Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world's leading luxury hospitality company, together with Shahid Khan through Iguana Investments Florida LLC (Iguana Investments), today announced plans for a new Hotel and Private Residences in Jacksonville, Florida.
Anticipated to open in 2026, Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Jacksonville will play an integral role in the development of the Jacksonville Shipyards while ushering in a thrilling and historic next chapter for Downtown Jacksonville.
Blending imaginative urban design on the banks of the St. Johns River, Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Jacksonville will be the centrepiece of the Jacksonville Shipyards, ideally located adjacent to the Sports Complex and proposed Stadium of the Future – a renovated and reimagined EverBank Stadium that will serve as home to the Jacksonville Jaguars while playing host to national and international sports and entertainment events for generations to come.
“Four Seasons is incredibly proud to bring our renowned service and hospitality offering to one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States,” says Bart Carnahan, Executive Vice President, Global Business Development and Portfolio Management, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “As Jacksonville continues to enhance its offerings for people to live, work and play, we look forward to working with Mr. Khan to expand our presence in Florida and extend our long-time partnership together, contributing to the city’s bright future and achieving our shared vision of building communities and creating exceptional luxury experiences.”
Naturally lush island resort Amilla Maldives has earned further industry-leading recognition for its continued commitment to sustainability, achieving a fourth consecutive Silver certification from EarthCheck and becoming one of only five Maldivian resorts to be included in Forbes Travel Guide's VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality 2025 programme.
Photo credits: Amilla Maldives
Designed in collaboration with renowned hotelier and sustainability pioneer, Hervé Houdré, the Forbes Travel Guide VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality initiative sets a global standard for the world's finest hotels. The programme provides clearly defined best practices to protect the environment and support the wellbeing of employees, guests and the community, encompassing areas such as food and water waste management, sustainable amenities, recycling, energy usage, health security, and integration with the local community and culture.
The leading scientific benchmarking certification group for travel and tourism, recognised by travellers, brands and destinations world-wide, EarthCheck's science-based and people-focused accreditation process showcases the sustainability pathway, empowering travellers to make well-informed choices on their tourism experiences.
In 2024, Amilla's ongoing commitment to balancing sustainability with natural luxury experiences saw the introduction of refillable, PCR-packaged, vegan-friendly luxury amenities from cult Swedish brand 16-69 and Dutch social enterprise Marie-Stella Maris; alongside reusable silicone Rolla Bottles for guests' use during and beyond their stay.
The resort also embarked on a collaboration with local NGO Atoll Marine Centre (AMC) to support its work on coral restoration projects and gathering vital data on turtles, mantas, and sharks. The resort proactively invites guests to participate in coral planting excursions with the resort's Marine Biologist and adopt a coral frame to receive monthly updates on its progress.
Most recently, a new collaboration with the University of Auckland marked a significant step forward in the conservation of white-tailed tropicbirds. As part of this initiative, the Amilla team successfully GPS-tagged 13 birds and ringed 17 others. Weighing just one per cent of the bird's body weight, the GPS tags allow researchers to monitor feeding patterns; while the rings are designed to identify individual birds, making it possible to track behaviour and migratory patterns.
Amilla's dedication to sustainability also plays a significant part in its culinary experiences, notably through its Homegrown@Amilla and Homemade@Amilla initiatives. Fresh produce such as herbs, vegetables, and mushrooms are cultivated in the resort's own organic gardens; while Homemade@Amilla products including yoghurts, jams, pickles, sauces, probiotic sodas, tonics, and plant-based milks are also made by hand on-island.
In November 2024, the resort reported a 48.17 per cent year-on-year reduction in overall food waste, and a 37.5 per cent decrease in food waste per person, compared to November 2023. An ongoing effort to deploy digital solutions to minimise paper use in guest areas saw the amount of paper used for printing reduced from 2,289 reams in 2023 to 1,505 reams in 2024.
Community engagement is also a vital part of Amilla Maldives' ethos, with the resort committed to conducting a minimum of one community activity each month. In 2024, these included a clean-up of Kihaadho Beach and reef; showcasing local artisanal businesses at the resort; inviting three local schools to sessions at the Amilla Football Academy; and donating 1,740 palm trees to the Maldivian islands of Kihadhoo and Maalhos.
Along with continuing the white-tailed tropicbird tagging partnership with the University of Auckland and further reduction of paper usage, the resort's sustainability goals for 2025 include the introduction of a new food waste management system that converts food waste into gas for use in the staff kitchens; and developing new ways to upcycle glass bottles.
For further information and reservations visit www.amilla.com.
From 1 April 2025, Capella Taipei emerges as a masterpiece of contemporary design and marks Capella Hotels and Resorts' inaugural presence in Taiwan.
Photo credits: Capella Taipei
Located along the verdant corridor of Dunhua North Road, where century-old trees line boulevards reminiscent of European promenades, Capella Taipei's design symphony showcases the distinctive creativity of interior architect André Fu — whose creative expression transforms the hotel into a narrative of sophistication suffused with serene poetry, mirroring Taipei's multifaceted spirit.
"It is a re-telling of my personal journey discovering Taipei," shares Fu. "Flaneuring around local neighbourhoods and wandering into the lush tree-lined Dunhua North Road where the hotel resides, I was absorbed by the poetic environment - an antithesis to the urbanity one might typically perceive of Taipei. My vision translates relaxed luxury into a quietly-curated private mansion, incorporating contemporary touches and cultural nuances."
The Arrival Experience: An Intimate Mansion of Modernity
At the heart of André Fu's vision lies the concept of a “modern mansion” – an intricate dialogue between bespoke luxury and cultural legacy. His interpretation of Taipei's essence manifests in the interplay of urban dynamism and moments of contemplative stillness, a duality woven seamlessly throughout the hotel.
On traversing the cobblestone driveway, the city's clamour gently recedes, opening up to a tranquil courtyard with sculpted greenery and magnificent bronze doors that serve as a grand entrance. The arrival experience continues to unfold through a series of intimate salons, allowing each guest to discover a layered visual journey. Inside, a tiered console table presents an artfully curated collection of objets d'art crafted by gifted local artisans. Above it hangs a commissioned tapestry by Taiwanese artist Lee Chen-Lin, whose intricate weaving captures the ethereal beauty of Taiwan's misty peaks and verdant valleys.
Through a rhythmic progression of spaces, Fu establishes an intuitive journey throughout the hotel. Once guests enter the archway from the Entrance Arrival, they are greeted by Plume - an intimate and welcoming sanctuary that invites them to enjoy convivial moments from dawn to dusk. Here, a commissioned mural from French artist Elsa Rameau features a motif of the Taiwan blue magpie against a deep terra cotta and camel sand palette.
By going through the Plume lounge, the Rotunda - a cylindrical chamber anchored by a prominent spiral staircase - presents itself with a sweeping handrail of 800 hardwood blocks, tracing the graceful curve of a calla lily. At the heart of this architectural statement is Quiet Dynamics, a bold vertical sculpture by Joel Escalona that creates a silent dialogue with the fluid form of the staircase.
Photo credits: Capella Taipei
The Guestrooms: where craftmanship meets poetic elegance
Inspired by his profound connection to Taipei, André describes the city as a vibrant urban tapestry intertwined with moments of poetic stillness.
“The spirit of my design philosophy is about provoking new ways of thinking about what luxury means. The overall sensibility reflects the aesthetics I imagined for this contemporary mansion, a feeling of authenticity in the details. My vision is to capture this sensibility with a residential approach,” says Fu.
Exquisite silk panels, each meticulously hand-painted and adorned with silver gilt, emerge from a collaboration between British artisan De Gournay and Andre Fu Living, juxtaposing Art Deco geometries with zen garden serenity. This artistic sensibility extends to distinctive marquetry patterns adorning entrance doors, tableware, and carpets. A handful of accommodations also feature private balconies or spacious al fresco terraces with an outdoor dipping pool.
A Curated Journey Through Distinctive Dining Venues
"Each dining venue within the hotel is conceived as a destination in itself – envisioned by a well-travelled connoisseur seeking to bring treasured culinary memories to welcome guests into their mansion.” says Fu.
The Western restaurant, Ember 28, features soaring heights accentuated by twin crystal chandeliers by Czech artisans Preciosa, its deep burgundy palette enriched by luxuriant velvet and embossed leather textures.
Patisserie Plume offers an enchanting tableau overlooking the tree-lined boulevard of Dunhua North Road. Expansive windows frame an elegant dialogue between refined interiors and the verdant streetscape. Crafted in a palette of sage green, the space's classical foundation reveals itself through patterned marble mosaic floors, while warm, whimsical fluted glass chandelier and ornate high gloss walnut cabinets reimagine the traditional European patisserie – creating an intimate sanctuary for life's sweeter moments.
The Chinese Restaurant, Rong Ju, presents a modern reinterpretation of traditional red-roof architectural elements from the local neighbourhood. At the main dining room, a dramatic eight-metre-high pitched ceiling clad in lush terracotta red tiles commands attention, presenting a modern dialogue between heritage and modernity. An impressive hand-crafted eight-metre-wide marquetry wall adorned with peony and intertwining foliage motifs – symbolising prosperity and evoking a sense of contemporary expression – Harmonises the space between booths. High gloss, deep burgundy panels and bespoke lantern pendants are also featured in this modern dining venue.
For the Japanese restaurant, Mizue, Fu draws inspiration from traditional ryokan architecture, creating a series of pavilions connected by contemplative pathways. Upon entering, guests will be ushered into a journey of visual surprises including the shoji-viewing windows that orchestrate natural light throughout the day. At the sushi room, an unprecedented 10-metre-long counter in solid hinoki wood takes centrestage, showcasing natural grains that mimic the spirit of “dancing ink” paintings. Two intimate private dining chambers which can be joined into one embraces the wabi-sabi philosophy through artfully positioned windows that frame both interior moments and exterior vistas. Above, the ceiling's gentle curvature adds an unexpected poetry to the space, creating a subtle interplay of form and light.
Photo credits: Capella Taipei
A Wellness Journey Rooted in Balance
The spa and wellness areas exemplify masterful spatial design with a strong focus on the notion of serenity. Barrel-vaulted ceilings evoke a sense of ascending tranquillity, drawing inspiration from sacred architectural forms. Treatment rooms feature cross-vaulted ceilings that work in harmony with precise geometric proportions to enhance the wellness journey. “My goal is to craft a wellness sanctuary imbued with the spirit of profound stillness, where every detail contributes to an atmosphere of deep repose. Fu notes, "This architectural expression, commonly found in churches or monasteries, creates a celestial feeling".
The Pool
The journey through the hotel culminates with the vast pool terrace, which unfolds into a spectacular urban oasis. Here, Fu's vision manifests in the interplay of nature and design: a lush white bougainvillea hedge that spans 38 metres create a living tapestry punctuated by luxurious cabanas of a rich auburn orange canvas.
Fu's vision for Capella Taipei transcends pure aesthetics, crafting a considered environment where design serves as both canvas and centrepiece of the guest experience. Each architectural element, material selection, and spatial flow orchestrates moments of discovery, reflection, and an authentic connection to the destination. The result is a carefully composed experience that honours Taipei's dynamic spirit while establishing new benchmarks in luxury hospitality design. “Capella Taipei stands as a testament to the power of curated design in creating spaces that resonate with emotional depth. To me, it is a crafted celebration of this poetic city.”
Capella Taipei welcomes guests to experience Capella's visionary curation of culture with an exclusive opening offer, "Unveil & Celebrate". Bookings are now open for stays from 1 April 2025 with rates starting from TWD 20,559 (exclusive of taxes and service fees).
"Unveil & Celebrate” invites guests to begin each day with an indulgent champagne breakfast for two. A TWD3,000 hotel credit per stay opens doors to discoveries throughout the hotel, including five distinct dining venues, signature Capella Curates programmes, wellness therapies and spa treatments. For more information about “Unveil & Celebrate”, visit https://capellahotels.com/en/capella-taipei/offers.
A feast for the senses awaits as Heritage Resorts & Golf in Mauritius unveils a dazzling 2025 Culinary Calendar, an invitation to embark on a gastronomic odyssey unlike any other. With a programme brimming with creativity, refinement, and world-class expertise, this year's edition is set to captivate epicureans and gourmets alike.
Photo credits: Heritage Resorts & Golf
You can view the full calendar here: https://heritageresorts.mu/hotels-mauritius/culinary-calendar
Under the title of “A Starry Gastronomic Odyssey”, the calendar unfolds as a year-long celebration of fine dining, featuring monthly culinary rendezvous hosted by Michelin starred chefs. Each month, the group's exceptional establishments will transform into epicurean sanctuaries, where the artistry of haute cuisine takes centre stage, orchestrated around carefully curated themes.
The prestigious Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort, Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort, and the Château de Bel Ombre will welcome no fewer than 13 distinguished chefs, each graced with Michelin stars. Through exclusive signature dinners and interactive masterclasses, they will share their savoir-faire, blending tradition with innovation, refinement with authenticity. Guests will be invited to indulge in exquisitely composed dishes that pay homage to both time-honoured culinary legacies and contemporary gastronomic artistry.
Beyond these exquisite encounters, three unmissable gourmet events will punctuate the year:
May – Bourbon Island Week – An ode to the soulful flavours of Mauritius' sister island, bringing forth a vibrant fusion of Creole influences and island heritage.
July – Sommeliers' Week – A tribute to the world's finest vintages, curated by leading wine experts who will unveil remarkable pairings.
October – Sustainable Gastronomy Week – A celebration of eco-conscious haute cuisine, led by visionary chefs Yann Monbaron and Christophe Chiavola, proving that sustainability and indulgence can go hand in hand.
“Creating exceptional gastronomic moments is at the very heart of Heritage Resorts & Golf,” states Raoul Maurel, Chief Operations Officer. “By collaborating with some of the world's most esteemed chefs, our ambition is to offer guests—both local and international— culinary experiences that transcend taste, stirring emotion, connection, and excellence.
These encounters are not only transformative for our guests but also for our kitchen brigades, who have the privilege of learning from the finest talents in the industry. Since the reopening of our borders in 2020, we have welcomed over 40 Michelin-starred chefs, an achievement that reaffirms our unwavering commitment to haute cuisine in Mauritius.”
Closing the year on a sumptuous crescendo, the 2025 edition will culminate in December with an extraordinary four-hands gala dinner—a celebration of artistry, passion, and the spirit of fine dining.
For further information, visit www.heritageresorts.mu
