Located off Swan Street as part of Botanicca Corporate Park, the brand new Element Melbourne Richmond is set to open in May 2019. The 168-room hotel will be located on the city fringe and it will feature a state-of-the-art fitness centre, refreshing pool as well as healthy food options. There will also be bright and open multi-purpose public spaces that are designed for work, play, socializing, and unwinding.

If you have been collecting Hilton Honors points conscientiously, you will have to spend them (as you should) at some point. Even though Hilton Honors no longer publish award chart changes, they just recently launched a brand new Points Explorer to help you determine the number of Hilton Honors points required for a free night.

Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore, the award-winning luxury serviced apartment has successfully obtained a hotel license which means that guests are now no longer require to stay a minimum of six nights. As such, short stays (even for a single night) are now possible and in recognition of this, the property has launched a brand new Weekend Staycation package which comes with a number of benefits.

Hoshino Resorts will be unveiling the Hoshino Resorts BEB5 Karuizawa on 05 February 2019 and this brand new property aims to free modern travellers from time constraints and obligations. The always-open public spaces within the property will allow guests to tailor their vacation to their personal needs and preferences and it aims to replicate "a night at one's best friend's house" with the beautiful communal space. In recognition of the different travel preferences of people in their 20's, Hoshino Resorts has designed BEB5 Karuizawa to inculcate the spirit of discovery and surprise.

There has been a number of exciting changes for Regent Singapore this year - the management agreement with Four Seasons was not extended for 2019 (the official last day was 31 December 2018) and the Potiac Land Group (who owns the property) has appointed Capella Hotel Group to manage the hotel this year. What is even more interesting however is that IHG Rewards Club members will soon be able to earn and redeem IHG Rewards Club points at Regent properties (yes, this includes the Regent Singapore) from 01 February 2019.

IHG is set to open more than 25 highly-anticipated Kimpton hotels across 20 new global destinations including Taipei, Bali, Bangkok, Tokyo and Shanghai in the next three to five years. Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants was founded back in 1981 in San Francisco and the heartfelt approach to hospitality has translated to unique, design-led hotels across city centers, beachside resorts, mountain getaways, and more.

Many of you will remember that the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has acquired a 51% stake in Regent Hotels & Resorts back in 2018 and now, it has been officially announced that IHG Rewards Club members will soon be able to earn and redeem points at these properties from 01 February 2019. While searching for hotels yesterday, I noticed that the Regent Singapore (where I have stayed back in 2014) is already integrated into the IHG app - you can now book it via the platform but at the time of writing, reward nights are not yet available.

Located just 60-minutes away, The Canopi in Bintan can easily be accessed via ferry from Singapore - this destination is also a popular glamping spot for families and thrill-seekers on weekends especially. While trying to book hotels this morning, I realised that The Canopi will soon be joining Tribute Portfolio which is a brand under Marriott International and Marriott Bonvoy members will soon be able to earn points and eligible nights at this property from February 2019.