Boutique Hotel Alhambra on Lošinj Island has been honoured as one of the select few to join the prestigious ‘Finest Collection’ by Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH). This new and exclusive group includes only 21 SLH member hotels, representing less than 4% of the current SLH portfolio. Boutique Hotel Alhambra is Croatia’s first and only hotel to be part of this prestigious collection.
Boutique Hotel Alhambra
The Finest Collection embodies the essence of SLH, featuring hotels that are considered destinations in their own right, revered by the luxury travel community, and recognised as icons of the industry. These hotels are celebrated SLH brand champions, setting the standard for luxury hospitality worldwide. Boutique Hotel Alhambra’s inclusion in the Finest Collection underscores its commitment to service beyond expectations and its dedication to providing an immersive luxury experience. The selection process was rigorous, with a panel of luxury travel experts identifying the 21 hotels that meet the stringent criteria:
Exceptional Inspection Scores: An average inspection score of at least 90% over the last three years, with the latest inspection score exceeding 90%.
Impeccable Online Presence: Revered by the luxury travel community, including accolades from American Express, Forbes Travel Guide, Virtuoso, and the Michelin Guide.
Essence of SLH: Demonstrating that they capture the essence of SLH and merit a trip as a destination in their own right.
Boutique Hotel Alhambra’s inclusion in the SLH Finest Collection is a testament to its unwavering dedication to providing an extraordinary guest experience.
The UK’s largest independent hotel group has announced its transformative rebranding – reflecting its dedication to exceeding guest expectations and delivering exceptional experiences across its growing portfolio of hotels.
Bespoke Hotels, a collection of over 70 independent hotels across the length of the British Isles, has announced a comprehensive rebranding that features a refreshed website, new brochures, and a more prominent identity. This evolution strengthens Bespoke Hotel’s commitment and value to its partners, stakeholders and guests, while helping to solidify its position as a leader in the hospitality industry.
The updated brand reflects Bespoke Hotels’ strategic focus on expansion, allowing it to cater to a wider range of travellers and destinations. Despite the evolution, the brand’s core values of great service, a flair for hospitality and recognition that guests want to be treated like an individual remain paramount.
The multi-faceted approach includes significant investment into a newly refreshed website aimed at increasing its direct booking channel, as well as distributing a leisure breaks brochure across all hotels to promote cross-selling within the portfolio. Each hotel will also receive a plaque identifying it as part of the Bespoke Hotel family, further solidifying the brand’s presence.
Thomas Greenall, Chief Executive Officer
Speaking about the rebranding, Thomas Greenall, Chief Executive Officer of Bespoke Hotels, said: “This isn’t just a visual refresh; it’s a comprehensive strategy designed to create lasting value for our stakeholders. As we look to the future, we are committed to staying ahead of the curve and innovating to provide value to our owners and meet the ever-changing needs of our guests. We thank everyone for their continued support as we embark on this exciting new chapter.”
2024 has been particularly noteworthy for Bespoke Hotels, marked by the strengthening of its existing portfolio through a series of development projects. This includes the opening of two new Gotham locations, along with several hotel openings and refurbishments across the collection.
The global hospitality Group and representatives from 17 international corporations form an advisory council to design and shape a new era of corporate travel and meetings for 2025 and beyond
Rosetta Hospitality announces the launch of Elements by Rosetta-Varca, its newest venture in South Goa. The hotel caters to the growing affordable luxury segment, offering a well-balanced experience combining comfort and high-end amenities. Elements by Rosetta will open in a two-phase rollout. Phase 1 features 74 meticulously designed rooms, while Phase 2 will introduce an additional 68 suites, bringing the total capacity to 142 rooms. Furthermore, Rosetta Hospitality plans to open Collins De La Mer, a three-level beachfront shack, along the serene shores of Varca. Each level will boast panoramic ocean views, creating a unique tropical escape.
At Elements by Rosetta, guests can indulge in various amenities designed for relaxation and enjoyment, including a swimming pool with a dedicated kids pool. Other amenities include a kids play area, a family activity center; Rosetta Engage, an all-day dining restaurant; Cucina Rosetta, Collins Bar-By the Pool, a gymnasium and a spa. The property features five room categories ranging from 400 to 600 sq. ft., some equipped with a bathtub and some with an outdoor jacuzzi. The property features versatile venues for any occasion: a grand ballroom of 4,000 sq. ft., a picturesque 5,000 sq. ft. outdoor lawn, and well-appointed board rooms for important meetings and conferences.
Elements by Rosetta-Varca
Rosetta Hospitality is renowned for its specialized regional delicacies, particularly since launching Ouzo by Fire in Indiranagar, Bengaluru. At Varca, they continue this tradition by bringing together the finest culinary offerings from around the world, providing a diverse menu available both in their restaurants and through in-room dining.Club Rosetta stands as India's premier luxury hospitality club, offering an exclusive vacation ownership program. Members enjoy one week of holiday annually (four weekdays plus three weekends) for 10 or 20 years, secured with a refundable deposit. Through its exchange partner, the program provides access to a world of exclusivity, privilege, and unparalleled quality. Members can explore a diverse portfolio of the finest vacation properties and services worldwide, expanding their travel options to include 240 resorts across the globe.Talking about the location, Errol Fernandes, the Chairman and Managing Director of Rosetta Hospitality said, “In our quest to establish ourselves as a leading hospitality brand within the leisure industry, we recognized Goa as the ideal location for our investment. Goa’s unique blend of pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and thriving tourism industry makes it an attractive market for both business and leisure. The hotel, a five-star property, serves a diverse clientele, including corporate groups, wedding parties, and leisure travelers, making it a perfect addition to our portfolio”Commenting on the entry into the affordable luxury sector, Jai Sreedhar, Joint Managing Director of Rosetta Hospitality said in recent years, India’s affordable luxury market has seen remarkable growth. New-age travelers are looking for experiences that combine high-end amenities with accessible pricing. Elements by Rosetta is designed to meet these needs, offering unparalleled luxury and comfort in a stunning setting. We believe that our new property will resonate with travelers who value quality and sophistication without compromising on affordability
This October will see the return of an icon of modern luxury. Delano Dubai will capture the vibrant energy and cultural zeitgeist of the famed Miami original, transporting guests into a world of contemporary design, legendary spirit, and chic sensibility. Framed against the pristine shores of Bluewaters Dubai, a vibrant lifestyle destination by Dubai Holding offering a mix of residential, retail, hospitality and entertainment concepts.
The hotel will feature 167 guestrooms and 84 suites, culminating in the extraordinary five-bedroom Penthouse, all designed in Delano’s signature understated style. Three exceptional culinary and mixology experiences including a reawakening of the renowned Rose Bar promise to be profoundly unforgettable, while the sea-front swimming pool invites guests to gather, socialise, or simply revel in absolute discretion on this unexpectedly secluded island idyll.
The first truly luxury lifestyle hotel, Delano swept into the Miami scene in the mid 90’s and instantly gained a devoted following among the who’s who of the social set thanks to its avant-garde approach that rejected the staid traditions of five-star hospitality and instead measured luxury by attention to detail, discernment, and personalised experiences.
DELANO Dubai opens October 2024
The upcoming opening of Delano Dubai will mark an exciting milestone in the brand’s evolution, embodying and elevating the principles that secured the original’s legendary status to usher in a new era of lifestyle hospitality characterised by refined luxury, sophisticated style, and bespoke service.
Conceived by leading design studios Elastic Architects, LaBottega, SA Consultants, and Y Design, the interiors of Delano Dubai have also been influenced by the chic, understated styling of the Miami original designed by Philippe Starck. The low-slung exterior is restrained and discrete, marked by verdant manicured topiary that harks back to South Beach’s infamous hedge, while the draping of soft, flowing fabrics creates a veiled arrival, transitioning guests into the textured, sensory world of Delano.
The use of the brand’s signature white creates bright, light filled spaces that form the foundation of a layered, tactile aesthetic crafted through the use of contrasting architectural lighting, bold tones and natural materials such as leather, marble, onyx, white oak and mohair.
Innately connected to nature, the guest areas are defined by organic forms, from fluted detailing and hand-painted botanical motifs to the cocoon-like clusters of curved chairs and sofas, and flow out to the English gardens and tree-studded terraces that frame the property.
The natural aesthetic influences extend to the hotel’s 251 rooms and suites with modern design that embraces fluidity in soft, curved silhouettes and rich textures. Each guestroom is an enveloping, light-filled retreat, complete with a tonal colour palette, bespoke furnishings, private balcony or terrace and a luxurious marble bathroom. Delano Dubai will also feature an exclusive selection of 83 suites available with one or two bedrooms and offering elegant living and dining spaces, as well as a variety of private outdoor space including terraces, gardens, and pools.
DELANO Dubai opens October 2024
Crowning the hotel is the Delano Penthouse, an unparalleled five-bedroom, five-bathroom penthouse set across the entirety of the seventh floor featuring a personal elevator entrance, private infinity swimming pool and two terraces perfectly appointed to offer spectacular views over the city’s skyline and the shimmering Arabian Gulf, alternately backlit by rose-hued sunrises and gilded golden hours.
As befitting a veritable social hub, three distinctive restaurant and bar concepts will sit at the heart of Delano Dubai. Tutto Passa, an amber-hued Italian restaurant and terrace, will bring the Amalfi coast to the serene shores of Bluewaters Dubai, while destination beachfront restaurant Blue Door pays homage to its iconic namesake. A legend of the Miami bar scene, the hotel will also play host to the reimagined Rose Bar, an opulent and elegant enclave that encapsulates the famed conviviality and irrepressible wit of the much-loved Delano classic, famously frequented by Hollywood elite and music legends alike.
Delano Dubai will put down roots on a sublimely private corner of Bluewaters Dubai, taking advantage of the unbeatable vistas across the city skyline and Arabian Sea while affording guests the ultimate luxury of total discretion and discernment. A completely unspoilt private beach and whimsical, landscaped gardens envelop the waterside property, which has been designed to offer guests the choice of exquisite isolation or entry into an exclusive social hub.
Fringed by billowing umbrellas, the fairytale-like swimming pool will draw inspiration from Roman baths in both aesthetics and purpose, providing a scene of socialising, meeting, and relaxing with carefully placed ledges and loungers encouraging guests to linger and engage with each other and the spectacular surroundings.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation and El Pardo Hospitality today announced the debut of The Legend Paracas Resort, joining the Destination by Hyatt brand. The 124-suite resort invites guests and World of Hyatt members to discover the natural wonders and historical legacy of Paracas, located on the coast of Peru, about three hours south of Lima. The resort is nestled between the Paracas Nature Reserve and the Pacific Ocean, offering panoramic views of the Paracas Bay and desert hills, designed to be a place of immersive discovery, authentic design and warm, welcoming service.
The opening unveils a fully renovated reception desk and lobby, along with a number of enhancements designed to enrich the guest experience. The resort now offers a covered parking garage with two EV (electric vehicle) chargers and a redesigned restaurant and bar inspired by the Paracas culture that evokes the connection between the desert and the sea.
“It is a privilege to join forces with Hyatt to open The Legend Paracas Resort and connect guests with the people, place and culture of this unforgettable coastal town. This has been an exciting project for our team, and we are thrilled to officially open our doors to local Peruvians and global travelers alike and invite guests and World of Hyatt members to make this destination their own,” commented Ricardo Bracale, CEO of El Pardo Hospitality.
The Legend Paracas Resort
Suite Guestrooms
The Legend Paracas Resort is comprised of 124 two-room suites, each equipped with private balconies or terraces that unveil stunning ocean, garden or pool views and deliver an experience that ensure guests feel right at home. The guestroom design reflects the natural beauty of the Paracas National Reserve, drawing inspiration from the natural wonders and historical legacy of the region, using wood and natural fabrics. Each suite includes a communal living room with a sofa bed, TV and desk, a kitchenette with a microwave, coffee maker, tea kettle and minibar, and guestroom have a terrace on the first floor or balcony on the second.
Authentic Food & Beverage Offerings
The Legend Paracas Resort is home to three on-site culinary concepts that offer different gastronomic experiences using the finest ingredients from the destination including its signature restaurant and bar, Azul, offering Peruvian and international flavors with fresh local ingredients and its casual beach-front restaurant Rey de Las Olas Bar & Lounge. The Pool Side Bar offers light bites and signature cocktails using Peruvian Pisco, local fruits and non-alcoholic cocktails with a twist incorporating local ingredients such as purple corn. Twenty-four-hour in-room dining is also available daily.
The resort also offers Café Zokya, authentic Peruvian coffee that blends the unique characteristics of coffee beans sourced from three distinct regions: Quillabamba (Cusco), Pozuzo (Pasco), and Rodriguez de Mendoza (Amazonas). This signature blend is available throughout the hotel’s restaurants, main dining areas and guestrooms.
Spa & Wellness
At the resort’s heart is the spa, which offers a variety of special services such as body massages, milk baths, scrubs, body wraps and whirlpools. Other amenities include a well-equipped fitness center and a pool overlooking the ocean.
Outdoor Adventures
A wide variety of curated experiences aimed at building stories are available for all ages such as kitesurfing, wakeboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, sandboarding, buggy excursions and engaging kid-friendly activities and programs.
Venturing out a short distance will offer a glimpse into the rich history and fascinating pre-Columbian cultures of the region, fulfilling guests’ desires for exploration, adventure and creativity. Embark on a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, a natural wildlife sanctuary with sea lions, penguins, pelicans, and marine birds, or explore the diverse landscapes of Paracas National Reserve and hike through desert trails and unique rock formations.
The Legend Paracas Resort
Meetings & Events
The resort has a multifunctional banquet space with capacity for up to 300 meeting and event attendees, complemented by an outdoor terrace that offers a spectacular view of the bay, creating a magical space that places special events between the desert and the sea. The resort also has extensive gardens on the beach, ideal for events of any kind, from intimate gatherings of less than 50 guests to large celebrations for more than 1,200 attendees. These spaces are versatile, ideal for both corporate and social events.
Special Offers
To celebrate the grand opening, The Legend Paracas Resort is offering a “Create your own Legend” package, including breakfast for two and a tour to Ballestas Island, inviting all travelers to explore the natural wonders of Paracas.
World of Hyatt is also offering members the opportunity to earn 500 Bonus Points for qualifying nights beginning July 1, 2024, part of World of Hyatt’s new hotel member offer. No registration is required, and the offer is combinable with other offers unless otherwise stated. For more information, please visit worldofhyatt.com/newhotelbonus
The Legend Paracas Resort is the 19th resort to join the diverse and growing Destination by Hyatt brand across the globe. The opening of The Legend Paracas Resort marks the second Hyatt hotel in Peru following Hyatt Centric San Isidro Lima and the 15th Hyatt hotel in South America.
Sam Nazarian and SBE have launched a new lifestyle hospitality brand named Project HQ, supported by a strategic alliance with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The launch comes following strategic investment from entrepreneur Marc Anthony and his company Magnus. The first hotels in HQ’s brand portfolio will be based in Montreux, Switzerland and Detroit, Michigan. The brand will focus on savvy Millennial and Gen Z travellers through a unique blend of cultural and lifestyle elements.
The first property, HQ Montreux Hotel & Spa, is set to open in 2025, following transformation of the existing Royal Plaza & Villa Toscane, originally constructed in 1905 by Swiss architect Louis Villard. Two signature restaurants will find home at the property, courtesy of SBE’s Disruptive Restaurant Group, while a lobby cocktail bar and on-site coffee shop will also be available. Additional amenities will include a spa and fitness centre, along with significant events and meeting space.
The next opening, HQ Detroit Hotel & Spa, will be the first US-based property for the new brand. The transformation of the existing property will include its 174 guestrooms, while a speciality restaurant and cafe will also be available upon opening.
HQ Montreux Hotel & Spa
“In the 22 years since establishing SBE, we have always been looking around the corner and understanding the ever-changing landscape of consumers – the tidal wave of consumers coming into the marketplace from the Millennial, Gen Z and Latino audience is staggering,” says Nazarian, founder and CEO of SBE. “They’re eager to partake in communal celebrations, create new memories and relish moments of wonder – and we are creating the spaces to do just that."
“Having established our first locations in Montreux and Detroit, we’re steadfast in our commitment to meeting the evolving desires of upcoming generations. This marks the genesis of Project HQ, and we eagerly anticipate unveiling more exciting initiatives in the months ahead, alongside Geoff Ballotti and his tremendous Wyndham team. With our sights set on the future, we aim to build tremendous momentum as we continue to innovate and inspire.”
Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, adds: “We’ve seen tremendous interest from owners looking to enter the smart lifestyle category created by Sam Nazarian’s SBE. These initial projects in Montreux and Detroit set the stage for a brand that will benefit from SBE’s legendary lifestyle experience and Wyndham’s unmatched scale and resources, creating a turn-key solution unlike anything in the market today.”
Project HQ currently has over 15 additional hotels under discussion, with applications in both adaptive reuse and conversion developments. LionGrove meanwhile has committed to building 10 HQ hotels across the Caribbean and long the Sun Belt of the US.
In preparation for the busy summer, Shiji Infrasys Cloud POS and Shiji Digital Dine launch new features and integrations to improve staff mobility, guest payments, business intelligence.
On World Environment Day 2024, Marriott India unveils a unique initiative titled “Two Trees per Room: Embracing Nature’s Bloom”. The hotel is excited to introduce this innovative programme aimed at promoting the importance of biodiversity conservation.
Launched on World Environment Day, June 5, 2024, “Two Trees per Room” underscores Marriott’s dedication to creating a greener and more sustainable future. In line with this year’s theme, the initiative seeks to not only raise awareness but also take tangible steps towards restoring and preserving our natural environment.
Marriott India
With a robust portfolio of 150 hotels, each property will pledge to plant two trees for every room based on its total room inventory. By partnering with reputable reforestation organizations, Marriott India aims to ensure that the trees are planted in areas where they can have the greatest impact on restoring ecosystems, combating climate change, and supporting local communities.
“We believe that sustainability should be at the forefront of hospitality, and “Two Trees per Room” is a testament to our dedication to environmental responsibility,” says Sanjay Gupta, Chairman of the Marriott India Business Council. “Through this initiative, we hope to make a meaningful contribution to the preservation of our planet for generations to come."
Marriott Executive Apartments Navi Mumbai was honored to collaborate with the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary by organizing a dedicated cleanup drive and planting 258 saplings. This effort reflects the hotel’s deep-seated commitment to preserving the sanctuary’s ecosystem and natural habitat for migrating birds. Through such initiatives, the group actively contributes to sustainability endeavors and environmental conservation, ensuring a brighter future for our planet.
