The Philippines has earned another major international tourism milestone after Entalula Beach in El Nido, Palawan was named the No. 1 Beach in the World for 2026 by The World’s 50 Best Beaches, surpassing renowned destinations in Greece, Australia, the Maldives, and Mexico. The annual ranking was based on the votes and evaluations of more than 1,000 travel professionals from around the world. Unlike many world-famous beaches that have become heavily commercialized, Entalula

The Philippines is set to remain on the global culinary map for years to come after the Department of Tourism (DOT) confirmed that it has extended its partnership with the MICHELIN Guide for at least two more years, with the possibility of a third, securing the guide’s presence in the country until at least 2028. Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay revealed that the agreement has already been signed, describing the extension as part of the government’s broader strategy to

After establishing itself as one of the country’s premier luxury lifestyle resorts in Boracay, The Lind Hotels is entering a new phase of growth with the development of new properties in Coron and Siargao, marking its transformation from a single-property brand into a curated multi-island portfolio. The expansion comes as demand for premium leisure destinations in the Philippines continues to strengthen, with the independent Filipino hospitality brand betting on destination

As regional travel becomes more affordable, industry leaders are asking what it will take to keep domestic tourism competitive. For generations, the Philippines has been synonymous with island getaways. Destinations such as Boracay, Palawan, Siargao, Bohol, and Cebu have built global reputations for their natural beauty, warm hospitality, and unforgettable experiences. Yet a growing number of Filipino travelers are asking an unexpected question before booking their next vacat

The Philippines has earned another global recognition—this time as the world’s best country to retire in 2026, according to the Retirement Abroad Index 2026 by UK-based international health insurance provider Expatriate Group. The country topped the rankings with an overall score of 78 out of 100, surpassing well-known retirement destinations such as Thailand, Colombia, Portugal, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. The report evaluated countries based on five major factors that ma

For decades, restaurant kitchens were designed to stay out of sight—busy spaces hidden behind swinging doors where chefs worked away from the eyes of guests. Today, that concept is rapidly changing. Across luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, cafés, and modern casual concepts, open kitchens are becoming one of hospitality’s most defining design and operational trends. More than an architectural feature, the open kitchen represents a shift in how restaurants connect with gu

MANILA, Philippines — Luxury hotel Conrad Manila is celebrating a significant milestone as it marks its 10th anniversary, commemorating a decade of delivering world-class hospitality while helping shape Manila’s position as a premier destination for business and leisure travelers. Since opening its doors in 2016, the hotel has become one of the country’s most recognizable luxury properties, welcoming international dignitaries, business executives, leisure travelers, and local

As travel preferences continue to evolve, Ayala Land is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable tourism with a major expansion of Lio Estate in El Nido, Palawan. The latest investment reflects a growing shift in the hospitality industry, where destinations are increasingly designed not only for short vacations but also for extended stays, remote work, wellness, and lifestyle living. Lio Estate, Ayala Land’s flagship mixed-use tourism development in northern Palawan, is ente

MANILA, Philippines — Hotel101 Global is entering its most ambitious year to date, with a record 2,229 new hotel rooms scheduled to become operational in 2026 across the Philippines, Spain, and Japan. The expansion marks the largest number of room openings in a single year for the Filipino hotel brand and reflects growing confidence in both domestic and international tourism markets. The 2026 pipeline includes 519 rooms in Davao, 548 rooms in Cebu, 680 rooms in Madrid, Spain,

Ube, the purple yam native to the Philippines, is no longer just a nostalgic ingredient in Filipino desserts. In 2026 it has become a global star across cafés, bakeries and social‑media feeds. Longtime matcha drinkers are now sampling ube lattes, while big brands experiment with everything from ube cocktails to ube‑cheese pies. Some trend watchers call it the “new matcha” , but is that comparison fair? This feature explores how ube rose to prominence, its parallels with m

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) has maintained its baseline target of 6.7 million international visitors for 2026. This goal was set under former Secretary Christina Garcia‑Frasco and remains in place under the current administration. By the end of 2025, arrivals totaled only 6.48 million, highlighting the challenge of reaching—or surpassing—the ambitious figure. A New Secretary, the Same Target In April 2026, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Dita Angara‑

The Philippine hospitality industry continues to build on its post-pandemic recovery, with 2026 shaping up to be another year of growth, investment, and transformation. As tourism rebounds and business travel gains momentum, hotels, resorts, restaurants, and mixed-use developments are adapting to meet the changing expectations of today’s travelers. Across the country, new hotel developments are expanding room inventory not only in Metro Manila but also in emerging destination

With 40% of Filipinos reporting signs of burnout (according to a 2024 survey by MentalHealthPH), it’s no wonder that the hospitality industry is tuning in. What used to be a niche amenity reserved for ultra-luxury retreats is now going mainstream. Mid- to high-end hotels are integrating wellness not just into their spas—but into your room, your meals, and your overall experience.

Crisp, minty, and made for sunny days—the mojito is that one drink you reach for when you want something light, fresh, and easy.

MAKATI CITY, PHILIPPINES — Just when we thought the Makati skyline had settled into its rhythm, a quiet shift sends ripples through the city’s luxury hospitality scene. The well-loved New World Makati Hotel, a longtime favorite for both business travelers and staycationers, is now under the wing of one of the country’s most powerful names in real estate: Ayala Land.

Long before it became trendy to spotlight local ingredients, Margarita was already doing the work—quietly, passionately, and with deep respect. After training in Italy, she returned to Manila not to replicate Italian cooking, but to reinterpret it in a way that was approachable to Filipinos. Through her flagship restaurant Cibo, she introduced rustic yet refined Italian dishes that became a staple for a generation. But her vision didn’t stop there.

They say paradise takes time to heal. For Bohol, the healing has finally turned into a comeback—and it’s not just a quiet one. From...