Oriental Media is pleased to be the supporting partners of Meet the Experts Conference – “Vietnam’s Hospitality - Time To Rebuild” at 1:30 PM on April 26th at InterContinental Hotel Saigon. 

The Gourmet Vietnam Awards return with a spotlight on creativity, passion, and talent across the country’s vibrant dining scene. This year, the People’s Choice categories invite food lovers to champion the chefs whose flavours and philosophies have reshaped the way Vietnam eats. From Italian mastery to French finesse, from bold Vietnamese reimaginings to soulful storytelling, these culinary leaders embody the energy and diversity of modern gastronomy.

The Vietnam Best Sommelier in French Wines 2025 (VNBSMFW) – part of the “Taste France” campaign organised by the French Ministry of Agriculture – has successfully concluded after attracting more than 50 participants from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi. Following the Semi-Final round, four outstanding contestants advanced to the Grand Final.

A stone’s throw from Khem Beach, JM Boutique Hotel offers more than a stay: it offers a philosophy of living. Crafted by two sisters, Joanna and Małgorzata, therefore the name of JM, their vision was clear from the beginning - to create a harmonious space for both guests and nature itself, showcasing the boutique essence of hospitality. The result is a 28-room sanctuary that blends ecoconscious design, heartfelt hospitality, and island simplicity into a retreat where life slows, breath deepens, and beauty endures.

Amid Saigon’s restless energy, three new destinations invite pause. NÚC Kitchen & Bar, ÚNU Cocktails & Eatery, and Ômm Mixology Saigon transcend dining and drinking, transforming hospitality into philosophies of craft, memory, and reverence. Together they mark a shift toward intimacy, storytelling, and mindfulness in Vietnam’s evolving culinary scene

The crisp whisper of autumn in China brings with it more than just the
lantern-lit glow of Mid-Autumn. It unveils a gastronomic ritual steeped
in poetry, status, and seasonal precision: the arrival of the hairy crab—
dàzháxiè—China’s most coveted crustacean delicacy. At its heart lies an
interplay of nature, economy, and cultural yearning, connecting Suzhou’s
jade-green waters to dinner tables across the nation. 

When people hear “Wagyu”, its birthplace Japan springs to mind, along with Australia – now the world’s second largest Wagyu producer. But over the past two decades, Wagyu cattle have been raised in many other parts of the globe. And while purists still swear by Kobe or Mishima, the Wagyu gene pool has officially gone global. 

Executive Chef Alessio Pirozzi is the creative force behind Torno Subito, the first Asian  outpost by three-Michelin-starred chef Massimo Bottura of Osteria Francescana. At its COMO  Dempsey flagship, the restaurant marks its first anniversary with a refreshed menu and bold  new  direction – one that allows Pirozzi’s culinary voice to shine through, blending deep-rooted Italian traditions with childhood memories and contemporary flair.  

Marking its 150th anniversary, Audemars Piguet unveils a breathtaking new wing at AP House K11 Musea in Hong Kong. Overlooking Victoria Harbour, the serene retreat blends Swiss craftsmanship with Chinese cultural heritage, redefining luxury hospitality through intimate design, horological artistry, and a unique sense of community. 

Fashion no longer ends at the runway. From Dior’s fabled Montaigne mansion to Armani’s serene sanctuaries in Milan and Dubai, the world’s greatest designers have extended their artistry into unforgettable hotels and suites. These rare addresses offer more than rest they embody couture as lifestyle, dressing every moment in luxury. 

There is something quietly radical stirring in the northeastern hills of Italy. In Collio, a sun-drenched stretch of vineyards bordering Slovenia, tradition and rebellion have long shared the same glass. Now, after decades of resistance and revolution, Collio has officially added orange wine to its DOC classification. This move is more than a regulatory decision. It is a homecoming. 

In the Grand Cru village of Aÿ, Champagne Lallier has been quietly cultivating a reputation for expressive, terroir-driven wines since 1906. Known for its precision and purity, the house now enters a new era with the release of R.021, the latest chapter in its flagship Réflexion range, guided by newly appointed Cellar Master Dominique Demarville. 

Once again, the Spanish gastronomic event “Open Day” reaffirmed its role as a key gourmet milestone of the year. Held on Friday, July 18th at the Caravelle Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, the event gathered over 200 professionals from the food and beverage industry. 

After journeying across busy tables in Bali and crowded bars in Jakarta, Virky Juanda opted for slow mastery in En Par and quickly made a name for himself.

In a city renowned for its refined drinking culture, Dover Yard inside 1 Hotel Mayfair has redefined what a modern luxury bar can be. Since its opening in July 2023, this destination has captivated London’s creative and cosmopolitan crowd with its intoxicating blend of sustainability, sophistication, and soul.

In the heart of Boston’s Financial District, The Langham stands as both a monument and a masterpiece, a living chapter of the city’s storied past reimagined for the modern traveler. Once home to the Federal Reserve Bank, the 1922 Renaissance Revival landmark has been meticulously restored into one of Boston’s most elegant addresses, where history and hospitality meet in perfect balance.

Renowned as one of Vietnam’s most prestigious luxury destinations, The Reverie Saigon elevates the art of hosting with a world-class collection of meeting and event spaces in the very heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Beyond its iconic architecture and opulent interiors, the hotel distinguishes itself through exceptional versatility, impeccable service, and an unwavering commitment to perfection.

In a city defined by reinvention, few comebacks feel as momentous as the return of the Waldorf Astoria New York. Following an eight-year, US$2 billion restoration, the legendary Park Avenue hotel has reopened its doors, its grandeur intact, its spirit refreshed, and its place in New York society reaffirmed.

Sleep has become the new frontier of luxury travel. From circadian lighting and sleep butlers to Ayurvedic rituals under starlit skies, the billion-dollar boom in sleep tourism transforms rest into an art form. These global retreats promise not just slumber, but renewal where indulgence begins the moment you close your eyes. 

Tucked discreetly beneath the polished glamour of Burlington Arcade, London’s most historic luxury shopping strip, lies a speakeasy so seductive it feels almost imagined. No Regrets, the newest and arguably most intriguing addition to Mayfair’s drinks scene, is a blood-red hideaway concealed beneath British rock ’n’ roll jeweller Stephen Webster’s boutique, a bar that demands you seek it out, not stumble upon it.

Unveiled as a “hotel within a hotel,” Grand Opera Tower redefines Saigon’s luxury landscape with poetic elegance and cultural depth. Inspired by the Opera House and shaped by Vietnam’s artistic soul, this reimagined sanctuary blends craftsmanship, serenity and contemporary sophistication into one of the city’s most exclusive new addresses.

Tucked into the emerald folds of Batangas just two hours south of Manila, The Farm at San Benito has long held its place as the Philippines’ quiet temple of holistic healing. Stepping onto its 52 hectares feels like exhaling after holding your breath for far too long, palms swaying above tranquil lagoons, peacocks wandering freely across sunlit paths, and the soft hum of nature offering a rhythm far gentler than the one we carry from city life.

High in the foothills of Himachal Pradesh, Naar has emerged as one of India’s most compelling new destination restaurants, set against sweeping views of valleys framed by the Western Himalayas. Located within Amaya, an intimate boutique retreat near the village of Darwa, the restaurant is enveloped by pine forests, wild grasses, and crisp mountain air, a serene natural canvas that informs every aspect of its philosophy.

From terroir and tasting profiles, to pricing strategies, we uncork a conversation that reveals what it takes for China to pour itself into the global canon of serious wine. 

The Italian Wine Festival 2025 concluded with resounding success, welcoming more than 400 guests and bringing a vibrant celebration of Italian wine culture to Casa Italia, Hanoi. The event was organized by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (ICHAM), with the support of the Embassy of Italy in Hanoi, and formed part of the 10th Edition of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World.

With the unveiling of new prestige cuvées and the construction of a state-of-the-art winery, Champagne Barons de Rothschild is charting a bold course to match its storied legacy in Bordeaux and beyond. 

A select circle of New York’s most discerning tastemakers gathered for an evening where legacy, artistry, and the rarest expressions of champagne converged. Hosted by Haute Wine Society and Haute Living, the intimate dinner at Zuma New York honored Mathieu Billecart—seventh-generation custodian of Champagne Billecart-Salmon, one of France’s most revered family maisons since 1818.

In the rarefied world where fashion, flavour and fine craftsmanship intersect, a new era of collectible whisky is emerging, one where creativity is as essential as age and provenance. Leading this movement is Johnnie Walker’s couture collaboration with designer Olivier Rousteing, a partnership that elevates whisky-making into an art form of sensory storytelling.

In the heart of Al Quoz, an unexpected cradle of creativity and calm, Sohum Wellness Sanctuary rises as one of Dubai’s most refined destinations for holistic healing. Awarded Best Luxury Ayurvedic Wellness Spa in Dubai 2025 by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards, this sanctuary invites guests into a world where ancient Ayurvedic wisdom meets contemporary elegance, transforming wellness into an art form.

Along the sun-washed banks of the Douro River, the spa at Octant Douro offers a quietly luxurious retreat where nature sets the rhythm. Tucked within the hillside terraces of Castelo de Paiva, the setting feels suspended between water and sky, with views that seem to follow guests from treatment rooms to garden paths and outdoor decks. The atmosphere is minimalistic yet warm, allowing the serenity of the valley to take centre stage.

This December, Hồ Tràm’s coastline unveils a beauty uniquely its own — serene, crisp, and quietly poetic. Far from the city’s hum, this seaside haven is cloaked in tranquility: the whispering breeze, the measured rhythm of the waves, and the golden hush of late afternoons intertwine to welcome a festive season filled with warmth, wonder, and calm delight.

Sofitel Saigon Plaza launched its year-end festive journey with a magnificent Noel Tree Lighting ceremony, marking the commencement of the 2025 festive season under the radiant theme – “A Stellar Christmas”.

Rising above the pulse of the city, SABI Sky Omakase opens quietly yet assuredly on the 25th floor of Centec Tower — a tranquil vantage point where each evening unfolds as an intimate exploration of flavor, seasonality, and the beauty of time.

In a world where hospitality is increasingly defined by individuality, storytelling, and the art of creating meaningful experiences, Elegant Hotel Collection stands as a champion of independent luxury. As the Silver Sponsor of the Gourmet Vietnam Awards 2025, Elegant brings its refined vision and global expertise to a celebration that honours excellence, creativity, and innovation across Vietnam’s vibrant culinary and hospitality landscape.

The Reverie Saigon is delighted to introduce its 2025 festive program - “The Reverie Express”, inspired by the timeless journey of the “Orient Express” - an icon of classic elegance, indulgent luxury and endless spirit of exploration. Throughout the season, the hotel transforms into a “grand terminal”, unveiling seven dazzling stations that guide guests into a vibrant festive season set against refined Italian artistry. 

This most beautiful time of the year, Green Bay Phu Quoc Resort & Spa invites esteemed guests to immerse in A Coastal Wonderland, where the holiday joy embraces the gentle beauty of the sea. Under the canopy of swaying palms and a sky glittering full of stars, the golden glow of festivity blends seamlessly with the deep navy calm of the ocean. 

Jakarta’s dining landscape has entered a dazzling new chapter, marked by the near-simultaneous arrival of two international culinary heavyweights: Íñigo Urrechu with his flame-forward Basque grill house, Erre & Urrechu Jakarta, and multi-award-winning British chef Kirk Westaway with the refined The Crown at Fairmont Jakarta. Different in spirit yet united in ambition, these venues encapsulate the capital’s growing appetite for global excellence served with unmistakable flair.

JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon, the luxury hotel located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, officially reveals its new festive look filled with vibrant colors, accompanied by a series of meaningful and exciting events. This December, a European-inspired festive atmosphere, limited-edition luxurious gifts, and lavish feasts prepared by five-star chefs, along with culinary experiences ranging from Asian to European cuisine at renowned restaurants, will all be introduced. The hotel brings one of the most unique, elegant, and refined Christmas settings in Saigon, allowing every guest to enjoy “the most wonderful time of the year” in their own way.

As the Christmas season approaches in Phu Quoc Island and around the world, the air gradually transforms into that familiar blend of tropical warmth and festive sparkle. Lights begin to twinkle, the Pearl Island grows merrier and plans for staycations fall into place. Pullman Phu Quoc Beach Resort - a 5 stars flagship resort by Pullman offers magical decorations, resort-style indulgence and joyful year-end cheer. 

The Glenlivet has once again stepped into the rarefied air of ultra-aged Scotch, unveiling a 56-year-old expression that stands as the second chapter of its Eternal Collection. Emerging in the glow of last month’s Distillers One of One auction where the 60-year-old Spira shattered expectations at £650,000, the new release arrives with quiet confidence, rooted in heritage yet elevated through contemporary artistry.

Few winemakers command the reverence afforded to Dermot Sugrue—an Irish-born visionary whose name now echoes through the cellars of critics, collectors and, indeed, King Charles III himself. Often described as the finest winemaker in England, Sugrue has carved out a place at the pinnacle of modern sparkling wine through relentless craft, intellectual rigor and an unwavering belief in the land beneath his feet.

Sheraton Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort presents Festive Glow - a season of shimmering lights, warm gatherings and heartfelt celebrations inspired by the joy of togetherness. From golden-and-silver décor to the comforting scent of gingerbread, the month-long festivities unfold in a magical ambiance that invites guests to embrace meaningful holiday moments. Festive flavors and captivating performances illuminate every corner, where the true glow of the season shines in shared laughter and the simple pleasure of being together.

More than a decade of "hibernation" opened the door for Tamnavulin's powerful transformation. Through its unique double cask maturation method, the brand not only successfully revived but rapidly rose to the Top 20 Single Malt whiskies globally.

Born from an act of extraordinary courage by a Mackenzie Chief more than seven centuries ago, The Dalmore has soared to become a globally celebrated whisky icon. The brand’s commitment to superior quality fully embodies the spirit of valor and the perfectionism maintained over centuries.

BARSON has officially wrapped up Chapter 4 of its acclaimed series “Nights of the Best”, closing the year with a remarkable highlight for the festive season. Continuing the momentum of previous chapters, BARSON once again brought global craftsmanship to Saigon’s cocktail community, this time through the presence of 夜香木 Yakoboku – the celebrated bar from Kumamoto, Japan, ranked Top 25 Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025.