Private terminal to open at Changi Airport

The next chapter of experience-led travel is taking shape at one of the world’s biggest airports.

One degree north of the equator, Singapore sits just above Earth’s latitudinal starting line. This near-perfect geographical alignment has positioned Changi Airport as the main gateway for those travelling between the southern and northern hemispheres.

Changi Airport, Singapore — Changi Airport in Singapore is a major international travel hub. (Credit: Getty/Moisseyev)

Over time, it has evolved to support such an enormous volume of international traffic, with an extensive range of amenities cementing Changi’s reputation as the best airport to spend time in. But it’s not stopping there – a new private terminal is now in the works.

Set to open in mid-2027, the luxurious new hub will be located at the southern node of Terminal 2. Rather than starting from scratch, the Changi Airport Group (CAG) is redeveloping its former Commercially Important Persons site, previously designated for high-value passengers. But the sentiment? That’s staying the same.

Chiangi Airport, Singapore — The new terminal provides a private space for guests to relax. (Credit: Changi Airport Group)

“Some of today’s travellers seek more than just a comfortable place to spend time before their flight – they are after a personalised premium experience," says Ang Siew Min, senior vice president, airport operations development and airport operations services at CAG. “We are meeting this demand with an upgraded private terminal that delivers an exceptional experience."

The passenger journey is central to the terminal’s design, spanning everything from deluxe lounges and cocktail bars to bespoke restaurants and wellness spaces.

An elevated events room will cater to larger entourages and private gatherings, while other parts of the building will be solely dedicated to rest and relaxation. Those with particularly lengthy layovers will even be able to book a private suite.

Recognising the benefits of fresh air and sunshine, CAG is also creating a brand-new amenities cluster – an extension of the preexisting lifestyle centre, Hub & Spoke. At the heart of the design is Changi’s first covered amphitheatre and open-air plaza, which will host a variety of intimate community events.

Green spaces, walking tracks and outdoor cafes only add to the appeal. It’s a brilliant addition for travellers keen to stretch their legs between long-haul flights, with transfers to and from boarding gates running throughout the day.

What’s more, the terminal will be just down the road from Hotel Indigo, arguably one of the most anticipated openings in the world. Developed by Singapore-based real estate group OUE and Tokyo Century, the 225-key property will boast a rooftop terrace, floating forest and photovoltaic solar panel grid. Launching in 2028, it’s set to become the city-state’s first zero-energy hotel.

Upon opening, the exclusive precinct will be jointly operated by CAG and the Plaza Premium Group (PPG), a leading brand responsible for running the largest network of airport lounges worldwide. Mei Mei Song, chief transformation officer at PPG, perfectly sums up the project’s expected impact.

“By bringing together our global expertise in airport hospitality with Changi’s renowned operational excellence, we will offer a new benchmark in personalised, seamless and bespoke services for our discerning guests."

Watch this space.

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.

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