment worthwhile. and peace. Alongside the lively colour battles there are traditional dances, music and delicious sweets that enhance the atmosphere. Pack clothes you don’t mind getting stained and be ready for a spirited, carefree celebration that’s all about letting loose and embracing joyful chaos!22 THE BUZZ 24 5 WINTER WONDERLAND SPOTS IN NAGANO AND NIIGATA Lifestyle + Travel invites you to winter wonderland rides on the comfortable Shinkansen with the JR-EAST PASS (Nagano & Niigata) from Tokyo to Nagano and Niigata. 28 FRESH FAÇADES OF 2025 Exclusive preview of the most anticipated hotel openings in 2025! 38 COME SPA WITH ME : A WONDERLAND OF WELLNESS Stepping into Chanterelle Spa by JW, located within JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa.23 THE BUZZTHE BUZZ 24 WINTER WONDERLAND SPOTS IN AS WINTER SETS IN ACROSS THE TOHOKU REGION IN JAPAN, LIFESTYLE + TRAVEL INVITES YOU TO WINTER WONDERLAND RIDES ON THE COMFORTABLE SHINKANSEN WITH THE JR-EAST PASS (NAGANO & NIIGATA) FROM TOKYO TO NAGANO AND NIIGATA, TO EXPLORE SNOW-BLANKETED PLACES FOR A PURSE-FRIENDLY PRICE! LET’S EMBARK ON THE ADVENTURE, STARTING WITH NAGANO! SIMPLY TAKE THE HOKURIKU SHINKANSEN, FROM TOKYO STATION. KARUIZAWA WINTER FESTIVAL X SHIRAITO FALLS This year’s Karuizawa Winter Festival starts on 23 November 2024 and ends on 28 February 2025. During the festival, the streets of Karuizawa will be filled with dazzling winter illuminations as well as charming local markets. A must-see highlight in the area is Shiraito Falls, located north of Karuizawa, which will be adorned with an enchanting light display and become a magical scene under the starry 1. NAGANO AND NIIGATA 5 Text by Yanisa Sunanchaiyakarn winter night sky. You may also like to take a stroll around the town to enjoy the combination of nature with Western-style architecture. HOW TO GET THERE: • Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station for a scenic one-hour journey, and get off at Karuizawa Station. • From Karuizawa Bus Station (North Exit), get on the 01 Kyuko Kusakaru bus to the Shiraito Falls stop.25 KAMAKURA NO SATO FESTIVAL From late January to late February, approximately 20 Kamakura (igloos) of various sizes are built from snow and illuminated with candles. Amidst the snow-blanketed landscape of the village of Iiyama, the highlight is warming yourself up inside a cosy Kamakura and relishing a fragrant, umami-laden Noroshi Nabe, Iiyama’s traditional hotpot made with JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK Jigokudani Monkey Park stands as one of the most exclusive attractions, as it offers a unique opportunity to see wild Japanese macaques up close! Observe these snow- loving monkeys bathe in the natural hot springs, some with newborn babies. It’s a genuinely relaxing and unforgettable experience being so close to the macaques in their snow-blanketed winter wonderland. HOW TO GET THERE: • Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station. • From Nagano Bus Station (East Exit), board the Kyuko Shiga Kogen Line bus to Jigokudani Monkey Park Station (42 minutes long). • The park will be a 25-minute walk from the bus station. 2. 3. Shinshu miso and other local ingredients. At the heart of Kamakura Village stands the Kamakura Shrine, which houses a Shimenawa or a sacred Shinto straw rope used to ward off evil. As night falls, the smaller Kamakura along the pathway from Kamakura Village leading up to the Torii gate are illuminated, creating an enchanting fairytale-like atmosphere. HOW TO GET THERE: • Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Iiyama Station, which is a journey of 1 hour and 38 minutes, then a 20-minute bus ride to Iiyama village. • The schedule for the 2025 festival is yet to be confirmed. Please visit the website below for updates: www.iiyama-ouendan.net/ special/kamakura/26 JR EAST PASS (NAGANO & NIIGATA) Explore the local culture and stunning winter landscapes of Tohoku Region with JR EAST PASS (Nagano & Niigata) for only ¥27,000 (adult) and ¥13,500 (children). You will enjoy unlimited travel on the Shinkansen and limited express trains for 5 consecutive days, as well as access to the exclusive Joyful Trains. Please visit the official website: www.jreast.co.jp/multi/th/pass/eastpass_t.html KIYOTSU GORGE / TUNNEL OF LIGHT In 2018, renowned Chinese architect Ma Yansong and the MAD Architects transformed Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel into a remarkable artwork titled “Tunnel of Light” for the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale. Inspired by the five elements of nature (wood, earth, gold, fire and water), the MAD Architects team designed and installed architectural and artistic facilities in various spots in the tunnel. You can also admire the spectacular landscape along the Kiyotsu Gorge River and the scenic panorama mirrored perfectly by the shallow pond at the entrance of the tunnel. HOW TO GET THERE: • Take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Echigo Yuzawa Station (it will take 1 hour and 13 minutes). • From Echigo Yuzawa Station, take the Morimiyanohara Line Express Bus to Kiyotsu Gorge Entrance Stop (25 minutes). • Viewing the artwork in the tunnel will take around 30 minutes. We've now explored some of the most breathtaking snow-blanketed wonderland places in Nagano and Niigata! Don’t want to miss out on seeing these with your own eyes? Then make the most of the benefits of the JR EAST PASS (Nagano & Niigata) to embark on your own journey, at your own pace. BIJIN BAYASHI FOREST Enjoy the serene and still beauty of Bijin Bayashi Forest during winter. On clear days, the sunlight reflects off the glistening snow and crystalised dew drops covering the tall beech trees, creating a sparkling ethereal sight. HOW TO GET THERE: • Take the Hokuhoku Line train from Echigo Yuzawa Station to Matsudai Station (it will take 50 minutes), then take a 15-minute taxi ride to the forest. THE BUZZ 4. 5. Next up is Niigata! Let’s uncover the hidden gems along the Joetsu Shinkansen Line.28 THE BUZZ FRESH FRESH FAÇADES FAÇADES OFOF 20252025 Lifestyle+Travel presents an exclusive preview of the most anticipated hotel openings in 2025! This year promises an intriguing selection of places as new hotels throughout the world reinvent travel via cutting-edge design, eco-friendly practices and luxurious experiences. These new facilities range from boutique getaways in nature's secret nooks to metropolitan resorts in teeming cities, and set to cater to all categories of travellers. So whether you're looking for a wellness retreat, a gourmet adventure or a high-tech vacation, this preview will help you find the destinations that should be on your 2025 travel radar.29 W MALDIVES Following an extensive and daring restoration, W Maldives will reopen in January 2025 and be the first W Hotel making its debut under a worldwide rebranding effort. Situated on gorgeous Fesdu Island in North Ari Atoll, only a 25-minute seaplane flight from Malé, the renovated resort will feature 77 overwater and beach villas with private pools and opulent outdoor spaces that will effortlessly connect guests with the surrounding natural splendour. With ocean-to-table dining at FISH, oysters and Latin American cocktails at SIP, and seaside barbecues at FIRE, the makeover will offer more sophisticated dining and drinking experiences as well as overall dynamic energy. THE RED SEA EDITION EDITION's second hotel in Saudi Arabia will be located on Shura, the major island of The Red Sea Project. The Red Sea EDITION is set to debut with 240 guest rooms and suites, and will include two restaurants and various bars as well as a gym, swimming pool and spa. THE COSTAMIGO PHAN THIET, BW PREMIER COLLECTION With a view of the ocean, the Costamigo Phan Thiet, BW Premier Collection, is ideally situated on a lengthy stretch of golden beach in the Binh Thuan province of Vietnam. This boutique hotel is expected to gain popularity among both domestic and foreign tourists due to its neo-classical European architecture, naturally lit interiors, remarkable amenities, and convenient location—just 2.5 hours' drive from Ho Chi Minh City. A variety of chic villas and roomy accommodations are available for guests to stay in; all are completely furnished with contemporary conveniences and are perfect for families, friends, and couples. A restaurant, beach bar, cabanas, swimming pool, and a stage for events will be among the many recreational and commercial amenities offered by this oceanfront resort. 1 3 2Next >