Industry News

Bringing Barry's signature hybrid-style training to the Saudi Arabian desert for the second year, Banyan Tree AlUla is inviting guests to embark on a journey of self-discovery against the majestic backdrop of the Ashar Valley. Returning exclusively for one weekend only – from Thursday, 26 September to Sunday, 29 September – the Wellbeing Retreat will see the ethereal desert come alive with Barry's invigorating workouts and Banyan Tree AlUla's bespoke wellbeing experiences. Banyan Tree AlUla The thoughtfully planned itinerary includes: 3-night stay in a luxurious tented villa with full board Four sessions of Barry's signature workouts 60-min spa treatment at Banyan Tree Spa Banyan Tree AlUla wellbeing classes Destination dining experiences in the Ashar Valley and over a Stargazing Rawi Healthy cooking class, followed by a lunch of guests' own creation Airport transfers Centred on Banyan Group's 8 Pillars of Wellbeing, guests will enjoy a generous schedule of activities that nourishes the mind, body, and soul – including four workout sessions hosted by Barry's expert instructors, Lina Antar and Farah Adra, as well as a heavy dose of relaxation – with morning yoga and stretching sessions among magical surroundings, evening sound healing sessions under the starry desert skies, and a spa treatment nestled between the soaring tawny-hued rocks. The retreat will also include dining experiences at Harrat – Banyan Tree AlUla's acclaimed Middle Eastern restaurant that overlooks the mirrored Maraya concert hall, Saffron – Banyan Tree's signature Thai offering, as well as a special Bedouin Tent Dinner under the stars, while a healthy cooking class will let guests embrace their inner chef, learning the secrets to delicious and nutritious food. With pockets of free time in the itinerary, guests can look forward to unwinding at the tranquil rock pool with the valley on the horizon, enjoying the exclusivity of their own private villa, or exploring AlUla's ancient local surroundings during their stay. Prices for the Wellbeing Retreat with Barry's at Banyan Tree AlUla start at SAR3,900/USD$1,040 per person per night in a Dune One-Bedroom Villa, or SAR4,250/USD$1,130 per person per night in a Dune One-Bedroom Pool Villa. A minimum of two guests and three nights' stay (fixed dates from 26 to 29 September 2024) are required per booking. All meals, airport transfers, and scheduled activities as per the itinerary, are included in the rate. For more information or to book the Wellbeing Retreat with Barry's at Banyan Tree AlUla, please visit https://www.banyantree.com/saudi-arabia/alula/offers/wellbeing-retreat-with-barrys.

Restaurant Le Royal has introduced an exclusive modern Khmer menu to mark the occasion

Banyan Group proudly announces the debut of its flagship Banyan Tree brand in Japan with the grand opening of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto in the heart of Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama Ward. With 52 luxurious guest rooms, the renowned Banyan Tree Spa, the natural Onsen, and two distinctive dining experiences, the intimate retreat is the only hotel in Kyoto with a Noh stage. Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto Nestled on a hilltop just steps from the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto harmonises traditional Japanese architecture with modern elegance, enveloped by a bamboo forest and framed by the tranquil Higashiyama Mountains. Inspired by the ethereal beauty of Noh theatrical art and the concept of “yūgen” (mysterious, quiet beauty), the hotel offers an enchanting retreat, where each element is crafted to evoke a sense of grace and quiet wonder. Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the architecture of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings. Kengo Kuma’s design draws from traditional Japanese building techniques while incorporating contemporary elements, resulting in a structure that harmoniously blends with the Higashiyama landscape. Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto The hotel’s façade, a harmonious blend of natural materials like Cypress wood and craftsmanship, evokes the timeless charm of the area’s cultural essence. With its sweeping windows and open spaces, the design invites the serene beauty of the surrounding mountains and lush gardens to flow gently inside, creating an immersive retreat where tranquillity and nature entwine seamlessly. Local artisans have restored the gardens and bamboo grove, enhancing biodiversity and reflecting traditional Kyoto craftsmanship. The hotel’s guest rooms designed by Interior Designer Yukio Hashimoto, combine traditional Japanese techniques with modern, natural elements, and features large Hiba wood bathtubs, tatami mats, natural wood elements, and gold leaf accents to engage all five senses and provide a serene sanctuary. Room types include those with panoramic views of Kyoto city and Onsen Retreat rooms with private Onsen baths overlooking the small garden or a serene bamboo garden and the Noh Stage.

Ushering a new era for Florida’s Premier Beachfront Luxury Destination

Shape up and sizzle this summer at W Ibiza, who have partnered with Ibiza-born fitness company Oranja to launch a joint fitness retreat, the 5-Day State of Adventure, from 18th – 22nd September and 14th – 18th October. The retreat will showcase the best of Ibiza- from exclusive e-bike tours around the island to sea dips and fresh food and drink. W Ibiza The retreat offers guests a full 5-day package, which includes a full board 4-night stay at W Ibiza, the luxury beachfront hotel in boho Santa Eulalia. Guests will be able to enjoy healthy juices and balanced meals at W Ibiza's various outlets as well as indulging at the new SEU Pizza @STEPS, rated some of the best pizza in the world.  The retreat will be led by local wellness and fitness company, Oranja, who cultivate zingy fitness retreats with an edge, led by founders Naomi and Will Heatley. The pair had been visiting Ibiza for over a decade before deciding to turn their passion into a reality and launch  Oranja. Naomi has over ten years of experience, having managed a fitness studio in the UK and is also a Lululemon Legacy Ambassador. Oranja incorporate a sense of adventure and playfulness to their retreats which helps cultivate lasting moments and a sense of fun. The five-day schedule includes beach bootcamps, stretch and yoga flow sessions, rooftop spin, sunset hikes, ice plunges and more. Guests will be able to also enjoy Ibiza's diverse landscape, with a Church walk, beachside runs, and the chance to cool off in the sea.  W Ibiza The hotel offers the perfect place to relax after a day of running, riding and stretching with large cosy beds, two pools and even a newly opened beach club, Yellow Fish by W Ibiza, to explore. To wind down at the end of a busy day, guests can enjoy unmatched views of the Mediterranean while sipping on cocktails and sangria on the hotel's rooftop bar – GLOW. The retreat is available for solo and group travellers, packages are available to book on the W Ibiza website (here). Prices start from €2,400. Packages include a four night stay, full board (with credit limit) and retreat activities (not including the half day boat tour, E-bike, spa treatments and visit Ibiza town). For additional activities beyond the retreat such as a boat ride to Formentera, E-bike, spa treatments and visit Ibiza town please contact reservations.wibiza@whotels.com to reserve before 6th September. For more information, please visit https://www.oranja.com/w-ibiza 

The Meliá Collection arrives in Barrio de las Letras, with a hotel that seamlessly blends the cultural splendour of the past with the creative voices of today

The acclaimed fine-dining restaurant further elevates Cambodian gastronomy

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has been awarded "Best Surf Resort in the Maldives" at the prestigious Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2024. This honour highlights the resort's world-class surfing experiences curated by partners and acclaimed surf travel operator Perfect Wave. Mark Eletr, General Manager, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives “We are thrilled to receive this award from Travel Trade Maldives,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. “Our strategic partnership with Perfect Wave has allowed us to deliver exceptional surfing experiences, whether our guests are seasoned surfers seeking the thrill of the waves or beginners looking to learn in one of the world's most stunning locations.” Nestled in the South Malé Atoll, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is celebrated for its proximity to some of the best surfing breaks in the Maldives, including the iconic Kandooma Right. Known for its perfect waves and consistent swells, Kandooma Right has become a favourite destination for surfers of all skill levels. Perfect Wave, the resort's exclusive surf partner, ensures guests receive a top-notch surfing experience through expert coaching, guided sessions, and seamless access to the best breaks in the region. Perfect Wave's dedicated surf program offers everything from group lessons to private coaching sessions, ensuring that every guest can ride the waves with confidence. “Guests staying in the resort's Beach Houses enjoy exclusive benefits, including direct beach access and front-row seats to Kandooma's famous surf break known as 'Kandooma Right'. After an exhilarating day on the water, surfers can unwind at the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala with an especially designed Surfers Massage, or take full advantage the resort's excellent restaurants and services” adds Mark. Beyond surfing, the resort offers a diverse range of activities, including scuba diving, snorkeling and water sports, as well as concerts with high profile artists in partnership with Music in Paradise, making it a dynamic destination for all types of travellers. This award further cements Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives' reputation as a premier surf destination, combining adventure, relaxation, and the natural beauty of the Maldives. The resort will soon be hosting a 10 day long Australian Music Festival from 1st to 10th September and is currently sold out. Last year, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives received the accolade of Leading Diving Resort at the TTM Awards 2023. Located in the South Male Atoll just 40 minutes from the airport by boat, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a beautiful island paradise. White sand beaches, swaying coconut palms and turquoise waters form the exquisite backdrop for a variety of leisure pursuits and some of the best diving in the Maldives. Guests can choose from Garden and Beach Villas, two-storey Beach Houses, the three-bedroom Beach Pool Villa and the popular Overwater Villas with direct ladder access to the water below. Families are well catered for with the Kandoo Kids' Club and a full activities programme. Six food and beverage outlets ensure healthy appetites are satisfied and the flavours of the Maldives explored. For those guests who desire the ultimate in relaxation, sun loungers and hammocks are located around the island and the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala is the ideal place to unwind.

REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort Bali, renowned for its holistic wellness retreats, is thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of its state-of-the-art VITALITY Centre in December 2024. Situated adjacent to the resort, this innovative facility will complement REVĪVŌ's existing offerings, further establishing its leadership in holistic wellness. Marking a significant milestone in REVĪVŌ's dedication to evolving wellness and vitality, the centre aims to provide guests unparalleled access to advanced longevity protocols. The VITALITY Centre The VITALITY Centre will stand as a beacon of cutting-edge health and wellness in Bali, granting guests access to the latest advancements in longevity protocols and diagnostics, to deliver personalised programmes crafted to optimise health, vitality, and longevity. Paving the way for advanced measurement-based, integrated wellness, the centre aims to empower guests to achieve optimal well-being, enhancing physical and mental health. Alongside comprehensive diagnostics, including blood chemistry and hormonal analysis to provide key markers for improving health and lifespan, the clinic will feature innovative longevity protocols, as well as an IV therapy and Peptide lounge. The Aesthetics division will offer personalised skincare treatments tailored to individual needs following a comprehensive skin analysis in partnership with Fields of Yarrow, a renowned local botanical skincare brand, offering top-quality natural aesthetic treatments and promoting skin health for enhanced natural beauty. Additionally, the VITALITY Centre will feature a large multifunction room ideal for larger group gatherings, group movement classes, intimate events, workshops, and training sessions. This spacious room will comfortably accommodate up to 30 yoga mats, providing a versatile space for a variety of wellness activities. The VITALITY Centre Meaning, “I live again” in Latin, REVĪVŌ's luxurious three-hectare teak tree forest garden resort offers a magical setting for self-discovery. Having opened in 2018, REVĪVŌ is an intimate resort of just 22 Balinese-style luxury suites and villas, ranging from one to four bedrooms, all including either a private garden, courtyard, or pool. The ultra-luxury four-bedroom Private Pool Villa comes with a private chef and butler to ensure no request goes unmet during guests' stay, and they can focus on their own wellness in ultimate privacy. The hotel is surrounded by 40 hectares of protected teak forest, and is immersed in lush green landscape, supporting guests' emotional and mental wellbeing through the presence and power of nature. Alongside the new VITALITY Centre, guests can make the most of the Remissio Spa, Moveo fitness area, the Nocturno sleep concept, and a health-focused culinary concept. The opening of the VITALITY Centre marks another exciting milestone for REVĪVŌ Bali, enhancing the standard of wellness experiences in Bali and beyond. Guests can anticipate unparalleled service, expertise, and innovation as they embark on their journey toward optimal health and longevity. A lead in nightly rate at REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort for a fully inclusive programme in a Garden Suite starts from £507, based on single occupancy. To book or for more information visit www.revivoresorts.com. 

Eco-friendly hotel Banyan Tree Samui has added another achievement to its nest of sustainability initiatives with confirmation that it now serves only cage-free eggs to guests at the beachfront resort in southern Thailand. The transition to using 100% cage-free eggs in all menu items is another step in the luxury hotel’s commitment to environmentally-friendly and animal welfare-focused business practices. Banyan Tree Samui’s Director of Food & Beverage and Cuisine Rainer Roersch (left) and Sustainability Manager Thepsuda Loyjiw display a batch of cage-free eggs. “When guests stay at a 5-star resort they expect nothing but the best in culinary terms,” said Banyan Tree Samui’s Director of Food & Beverage and Cuisine Rainer Roersch. “However nowadays we also cater to a new generation of travellers who demand assurance that what they are eating is ethically produced.” By choosing cage-free eggs, the hotel ensures better living conditions for hens, which are no longer confined to cramped cages, resulting in higher-quality eggs, said Boonyanuch Kemmonta, the communication manager at Catalyst, an international organisation dedicated to the advancement of farm animal welfare, and the provider of Banyan Tree Samui’s cage-free egg certification. “Conventional methods of egg production often involve confining hens in battery cages, which is inhumane and prevents the animals from expressing natural behaviours,” she said. “This poses significant health risks to consumers. For example, the use of antibiotics in treating stress-related diseases in hens kept in battery cages contributes toward a growing global health crisis called antibiotic resistance. Not only that, but confined animal operations also increase the potential for pandemics such as avian flu. Businesses and individuals who support cage-free eggs, therefore, not only provide an incentive to improve the living conditions of animals and safeguard public health from pandemics, but also contribute toward more sustainable food.” Banyan Tree Samui resort: The 38-acre property is tiered into a lush hillside overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. In January 2024, just 2.75 percent of all eggs purchased by Banyan Tree Samui were classified as “cage-free”. That figure increased to 92 percent of all 20,000+ eggs purchased in July, with the hotel confident that it will meet the 100% goal from August onwards. Cage-free eggs is just one of several sustainability policies initiated this year by the Banyan Tree Samui team, who also introduced sustainable seafood and coffee capsule upcycling programmes earlier in 2024. In addition to ongoing “plastic-free” initiatives — phasing out the use of plastic bottles, straws, cutlery and garbage bags, for example — and providing its food waste to a local pig farm, this environmentally-conscious hotel is also involved in a plethora of local community projects on Koh Samui. It has provided scholarships to local children; funded the reconstruction of a nearby school damaged by a storm; and held annual blood drives. Much of the finance for these benevolent programmes comes from the Banyan Global Foundation. The Banyan Group has a longstanding commitment to sustainable practices, including numerous projects around the world concerning: waste management; water conservation; biodiversity; and a Climate Change project focused on green energy and waste-to-energy projects. For more information about sustainable practices at Banyan Tree Samui, go to: https://www.banyantree.com/thailand/samui/sustainability.

The eight lodges start from £1,200 a night and are accessed via a woodland trail.

Signature layouts in Central Vietnam make local engagement a cornerstone of their mission