Egypt just unearthed its first pharaoh's tomb in 100 years!

All eyes are on Egypt after the recent discovery of a pharaoh’s tomb, the first to be excavated since Tutankhamun’s in 1922. But it’s just the latest development stoking interest in this ancient land. Here’s why Egypt is shaping up to be a must-visit destination for 2025.

The recent excavation of a 3500-year-old tomb belonging to Thutmose II is the first royal rock-cut tomb to be unearthed since Tutankhamun, over 100 years ago. Thutmose II’s burial chamber, which is painted blue with stars on the ceiling, was excavated in the Valley of the Kings, a famous burial site for pharaohs who reigned between the 18th and 20th dynasties.

The Valley of the Kings is home to many tombs of pharaohs who ruled during the 18th-20th dynasties, such as The tomb of Ramses VI. (Image: Getty/Ibrahim Hamroush)

Although Thutmose II reigned for several years (some time between 1493 and 1479 BC), he is known as the ‘missing pharaoh’ due to relatively little being known about him. He’s been overshadowed in the historical record, particularly by his wife Hatshepsut (the second reigning queen in Egyptian history). The status of Thutmose II as a ‘missing’ pharaoh makes the discovery of his tomb even more incredible, providing one more piece of the puzzle to the Ancient Egyptian world. To this day, there are only a few pharaoh tombs in the area that remain unknown. And after 100 years of searching, one more mystery has been solved.

Thutmose II, depicted on this relief found in Karnak temple, is known as the ‘missing king’ due to so little surviving information about him. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

Another reason to visit Egypt in 2025

But the exciting discovery of the tomb is not the only thing that’s stoking intrigue in this cradle of ancient civilisation. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has finally opened its doors after more than a decade of anticipation. Parts of the museum opened in 2024, with the rest set to officially open in July 2025. GEM contains over 100,000 artifacts from ancient Egyptian civilization, as well as a complete collection of Tutankhamun artefacts, many of which will be on display for the first time.

The Grand Egyptian Museum will open in 2025, and host 100,000 artefacts, like this statue of Ramses II. (Image: Flickr/Warren LeMay)

Can you visit the tomb?

You can’t visit the new tomb of Thutmose II yet. However, you can see his mummified body, which is housed in The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.

Although Thutmose II’s newly discovered tomb is not open to the public, some incredible tombs in the Valley of the Kings are. For example, the tomb of Seti I is widely regarded as one of the most striking tombs in the valley, boasting elaborate decorations throughout the vaulted structure that digs deep underground. Discovered in 1817, this tomb offers visitors a glimpse into the beauty and sophistication of ancient Egyptian burial practices.

Seti I Tomb — The tomb of Seti I is widely regarded as one of the most beautifully decorated in the Valley of the Kings. (Image: Getty/Ibrahim Hamroush)

The legendary tomb of Tutankhamun is a must-see for obvious reasons, and the tomb of Ramses VI is resplendent in remarkably well-preserved hieroglyphs and New Kingdom paintings. Ultimately, Ancient Egypt will always capture our imagination. But the discovery of a new tomb and a major museum opening is revitalising its allure. A century after the discovery of King Tut sparked Tut-mania, Thutmose II is finally stepping into the limelight, too.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

Egypt just unearthed its first pharaoh’s tomb in 100 years!

All eyes are on Egypt after the recent discovery of a pharaoh’s tomb, the first to be excavated since Tutankhamun’s in 1922. But it’s just the latest development stoking interest in this ancient land. Here’s why Egypt is shaping up to be a must-visit destination for 2025.

Another reason to visit Egypt in 2025

Can you visit the tomb?

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