Industry News

The global brand strengthens its position in the luxury segment with 15 openings in 2025. Key growth areas include Vietnam, Argentina, Italy, Spain, and Middle East

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the signing of Vignette Collection, Union Han, Istanbul Karaköy, – marking the brand’s debut in Türkiye. The converted property, owned by Cortex Turizm, will become the 16th IHG hotel in the city once it opens in the second half of 2025. Vignette Collection, Union Han, Istanbul Karaköy represents a continuation of IHG’s growth momentum across Türkiye, taking the total of opened and signed properties in Türkiye to 45 hotels. The latest signing also joins a growing portfolio of Vignette Collection properties around the world, which is set to reach 100 hotels in 10 years, bolstering IHG’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio, one of the world’s largest, with nearly 900 open and signed hotels globally. Vignette Collection is IHG’s luxury conversion brand and allows owners to retain the independent identity and character of their hotels, whilst providing guests with a one-of-a-kind stay in destinations to remember. Staying true to the brand’s ethos, Vignette Collection, Union Han, Istanbul Karaköy will be underpinned by its own “A Means for Good” initiative, highlighting the hotel’s partnerships with local non-profit organisations to spearhead positive contributions to the communities in which it operates. Situated in the historic Tütün Han building, the hotel will feature 51 unique, stylish guest rooms and an all-day artisan bakery and specialty food restaurant, as well as premium wellness facilities including a spa. (Mrs) Willemijn Geels, Vice President, Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “It is great to see the momentum Vignette Collection, IHG’s very first collection brand, is having across Europe since its launch in 2021. Today, across the region, we have more than 14 open and signed Vignette Collection properties all in some of the most sought-after destinations. This is a testament to the trust new and existing owners have in IHG, our brands and global enterprise – including our leading loyalty offer and powerful technology and revenue systems - to deliver for them.I’m incredibly proud of the growth we have seen across Türkiye in recent years, which is due to the dedication and drive from our in-market team, who have established strong relationships with our partners. We look forward to working alongside Cortex Turizm to bring the hotel to life and welcome guests to Türkiye’s first Vignette Collection property in 2025.” Cortex Team said: “It is incredibly exciting that our first property with IHG Hotels & Resorts also marks the debut of the Vignette Collection brand in Türkiye. We are confident IHG’s trusted reputation and leading loyalty offer will make the hotel the leading choice for domestic and international travellers alike who are looking for a unique and immersive experience.” IHG Hotels & Resorts has 32 hotels currently in operation across the Türkiye and an additional 13 in development spanning right across its brand portfolio. Vignette Collection, Union Han, Istanbul Karaköy joins other notable signings from this year, including the first Garner hotel in the country which will be located close to the new International Istanbul Airport, and InterContinental Ankara which is set to open in 2025.

Central Vietnam golf resort designated as a preferred venue for Taiheiyo Club members

Set amidst the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Angsana Velavaru invites travellers to rediscover the magic of overwater living with the refreshed design of its iconic InOcean Villas. Recognised among the Top 20 Resorts in the Indian Ocean by  the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, the resort reimagines these sought-after retreats to blend contemporary elegance with the soothing simplicity of island life.  Photo credits: Angsana Velavaru Perched on stilts above a vibrant coral reef, the InOcean Villas have long defined the essence of Maldivian escapism. The latest enhancements introduce lighter, modern furnishings that complement the panoramic views, creating an ambiance of understated refinement. These enhancements amplify the villas’ enduring charm, ensuring a peaceful sanctuary for those seeking quietude and escape.  Each villa is designed to complement the natural beauty of the island, from the infinity pools that stretch over the reef to the rooftop pavilions perfect for unwinding with spa treatments under the vast island sky. Guests staying in the newly refreshed InOcean Pool Villas will find serene spaces where king-sized bedrooms open to sweeping terraces, complete with sunbeds and overwater catamaran hammock. For couples and families seeking more space to reconnect, the Deluxe InOcean Pool Villas and Deluxe InOcean Two-Bedroom Pool Villas offer spacious layouts that seamlessly blend privacy with stunning ocean views.   This latest transformation at Angsana Velavaru coincides with the resort's growing international acclaim, further establishing its reputation as a distinguished destination. The recognition in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards reflects the resort’s enduring appeal, where world-class facilities and heartfelt service combine to create memorable stays.  To celebrate the unveiling of the newly refreshed InOcean Villas, Angsana Velavaru introduces the Come Closer offer. This exclusive package is crafted to experience the best of the Maldives, with up to 25% savings on your stay and 20% savings on return seaplane transfers, daily breakfast and dinner, a private beach or rooftop dinner, a sunset cruise, and a couple’s spa treatment. 

The Gin Trap Inn in the North Norfolk coastal village of Ringstead, has become the latest acquisition for Chestnut, East Anglia's fastest-growing hospitality business. Photo credits: The Gin Trap Inn The acquisition consolidates Chestnut's foothold in the region, through the addition of a further 16 bedrooms. This is the Group's fourth Norfolk acquisition in 2024. In addition, Chestnut has opened The Maltings - a 28 bedroomed hotel in Weybourne (near Blakeney) with The Grain Store, a barn style restaurant and bar overlooking the sea. Founder and Managing Director, Philip Turner, said of the new additions “2024 has been a busy Norfolk year for the business. We started this journey in March 2020 - one week prior to lockdown, and four years later we have almost 200 bedrooms across the county. We remain an ambitious business trying to make a difference for our guests and team – this week we opened our second “winter garden” at The Globe (Wells-next-the-Sea) serving cheese fondues and tartiflette pizzas!" "Building community around our properties is a huge priority for us through The Giving Tree – our charitable foundation which is aiming to raise of £15,000 over this period to support local charities. We take our role as a significant regional employer (excess 200 people) seriously and are keen to develop strong relationships with those promoting North Norfolk as the go-to destination. I have known The Gin Trap Inn for many years and feel privileged that Chestnut has the chance to be part of the future.” Photo credits: The Gin Trap Inn David Lamyman, vendor of The Gin Trap Inn said, “We have taken The Gin Trap Inn to a new level since we acquired the business in 2019. Our great reputation is thanks to a very dedicated and hard-working team of people that know what our guests want and excel at delivering it. Having watched Chestnut grow by acquiring such quality venues and ensuring they individually thrive, I know that The Gin Trap will be in good hands.  Thank you to all those that have supported us.” Chestnut will welcome the new team members from the pub and looks forward to working with them to take the business to the next stage. All guest room bookings and table reservations will remain in place.

In a groundbreaking effort to help safeguard Khao Lak's stunning natural beaches, lessen the impact of rising sea levels and combat coastal erosion, Thailand's luxurious boutique resort, The Sarojin, is researching the viability of a new and innovative sustainability project. Using locally sourced oyster shells and by-products from the local fishing industry, research test sites were created in late November to assess the viability of a possible new natural offshore reef.  If successful, it's hoped the scheme will improve the area's environmental resilience and enhance its marine ecosystem. Photo credits: The Sarojin Khao Lak's beaches experience typical seasonal monsoon erosion due to their exposure to the Andaman Sea and, like many coastal regions, Khao Lak is at risk of shoreline retreat. Sea level rises also pose another threat, making coastal protection a key priority for the area. Current measures in place, such as sand-filled bags and concrete walls, reduce the beaches' aesthetic, impact local businesses and affect natural habitats. The Sarojin's research project is a natural solution to coastal erosion that utilises indigenous oyster shells sourced from local fishermen. Net boxes filled with the cleaned shells have been deployed at various test sites along the coast, with locations identified through an extensive review of the shoreline. Sustainable engineering and consultancy firm Witteveen+Bos provided initial research advice. Over time, it's hoped that free-swimming oyster larvae will attach themselves to the boxed shells, gradually forming a thriving oyster basket reef that can then be more permanently installed offshore. In addition to serving as a natural barrier against erosion, the oysters are highly effective water filters and their presence is expected to significantly improve inshore water quality, further enhancing marine ecosystems. Photo credits: The Sarojin Spearheading the initiative is The Sarojin owner Andrew Kemp, who added: "We're truly passionate about sustainability and responsible tourism at The Sarojin and protecting the area's stunning coastline is something that is so vitally important to our local community and wildlife and has always been high on our agenda. We are already heavily involved in local mangrove planting projects along the coast and launched our One Booking One Tree initiative in 2022, which sees one tree planted for every guest at the resort, but we felt we could do more. A similar oyster reef concept has already been researched and trialled in Singapore with promising results. If our trials in Thailand are also successful, we hope the resulting reef project will have a lasting positive impact on the environment. Our test sites should give us a clear indication of the efficiency and viability of the project within the coming nine to twelve months.” Monitored test sites include nets fastened to the seafloor by The Sarojin's jetty as well as within the estuary that rivens the property. The sites will be monitored regularly through 2025 to assess the basket reef's growth and development. If successful there are plans for the project to be extended with additional sites added next year. For more information about The Sarojin, please visit: www.sarojin.com

Four Seasons, the world’s leading luxury hospitality and branded residential company, in partnership with Hinitsa Bay Holdings, announces plans for the redevelopment of a beachside property at Hinitsa Bay, Porto Heli, Greece into a luxury resort and private residences. Photo credits: Four Seasons Set against the scenic backdrop of southeastern Greece, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Porto Heli will offer bay views of the Argolic Gulf and the nearby island of Spetses. The expansion and redevelopment will transform an existing beachfront estate, which currently spans 75 hectares (185 acres) and 3.25 kilometres (3,250 metres) of coastline, into a new Four Seasons experience with 80 guest rooms and suites and 30 bungalows, as well as Four Seasons branded residential villas. Thanks to its ideal and prime location, guests and residents will have ease of access to the beach, nearby town centre and extensive walking trails, along with the services and amenities of Four Seasons. “As we continue expanding our exceptional portfolio of hotels, resorts and residences in Greece, Four Seasons entry into Porto Heli will create yet another dynamic resort destination for discerning guests and residents to enjoy,” says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development, Portfolio Management and Residential, Four Seasons. “In partnership with Hinitsa Bay Holdings, we look forward to continuing to build Porto Heli’s profile as a premier Mediterranean destination with a new resort that embodies Four Seasons renowned commitment to service, quality, and personalized experiences.” “The transformation of this exceptional and beautiful estate at Hinitsa Bay into a luxury Four Seasons resort is an important step in the enhancement of the Porto Heli area,” says Paul Coulson, Chairman of Hinitsa Bay Holdings. “We are dedicated to maintaining the ambiance and character of the area while bringing onstream the facilities and leading standards of excellence, quality, and luxury hospitality associated with Four Seasons. With their proven track record of successful projects in key resort destinations throughout the world, we are confident that this development will offer an unparalleled experience for luxury guests and villa owners.” From the Kids For All Seasons program to an extensive multi-sports centre, gym, meeting space, and pools for adults, families and kids, the new Four Seasons Resort and Residences Porto Heli will boast amenities that cater to diverse preferences while delivering a new experience in a destination that is already celebrated by luxury travellers throughout Europe and around the world. Four Seasons guests and residents will also indulge in several distinct dining experiences including an all-day restaurant, beachfront dining, lobby lounge, and more. Located within a 1.3 hectare (3.25 acres) garden, the Resort’s Spa will connect guests to nature with experiences that help tap into a true sense of wellbeing. The wellness space will feature a lounge, more than 18 treatment rooms, fitness and movement facilities, and a thermal suite including saunas, steam rooms, hot and cold plunges and a salt pool. From the social spaces to the fitness and spa facilities, the design has prioritized creating a sense of calmness and peace while connecting guests with nature. Porto Heli, once best known as a fishing village, has evolved into a dynamic summer destination with its idyllic beaches, stately villas, and vibrant nightlife. The area is renowned for its striking natural surroundings, convenient access to the islands of Spetses, Hydra, and Poros, and proximity to the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as the historic town of Nafplion. The verdant landscapes, scenic shores, and turquoise waters together with the destination’s state-of-the-art amenities and traditional charm have attracted luxury tourism and real estate developments, making Porto Heli an ideal setting for a luxurious retreat. Porto Heli is well-connected to Athens via a two and half-hour drive, a short helicopter ride, daily ferry, or private boat services. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Porto Heli will add to Four Seasons portfolio in Greece, including the award-winning Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, and Four Seasons Resort Mykonos, which will open in 2025.

The picturesque Swiss ski resort of Saas-Fee has announced a festive season celebrating the 40th anniversary of Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’, inviting explorers and skiers alike to recreate its ‘80s nostalgia in the very place the ‘Last Christmas’ music video was filmed in 1984. Photo credits: Saas-Fee ski resort This winter, Saas-Fee will honour the beloved Christmas classic with a series of Wham! inspired festivities designed to transport fans back to the romantic snow-capped setting of ‘Last Christmas’. A car-free resort still happily home to longstanding family-run boutiques, cafes and restaurants rather than big-name international brands, the village remains virtually unchanged from the days it welcomed George Michael, Andrew Ridgeley, Pepsi and Shirlie. A peaceful base providing easy access to all the festivities, The Capra, Saas-Fee’s leading five-star superior boutique hotel, will be the place to stay thanks to a new three-night package introduced for the 40th anniversary. The package includes a three-night stay for two guests, a Wham!Cocktail during their stay, daily breakfast and a Wham!Walk. The Capra will also be hosting nostalgic nights in the hotel’s wine cellar, serving an Alpine interpretation of classic ‘80s dishes. In keeping with The Capra’s year-round culinary concept, retro favourites such as prawn cocktails and traditional English trifle will be made with top-quality, unadulterated local products. Photo credits: Saas-Fee ski resort Highlight activities in Saas-Fee include: The ‘Last Christmas’ glass Karaoke Box at the entrance to Saas-Fee village, where guests can sing Wham! hits under the stars A special Wham! exhibition at the Saas Museum Guided ‘Wham!Walks’ around Saas-Fee to take in the spotlight locations from the music video A ride on the iconic Felskinn Cable Car, which featured in the original ‘Last Christmas’ music video and will be decorated in traditional ‘80s style For guests visiting on 21st December, the opportunity to attend a colourful ‘80s Wham! party held within the village Feel-good après-ski with a live DJ at WinterVibes Bar, from 9th November The Eskimos Ski & Snowboard School’s special ‘Last Christmas’ package with discounted lessons The Capra’s Last Christmas package is available from December 1st to January 31st, with prices starting at 1,170 CHF for a three-night stay based on double occupancy. For reservation enquiries, email reservation@capra.ch with the subject line "Whamtastic."

Family friendly activities and exclusive culinary events capture the holiday spirit

Banyan Tree’s signature restaurant in Koh Samui is recognised by the esteemed French culinary guide.

The globe’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for sustainable travel and tourism has awarded The Hari Hong Kong ‘EarthCheck Benchmarked Bronze status’ for its raft of sustainability measures. Photo credits: The Hari Hong Kong EarthCheck’s certification programs involve stringent benchmarking to bolster sustainability and help consumers make informed decisions. The certification draws on more than 30 years of EarthCheck working with research centres and universities globally to address sustainability and climate change issues facing tourism destinations, communities and businesses. To achieve Benchmarked Bronze status, The Hari Hong Kong has excelled across key performance areas including energy efficiency, water use, carbon emissions, chemicals, community and employee impact, paper use, waste and more. EarthCheck deemed the hotel a “Regional Leader”, meaning an “exemplary standard of performance for the type and location of an operation”, in areas such as waste sent to landfill, energy consumption and potable water consumption. The Hari Hong Kong’s waste sent to landfill, for example, was 3.3L per guest night, a third of the regional average of 9.4L per guest per night. The hotel’s energy consumption per guest per night was 90.5 MJ, half the regional average of 180.3 MJ per guest per night. Its potable water consumption was 223.3L per guest per night, less than two thirds of the regional average of 360.9L per guest per night. “We know that your team has worked incredibly hard to reach this milestone, which demonstrates your commitment to preserving and enhancing your natural surroundings, cultural heritage, local community and economy,” EarthCheck said. “Thank you for being a world leader in sustainability.” Photo credits: The Hari Hong Kong From the outset, The Hari Hong Kong, which opened in December 2020 in the heart of vibrant Wan Chai, was established through sustainable design and construction which sought to reduce negative impacts on the environment. The hotel then achieved EarthCheck evaluation in 2022, began working on the certification programme at the beginning of this year and will target EarthCheck Silver status for next year. “To continually improve in environmental and social sustainability, our commitment extends to energy efficiency, water conservation, reduction of waste and single-use plastic, solid waste management, community involvement, training and education, support of local employment, and minimizing our carbon footprint; present in The Hari sustainability action plan, each measured against the annual Benchmarking Assessment of EarthCheck,” said The Hari Hong Kong’s General Manager Edward E. Snoeks. “We are also dedicated to growing in an organic and sustainable manner through continuous monitoring of our consumption, purchasing responsibly and fostering positive relationships with our local suppliers, stakeholders, and the wider community alike.” The Hari Hong Kong is also a LEED (Silver), BEAM Plus (Silver) and BEEO certified hotel in recognition for its sustainable design, construction and energy efficiency performance. A green wall on the facade of the hotel’s second floor terrace stretches three stories high, bringing down the temperature of surrounding areas between two to four degrees Celsius. In addition to its sustainability measures, the hotel also supports local charities, such as, for example, the Hong Chi Association to help provide education, training and empowerment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. The Hari will direct all proceeds from its upcoming Christmas Market in the lobby on Dec. 9 from 5pm to Hong Chi. Spearheading the likes of The Hari Art Prize in support of emerging artists, The Hari Chronicles to foster ongoing conversations about art, design and culture, and the new “The Hari Neighbourhood Guide Audio Tour” which ventures off the beaten track, The Hari Hong Kong also has a deep connection with art, culture, and its community. For more information about The Hari Hong Kong, visit https://www.thehari.com/hong-kong/ email askme@thehari.com or call +852 2129 0388.

With a prime location near Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, the reimagined Cham Cantonese Kitchen holds a prime position in Vietnam’s capital