There’s a particular kind of quiet that settles over Casco Viejo once the tour groups clear out — cobblestones catching the last gold light, laundry strung between balconies, a marimba drifting from somewhere you can’t quite place. It’s into this rhythm that the American Trade Hotel sits, unbothered, on Plaza Herrera, as if it’s always been there. For us, arriving as a small family with all the usual chaos that entails — a stroller, a diaper bag doubling as a carry-on, a toddler more interested in the pigeons than the architecture — it felt less like checking into a hotel and more like being handed the keys to someone’s beautifully kept home. We enjoyed a fantastic hosted stay in a premium location in the historic center of Panama.

About the American Trade Hotel

Built in 1917 and restored with real care rather than a glossy renovation budget, the hotel occupies one of Casco Viejo’s landmark corners. Wooden shutters, wrought iron, and parquet floors do a lot of the talking, and there’s an unhurried, lived-in elegance to the place — floor-to-ceiling windows, antique furnishings, a lobby that hums quietly rather than performs. It’s the kind of design that lets a UNESCO World Heritage neighbourhood remain the main character.

Room Types at the American Trade Hotel

Fifty rooms in total, each individually furnished rather than stamped from a template, which we appreciated after a run of cookie-cutter city hotels. Categories range from the more compact Cuarto Chico up through Cuarto and Super Cuarto rooms, with corner and panoramic suites at the top for those wanting floor-to-ceiling views over the plaza or out to the bay. Frette linens, deep bathtubs and rainfall showers, proper blackout curtains for nap-time negotiations — small details, but the ones that matter when you’re travelling with a small child and need the room to actually work for sleep, not just photographs.

Breakfast at The Dining Room

Breakfast at The Dining Room was, without exaggeration, one of the better hotel breakfasts we’ve had this year — local produce done simply and well, the kind of menu that changes with what’s actually in season rather than what looks good laminated. Slow mornings here became something of a ritual: good coffee, fresh fruit, our little one commandeering someone else’s pastry, no rush to be anywhere when the timing allows.

Things to Do Near the American Trade Hotel in Casco Viejo

This is the real gift of staying here: everything worth seeing in Casco Viejo is within a short stroll. The Metropolitan Cathedral and Independence Square are minutes away, as is the Interoceanic Canal Museum for a rainy-afternoon detour. Wandering the plazas at golden hour is reason enough to stay in the neighbourhood rather than out by the canal — murals, church facades, and balconies worth stopping for at every turn. For those wanting the bigger-ticket Panama moment, the Miraflores Locks and a proper look at the Panama Canal are a short taxi ride out, easily built into a half-day.

Casco Viejo itself has become one of the more interesting food and design pockets in Central America, and the hotel’s location puts you at the centre of that shift without losing the old quarter’s charm.

The takeaway

Travelling as a family changes what you look for in a stay — less about the extras, more about whether a place actually makes the day-to-day easier. The American Trade Hotel managed that quietly and well: a home base with enough character to remember, in a neighbourhood built for slow mornings and long walks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the American Trade Hotel located?
The hotel sits on Plaza Herrera in Casco Viejo, Panama City’s UNESCO World Heritage old quarter, within walking distance of the Metropolitan Cathedral, Independence Square, and the Interoceanic Canal Museum.

Is the American Trade Hotel good for families?
Yes. Rooms are spacious by boutique-hotel standards, blackout curtains help with nap schedules, and the walkable location means you’re never far from the hotel if you need to head back early. [Add any specific crib/family-amenity details you experienced.]

What room types does the American Trade Hotel offer?
Room categories range from the compact Cuarto Chico through Cuarto and Super Cuarto rooms, up to corner and panoramic suites with views over the plaza or Panama Bay.

Is breakfast included at the American Trade Hotel?
[Confirm inclusion/surcharge before publishing — breakfast is served at The Dining Room, built around local, seasonal Panamanian ingredients.]

How far is the American Trade Hotel from the Panama Canal?
The Miraflores Locks are a short taxi ride from the hotel, easily done as a half-day trip from Casco Viejo.

What is there to do within walking distance of the hotel?
Plazas, colonial architecture, murals, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Interoceanic Canal Museum are all a short stroll away, making the old quarter easy to explore on foot without a car.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor opened in 1932 as the first luxury hotel in Siem Reap, built for the adventurers and high-society travellers who came to see the temples of Angkor. Almost a century later, it still feels like an event to stay here. We spent two nights as guests of the hotel with our toddler and my parents, as part of a family trip through Cambodia that also took in its sister hotel, Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh.

Where Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Sits

The hotel sits at 1 Charles de Gaulle Street in Siem Reap, set in landscaped French gardens and about 8 km from Angkor Wat, a drive of around 20 minutes. The town centre is close by too, so you get calm grounds without feeling cut off.

We arrived by road from Phnom Penh, booking a private driver and van through Agoda for the six-hour drive. With a toddler and grandparents, having our own van with space for bags and stops when we needed them made a long day easy. We did the same drive in reverse at the end, finishing our trip back in Phnom Penh.

To get to Cambodia from Singapore, we flew with Emirates on its Dubai to Phnom Penh service, which stops in Singapore. You can book just the Singapore to Phnom Penh leg, and for a short regional hop on a wide-body Emirates plane, it was great value.

The Raffles Suite and State Room: Connecting Rooms, Garden Balconies and Daily Surprises

We booked connecting rooms again: a Raffles Suite with a king bed, joined to a State Room Garden View with twin beds for my parents. It’s the set-up we’d recommend to any multi-generational family.

Both rooms have a clearly separate living area and bedroom, and the furnishings are elegant without feeling fussy. Each has a small balcony overlooking the gardens, which became our spot for a quiet coffee while our son napped.

The team replenished snacks and little treats every afternoon and evening, so we always came back to a surprise. Our stay also came with a generous set of extras:

• Signature welcome refreshments on arrival and a selection of Khmer sweets
• Daily champagne breakfast at Café d’Angkor
• Sodashi bath amenities, an in-room coffee machine and filtered water in reusable Raffles glass bottles
• Round-the-clock butler service in the suites, which was brilliant whenever we needed something quickly or an extra pair of hands
• Two signature cocktails at the Elephant Bar and an afternoon tea set, western or Khmer (we ordered one of each)
• A dinner for two adults with pairings

Dining at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor: Champagne Breakfasts, Afternoon Tea and a Dinner for Two

Breakfast at Café d’Angkor has a reputation as one of the best in the Raffles family, and it’s easy to see why. It combines a buffet with an à la carte menu, so you can graze on the spread and then order something made to order. The buffet is generous with fresh tropical fruit, bread baked that morning and freshly pressed juices. The à la carte menu is where breakfast really shines, with the chef’s specials changing day to day. And because this is Raffles, there’s champagne. A glass of bubbles while our son worked through a plate of fruit set the tone for both days.

Afternoon tea comes in two styles, western or Khmer. We ordered one of each, which was the right call. It’s a fun way to compare classic sandwiches and scones with Cambodian sweets. One evening, we put the kids to bed and sat down to a dinner for two with wine pairings. We ordered different dishes and swapped plates halfway through, and it was the first proper date night of the trip.

Experiences at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor: An Angkor Sling Masterclass, Wine and Gin Tastings and a History Tour

What sets this hotel apart is how much there is to do without leaving the grounds.

The Elephant Bar is the heart of it. Raffles’ most famous cocktail, the Singapore Sling, was first mixed at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel Singapore in 1915, and every Raffles hotel now has its own version. Here it’s the Angkor Sling, and you can learn to make it yourself in a hands-on masterclass with the bar team. We also joined a gin tasting and finished with our two signature cocktails at the bar.

The wine tasting with the hotel’s resident sommelier was learning at its best. It was relaxed, full of stories and pitched perfectly whether you know your grapes or not.

The in-house history tour was a highlight for all of us. Walking through the hotel, we learned about the Raffles brand, the hotel’s early days hosting archaeologists and adventurers, and how it has survived nearly a century of Cambodian history. Look out for the original lift as you go.

The hotel also has its own tuk tuk, and the team kindly took us on a round trip through Siem Reap so we could get our bearings and see the city.

Pool and Gym at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor: A Huge Pool for Every Generation

The pool was perfect for family time. It’s huge, so there was room for our son to splash about while others swam proper laps. There are plenty of loungers and plenty of shade, and staff came round regularly with water and suncream for everyone.

The gym is small, but it has everything you need for a holiday workout. With 15 acres of gardens to use, you can easily take your training outside too.

Families at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor: A Team That Takes Your Toddler Off Your Hands

The staff were wonderful with our son. They would often scoop him up and play with him, giving us a few precious minutes to eat a meal or finish a coffee. With the butler on hand and grandparents well looked after, it was one of the most relaxed family stays we’ve had.

How to Get the Best Value from Your Stay at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor

• Book the experiences early. The monk’s blessing, Angkor Sling masterclass and tastings run on set days, so check the schedule when you arrive.
• Book connecting rooms if you’re travelling with grandparents. A Raffles Suite plus a State Room gives everyone space.
• Ask what your rate includes. Champagne breakfast, afternoon tea, Elephant Bar cocktails and butler service add up to real value.
• Try both afternoon teas, western and Khmer, if there are two of you.
• Fly Emirates from Singapore to Phnom Penh and drive to Siem Reap with a private driver for an easy two-city Cambodia trip.
• Use the hotel tuk tuk for a first loop of the city.

Our Overall Verdict on Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor is a destination in itself. Between the monk’s blessing, the champagne breakfasts and a pool big enough for every generation, it’s ideal for families, couples and anyone who loves history with their luxury. During our stay we saw solo travellers, people working remotely, families and tour groups, and the hotel seemed to suit every one of them. If you’re visiting Siem Reap, this is the place to stay.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor good for families? Yes. The pool is huge, the suites have separate living areas, connecting rooms are available, and the staff were wonderful with our toddler.

How far is Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor from Angkor Wat? About 8 km, or around a 20-minute drive.

How do you get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap? We booked a private driver and van through Agoda for the six-hour drive. You can also fly between the two cities.

What is the Angkor Sling? It’s the hotel’s own take on the Singapore Sling, served at the Elephant Bar. You can learn to make it in a masterclass.

What is the monk’s blessing at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor? A morning ceremony under a pagoda bell that was hidden during the Khmer Rouge years and later gifted to the hotel. A monk blesses you with jasmine water and chants, then ties a sacred string around your wrist.

I’ll be honest: before we arrived, I wasn’t sure Raffles Hotel Le Royal was our kind of hotel. A grand 1929 landmark with a famous bar and a guest list that runs from Jacqueline Kennedy to Charlie Chaplin sounds wonderful, but would it work for three generations, including a toddler? We spent three nights here in October as guests of the hotel, at the end of a week in Cambodia that started in Siem Reap. By the time we left, it felt like home.

Where Raffles Hotel Le Royal Sits

We came from Siem Reap by road, booking a private driver through Agoda for the six-hour drive to Phnom Penh. It’s a long day with a toddler, but it means door-to-door transfers, stops when you need them and no airport queues with grandparents in tow.

The hotel sits in the heart of the city, a short walk from Wat Phnom, and that location is a big part of its appeal. There are temples and wats within walking distance, and so much to explore that you never feel the need to plan too far ahead. When we wanted to go further, the hotel’s eco-friendly tuk tuk took us to the Royal Palace in about 10 minutes.

The Raffles Suite and State Room: Connecting Rooms, a Teepee and Space for Three Generations

We stayed in a Raffles Suite with a king bed, connected to a State Room Garden View with twin beds. For a family travelling with grandparents, connecting rooms are the difference between a holiday and an endurance test, and this set-up worked perfectly.

What struck me first was the sheer grandness of the rooms. The proportions are generous, the ceilings high, and the building is in remarkable condition for its age. The bathrooms are massive, finished in white tiles, and feel bright and spotless.

The touches for our son were the highlight. Waiting in the room was a teepee for him to play in, a selection of toys and a little wellness kit of his own. It’s a small thing on paper, but walking in to find a space already made for him told us everything about how this hotel thinks about families.

Dining at Raffles Hotel Le Royal: À La Carte Breakfast, Afternoon Tea and Poolside Club Sandwiches

Breakfast is served à la carte rather than as a buffet, which we loved. Nothing sits under a heat lamp, and everything arrives fresh. The eggs Benedict were excellent, and the pancakes were some of the best we’ve had on the road.

Afternoon tea in the Typewriter Room is the experience I’d tell anyone to book. The light, the view over the pool and the pace of it all make it a proper pause in the day. Afternoon tea starts from USD 28.

On our pool afternoon, we kept it simple with a club sandwich in the sunshine, which was exactly what the day needed.

The Elephant Bar at Raffles Hotel Le Royal: Femme Fatale, Live Music and a Room That Time Forgot

The Elephant Bar feels just as it must have done decades ago, with wicker chairs, high French windows and the hum of a room that has hosted royalty, journalists and everyone in between. It was built in 1929 as part of the original hotel.

I had to try the Femme Fatale, the champagne cocktail created for Jacqueline Kennedy’s visit in 1967. Look out for the glass she drank from, displayed in a cabinet just outside the bar. We also worked our way through a few of the other signature drinks, each served with bar snacks.

The live music made our evenings. A band played both nights we were there, took requests from the room and kept the energy of the bar going well into the evening. The atmosphere is relaxed rather than stuffy, and it’s somewhere you’ll happily stay for one more round.

Pools, Gym and Spa at Raffles Hotel Le Royal: Two Pools, a Proper Workout and a Quiet Plunge

There are two pools, and one is shallower, which makes it ideal for little ones. We spent a long, sunny afternoon there with our son splashing safely while we finally sat down.

I squeezed in a gym session one morning, and it’s far better equipped than most hotel gyms. There’s plenty of space and a full range of Technogym equipment, free weights and cardio machines, so you can do any type of workout you like. It’s clean and well kept too.

The spa is small but relaxing, with a plunge pool and carved wooden loungers. It’s a calm place to unwind after a day exploring the city.

Families at Raffles Hotel Le Royal: Patient Staff, Thoughtful Touches and Looked-After Grandparents

This is where Raffles Hotel Le Royal really stood out. The team was incredible with our son. We were genuinely overwhelmed by how patient and kind everyone was with him, from the restaurant to the pool.

They were just as attentive to my parents. Grandma and Grandpa were looked after at every turn, and as the people responsible for everyone’s comfort, that was a huge relief for us. Every interaction felt like the staff were trying to make our lives a little easier.

How to Get the Best Value from Your Stay at Raffles Hotel Le Royal

• Book connecting rooms if you’re travelling with kids or grandparents. A Raffles Suite plus a State Room gives everyone space without splitting the family up.
• Mention your children when you book so the team can prepare the room. The teepee and toys made a real difference.
• Use the hotel tuk tuk for the Royal Palace and nearby sights rather than arranging separate transport.
• Save an afternoon for the pool and afternoon tea. It’s the best way to experience the hotel itself, not just use it as a base.
• Plan at least one evening at the Elephant Bar and check when happy hour and live music are on.
• Consider the drive from Siem Reap. A private driver for the six-hour road trip makes a two-city Cambodia itinerary easy with family.

Our Overall Verdict on Raffles Hotel Le Royal

I arrived unsure whether this was the hotel for us and left feeling we belonged. It’s ideal for families, couples and anyone who wants history, grand rooms and a central base for exploring Phnom Penh. The only people I’d steer away are those planning to get serious work done; between the pool, afternoon tea and the Elephant Bar, you’ll be far too distracted.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raffles Hotel Le Royal good for kids? Yes. Our son had a teepee, toys and a wellness kit in the room, there’s a shallow pool, and the staff were exceptionally patient with him.

How far is Raffles Hotel Le Royal from the Royal Palace? It’s about 10 minutes by tuk tuk, and the hotel has its own eco-friendly tuk tuk to take you there.

How do you get from Siem Reap to Raffles Hotel Le Royal? We booked a private driver through Agoda for the six-hour drive. You can also fly between the two cities.

What is the best room for families? We’d recommend a Raffles Suite connected to a State Room, which gave us a king room for us and our son and a twin room for the grandparents.

What is the Femme Fatale at the Elephant Bar? It’s the bar’s signature champagne cocktail, created for Jacqueline Kennedy’s visit in 1967. It costs around USD 12.

Bogotá has a way of asking a lot of you — altitude, traffic, a city that never quite slows down — so where you land at the end of the day matters more than usual. EK Hotel sits right in the middle of that equation, tucked into the Zona T / Chicó district, close enough to Parque de la 93 to walk there for coffee and far enough off the main strip to actually sleep.

This is the hotel’s strongest card. EK sits within easy walking distance of Parque de la 93 and the Andino and Atlantis shopping centres, in the same pocket of the city as some of Bogotá’s better restaurants and bars. It’s a genuinely useful base whether the day is built around meetings or exploring — close enough to the action to skip taxis, quiet enough at night to actually rest.

Rooms built for working, not just sleeping

The rooms lean contemporary and understated — clean lines, a proper desk, reliable Wi-Fi, blackout curtains, and enough quiet to actually get through an inbox before the day starts. Minibar, safe, and a flat-screen with cable round out the basics, but the real value is in the details: soundproofing on select rooms, a work surface that isn’t an afterthought, and bathrooms with rain showers and proper toiletries. For anyone folding work into a travel schedule, this is a hotel that doesn’t force a choice between the two.

Gym, spa, and the upper-floor wellness setup

EK’s wellness floor is a genuine highlight rather than a box-ticking amenity. A fully equipped gym, sauna, and Turkish bath give the option to actually train or unwind properly rather than settle for a treadmill in a converted storage room, and spa treatments and yoga sessions are available for slower mornings. It’s the kind of setup that makes an early flight or a packed meeting day easier to absorb — a proper sweat or a steam before heading out rather than after.

Dining, on-site and around the block

Breakfast is served at the hotel’s own restaurant, with a broader à la carte menu built around Colombian dishes through the rest of the day. Step outside and the surrounding streets do a lot of the heavy lifting — this stretch of the city is dense with quality restaurants, cafés, and bars, all walkable, which makes EK an easy base for anyone who wants good food without a long taxi ride home afterward.

The takeaway

EK Hotel earns its keep on the fundamentals: a location that puts everything within reach, rooms that actually work for a full day of meetings, and a wellness floor worth building a morning around. It’s a hotel for people who need Bogotá to work hard for them, without giving up on comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is EK Hotel located in Bogotá?
EK Hotel sits in the Zona T / Chicó area of Bogotá, a short walk from Parque de la 93 and the Andino and Atlantis shopping centres.

Is EK Hotel good for business travellers?
Yes. Rooms are designed with a proper desk and reliable Wi-Fi, some with soundproofing, and the hotel includes a business centre — making it a practical base for work-focused trips.

Does EK Hotel have a gym and spa?
Yes, EK has a fully equipped gym, sauna, and Turkish bath on its wellness floor, along with spa treatments and yoga sessions.

Is breakfast included at EK Hotel?
[Confirm inclusion/surcharge before publishing — breakfast is served at the hotel’s own restaurant each morning.]

What restaurants are near EK Hotel?
The surrounding streets in Zona T and Chicó are packed with well-regarded restaurants, cafés, and bars, all within walking distance of the hotel.

How far is EK Hotel from El Dorado International Airport?
The airport is roughly 20–30 minutes away by car depending on traffic.

Driver meet and greets

Almost every driver appearance falls between 6 and 8 October, it won’t be easy to plan your schedule but here’s an overview!

• Vetreska x Ollie Bearman (6 Oct, 4 to 6pm, ION Orchard): The Haas driver launches Vetreska’s Circuit Collection of F1-inspired pet wear with a runway outside Louis Vuitton. It is a closed-door event, but the public can catch him from the atrium.
• Quadrant x Alex Albon (6 Oct, 7:30pm, Bugis+ L2 Atrium): Albon does a public Q&A at Quadrant’s driver collaboration pop-up. The pop-up itself stays open until 11 Oct.
• Puma x Charles Leclerc (7 Oct, 2pm, 313@Somerset): Leclerc’s second stop of the day is Puma’s Speed Station flagship. Entry is by contest on Puma Singapore’s Instagram.
• Ray-Ban x Charles Leclerc (7 Oct, from 5pm, CQ @ Clarke Quay): Leclerc drops by the Beyond The Track pop-up at Fountain Square, which has simulators and a limited Scuderia Ferrari eyewear drop. No contest needed, so arrive early for a good spot.
• Puma x Lando Norris (7 Oct, from 5pm, VivoCity): Catch the McLaren driver at PUMA’s VivoCity flagship for a special Singapore F1 appearance. Fans can see Norris in person at the store, with public viewing expected to be busy, so arrive early for the best chance of catching him.
• Adidas x Audi with Hülkenberg and Bortoleto (7 Oct, Funan): Both Audi drivers appear at the Off The Grid motorsport hub with its showcar and simulator. A S$250 adidas spend gets you into the draw.
• Breitling x Fernando Alonso (7 Oct, 5–8pm, Raffles City): Catch the Aston Martin driver at a special Breitling appearance at Raffles City. Alonso is expected to make a public appearance during the evening activation, giving F1 fans another chance to see a driver in person during Singapore race week.
• Visa Cash App Racing Bulls with Lawson and Lindblad (7 Oct, ION Orchard and RWS WEAVE at 6:45pm): The pair visit The Trackside pop-up at ION, then head to Sentosa for the Festival of Thrills. Stamp rally winners at ION get a photo with them.
• McLaren Racing Live with Oscar Piastri and Zak Brown (7 Oct, 7pm, Sands Theatre MBS): A seated, ticketed conversation with the driver and McLaren’s CEO. Tickets run S$78 to S$288 on Sistic.
• adidas x Mercedes-AMG Petronas with Russell and Antonelli (8 Oct, adidas Brand Centre Orchard):Mercedes’ full line-up meets fans at the Orchard flagship. Entry is through the adiClub giveaway with a S$250 spend.
• Jim Beam x Zhou Guanyu (8 Oct, 3:30pm, Chijmes Main Lawn): Cadillac’s reserve driver does an on-stage chat to open the Jim Beam watch party lawn. Free entry, with highballs from S$4.
• Tommy Hilfiger x Cadillac with Pérez and Zhou (8 Oct, Paragon): Both Cadillac drivers appear alongside Thai stars Fourth Nattawat and Pond Naravit. Expect big crowds given the fan base.
• Atlassian Williams with Tzuyu and James Vowles (8 Oct, Marina Square L2): Twice’s Tzuyu joins the team principal at the Williams pop-up. Albon also visits the same pop-up on 7 Oct.

F1 brand collaborations happening this 2026 Singapore Night Race

Orchard Road and Marina Bay carry most of the team and brand pop-ups this year, many running past race weekend.

• Ray-Ban x Scuderia Ferrari, Beyond The Track (1 to 14 Oct, CQ @ Clarke Quay): An open-air pop-up at Fountain Square with racing simulators, challenges and a limited-edition Ferrari sunglasses drop. It is one of the longest-running activations and free to walk into.
• +44 x Almave by Lewis Hamilton (5 to 11 Oct, The Shoppes at MBS B1): Hamilton’s +44 streetwear capsule launches alongside his non-alcoholic agave spirit Almave. Pieces are exclusive to the Singapore pop-up.
• adidas x Mercedes-AMG Petronas (until 12 Oct, adidas Brand Centre Orchard and Raffles City): Car displays, racing simulators and the full Mercedes merch range. Simulator access and giveaway entry come with a S$250 spend.
• adidas x Audi, Off The Grid (until 11 Oct, Funan): Audi’s first season in F1 gets a motorsport hub with a showcar and simulator. A S$250 adidas spend enters you into the raffle.
• Puma, The Speed Station (6 to 11 Oct, 313@Somerset and VivoCity): Puma’s motorsport concept store with a racing simulator and Ferrari collection. It is where the Leclerc contest winners meet him.
• Visa, HUGO and Tudor x VCARB, The Trackside (1 to 11 Oct, ION Orchard L1 Atrium): A Racing Bulls pop-up with a stamp rally across partner brands. A second Racing Bulls showcar sits at RWS WEAVE until 12 Oct.
• Tommy Hilfiger x Cadillac (1 to 11 Oct, Paragon atrium): The fashion partner of F1’s newest team showcases its Cadillac capsule. Driver appearances happen here on 8 Oct.
• Atlassian Williams (5 to 13 Oct, Marina Square L2): A team pop-up with an anime collaboration and exclusive merch. Albon visits on 7 Oct and Tzuyu on 8 Oct.
• Disney x Formula 1, Fuel the Magic (until 11 Oct, Orchard Central): Disney-themed F1 merch and photo spots, plus a Hot Wheels booth at Orchard Paddock. A good stop for families.
• Vetreska, Circuit Collection (3 to 11 Oct, ION Orchard): The pet brand’s F1-inspired range sits outside Louis Vuitton at ION². Bearman launches it on 6 Oct.
• Ferrari Style (until 25 Oct, The Shoppes at MBS): Ferrari’s fashion line brings its Fall/Winter collection to a pop-up. It stays well after the race for anyone who misses race week.
• LEGO, F1 Experience and Big Build (until 18 Oct, Suntec City Atrium): A life-size LEGO race car build with play zones. Free and family friendly.
• Porsche, Raceborn Fest (9 to 11 Oct, Guoco Midtown): Porsche’s car culture festival runs over race weekend, with cars, community and lifestyle programming.

The parties you don’t want to miss during this Singapore F1 2026

Party nights peak from 8 to 11 October, from free street stages to S$45,000 suites.

• Moët & Chandon, Amber Lounge (10 to 11 Oct, The Clifford Pier): The Official F1 After Party, with Eve, apl.de.ap and J. Rey Soul performing and drivers usually dropping in. Passes from S$850 Saturday and S$1,250 Sunday, tables from S$7,500.
• CÉ LA VI, Lights Out ft. Carl Cox (8 to 11 Oct, MBS Tower 3 L57): Four rooftop nights of deep tech and afro house, closing with Carl Cox. Entry from S$325 including champagne or a house pour.
• Chivas Regal, Rise Above The Race (HighHouse, 1 Raffles Place L62): A 62nd-floor afterparty with DJ duo NERVO and the Leclerc Spritz. S$40 pre-sale or S$50 at the door, with a cocktail included.
• HighHouse and NOVA (9 to 11 Oct, OUE Sky L61 to 62): Back-to-back DJ nights with front-row views of the Marina Bay circuit. One of the best viewing-plus-party combos in the CBD.
• Jungle Ballroom, Apex (9 to 11 Oct, Mondrian Duxton): Three nights with DJs Autograf, Alan Dixon and Natalie Dunn. VIP packages from S$750.
• Temper, Apex: Taylah Elaine (finale 10 Oct, Mondrian Duxton): London DJ Taylah Elaine closes Temper’s race-week series. VIP tables start at S$2,088.
• The Nanson, PR1X: District Red (10 Oct, Robertson Quay): A red-themed night of DJs and live acts by the river. S$108 for non-members, tables up to S$3,500.
• Token2049, After 2049 (9 Oct, MBS SkyPark): The crypto conference’s afterparty with Claptone and Crusy on the observation deck. Expect a tech-heavy, international crowd.
• Tom Barker Group, 47A (race weekend, National Gallery Singapore): An intimate hospitality space capped at 100 guests a day. Pricing on request.
• Mandala Club, Boogie Pasoh: Electric Eden (9 Oct, Bukit Pasoh): An all-female local DJ line-up caps the club’s six-day race takeover. Members and their guests only.
• Singapore GP, Circuit Park concerts (9 to 11 Oct, inside the circuit): Janet Jackson, Lana Del Rey, The Killers, JJ Lin and CORTIS headline across the weekend. Access comes with your race ticket.
• Orchard Paddock (8 to 10 Oct, Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza): A free street party with ALYPH, YAØ, simulators and movies until midnight. The easiest no-ticket option.

F&B race week promotions

Most race menus run 2 to 11 October, with brunches concentrated on race weekend.

• Almave, The Lewis (5 to 11 Oct, LAVO, Mott 32, Spago, WAKUDA, Yardbird): Hamilton’s zero-proof agave cocktail is on menus across Marina Bay Sands. MBS bars also pour a bespoke Almave Circuit cocktail list.
• Moët & Chandon at Maison Boulud (daily, 5:43pm, MBS): A daily Magnum Pour ritual paired with a Grand Vintage menu. Moët also runs Magnum and Grand Vintage pours at SUSHISAMBA, Gotti and Sipsip from 9 to 11 Oct.
• LeVeL33 (9 to 11 Oct, Marina Bay Financial Centre): Live race coverage 33 floors up with house-brewed craft beer and Wagyu. Four-course menu at S$168++ or three-hour free flow at S$149++.
• SUSHISAMBA, Copacabana Brunch: Race to SAMBA (10 to 11 Oct): Robata and ceviche stations, a Maki Race Roll, live DJ and samba dancers high above the city. S$160++ per person.
• METT Singapore, Riviera Race Club (3 and 10 Oct, Fort Canning): A brunch with free-flow champagne, plus Driver’s Table cocktails (S$28++) at Canning Bar. The Cabana Club pool party on 10 Oct is S$128++.
• Mondrian Duxton, Circuit Di Carna Brunch (8 to 11 Oct): A Northern Italian brunch with live carving. S$98++, add S$78++ for champagne, and poolside cabanas from S$450++.
• Tanjong Beach Club, Circuit Soleil and Champagne Brunch (8 to 11 Oct, Sentosa): Wood-fired Milanese chicken and free-flow bubbles by the beach. S$138 to S$218++, with a post-race recovery bootcamp the morning after.
• QT Singapore, Cygnet Supper Club (8 to 11 Oct): Extended hours until 2am with caviar-topped nuggets and lobster sliders. Shuck Yeah! x LARK oysters go for S$1++ each.
• 1-Group, race menus (2 to 11 Oct, 1-Altitude Coast, 1-Atico, 1-Alfaro, 1-Arden, The Summerhouse, Alkaff Mansion): Each venue does circuit-themed dishes and cocktails, like The Final Lap at 1-Altitude Coast (S$22++). 1-Atico’s Apex Lunch runs S$35 to S$55++.
• Glenfiddich x Aston Martin (until 31 Oct, VUE, ANTI, Temper, Writers Bar, Tess Bar, HighHouse): A whisky cocktail trail across six bars. Prices vary by venue.
• Brewlander x Four Points, Pole Position Pours (until 12 Oct, The Best Brew): Five craft beers paired with F1 teams, guided tastings and a simulator. Pints from S$10 on 8 and 9 Oct.
• Heineken at Lau Pa Sat (until 11 Oct): Slot-car racing and themed hawker desserts. One-for-one Heineken 0.0 while stocks last.
• Conrad Singapore Marina Bay (5 to 11 Oct): The Terrace pours two race cocktails, Pit Stop and Fast Lane, at S$27++ each, and Oscar’s stays open 24 hours from 7 to 11 Oct. The spa’s Recovery Ritual (from S$288+) is there for the morning after.

Summary table

Times and entry rules can change at short notice, so check each brand’s Instagram the morning of.

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. The hotel is also a member of Beyond Green, in the portfolio of sustainable hotels and we love the focus on sustainability they have.

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.