Top View: Stijn van Leeuwen - Founder & CEO of Sensorial Management Group

Today’s leading hoteliers are more than just providers of luxury; they are pioneers in integrating cutting-edge technologies, sustainable practices, and immersive guest experiences that set new standards for the industry. Let's spotlight the trendsetters who are redefining the future of hospitality—hoteliers who embrace creativity, challenge convention, and continually push the boundaries of what is possible in service, design, and sustainability. These visionaries are not just responding to change; they are driving it. LEVEN Hotels - Combining physical and virtual spaces LEVEN, the new lifestyle hotel brand launched by industry innovators has a second site - in the Metaverse, following the launch of LEVEN’s first hotel in Manchester, UK. LEVEN acquired a plot of virtual land in the Fashion Estate, Decentraland to create the ‘LEVENverse’ in June 2022. The LEVENverse, a fun virtual immersive hotel environment, expands upon LEVEN’s physical social spaces to bring them to a global virtual community. The LEVENverse is visually unexpected, embracing freedom of design, with the traditional hotel spaces such as lobby, bedroom and lift reimagined. Just like at LEVEN, there are spaces for makers, creators and innovators to showcase their work through commissioned NFTs and creative digital experiences. Also, the visitors should be ready for some surprise virtual giveaways. The Athenaeum Hotel and Residencies - Elevating ‘green’ architecture The hotel located in Mayfair, London, has a big focus on sustainability and even has hotel is a 329 m² Living Wall, which removes 757kg of CO² and 559kg of O² every year. Implementing a range of policies and initiatives, the hotel adding tripled glazed windows to all rooms to reduce noise pollution and improve heat loss. Other initiatives of the property include: Installation of low-energy lighting (LEDs) Water flow reducers on showers and taps BMS controlling energy-efficient heating and cooling Hotel’s team members are also encouraged to help with the brand’s commitment through public transport loans and a cycle to work scheme.The Anam Cam Ranh - Upscaling wellness The luxury resort in Vietnem presented its new collection of lush beachfront facilities promoting wellbeing. Spanning 1700sqm, the new 18-hole mini golf course is adjacent to the new 500sqm driving range and pavilion-style clubhouse. The contoured mini golf course is believed to be the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, due to its real grass finishing that the resort’s gardeners painstakingly maintain. Manned by staff ready to assist with golf equipment, tennis rackets, tennis and soccer balls, towels, water and other refreshments, the open-air clubhouse marks the start and finish of the new circular running track. Flanked by greenery, the track stretches for 1.5km around the resort’s recently opened organic sustainable farm and various recreation facilities such as the soccer field. The 8500sqm sustainable farm is dedicated to cultivating an array of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and eggs for meals for guests and staff.

An exemplary sales leader from LUX* South Ari Atoll, Maldives, with years of experience in the field, is sharing her thoughts on sustainability in commercial strategies.

In the evolving landscape of the hospitality business, hotel restaurants are now as much a part of the travel experience as the rooms themselves. Travellers are increasingly seeking destinations that offer unique and memorable culinary experiences, with hotel chefs playing a pivotal role in creating these gastronomic delights. From dining in the treetops to savouring meals inspired by historical recipes, here are five hotels that offer exceptional and unusual culinary offerings. Each of these destinations redefines what it means to dine away from home, ensuring an unforgettable experience for every guest. Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood 1. Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood - Thailand At Soneva Kiri, guests are invited to dine in one of the most unusual settings in the world—high up in the treetops. The Treepod Dining experience allows you to enjoy a meal while suspended in a bamboo pod, overlooking the lush rainforest below. Your meal is delivered by a flying waiter via a zip line, adding an element of adventure to your dining experience. The menu is a celebration of local Thai flavours, using organic ingredients sourced from the hotel's own gardens. The hotel's commitment to sustainability is evident in every dish, making it not just a meal but a connection to the environment. This unique experience at Soneva Kiri exemplifies how hotel restaurants can offer something truly extraordinary, far beyond the conventional dining experience. Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai 2. Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai - UAE Located in the heart of the Arabian Desert, Al Maha offers a dining experience that is both luxurious and deeply rooted in the local culture. The Dune Dining experience allows guests to enjoy a private dinner under the stars, surrounded by the rolling sand dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. This remote and romantic setting is enhanced by a menu that blends traditional Arabic cuisine with modern gastronomy. Guests can savour dishes such as slow-cooked lamb ouzi and mezze platters while enjoying the serenity of the desert. The hotel chef job at Al Maha involves creating a menu that honours the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East while also catering to an international palate. Dune Dining at Al Maha is more than just a meal—it's a journey into the heart of Arabian hospitality. ICEHOTEL, Jukkasjärvi 3. ICEHOTEL, Jukkasjärvi - Sweden The ICEHOTEL in Sweden is renowned for its unique concept—it's built entirely from ice and snow each winter. But beyond its architectural marvel, the hotel also offers a culinary experience that's as extraordinary as its surroundings. The Chef's Table on Ice is a one-of-a-kind dining experience where guests enjoy a multi-course meal prepared on a frozen lake. The menu is a celebration of local ingredients, including Arctic char, reindeer, and cloudberries, all prepared using traditional Swedish techniques. The setting—an ice table surrounded by the pristine Arctic wilderness—adds a layer of magic to the meal. The hotel chef job at ICEHOTEL involves not just culinary creativity but also adapting to the challenges of cooking in extreme conditions. Dining at the ICEHOTEL is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Twin Farms, Vermont 4. Twin Farms, Vermont - USA Twin Farms, a luxury resort in Vermont, offers an intimate and personalised culinary experience that is deeply connected to its surroundings. The hotel's Farm-to-Table philosophy means that every dish is crafted from ingredients grown on the property or sourced from local farmers. What makes Twin Farms stand out is the lack of a set menu; instead, the chef tailors each meal to the preferences of the guests, creating a bespoke dining experience. Whether you're enjoying a picnic by the lake or a candlelit dinner in the main dining room, the focus is on fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared with care and creativity. The hotel chef job at Twin Farms is about more than just cooking—it's about curating a dining experience that reflects the natural beauty and bounty of Vermont. The Old Course Hotel, St Andrews 5. The Old Course Hotel, St Andrews - Scotland The Old Course Hotel, located in the historic town of St Andrews, offers a culinary experience that combines tradition with innovation. The hotel's Road Hole Restaurant is famous for its views over the iconic Old Course golf course, but it's the menu that truly stands out. The restaurant specialises in Scottish cuisine with a modern twist, using locally sourced ingredients such as Angus beef, St Andrews Bay lobster, and wild Scottish mushrooms. What makes the Road Hole Restaurant exceptional is its whisky pairing menu, where each dish is paired with a different single malt whisky. This experience is a celebration of Scotland's rich culinary heritage, offering guests a true taste of the country. The hotel chef job at The Old Course Hotel involves not just creating delicious meals but also crafting an experience that honours the traditions of Scottish gastronomy.