Cirque du Soleil Debuts 'Auana, Its First-Ever Resident Show in Hawai'i

The Italian luxury hospitality group ROMEO Collection, known for its innovative vision and commitment to ethical and sustainable luxury, is proud to announce the opening of Hotel ROMEO Roma, its second design hotel in the heart of the Eternal City. Located just steps from Piazza del Popolo, inside a historic 16th-century palace, this exclusive 74- room boutique hotel sets a new standard for urban resorts, embodying the concept of conscious luxury by blending art, architecture, design, gastronomy, and well-being in a timeless setting. Photo credits: Hotel ROMEO Roma “ROMEO Roma represents the expression of a new civilization of living and hospitality, combining beauty, functionality, and an innovative vision of hotellerie. Our mission is to add value to properties through a deep integration of design, art, and management know-how, capable of meeting the needs of an increasingly aware and demanding clientele. With ROMEO Collection, we aim to create a small collection of hotels that carry authentic values, capable of interpreting change and redefining the experience of hospitality in terms of service, comfort, and connection with the territory, in short… in beauty,” comments Avvocato Alfredo Romeo. A Masterpiece by Zaha Hadid: History, Avant-garde, and Sustainability Designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, Hotel ROMEO Roma is one of her last projects, seamlessly merging the centuries-old history of the building with contemporary, futuristic architectural elements. This balance of tradition and innovation is not only visual but also extends to sustainability, with the use of eco-friendly materials and cutting-edge techniques to minimize environmental impact. Premium materials, such as Macassar ebony, Nero Marquina marble, and Carrara marble, create a dialogue between tradition and innovation, grounding the hotel in its Roman context while exploring new frontiers of sustainable design. Hadid’s signature dynamic, fluid lines harmoniously blend with historical elements like frescoed ceilings, creating an environment where past and present coexist in perfect harmony. Photo credits: Hotel ROMEO Roma Sustainability and respect for historical heritage are at the core of every design decision at ROMEO Roma, proving that conscious luxury can coexist with avant-garde architecture. An Urban Resort: Well-being and Culture in the Heart of Rome At the heart of the hotel lies a unique internal courtyard, designed as a contemporary urban square where design and conviviality meet. This space, the vibrant core of the hotel, invites guests to socialize and relax in an exclusive atmosphere. Surrounded by the historical facades of the palace, the courtyard houses some of the hotel’s most iconic experiences: IL BAR open all day, LA SPA Sisley Paris, and IL CORTILE, an all-day dining service, that creates a continuous dialogue between gastronomy, well-being, and architecture. With designer furniture, artistic installations, and carefully selected greenery, the courtyard transforms into an urban oasis, where the hectic pace of Rome seems to dissolve. This “square within a palace” is much more than just a passageway; it reflects the very essence of ROMEO Roma – a meeting point for history, culture, and innovation, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Eternal City. Additionally, LA TERRAZZA in collaboration with Krug offers unique moments with an exclusive selection of Champagne and breathtaking views over Rome’s rooftops, perfect for special events or luxurious aperitifs. Conscious Luxury: A Commitment to Sustainability Like ROMEO Napoli, ROMEO Roma embodies the philosophy of conscious luxury—an approach to luxury that goes beyond opulence, embracing sustainability, ethics, and environmental responsibility. Every design decision, from material selection to resource management, is made with a focus on reducing environmental impact without compromising comfort or aesthetics. This ethical luxury is also reflected in the use of natural materials, energy-efficient systems, and waste reduction, ensuring that guests enjoy a stay that respects both the planet and its people. Photo credits: Hotel ROMEO Roma Rooms and Suites: Personalized Luxury Between the Past and Innovation The 74 rooms and suites at ROMEO Roma are the perfect synthesis of contemporary design and historical tradition. Each space is enhanced with high-quality materials such as Carrara marble, lava stone, glass, solid wood, and Krion, chosen not only for their refined aesthetic but also for their functionality in improving acoustics and naturally regulating room temperature. Advanced technology integration allows for intuitive control of the environment, with customizable lighting, whirlpool tubs, hidden televisions, and integrated fireplaces in some suites, offering a tailored stay. Some rooms feature private terraces, providing spectacular panoramic views of Rome’s rooftops, creating unique and unforgettable relaxation spaces. The noble floor, a focal point of the hotel, houses rooms adorned with original historical frescoes, including a highly valuable frescoed room with views over Via di Ripetta. Here, the dialogue between Renaissance architecture and contemporary details and innovative solutions comes to life, celebrating the beauty of tradition while embracing the comforts of modern design. A Living Art Museum: Art and History at Every Corner ROMEO Roma is not just a hotel, but a true living art gallery. Every space is enriched with works by contemporary artists like Christian Leperino, Mario Schifano, Mimmo Paladino, and Francesco Clemente. Alongside these modern pieces, the hotel displays historical artifacts uncovered during restoration works, such as the white marble head of Livia Drusilla, wife of Emperor Augustus, offering guests a unique connection with the history of Rome. Vittorio Sgarbi comments: “A museum that stops teaching and starts engaging, because it becomes an inevitable part of daily life. Just wandering from one side of a room to another, is enough to enjoy a detail, a painting, a sculpture that, in that moment, inhabits our very own space. Art is at home, no longer confined to the sterile towers of museums.” A Historic Debut: Alain Ducasse opens his first restaurant in Rome The opening of ROMEO Roma marks a milestone for Rome’s culinary scene: for the first time, the renowned chef Alain Ducasse, a global icon of haute cuisine, brings his culinary vision to Rome through an exclusive partnership with ROMEO Collection. Following the success of the restaurant at ROMEO Napoli, Ducasse now brings his innovative approach to Roman gastronomy, blending traditional flavours with cutting-edge techniques. “Opening in Rome is a great joy. First of all, because I deeply and sincerely love Italy, and then because this new restaurant, in the heart of the capital, is a prestigious and very special place. I hope that Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse Roma will provide epicureans with an unforgettable experience of contemporary French gastronomy.” Alain Ducasse Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse Roma located within ROMEO Roma, will be a temple of culinary excellence, where tradition and modernity merge, enhancing the finest Italian ingredients with cutting-edge techniques. Even breakfast, a key moment for the group’s hospitality, will be curated by the chef, offering an exclusive selection of options that combine quality, refinement, and the unmistakable Ducasse touch for a memorable start to the day. Led by a team personally selected by Ducasse, the restaurant will offer a fine dining experience that promises to redefine the gastronomic standards of the Eternal City. This opening represents not only a groundbreaking novelty for Rome but also a testament to ROMEO Collection’s ongoing commitment to collaborating with prominent figures in global culture and culinary arts, creating unique and memorable experiences. An Urban Oasis of Well-being ROMEO Roma offers a sanctuary of tranquility in the heart of the city with a 1,200-square-meter wellness area, signed Sisley Paris. LA SPA Sisley Paris is a sanctuary for body and mind, offering treatments based on the Phyto-Aromatiques philosophy, which combines plant extracts and natural essences for a sensory relaxation experience. The indoor/outdoor pool, with a transparent bottom revealing the archaeological remains beneath, creates a visual connection with the history of Rome, enriching the wellness experience. In addition to the treatments, LA SPA Sisley Paris includes a hammam, a gravitational tub, a salt wall, and a fitness center equipped with the latest Technogym technology, providing a comprehensive well-being and regeneration experience. With its opening, ROMEO Roma joins ROMEO Napoli and will soon be followed by ROMEO Massa Lubrense in 2025, sharing the same dedication to conscious luxury and hospitality that leaves a lasting positive impact. Each stay at ROMEO Roma is an emotional, cultural, and ethical experience, destined to leave an unforgettable mark on the memories of its guests. ROMEO Roma is the latest luxury boutique hotel from ROMEO Collection, located in the heart of Rome, steps from Piazza del Popolo. Born from the group’s innovative vision and designed by the iconic architect Zaha Hadid, ROMEO Roma is the perfect union of contemporary design, historical tradition, and conscious luxury. With 74 rooms and suites, an exclusive restaurant by Alain Ducasse, an avant-garde LA SPA Sisley Paris, and a unique focus on art and sustainability, ROMEO Roma redefines high-end hospitality, offering a unique stay where past and future coexist in harmony. ROMEO Collection represents an innovative vision of luxury hospitality, where design, art, and culture merge to offer an unforgettable experience. With exclusive hotels like ROMEO Napoli, ROMEO Roma, and ROMEO Massa Lubrense (opening in 2025), the collection celebrates the dialogue between past and present, blending tradition and innovation. Each property is a unique sensory journey, where refined sustainable design and attention to artistic detail create lasting memories and a connection with the local culture and environment. The philosophy of conscious luxury goes beyond material comfort, focusing on culture, sustainability, and personalized service. Every guest is welcomed into a space that celebrates the contrast between the ancient and the contemporary, East and West, nature and technology, where art and architecture intertwine to create indelible memories.

Sky-high LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar, which crowns INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, has been awarded the prestigious “Restaurants From Spain” certification for its efforts to promote authentic Spanish gastronomy. Photo credits: INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit The Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX), an agency of the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade behind “Restaurants from Spain”, said the certification was designed to establish quality standards and criteria for consumers who look for not only quality Spanish cuisine but authentic quality Spanish cuisine. ICEX recognises and supports restaurants around the globe focused on authentic cuisine and produce from Spain, and in turn Spanish culture, guaranteeing a level of quality of these establishments. The certification is awarded following a stringent selection process by a joint committee composed of official institutions and sectoral associations strongly linked to gastronomy, such as the Royal Academy of Gastronomy, the Ministry of Agriculture, FACYRE, the Regulatory Council for Sherry Wines, ANFACO, INTERPORC, the Spanish Wine Federation, the REPSOL Guide and the Ministry of Tourism of Castilla La Mancha. Commanding the hotel’s two upper-most floors, the 33rd and 34th levels, with panoramic views of the Bangkok skyline, LUZ has quickly gained a reputation as “the place to be” since its September 15, 2023 debut. LUZ offers authentic Spanish tapas, wines, beer on tap, cocktails, signature sangrias, spirits, mocktails, spirits and more. In a spectacle unlike any other in Bangkok, diners on the 33rd floor peer into the bottom of the hotel’s 34th floor infinity pool. Crafted by INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit’s Spanish Chef de Cuisine, Madrid-born Juan Ignacio García Racionero, who has honed his craft in some of Spain’s top kitchens, the menu takes diners on a culinary crusade through Spain, with a dynamic variety of local Thai ingredients in the mix too. ‘Gilda de Pulpo' grilled octopus, olives, pickled paprika and olive oil, ‘Sardine Ahumada Con Lima’ smoked sardine with lime and avocado cream, ‘Gambas Al Ajillo’ sauteed prawns with chilli, garlic and olive oil, and ‘Ensalada De Salmorejo Burrata’ burrata with cold tomato creamy soup, anchovy and avocado are among ‘LUZ Tapas’ highlights. Photo credits: INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit Dishes already proving popular in the ‘Chef’s Tapas Selection’ include ‘LUZ Salmon’ Norwegian salmon with mango-passionfruit dressing and ‘Tuna Taki Taki Rumba’ Akani tuna with citrus dressing. ‘LUZ Signature’ delights include ‘Carrilleras de Cerdo Iberico’ braised Iberian pork cheek with carrots and cumin puree, ‘Pulpo a la Parrilla’ grilled octopus with paprika mashed potatoes and mango, and ‘Entrecot de ‘Ribeye’’ 300g Australian ribeye steak with layered potatoes and salsa de carne. “We may be halfway across the world from Spain here in Bangkok yet we are honoured to be recognised as an authentic world ambassador of Spanish cuisine and for offering Spain on a plate,” Racionero said. “I am inspired to bring authentic Spanish flavours to the forefront and celebrate my native Spain’s rich culinary heritage, all the while applying a novel twist to enhance the new menu’s appeal to the local palate.” “One of my favourite dishes is our ‘Pulpo a la Parrilla’. The addition of mango, chilli and smoked paprika purée creates a contrast of sweet, salty, and spicy flavours, offering a fresh take on the traditional Spanish recipe. Mango and chilli cater to the local palate and add unique flavours to the classic ingredients; all while staying true to the dish’s Spanish roots.” Before joining INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, the Madrid-born chef worked at one Michelin-starred Saddle as well as Diverxo, recognized in the top three ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ in 2023, and acclaimed restaurants El Jardin De La Marquina and Montellen. INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit is the newest member of an eclectic collection of urban and beach INNSiDE hotels — in 14 different countries across Asia, Europe, and the Americas — designed for those with curious minds who have a fluid lifestyle when it comes to work and leisure. For further information and to make a reservation, visit https://linktr.ee/luzbangkok_tapasbar, https://www.tablecheck.com/en/innside-by-melia-bkk-luz-bangkok-tapas-bar/reserve/ or call +66 2 340 5499.  

Dusit Thani Bangkok proudly presents Spire Rooftop Bar, an exciting new addition to the city's vibrant nightlife scene. Situated high above the bustling streets of the Thai capital, this oasis-in-the-sky redefines the rooftop bar experience, combining playful yet elegant tropical cocktails with a sophisticated ambience and the gracious Thai hospitality for which Dusit Thani is world-renowned to create a place where Bangkok comes together. Photo credits: Dusit Thani Bangkok An Elevated Tropical Retreat As the crowning jewel atop the recently reopened Dusit Thani Bangkok, Spire Rooftop Bar seamlessly blends the urban allure of the cityscape with the verdant tranquillity of Lumpini Park over which it looks. Lush plants and exotic succulents create a tropical atmosphere, echoing the park's natural serenity while immersing guests in an elevated green sanctuary. This harmonious interplay offers an enchanting escape, perfect for unwinding after a long day with a refreshing drink. Crafted Cocktails, Effortlessly Enjoyable Inspired by the setting and the view, the cocktail menu at Spire Rooftop Bar balances simplicity and sophistication. Each creation is crafted with fresh, tropical or aromatic ingredients for an approachable yet refined drinking experience. Signature highlights this season include: Super-Nature: A tequila-based cocktail infused with the bright, fruity flavours of Thai pomelo and tropical notes, enhanced by subtle carbonation for a refreshing finish. Antimatter: A whiskey-forward drink with citrusy yuzu and lychee, floral undertones and a touch of Thai spice for an exotic aroma. Proton Candy: Sweet and playful, this vodka-based cocktail combines coconut juice, banana milk and cardamom, topped with red wine for a fragrant, layered sip. Star Dust: A gin-driven delight featuring grapefruit, lemon and homemade rhubarb compote for a refreshing yet tart complexity. These thoughtfully crafted cocktails are complemented by a selection of gourmet bites, from freshly shucked oysters to Thai-inspired tacos and wagyu kofta kebabs made from premium ingredients. For those looking to pair their epicurean delights with wine or Champagne, a carefully curated selection of bottles is available. Photo credits: Dusit Thani Bangkok A Social Haven Where Gracious Hospitality Reigns Marking a new standard for drinks, bites and views in Bangkok, Spire Rooftop Bar sets the scene for memorable gatherings, from celebrating life's momentous milestones to enjoying conversation with friends or mingling with a like-minded crowd; every element is designed to inspire connection and joy. Nightly DJ performances provide the perfect soundtrack for a vibrant evening or a tranquil escape under the stars. For those seeking a bespoke experience, Spire Rooftop Bar also caters to private gatherings and creative events. From personalised cocktail classes to exclusive soirées, the possibilities are myriad as this unique venue transforms any occasion into an unforgettable celebration. Inspiring Evenings Await Open daily from 17:00 to 01:00, Spire Rooftop Bar invites guests to bask in Bangkok's golden hour and revel into the early hours, enjoying breathtaking views and scintillating company. With its unique blend of elevated tropical design, crafted offerings and gracious hospitality, Spire Rooftop Bar is the new go-to destination for effortless enjoyment and sophisticated socialising on the Bangkok skyline. For reservations and more information, please contact Dusit Thani Bangkok at +66 (0) 2200 9000 email dtbk@dusit.com. Online reservations, please visit dusit.com/bangkok