The Danish Crown Princess Mary Elizabeth attended the country for her first official visit. She shared Fiji's progress in this area, from introducing eco-friendly practices in resorts to supporting local conservation efforts. The conversation also shed light on the challenges Fiji faces in achieving sustainable tourism, such as the need for continued education and collaboration with industry partners.
Fiji Airways also hosted the royal attendee as the honourable participant of the mangrove planting, one of the initiatives to protect the natural habitat of the islands.
Tourism Fiji’s Sustainability Officer Sunishma Singh had the privilege of meeting with the Her Royal Highness, to discuss the vital importance of sustainability in the tourism industry. The meeting was a good reminder of the crucial role tourism plays in shaping our planet's future, and the responsibility we all have to prioritise sustainability in our actions and decisions.
San Miguel de Allende in Mexico is renowned for its breathtaking vistas, and at its cultural heart lies NUMU Boutique Hotel, which opened just last year and is home to the only rooftop pool in the downtown area. Guests can revel in panoramic views of the cityscape and the iconic La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel poolside, creating the picture-perfect setting to unwind and beat the summer heat in truly covetable style.
In an area where many historic buildings cannot accommodate rooftop pools, NUMU’s sleek, modern structure was designed with this exclusive amenity in mind, providing guests with an unparalleled downtown experience. Poolside loungers at NUMU Boutique Hotel can enjoy stunning views while savoring a distinctive cocktail menu crafted by mixologist Amer Heneidi.
NUMU Boutique Hotel
Drawing inspiration from Otomi culture, Heneidi incorporates indigenous ingredients like nopales, hoja santa, and legumes, creating a truly unique sipping experience. Enhancing its exceptional rooftop offerings, NUMU will unveil NOIA this August, a Mediterranean culinary concept led by Executive Chef Omar Tovar. Chef Tovar, who honed his culinary skills at the renowned three-Michelin-starred Martin Berasategui Restaurant, will present a menu featuring simply prepared yet elevated dishes. Guests can look forward to high-quality tinned seafood and conservas, as well as exquisite charcoal-prepared creations.
Whether travelers are seeking a tranquil retreat amidst the bustling charm of San Miguel de Allende or aiming to elevate their stay with unparalleled vistas and sophisticated ambiance, the rooftop oasis at NUMU Boutique Hotel promises an unforgettable escape.
Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection, a premier resort nestled in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, today debuts a significant redesign effort that redefines back-to-nature luxury and sensibility in the Southeast. In collaboration with renowned design firm, Chad Dorsey Design, the renovation introduces fully refreshed public spaces, a new signature restaurant, Leatherflower, as well as two brand new Mountain Top Tree House Suites, representing the ultimate in elevated accommodations overlooking the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains.
Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection
The Lodge
The heartbeat of the property, the Lodge is a regal structure with several welcoming gathering spaces that Chad Dorsey has reimagined with designs that blend casual sophistication with the warmth and hospitality synonymous with the Southeastern region that Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection calls home. Drawing from his roots in eastern Tennessee, Dorsey brings an understanding of the region's charm, and ethos as an outdoor, nature-based escape.
"Inspired by elements that define a quintessential Virginia inn, we maintained the property's spirit and warmth throughout the common areas by blending elements that are reflective of local tradition," said Chad Dorsey owner of Chad Dorsey Design. "The use of warm textiles and details such as American quilts regionally inspired by Kyle Bunting, mix with contemporary touches throughout the spaces to align with the resort's world-class amenities."
The Lodge's new Great Hall has refined interiors with custom furnishings that work together with antique pieces. In the Study, a custom desk and built-in bookshelves feature locally sourced artwork, books, and artifacts for guests to peruse as they engage with the guest service team. The room is encased by Pierre Frey wallcoverings in rich marigold hues, illustrating the dense Virginia forests and timeless landscapes of the region.
A two-story space with views of the rolling fairways and Blue Ridge Mountains, The Great Hall, serves as the primary gathering place for guests. The new interiors showcase a blend of antique, American, European, and custom furniture. Plaid and floral fabrics add depth and texture, while handcrafted wooden mantels encasing two fireplaces create inviting focal points, for gathering, sharing stories and making new memories in Virginia's Highlands.
Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection
Culinary Innovations
The introduction of Leatherflower, the property's newest farm-to-table restaurant, anchors the enhancement project. Recently awarded the Best of Award of Excellence among Wine Spectator's 2024 Restaurant Awards, Primland's signature restaurant embodies the best of Virginia's culinary scene with a design that conveys the whimsical spirit of the South.
A bespoke epicurean journey through the tastes of Southern Appalachia, Leatherflower, much like the native Clematis flower that inspired its name, features dishes deeply rooted in the bounty of the land. Open daily for breakfast and dinner, the restaurant is helmed by Executive Chef Zach Long and offers seasonal menus that showcase ingredients from the property's farm and greenhouse, as well as local mills, farms and suppliers. Menu highlights include sorghum lacquered quail with smashed purple sweet potato and collards, breaded Cheshire pork cutlet and grass-fed dry-aged Niman Ranch ribeye.
Thoughtfully designed, exposed beams, floral grasscloth wallcovering, and expansive windows frame the stunning landscape views of the 18-hole championship-caliber golf course. Finely detailed furniture, including elegant dining tables and upholstered chairs and banquettes, reflects a high appreciation for artisanal craft, and invites guests to revel in panoramic views of the majestic mountains beyond through intimate seating arrangements. Vibrant patterns in blue, green, coral, and cream capture the spirit of the outdoors, and abundant greenery provides continuity with the flora outside, immersing guests in this unique culinary experience.
New Mountain Top Tree Houses
Finally, the completion of two new Mountain Top Tree Houses marks a significant addition to the resort's luxury suite accommodations. Built into the trees and perched above the Dan River Gorge, the new Tree House suites overlook the Kibler Valley with sprawling views of the breathtaking vistas and abundant wildlife surrounds. Custom programming and dining experiences curated exclusively for these private treetop hideaways invite guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while enjoying modern amenities.
With these latest design transformations, Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection continues its commitment to delivering exceptional experiences and comfortable luxury defined by its Blue Ridge, Virginia roots.
