The happiest nation in the world is set to build a new ‘mindfulness city’ that’s positioned to be a major drawcard for wellness tourism.
Tucked away in the Himalayas, the Kingdom of Bhutan is often regarded as one of the happiest nations in the world. It’s the last stronghold of Vajrayana Buddhism, and even measures the collective wellbeing of its citizens through a Gross National Happiness Index (GNH). In keeping with its emphasis on prosperity, Bhutan is developing a sustainable wellness hub in the country’s south, near the border with India’s Sikkim region.
Gelephu Mindfulness City will be built in harmony with the waterways and landscapes. (Image: Bjarke Ingels Group)
Gelephu Mindfulness City is a visionary pathway to creating new opportunities in connectivity, education, and green investments for its citizens, all while boosting Bhutan’s GNH. It will be built in harmony with the region’s abundant waterways and rivers, forming ‘ribbon-like’ neighbourhoods connected by innovative ‘inhabitable bridges’. The city is slated to become a major player in worldwide wellness tourism, with a health centre, Vajrayana spiritual centre, and a cultural centre for visitors to learn about and experience Bhutanese tradition.
The city will be connected by ‘inhabitable bridges’. (Image: Bjarke Ingels Group)
At the heart of this ambitious plan is a new international airport, which will play a key role in enhancing connectivity and transforming Gelephu into a mindfulness hub. But this is truly an airport like no other, much like the city itself.
The new international airport is slated to open in 2029, making this hard-to-reach nation more accessible. (Image: Bjarke Ingels Group)
The architecture of the airport sets the tone for the city’s concept of harmony with nature, designed to resemble a stylized mountain range from a distance. Details will evoke a strong sense of place, with intricate wood carvings depicting dragons embellishing the airport. The design of the project is helmed by Danish design firm Bjarke Ingels Group, also known for major projects like Google’s Silicon Valley headquarters as well as Denmark’s sustainable waste-to-energy power plant CopenHill.
The airport will be designed to mimic the mountain ranges characteristic of the region. (Image: Bjarke Ingels Group)
Slated to open in 2029, the new mindfulness city and airport will make Bhutan more accessible, encourage visitation and create more local opportunities. It will be the second international airport in the country, joining the airport in the capital of Paro.
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Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for International Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
Iconic destinations, unforgettable adventures and thrilling onboard adventures; say hello to your next Asia holiday with Royal Caribbean.
When you want to explore the gleaming skyscrapers of Shanghai and the bars of Singapore, but also embrace centuries-old traditions in Japan before traipsing through the lush jungles of Malaysia, a conundrum presents itself: how do you do it all seamlessly without the stress of flying (or repacking)? Enter, Royal Caribbean.
With a brand designed around maximising your holiday time, sip cocktails by the pool or watch Broadway-style performances on board as the ship glides effortlessly from one atmospheric port to the next.
Now that you have Asia at your fingertips with minimal effort, the big question is: which all-inclusive experience (and itinerary) is best for you?
Japan
The itinerary
Prepare for a show, on and off the ship.
The Land of the Rising Sun has never been hotter, and Royal Caribbean has a vast array of unforgettable Japanese itineraries – these range from eight-night adventures to 14-night holidays circumnavigating the country’s islands.
The eight-night Best of Japan sailing is memory-making perfection, kicking off in Shanghai (Baoshan) on 24 October 2026. Stop at fascinating ports to soak in the sweeping landscapes and seascapes of Saikaiminato, Kyoto, Niigata and Hakodate while enjoying incredible dining and adventurous activities onboard Spectrum of the Seas®. Complete your journey back in Shanghai, ‘the Paris of the East’.
Port highlights
See iconic vistas of Japan.
Off the ship, hike the dramatic volcanic peaks of Sakaiminato’s Daisen-Oki National Park, explore the iconic temples of Kyoto, enjoy traditionally brewed sake made in Niigata (the birthplace of many quality sake brands), and taste local flavours at Kanemore Red Brick Warehouse, a premier dining and shopping district in Hakodate.
Don’t miss Royal Caribbean’s Amanohashidate Highlights shore excursion in Kyoto, an exhilarating experience that features a cable car ride up to Kasamatsu Park and includes a visit to Nariaiji Temple, a hillside Buddhist site.
The ship
Step on board Spectrum of the Seas®.
Aboard Spectrum of the Seas®, days at sea are just as action-packed as those on land. Here, 17 dining venues, along with eight bars and lounges, take guests on the ultimate global dining tour. Stop into Sichuan Red, designed specially for this ship, where you can savour a rich tapestry of authentic spices and Asian-influenced flavours. Start with the chef-recommended royal sea cucumber, then move on to a hot and savoury bowl of mapo tofu simmered in a traditional spicy sauce, or authentic pickled radish and duck soup.
Fancy a little post-dinner entertainment? Talk salsa lessons, or book front row seats to Showgirl, a multisensory spectacular that pays homage to the ultimate siren of the stage. You can also take a visual journey into the exotic cultures of the Far East with The Silk Road at Two70®.
Kids (and kidults), as always, are well-catered for, with aqua park Splashaway Bay℠ and the largest indoor active space at sea, SeaPlex®, which offers everything from laser tag to bumper cars. Those looking to relax can find peace in the adults-only solarium, as well as a wealth of treatments at Vitality℠ Spa.
Thailand and Malaysia
The itinerary
Sit down to hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki℠.
Royal Caribbean’s Southeast Asia sailings deliver the perfect fusion of culture, cuisine and coastlines, and the four-night Penang & Phuket cruise is proof that short escapes can still feel spectacularly rich.
Kick off with Royal Caribbean’s iconic Sail Away Party as Ovation of the Seas® departs from Singapore on 27 February 2026. The itinerary then weaves through two of the region’s most mesmerising destinations: Malaysia’s melting pot of cultures in Penang and Thailand’s sun-soaked island of Phuket.
Each port stop is layered with history, flavour and natural beauty, while each moment spent onboard Ovation of the Seas® is filled with fun and excitement.
Port highlights
Zoom around the ‘James Bond Island’.
In Penang’s George Town, a maze of heritage architecture, vibrant murals and street stalls serving sizzling char kway teow and aromatic laksa come together, blending past and present. Visit the Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple to soak up its peaceful energy, ride the century-old funicular to the forested summit of Penang Hill for panoramic views, and wander Batu Feringhi Beach, where the Andaman Sea laps gently against golden sand. Jet skis? Why not?
Then it’s north to Phuket, where both adventure and relaxation beckon. Make the most of the local beach scene at Kata Noi and wander up Monkey Hill for sweeping vistas (and mischievous company). Be sure to book Royal Caribbean’s thrilling shore excursion here – you’ll zip along in a three-engine speedboat to the iconic ‘James Bond Island’ made famous in The Man with the Golden Gun. After a day of exploration, you’ll have enough time to enjoy a sunset cocktail on the waterfront before returning to your ship for another unforgettable evening.
The ship
Experience thrills aboard Ovation of the Seas®.
Of course, life on board Ovation of the Seas® is just as exhilarating as your adventures off it. Sit down to 16 flavoursome finds, from Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver® to theatrical hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki℠.
Build up an appetite with Royal Caribbean’s iconic onboard activities, from the FlowRider® surf simulator to soaring sky-high on RipCord® by iFLY® and zipping around in bumper cars in SeaPlex®. You can really choose your own adventure.
End the night with Spectra’s Cabaret at Two70®, a fascinating fusion of music, robotics and light that redefines entertainment at sea.
