Machan Resorts Poised for Continued Growth in 2025

A Two-Night Tasting Menu from Berlin’s Two-Star Dessert Restaurant Sweetens the Holiday Season and Invites Guests to Re-Evaluate the Perception of Dessert

The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh has revealed its plans to open a new world-class visitor centre and retail experience to elevate their visitor journey from spring 2025. Photo credits: The Royal Yacht Britannia Computer-generated images released today offer a glimpse of what people can expect to see when the doors open to the public.  The enhanced visitor centre will incorporate 'never before seen' images and films, setting the scene of the Royal Yacht's rich history, giving visitors an enhanced sense of arrival before stepping aboard the Yacht itself.  The newly developed fascinating exhibition tells Britannia's story from the build of the last Royal Yacht in John Brown's Shipyard to the ship's new life as a five-star visitor attraction. The new state-of-the-art gift shop will be a cornucopia of Royal and heritage gifts, as well as unique treasures inspired by Britannia. Souvenirs for visitors to take home a memento of their time aboard Britannia. Both the new visitor centre and gift shop will be situated back on the second floor of Ocean Terminal in Leith, which is currently going through redevelopment, including a reconfiguration of the existing space. A replacement enclosed walkway will take visitors directly from Britannia's visitor centre across to the ship's top deck – The Bridge, to start their tour. Photo credits: The Royal Yacht Britannia 2025 also sees exciting developments afoot for Britannia's fleet of former Royal racing and sailing yachts; Bloodhound, Bluebottle and Coweslip. Recent investment by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust has seen the fleet of three vessels, all formerly owned by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, restored in all their glory. The trio will be taking to the water with wind in their sails over the course of 2025. Developed and managed by the award-winning team at The Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh's luxury floating hotel, Fingal (Tripadvisor's No.1 UK Luxury Hotel) is also enhancing the dining experience for guests following an expansion of its award-winning Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar. Fingal's restaurant, with its stylish nautical interior, is a world-class foodie destination which boasts 2 AA Rosettes for culinary excellence.  In addition and new for 2025, Fingal's original Bridge is being developed into a thoughtfully designed new private dining experience, offering a tailored and immersive gastronomic journey for guests, inspired by Fingal's working life at sea. For more information on The Royal Yacht Britannia, go to www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk For more information on Fingal Hotel, go to www.fingal.co.uk .

Bawe Island by The Cocoon Collection, located just off the coast of Zanzibar, has been named the “Best Hospitality Newcomer Worldwide” at the 2025 Connoisseur Circle Hospitality Awards, establishing itself as one of the most exclusive destinations in the luxury hospitality landscape. Photo credits: Bawe Island by The Cocoon Collection The Connoisseur Circle Hospitality Awards are assigned by Connoisseur Circle, one of the most authoritative and prestigious publications dedicated to luxury travel at an international level, and celebrates properties that stand out for their innovation, quality of services and ability to offer unique experiences to guests. Bawe Island by The Cocoon Collection is an ultra exclusive "one island, one resort", which guarantees an unparalleled experience in a pristine natural setting. Located just 15 minutes by boat from Zanzibar's ancient Stone Town, the island extends over 30 hectares and is home to 70 luxury villas, each with its own private garden, swimming pool and personal butler service, including the Sunrise Villa, the majestic Sultan Palace and eight overwater Lagoon Suite Pool villas. Photo credits: Bawe Island by The Cocoon Collection What makes Bawe Island unique is not only its luxury, but also its strong commitment to sustainability. The Cocoon Collection has established, in collaboration with the government of Zanzibar, the Changuu-Bawe Marine Reserve around the island to safeguard the coral reef and the biodiversity of the underwater ecosystem. This commitment is also reflected in the infrastructural choices of the resort, which uses renewable energy and sustainable water resource management systems. Attilio Azzola, Founder and Corporate Sales Manager of The Cocoon Collection, said: "Receiving this recognition is a confirmation of our commitment to redefining the concept of luxury, combining excellence in services and respect for the environment. Bawe Island is a project that blends exclusivity and sustainability, offering an authentic and refined experience. We are particularly proud to have obtained this prestigious recognition within a selection of top-level hotels, already known and consolidated in the luxury hospitality market. This achievement further underlines the uniqueness of Bawe Island, and this award is dedicated to the entire team that, with passion and dedication, has contributed to realizing the ambitious project of Bawe Island." Guests at Bawe Island can immerse themselves in the beauty of Zanzibar, exploring the Jozani Forest, visiting Stone Town and Prison Island or experiencing the thrill of a safari in Tanzania. The resort continues to raise the bar in luxury hospitality, offering a perfect balance between exclusivity, nature and innovation.  aw