Why padel, and why now

If you’ve tried to book a padel court in Singapore lately, you’ll know how fast the sport has taken off here. What started with a few courts and a small group of expats has grown into a real community. Now you’ll find corporate teams playing on weeknights, parents who picked it up after their kids did, and friends who’ve swapped Sunday brunch for a morning doubles match.

Audemars Piguet has noticed too. Earlier this year the Manufacture became Official Timekeeper of the Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour. From 25 to 27 September, it’s bringing that partnership to Singapore for the first time with the Audemars Piguet Padel Pop-Up Club at New Bahru.

A court inside a school hall

New Bahru is the venue partner, and it suits the event. The creative and lifestyle hub now fills the old Nan Chiau High School buildings, and the pop-up is set up in the School Hall. It’s a fun setting for a sport this social, and it fits AP’s habit of turning up somewhere unexpected.

The pop-up isn’t trying to recreate a pro tour event. It aims to capture how the sport feels: easy to pick up, fun to watch, and always played in pairs. Seasoned players and complete beginners are meant to share the space, and the whole thing is designed around playing, not just watching.

The courtside lounge

The court slots are fully booked for all three days, which says a lot about padel’s popularity here. The Courtside Lounge is still taking reservations, though, and we think it’s the better seat for most people anyway.

From the lounge you can watch the games up close with a drink in hand, and a selection of Audemars Piguet timepieces is on display. It’s a relaxed way to see the watches, with no boutique appointment needed. AP has spent years building a community through sport, music and the arts, and this feels like a natural next step.

Food and drinks are available to buy daily from 12pm to 8pm, with last orders at 7.30pm.

Timing, precision and teamwork

It’s easy to be cynical about luxury brands and sport, but the link makes sense here. Padel depends on timing, and doubles only works when two people read each other well. Fine watchmaking relies on those same qualities of precision and coordination. AP presents the pop-up as a celebration of those shared values, and after seeing how much padel has grown in Singapore, we don’t think that’s a stretch.

Good to know

Where: School Hall, New Bahru, Singapore
When: 25 to 27 September 2026
Court play: fully booked
Courtside Lounge: bookings open at events.audemarspiguet.com
Food and drinks: 12pm to 8pm daily, last orders 7.30pm

Why This Matters for Travellers

Priority Pass isn’t new to the game: it’s been the original airport lounge access programme for over 35 years, and today gives members access to more than 1,900 lounges and travel experiences across 865 airports in 143 countries. What caught my attention is the scale of what’s coming next: air passenger traffic is expected to nearly double to almost 19 billion journeys a year by 2045, so this investment is really about future-proofing the airport experience before things get even busier.In the past 12 months alone, Priority Pass’s global network has grown by 6.7%, and that expansion is only accelerating.

A Smarter, More Personalised App

One of the parts I’m most excited about is the global roll-out of the new Priority Pass+ app. It’s designed to make managing your travel benefits genuinely effortless — think easier activation, saved card functionality, biometric login, and one-time verification by email or mobile.

Looking ahead, the app will lean into AI, your past travel behaviour, and real-time geo-location to proactively suggest lounges and travel experiences that actually suit your journey. Eligible members will also be able to manage multiple Priority Pass memberships in one place, and soon, principal cardholders will be able to share their visit entitlements with supplementary cardholders — even when they’re travelling separately.

Priority Pass Private and Fast Track Are Expanding

For those wanting an even more elevated experience, Priority Pass has launched Priority Pass Private, a full-service luxury airport offering built for travellers who want a more seamless, high-touch journey through the airport.

Airport fast track is also scaling up fast. It’s already live at 28 airports, and over the next 12 months it’s expected to expand to more than 170 bookable fast track lanes across 150+ terminals and 130+ airports worldwide. Given that 73% of travellers say fast track is the top tech upgrade for improving the airport experience, this feels like exactly the right move — and it joins other end-to-end services like airport parking and luggage storage that are becoming part of the broader Priority Pass ecosystem.

Stronger Lounge Partnerships

The investment is also deepening existing lounge partnerships. Priority Pass has strengthened its relationship with CAVU, operator of Escape Lounges, with dedicated areas for Priority Pass members and LoungeKey cardholders now live across five UK lounges.

The Bigger Picture

This all builds on Collinson’s recently announced £350 million Revolving Credit Facility, which underpins the broader £500 million investment across the Group over the next five years — covering lounge network growth, insurance, new technology, market expansion, and its people. Collinson has also renewed its commitment to the Collinson Foundation, pledging 5% of profits by FY29 to education, employment, entrepreneurship, innovation and crisis-response programmes.

As someone who travels constantly, I love seeing this level of reinvestment in the airport experience, because let’s be honest, the lounge is often the best part of the journey. With more lounges, smarter tech, and faster security on the way, Priority Pass members have a lot to look forward to.

A grand slam of experiences

More than 250 Australian Open packages are now live for members worldwide, spanning everything from signature hospitality suites and behind the scenes tours to curated dinners, match tickets and hotel stays woven through the tournament. Among the standouts is an exclusive tennis clinic with Australian great Ash Barty, paired with Women’s Final tickets, hospitality lounge access and a hotel stay, the kind of experience that turns a tournament visit into something members will be talking about long after the final ball is struck. For those who want to extend their time in Australia beyond Melbourne, 120 Summer of Tennis packages are also rolling out across Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart and Perth, with new experiences being released progressively through the end of the year. Members can already begin exploring the full 2027 collection at moments.marriottbonvoy.com.

Courtside with Alex Eala

The headline moment, though, belongs to Alex Eala. Come October 2026, Marriott Bonvoy members will have the opportunity to meet the Filipino tennis sensation in Melbourne during Australian Open opening week, either through a winning bid or, for the first time, by redeeming just a single Marriott Bonvoy point. The package folds together a meet and greet with Eala, a one night stay at a Marriott Bonvoy property, access to an opening week event and a tournament ready welcome kit, giving members a fully immersive taste of what makes the Australian Open’s first days so electric.

Meeting the moment in the Philippines and Japan

Tennis fandom runs deep in both these markets, with Eala mania sweeping the Philippines and the Australian Open holding its place as Japan’s most watched Grand Slam. In recognition of that passion, Marriott Bonvoy is opening an exclusive sweepstakes to members in the Philippines and Japan, with prizes including the chance to meet Eala herself, her signed merchandise and Australian Open tickets.

Tennis the world over

These experiences sit within Marriott Bonvoy’s global Tennis The World platform, which links the brand’s portfolio to the sport’s growing global following, from properties with dedicated tennis facilities to expanded access at marquee tournaments like the Australian Open. As John Toomey, Chief Commercial Officer of Marriott International, APEC, put it: “Tennis The World is about opening the door to experiences that bring our members closer to the passions and places they love. The opportunity to meet Alex Eala in Melbourne, experience the Australian Open and enjoy a thoughtfully curated stay demonstrates the unique value of Marriott Bonvoy. By offering these experiences through both 1-Point Drops and biddable auctions, we are creating exciting new ways for members to turn their points into memories that will stay with them long after the final match.”

With the 2027 collection already open for browsing, the message from Marriott Bonvoy is clear: for members who love travel and tennis in equal measure, this is shaping up to be the brand’s most ambitious court side offering yet.

Arrival, and the shift in pace

You can reach Las Islas by car, helicopter or boat, and that alone resets the trip before you’ve even checked in. We drove there and it was 90 minutes frim Cartagena. Where Cartagena is colour and noise, Barú is thick forest meeting open sea, the property’s bungalows tucked in among the trees or set right at the water’s edge, connected by nothing but sand paths and jungle. It’s the kind of arrival that tells you exactly what the next few days are going to feel like. There is a waitng lobby, and then you are taken to rthe realc reception. When we were there, we saw many monkeys eating the fruit, so we knew that we were in the wild jungle.

Dining, spread across the property

Rather than one central restaurant, meals here move — a different setting for each one, each with its own view and mood, from open-air spots looking straight out to sea to quieter corners tucked into the trees. It keeps the food feeling tied to place rather than routine, and turns something as simple as breakfast into a small daily adventure in itself. Breakfast is on the waterfront wand was our favorite time. The sun just hits off the water, the food is delicious and the bords fly around next to the mangroves. With an alacarte menu, we soent hours watchibng the water and enjoying the meal. Dinner was in the central pool and sunset area, so was perfect for a cocktail before eating.

Getting around: buggies, bikes, and boats

With a property this size, distance is part of the design, and Las Islas handles it well, golf buggies and bicycles on call to move guests between villas, restaurants, the beach, and the activity centre, so the scale of the estate never feels like a barrier. It’s a small detail that does a lot of work, keeping the whole experience effortless.

Gym, and the case for keeping it simple

The fitness centre here isn’t the headline, and it doesn’t try to be — functional, well-kept, and enough to hold a routine together for anyone unwilling to fully switch off. Set against everything else on offer, it’s exactly as much gym as this kind of trip needs.

Beaches, swimming, and paddle-boarding

This is where Las Islas truly delivers. The property’s own beaches are the real draw — soft sand, calm, clear Caribbean water, and none of the crowds that come with Cartagena’s more accessible stretches of coast. Days settled into a rhythm of swimming, paddle-boarding out along the shoreline, and simply being in the water, with snorkeling and kayaking on hand for anyone wanting to go further.

The villa: a private infinity pool over the water

Our villa was the standout of the stay — its own infinity pool spilling toward the horizon, framed by open water beyond. Waking up to that view, coffee in hand, before anyone else on the property was moving, is the kind of morning that’s hard to leave behind once you’re home.

Sustainability, built into the bones

Las Islas takes this seriously, and it shows well beyond the marketing language. Not a single tree was cleared to build the property’s bungalows, and the hotel runs an active coral restoration program with the local Barú community, having helped plant tens of thousands of new corals along the coastline. It’s a rare case of a luxury property where the sustainability story and the guest experience are genuinely the same thing.

Sunset deck, and a telescope for the moon

As the light drops, the property’s viewing deck becomes the natural gathering point — an open perch looking straight out over the water as the sky turns over. Later, a large telescope comes out for guests wanting a proper look at the moon and the stars, with none of the light pollution that would drown it out anywhere near a city. It’s a small addition that turns an ordinary evening into something worth remembering.

Service, and the peace that comes with it

Staff throughout the stay struck the right note — warm, attentive, and never intrusive, the kind of service that makes a remote property feel effortless rather than complicated. Combined with the sheer quiet of the setting, it made for the kind of peaceful, unhurried few days that are increasingly hard to find.

Heading back: speedboat to Cartagena

Fittingly, the trip ends the way it began — by water, with a speedboat run back across to Cartagena closing out the stay. It’s a proper punctuation mark on a few days spent entirely outside the usual pace of travel, city skyline reappearing just as the wilderness starts to fade behind you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Hotel Las Islas located?
The hotel sits on the island of Barú, reached by boat from Cartagena, within the Corales de Rosario y de San Bernardo National Park.

Is Hotel Las Islas a Preferred Hotels property?
Yes, it’s part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts collection, recognised specifically for its wellbeing and sustainability credentials.

How sustainable is Hotel Las Islas?
Very. No trees were felled to build the property, and the hotel runs an active coral restoration program with the local community, alongside broader environmental and social commitments.

What activities are available at Hotel Las Islas?
Swimming, paddle-boarding, snorkeling, kayaking, diving, and stargazing are all available on-site, along with a spa, gym, and multiple dining venues.

Do the villas have private pools?
Select villas feature their own private infinity pools overlooking the water, in addition to the property’s shared beaches and pools.

How do you get to Hotel Las Islas from Cartagena?
By boat — most guests arrive and depart via speedboat transfer, with the crossing taking under an hour each way.

Some places earn the word exclusive just by being small. Bosko is one of them: just eight tents, tucked into native forest above the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir, adults-only, and built around the simple idea that luxury and wilderness don’t have to compete with each other. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down before you’ve even unpacked. We enjoyed a hosted stay here that is a must if you are in Colombia.

Exclusivity, by design

With only eight tents on the entire property, Bosko never feels like a hotel in the traditional sense — more like a small, quiet community perched above the water. That scale changes everything about the stay: staff know your name by the second interaction, the property never feels busy no matter where you are, and the sense of having genuinely escaped somewhere is real rather than marketed. Being adults-only only deepens that stillness, keeping the whole experience calm and unhurried from the moment you arrive.

The welcome, and a memory that lasts

Arrival here sets the tone for everything that follows. We were brought straight onto a deck overlooking the reservoir for a welcome drink, the lake stretched out below and barely a sound around us — the kind of moment that stays with you long after the trip ends. It’s a simple gesture, but the setting turns it into something we still talk about.

The tents, and the setting around them

Each of Bosko’s dome-shaped tents is built to blend into the forest rather than dominate it — transparent or canvas walls, natural materials, and private decks that put the reservoir right at your doorstep. Waking up inside genuinely feels like waking up in nature, without giving up a single comfort along the way.

A massage worth remembering

The spa experience here deserves its own mention — genuinely one of the best massages either of us has ever had, anywhere. Set within the same natural, unhurried rhythm as the rest of the property, it felt less like a treatment and more like a proper reset, hands down one of the highlights of the entire stay.

Breakfast, done right

Mornings at Bosko were something to look forward to. Breakfast arrived cooked to perfection every single time, unhurried and clearly made with real care rather than resort volume in mind — a good match for a property built entirely around slowing down.

The pool above the water

Bosko’s above-ground pool is one of its most special features, set high enough to look straight out over the reservoir below, so it feels like it’s floating right over the water itself. It’s a genuinely beautiful spot to spend an afternoon, and one of those details that makes a stay here memorable long after you’ve left.

Staff who make it effortless

Service throughout was excellent — warm, attentive, and clearly proud of the property, which given its size means every interaction feels personal rather than procedural. It’s a big part of what makes Bosko feel as calm as it does.

Things to do around Guatapé

Bosko’s setting puts you right in the middle of one of Colombia’s most beautiful pockets. The iconic Piedra del Peñol, with its steep staircase and sweeping views over the reservoir’s fingered islands, is a short drive away and worth the climb. Guatapé’s town itself, with its colourful zócalo-decorated houses and lakeside waterfront, makes for an easy half-day of wandering, and the reservoir offers boat tours, kayaking, and canoeing for anyone wanting to get out on the water itself. It’s a part of Colombia built for slow days, and Bosko sits right at the heart of it.

The takeaway

Bosko isn’t trying to be everything to everyone, and that’s exactly its strength. With just eight tents, an adults-only setting, and a genuine, unforced connection to the nature around it, it delivers one of the most relaxed and restorative stays we’ve had anywhere — the kind of place that reminds you what a proper escape actually feels like.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tents does Bosko have?
Bosko is an intentionally small property with just eight tents, giving it an intimate, exclusive feel.

Is Bosko adults-only?
Yes, Bosko operates as an adults-only property, contributing to its calm, unhurried atmosphere.

Where is Bosko located?
Bosko sits in native forest above the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir, near the town of Guatapé, around 90 minutes from Medellín.

What is there to do near Bosko?
Nearby highlights include the Piedra del Peñol rock formation, the colourful town of Guatapé, and boat tours, kayaking, and canoeing on the reservoir.

Does Bosko have a spa?
Yes, and it’s a genuine highlight — treatments are set within the same calm, natural surroundings as the rest of the property.

Is Bosko good for a relaxing getaway?
Very much so. Its small scale, adults-only setting, and forest-and-lake setting make it one of the more restorative stays available near Medellín.

Big news out of Moreton Island: Tangalooma Island Resort has just launched Australia’s first year-round beachfront cabana club, and it’s opening this Spring.

It’s called Tangalooma Dunes, and it’s basically 20 private cabanas set right on the golden sand of Tangalooma Beach. The idea is simple: give people a proper base to relax at between island adventures, without losing that laid-back, distinctly Australian beach feel the destination is known for.

Each cabana is decked out with:

• Seating for up to 8 people, with a table in the middle for food and drinks
• A fridge built in to keep everything cold
• Adjustable shutters and a fan so you can dial in your own privacy and comfort
• Wheelchair accessibility, so everyone can actually enjoy the beachfront

Resort Director David James called it a new benchmark for beachfront leisure in Australia, and it’s hard to argue — there’s nothing quite like it around at the moment. There’s also a bigger picture here: with the 2032 Brisbane Olympics on the horizon, this is part of a broader push to lift the quality of visitor experiences across South East Queensland, something Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Natassia Wheeler pointed to as well, calling it a sign of the region’s confidence heading into the Games.

The project’s also tied into Tangalooma’s long-running partnership with Carnival Cruise Line. Guests sailing Sydney-based ships Carnival Splendor and Carnival Adventure will be able to book the cabanas for their day ashore on the island — Carnival’s Country Manager Peter Little framed it as a new benchmark for shore experiences on their end too.

Beyond cruise guests, the cabanas will also be bookable for events, product launches, and conferences. Individual day bookings open mid-to-late Spring 2026, starting from $240 AUD for a full day (9am–5pm).

Willemstad doesn’t need much dressing up. Its candy-colored waterfront and UNESCO-listed old town do most of the work. Moreover, Renaissance Curaçao adds to it rather than competing with it. Built in and around the historic Rif Fort, this resort puts the city on the doorstep. It does so with enough polish and history to justify a stay that never has to leave the property. We enjoyed a hosted stay and loved every minute of exploring the hotel and its surroundings.

The beach, one floor up

All we knew about this small country, Curaçao, was that the people are friendly and the weather is great. Additionally, we had to make sure we got some sun time. The resort’s signature feature is its Infinity Beach Club, an elevated saltwater beach and pool. It sits on the second floor, a clever workaround given the property’s city-center location. Soft sand, sun loungers, and a freshwater infinity pool sit beside the Beach Bar. The Beach Bar has sweeping views out over the Caribbean Sea and the cruise pier beyond. A resident DJ keeps the afternoon moving. Between the music, the sun, and the setting, it’s easy to lose several hours up there without noticing. We spent most of our time here, and the little fella absolutely loved it. It is great to watch all the big boats from the deck chairs.

Starbucks, and the small comforts

Tucked into the lobby is a genuine rarity for the island: Curacao’s only Starbucks. It’s a small thing, but useful for anyone wanting a familiar coffee fix before exploring. Additionally, it sits at the heart of a lobby that feels breezy and open. We had a lunchtime coffee there, fueling up to go back out in the sun again.

The room and facilities

Our room struck the right balance of comfort and function — pillow-top bedding, a proper desk, and enough space to settle in properly. The real win, though, was the balcony. Overlooking the resort’s pools, the fort, and the harbor beyond, it turned into our favorite spot for both morning coffee and evening drinks, with the city’s action playing out below the whole time. If you feel like a workout, the fitness center here, called FitVibes, is open daily from 5am to 9pm and it’s complimentary for guests, so there’s no extra fee or day pass to sort out before your workout. 

Shopping, built right in

One of the more unusual things about this resort is how seamlessly it connects to Willemstad’s retail scene. The open-air Renaissance Mall and the boutiques set within Rif Fort’s restored walls sit directly alongside the hotel, offering everything from international designer names to local artisan shops, cafes, and a small cinema, all accessible without stepping outside the resort’s footprint. We were able to pick up all our souvenirs for friends and family, and even found some local beers. There is a gym you can use (since the hotel doesn’t have one, they allow guests to go here; it has everything you need) and also a few family-friendly stores as well.

It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere

For something more relaxed, the resort’s outdoor bar, It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere, is worth building an afternoon around. Set within the open-air stretch of the mall, it’s a proper laid-back spot for a cocktail and genuinely good, filling food, expect generous plates and a menu that leans into island flavors rather than standard hotel-bar fare. It’s an easy favorite for slow afternoons that drift into evening. We couldn’t even finish our own plates, and the birds were waiting for some leftovers.

Breakfast

Breakfast here isn’t confined to one indoor room, which is the part we appreciated most. The main spread runs at Nautilus, and there’s an outdoor terrace option right there too, so you can start the morning with a plate of eggs and a full ocean breeze instead of AC. Depending on your room package, that outdoor breakfast option can extend even further: 5 O’Clock Somewhere, the laid-back, Margaritaville-style bar and grill by the water, opens at 10am and serves its own breakfast menu (avocado toast and fruit bowls are the standouts), all under a massive open-air canopy with water views. It’s a nice bit of flexibility.

Rif Fort and the history underneath it all

What sets Renaissance Curaçao apart from most resorts is that it isn’t just next to history — it’s built into it. Rif Fort dates back to the 19th century, originally armed with 56 cannons behind walls over a meter and a half thick, built to defend Willemstad from invasion. Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and wandering its restored ramparts between shops and restaurants gives the whole resort a sense of depth that’s rare to find woven this naturally into a stay.

Willemstad, right outside

The location does as much heavy lifting as any amenity. Willemstad’s colorful Handelskade waterfront is only a few minutes’ walk away, and the wider Punda and Pietermaai districts, with their restaurants, bars, and street life, are all easily reached on foot. It’s rare to find a resort this well set up for both lounging and genuinely exploring a city, without needing a car for either. In 5 minutes, you will be in the heart of the town, and you have unlimited food and drink options. Make sure you get “Stuck” on the bridge for a fun and unique experience.

Staff and service

Throughout the stay, staff were consistently attentive and warm, quick to help without ever hovering, and clearly proud of both the resort and the city around it. It’s the kind of service that makes a busy, multi-purpose property still feel personal.

Casino nights

Once the sun goes down, the resort’s Carnaval Casino takes over; a proper Vegas-style setup with table games and a wide bank of slots, giving the evening a different energy entirely from the beach club by day.

The takeaway

Renaissance Curaçao earns its keep by doing something few resorts manage: sitting at the exact center of a UNESCO World Heritage city while still delivering a proper resort day of beach, pool, and dining. Between the elevated beach club, the history built into its walls, and a location that puts all of Willemstad within walking distance, it’s a stay with genuine substance behind the polish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Renaissance Curaçao have a real beach?
The resort’s signature Infinity Beach Club is an elevated, second-floor sand-and-saltwater beach experience above the sea, rather than a ground-level natural beach — a clever solution given the city-center location.

Is there a Starbucks at Renaissance Curaçao?
Yes, the resort is home to Curacao’s only Starbucks, located just off the lobby.

What is Rif Fort?
A restored 19th-century fort, once armed with 56 cannons, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing shops, restaurants, and the resort itself.

Is Renaissance Curaçao within walking distance of the city?
Yes, Willemstad’s Handelskade waterfront and the Punda and Pietermaai districts are all a short walk from the resort.

Does the resort have a casino?
Yes, the on-site Carnaval Casino offers Vegas-style table games and slot machines.

Is there shopping at the resort?
Yes, the open-air Renaissance Mall and boutiques within Rif Fort are directly connected to the hotel.

The resort itself

On the ground, Renaissance Aruba delivers a genuinely good stay. The pools were a highlight in their own right, complete with a swim-up dive-in bar that made for a proper afternoon without ever needing to leave the water. There’s enough going on around the property to keep a young family occupied for days without repeating yourself, and breakfast was a strong start most mornings — good enough that we crossed paths with some of the island’s local wildlife wandering the grounds while we ate.

The room: built for a family

Our room made the stay noticeably easier — a proper separate bedroom alongside a generously sized living space, giving everyone room to actually spread out rather than living on top of each other. For a small family, that layout did a lot of quiet, practical work.

The real headline: Renaissance Island

Here’s the thing that sets this hotel apart from almost anywhere else in Aruba, and possibly the Caribbean: guests get access to a private island, home to a small resident colony of free-roaming flamingos. Getting up close with them on the sand, camera in hand, is a genuinely unique experience, and the photos we came home with are some of our favourites from the whole trip. Paired with a beach that’s every bit as beautiful as the birds sharing it, it’s an afternoon that’s hard to replicate anywhere else on the island.

A useful tip for anyone chasing the same shots: drones aren’t permitted here, given the island’s proximity to the airport, so plan your photography around handheld shots and getting genuinely close instead.

Getting to the island

The route there is half the fun. The speedboat to Renaissance Island departs from inside the resort’s own shopping mall — an unexpectedly cool detail, boarding a boat from what feels like a storefront before heading out onto open water minutes later. Renaissance Aruba is actually made up of two sister properties sitting right next to each other, and we’d recommend picking up the boat from whichever is closest to where you’re staying at the time, since both have direct access to the dock.

Learning the island’s story

One of the best things we did all trip wasn’t on the water at all — a guided history tour of Aruba that gave real context to everything around us, from the landscape to the culture to how the island came to be what it is today. It’s easy to spend a trip purely on beaches and pools, but understanding the place you’re standing in adds a different layer entirely, and this is one we’d recommend to anyone visiting, regardless of where they’re staying.

The takeaway

Renaissance Aruba is a genuinely solid resort — good pools, a great breakfast, and rooms that work well for a family — but its real value is the door it opens to somewhere else entirely. Renaissance Island, and its flamingos, is worth the stay on its own, and combined with a proper history tour to understand Aruba beyond the beach, it rounds out into a trip with more substance than the postcard version most visitors get.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to Renaissance Island from the hotel?
A complimentary speedboat departs regularly from inside the resort, including a boarding point inside the shopping mall, with the crossing taking around 10–15 minutes.

Do you need to be a hotel guest to visit Renaissance Island?
Guests of Renaissance Aruba have free, unlimited access to the island; a limited number of day passes are also sold to non-guests.

Are the flamingos on Renaissance Island wild?
The flamingos are a resident, free-roaming colony kept on the island by the resort rather than a fully wild population, though they move freely around the beach.

Can you fly drones on Renaissance Island?
No — drones aren’t permitted due to the island’s proximity to Aruba’s airport.

Is Renaissance Aruba good for families?
Yes, particularly the Ocean Suites side, with family-friendly pools, spacious rooms, and access to the family-oriented Iguana Beach on the private island.

Is there more than one hotel at the Renaissance Aruba property?
Yes, the resort is made up of two sister hotels close to each other, with guests able to use facilities across both.

Whether you’re eyeing a quick weekend escape or a longer Asia itinerary, here’s what’s on the table.

Singapore sailings: Navigator and Quantum of the Seas

For those cruising from home, Navigator of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas both have a run of August offers, including:

• Up to S$1,200 instant savings per stateroom during selected August booking windows
• 60% off the second guest’s cruise fare with BOGO60
• Kids Sail Free on selected sailings
• USD100 onboard credit per stateroom through the Next Level Sale, for bookings made between 20–26 August 2026

Navigator of the Seas is also running an extended season with a genuinely wide spread of itineraries — from short 3-night getaways starting at S$300, right up to a 12-night Asia adventure from Tokyo to Singapore, from S$1,347. That longer sailing is worth a closer look if you’ve got the time: it calls at Mt Fuji, Nagoya and Osaka in Japan, then continues on to Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City before ending in Singapore — a solid way to string together a multi-country trip without booking separate flights between each stop.

Global sailings: offers beyond Singapore

If you’re planning to cruise from elsewhere, Royal Caribbean’s international offers cover similar ground:

• Up to 60% off the second guest’s cruise fare with BOGO60
• Kids Sail Free on sailings of three nights or longer
• Up to S$1,200 instant savings per stateroom during selected August booking windows
• Up to S$140 off short sailings with the Shorts Kicker offer, for bookings made by 3 September 2026
• Up to USD100 onboard credit per stateroom for Crown & Anchor Society members on China round-trip sailings aboard Spectrum of the Seas

The NATAS-only extra: Champs blind boxes

Here’s the bit that’s exclusive to the fair itself. From 21–23 August, anyone who books a Royal Caribbean cruise with their preferred travel partner at NATAS Fair gets a free The Champs blind box — one per cabin booked. Book four cabins, and you can redeem a full set. It’s while stocks last, so if that’s the deciding factor for you, booking early in the weekend is the safer bet.

Should you book at NATAS?

Fair floor pricing and onsite perks like this tend to beat what’s available online, especially when instant savings, BOGO60, and onboard credit are stackable within the same booking window. If Navigator or Quantum’s Singapore sailings are on your list, or you’ve been curious about a longer repositioning cruise like the Tokyo-to-Singapore run, this is the kind of weekend where the math actually works in your favour.

Full terms and conditions apply to all offers above — worth checking with your travel agent or Royal Caribbean directly before you commit to sailing dates.

NATAS Fair runs 21–23 August 2026. For more information, offers listed are current as of publication and subject to change.

If you are really ready to go on a hike to Sapa, there are a few things that you need to know before you commence your trip. The first and probably the most and important thing that you need to know, is that your whole hike success depends on what time of the year you go. If you are going during peak season you will need to book your train tickets or bus tickets well in advance in order to avoid the disappointment of missing out on a lift, or paying premium prices for a private taxi to Sapa from Hanoi 

We have just done the trip at the end of October, not the busiest time to hike, and we still were very lucky to get sleeper seat tickets on the overnight trains from Hanoi to low chi. 

We strongly recommend you begin this trip from Hanoi, and not other places, due to the fact that Hanoi is set up to handle the tourists and the travel necessary to have a successful trip. You can catch the train or bus from Ho Chi Minh City or whore yarn, but you will be injured a lot more hassle and price during your trip.

Your first and most important step of the trip is to make sure you know how you are getting to Sapa. There are three options that you must know about. The first option would be to take an overnight bus from Hanoi to Sapa. This bus will take will take you approximately 7 to 8 hours and depending on how much you pay, will be very comfortable or it will be a tough night sleep

The second option, and the option that we recommend the most, would be to take the overnight train from Hanoi to Lo Cai, a small train station and town which is located 45 minutes at the base of the hill before arriving at supper. I strongly prefer this option more for several different reasons. The first reason would be the fact that if you were travelling in a slightly larger group, you can book a four-bedroom sleeper which gives you total privacy for the night and the closest thing that you will get to a comfortable nights sleep. Each of the rooms has their very own charging point and lights and in our opinion is the best and most convenient way to get to Sapa.

The train itself is regularly cleaned so it’s acceptable for all levels of travellers.  We had the 4 person sleeper and ended up having to share our room with some other random travellers until they left about midnight.  There are also luxury 2 person sleepers which cost double the 4 person slots. Each 4 person sleeper bed costs approximately $20USD and is well worth the price. A lady comes around asking to sell sweets and biscuits if you are feeling peckish. We suggest visiting the supermarket located in the train station before you go for a wide range of fresh and yummy foods.

The whole train experience last 7-8 hours depends the number of spots. The rooms also have charging points so you can plug things and charge them too. The conductor will come around 20 minutes before you are due to arrive and will knock on the door so you wake up. There is also a tea/coffee lady that will do a round 

Most of the trains that arrive here are coming early in the morning, so it is a little tough to work it all out. You literally just jump off the train and you are already outside. As you step off the train, you will be met by a host of “drivers” who will offer to take you to Sapa, which is located 45mins-1 hour drive up the mountain. Unless you have prearranged your pickup with a hotel, you now have 2 options. You can take the public bus, which will be a little slower but cheaper ($1.50), attached below is a picture of the outside sign, 20m from the exit. Another popular option is to take one of the drivers and go with them on their minibus. These buses are quicker and less hassle but the flip side is that they cost approximately $5USD and can have up to 9 people in them if you are unlucky. We took the minibus and had no issues with it at all. 

The only problem with the train is that you will be required to catch a shuttle from the train station up the mountain to supper. The locals have already well accommodated you for this and there will be shuttles waiting for you at the train station. You can catch the local bus which will cost you less than two dollars to go up the mountain, but we recommend taking a shuttle for no more than five dollars due to its speed, and convenience to bring you to your hostel/homestay.

If you are catching the train from Hanoi, then there are dozens of eating options around the train station. Most of the trains back are all in the evening and are arriving early morning. 

Where to get your tickets to Sapa

We actually got our tickets last moment at Hanoi train station. We were very lucky to catch the only person who spoke English before she left so we suggest to book your tickets online for the train. However, of course, booking websites will usually charge you a little bit more money to make the booking transaction, but it is still quite cheap.

Choosing where to stay in Sapa 

Deciding on where you want to stay in Sapa is probably the most important call you will have to make when you are here. You will need to decide if you want to base yourself in the town of Sapa, and do your walking and hiking tours from here. This is very possible and many people do it. Personally, we chose to stay in a homestay, which is located about 10 km out of town. There are literally dozens of homes days within the villages that are around Sapa. They are extremely cheap and have a lot of hikers staying there, and they can organise and run hiking to is it for you just as easily as being in town. To be honest, I felt as though the homestays out there gave a much more authentic feel than staying in town, but it is totally your decision. It must be noted that there are no ATM machines in the homestay area but there are several in Sapa town, so make sure you get the money that you need in the town first. If you are dropped off into Sapa town, It is only a short $10 ride out towards where the homestays are, however, your homestay can arrange a pick up from you from the main area in Sapa.

Photo by Giau Tran on Unsplash

Where to stay in Sapa

There are literally dozens of homestays out in the village, approximately half an hour from town. We chose to stay at a place recommended to us called Tay Van Heaven Homestay, 30 mins from Sapa and a great place to stay for a few days.

The easiest part of the trip now is to actually go and begin your hike. There are several tracks that are offered from many different operators that give you the best access to all the hikes that Sapa has to offer.