Mandarin Oriental Bangkok named Southeast Asia's only top hotel in 2025
Known for its annual list of the world's top 1,000 restaurants, La Liste uses the same algorithm-based approach for its hospitality ratings. The guide compiles thousands of critic reviews, expert insights and guest feedback. It also aggregates and analyses data from over 400 international sources, ensuring an objective evaluation that transcends cultural preferences and regional biases.
'Our algorithm doesn't lie: these establishments truly represent the pinnacle of global hospitality,' said La Liste's founder Philippe Faure. 'Each transcends the simple concept of accommodation to offer a transformative experience to its guests.' For its inaugural year, the accolade crowns ten properties worldwide with a top score of 99.5 – six in Europe, two in the Americas and two in Asia. A big shoutout goes to Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, which is not only one of just two Asian stays but also the only one representing Southeast Asia.Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is no stranger to international acclaim. Located on the historic Chao Phraya River, it stands as a living legend of Asian hospitality. Despite changes over the years, the place continues to uphold a 145-year tradition of dedicated service that remains Bangkok's beating heart. Here's the full list of the world's best hotels in 2025, according to La Liste
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The Herald Scotland
2 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Perthshire restaurant with rooms adopts 'revolutionary' business model
Unbeknownst to her, the business model was based around 80-90% of the revenue generating from voucher deal companies, an unsustainable business model for a rural business. David Racz, Claire Nicol and Laura Muirhead of Achray House (Image: Black Squid Photography) Since then, Laura has transformed her Perthshire restaurant with rooms, saving it with a 'revolutionary' membership subscription she launched just last year. Working for the past six and a half years to turn the establishment around from its pie and chips offering customers had grown to expect to fine dining has been a challenge, but one she and head chef David Racz have relished. With David's decade of experience working in The Ducks Inn and Martin Wishart and Chez Rous at Graywalls, the duo, alongside general manager Claire Nicol are putting Achray House on Scotland's food map. 'I initially wanted a gastro pub feel to the restaurant because, having lived in London, it's what I loved, but we evolved fully to fine dining in 2022,' said Laura. 'Our style is classic French cooking, and I genuinely believe we are very affordable for the quality we produce. Achray is the home away from home everyone craves and those dining with us for the tasting menu experience all end up conversing over their different tables by the end of the night. 'It is just the three of us, an agency chef and a few housekeeping staff, so it's a very personal experience you get here.' Pictured: Monkfish cheek with blood orange bisque and wakame (Image: Black Squid Photography) Laura admits the energy crisis three years ago almost bankrupted her, but she was determined to make Achray a success and launched the membership subscription that she feels may redefine hospitality and food tourism across the country. Introducing the scheme just 10 months ago, guests can sign up for £195 per couple for 12 months, unlocking unlimited free accommodation at the premises for the year. The only catch? Guests must dine at Achray House during their stay, meaning the venue generates its main revenue through food and drink sales, all while guests benefit from visiting multiple times throughout the year for the price of one overnight. The year-long membership commences when members arrive for their visit after purchasing it, ensuring customers feel they are getting bang for their buck. Read more: Laura said: 'My husband, who lives abroad, specialises in subscription models in his line of work. We launched a VIP members club for just 20 people to get some feedback on the initiative initially and they loved it, so we opened it up to everyone. 'I had a goal of 100 memberships within a year. We launched it last October and have generated 172 already. Guests are asking to be signed up when they are dining in the restaurant. I had two people sign up just this morning. 'People are looking for value and at how they can save money, but still have nice experiences.' Pictured: Dark Chocolate Crémeux, milk sorbet and cocoa nib (Image: Black Squid Photography) But it's not just the free, dog-friendly accommodation guests from Inverness to Manchester are flocking back for, it's the food at the two AA Rosette restaurant that has spurred so many to sign up for the membership. With an affordable a la carte offering served in the 30-cover dining room, a five-course tasting menu priced at £75, exclusive themed Saturday lunch events and a Sunday roast experience from £35 per head, there's plenty for customers to get stuck into. Themes to date have included surf and turf, smokehouse barbecue, Sicilian and seafood, and The Achray's a la carte menu shines a light on David's classic French cooking style paired with his passion for seasonal Scottish produce. It usually features three starters, mains and desserts. Pictured: Achray House in Perthshire (Image: Black Squid Photography) The 46-year-old confirms the average stay for most members is two nights, with a whole host of repeat business rolling in because of the membership perks. She added: 'We've had so many guests return as a result, and because we have different menus and change them so often, we keep it fresh for those dining with us. 'Claire will even organise the dining room in such a way that she will seat guests' tables beside those she believes will get on best. She can read people so well, and it creates this brilliant atmosphere. 'Two Michelin-starred chef, Mark Donald, of The Glenturret's Lalique, even recommends us.' Pictured: An affordable a la carte offering is served in the 30-cover dining room (Image: Black Squid Photography) Laura is currently looking to introduce Hospitality Mondays, opening on one of the industry's traditionally quieter days when most venues are closed to give hospitality workers the opportunity to dine out locally on their days off. 'I'm genuinely surprised at how successful it has been, long may it continue.' she adds.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Lesser-known national park has turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs and no crowds
Brits looking for a postcard-perfect spot for their next holiday may want to check out the breathtaking destination that's been proving a hit with the social media crowd Brits planning their next adventures on France holidays may want to bookmark a breathtaking national park that's home to fjords full of crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs and almost no crowds. The Calanques National Park in France looks like something out of a storybook thanks to the turquoise waters that make up the landscape, with a range of quiet sandy and pebbled beaches lining its shores. The region can only be reached by boat or on foot, meaning that it's a lot quieter than other French hotspots as there are smaller crowds of visitors who flock to the area. The clear waters mean you can get a great look at what's been described as an "underwater garden" thanks to the diverse array of plants and wildlife that reside there, including the likes of octopuses, sea breams and anemones. (Just keep an eye out for urchins!). It's one of those beautiful areas that rivals the likes of Europe's coolest seaside town that's just three hours from the UK. READ MORE: Gorgeous UK beach is 'hidden gem' with no tourists that 'goes under the radar' It's therefore no surprise that the Calanques have become increasingly popular with the social media crowd, who have been tempted by its postcard-worthy landscapes. The good news is that it's still relatively quiet compared to plenty of other hotspots because it's not as easily accessible, so even with the influx of tourists it's easy to find plenty of peaceful spots. One of the best ways to explore the region is by boat, so you can leisurely make your way along those crystal-clear waters and take in the dramatic scenery. In fact, an increasing number of holidaymakers are opting for boat trips to explore Europe's hidden gems. According to recent data from SamBoat, bookings via its UK site rose by 75% last year, with most Brits opting for day trips as part of their travel plans. Of those, 89% of boats were rented without a skipper, with prices around £340 a day proving appealing for families or groups of friends wanting a memorable day out. As for the Calanques, these remain a firm favourite with those who love to experience destinations off the beaten track. The SamBoat insiders explained: "Swap the busy city streets for sea cliffs if heading to Marseille and take a day trip to the Massif des Calanques, a dramatic stretch of limestone coves and turquoise waters nestled between Marseille and Cassis. "Only accessible by boat or on foot, these secluded inlets offer wild swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing far from the crowds. Hiring your own boat for the day from the Old Port is a great option, offering total flexibility for you to explore at your own pace." For Brits, Marseille is the best destination to visit if you're planning to head to the Calanques. There are plenty of direct flights with the likes of easyJet and Ryanair with a flight time of just under two hours, and then it's approximately a 35-minute drive to the national park. Alternatively you could get the Eurostar from London to Paris and then change on a train to Marseille in France, with the total journey time being around seven hours.
Metro
11 hours ago
- Metro
‘Gifted' European city that's 25°C in September with Mediterranean beaches
Bustling Paris is a classic city break, offering striking Eiffel Tower views and strolls along the Seine – but there are plenty of alternative places to visit in France beyond the capital. For example: a city dubbed the 'Venice of France', romantic and tiny small towns, a 'hidden' holiday hotspot with £15 flights, and a naturist village if that's your thing. Add to the list the charming city Montpellier – which has previously been nicknamed the surdouée , meaning 'gifted' or 'wonder child'. Montpellier, which sits on the South of France's Mediterranean coast, may be petite compared to Paris, but it's still the country's seventh-largest city and home to some 486,000 people. It's the fastest-growing French city over the last 50 years, more than doubling in population from just 119,000 residents in 1962. And with rich history to explore and a reliable dose of sunshine, it has a lot to offer tourists. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. The best way to soak up Montpellier's bountiful offering of medieval alleys, ornate fountains and incredible architecture is to wander the streets on foot. A great place to start is Écusson, Montpellier's old town – the centre of the city. Named for its Écu (old French coin) shape, this district is the oldest (built in the Middle Ages) and also the most vibrant, bursting with quirky indy shops and restaurants, as well as nods to the district's history. One such feature is Europe's oldest medical school, the Faculty of Medicine, which was founded in the 12th century and still in operation today. Nearby, you can find France's oldest botanical garden, Jardin des Plantes, for a peaceful stroll – and admire the Gothic architecture of Cathédrale Saint-Pierre. Time your visit for a Tuesday or Saturday between 7am to 1.30pm, and the area comes alive with the outdoor Marché des Arceaux. Held beneath the towering Arceaux Aqueduct, it's Montpellier's biggest food market, and is packed with local produce. Be sure to pick up some pelardon – the region's creamy goat cheese. If you love Paris' Arc de Triomphe, Montpellier has a less-famous version – the Porte du Peyrou, built in 1692 – just along the promenade. Elsewhere, by the square Place de la Comedie you'll find the art museum Musée Fabre. Or, if you prefer, simply sitting in one Montpellier's numerous squares with a coffee and pastry (or glass of wine) is great way to soak up the vibes. Montpellier's location means you can also fit in a beach break, if you wish. A 20-minute tram ride away are 7km of beaches in the nearby resort of Palavas-les-Flots. If you're lucky, you might see flamingos wading in the Méjean lagoon en route. Otherwise, the sandy Petit Travers and Grand Travers beaches are about 30 minutes by car. Montpellier is 10km inland from the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, in the Occitanie region. It has an airport – Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport – which has direct flights to and from the UK. On Skyscanner, we found return easyJet flights for September from London Gatwick for £85, and for as little as £74 return in October. As for where to stay, we spotted Airbnb rooms from £33 per night and apartments from £42 per night, if you're travelling in September. Hotel prices vary depending on when you visit, but there are plenty of affordable options. Peak tourist season is around the July to August school holidays – expect Montpellier to be busy in the months either side of this (June and September). As a result, if you're keen to veer away from the crowds, the best time to visit is May to mid-June and late-September to October – or perhaps even during the winter months. If the weather is solely guiding your travel plans, the warmest time of year in Montpellier is, as you'd expect, from June to September. More Trending July is the hottest month with an average high temperature of 29°C, while August's average highs are just a degree cooler at 28°C, Holiday Weather notes. June and September's average highs both hit 25°C, while October drops to a pleasant 20°C. This article was originally published in January 2024 and has been updated. MORE: Adult-only hotels that ban children 'like dogs' could be made illegal in France MORE: I followed a dusty path in Ibiza and found the 'White Isle's' most iconic hotel MORE: I've travelled all over Canada, but nothing compares to its 'ocean playground'
