The Anam Mui Ne, an Indochine-era inspired resort in Vietnam’s popular beach town Mui Ne, has opened a quaint new bar that pays homage to the intimate Saigon bars of yesteryear. The 1.2 hectare resort, which is the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) portfolio’s only Vietnamese property, this month unveiled the new watering hole, aptly dubbed Saigon Bar, on some of the resort’s most inspiring ground overlooking Mui Ne beach. Adjacent to the resort’s 266sqm saltwater infinity swimming pool and immaculate lawn, Saigon Bar is situated at the other end of the beach to Lang Viet Restaurant & Bar, bookending the resort’s best view over the waterfront. Softly lit with caged lanterns and candles, the bar is fashioned from hardwood sourced from sustainably cultivated forests in Vietnam’s Nam Dinh province and bedecked with customized encaustic tiles, evoking an atmosphere of old-world elegance. Fronted by a grey cobble-stone terrace with a handful of outdoor wooden bar tables flanked by rattan stools, Saigon Bar’s interior is home to cozy rattan chairs clustered in semi-circles and a bar featuring woodwork that took craftspeople months to complete. Greenery cascades down the bar’s exterior from wooden plant boxes fastened to a balcony above. The bar’s shelves are lined with all sorts of boutique spirits from Vietnam and around the world, such as Ho Chi Minh City-based Lady Trieu’s craft gins including ‘Dalat Flowerbomb’, ‘Mekong Delta Dry’, ‘Hoi An Spice Road’ and ‘Sapa Citrus Tea’. Saigon Bar’s extensive drinks menu includes an array of spirits, beers, wines, signature cocktails, large cocktails shared between four people and “choose your own” mojitos, daiquiris, and margaritas. Surprises including ‘The Anam Penicillin’, comprising Whisky Glenmorangie 10, whisky Famous Grouse, whisky Laphroaig 10, chamomile infused Quinta do Noval 10 Tawny Port, clarified lemon juice, honey and ginger syrup, and ‘Smokey Frangipani Blossom’ made up of Frangipani infused Haku vodka, Ricard, apple juice, celery juice, clarified lemon juice and maple syrup. Vietnamese coffee, milk shakes, loose green and black leaf teas, freshly squeezed juices, home-made iced teas, and kombucha with all sorts of health benefits concocted on the resort’s grounds are also on offer. In addition to ‘smoothie bowls’ packed with different fruits, the bar also serves tapas including the likes of a cheese and charcuterie platter, a grilled prawn salad, beef satay skewers, and salted and spicy crispy pork skin. The selection of desserts ranges from ice-cream and sorbet to chocolate raspberry cheesecake and bubble tea panna cotta. “Our Saigon Bar may be new but when you set foot inside, you feel like you’re stepping back in time, to a charming bar in bygone Saigon’s labyrinthine alleyways, where the atmosphere is almost as palpable and the unique beverages and tapas we’ve concocted,” said the resort’s manager Ye Chang Sheng (Peter). Photo credits: The Anam Mui Ne

Following a robust 2023 where Hilton achieved its largest development pipeline in company history and opened a company record of 24,000 rooms across 132 hotels in the last quarter of the year, Hilton is well-positioned for further growth in 2024.   Hilton now has more new rooms under construction than any other hotel company with approximately one in every five hotel rooms under construction globally slated to join the company’s portfolio. After entering new markets including Monaco, Tunisia and the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2023, this year Hilton is slated to open its first hotels in Bermuda, Paraguay, Nepal, Laos and Timor-Leste.   Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island Hilton will also see its award-winning brands continue to expand this year to new destinations. Guest-favorite brands like Hampton by Hilton – celebrating its 40th anniversary this year – will enter Africa and Hilton’s newest brands, including LivSmart Studios by Hilton, Tempo by Hilton and Spark by Hilton, will accelerate their growth in the US with new locations across the country.   Hero photo: Conrad Bahrain Financial Harbour

Chef Nicolas Isnard, who has honed his distinctive culinary approach at multiple Michelin-starred restaurants around France and elsewhere, will prepare a series of exclusive meals at Raffles Hotel Le Royal later this month. The iconic luxury hotel will offer special set dinners and lunches featuring Chef Nicolas’ culinary creations on April 24, 25 and 26, as it continues to elevate fine dining in the Cambodian capital. Born in the south of France, Chef Nicolas brings Gallic sensibilities to his inventive cuisine while drawing on a gastronomic journey that has taken him around the world. He has served in acclaimed French restaurants Auberge du Vieux Puits (today 3 Michelin stars), La Rotonde (2 Michelin stars) and Le Vieux Logis (1 Michelin star), among others, and he has prepared celebrated meals in Dubai, Beijing, Moscow, Singapore, Macao, Casablanca and elsewhere. At Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s signature fine-dining venue Restaurant Le Royal, Chef Nicolas will serve two exclusive dining options daily, including a sumptuous dinner set (priced at $92++) and a lunch set (priced at $42++), with optional wine pairings in addition to a special Louis XIII tasting. Dinner will be served between 6:30pm and 9:30pm, and lunch between 12pm and 3pm. Highlights of his culinary repertoire include Rose de Champignons & Saint Jacques Sauce Tom Kah featuring fresh mushrooms in a delectable Thai-inspired sauce; Pigeon, Mais, Ail Noir, Passion & Sauce Cacahuetes made with pigeon, black garlic, passionfruit and peanut sauce; Pot Au Pho de Foie Gras, a dish inspired by the beloved Vietnamese noodle dish with foie gras; and Rouget, Safran & Aubergines, spotlighting fresh red mullet fish, saffron and eggplant. Chef Nicolas’ upcoming meals are the latest in Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s exclusive culinary series. They follow an appearance in March by Chef Martin Simolka from the 5-star Le Scribe in Paris Opéra. Last year, French Chef Pascal Favre d’Anne, the recipient of 1 Michelin star, and Chef Patrice Hardy of Le Palme d'Or (2 Michelin stars) in Cannes and La Brettonnière (1 Michelin star) in Boulogne-Billancourt also served meals at the hotel. The 2-Michelin-star Chef Thierry Drapeau and Vietnam Iron Chef winner Chef Sakal Phoeung also prepared a series of “four-hands” dining experiences. Photo credits: Raffles Hotel Le Royal

TIME Hotels has appointed William Costley as chief operating officer (COO). The new COO moves from Minor Hotels, where he was SVP in Bangkok for almost two years. Before that, he was at Hilton for 32 years, rising to SVP Operations for the Arabian Peninsula and Turkey before leaving in 2022. In his capacity as COO, Costley will oversee the day-to-day operations of all TIME Hotels properties, working to enhance the brand's operational efficiency, drive revenue growth and maintain high standards of personalised guest service. Costley's appointment comes as TIME Hotels continues to expand globally.

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), Goa's foremost hospitality operator and leader in the tourism sector appoints Mr. Ranjit Phillipose as Senior Vice President – Operations, Goa. A celebrated visionary for his outstanding achievements in opening new hotels and rebranding initiatives across the world, Mr. Phillipose brings a wealth of experience in exceptional hospitality leadership spanning three decades with IHCL. An award-winning hotelier with extensive global experience in hotel management, strategic leadership and brand development, Mr. Phillipose embarked on his professional journey in 1993 with IHCL at Taj Coromandel, Chennai.  Over the years, he has showcased versatile skills and remarkable leadership acumen by spearheading pre-opening task forces in Mumbai, Seychelles and Mauritius. Building on his international portfolio, he has held key positions in London, as well as the United States, including Director of Rooms at The Pierre, New York and Hotel Manager at Taj Boston. Mr. Phillipose undertook his first general management role as General Manager – Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad and thereafter went on to lead Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives as the General Manager. In his subsequent role, as Area Director – Goa and General Manager – Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa, he provided strategic leadership to the operations in the region. With his extensive experience across the organization, Mr. Phillipose took on the role of General Manager – Taj Dubai and was promoted to Area Director UAE & Africa and General Manager - Taj Dubai. He played a crucial role in opening Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers in 2019 and effectively positioning Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai in key markets prior to being re-designated in 2022 as Area Director - Middle East & General Manager – Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai. Mr. Phillipose has garnered prestigious global recognition for his noteworthy initiatives throughout his career. He was featured in the esteemed Forbes Middle East Top 100 Travel & Tourism Leaders 2023, strengthening his reputation as a key influencer of the travel and tourism sector in the region. For seven consecutive years, he has been recognised by Hotelier Middle East in the Executive Power 50 List. His recent achievement of International Achiever of the Year – Hospitality at the 2023 PATWA International Travel Award at ITB, Berlin further reinforced his rank as a distinguished professional in the global hospitality sphere. Notably, Mr. Phillipose has also received esteemed honours including the JRD Tata Award for Quality and Excellence. As Goa's tourism landscape continues to evolve, Mr. Phillipose stands at the helm of it all with a portfolio of over 30 units and a mammoth workforce of 2500 personnel, steering the brand toward new horizons of success. His people-centric approach reflects a profound belief in the power of human capital and underscores his genuine commitment to nurturing meaningful relationships within the organization and the communities it serves.

With the progressive worldwide expansion, global hospitality management group The Lux Collective is pleased to announce the appointment of Oliviero Cassini as Chief Development Officer - EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa), based in Dubai. Oliviero joins The Lux Collective with over two decades of experience in the luxury hospitality industry. An eclectic and well-versed professional, his expertise includes Development Management, Private Equity, Asset Management and Strategy Advisory across the globe. Oliviero's distinguished career showcases his exceptional business acumen and keen ability to operate in a multitude of countries. He has undertaken hospitality development projects across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and South America and contributed to some of the world’s most prestigious and ground-breaking real estate developments including AMAALA in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Lusail City in Qatar.  Prior to joining The Lux Collective, Oliviero was the Director of Development at Red Sea Global, a leading real estate development company owned by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Company (PIF). He has also held senior roles in the UAE, Qatar and Europe. Through his deep understanding of the development process, strong network and awareness of the latest hospitality trends, Oliviero will spearhead and accelerate the expansion of The Lux Collective’s four distinctive brands in the EMEA region, in line with the Group’s success in the Indian Ocean and Asia. An Italian national, Oliviero is proficient in five languages and holds a British-German bachelor’s degree in European Business Administration. Paul Jones, Chief Executive Officer of The Lux Collective said, “Oliviero has a proven track record in conceptualising and delivering luxury hospitality developments. We are confident that under his leadership, The Lux Collective will further cement its commitment in this growing region and continue to expand its global footprint as a leading world-class hospitality group.”  “I am excited to join The Lux Collective, a truly trendsetting hospitality company, which has created and is managing some of the world’s most innovative and successful brands. I am confident that the introduction of LUX*, SALT, TAMASSA and SOCIO in the EMEA region will receive the interest and recognition these brands deserve,” comments Oliviero Cassini, Chief Development Officer - EMEA of The Lux Collective.

The front desk team of any hotel is the heart and soul of the hotel. They play an important role in shaping the experience of the guests and, ultimately, the success of the establishment. The first impression In all, what makes the front desk services unique? Exceptional services are not limited to luxury. But they are in the simple things that go beyond expectations, like offering personalized touches, anticipating needs, and exceeding expectations. Being the first and last point of contact for guests, the front desk sets the tone for their entire stay. An efficient and welcoming front desk team puts the guests at ease and fosters a great first impression. Here are a few hotels renowned for their exceptional front desk approach.   1. The Plaza, New York City The team members of The Plaza are known for anticipating their guests' needs even before they arise, which shows the level of thoughtfulness that goes into satisfying them. Their staff also remember the preferences of the guests and surprise them with thoughtful gestures. If guests check in on their birthday, they might have a birthday cake ready on arrival. The Plaza, New York City 2. The Peninsula, Hong Kong The Peninsula's “Guest Experience Ambassadors' do more than standard duties and act as personal concierges. They also plan custom itineraries for their guests, helping them lift the weight of what to do and where to go while putting them on interesting places and activities. They also assist their guests with reservations and offer unpacking services upon request. The Peninsula, Hong Kong 3. Hyatt Zilara Cancun An adults-only all-inclusive resort, Hyatt Zilara Cancun provides personalized, exceptional services by learning their guest’s interests and giving tailored and personal recommendations, from private dinners on the beach to hidden cenotes. They are always in tune with their guests’ needs and willing to help them feel relaxed.  Hyatt Zilara Cancun 4. The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco This renowned international brand has a philosophy called ‘Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton’ that emphasizes genuine care, like surprising you with your coffee preference and personalized amenities. Therefore, the guests or Ritz-Carlton, San Fransisco are treated like royalty. The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco 5. Ace Hotel, New York A boutique city hotel, Ace Hotel New York, offers a laid-back atmosphere, with their front desk teams being very friendly and knowledgeable about the local scene, which encourages guest interaction. The team is happy to recommend exploring the less-known neighborhoods that tourists might not know about, making the stay memorable for their guests. Ace Hotel, New York Lasting memories Proactive assistance, anticipating needs, and exceeding expectations are all important factors that transform an ordinary stay into a memorable one. A front desk team that touches on all these key touchpoints from check-in to check-out and everything in between impacts guest satisfaction positively. Exceptional hotel service does not need anything luxurious or out of this world. Little things like remembering the names of guests and their preferences show genuine care and create a sense of individual attention that fosters loyalty, which leads to repeated business with them. Not only do guests want to come back, but they would also leave positive reviews and recommend such hotels to others around them. All these factors determine the hotel's reputation and, largely, its revenue. Leveraging local knowledge to enrich the guest experience and foster a connection to that destination. Overall, creating a warm and welcoming environment always resonates with guests. Hero shot: Helena Lopes: https://www.pexels.com/uk-ua/photo/2017802/

Several factors play crucial roles in shaping the satisfaction, memories, and experiences of guests, but food is an essential part of any travel experience. A well-crafted culinary experience goes beyond filling bellies to having a thoughtful hotel restaurant service. It caters to different taste buds and dietary needs by offering diverse dining options. Let us take a look at a few approaches that have been tested and trusted for immaculate culinary experiences in hotel restaurants.   Farm-to-Table Cuisine Farm-to-table cuisine does not just highlight fresh and high-quality produce. It also offers seasonal produce, giving the guests a better travel experience. For this cuisine, ingredients are sourced directly from local farms, connecting the diners to the land and the people. This is a unique selling point for resorts as it differentiates them from the generic, mass-produced offerings of other resorts and attracts diners looking for authentic experiences. The peak flavor and nutritional value elevate the culinary experience and tell a story that connects diners to the local community. Resorts are also empowering locals by incorporating this approach. This approach can be further enhanced by collaborating with local farms to showcase their produce, highlighting seasonal ingredients through special menus and dishes, offering farm tours, cooking classes, hands-on harvesting experiences, and more. It’s the perfect spot for a chef job in hotels. Blackberry Farm Luxury Hotel and Resort is not just a luxury resort in the great smoky mountains of Tennessee. They boast an award-winning restaurant that offers multi-course menus made from ingredients harvested from around the region and even a few feet from their front door! Blackberry Farm Luxury Hotel and Resort    Sustainable Kitchens Sustainable kitchens are not just a culinary trend; they are beyond food, and they prioritize the production and consumption of food. The principles aim at minimizing the environmental impact and ensuring the long-term availability of resources, and these principles include: Procuring ingredients from nearby farms that adhere to ethical treatment of animals and environmental standards to reduce transportation emissions and source for produce ethically. Minimizing waste by menu planning, portion control, and composting. Use of energy-saving appliances and optimization of water usage Efficient waste management by composting and recycling. Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Beach Resort and Hotel in Vietnam is an eco-luxury resort that integrates sustainability in every aspect, including its kitchen.  They provide fresh, seasonal, local produce and transform scraps into nutrient-rich fertilizers for their gardens. 12,983 organic vegetables were produced from their organic gardens in 2023.   Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Beach Resort   Organic Products Organic products are often grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, allowing natural flavors and ingredients to shine through any dish, giving a more authentic experience. This approach is suitable for resorts looking to satisfy diners who appreciate fresher and richer tastes and vibrancy of colors and aromas. Resorts catering to diners with dietary restrictions like veganism can also benefit from the natural nutrient profile of organic products. Such vegan hotels show the diners the thoughtfulness that goes into their meals in the kitchen. COMO Uma Canggu in Bali prioritizes organic and locally sourced ingredients by partnering with local farms to promote sustainable agriculture, highlighting organic options on their menus, and educating diners on their options. COMO Uma Canggu   Locally Inspired Menu A locally inspired menu transports guests into the heart of their destination through the true flavors and traditions of the region, giving them a more memorable and distinctive experience. The palates of guests or diners are expanded with new ingredients, dishes, and culinary techniques. The resort also stands out by reflecting the essence of the location. Soneva Kiri in Thailand, a secluded eco-luxury resort, boasts of this approach with their organic gardens and orchards to grow fresh, local produce and their Thai-inspired menu featuring local flavors.   Soneva Kiri Other than enhancing the satisfaction of guests and attracting or retaining guests, new culinary experiences set a resort apart from its competition and attract specific clientele. Hero image: Pexels

In the dynamic world of hospitality, hotels are on a quest to create enchanting experiences that linger in the hearts of their guests. One standout strategy that consistently wins hearts is the art of upgrading services to luxury standards. Let's delve into the realm of enhancing a guest journey with real-world examples from the properties which managed to do it perfectly.   Personalized Concierge Magic: Embarking on a delightful journey begins with a concierge who not only assists but magically anticipates guest's every need. Picture the Ritz-Carlton experience, where the staff doesn't just provide guidance but crafts journeys tailor-made to your preferences. Whether it's surprising the guest with personalized celebrations or curating unique local tours based on interests, these thoughtful and personalized touches transform a stay into a memorable adventure. The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka   Treats Galore with High-End Amenities: Luxury is in the details, and hotels committed to crafting opulent experiences spare no expense in making guests feel extraordinarily special. Consider the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, where the commitment to luxury extends to upgraded toiletries boasting fancy brands, plush bathrobes, and slippers that feel like a warm embrace. Guess what, there is even a Four Seasons online shop where a guest you can purchase the favorites, to extend the luxury experience to home. These small but significant touches set the stage for an opulent and comforting stay. Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens   Culinary Bliss: Elevating a dining adventure is a cornerstone of the luxury upgrade. Imagine having a Michelin-starred restaurant right within your hotel premises. Or just hosting one for a limiter period of time, to make the event extra special. The Burj Al Arab in Dubai exemplifies this by housing the renowned underwater restaurant, Al Mahara. Here, guests are treated to an extraordinary dining experience that not only satisfies the palate but also immerses them in a world of culinary delight. Al Mahara, Burj Al Arab   VIP Treatment Fit for Royalty: For an extra dash of royalty delivered to a guest, many hotels embrace exclusive VIP treatment for every visitor, starting from the first step into the lobby. Picture private check-ins, personalized welcome amenities, and access to upscale club lounges to unwind in style. The St. Regis hotels are virtuosos in this regard, offering guests personal butlers who elevate their stay from exceptional to truly VIP. The St. Regis New York   Tech That Wows: Modern luxury seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology to wow guests. Imagine walking into a room where everything, from lighting to room temperature, is at your fingertips. The ARIA Resort and Casino in Las Vegas takes this to the next level, allowing guests to control their room's ambiance with a few taps on a tablet. This not only provides a seamless experience but also showcases a commitment to modernity and luxury. ARIA Resort & Casino   Wellness Wonderland: Prioritizing well-being is a fundamental aspect of luxury hospitality. Beyond a standard gym, luxury hotels are creating wellness wonderlands, offering world-class spa treatments, yoga classes, and holistic wellness programs. The Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort, for instance, welcomes guests into a warm and inviting environment that seamlessly blends luxury with a holistic approach to well-being. Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort   Thoughtful Design and Ambiance: Luxury hotels pay meticulous attention to design and ambiance, creating spaces that are not just comfortable but also visually stunning. The interior decor, choice of furnishings, and overall aesthetic contribute to a sense of luxury. The Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, India, a former royal residence turned luxury hotel, is a striking example where the ambiance transports guests to a bygone era of opulence and grandeur. Rambagh Palace   Cultural Experiences and Local Immersion: Luxury hotels are increasingly focusing on providing guests with authentic cultural experiences and opportunities for local immersion. This goes beyond the standard tourist offerings and includes curated experiences such as private art tours, local cooking classes, and personalized city guides. The Rosewood London, for instance, offers a private night exploration of at The National Gallery in the atmospheric Trafalgar Square, where a Royal Art expert will personally welcome you and take you through the majestic galleries. Rosewood London In a nutshell, turning a usual hotel stay experience into a luxury adventure involves embracing a holistic approach that incorporates personalized service, high-end amenities, delectable dining, VIP treatment, cutting-edge technology, top-notch wellness offerings, thoughtful design, and opportunities for cultural immersion. Why not take inspiration from these properties to transform your guest journey into not just a trip but a delightful escapade into a world where luxury is not just a standard but a way of life.  Cover photo: The St. Regis Residences, Boston

Rixos Hotels in Egypt offer five-star beachfront accommodation that boasts breathtaking vistas with signature hospitality and relish traditional Turkish delicacies. Looking to fill the following positions: Spa Manager Assistant Spa Manager Spa Supervisor Therapist Team If you are looking for hotel jobs in Egypt, send your updated CV to Hr.egypt@rixos.com.

The Hilton Dubai Creek Residences hotel offers stylish accommodations with unmatched quality service. Located along Dubai Creek, this property boasts breathtaking views. Hiring hospitality professionals for the below positions: Front office manager Hostess If you are looking for hotel jobs in Dubai, apply with your CV to careers@jewelofthecreekhotels.com.

Located on the virtually untouched sands of Rmeileh, minutes away from Saida, & a short drive away from Beirut, Laguava Resort snuggles in the heart of a beautiful Guava plantation.  Looking for candidates to fill open positions: HR coordinator Housekeeping Supervisor Banquet Coordinator IT officer Front Desk Agents Night Auditor Cashiers Head Cashier Lifeguards with certificates Interested candidates looking for hotel jobs in Lebanon, can send resumes to gm@laguavaresort.com