From a new Michelin key in Manila to international hospitality awards, family-friendly stays and travel deals, hotels and resorts are rolling out plenty of reasons to plan the next getaway. Here’s what’s new in travel.
Hotel Okura Manila earns one Michelin key
Hotel Okura Manila. Handout
Hotel Okura Manila has been awarded one Michelin key in the 2026 Michelin Guide hotel selection, making it the only hotel within a Manila integrated resort to receive the distinction.
The 185-room hotel at Newport World Resorts opened in 2022 as the first Okura Nikko Hotels property in the Philippines. Located near Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, the hotel incorporates Japanese design and hospitality traditions throughout its rooms, restaurants and facilities.
Its Hinoki-yu rooms feature soaking tubs made from hinoki wood sourced from Nagiso Town in Nagano, while its restaurants include Yawaragi, which serves Japanese, Filipino and international dishes, and Yamazato, the hotel's Japanese fine-dining restaurant.
Yamazato also received a Michelin distinction and is one of three Yamazato restaurants worldwide included in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide.
Hyatt Regency Manila makes Smart Travel Asia’s top 10 family hotels
Hyatt Regency Manila. Handout
Hyatt Regency Manila, City of Dreams has been named No. 8 in the Top 10 Best Family Hotels category of Smart Travel Asia’s 2026 Best in Travel Poll.
The hotel moved up two places from last year, marking its second consecutive appearance on the regional list.
The 364-room property offers family-oriented facilities including a 200-square-meter outdoor pool, children's pool, larger suites and access to DreamPlay, an indoor family entertainment center featuring DreamWorks-inspired attractions.
The property also offers more than 20 dining outlets across City of Dreams Manila, along with shopping and entertainment options.
Smart Travel Asia's 2026 poll was conducted from June to August, with safety, service and value among the factors cited by respondents when choosing travel destinations and hotels.
South Palms Resort & Spa wins two AHEAD Asia awards
The design team onsite with local craftsmen at South Palms Resort & Spa, MGallery Collection. Handout
South Palms Resort & Spa, MGallery Collection in Panglao, Bohol, took home two awards at AHEAD Asia 2026, winning in the Sustainability and Spa & Wellness categories.
The resort's design incorporates reclaimed timber from fishing boats and typhoon-damaged structures, while limestone excavated from the site was reused as architectural cladding.
Other sustainability measures include passive design, solar energy, greywater reuse, glass recycling, composting and on-site water bottling. The property also uses locally made furniture, handwoven raffia, local earthenware and locally sourced ingredients.
The AHEAD Awards recognize hospitality architecture, interior design and guest experiences across Asia and other regions. The Asia awards were presented last September 11 in Singapore.
Savoy Hotel Boracay highlights island's quieter side
Savoy Hotel Boracay Newcoast. Handout
Savoy Hotel Boracay Newcoast is positioning its resort as an alternative to the busier areas of Boracay, with access to the quieter Boracay Newcoast Cove and activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, island hopping and sunset boat cruises.
Guests can also use the hotel's complimentary shuttle to D'Mall for access to Boracay's restaurants, cafes, nightlife and shopping.
The 559-room hotel has several dining concepts, including Savoy Café, Vienne Lobby Lounge and Newcoast Beach Bar. Vienne also operates a Halal-certified kitchen.
The property was named Best for Staycation at the 11th TripZilla Excellence Awards.
BPI extends travel fair through October
The BPI Online Awesome Travel Fair has been extended through October 31, giving BPI cardholders access to promotional offers from participating airlines, hotels, resorts and other travel partners.
The offers cover local and international travel, with promo periods varying by participating merchant.
Customers can find the participating offers through the Oh My Deals! app by searching for “BPI Online Awesome Travel Fair.” Terms and conditions apply.