Shiji Announces Summer Update for F&B Tech, Infrasys Cloud POS and Digital Dine

The Gin Trap Inn in the North Norfolk coastal village of Ringstead, has become the latest acquisition for Chestnut, East Anglia's fastest-growing hospitality business. Photo credits: The Gin Trap Inn The acquisition consolidates Chestnut's foothold in the region, through the addition of a further 16 bedrooms. This is the Group's fourth Norfolk acquisition in 2024. In addition, Chestnut has opened The Maltings - a 28 bedroomed hotel in Weybourne (near Blakeney) with The Grain Store, a barn style restaurant and bar overlooking the sea. Founder and Managing Director, Philip Turner, said of the new additions “2024 has been a busy Norfolk year for the business. We started this journey in March 2020 - one week prior to lockdown, and four years later we have almost 200 bedrooms across the county. We remain an ambitious business trying to make a difference for our guests and team – this week we opened our second “winter garden” at The Globe (Wells-next-the-Sea) serving cheese fondues and tartiflette pizzas!" "Building community around our properties is a huge priority for us through The Giving Tree – our charitable foundation which is aiming to raise of £15,000 over this period to support local charities. We take our role as a significant regional employer (excess 200 people) seriously and are keen to develop strong relationships with those promoting North Norfolk as the go-to destination. I have known The Gin Trap Inn for many years and feel privileged that Chestnut has the chance to be part of the future.” Photo credits: The Gin Trap Inn David Lamyman, vendor of The Gin Trap Inn said, “We have taken The Gin Trap Inn to a new level since we acquired the business in 2019. Our great reputation is thanks to a very dedicated and hard-working team of people that know what our guests want and excel at delivering it. Having watched Chestnut grow by acquiring such quality venues and ensuring they individually thrive, I know that The Gin Trap will be in good hands.  Thank you to all those that have supported us.” Chestnut will welcome the new team members from the pub and looks forward to working with them to take the business to the next stage. All guest room bookings and table reservations will remain in place.

In a groundbreaking effort to help safeguard Khao Lak's stunning natural beaches, lessen the impact of rising sea levels and combat coastal erosion, Thailand's luxurious boutique resort, The Sarojin, is researching the viability of a new and innovative sustainability project. Using locally sourced oyster shells and by-products from the local fishing industry, research test sites were created in late November to assess the viability of a possible new natural offshore reef.  If successful, it's hoped the scheme will improve the area's environmental resilience and enhance its marine ecosystem. Photo credits: The Sarojin Khao Lak's beaches experience typical seasonal monsoon erosion due to their exposure to the Andaman Sea and, like many coastal regions, Khao Lak is at risk of shoreline retreat. Sea level rises also pose another threat, making coastal protection a key priority for the area. Current measures in place, such as sand-filled bags and concrete walls, reduce the beaches' aesthetic, impact local businesses and affect natural habitats. The Sarojin's research project is a natural solution to coastal erosion that utilises indigenous oyster shells sourced from local fishermen. Net boxes filled with the cleaned shells have been deployed at various test sites along the coast, with locations identified through an extensive review of the shoreline. Sustainable engineering and consultancy firm Witteveen+Bos provided initial research advice. Over time, it's hoped that free-swimming oyster larvae will attach themselves to the boxed shells, gradually forming a thriving oyster basket reef that can then be more permanently installed offshore. In addition to serving as a natural barrier against erosion, the oysters are highly effective water filters and their presence is expected to significantly improve inshore water quality, further enhancing marine ecosystems. Photo credits: The Sarojin Spearheading the initiative is The Sarojin owner Andrew Kemp, who added: "We're truly passionate about sustainability and responsible tourism at The Sarojin and protecting the area's stunning coastline is something that is so vitally important to our local community and wildlife and has always been high on our agenda. We are already heavily involved in local mangrove planting projects along the coast and launched our One Booking One Tree initiative in 2022, which sees one tree planted for every guest at the resort, but we felt we could do more. A similar oyster reef concept has already been researched and trialled in Singapore with promising results. If our trials in Thailand are also successful, we hope the resulting reef project will have a lasting positive impact on the environment. Our test sites should give us a clear indication of the efficiency and viability of the project within the coming nine to twelve months.” Monitored test sites include nets fastened to the seafloor by The Sarojin's jetty as well as within the estuary that rivens the property. The sites will be monitored regularly through 2025 to assess the basket reef's growth and development. If successful there are plans for the project to be extended with additional sites added next year. For more information about The Sarojin, please visit: www.sarojin.com

Four Seasons, the world’s leading luxury hospitality and branded residential company, in partnership with Hinitsa Bay Holdings, announces plans for the redevelopment of a beachside property at Hinitsa Bay, Porto Heli, Greece into a luxury resort and private residences. Photo credits: Four Seasons Set against the scenic backdrop of southeastern Greece, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Porto Heli will offer bay views of the Argolic Gulf and the nearby island of Spetses. The expansion and redevelopment will transform an existing beachfront estate, which currently spans 75 hectares (185 acres) and 3.25 kilometres (3,250 metres) of coastline, into a new Four Seasons experience with 80 guest rooms and suites and 30 bungalows, as well as Four Seasons branded residential villas. Thanks to its ideal and prime location, guests and residents will have ease of access to the beach, nearby town centre and extensive walking trails, along with the services and amenities of Four Seasons. “As we continue expanding our exceptional portfolio of hotels, resorts and residences in Greece, Four Seasons entry into Porto Heli will create yet another dynamic resort destination for discerning guests and residents to enjoy,” says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development, Portfolio Management and Residential, Four Seasons. “In partnership with Hinitsa Bay Holdings, we look forward to continuing to build Porto Heli’s profile as a premier Mediterranean destination with a new resort that embodies Four Seasons renowned commitment to service, quality, and personalized experiences.” “The transformation of this exceptional and beautiful estate at Hinitsa Bay into a luxury Four Seasons resort is an important step in the enhancement of the Porto Heli area,” says Paul Coulson, Chairman of Hinitsa Bay Holdings. “We are dedicated to maintaining the ambiance and character of the area while bringing onstream the facilities and leading standards of excellence, quality, and luxury hospitality associated with Four Seasons. With their proven track record of successful projects in key resort destinations throughout the world, we are confident that this development will offer an unparalleled experience for luxury guests and villa owners.” From the Kids For All Seasons program to an extensive multi-sports centre, gym, meeting space, and pools for adults, families and kids, the new Four Seasons Resort and Residences Porto Heli will boast amenities that cater to diverse preferences while delivering a new experience in a destination that is already celebrated by luxury travellers throughout Europe and around the world. Four Seasons guests and residents will also indulge in several distinct dining experiences including an all-day restaurant, beachfront dining, lobby lounge, and more. Located within a 1.3 hectare (3.25 acres) garden, the Resort’s Spa will connect guests to nature with experiences that help tap into a true sense of wellbeing. The wellness space will feature a lounge, more than 18 treatment rooms, fitness and movement facilities, and a thermal suite including saunas, steam rooms, hot and cold plunges and a salt pool. From the social spaces to the fitness and spa facilities, the design has prioritized creating a sense of calmness and peace while connecting guests with nature. Porto Heli, once best known as a fishing village, has evolved into a dynamic summer destination with its idyllic beaches, stately villas, and vibrant nightlife. The area is renowned for its striking natural surroundings, convenient access to the islands of Spetses, Hydra, and Poros, and proximity to the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as the historic town of Nafplion. The verdant landscapes, scenic shores, and turquoise waters together with the destination’s state-of-the-art amenities and traditional charm have attracted luxury tourism and real estate developments, making Porto Heli an ideal setting for a luxurious retreat. Porto Heli is well-connected to Athens via a two and half-hour drive, a short helicopter ride, daily ferry, or private boat services. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Porto Heli will add to Four Seasons portfolio in Greece, including the award-winning Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, and Four Seasons Resort Mykonos, which will open in 2025.