Copenhagen turns to Japan for cultural inspiration

A catchy, memorable name is a big bonus for any new tourism precinct.

I'm not sure the folk behind The Water Culture House on Christiansholm - in Copenhagen - have thought that through.

The new precinct on what is also known as Paper Island (Papirøen) - is being promoted as "one of Copenhagen’s most exciting new waterfront attractions" and is due to open in the second half of this year, news bub Travel Mole reports.

Part of a wider vision for the island, the project anchors the development of Papiroen, a new urban district designed as a relaxed oasis in the heart of the Danish capital.

The precinct will blend water culture, dining, housing, and public spaces, inviting people to unwind, experience culture, enjoy good food and take in sweeping views over the harbour and inner Copenhagen.

The Water Culture House itself is described as "a gift to Copenhagen residents and visitors alike".
It will offer a unique swimming experience right in the Port of Copenhagen, combining innovative design with year-round indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities.

The concept was born from public consultations. In 2015, the City of Copenhagen launched a competition inviting residents to propose ideas for a new recreational and cultural centre on Christiansholm.

The majority called for a swimming facility - underlining Copenhagen’s connection to its harbour.

An international tender for the design followed in 2017. The winning team was led by Japanese architects Kengo Kuma & Associates, alongside Danish companies.

The building will introduce a "striking Japanese-inspired architectural expression" to Copenhagen’s harbourfront. Designed as a cluster of cone-shaped brick volumes in soft grey tones, the structure will appear to rest lightly on a ribbon of glass.

The standout feature will be a heated outdoor pool set within a “valley” formed by the roofscape, delivering a one-of-a-kind bathing experience with harbour views. 

Additional outdoor pools of varying depths will sit close to the quay, catering to both adults and children.

Taiwan lights up for the end of Lunar New Year

If Taiwan has been on your travel "to do" list then next week might be a good opportunity.

The 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival will be held in Chiayi County from March 3 to 15. 

Diverse offerings include the chance to stand beneath a 21-metre tower of glowing light while drones paint the night sky, fireworks burst overhead, and the sounds of Irish tap dancers fill the air. 

Taiwan Lantern Festival is one of Asia's most beloved annual celebrations - marking the end of the Lunar New Year . 

Each year it rotates to a different city and this year's theme is "Glow with Taiwan, Light Up Chiayi". 

The festival has 12 official "must-see" attractions. The centrepiece is "Glow of Alishan", a towering 21-metre main lantern synchronized to a full sound and light show. 

International artists include France's Cavalcade of White Horses and high-energy Irish tap dancers, along with the Taiwanese Paper Windmill Theatre, and the Ming Hwa Yuan Arts & Cultural Group.

Chiayi is accessible by high-speed rail with the Chiayi HSR Station connected to Taipei in under 90 minutes. 

See more at 2026taiwanlanternfestival.org/En 

Tourism Authority of Thailand ups its tech game

With tourism in Asia increasingly competitive, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has relaunched an updated ‘Amazing Thailand’ app. 

The new version integrates AI technology and secure payment solutions, offering a "worry-free travel experience", TAT says.

The Amazing Thailand app now features tools for every stage of a travel experience including planning, booking and making secure payments.

An AI-powered chatbot (oh no!) aims to make real-time recommendations based on prompts and user preferences.

The app suggests suitable itineraries, places to stay, dining, activities, plus traveller safety tips, local newspaper The Nation reports.

The newest version of the Amazing Thailand app can be downloaded from March 15, 2026.

Kittipong Praphathong, deputy governor for Digital, Research, and Development at TAT, said the new app is a key step in developing Thailand’s national digital tourism platform. 

It strengthens the country's global tourism competitiveness and supports local businesses with sustainable economic opportunities.

Head to Slovenia for a monastic experience

Fancy sleeping in a former monastery? Slovenia can deliver that.

Mekinje Monastery has introduced a distinctive new hospitality concept - an overnight stay designed as a retreat into silence, simplicity and the culture of the mid-20th century.

Conceived for individuals and couples seeking respite from the pressures of modern life, constant connectivity and digital noise, the program offers an opportunity to slow down and reconnect. 

Guests stay in renovated monastic rooms furnished with restored pieces from the former Kamnik monastery.

The interiors echo the 1950s with the architectural and cultural landmark said to offer "dignified presence and contemplative ambience".

The rural location is surrounded by greenery and overlooking the Kamnik–Savinja Alps.



An essential part of the experience is discovering the monastery’s history - dating back to 1300 - and the lives of the monks and nuns, including Ursuline and Poor Clare sisters.

Visitors can explore exhibitions, join guided tours of the monastery and chapel and discover herbal products from the monastery garden. Mornings begin with a simple herb-infused breakfast featuring seasonal ingredients.

Additional experiences can be arranged in advance, including herbal and culinary workshops, orchard visits, guided tours and options dedicated to calming body and mind - from yoga and meditation to sound and mindfulness workshops.

Overnight rates start at €70 per person and curated multi-day packages are available – from experiences celebrating traditions beneath the Kamnik mountains to family retreats tailored monastic packages for seniors.

See https://monasterymekinje.eu/

Photos: Blaž Muc

So you'd like to stay on your own private Tasmanian island?

Looking to enjoy one of Tasmania's most exclusive destinations? 

After extensive renovations and the construction of a new primary suite, Picnic Island Tasmania has officially re-opened this month as an exclusive private island experience.

Availability is limited to 100 nights per year to protect the island’s delicate ecosystem (and resident Little Penguin colony). 

Picnic Island is located 800 metres offshore from Coles Bay near Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay on Tasmania's east coast. 

“This week we celebrated with the extraordinary people who helped make this vision a reality: architects, builders, local artisans, experience providers and producers, conservation partners, and Tasmania's tourism community,” said Picnic Island co-owner Mark Israel. 

“Their commitment to doing things right, rather than simply doing things quickly, has created something special. Now we're ready to share it with guests seeking an authentic connection to place.”

The property now accommodates up to eight guests across four luxe spaces: the newly built primary suite and two fully renovated copper-clad structures. 

No expense has been spared here. Think a dedicated island host and skipper, a private chef showcasing Tasmanian produce, and a selection of premium Tasmanian wines and spirits. 

A new Tasmanian-built boat is available for marine excursions and transfers to and from the island. 

The property operates off-grid through advanced solar systems and rainwater collection. 

“We’re not trying to recreate a five-star hotel on a remote island," says co-owner Elisa Yu. 

"We’re offering something more valuable: complete privacy in a place where nature still dictates the rhythm. The transformation guests experience emerges organically when they connect with this extraordinary place.” 

The bad news: the all-inclusive rate is $16,000 per night for the entire island for up to eight guests. With a three-night minimum stay. 

For more info see www.picnicisland.com.au.

Anantara hotel brand to make Australian debut in Perth

Anantara, a leading high-end hotel brand in Asia, is set to make its Australian debut in Perth, the capital of Western Australia. 

Minor Hotels, the hotel brand owner and operator, this week signed up for the Anantara Perth Hotel in the Burswood Point precinct.

 

The expansion will bringing Anantara’s Thai-inspired hospitality to one of Australia’s fastest‑growing capital cities.

The hotel will anchor the $3.8 billion Burswood Point development, which will open in 2032. 

Anantara Perth will become a flagship destination on the Swan River waterfront with the new-build. property to be developed by Golden Sedayu, a partnership between Perth’s Golden Group and Agung Sedayu, one of Indonesia’s leading property developers. 

The hotel will have 150 contemporary guest rooms and suites, two destination restaurants, a swimming pool, fitness centre and an Anantara Spa. 

Anantara Perth will join a collection of over 50 Anantara properties. Minor Hotels also operates Australian properties under its Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites and Avani Hotels & Resorts brands. 

"We are delighted to introduce Anantara to Australia. Perth is experiencing rapid development across its urban and tourism landscape, creating the ideal environment for a property of this standard," said Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International, parent company of Minor Hotels. 

"Anantara Perth represents our commitment to expanding world-class luxury experiences into new markets.”

Burswood Point is being promoted as "a world‑class entertainment, tourism, and residential destination".