A Night That Rewrote My Story: Winning Asia’s Hotel & Lifestyle Influencer of the Year 2025 at LUXE Asia 2026
There are moments in a creator’s journey that feel surreal, like a scene from a movie you never thought you’d star in. Walking up to the stage at the LUXE Asia 2026 亚洲旅游大赏 2026 was one of them.
For those unfamiliar, LUXE Asia is the definitive awards platform celebrating excellence in luxury travel, hospitality, and lifestyle across the Asia-Pacific region.
HoteLux served as an official partner and supporter of LUXE ASIA 2026, bringing together key players in the global luxury travel and hospitality sector to showcase high-end travel experiences.
HoteLux contributed to the event by fostering networking and hosting exclusive experiences, such as performances featuring singer Kit Chan and Ghost Huang Xiaoyun.
The LUXE Asia 2026 亚洲旅游大赏 2026 (Asia Travel Awards) took place this spring at the West Bund of Shanghai, China.
The 4-day event gathers top hoteliers, designers, culinary artists, and content creators who shape how the world experiences Asia. Categories span from Best New Resort to Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality, but the Influencer of the Year award holds a special weight; it recognises the voices bridging digital storytelling with genuine travel influence.
From a grand opening ceremony, exclusive panel discussions from industry leaders providing insights of luxury travel, hosted KOL dinner to award night.
One of the highlights for me is an unforgettable moment walking the red carpet in Shanghai, and one of the few that has this opportunity.
Another surprise was when they called my name “ Dorothy Soh” for Winner Asia’s Hotel & Lifestyle Influencer of the Year 2025. The auditorium, which is filled with the brightest names in luxury hospitality, dissolved into a blur of flashbulbs and applause. All I could think was: this is for every sunrise shot, every late-night edit, and every story we chased together.
If you’ve followed me from the beginning, you know this wasn’t an overnight accolade. It was built on dusty roads, five-star lobbies, hidden alleyways, and the unwavering belief that authentic storytelling can bridge cultures. Winning this award isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a testament to the community that grew alongside me.
To the hotels, tourism boards and local guides who opened doors (and sometimes secret kitchens) to me: thank you for trusting my lens and letting me share your narratives with the world.
And to you, every reader, viewer, and friend who has liked my content, left a comment, or booked a trip based on a recommendation. You are the reason I keep chasing the horizon. Knowing that my content has helped you discover a hidden gem, navigate a culture with respect, or simply dream a little bigger, that means more than any trophy.
During this 4-day event at LUXE Asia 2026, we were delighted to be invited to the Overseas KOL Exclusive Gala Dinner at the iconic Bellagio by MGM Shanghai. This dinner brought together distinguished international key opinion leaders and the management of Hotelux for an unforgettable evening of luxury, entertainment and fine dining.
The evening commenced with an elegant pre-dinner cocktail and canapé reception, where guests mingled in a sophisticated atmosphere overlooking the stunning Shanghai skyline. A live string orchestra performance set the tone for the night, creating an immersive and refined ambience as attendees arrived and networked.
Guests were then treated to a gorgeous display of roses in the ballroom and an exclusive chef demonstration, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship behind the evening’s curated menu. The culinary experience was further elevated by a captivating live performance from a renowned Chinese singer, blending contemporary elegance with cultural charm.
The gala dinner featured a specially curated multi-course menu, beginning with “The Wizard of Oz” M5 Beef Carpaccio, followed by delicately baked Razor Clam and a rich creamy Asparagus Risotto with flame sweet shrimp. The main course presented a perfectly Charred Grilled M9 Beef Sirloin, prepared to premium standards, before concluding with a classic and indulgent Tiramisu dessert with sweet scented osmanthus fermented Glutinous rice.
Combining exceptional gastronomy, live entertainment, and luxury hospitality, the Overseas KOL Exclusive Gala Dinner at Bellagio Shanghai embodied the essence of LUXE Asia 2026 — a celebration of culture, sophistication, and global connection.
Winning Asia’s Hotel & Lifestyle Influencer of the Year 2025 isn’t the finish line; it’s a beautiful reminder to keep pushing forward. 2026 is already shaping up to be a year of deeper stories. I’ll be diving into projects that focus on sustainable luxury, underrepresented heritage sites, and collaborative content that amplifies local voices across Asia.
And yes – I’ll continue to hunt for that perfect balance between a five-star suite and a street-side noodle stall. Because true luxury, as I’ve learned, lives in the contrasts.
Thank you for walking this path with me. Here’s to more stories, more miles, and more moments that remind us why we love to explore.
